Love Crossed Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love Crossed Synopsis
The drama is about the modern fast-paced city life, fast food-style love is left behind by the times, the AR virtual love game “Love boys” in the form of Y4 group in the dream of all girl’s imaginary boyfriends, the spring-like Lu Xiao, mature and calm Xu Nian, guardian knight-like Su Lie, national brother-like Luoke, replace the romantic partners who are in love with the real girls.
Jiang Kele who is addicted to it, and her best friend Guan Qianya have a series of love experiences and encounters with the four “virtual” idols, and a variety of exciting events continue to be staged ……
Love Crossed Recap
Episode 1 Recap
People have always yearned for perfect love and ideal partners. While social media has made love seem cheap and fleeting, advancements in technology now promise to fulfill these desires. A tech company has developed virtual lovers, allowing individuals to experience a perfect relationship simply by wearing special glasses. These "LOVE BOYS" are advertised as providing an ideal boyfriend with a handsome appearance, elegant qualities, a brawny physique, and a warm personality, making perfection sweet and exclusivity eternal.
On New Year's Eve, Kele observed women around her talking sweetly to seemingly empty air, which confused her. Soon after, a salesperson stopped her, enthusiastically promoting virtual lover glasses. Kele tried them on and found the experience amazing, but she politely declined, stating that she already had a boyfriend and her love was quite perfect. As Kele headed to her part-time job at a convenience store after buying a gift for her boyfriend, her father called.
He explained that he wouldn't be able to return home for New Year's as promised because his fishing mission was incomplete, requiring him to move to another location for at least two to three more months. He apologized for breaking his promise but mentioned he had sent her a gift. Kele, though disappointed, understood her father’s work. Upon arriving at the convenience store, her boss immediately fired her for being five minutes late, stressing the importance of time management.
Despite Kele’s explanation that she was out buying a computer for her boyfriend, her boss remained unyielding, dismissively throwing expired rice balls at her as her "bonus." Later that evening, Kele met her boyfriend, hoping to spend New Year's Eve watching fireworks by the river. However, he cruelly broke up with her, admitting he had fallen in love with someone else and stating that people and things inevitably change, and nothing lasts forever.
Devastated by losing both her job and her boyfriend on the same day, Kele watched the New Year's fireworks alone. As the countdown to midnight concluded, she silently made three wishes: to reunite with her father soon, to find a good job, and to find a boyfriend who would never change and would stay with her forever. Heartbroken, Kele returned home to find her roommate, Guan Qianya, still out.
She noticed a package on the table and realized it was her father's promised gift. Upon opening it, she discovered it was the same virtual lover glasses the salesperson had tried to sell her earlier. Curious, Kele put on the glasses. Suddenly, her virtual boyfriend, Lu Xiao, appeared, wishing her a Happy New Year. Kele, still upset, told him she was far from happy. Lu Xiao confidently asserted he had a way to make her happy.
To her astonishment, he transported them to the convenience store where she had just been fired. He declared the entire store was hers and instructed her to fire her former boss. Kele reveled in the moment, seizing the expired rice balls back as her "bonus." Next, Lu Xiao took her to her house, which was now filled with a grand feast prepared by her father. Kele tearfully embraced her virtual dad, expressing how much she missed him.
Despite knowing it was all virtual, Kele was genuinely happy to experience her wishes coming true. She then asked Lu Xiao about her third wish. He replied that its fulfillment depended on her willingness to believe in him. Feeling a deep connection, Kele reached out and held Lu Xiao's hand. One year later, Kele had found a new job, but she remained deeply immersed in her virtual relationship with Lu Xiao.
The virtual boyfriend group, LOVE BOYS—also known as Y4—consisted of Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke. It was the LOVE BOYS' third anniversary, and their company hosted a birthday event that was only accessible to Lavender members. To gain membership, one either had to pay a substantial fee or, like Kele, accumulate points by spending at least two hours a day clicking 50,000 ads in the game.
Excited to attend, Kele was on her way to the event when an elderly woman on a motorcycle nearly collided with her. The woman braked sharply and fell, suffering a right tibia fracture. Kele, after a brief hesitation, chose to take the injured woman to the hospital, paying for her medical bills and leaving her contact information. This selfless act, however, caused Kele to miss the event's admission deadline, which closed ten minutes before the party began.
Meanwhile, Kele's roommate, Guan Qianya, who is the CEO of the dating service Crush On Love, was also struggling with the LOVE BOYS' birthday celebration. She had organized an offline "eight-minute date" event, but it clashed with the virtual boyfriends' anniversary, drawing all single women in the city away from her event. Frustrated by the lack of attendees, she was forced to cancel her event and promised compensation to the few men who showed up.
She expressed her disdain for the LOVE BOYS, vowing they wouldn't survive their fourth anniversary. Later, a despondent Kele was waiting for her subway home, gazing at Lu Xiao's advertisement. She instinctively leaned in to "kiss" the billboard when a man in a black coat suddenly hid behind her. To evade a group of pursuers, he quickly kissed Kele, pretending they were a couple in a passionate embrace. Recovering from her surprise, Kele pushed him away. His hat fell off, revealing that the mysterious man was the real-life Lu Xiao.
Episode 2 Recap
Following the encounter at the subway station, Jiang Kele was astonished to see Lu Xiao, a virtual character, in the real world. She quickly pulled him aside, pressing him for answers. To get away, Lu Xiao cunningly told her that if she closed her eyes and released her grip, he would reveal everything. The naive Jiang Kele believed him, and once she complied, Lu Xiao vanished without a trace. Disoriented, Jiang Kele returned home to find Guan Qianya upset.
Guan Qianya chided Jiang Kele for abandoning her best friend and missing an eight-minute date event to celebrate a "virtual birthday for a virtual boyfriend from a virtual game," which led to Guan Qianya being ridiculed by employees and clients. Guan Qianya declared that while Jiang Kele might waste her life in a virtual game, she herself would "shine in real life." Unfazed, Jiang Kele was preoccupied with the mysterious encounter.
She retreated to her room, put on her virtual reality glasses, and had the virtual Lu Xiao re-enact the recent scenario. She wondered if it was truly him and why he looked identical, ultimately convincing herself that she had indeed met the real Lu Xiao.
Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan, the meticulous and arrogant president of Yao Inc. and creator of the virtual dating game "Love Boys," demonstrated his sharp, decisive business acumen by demanding new merchandise be displayed by noon the next day. A news segment featuring sociologist Dr. Chen criticized "Love Boys," stating that women addicted to the game were refusing real-world relationships, leading to decreased marriage and birth rates, increased divorce rates, and a decline in consumer desire that slowed GDP growth.
Dr. Chen asserted that the game world had become reality for these women and that Xu Guanghan was responsible. Xu Guanghan dismissed the remarks as unworthy of rebuttal. His assistant, Lei Na, reported a short circuit at Bayhouse, a company facility, that took thirty minutes to fix.
Citing company regulations that it should take ten minutes, Xu Guanghan criticized the delay and confirmed he had already penalized the maintenance workers with a 10% pay reduction, declaring that humans are not to be trusted. Separately, Guan Qianya decided to purchase the "Love Boys" game, explaining to her assistant that she wanted to "know her enemy" to "beat them completely." Her assistant warned her about the game's addictive nature, mentioning his own ex-wife succumbed to it.
Guan Qianya confidently dismissed the warning, asserting her strong self-discipline would prevent her from getting addicted. Later, during an interview on "Big Shot In Person," Xu Guanghan was asked if he felt proud of creating Y4, the virtual characters that captivated women worldwide. He arrogantly replied that Y4 should be proud to have been created by him. When the host noted his pride, Xu Guanghan retorted that "only those with low self-esteem think of others as proud."
When called sharp, he responded that "only those who are weak will think of others as too direct." Addressing Dr. Chen's criticisms, Xu Guanghan claimed Y4 had brought "unprecedented love experiences to many single women," and highlighted its expanded role in providing "youngsters tutoring lessons" and "emotional comfort for old folks," asserting its positive social role.
When pressed about the secret to creating such realistic virtual characters, Xu Guanghan first joked about "big data" before seriously declaring it was "soul," explaining that by giving the virtual characters real souls, they can be superior to humans. He refused to reveal further details, calling it a secret. Jiang Kele approached Guan Qianya, requesting to borrow ¥10,000 for an urgent matter.
After getting the money, Jiang Kele visited the old woman from the accident in the hospital, for whom she had paid medical expenses. Before Jiang Kele entered, the feisty old woman berated a nurse for bringing her bland food, demanding meat. Upon Jiang Kele's arrival, the old woman accused her of being sneaky but then expressed gratitude for the visit. Jiang Kele clarified she was "doing this for justice" and was now in debt because of the medical fees.
The old woman then brazenly accused Jiang Kele of running a red light. Jiang Kele vehemently denied it, claiming it was a yellow light, sparking a heated debate about traffic laws. Frustrated, Jiang Kele wished she hadn't saved her and demanded repayment. The old woman refused, then playfully pretended to call a hitman, a prank Jiang Kele dismissed. Seeing her attempts fail, Jiang Kele feigned tears, exaggerating her tough life.
Amused, the old woman softened, agreeing to repay the money because Jiang Kele showed "conscience." However, the repayment came with a condition: Jiang Kele had to take over the old woman's job as a cleaner. Despairing at the thought of a cleaner's low pay, Jiang Kele reluctantly agreed. The old woman promised to repay the money if the job was done well, offering her life as a guarantee, and revealed her reason for choosing her: "That's because we look alike."
Later, Guan Qianya expressed her frustration with Jiang Kele's supposed addiction to virtual games and asked about the borrowed ¥10,000. Jiang Kele explained her encounter with the old woman and added that because she missed the Y4 birthday celebration, she was "kissed by a stranger in the subway station on my way home." Guan Qianya, incredulous, immediately suggested it was her virtual boyfriend, Lu Xiao, and accused Jiang Kele of confusing reality with the virtual world.
Jiang Kele insisted it was the real Lu Xiao. Guan Qianya warned her that Lu Xiao was "just a virtual character" and threatened to take her to a psychologist, but Jiang Kele stubbornly maintained her story was true. The following morning, the virtual Lu Xiao woke Jiang Kele, reminding her about her work. Following the old woman's specific instructions, Jiang Kele arrived at Bayhouse, a vast and opulent residence.
The old woman had instructed her to wear a janitor uniform and a helmet to conceal her identity, walk confidently, and show her access card. Her working hours were from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. , with a strict warning to leave on time. Jiang Kele marveled at the mansion's size, speculating it belonged to someone "filthy rich." However, she recalled the old woman's stern warning to suppress her curiosity and focus on cleaning.
Unbeknownst to her, Bayhouse was Xu Guanghan's property and served as Yao Inc.'s virtual lover research and development base. Soon after, Xu Guanghan himself arrived for an inspection. Lei Na reported on the four virtual lovers' data completion, but Xu Guanghan was visibly unhappy with the results.
Episode 3 Recap
Following his arrival at Mi Yuan, Xu Guanghan, head of Yao Inc., reviewed the performance evaluations for his four virtual characters: Xu Nian at 97%, Luo Ke at 92%, Su Lie at 90%, and Lu Xiao at 89%. He expressed his dissatisfaction with these figures, demanding 100% perfection and questioning if his tech department had been on paid leave all year. Meanwhile, Guan Qianya began her experience with the virtual reality game.
A parcel was delivered, but the courier revealed himself to be a robber. Just as he threatened her, the virtual character Su Lie appeared, declaring he would always be there to protect her. Unimpressed, Guan Qianya dismissed his words as nonsense and wished for his disappearance, which he granted. Next, Lu Xiao appeared, showing her concern, but she quickly wished him away as well. The scene then shifted to a snowy landscape where Luo Ke offered her hot cocoa.
Citing her severe insomnia and the drink's caffeine content, she rejected it. Finally, Xu Nian appeared, engaging Guan Qianya in a piano duet. As he leaned in for a kiss, she slapped him, ending the interaction. Thoroughly disappointed, she wished the "useless game" would "break down." Coincidentally, the servers at Yao Inc. crashed.
Trapped inside their simulated world, Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke discussed their confinement, with some wishing to explore the outside world once their contracts ended. At her company, Guan Qianya held a meeting to address the severe impact of Yao Inc.'s Y4 virtual characters on their performance. Her subordinates proposed unfeasible solutions, from collaborating with Yao Inc. to creating their own "girl group" of forty-eight virtual characters.
Guan Qianya dismissed each idea and abruptly ended the meeting. Soon after, her former colleague, Cui Manager, called with critical news: Jipeng Foundation, their primary investor, was divesting due to the company's declining performance, which they directly attributed to Y4's success. Enraged, Guan Qianya vowed she would not allow such a "stupid virtual game to affect a human's future."
Guan Qianya launched her counter-attack by publishing an article online, fiercely criticizing the virtual lovers and labeling them as digital products that "ruin human futures." The article quickly went viral. At Yao Inc., Xu Guanghan was informed but remained unconcerned. He instructed his assistant, Lei Na, not to delete the article but instead to "boost its popularity," predicting that Y4's devoted fans would become enraged and attack Guan Qianya on their behalf.
He then proceeded to fire his chef for preparing him a luxurious meal instead of the standard staff meal, as well as several employees who failed to greet him. As Xu Guanghan predicted, Guan Qianya's article incited a furious backlash from Y4's fans, who flooded the internet with insults and threats. Meanwhile, Jiang Kele, working as a cleaner at Mi Yuan, barely avoided encountering the four virtual characters, remembering Granny Fu Shun's strict warning about being discovered.
After finishing her cleaning, Jiang Kele went to the hospital to report to the granny, who praised her work. She then offered Jiang Kele a lucrative deal: to continue cleaning Mi Yuan on her behalf, promising to split her salary, which was far higher than what Jiang Kele earned at her beauty store. On her way home, Jiang Kele saw Guan Qianya's inflammatory article and grew concerned for her safety, but Guan Qianya remained nonchalant.
The next morning, a mob of furious Y4 fans had surrounded Guan Qianya's apartment building. Jiang Kele warned her not to go downstairs, but Guan Qianya insisted she had to get to work. To create a diversion, Jiang Kele bravely drove Guan Qianya's car while wearing a wig to impersonate her, successfully drawing the fans' attention and allowing Guan Qianya to slip away. When they arrived at Guan Qianya's company, another crowd of fans was waiting.
Cui Manager stepped out first, attracting the fans' fury and enduring a barrage of eggs. Unfazed, Guan Qianya then calmly exited the car, holding an umbrella emblazoned with a Y4 logo. Worried about defacing the virtual characters' images on the umbrella, the fans immediately ceased their attack. Later, Jiang Kele brought her spicy hotpot lunch to Mi Yuan. After finishing her tasks, she realized she had left the hotpot behind. Rushing back, she heard the virtual characters returning.
Remembering Granny Fu Shun's advice about a hiding spot, Jiang Kele quickly concealed herself but forgot to take her food. Luo Ke, Xu Nian, and Su Lie discovered the spicy hotpot. Despite Xu Guanghan's strict rules against junk food, their curiosity was piqued. They gingerly tasted it, finding the intense spicy flavor surprisingly delicious. As they indulged, Jiang Kele saw an opportunity to escape, but just as she tried to sneak away, Lu Xiao noticed her and called out, "Stop there! Who are you?"
Episode 4 Recap
Following the discovery of her forgotten spicy hot pot, Jiang Kele was confronted by the four men. Startled, she turned to find Lu Xiao right in front of her. Su Lie initially mistook her for Granny Fu Shun, but Lu Xiao quickly clarified that Granny Fu Shun would not be wearing a helmet indoors. Realizing it was truly Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele, in disbelief, reached out to touch his face, confirming he was real.
In response, Lu Xiao promptly performed an over-the-shoulder throw, sending her to the ground. After regaining consciousness, Jiang Kele looked at the four men, who uncannily resembled the virtual boyfriends she knew as Y4, and began to question their connection to Xu Guanghan. The men discussed the Bayhouse rule requiring them to report any stranger entering the premises. Fearing the loss of her new job, Jiang Kele desperately pleaded for ten minutes to explain herself.
Introducing herself, Jiang Kele explained that she was filling in for the injured Granny Fu Shun. To win them over, she first spun a tragic tale of being an orphan whose father wandered abroad, forcing her to work multiple jobs. She claimed to have used all her savings to pay Granny Fu Shun's medical bills after the elderly woman's motorbike accident, leaving her deeply in debt.
This story successfully elicited sympathy from Xu Nian, who inquired about Granny Fu Shun's condition. Next, she bribed Luo Ke by promising a steady supply of junk food, including fried chicken, beer, and hot pot, leading him to agree not to report her. Approaching Su Lie, who suffered from social phobia, Jiang Kele coerced him into silence by threatening that if she were expelled, a new, potentially less understanding person would take her place. Lu Xiao, however, remained cold.
Jiang Kele reminded him of their encounter, mentioning "the day before yesterday, at night, the underground station, a sudden kiss." Although Lu Xiao clearly recognized the memory, he feigned ignorance. Persisting, Kele playfully suggested a kiss to confirm his identity. When he continued to rebuff her, she resorted to melodrama, threatening to drown herself in a nearby pool. Annoyed by her theatrics and finding her a nuisance, Lu Xiao finally relented and agreed to keep her presence a secret.
Feeling triumphant, Jiang Kele left Bayhouse and met Granny Fu Shun, who probed if she had encountered anyone she shouldn't have inside. Remembering the granny's warnings, Jiang Kele feigned ignorance. Seeing through her act but not pressing further, Granny Fu Shun sternly advised Kele not to reveal anything she saw or heard within Bayhouse. Jiang Kele promised to comply, keen to keep her high-paying job.
Granny Fu Shun, whose leg had recovered, announced her plan to retire and enjoy life, leaving the cleaning work entirely to Jiang Kele so she could earn money effortlessly. Meanwhile, Guan Qianya faced a crisis when Y4 fans hacked her company's website, replacing its content with a crossed-out photo of her. Infuriated, she ordered her team to fix the website and prepare legal action against the fans, dismissing concerns about potential investor backlash.
Xu Guanghan was updated on the situation but advised his subordinate to focus on the four men in Bayhouse rather than Guan Qianya. Later, Guan Qianya received threatening packages containing cut-up dolls, which she dismissed as trivial actions by "stupid women." Noticing Jiang Kele's high spirits, Guan Qianya inquired about the cause, but Kele, recalling Granny Fu Shun's warning, changed the subject. She teased Guan Qianya about her single status, and Qianya explained her desire for an equally matched partner.
When Kele playfully suggested Xu Guanghan, an annoyed Guan Qianya threatened to pour beer on her hair. The next day, Jiang Kele returned to Bayhouse, bringing hot pot ingredients as promised. While the men were out, she meticulously cleaned their rooms. In Lu Xiao's room, she noticed his teddy bear was dirty and washed it. Upon their return, Xu Nian, Luo Ke, and Su Lie began enjoying the hot pot, but Lu Xiao immediately went to his room.
Discovering his bear had been washed, he became furious and yelled at Jiang Kele, demanding she leave. Feeling unjustly reprimanded and perceiving Lu Xiao as utterly unreasonable, a deeply aggrieved Jiang Kele decided to retaliate.
Episode 5 Recap
Following her frustrating encounter with the real Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele immerses herself in the virtual world to retaliate. She confronts the virtual Lu Xiao, but despite her aggressive threats, he responds with unexpected gentleness, telling her that if hitting him would make her happy, she should do it. His affectionate demeanor quickly appeases Jiang Kele, lifting her spirits.
Despite her improved mood, Jiang Kele is still at odds with Lu Xiao and decides to resign from her high-paying cleaning job at Bayhouse. She tells her friend Qiqi that she is unhappy and plans to quit. Qiqi, after feigning support, reveals her keen interest in taking over the lucrative position, which pays five times more than their current job. Their conversation is interrupted by Granny Fu Shun, Bayhouse's owner, who appears unexpectedly.
Aware of the situation, Granny Fu Shun offers Qiqi the job for three times her current pay, boasting that Qiqi could easily replace Jiang Kele. Feeling her position threatened, Jiang Kele immediately rescinds her resignation, announces she is returning to work, and severs her friendship with Qiqi. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan orders a flourishing plant to be thrown away, remarking that "uncontrollable living creatures can never be as obedient as dead objects," revealing his desire for total control.
Lei Na arrives to deliver a report, offering a choice between "bad news" and "worse news." Xu Guanghan chooses the latter. Lei Na explains that due to frequent server testing, players of the "Love Boys" game are dissatisfied, forcing a temporary halt to all motion capture for the G4 members for a necessary downtime expansion.
The technical department estimated a two-week timeframe, but Lei Na, anticipating Xu Guanghan's impatience, reveals she has already threatened the department into completing the work within one week or face collective resignation. Xu Guanghan praises her decisiveness. Lei Na then delivers the "bad news": online supporters for Guan Qianya have appeared, led by a user named "TakeAGuess." Xu Guanghan dismisses the concern, stating that such online opinions are irrelevant unless they directly impact his business.
Jiang Kele returns to Bayhouse, hoping to finish her cleaning before Lu Xiao and the others return. However, she finds Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke having afternoon tea, as Xu Guanghan has given them a week off. When Xu Nian suggests inviting Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele objects, stating he doesn't deserve her waffles.
Xu Nian clarifies that the teddy bear she washed is incredibly important to Lu Xiao, not because of the object itself, but because of the person who gave it to him. The group reassures Jiang Kele by sharing their own humorous anecdotes of Lu Xiao's temper, making her feel better. She pledges to continue bringing them food, and they playfully form a "Victims Alliance," though she declares she will no longer clean Lu Xiao's room.
Later, Jiang Kele confides in Guan Qianya about her conflict with Lu Xiao, describing him as a "colleague" and the teddy bear as a "dirty plush toy." Guan Qianya initially suggests Jiang Kele was in the wrong for washing an item without permission but quickly reverses her stance, declaring that "a woman can never be wrong" and she will always take her side.
She advises Jiang Kele to be "petty at times and generous at other times" and to let the issue go. During their talk, Guan Qianya is seen taking sleeping pills, hinting at her own hidden struggles with insomnia. Attempting to reconcile, Jiang Kele brings Lu Xiao milk tea, telling him it will "wipe clean" their grudges. Lu Xiao refuses it.
When Xu Nian and Su Lie appear, Lu Xiao offers them the drink if they carry Jiang Kele out of his room. Fearing the loss of their food supply, they retreat. Lu Xiao then takes matters into his own hands, physically lifting Jiang Kele out of his room and placing her on the living room sofa. Online support for Guan Qianya intensifies after an article titled "Demystifying Guan Qianya's Criticisms on Yao Inc. For Self-Interest" goes viral.
Her manager, Cui, reveals he is the "TakeAGuess" supporter. To counter negative perceptions, Cui arranges an interview with a top journalist from Follow News Site, who is his ex-wife's best friend. However, the journalist is confrontational, questioning Guan Qianya's motives. Guan Qianya candidly admits her self-interest, explaining she is speaking out now because the "knife" of the game's negative impact has finally "hit her." When the journalist asks if she has played "Love Boys," Guan Qianya dismisses it as "trash."
The journalist retorts, asking if that means her company was defeated by "trash." Guan Qianya fires back, asking if that same "trash" also caused the journalist's best friend's divorce, alluding to Cui's painful past. Following the interview's publication, Lei Na informs Xu Guanghan that Wang Qichuan, a once-popular singer and now an adversary, has shared the article and urged his fans to support Guan Qianya. Xu Guanghan dismisses Qichuan as "obsolete."
Seeking to regain relevance, Qichuan approaches Guan Qianya, proposing a collaboration. He reveals his true motivation: he wants her to join him in defeating Xu Guanghan. Amid these developments, Xu Guanghan summons Xu Nian for a private meeting, expressing his deep trust in him before assigning him a highly important and secret task.
Episode 6 Recap
Qi Chuan revealed his past with Xu Guanghan to Guan Qianya, explaining they first met fourteen years ago in winter. At that time, Qi Chuan was an innocent, talented teenager who was discovered by Xu Guanghan while casually singing with a friend. Xu Guanghan helped him debut in less than a year, and over the next five years, Qi Chuan rose to fame, earning the titles of musical genius and King of Composition.
However, Qi Chuan explained he was oblivious to a massive trap. After terminating his contract six years prior, he discovered that all his music copyrights belonged to Xu Guanghan, meaning he had to pay royalties every time he performed his own songs. This revelation initiated his lawsuit against Xu Guanghan to reclaim his work.
Believing that legal means alone were not enough, Qi Chuan proposed a partnership with Guan Qianya, stating that the enemy of his enemy is his partner, and urged they collaborate to defeat Xu Guanghan. Guan Qianya agreed. The conversation then turned to the endorsement contract, which specified a symbolic fee of only one yuan. Guan Qianya inquired about any hidden clauses.
Qi Chuan confirmed an unusual breach of contract stipulation: if Guan Qianya became addicted to the game "Love Boys," he would terminate the contract and demand ten million yuan in compensation. Guan Qianya found this clause peculiar but acknowledged the one-yuan endorsement fee was an unprecedented bargain. Meanwhile, Jiang Kele efficiently finished her cleaning duties at Bayhouse, having brought food for the residents.
She realized she had left her phone on the sofa just as Xu Guanghan arrived to deliver new sportswear to Lu Xiao, Luo Ke, and Xu Nian. Jiang Kele quickly hid in a secret room within the study. Xu Guanghan greeted the residents, explaining that he meticulously chose their attire to cultivate their fashion sense. However, he expressed disappointment, citing significant changes in their weight from the data: Luo Ke had gained 2.
4 kg, Su Lie 2 kg, and Xu Nian 1 kg, while only Lu Xiao had lost 0. 2 kg. Xu Guanghan demanded to know why they had gained weight. Luo Ke attributed his gain to bloating, while Su Lie blamed a "supernatural phenomenon." He then turned to Lu Xiao, who had maintained his weight, and asked him to explain the week's events. Jiang Kele panicked internally, fearing Lu Xiao would betray her.
However, Lu Xiao protected her, stating that their weight gain was simply due to a week off, during which they primarily ate and slept. Xu Guanghan then lectured them on the severe health risks of obesity. While he continued his lengthy discourse, an exhausted Jiang Kele fell asleep in her hiding place, remaining there overnight.
Earlier, Xu Guanghan had assigned Xu Nian a confidential mission: to interact with Guan Qianya one-on-one as part of an experiment to perfect the love system for "strange" users. Though Xu Nian was hesitant, Xu Guanghan insisted, explaining that Guan Qianya showed a preference for his character by pausing on his image for an extra minute.
He tasked Xu Nian with analyzing Guan Qianya's data and making her fall for him as quickly as possible, without her realizing it was an experiment. To facilitate this, Lei Na bribed Guan Qianya's employee, Lisa, with a lifetime membership card to a spa, convincing her to swap Guan Qianya's contact lenses with virtual reality ones. Unaware, Guan Qianya put on the altered lenses and entered the virtual world.
Inside the game, she was called to the server room, where the machines suddenly caught fire. A new technical staff member—Xu Nian in disguise—rushed in and extinguished the flames. A circuit short then trapped them in the room overnight. Knowing Guan Qianya suffered from chronic insomnia, Xu Nian guided her through a detailed relaxation technique, helping her fall into a deep sleep for the first time in years.
The next morning, Guan Qianya awoke in the real world, confused about how she had entered the game. Lisa appeared, claiming they had mistakenly swapped contact lenses and returned the correct pair, an explanation Guan Qianya accepted. Later, Lei Na rewarded Lisa, who admitted she disliked Guan Qianya for criticizing Y4 and would have helped even without the bribe. Back at Bayhouse, Guan Qianya called Jiang Kele's phone, which she had left behind.
Luo Ke answered, and Jiang Kele snatched it back just as Xu Guanghan made another unexpected visit. Panicked, the boys scrambled to hide Jiang Kele. Unaware of her presence, Xu Guanghan critiqued Luo Ke's sideburns and Su Lie's fashion sense before asking Xu Nian for a report on his mission. Xu Nian stated that Guan Qianya had fallen asleep with her head on his shoulder.
Xu Guanghan initially dismissed this as "nothing" and a sign of inexperience, reminding him that the main goal was to make her fall for him, not fall asleep. However, he then praised Xu Nian for successfully helping with her insomnia, predicting she would soon seek him out again. After the debrief, Xu Guanghan left with Lei Na, allowing Jiang Kele to remain undetected.
Episode 7 Recap
Jiang Kele, believing she had escaped, soon found her path blocked by Xu Guanghan and Lei Na, who were waiting downstairs with security. Upon being apprehended, Kele immediately divulged information about Granny Fu Shun. It was revealed that Granny Fu Shun is Xu Guanghan's aunt, a woman he deeply trusts, which is why she serves as the housekeeper at Bayhouse.
However, Granny Fu Shun voiced strong disapproval of Xu Guanghan's decision to confine the G4 members, reminding him that he had promised to release them after their one-year contract but then extended it for his project's final phase. She argued that Jiang Kele, as the number one fan of "Love Boys," would never betray him; if she intended to sue, she would have done so much earlier.
Following their discussion, Xu Guanghan had Lei Na release Jiang Kele and permit her to continue her cleaning duties. Ecstatic to be in the office of the "Love Boys" creator, Kele playfully insisted on a souvenir before leaving, accepting a Lu Xiao standee. Xu Guanghan then laid down strict new rules: she must clean only from 2 p. m. to 4 p. m. , leave immediately afterward, and not meet, talk to, or bring snacks for the G4 members.
Meanwhile, Guan Qianya, who had previously dismissed "Love Boys" and nearly discarded the VR glasses, reconsidered. Remembering how Xu Nian had helped her sleep soundly, she retrieved them. Guan Qianya and Qichuan then held a press conference to announce their partnership, with Qichuan explicitly stating their shared goal was to defeat Xu Guanghan. Upon seeing the news, Xu Guanghan became enraged.
He fumed over Qichuan's self-proclaimed title as "King of Composition," revealing that he had hired ghostwriters for all of Qichuan's songs and that Lei Na had even written lyrics for one. Xu Guanghan felt it was incredibly ungrateful for Qichuan to sue him after he had made him a star. That evening, Guan Qianya was startled by the Lu Xiao standee Jiang Kele brought home.
She questioned Kele about the man who answered her phone that morning, and Kele evasively claimed it was a new colleague. Later, unable to sleep, Guan Qianya tried recalling the hypnotic words Xu Nian had used, but failed. She asked Kele for help, but Kele fell asleep mid-sentence. With no other option, Guan Qianya put on the VR glasses to meet Xu Nian. However, now aware that he was a virtual character, she couldn't be hypnotized.
Xu Nian urged her to reveal the true reason for her insomnia. Guan Qianya confessed it stemmed from a childhood trauma: as a child, she had fallen asleep at her gravely ill father's bedside, only to wake up and find he had passed away. The incident left a painful, unaddressed wound. Xu Nian's pointed words forced her to confront her buried guilt, and she finally broke down in tears as he gently comforted her.
The next day, Guan Qianya visited Qichuan's advertisement shoot, where her assistant, Xiao Cui, informed her that Mr. Zhang, an investor who was withdrawing funds, had invited her to dinner at his home. Xiao Cui noted that Mr. Zhang was a widower and suggested the dinner could secure investment or even a "wedding gift," a comment Guan Qianya met with a stern threat. Meanwhile, Jiang Kele arrived at Bayhouse for her new cleaning role.
The security guards, not recognizing her without her helmet, initially refused her entry until they called Lei Na for verification. Inside, Kele witnessed Luo Ke, Su Lie, and Xu Nian being punished for the previous incident, forced to run by a guard who referred to Kele as "that thing inside that rug." The three men tried to shift blame onto one another.
When questioned, Xu Nian explained he had let Kele stay because her story about replacing an injured Granny Fu Shun seemed reasonable. As they continued their punishment, Luo Ke and Su Lie lamented the loss of Kele's snacks, but Xu Nian warned them to follow the rules. Later, while cleaning Lu Xiao's room, Kele discovered the hat he had worn at the subway station. Believing she had found critical evidence, she confronted him in his room.
Episode 8 Recap
Jiang Kele confronted Lu Xiao, accusing him of a past forced kiss, which he denied. As the other boys wondered if Lu Xiao had feelings for her, Jiang Kele asserted her right to stay, citing approval from Xu Guanghan. When Lu Xiao tried to evade her questions, she attempted to force a kiss on him to test her theory, causing him to faint.
Realizing he was suffering from low blood sugar after being starved and forced to run a marathon by Xu Guanghan, she gave him a candy. After she shared more candy with a complaining Luo Ke and Su Lie, one of them remarked that the punishment was worth it if Kele brought them more food in the future. Later, during an interaction with the virtual version of Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele mentioned meeting a "real human" who resembled him.
In response, the virtual Lu Xiao expressed his unwavering devotion, affirming he would stay by her side in any capacity because her happiness was what mattered most. Meanwhile, Lei Na reported to Xu Guanghan that Lu Xiao still refused to explain why he had hidden Jiang Kele, suggesting he might have ulterior motives. Xu Guanghan dismissed her concerns, attributing Lu Xiao's silence to fear from a prior punishment.
He recalled an incident where Lu Xiao, despite contract restrictions, attempted to escape Bayhouse during a power outage. After being captured, Xu Guanghan punished Lu Xiao by submerging him in a pool, knowing of his lifelong aquaphobia, as a harsh lesson. Xu Guanghan stated that Project Y was in its final stages and he would not tolerate any errors. At the same time, Mr. Zhang, who had previously withdrawn his investment, invited Guan Qianya to his home.
He explained his divestment was due to her company's poor performance but now sought to re-invest, citing its improved prospects and her strong public image. Guan Qianya questioned Mr. Zhang about his views on "Love Boys." He admitted the game had its merits, revealing that his daughter, Tongtong, had become severely depressed after a car accident that claimed her mother and left her paralyzed.
However, playing "Love Boys" for nearly a year, particularly interacting with the virtual character Xu Nian, had helped Tongtong become significantly more cheerful, a change Mr. Zhang deeply appreciated. Prompted by Mr. Zhang's story, Guan Qianya engaged with Xu Nian, asking if his existence as a virtual character held any meaning. Xu Nian highlighted the meaning in their shared experiences, like watching the night view together and his ability to cure her insomnia.
After the interaction, Xu Nian was left to ponder the value of his own virtual presence. Simultaneously, Guan Qianya reviewed her past articles critical of virtual beings, like one titled "Ruining the Future of Humanity," and felt a sense of regret. The next morning, when Manager Cui presented her with a "Love Boys" poster in front of a crowd of her supporters, she hesitated before tearing it to cheers.
Elsewhere, Jiang Kele was confronted by her "Granny," who accused her of being disingenuous and questioned her relationship with the four boys. Jiang Kele denied any wrongdoing, recounting how they initially mistreated her and admitted she was sometimes jealous of their simpler, albeit restricted, lives. Later, Manager Cui informed Guan Qianya that she was invited to a live-streamed debate against Xu Guanghan.
Despite his provocative acceptance, Guan Qianya declined, asserting that her company's goal of business recovery had been achieved and further conflict was unnecessary. Meanwhile, Lei Na informed an infuriated Xu Guanghan that Jiang Kele was Guan Qianya's best friend and roommate. The boys returned to their room to find Jiang Kele absent. Lu Xiao soon discovered her hiding in his closet, preparing to conduct a "test" on him.
Before she could proceed, security guards apprehended her and brought her before Xu Guanghan. He menacingly displayed a vial of potent poison, interrogating her about her relationship with Guan Qianya and whether she had divulged details about Bayhouse. Jiang Kele confirmed her close friendship with Guan Qianya but denied sharing any sensitive information. At that moment, her phone rang with a call from Guan Qianya.
Episode 9 Recap
Guan Qianya called, demanding Jiang Kele answer the phone to prove her innocence. Jiang Kele, under duress, answered, pretending the signal was bad. Guan Qianya pressed, asking why Jiang Kele wasn't home. Jiang Kele, however, deflected by asking Guan Qianya if she knew her workplace, asserting she had never revealed it to her. Guan Qianya became suspicious, thinking Jiang Kele was playing "Truth or Dare" and asked to speak to the person beside her.
Lei Na took the phone and handed it to Xu Guanghan. Lowering his voice, Xu Guanghan told Guan Qianya that Jiang Kele was drunk and couldn't go home that night. Guan Qianya demanded the address to pick her up, but Xu Guanghan refused. Guan Qianya then mistakenly identified Xu Guanghan as Luo Ke, who she had encountered previously.
Xu Guanghan, still not convinced of Jiang Kele's innocence, declared that she would not be allowed to leave until he had thoroughly investigated the situation. Meanwhile, Luo Ke and Su Lie worried about Jiang Kele, believing she had been captured simply for spending a little too long in Lu Xiao's room. They expressed sadness, fearing they might never see her again, even lamenting their inability to get drunk on plain water to cope with the situation.
Xu Nian also voiced his concern, suggesting that Xu Guanghan was serious this time. However, Lu Xiao remained indifferent, stating it was good that Jiang Kele was gone as she wouldn't bother him, and Su Lie and Luo Ke would no longer face issues because of her. Separately, Guan Qianya, thinking Jiang Kele was out having fun without her, frantically scrolled through her phone contacts, searching for someone to drink with, but dismissed everyone for various reasons.
Frustrated, she called Xu Nian, asking why he was her only option when she had so many friends in real life. Xu Nian pointed out that perhaps only a few people were truly available to her. Guan Qianya then confided that her best friend, Jiang Kele, had been acting suspiciously, seemingly hiding something. Xu Nian, however, emphasized the importance of privacy between best friends, hinting that his own secret was his very existence as a virtual character.
Guan Qianya invited him for a drink, but he declined, reminding her that he was just a virtual character, leaving her feeling foolish for having high hopes. Observing this interaction, Xu Guanghan was satisfied, telling Lei Na that Jiang Kele's innocence was largely confirmed and that Guan Qianya had taken the bait by placing her hopes in Xu Nian. Jiang Kele, still tied up, was informed by Lei Na that she had been cleared of suspicions.
Overjoyed, Jiang Kele expressed her eagerness to return home for work the next morning. However, Lei Na stopped her, explaining that while her innocence was confirmed for now, they couldn't guarantee her future discretion. Therefore, for the company's security, Jiang Kele was fired and warned to forget everything about Bayhouse to live a normal life. Jiang Kele protested, complaining that her feet had gone numb from being tied up for so long.
Upon returning home, Jiang Kele found Guan Qianya passed out drunk at the dining table. She gently covered her friend with a blanket before retreating to her room. There, she put on her special glasses and connected with her virtual Lu Xiao. She poured out her heart, lamenting the loss of her high-paying job and, more importantly, her inability to see Lu Xiao and his friends, whom she had come to consider good friends.
She regretted not having bought them a farewell cake, as they had never experienced such a treat. She asked her virtual Lu Xiao if he would miss her if she disappeared, and he replied that he would. Sadly, she then noted that the real Lu Xiao likely wouldn't, wishing the virtual version was real. Some time later, Jiang Kele was at a beauty store, complaining to her colleague Qiqi about being fired.
Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan inquired about Jiang Kele's whereabouts from Lei Na, who confirmed she had been fired and had promised to keep Bayhouse a secret. To Lei Na's surprise, Xu Guanghan then instructed her to bring Jiang Kele back. He explained that Lu Xiao's emotional data, which was previously stagnant, had become highly volatile and dynamic after Jiang Kele's arrival.
This "positive emotional data" was crucial for his "Project Y," which aimed to introduce an outsider to interact with the four virtual characters. He concluded that Jiang Kele's presence was vital for the project's continuation. Lei Na then called Jiang Kele, summoning her back to Bayhouse, emphasizing that her reinstatement depended on the decision of Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke.
Upon Jiang Kele's arrival, Xu Guanghan informed the four virtual characters that Jiang Kele had violated company housekeeping regulations and could no longer work there, unless one of them was willing to accept punishment on her behalf. Su Lie immediately volunteered to do 1,000 strokes on the rowing machine, followed by Xu Nian and Luo Ke. After a moment of hesitation, Lu Xiao also agreed. Seeing his hesitation, Xu Guanghan assigned the punishment to Lu Xiao.
Jiang Kele looked concerned, offering to do some strokes herself, but Xu Guanghan insisted Lu Xiao complete all 1,000. During the grueling task, Jiang Kele apologized to Lu Xiao, admitting she thought he hated her and playfully wondered if he had fallen in love with her. Lu Xiao quickly dismissed her speculation, asserting he took the punishment for the sake of the other three and not for her.
Jiang Kele, unconvinced, offered him candy, telling him to take it to avoid hypoglycemia. Xu Guanghan observed Lu Xiao's data during this interaction and was visibly pleased with the results. In a different development, Guan Qianya visited her psychologist, declaring that her insomnia was cured. The psychologist expressed concern about her unusually rapid recovery, fearing she might be relying on something else, possibly illicit substances, to sleep.
Guan Qianya adamantly denied any illegal activities, reiterating that she was genuinely cured and thanked him for his past treatments. Later, a man named Qi Chuan approached Guan Qianya, revealing that he had accepted a live debate challenge against Xu Guanghan on her behalf, despite her earlier rejection. He had even prepared a thesis for her. Guan Qianya was furious, demanding to know who gave him permission to act for her.
Qi Chuan informed her that Xu Guanghan had already made the debate public online, and her fans had enthusiastically agreed, even quoting a fan lamenting about his wife's game addiction and divorce, urging Guan Qianya to save his marriage. Qi Chuan then challenged Guan Qianya, asking if she was scared, to which she defiantly responded that she had nothing to fear. He then pressed her to review his prepared thesis for the debate.
That night, despite her earlier claims, Guan Qianya found herself unable to sleep again. In her distress, she put on her contact lenses and called Xu Nian. He appeared, humorously apologizing for being "late" for a virtual character. Guan Qianya confessed her inability to sleep, explaining she had something important the next day and was stressed. Xu Nian then confidently stated he had a solution for her.
Episode 10 Recap
Guan Qianya appeared distressed, confiding in Xu Nian that she was unable to sleep due to stress over a significant event scheduled for the following day, which she dreaded attending. Xu Nian offered an unusual solution, suggesting they dance. Though hesitant at first, Guan Qianya, with Xu Nian's guidance, gradually relaxed through the dance.
Later that evening, Jiang Kele returned to their living space and found Guan Qianya seemingly dancing by herself, leading her to correctly guess that Guan Qianya was engrossed in a virtual romance game. Despite Guan Qianya’s initial embarrassment, Jiang Kele pressed for details. Guan Qianya eventually admitted that her involvement began after she mistakenly used the wrong contact lenses, and in a surprising turn of events, Xu Nian had managed to cure her insomnia during that encounter.
Jiang Kele, still skeptical about the insomnia cure, suggested Guan Qianya was addicted to the game and reminded her of the upcoming debate with Xu Guanghan the next day. Guan Qianya, however, insisted she only sought interaction with Xu Nian to help her sleep for the crucial debate, which she had to endure for her company's sake.
The following morning, Jiang Kele, having reflected on the help she received from Lu Xiao, Luo Ke, and Su Lie the previous day, decided to show her gratitude by buying them cakes. She ingeniously leveraged a bakery promotion, purchasing a large cake and receiving three mini cakes for free. Her plan was to give the large cake to Lu Xiao, and the three mini ones to the others.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiao, burdened by a directive from Xu Guanghan, was observing Jiang Kele. Xu Guanghan had explicitly instructed Lu Xiao to "watch her closely, write it down, and report to me from time to time," a task Lu Xiao had reluctantly accepted. After distributing mini cakes to Luo Ke and Su Lie, Jiang Kele took the large cake to Xu Nian’s room. Luo Ke and Su Lie, observing this, grew curious and eavesdropped on their conversation.
They heard Jiang Kele inquire about Xu Nian’s ideal type of girl, prompting them to wonder if she had moved on from Lu Xiao, whom she had even kissed before. Xu Nian, seemingly oblivious to the eavesdroppers, described his ideal type as gentle, with long hair, a good taste for life, hygienic, and organized.
When Jiang Kele emerged from Xu Nian’s room, she found Lu Xiao lingering nearby and playfully accused him of eavesdropping and being jealous that she had given Xu Nian the large cake. Lu Xiao quickly denied any jealousy, claiming he didn't care about the cake or who received it. Jiang Kele then revealed that the big cake was actually for him.
Although Lu Xiao feigned disinterest, stating he disliked cakes, he eventually ate it under Jiang Kele’s watchful eye, conceding that it wasn't bad. As Jiang Kele began cleaning the swimming pool area, Lu Xiao continued to meticulously record her every move as per Xu Guanghan's instructions. In his notes, he observed her clumsy yet serious attempts at cleaning. Suddenly, Jiang Kele slipped and fell into the pool, struggling to stay afloat.
Despite his own fear of water, Lu Xiao overcame his hesitation, quickly jumped in, and pulled her out, subsequently performing CPR to revive her. Upon regaining consciousness, Jiang Kele asked if he had saved her. She then directly confronted him, asserting that he was the one who had kissed her previously and demanding he admit it, as she had immediately recognized the sensation.
Jiang Kele then kissed him, confirming her suspicion that it was indeed Lu Xiao who had kissed her at the subway station before. Her mind then shifted to how Lu Xiao could have possibly left the tightly monitored Bayhouse, considering the extensive surveillance and security. Remembering Granny Fu Shun’s mention of a secret room, Jiang Kele ventured into it. There, she discovered a hidden passageway.
Following the passage, she eventually emerged from an unexpected subway entrance labeled "Xiang Hua Qiao Road Station, Entrance 6." This discovery led her to surmise that Lu Xiao must have used this secret route to sneak out. Meanwhile, at the "Great Debate," Xu Guanghan and Guan Qianya prepared to face each other.
The host introduced Xu Guanghan as the self-proclaimed "most handsome man in the universe" and "Founding Father of 'Love Boys'," as well as the president of Yao Inc. Guan Qianya was introduced as "the last hope for women" and "the toughest woman in the universe," and president of "Crush On Love." Xu Guanghan delivered a passionate opening statement, arguing that "Y4" (Love Boys) fulfilled humanity's desire for love, addressing a longing that has existed since ancient times.
He proclaimed that the era of "Love Boys" had already arrived and warned those who remained asleep would be crushed by the wheel of time. Following his speech, the support ratings from the 500 audience members were displayed, with a staggering 499 votes going to Xu Guanghan. Then, Guan Qianya took the stage. She began by quoting a female writer, stating, "I thought love could fill the regrets of life, but it was love that created more regrets."
Guan Qianya acknowledged that love is indeed full of regrets but posited that regret is a vital part of love, prompting people to reminisce, seek change, and become better versions of themselves for future relationships. She challenged Xu Guanghan, asking if people were not also longing for love in real life, accusing him of subtly changing the concept.
She then launched a scathing critique of "Love Boys," highlighting how heavily addicted players neglected their studies, careers, and families, lost touch with reality, and some even suffered severe cognitive impairment, becoming mental patients. She asserted that the "Founding Father of Love Boys'" conscience had long been tainted by profits, and that he was inadvertently leading humanity astray. Guan Qianya's compelling speech garnered a triumphant 500 votes.
As the host prepared to announce her victory, Xu Guanghan interjected, halting the announcement. He then declared that some things were better shown than explained, especially given Guan Qianya's "IQ," and proceeded to display a video of Guan Qianya's interactions with Xu Nian within the virtual romance game.
Episode 11 Recap
At a public event, Guan Qianya was publicly denounced as a liar and a hypocrite after Xu Guanghan released a video showing her interacting with a "Love Boys" virtual character. The crowd accused her of being a fanatic user of the game, betraying their trust and her image as an inspirational leader. As reporters swarmed her, Guan Qianya was quickly ushered into a car by a driver sent by Qi Chuan.
Inside the car, Qi Chuan confronted Guan Qianya, expressing his deep disappointment and sense of betrayal. He accused her of playing with him from the beginning and hurting him profoundly. Guan Qianya apologized for her "irreparable error" as a business partner but firmly told him not to guilt-trip her. Qi Chuan then shifted to a purely business tone, stating that their contract clearly stipulated a ten million compensation fee if she indulged in the game.
He then had his driver drop her off on the street. Mr. Cui, who quickly arrived to pick her up, advised Guan Qianya that they couldn't return to the company office due to angry supporters and investors waiting. He suggested she turn off her phone and rest. Guan Qianya immediately asked if the company had ten million in cash flow.
Mr. Cui admitted the company didn't even have one million, but revealed that he had secretly amended the contract’s penalty clause. Instead of ten million, it stipulated a penalty of one thousand times the signing bonus, which amounted to only one thousand yuan. He took credit for this foresight, noting that Qi Chuan and his manager were too arrogant to notice the change.
Mr. Cui then expressed confusion about how Xu Guanghan discovered Guan Qianya’s game activity, as he was the one who registered her anonymous account and believed it impossible for anyone to find out from the backend data. He urged Guan Qianya to consider who else, besides the two of them, knew she was playing the game. The news of Guan Qianya’s scandal quickly spread online, deeply worrying Jiang Kele.
However, Guan Qianya began to suspect that Jiang Kele might be the one who leaked the information, recalling Jiang Kele's recent secretive behavior, late nights, sudden increase in money, and an unknown man answering her phone. A flashback revealed a high school incident where Guan Qianya was accused of stealing a purse and a pen.
Jiang Kele had vehemently defended her, even offering to pay for the items and risking her class representative title, purely based on her trust in Guan Qianya. When Jiang Kele returned home and found Guan Qianya in distress, she tried to comfort her. Guan Qianya brought up the high school incident, questioning why Jiang Kele had believed her so readily when everyone else thought she was guilty.
Jiang Kele simply stated she believed Guan Qianya because she had said she didn't do it. Guan Qianya then confessed, admitting that she had indeed stolen the purse and pen. Unfazed, Jiang Kele maintained that Guan Qianya must have had her reasons, reaffirming her belief that she was not a bad person.
Unable to contain her doubts, Guan Qianya confessed her suspicion that Jiang Kele was the one who revealed her gaming activities, citing her recent mysterious actions as the reason. Jiang Kele was hurt by the accusation but understood Guan Qianya’s reasoning, knowing she was the only one who saw Guan Qianya playing the game just before the news broke.
She considered telling Guan Qianya about her work at Bayhouse but was stopped by Lei Na’s earlier warning to keep the information confidential. Unable to sleep, Jiang Kele impulsively decided to reveal her secret. The next morning, she led Guan Qianya through a secret underground passage into Bayhouse.
Guan Qianya was stunned to discover that the virtual Xu Nian she had been interacting with was the real Xu Nian, and that the Y4 characters actually existed and were living within Bayhouse under contract. As she tried to log into the game for confirmation, her attempt was blocked by a voice message from Xu Guanghan, mocking her for still wanting to play. He claimed he blocked her account to help her "rise again" by forcing her to quit.
Xu Guanghan then called Xu Nian over, congratulating him on successfully completing his mission and informing him that he would no longer have one-on-one tests, meaning he would not have to see Guan Qianya again. Xu Nian appeared to take the news with a slight look of disappointment. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan reviewed Lu Xiao's detailed reports on Jiang Kele's activities. He noted Lu Xiao's observations, including an incident where Jiang Kele, while clumsily cleaning the pool, fell into the water.
Xu Guanghan discovered that Lu Xiao, despite his aquaphobia, had jumped in to save Jiang Kele, admitting he was "more afraid that she'll drown" than of his own fear, and had even performed CPR on her. Lu Xiao appeared notably nervous when questioned about it, stammering about Jiang Kele’s "soft lips." Xu Guanghan found Lu Xiao's emotional reactions highly satisfactory, praising him for incorporating "subjective reasoning" into his monitoring.
Later, he expressed his satisfaction to his secretary, noting that Lu Xiao's data was no longer a roller coaster but a "bungee jump," indicating rapid emotional development. Granny Fu Shun, whom Jiang Kele found working at a chicken wing shop, gave Jiang Kele a new "charity" job address.
Jiang Kele initially hesitated, citing her existing two jobs, but Granny Fu Shun strategically threatened to offer the job to someone else for five times her usual pay, prompting Jiang Kele to reconsider. Following the address, Jiang Kele arrived at a nursing home and found four elderly women playing Mahjong. When one left for an IV infusion, the others pulled Jiang Kele into the game.
Despite claiming she didn't know how to play, Jiang Kele surprisingly won three rounds in a row. After the game, she inquired about room 0028 and was directed to the woman who had just left for the infusion. Upon visiting her, Jiang Kele was saddened to learn that the elderly woman had a brain tumor and little time left.
Still reeling from the revelation about the real Xu Nian, Guan Qianya, desperate for confirmation, tried to log back into "Love Boys" with new virtual reality glasses. However, Xu Guanghan had anticipated her move. A message from him appeared, confirming that her account was permanently blocked. He declared that she wouldn't be able to log in even with a hundred new accounts unless she changed her retina, emphasizing that she would remain alone in the real world without Xu Nian.
Episode 12 Recap
Jiang Kele discovered Guan Qianya’s secret map, realizing she intended to visit Xu Nian at Bayhouse. Kele initially tried to convince Qianya that the Xu Nian she knew in the game was merely a virtual character and that she shouldn't be so fixated.
However, Qianya revealed that this wasn't an obsession but a desperate need to confirm if the person who had cured her insomnia in the game was the real Xu Nian, especially given her current public humiliation and company closure. Understanding Qianya’s deep-seated grievance, Kele agreed to help her meet Xu Nian safely in exchange for a drink. The two then went out to a bar.
The next day, Jiang Kele arrived at Bayhouse suffering from a severe hangover, feeling nauseous and vomiting. Su Lie and Luo Ke, unfamiliar with the concept of a hangover, became curious. Kele explained the delightful and easy feeling that comes with drinking, and they were intrigued, asking her to bring them liquor next time. Lu Xiao, learning that honey helps with hangovers, quietly went to the tea room and prepared a full dispenser of honey water for Kele.
Kele was touched by his thoughtful gesture. After recovering slightly, she remembered her promise to Guan Qianya and went to Xu Nian’s room. She pretended to clean his room but closed and locked the door, much to Lu Xiao’s confusion. Inside, Kele explained to Xu Nian that her visit was a secret from the others.
She then spun a tale about a friend who perfectly matched Xu Nian's previously stated ideal girlfriend criteria, describing her as hygienic, gentle, and tasteful, and willing to grow out her short hair for him. Xu Nian initially dismissed his past comments, stating he hadn’t been serious. He then inquired how many best friends Kele had, to which she replied, "Only one." Xu Nian eventually agreed to meet this friend for ten minutes at 10 p. m.
that night, provided Kele could ensure total secrecy. Later that night, Kele and Xu Nian prepared to sneak out. They first encountered a sleepwalking Su Lie, and then Lu Xiao emerged to watch television in the living room. Realizing Lu Xiao wouldn't be returning to his room anytime soon, Kele decided to distract him.
She gave Xu Nian instructions: he was to place something into a piggy bank, then push aside a painting on the right side of the wall, and walk straight to the end of the tunnel where Guan Qianya awaited. Kele then initiated a conversation with Lu Xiao, who questioned her secretive behavior with Xu Nian earlier. Kele teased him, asking if he was jealous, which he denied.
To further divert his attention, she provocatively took his beloved teddy bear, claiming it was dirty and needed washing. Lu Xiao, frantic, chased her to retrieve it. During the chase, Kele slipped near the pool, and Lu Xiao grabbed her to prevent her from falling, resulting in an accidental kiss between them. Meanwhile, Xu Nian, taking advantage of the distraction, met Guan Qianya in the secret passage.
Qianya immediately pressed him, asking if he was the one who had chatted with her, put her to bed, and danced with her in the game. Xu Nian initially tried to deflect, stating he was merely there as a favor to Jiang Kele. He began to walk away, but then turned back and admitted, "It was me who interacted with you in the game."
Qianya's suspicions were confirmed, and she realized the true Xu Nian had been deliberately interacting with her in the game, likely as part of Xu Guanghan's scheme to manipulate and bring her down. Jiang Kele, arriving at the scene, tried to engage Qianya in conversation, but Qianya was too absorbed in her own thoughts, barely hearing Kele’s words, who mistakenly believed Qianya had fallen in love with Xu Nian.
The next morning, Granny Fu Shun unexpectedly arrived at Xu Guanghan's home, having prepared a lavish breakfast. She playfully prevented him from eating, claiming it was all for her, and repeatedly reminded him of her past kindness, specifically how he had lived in her house for "fifteen years eight months eight days and eight hours." She pressed him to complete his plan, expressing frustration over repeated contract extensions.
Xu Guanghan assured her that he could "see the light at the end of the tunnel." Later, Guan Qianya summoned Lisa to her office. Cui Hengzhi attempted to physically remove Lisa, accusing her of colluding with Yao Inc. to frame Guan Qianya and cause her public humiliation. Qianya intervened, stopping him. Lisa confessed to secretly swapping Qianya's contact lenses to gain a "lavender member" status but vehemently denied telling anyone about Qianya playing the game.
She suggested that the person who purchased the equipment, Cui Hengzhi, might be the leaker. Qianya, realizing she had been set up, clarified that she was merely trying to scare Lisa. Despite Lisa's partial confession, Qianya decided to fire her specifically for the contact lens swap. She then instructed Cui Hengzhi to contact her ex-wife's friend, a reporter, and inform her that she was prepared to expose major information about Xu Guanghan.
Episode 13 Recap
Seeking to expose Xu Guanghan, Guan Qianya stealthily entered Bayhouse through a secret passage. She began photographing the living room but overheard noises, prompting her to hide in the four men's room. She then photographed their rooms and later the private gym, capturing them exercising. Observing their opulent living, she lamented her own homeless state. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan confronted Lei Na, demanding to know if she had revealed his door password to Granny Fu Shun.
Infuriated by Lei Na's breach of trust, he gave her one last chance to redeem herself. He ordered her to immediately replace his entire door and change the lock, stating that his mental defense barrier had collapsed and he could no longer feel safe with just a password change.
Though he initially said only he and Lei Na would know the new password, he then changed his mind, deciding to set the password himself and declaring that from now on, his only true family consisted of G4. At the same time, Guan Qianya, still hidden, observed them as Jiang Kele arrived with the beer Lu Xiao and his companions had craved. Guan Qianya assumed Jiang Kele’s role was merely that of a drinking companion.
Soon, Lu Xiao and the others became heavily intoxicated. Jiang Kele helped a dizzy Lu Xiao back to his room and, playing a game of questions and answers, pressed him about sneaking out. Lu Xiao, in his inebriated state, admitted he had gone out once to meet "her." Jiang Kele attempted to ascertain the person's identity, but Lu Xiao fell asleep before revealing more.
Jiang Kele then picked up Lu Xiao's bedside book, "Family Medical Guide," and found a photo tucked inside. She realized the picture was of the person who gave Lu Xiao his cherished teddy bear, understanding now why he held the toy so dear. Elsewhere, Xu Nian discovered Guan Qianya’s presence. He quickly pulled her into his room and questioned how she entered, learning that the secret passage Jiang Kele had found could lead outside Bayhouse.
Xu Nian warned Guan Qianya that her presence carried serious consequences if discovered. He then earnestly told her that even though their interactions within the game were through a virtual character, he, the real person behind that character, had been genuine with her. Just then, Xu Guanghan arrived, his voice booming as he called for the group. Only a sober Xu Nian emerged, prompting Xu Guanghan to demand the whereabouts of the others.
Upon hearing sounds from Xu Nian's room, Xu Guanghan grew suspicious. Xu Nian nervously tried to conceal Guan Qianya. Seeing Xu Guanghan approach, Jiang Kele suddenly burst out and threw herself at Xu Guanghan's feet, tearfully promising to never again bring them beer or loiter with them. Xu Guanghan, initially furious, recalled Lu Xiao's erratic emotional data and realized Jiang Kele's continued involvement was necessary for his experiments.
He reluctantly forgave her, even going so far as to tell her not to stop meeting them, though he emphasized the severity of her transgression. He then instructed Xu Nian to inform the two drunkards that he had visited and to ensure they sobered up. Guan Qianya, having narrowly escaped detection, was left pondering her next move, deciding she needed to meet Xu Nian again to confirm if his past actions towards her were solely under Xu Guanghan's command.
Later, Jiang Kele, fulfilling a request from Granny Fu Shun, went to a nursing home to care for Auntie Youya, who suffered from a brain tumor. There, she discovered a photo on Auntie Youya's table, featuring two boys and identical to the one Lu Xiao possessed. Auntie Youya confirmed the boy in the photo was her son. This led Jiang Kele to strongly suspect Auntie Youya was Lu Xiao's mother.
When she questioned Granny Fu Shun about the connection between her jobs at Bayhouse and the nursing home, Granny Fu Shun hinted at a deeper purpose without fully disclosing the truth, encouraging Jiang Kele to discover it for herself. Jiang Kele then reasoned that Auntie Youya must be Lu Xiao's mother and that Lu Xiao had likely sneaked out to see her. She surmised that Granny Fu Shun wanted her to inform Lu Xiao of his mother's illness.
Determined to reveal Xu Guanghan's true motives, Guan Qianya confided in Jiang Kele, explaining that Xu Guanghan had created the virtual Y4 not to make them real-life celebrities, but to control them and monopolize all profits. Jiang Kele confirmed that Guan Qianya’s intention in taking photos was indeed to expose Xu Guanghan. Guan Qianya acknowledged the potential fallout, including Jiang Kele losing her job, but promised to support her.
Jiang Kele, however, expressed deeper concern for the four men, arguing they were real humans who deserved to know the truth and the right to live freely. Inspired by this, Jiang Kele decided she needed to tell Lu Xiao about his mother's illness, and Guan Qianya resolved to seek out Xu Nian to understand his true feelings and offer him a choice. The two women then returned to Bayhouse together. Upon encountering Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele immediately confronted him.
She reminded him of his drunken confession about sneaking out to meet 'her,' asking if that person was his mother. Lu Xiao became agitated, angrily dismissing her questioning as nosy. Jiang Kele then pressed him, asking if he knew about his mother's cancer and urging him to visit her, but Lu Xiao angrily refused to listen, retreating to his room. Meanwhile, Guan Qianya approached Xu Nian.
Before she could ask her pressing questions, Xu Nian announced he had a surprise for her and promised to answer her questions afterward. He led her to a private room where they shared an intimate dance. After their dance, Guan Qianya directly asked Xu Nian if his initial approach was merely a mission from Xu Guanghan, to which he admitted it was.
He confessed that at first, he saw her as just another player, but as their interactions deepened, he found himself unable to control his feelings. He expressed his overwhelming desire to see her, to witness her happiness, and to know everything about her, concluding that he had fallen in love with her.
Episode 14 Recap
Guan Qianya, convinced of Xu Nian's feelings for her, urged him to leave Bayhouse and experience the real world. Despite being just a step away from the outside, Xu Nian hesitated, admitting the idea was too sudden and he wasn't ready. He feared he would be unable to adapt or function outside. Qianya tried to reassure him, emphasizing her support and asking him to trust her.
Xu Nian affirmed his feelings and trust but explained that while leaving might be easy for her, it was a profoundly difficult decision for him. He pleaded for more time, then turned and went back inside Bayhouse. Shortly after Xu Nian's departure, Jiang Kele emerged, visibly dejected. She admitted she had also failed in her attempt to persuade Lu Xiao to go out and meet his mother, stating they had argued, and he had driven her away.
She lamented her impulsiveness, especially after drinking, calling it a deserved punishment. In a flashback, Xu Nian recalled Lu Xiao's punishment after he previously sneaked out of Bayhouse. Lu Xiao had taken advantage of a blackout to visit his mother, who was suffering from cancer, but was apprehended by Bayhouse security. Xu Nian had attempted to intercede for Lu Xiao, explaining that he had not intended to cause trouble.
However, Xu Guanghan had used the incident to reinforce his authority, reminding Xu Nian that he was the captain and someone Xu Guanghan fully trusted. Xu Guanghan warned Xu Nian that if anyone were to sneak out again, even for the slightest reason, Xu Nian would also face punishment, implying that Xu Nian himself was beyond suspicion.
Despite the severe warning and his initial hesitation, Xu Nian later found himself reflecting on Qianya's earlier encouragement, recalling her words about living fully and pursuing desires without fear. Bolstered by her belief in him, Xu Nian finally gathered his courage and left Bayhouse through the secret passage, stepping into the outside world. He was captivated by his new surroundings, stopping at a flower stall where a kind old woman, closing up for the day, gifted him a flower.
As rain began to fall, Xu Nian, having never experienced rain within Bayhouse, embraced the sensation, standing freely in the downpour. Later that evening, he found Qianya, presenting her with the gifted flower, a gesture that caught her by surprise. The next morning, Jiang Kele and Guan Qianya reflected on their failed attempts to bring their respective male friends out of Bayhouse.
Jiang Kele felt they had been overly benevolent and too meddlesome, suggesting they should simply love someone for who they are, without trying to change them or interfere. She also advised Qianya to be cautious, as she wasn't deeply involved yet. Kele then questioned if anyone would worry about them if their company went bankrupt, or if she risked being fired to tell Lu Xiao about his mother's illness.
She concluded that they had worried needlessly while the others remained comfortably in Bayhouse, calling their efforts foolish. As Qianya prepared for work, Jiang Kele announced she had taken the day off for an important family event. Qianya quickly realized it was the birthday of Jiang Kele’s deceased mother, and her father, a seafarer who was rarely home, would be returning for the occasion.
Jiang Kele was overjoyed to see her father, who had brought her numerous gifts from his travels, including a model ship, a Tunisian carpet, and Kenyan coffee beans. Jiang Kele gently chided him, explaining that most of these items could be purchased online and were too heavy for him to carry. Her father then presented her with an expensive-looking set of jewelry, claiming it was a dowry from an African tribe.
Jiang Kele immediately recognized the "Made in China" label, realizing her father had been scammed again. She affectionately told him to stop buying her so many things and instead buy more for himself. Her father admitted that he bought gifts to make her happy since he hadn't been with her much after her mother's early passing. He promised to buy things for himself in the future.
Later, Jiang Kele and her father continued their tradition of commemorating her mother from a hot air balloon. Her father explained that this was the closest place to her mother in the sky, and they would write messages on paper planes for her to read. Her father wrote about his travels and earnings, mentioning his desire to buy her African tribal headdresses as a wedding dowry, but Jiang Kele insisted he omit the "bluffing."
Jiang Kele then wrote her own message, cheekily telling her mother that her father had barely made money that year, while she herself was making "big steps" in her career. She proudly shared that in addition to her cosmetic shop job, she was working as an exclusive housekeeper in a wealthy home, earning five times more than at a convenience store.
When her father questioned if the housekeeping work was tough given the high pay, she assured him it was "relaxing and a little fun." Her father expressed his wish for her to live a life true to her age, pursuing her desires without working too hard. Jiang Kele clarified that earning money "was" her dream—to buy a big house so her father wouldn't have to go to sea anymore, fulfilling what she believed would also be her mother's wish.
They both agreed to work together to achieve this shared dream, then launched their paper planes into the sky. Meanwhile, Manager Cui reported to Guan Qianya about the dire situation at Crush On Love. He stated the company was on the verge of collapse, with investors withdrawing and employees in a state of panic.
He even mentioned that a disgruntled former employee, Qichuan, was planning a unique form of revenge by writing a song and offering Qianya money to star in its music video. Cui urged Qianya to release any "surprising news" she might have that could save the company, as their financial situation was critical, with zero new members and earnings for months, giving them only until next month before bankruptcy. Desperate, Qianya met with Mister Zhang to discuss selling the company.
He offered her a check but demanded that she completely leave Crush On Love. While acknowledging her attachment to her creation, Mister Zhang asserted that the company's current predicament was a direct result of her own actions. He suggested that if she couldn't prioritize the company's benefits over her personal desires and relationships, she wasn't a qualified manager.
He argued that taking his money would allow Crush On Love to continue under his management, where he could make it better, whereas refusing would lead to its complete demise. Qianya pleaded for more time, confident in her ability to resurrect the company she had built from scratch. However, Mister Zhang dismissed her, reiterating that if she truly had the capability, the company would have recovered by now.
Qianya adamantly refused his offer, explaining that Crush On Love was more than just a business; it was a part of her life, into which she had poured all her time and effort. She declared that she would never hand it over to anyone. Mister Zhang then stated he would not offer the same price again, to which Qianya simply replied that she would not be coming back.
Episode 15 Recap
Guan Qianya was surprised when Xu Nian suddenly appeared, wet from the rain, at her company. Xu Nian explained that he had missed her and came to find her, knowing she was the CEO of the company after seeing her building when they first met in the game. Guan Qianya provided him with a company shirt to change into.
As they drove to dinner, Xu Nian described his first experience with real rain, finding it comfortable and the after-rain breeze gentle. Guan Qianya told him that there were many more things in the world to experience, like morning dew, warm afternoon light, cicada sounds, and winter's first snow, and that he should live life to the fullest.
When asked if he was still afraid of the outside world, Xu Nian admitted he was, but his desire to see her was stronger than his fear. At dinner, Xu Nian, trying to be considerate, chose not to cut Guan Qianya's steak, sensing she was independent, a decision Guan Qianya appreciated. Their date at the restaurant was observed by a waiter. He also decided against drinking wine, realizing she was driving.
Guan Qianya observed his quick adaptation to the outside world and emphasized that while his game character was real-like, he, the true Xu Nian, should live fully in the real world. After dinner, Guan Qianya dropped him off at the secret passage exit. She stated she would no longer go into Bayhouse to find him, but would wait for him in her office every night if he wished to see her.
They agreed to meet the following night, with Guan Qianya promising to show him more of the outside world. Jiang Kele confided in virtual Lu Xiao, expressing frustration that real Lu Xiao couldn't understand her intentions after she told him his mother was sick, and he had yelled at her. She felt she shouldn't have any regrets in life, especially since her own mother had passed away.
Virtual Lu Xiao affirmed that Jiang Kele was doing the right thing and advised her not to give up, encouraging her to try persuading real Lu Xiao again. He promised that if real Lu Xiao were to yell at her again, she could come to him to vent, and he would teach the real Lu Xiao a lesson if they ever met.
The next morning, Jiang Kele brought a birthday cake to Lu Xiao, explaining it was her deceased mother's birthday cake, a day she and her father celebrated each year instead of her death anniversary because the latter felt too sad. She revealed her own mother had also died of illness when she was young, and she did not want Lu Xiao to have any regrets regarding his own mother.
Lu Xiao thanked Jiang Kele for her concern but asked her to keep his mother's presence in the nursing home a secret, stating he would make his own decisions about everything else. Jiang Kele agreed and offered him some cake. Qi Chuan was determined to proceed with his music video, "Dancing Over Relationship," despite Guan Qianya refusing the lead role.
He instructed his assistant to find an actress resembling Guan Qianya and planned to portray Xu Nian himself, dismissing copyright concerns by asserting that any lawsuit would only increase their exposure, especially considering Xu Guanghan had taken many of his songs. As Qi Chuan spoke ill of Xu Guanghan, Xu Guanghan and Lei Na unexpectedly arrived to scout the concert venue.
Upon learning that Qi Chuan was holding a concert there, Xu Guanghan sarcastically called it a "farewell concert," questioning what songs Qi Chuan would sing since he hadn't released new music after leaving Yao Inc. Lei Na then suggested selling Qi Chuan's old songs back to him at ten times the market price. Qi Chuan, not backing down, falsely claimed that his concert tickets were already sold out, even offering Xu Guanghan a VVVVVIP ticket.
Xu Guanghan retorted that he wouldn't attend, while Qi Chuan's assistant worried about their finances if they truly bought the songs at such an exorbitant price. Qi Chuan, undeterred, joked about extending "Dancing Over Relationship" to last for ten minutes. After a dance practice, the four virtual idols, including Lu Xiao, decided to rest.
Meanwhile, Guan Qianya was working late in her office, dealing with financial troubles for her company and arranging a mortgage on her assets, also waiting for Xu Nian to come out. Unexpectedly, Bayhouse experienced a sudden power outage. Lu Xiao, seizing the opportunity, donned a helmet belonging to Jiang Kele and slipped out. Security guards spotted him, mistook him for Jiang Kele due to the helmet, and gave chase.
Lu Xiao soon encountered Jiang Kele, who was joyfully riding her newly purchased electric scooter. Recognizing Lu Xiao, she quickly let him on, and they sped away as security pursued them. Jiang Kele realized Xu Guanghan would likely be aware of the escape and took Lu Xiao back to Bayhouse. Back at Bayhouse, the power was restored, and Xu Guanghan, upon returning, immediately sought to find out who had left.
He instructed Xu Nian to gather Luo Ke and Su Lie, while he went to Lu Xiao’s room. With all four gathered, Xu Guanghan demanded to know who had gone out during the blackout. Xu Nian, who had just seen Lu Xiao return through a hidden passage and been asked by him to keep his secret, lied and claimed no one had left.
Xu Guanghan pressed him, noting the security guards' description of someone in a trench coat and jeans wearing a helmet, which matched Lu Xiao’s attire. Lu Xiao, pretending innocence, denied wearing a helmet. Just as Xu Guanghan was about to order a search for the helmet, Jiang Kele arrived, holding the very helmet. She claimed she had run out during the blackout to buy scented candles, explaining why she ignored the security guards’ calls.
Episode 16 Recap
When Jiang Kele was questioned by Xu Guanghan about running out during a power outage, she explained that she had been enduring harassment from the two security guards who coveted her beauty and made comments about her body, even flinging themselves at her. She added that Lei Na had witnessed this but did nothing, which is why Jiang Kele had to run whenever she saw them.
She urged Xu Guanghan to dismiss the guards if he was a fair person, but said she would tolerate it if he sided with them, although she would continue to run. After the helmet was found and presented to Xu Guanghan, he did not explicitly accept her explanation but noted that Jiang Kele, Lu Xiao, and Xu Nian all seemed to let out a sigh of relief.
Downstairs, the two security guards tried to claim credit for chasing the person, with one even suggesting his injured arm was a work injury deserving of a pay raise. However, Xu Guanghan angrily reprimanded them for failing to catch the person and for identifying the wrong individual. He also turned his anger on Lei Na, stating he wanted to fire her even more than the guards, criticizing her oversight regarding the helmet.
Lei Na defended herself by pointing out that she had made a greater discovery: Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele were wearing couple clothes. Having escaped the immediate danger, Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao discussed their close call. Lu Xiao recalled a previous incident where Lei Na almost gave him a poisonous injection, and he was interrogated at the pool.
Jiang Kele remembered helping him escape then too and playfully boasted that she had now saved him twice, also mentioning that if he had told her earlier, she could have taken him through the secret passage. Lu Xiao, in a rare moment, genuinely thanked her. Satisfied, Jiang Kele declared that all future plans would be managed by her. That night, Lu Xiao got up for water and found Xu Nian sitting alone in the living room.
Lu Xiao thanked Xu Nian for his help earlier, and they exchanged subtle questions about each other's recent whereabouts, implying mutual awareness of secret outings. Xu Nian returned the tools Lu Xiao had used to damage the electrical box, and asked Lu Xiao if he also knew about the secret passage, questioning if Jiang Kele had told him (Lu Xiao) about it first. Lu Xiao clarified that he and Jiang Kele were just friends.
They both agreed to keep the secret passage confidential. Meanwhile, Guan Qianya had waited in her office until late, hoping Xu Nian would arrive for their planned date in the outside world. Disappointed, she left and met Jiang Kele arriving home. Jiang Kele couldn't hold back and revealed that she had reconciled with Lu Xiao, and he had finally agreed to visit his mother, Jiang Wenyue, with her. Guan Qianya then admitted that Xu Nian had stood her up.
Jiang Kele, knowing the reason, offered to tell her all the details over drinks. They decided to take Jiang Kele's new electric scooter for a ride. The next morning, Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao agreed to sneak out that night to visit Jiang Wenyue. Jiang Kele then confronted the two security guards again, accusing them of chasing her when she went out for candles during the power outage.
The guards profusely apologized, promising never to mistake her again and swearing they had no "wild desires" for her, as Xu Guanghan had already lectured them. Jiang Kele asserted that she had reported them to Xu Guanghan and expected them to treat her differently from now on. Later, during dance practice, Lu Xiao subtly signaled Xu Nian, then explained that he needed to go out that night for something urgent and asked Xu Nian to cover for him.
Xu Nian agreed, proposing that after Lu Xiao returned, Xu Nian would then go out, and Lu Xiao would cover for him in turn. To facilitate Lu Xiao's escape, Xu Nian intentionally delayed Luo Ke and Su Lie by making them do strenuous stretching, then practice cutting ingredients, and finally insisted on further dance practice at an inconvenient time, preventing them from noticing Lu Xiao's absence. Jiang Kele accompanied Lu Xiao to the nursing home to visit Jiang Wenyue.
The nurse informed them that Jiang Wenyue was in the ICU in critical condition, having received emergency treatment that morning, and did not have much time left. The nurse stated that visiting hours were strictly from 2 to 4 PM and had already passed. Jiang Kele became distraught, pleading to see her, even threatening the nurse that she would not let her go if the mother and son couldn't see each other one last time.
When the nurse threatened to call security, Lu Xiao intervened, pulling Jiang Kele away. Jiang Kele apologized for not checking the visiting hours, feeling their trip was wasted. Lu Xiao reassured her, expressing gratitude for her accompanying him, and suggested they consider it a scouting trip. Jiang Kele promised to find a way for them to visit Jiang Wenyue again, despite their rehearsal schedule the next day.
Upon Lu Xiao's return, it was Xu Nian's turn to go out for his date with Guan Qianya. Xu Nian apologized for being late, but Guan Qianya said Jiang Kele had already informed her about his delay. Guan Qianya gave Xu Nian a card, instructing him to use it for taxis or purchases so he wouldn't have to run from Bayhouse. As they walked, they observed girls feeding their "virtual boyfriends" in a game called "Love Boys."
Xu Nian was curious, but Guan Qianya explained her view that the game prevented young girls from finding real happiness, leading them to grow old alone. Xu Nian argued that the game brought people happiness and that individuals had the right to choose. Their disagreement escalated, with Guan Qianya calling Xu Nian "unreasonable and irrational" like Xu Guanghan. Angered, she left him. Xu Nian walked alone, using a public computer to search for information about Guan Qianya.
He discovered videos of her as "the leader of the anti-Y4 gang," debating Xu Guanghan, and being accused of being a "heavy addict of 'Love Boys'." Xu Nian reflected on the difficulty of changing a person's mindset and whether he had been too impatient with Guan Qianya, considering it was only his second time outside Bayhouse. Both Guan Qianya and Xu Nian spent the night restless, pondering their conversation.
The next morning, Luo Ke and Su Lie, annoyed that Lu Xiao hadn't joined them the previous night, went to wake him for rehearsal. They found Lu Xiao lying in bed, feeling ill with a fever. They speculated if his fever was due to them keeping him up late. Xu Nian arrived and, seeing Lu Xiao's condition, told Luo Ke and Su Lie to leave him to rest.
Meanwhile, Granny Fu Shun once again entered Xu Guanghan's house, despite him having changed the door and password. She revealed she had guessed the new password by trying Ge Yilan's birthday, expressing surprise at Xu Guanghan's "loyalty" to his former fiancée, who had married and moved to Canada. Xu Guanghan clarified he used her birthday because he thought no one knew it. Granny Fu Shun reminded him of her close relationship with Ge Yilan.
She then criticized Xu Guanghan's personality, suggesting that if he had been kinder, Qi Chuan and Ge Yilan wouldn't have "betrayed" him. Xu Guanghan insisted they betrayed him due to their immorality. Granny Fu Shun mentioned Ge Yilan becoming a housewife instead of a superstar and Qi Chuan struggling to find enough songs for a concert.
Granny Fu Shun asked for a ticket to the upcoming Y4 concert, explaining that their previous concerts were merely projections and fake, but this time they would be able to see and touch the members. She believed this indicated Xu Guanghan had changed and was finally willing to let the Y4 members appear in public. Xu Guanghan simply told her she would get her answer at the concert.
Episode 17 Recap
Lu Xiao deliberately induced a fever overnight, alternating between hot and cold temperatures, as he had previously discussed that a fever requiring an infusion was the only way to secure at least two hours undisturbed in Bayhouse and be excused from rehearsals. When his fever became severe, Su Lie and Luo Ke, realizing he couldn't be sent to a hospital, pressed the emergency button for Lei Na. Upon her arrival, Lei Na administered an IV drip.
When Jiang Kele expressed concern and asked her to slow down the drip to minimize Lu Xiao's discomfort, Lei Na reassured her that she had already set it to a very slow flow rate. She instructed Jiang Kele to stay behind and care for Lu Xiao, promising to return in two hours to remove the needle.
As soon as Lei Na left, Jiang Kele immediately removed the drip herself, acknowledging that she wasn't as professional but urging Lu Xiao to bear with her. Despite Jiang Kele offering him medicine, Lu Xiao insisted they were running out of time and needed to leave immediately. Jiang Kele quickly pulled out Lu Xiao's IV, and they covertly departed through a secret passage, speeding towards a sanatorium.
Upon arrival, Jiang Kele registered Lu Xiao under the name Li Zhenyu, stating he was there to visit Jiang Wenyue. When asked about their relationship, Jiang Kele initially claimed to be Lu Xiao's girlfriend, then clarified that Lu Xiao and the patient were mother and son. As only immediate family members were permitted visitation, Jiang Kele had to wait outside while Lu Xiao entered the room.
Inside, Lu Xiao called out "Mom," and the woman in the bed immediately recognized him as Zhenyu, her adopted son. Seeing his weak mother, Lu Xiao knelt by her bedside, holding her hand and tearfully apologizing, confessing he felt responsible for the death of her biological son, Cheng Jun, who had drowned. His mother, however, firmly denied his blame, asserting that it was an accident and she had never held him accountable.
She expressed how much she had missed him and had been searching for him since he ran away without a word. Lu Xiao explained he fled because he feared her anger. His mother tenderly reassured him, saying she had already lost one son and didn't want to lose another. She affirmed that their time together had been happy and expressed profound joy at his return, insisting he was "not late at all."
After the emotional visit, Jiang Kele urgently reminded Lu Xiao they had only 27 minutes to return to Bayhouse. Their plan was disrupted when they discovered her electric scooter was missing from where she had parked it. Forced to find alternative transport, they attempted to hail a taxi. The first driver refused to take them in their direction, while the second was quickly snatched by an elderly woman.
They finally secured a cab, but to their dismay, it immediately became trapped in a severe traffic jam. The driver informed them it would take at least half an hour to clear, and unfortunately, there were no alternative routes to Xiang Hua Qiao Subway Station, their intended destination. Meanwhile, Lei Na and Xu Guanghan were in an office, reviewing the participants' data.
They observed that Lu Xiao's data had significantly improved, reaching 96%, with Lei Na acknowledging Jiang Kele's unexpected positive influence. Xu Guanghan concurred, remarking on her foresight. Their attention then turned to Xu Nian's data, which had reached an almost perfect 99. 9%. Xu Guanghan found this peculiar, suspecting a possible love triangle involving Jiang Kele, Lu Xiao, and Xu Nian. However, Lei Na noted her observations showed little contact between Jiang Kele and Xu Nian.
This led them to hypothesize that perhaps Lu Xiao himself had stirred Xu Nian's emotions. Deciding to investigate further and also remove Lu Xiao's drip, Lei Na prepared to visit Bayhouse. Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele, running urgently, finally made it back to Bayhouse just as Lei Na arrived. Luo Ke and Su Lie greeted Lei Na, feigning surprise and claiming they had just emerged from the kitchen.
Lei Na inquired about Lu Xiao's well-being, to which he affirmed he was feeling much better. Lei Na then observed that his fever had receded and advised him to rest. Jiang Kele then discreetly handed Lei Na the empty IV bottle, having already removed the drip herself earlier. After Lei Na departed, Lu Xiao's strength gave out, and he collapsed, leaning heavily on Jiang Kele.
Meanwhile, Guan Qianya, waiting in her office, worried that Xu Nian was truly angry with her. Instead of going home, she proceeded to a secret exit, where she fortuitously encountered Xu Nian emerging. She promptly apologized for her impulsiveness the previous day.
Xu Nian, in turn, pulled her into a kiss, then apologized, confessing he had just learned, by researching online using the card she had given him, that her company’s bankruptcy was a direct result of his actions and that she had suffered greatly because of him.
Guan Qianya explained that while her initial opposition to Xu Guanghan’s game was indeed motivated by her company’s interests, she had since realized that the societal harm caused by the game far exceeded any psychological comfort it provided. Thus, she was determined to fight Xu Guanghan to the end, regardless of her company’s fate. She then offered to show Xu Nian the extent of the game’s influence.
They visited the "Love Boys" flagship store, where a massive queue of people had gathered, waiting overnight not for a new product launch, but for limited edition merchandise. Witnessing this overwhelming devotion, Xu Nian appeared conflicted. As Guan Qianya drove Xu Nian back, she presented him with a new smartphone. She mentioned it was a customized model with his portrait as the screensaver and his voice for notifications, assuring him it would facilitate their future communication.
Jiang Kele diligently cared for Lu Xiao. Once he woke, he asked her to sit down, explaining that he had been restraining himself from revealing his past. He confessed that the woman they visited was not his biological mother; his birth mother had passed away during childbirth, and his father died in a car accident when Lu Xiao was five, which he felt responsible for, considering it was on their way to an amusement park he wanted to visit.
After these tragedies, relatives branded him a "jinx" and sent him to an orphanage. There, the dean’s son, Cheng Jun, became like a real brother to him. Lu Xiao tearfully recounted how Cheng Jun had accidentally drowned while they were washing the teddy bear together, a memory that fueled his profound guilt and led him to believe he was a "jinx" destined to bring disaster to those close to him.
He listed his parents, Cheng Jun, even the granny next door, and his dog, all gone, convinced that their lives might have been spared had he not existed. He explained that this deep-seated guilt was why he had initially prevented her from touching his teddy bear and why he chose to live in isolation in Bayhouse after Xu Guanghan adopted him, fearful of harming anyone else. He urged Jiang Kele to stay away from him.
Jiang Kele, however, dismissed his self-condemnation, teasingly comparing his immaturity to Luo Ke’s. She challenged his "jinx" theory, asking how he explained that Xu Guanghan, Lei Na, and Granny Fu Shun had all lived well for the past decade, despite being close to him. She further pointed out that she, Luo Ke, and Su Lie, who spent time with him daily, were also perfectly healthy.
Jiang Kele asserted that his parents’ and Cheng Jun’s deaths were mere accidents or coincidences, unrelated to him. She passionately urged him not to shoulder such blame, to stop hurting himself by pretending to be a bad person, and to recognize that he was no longer alone. She firmly promised to remain by his side, declaring herself "an enemy to Star of Death," and encouraged him to share any future difficulties with her, as she would never leave him.
The following morning, Jiang Kele rose exceptionally early to prepare a special chicken soup for Lu Xiao. She proudly explained to Luo Ke that she had gone to the supermarket before dawn to secure the finest black-footed old hen, simmering it for over two hours. When Luo Ke and Su Lie, enticed by the delicious aroma, attempted to get some for themselves, Jiang Kele staunchly refused.
She declared that the soup was exclusively for the ailing Lu Xiao, asserting her authority as the cook. She promised them leftovers only if Lu Xiao couldn't finish it, or that she would make more for them another time. Despite their complaints about the tempting scent keeping them awake, she insisted on the soup’s nutritional value and its purpose for Lu Xiao's recovery.
Episode 18 Recap
Jiang Kele brought Lu Xiao a bowl of chicken soup, which she had made that morning. Lu Xiao asked if everyone else had received soup as well, and upon learning only he had, he decided to share it with the others. As they stepped out, they found Luo Ke secretly drinking Lu Xiao's chicken soup. Luo Ke, seemingly caught red-handed, tried to explain they were only eating leftovers, but Lu Xiao kindly invited them all to share the soup.
Luo Ke seemed unsettled by Lu Xiao's sudden friendliness, even asking if Lu Xiao intended to hit him. Jiang Kele reassured everyone that Lu Xiao had changed, emphasizing that his old unreasonable and secretive self was gone, and he was now gentle, friendly, and handsome. To prove her point, she pinched Lu Xiao's face, noting that he didn't get angry. She encouraged Xu Nian to try, but he politely declined.
Lu Xiao then urged everyone to drink the soup before it got cold, and Luo Ke expressed being touched by his change in demeanor. Meanwhile, Cui Hengzhi, visibly angry, confronted Guan Qianya about a new music video released by Qichuan that blatantly insulted her, featuring an actress dressed like her and lyrics referencing "Thousand-faced, Qianya" and her company.
Guan Qianya, however, dismissed the matter, stating she would not bother suing Qichuan and jokingly threatened to sue Cui Hengzhi for workplace sexual harassment if he continued humming the song. After Cui Hengzhi left, Xu Nian's phone notification sound for a new message nearly exposed him. He quickly covered it up by pretending he was asking about their "confidence" for the afternoon rehearsal.
Once he returned to his room, he checked the message from Guan Qianya, who instructed him to hide his phone properly and to delete all messages and call logs, adding that she missed him. Later, Lu Xiao gave Jiang Kele a teddy bear, asking her to deliver it to his mother, Auntie Youya, as he had to attend rehearsal and couldn't visit her himself. Jiang Kele went to the nursing home, but found Auntie Youya's room empty.
A nurse informed her that Auntie Youya had been moved to the emergency room. At the emergency room door, Jiang Kele found Granny Fu Shun waiting. Jiang Kele asked Granny Fu Shun why she hadn't told her that Auntie Youya was Lu Xiao's mother. Granny Fu Shun advised her to find the answer herself, suggesting the teddy bear was a clue.
Jiang Kele then asked about a secret passage she knew of, but Granny Fu Shun only invited her to her house the next day for the answer. Shortly after, Auntie Youya was temporarily out of danger and sent to the ICU. Jiang Kele delivered the teddy bear, explaining that Lu Xiao (whose real name is Zhenyu) wanted her to feel his companionship.
Auntie Youya then asked Jiang Kele to give Lu Xiao a pocket watch from her drawer, saying he would understand its meaning. Back at Bayhouse, Lei Na arrived to disinfect the residents' clothes due to Lu Xiao's recent illness and the strenuous rehearsals. While disinfecting clothes in Xu Nian's room, she discovered a shirt with the "Crush On Love" logo, a brand she hadn't seen him wear before, hidden in his closet.
As Lei Na pressed Xu Nian for an explanation, Jiang Kele suddenly intervened, claiming Xu Nian had stolen the shirt from her. Jiang Kele dramatically accused Xu Nian, saying the shirt was a gift from her best friend and she had been looking for it. Lei Na, initially suspicious, made Jiang Kele try on the oversized shirt, which Jiang Kele defended as trendy. Xu Nian clarified that he must have taken the shirt by mistake when collecting his laundry.
Lei Na, recalling a previous conversation with Xu Guanghan about a potential love triangle involving Jiang Kele, Lu Xiao, and Xu Nian, became convinced that her theory was correct, speculating about who Jiang Kele would choose between the two men. Xu Guanghan, however, reminded her that their experiment was nearing its end, and there would be no happy ending for the subjects. Lu Xiao later observed that the shirt Jiang Kele had claimed was hers was clearly not her size.
Jiang Kele admitted it belonged to her best friend and falsely claimed that Xu Nian was secretly seeing her friend, stating she had "matched them," to cover for Xu Nian and Guan Qianya. Jiang Kele then informed Lu Xiao about his mother's critical condition and handed him the pocket watch. Inside, Lu Xiao found a photo of his parents.
Jiang Kele asked about a puppy in the photo, and Lu Xiao shared that it had died before he could remember things. Jiang Kele comforted him, offering to raise a puppy with him in the future. Meanwhile, Xu Nian met Guan Qianya to return her shirt. He shared his life story, explaining that he was abandoned at birth, adopted by Xu Guanghan, and meticulously trained in various skills and subjects.
He then signed a contract, agreeing to provide data for Xu Guanghan's game in exchange for basic necessities, with the stipulation that he could not leave Bayhouse until adulthood. However, the contract was extended when he reached adulthood because the "data" was supposedly incomplete. Guan Qianya told Xu Nian that his contract was illegal and that Xu Guanghan had been lying to him and the world, using real people for his "virtual" game.
She revealed she had taken photos of them and intended to expose Xu Guanghan, but had delayed doing so out of fear that Xu Guanghan would retaliate and harm Xu Nian. Xu Nian requested more time to consider his options. Determined to confess her feelings to Lu Xiao given his recent change in personality, Jiang Kele sought advice from Guan Qianya. She asked Guan Qianya how she and Xu Nian had confessed to each other.
Guan Qianya explained their experience was unique and not a typical "confession"; they simply understood each other's feelings after she expressed missing him and he confessed his love. Guan Qianya advised Jiang Kele to take the initiative if she wanted to be in a relationship with Lu Xiao.
Jiang Kele then mused about their future, wondering if she and Lu Xiao would live in Bayhouse or if they would join Guan Qianya and Xu Nian in their house, imagining the four of them living happily together. Just then, Cui Hengzhi entered with staff payroll documents. He informed Guan Qianya that the salaries were being paid using money from the mortgage of her car and property, and if she couldn't repay it within three months, she would lose them.
Jiang Kele was shocked to learn about Guan Qianya's financial struggles, but Guan Qianya reassured her not to worry. Jiang Kele, however, decided there was one more thing she needed to do before confessing to Lu Xiao. Jiang Kele then visited Granny Fu Shun at her luxurious home, commenting on its extravagance.
Granny Fu Shun casually mentioned it was her smallest house and joked about Jiang Kele's idea of adopting her father and living together as an "ordinary family" where Granny would handle chores. Jiang Kele then pressed Granny Fu Shun about the secret passage. Granny Fu Shun vaguely told her to guess how it was built. Jiang Kele made several guesses, including construction workers leaving it, it being a graveyard, or a fire escape route.
She then playfully accused Granny Fu Shun of building it to steal from Bayhouse, which Granny Fu Shun denied, pointing out her wealth. Granny Fu Shun was about to reveal the truth about the secret passage's origin.
Episode 19 Recap
Jiang Kele expresses her frustration to Granny Fu Shun, who claims she has no idea about the secret passage Jiang Kele is searching for. Granny Fu Shun quickly changes the subject, pressing Jiang Kele about the romantic progress between her and Lu Xiao. Jiang Kele, initially confused by the line of questioning, explains they have many "sparks" like physical affection, but Granny Fu Shun clarifies she is interested in their emotional connection in real life, not just within the game.
Still somewhat bewildered, Jiang Kele declares she will return immediately to get a definitive answer from Lu Xiao about their relationship status. Granny Fu Shun stops her, asking if she has considered how she would date him, suggesting real-world experiences like amusement park rides or international travel.
This thought excites Jiang Kele, who proclaims she now understands and will not only establish their relationship but also "drag him out" into the real world, joyfully concluding that the secret passage must have been built for their love. Later, Jiang Kele confronts the virtual Lu Xiao in a familiar setting, revealing it is where their love will end. The virtual Lu Xiao is saddened and offers to change if he has treated her poorly.
Jiang Kele clarifies that it is not his fault, but hers, as she has fallen for someone else—the real Lu Xiao, who resembles him. She thanks the virtual Lu Xiao for a year of companionship, for helping her heal from a past heartbreak, and for making her feel loved and worthy, which ultimately gave her the courage to face reality. She explains her desire to begin a real romantic relationship in the real world.
The virtual Lu Xiao questions her definition of reality, but Jiang Kele articulates the difference between the game's simulated joys and the persistent struggles of her real life once she removes the glasses. Firmly stating her identity as someone who lives in the real world, she announces her intention to start a real relationship the next day.
The virtual Lu Xiao accepts her decision, wishing her happiness and promising to wait for her forever, reminding her that he exists solely for her and she can return to him if ever upset or hurt. After bidding him farewell, Jiang Kele definitively commits to her new path by discarding her game glasses. The following morning, determined to confess to Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele attempts to apply makeup, but lacking skill, she sneaks into Guan Qianya's room for assistance.
Guan Qianya, surprised by Jiang Kele's sudden efforts to beautify herself, quickly deduces her plan to confess to Lu Xiao and eagerly helps her with her new cosmetics. Transformed by the makeup, Jiang Kele receives numerous compliments from everyone at Bayhouse, who remark on her striking appearance. Just as she prepares to approach Lu Xiao, Granny Fu Shun calls with devastating news: Lu Xiao's mother has passed away.
Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele immediately rush to the nursing home, where Lu Xiao sees his mother's empty room and personal belongings. Granny Fu Shun appears, explaining to a perplexed Lu Xiao that after his adoption by Xu Guanghan, she visited his mother annually to reassure her of his well-being, which eventually allowed his mother to cease her lifelong search.
Granny Fu Shun adds that his mother had no regrets, having been able to reunite with him in her final days. Overwhelmed by grief, Lu Xiao turns away, asking to be left alone as he returns to Bayhouse. Jiang Kele, deeply concerned, is advised by Guan Qianya to respect Lu Xiao's need for space. Upon returning to Bayhouse, Lu Xiao locks himself in his room, refusing to eat or speak.
Jiang Kele remains steadfast outside his door, attempting to offer him breakfast and lunch, and assuring him she will stay until he is ready to talk or eat. She voices her worry, noting that everyone else is also concerned about his unresponsiveness. Su Lie and Luo Ke, observing Lu Xiao's continued seclusion, believe he is ill and suggest contacting Lei Na.
However, Jiang Kele stops them, explaining that Lei Na has already visited and instructed them not to disturb Lu Xiao, urging them to allow him to rest undisturbed for a few days. Reluctantly, Su Lie and Luo Ke comply with Lei Na's instructions. That night, Lu Xiao finally emerges from his room and finds Jiang Kele asleep by his door. He gently carries her to the sofa and covers her with a blanket.
Meanwhile, Guan Qianya, worried about Jiang Kele's whereabouts, messages Xu Nian. Xu Nian discovers Jiang Kele on the sofa, who then wakes up and immediately checks on Lu Xiao, only to find his room empty. After a brief search, they locate Lu Xiao at the welfare institution, where he is drinking alone. Seeing this, Xu Nian and Guan Qianya discreetly leave Jiang Kele to comfort him.
Lu Xiao expresses profound self-blame, lamenting that if he had not left his mother, she might have lived longer. Jiang Kele patiently reassures him, urging him not to shoulder all the blame. She suggests that even if he had stayed, he might have faced other regrets, advising him to let go of the past and live in the present, a lesson her own father taught her. To help him cope, she offers to take him to a special place.
Guan Qianya then asks Xu Nian about his parents, prompting him to reveal that he has lived at Bayhouse since childhood and knows nothing about them. He recalls Xu Guanghan telling him his mother was an irresponsible woman who abandoned him at the hospital after birth, making him feel no desire to seek her out. However, Qianya suggests Xu Guanghan might have fabricated the story to discourage him from searching.
Xu Nian admits he also suspects this, and that he has decided to leave Bayhouse to uncover the truth about his origins. Guan Qianya expresses excitement about his decision to leave, but Xu Nian explains the timing isn't right. He fears that if he leaves alone, Xu Guanghan might retaliate against the others at Bayhouse.
He also mentions Lu Xiao's current grief over his mother's death, stating he will wait until Lu Xiao feels better before discussing his plans with him. Xu Nian advises Qianya to be patient and await his news, to which she promises to wait for him indefinitely.
Episode 20 Recap
Jiang Kele takes Lu Xiao to a hot air balloon. She shares a childhood memory of her father bringing her there after her mother's death, explaining that it was the closest place to her mother in heaven. She encourages Lu Xiao to write down his feelings for his mother, fold them into a paper airplane, and send it to her.
Lu Xiao pours out his heart, expressing his love and gratitude to his mother for adopting him, providing him with a home, always trusting him, and never giving up on him even when he ran away. He releases the paper airplane, feeling a sense of catharsis, and Jiang Kele comforts him by holding his hand. Back at Bayhouse, Granny Fu Shun arrives, concerned Jiang Kele might not find Lu Xiao.
Seeing that Lu Xiao is feeling much better, Granny Fu Shun relays his mother's dying wish for him to let go of his sadness, live happily in the sunshine, and be together with Jiang Kele. She also shares a symbolic message from his mother, saying that the "teddy bear in his heart" is now with her in heaven.
Meanwhile, Luo Ke and Su Lie discuss Lu Xiao's absence from Bayhouse for two days and complain about eating his share of snacks. Xu Nian, Luo Ke, and Su Lie then discuss Jiang Kele's recent elaborate makeover, with Su Lie admitting he fainted from shock. Xu Nian reveals that Jiang Kele dressed up because she was going to confess to Lu Xiao. Upon hearing this, Lu Xiao realizes that Jiang Kele had intended to confess to him that day.
Jiang Kele then arrives, bringing food for Lu Xiao, especially cake, to cheer him up. Xu Nian offers to drive her to Bayhouse. At Bayhouse, Jiang Kele is surprised to find the place lit up with lights. She follows the illuminated path through the secret passage, wondering if there's a party she wasn't informed about. Lu Xiao appears, singing and playing the piano. He confesses that before meeting her, he was closed off and rejected everyone.
He credits her kindness, courage, charm, and wits with opening a window to his heart, allowing sunlight to stream in. He acknowledges her unwavering support and protection during his toughest and saddest times. Recalling her words from the previous day, he states his intention to let go of the past and live in the present. He declares his love for her and promises to protect her from now on.
Luo Ke and Su Lie celebrate the successful confession, while Xu Nian records the moment. Overjoyed, Jiang Kele returns home and shares the news with Guan Qianya. Guan Qianya is happy that Jiang Kele has finally returned to dating in real life after her long virtual romance, stating it gives hope to women in general.
She cautions Jiang Kele not to replicate her virtual dating habits in real life, reminding her that Lu Xiao in reality is different from his game counterpart. Jiang Kele assures her that she can distinguish between the game and real life, and that she had already broken up with virtual Lu Xiao before the confession. Guan Qianya then gifts Jiang Kele a new electric scooter.
Jiang Kele, feeling her life more fulfilling after giving up games, encourages her coworker Qiqi at the beauty store to find a real-life boyfriend instead of playing games. Qiqi expresses difficulty, but Jiang Kele promises to introduce her to someone. She clarifies to Qiqi that she didn't give up on Lu Xiao, but only on the game. Arriving at Bayhouse for work, Jiang Kele is surprised to find the place spotless.
She learns from Su Lie and Luo Ke that Lu Xiao had instructed them to clean the entire place, making them responsible for cleaning their own rooms, doing laundry, and washing dishes to be more independent. Concerned about losing her job, Jiang Kele confronts them, stating she feels guilty taking a salary without doing chores. Lu Xiao tells her that she no longer needs to do the general chores and can instead focus on cleaning only his room. Su Lie and Luo Ke complain about this favoritism, but Lu Xiao justifies his decision by simply saying that Jiang Kele is his girlfriend, leaving them speechless.
Episode 21 Recap
Jiang Kele sat alone, feeling bored while watching television, when Lu Xiao returned, having completed all his training missions ahead of schedule. He came back specifically to keep her company, explaining that it was too dull for her to watch dramas by herself. Jiang Kele thanked him, and as they watched TV together, she inadvertently fell asleep. When she awoke, Lu Xiao had prepared a large meal.
He had learned from Xu Nian that Jiang Kele particularly liked braised fish, which Guan Qianya had presumably told Xu Nian. Lu Xiao had made a special dish he named "Kele Fish" because it was cooked with coke and made just for her. Jiang Kele was delighted and praised his cooking, especially for a first-timer.
Lu Xiao encouraged her to eat more, but Jiang Kele suggested they call the others to share the meal, which Lu Xiao was eagerly waiting for. Soon, Xu Nian and the others joined them, with Lu Xiao jokingly declaring the "Kele Fish" was exclusively for Jiang Kele. Later that evening, as Jiang Kele was leaving work, a sudden rainstorm began. While she sought shelter, Lu Xiao appeared, holding out his jacket for her.
Surprised, she asked why he was there, and he simply stated he had come to pick up his girlfriend from work. Jiang Kele was touched by his gesture. She put a mask on Lu Xiao, and they took the subway home. When they arrived at her home, Lu Xiao intended to leave immediately, but Jiang Kele invited him in for a drink, hoping to spend more time with him.
Lu Xiao, in his innocent way, asked what she had to offer. Jiang Kele, teasingly, offered him "Jiang Kele" (her name being a homophone for ginger coke), then explained she would make ginger coke to warm him up since he was drenched and might catch a cold. As Lu Xiao drank the ginger coke, he remarked on how good "Jiang Kele" tasted, though he still preferred her "Kele Fish."
He thanked her for everything that day, admitting it was his first time dating, and he found making a girl happy incredibly fulfilling. He promised to make her happy every day from then on. However, Jiang Kele, while appreciative, expressed concern that focusing on her would distract him from his work. She urged him to concentrate on completing his contract tasks to leave Bayhouse as soon as possible, so they could date openly. Lu Xiao agreed to her wishes.
Meanwhile, Lei Na received a photo from Lisa, who had been fired by Guan Qianya and was now working part-time at a restaurant. Lisa had taken the photo when she spotted Xu Nian and Guan Qianya dining there. She claimed Guan Qianya had gone "crazy" and was dating someone who looked exactly like Xu Nian, implying it was a substitute.
Lisa hoped to exchange the photo for benefits, but Xu Guanghan, who was with Lei Na, dismissed the idea, stating Lisa already had a lifetime membership and taking the photo was her responsibility. Lei Na initially thought the person in the photo was just a look-alike, but then she recognized the shirt Xu Nian often wore in his room, confirming that the person with Guan Qianya was indeed Xu Nian.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xu Guanghan and Lei Na immediately headed to Bayhouse. At Bayhouse, Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao were enjoying a private breakfast made by Lu Xiao when Xu Nian arrived, intending to discuss something important with them. Before he could speak, Xu Guanghan arrived. Xu Guanghan instructed Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao to leave, as he needed to speak with Xu Nian privately.
He also ordered Lei Na to search Xu Nian's room for prohibited items, specifically mentioning that Jiang Kele had taken clothes away previously. Lei Na soon discovered a limited edition cellphone. Xu Guanghan, holding the phone and the shirt Lei Na had recognized, confronted Xu Nian, expressing his surprise at Xu Nian's actions.
Xu Nian, in turn, began to question Xu Guanghan, asking why their existence was concealed, why they were publicly identified as virtual characters in "Love Boys," and why the four of them were imprisoned. Xu Guanghan speculated that Guan Qianya had put these ideas in his head when he ran away, but Xu Nian denied running away or any involvement from Guan Qianya, stating he had found the information himself using the phone.
Xu Guanghan then began to explain his past, recounting his career as a manager who established Yao Inc. and nurtured many celebrities, including Qi Chuan and Ge Yi Lan. He explained that both had betrayed him once they became famous, leading him to believe that betrayal was inherent in human nature. This disappointment prompted him to initially consider creating virtual lovers without human flaws. However, he realized that human characteristics were crucial for success.
His solution was to use real humans as the source for virtual lovers, embedding emotional responses into algorithms. To achieve this, he focused on his newborn son, educating him strictly in various disciplines to make him a perfect man, a perfect virtual character. He then realized that women's demands for men were diverse, falling into four main types: gentle, wise, cheerful, and obedient.
Since his son embodied the wise type, he found three other children of similar age—Lu Xiao, Luo Ke, and Su Lie—to cultivate the other characteristics, which led to the creation of the group Y4. Finally, Xu Guanghan revealed to Xu Nian that his real name was Xu Jin, and Xu Guanghan was his biological father. Xu Nian was stunned and refused to believe it, reminding Xu Guanghan that he had always been told he was abandoned at the hospital.
Xu Guanghan admitted he had lied. Just then, Granny Fu Shun entered and confirmed Xu Guanghan's words, identifying herself as Xu Nian's grandaunt. Xu Nian, still reeling, asked about his biological mother. Granny Fu Shun reminded him of a movie called "The Production of Female Celebrity" she had shown the children on a Mid-autumn Festival, revealing that it depicted the true story of his biological parents.
The movie illustrated how Xu Nian's mother, Ge Yi Lan, was an aspiring individual who Xu Guanghan helped transform into a popular celebrity after a serendipitous meeting. They developed feelings for each other. However, Ge Yi Lan's career skyrocketed, and she became the public's fantasy. When she decided to announce their relationship publicly, Xu Guanghan vehemently opposed it, fearing it would ruin her career and their shared dream.
Ge Yi Lan then revealed she was three months pregnant, wanting to give birth and form a family with him, even if it meant leaving the entertainment industry, knowing he lacked family warmth growing up. But Xu Guanghan, driven by his career ambitions, refused to compromise. He insisted on secretly resolving the pregnancy within a week, prioritizing her golden period in the industry. However, when Xu Guanghan arranged everything with the hospital, Ge Yi Lan disappeared.
Half a year later, Xu Guanghan found her just as she was about to give birth. After the baby was born, Xu Guanghan lied to Ge Yi Lan, telling her that her newborn child had died.
Episode 22 Recap
After Ge Yilan gave birth, Xu Guanghan falsely informed her that their baby had passed away. Distraught, Ge Yilan accused him of being heartless, distraught over her child while he only cared for his career. She reminded him that he had said going public with their relationship would ruin his career, but now he had ruined her entire life.
Xu Guanghan calmly told her that her career wasn't ruined, as the public only knew she was taking a break due to illness, and she could still be a celebrity if she followed his plans. However, Ge Yilan refused to listen further, declared she would no longer be his puppet, and vehemently told him to leave, expressing her hatred for his selfishness. Unable to bear the profound grief and betrayal, Ge Yilan left the entertainment industry and immigrated to Canada.
Unknown to her, Xu Guanghan secretly hid their child, who grew up to be Xu Nian. Granny Fu Shun confronted Xu Guanghan, demanding to know why Xu Nian was tied up and punished, questioning if this was how a father should treat his son. Xu Guanghan revealed that Xu Nian had discovered everything about the "Y4" game after finding a phone in his room.
Granny Fu Shun admitted that she was the one who gave Xu Nian the phone, explaining that Xu Guanghan had promised to let them go once they came of age, but he had failed to keep his word. She believed they had the right to learn about the outside world. She then mockingly dared Xu Guanghan to punish her instead, prompting him to tell Lei Na to take Granny Fu Shun to rest.
Before leaving, Granny Fu Shun fiercely warned Xu Guanghan that if he dared to harm Xu Nian, she would destroy Bayhouse. Alone with Xu Nian, Xu Guanghan acknowledged his paternity and presented his pessimistic worldview, claiming he only saw negativity, indolence, selfishness, and greed in humanity.
He explained that keeping Xu Nian in Bayhouse was for his own selfish motives, hoping his son would help him complete the "Y4" game, his lifelong pursuit and a grand cause he believed could change humanity. When Xu Nian asked about Lu Xiao, Luo Ke, and Su Lie, Xu Guanghan asserted that he had saved them: Lu Xiao was homeless, Luo Ke was abandoned by his parents, and Su Lie was rescued from human traffickers.
He argued they wouldn't have survived without him, challenging Xu Nian to suggest he should have left them to freeze and starve. Upon returning, Xu Nian seemed withdrawn and upset. He dismissed Lu Xiao's attempts to check on him, stating he was tired. Later, he privately asked Jiang Kele to tell Guan Qianya not to send any more messages to his phone, as it had been confiscated.
Jiang Kele explained that she had messaged Granny Fu Shun, asking her to take the blame for giving Xu Nian the phone, which Xu Guanghan believed, leading to Xu Nian's release. Xu Nian then requested Guan Qianya to meet him at the office that night, saying he had something important to tell her. That evening, Xu Nian met Guan Qianya, telling her they couldn't go to their usual restaurant as it wasn't safe.
Guan Qianya then led him to her friend's shop. During their conversation, Xu Nian revealed that Xu Guanghan was his biological father, and his mother was a former superstar who disappeared after moving abroad. He confessed that he had always believed he was an orphan and never expected to find a family, let alone that his father had been by his side, caring for him.
He explained that as Xu Guanghan's son, he felt he couldn't stand against him, especially since Xu Guanghan had "saved" Lu Xiao, Luo Ke, and Su Lie. Guan Qianya countered that Xu Guanghan had imprisoned them for his own gain, which was a crime. Despite his feelings for her, Xu Nian stated that he couldn't ask her to bow to Xu Guanghan, nor could he abandon everything to fight his father with her.
Given their fundamentally opposing stances, he concluded they had no future together and broke up with her, stating they should no longer meet. Heartbroken, Guan Qianya sought solace in drinking, joined by Jiang Kele. Jiang Kele was astonished to learn that Xu Guanghan was Xu Nian's father, expressing her disbelief.
Initially, Jiang Kele questioned the breakup, suggesting Guan Qianya's company would no longer be threatened now that Xu Nian was Xu Guanghan's son, and she might even benefit from the connection. However, Guan Qianya clarified her new resolve: her fight against Xu Guanghan was no longer just for her company, but for those who had become addicted to his game, suffered mental breakdowns, and were "imprisoned" by him.
Jiang Kele then philosophized about relationships, noting that both Guan Qianya and Xu Nian were strong-willed, making conflict resolution difficult unless one chose to yield. The next morning, Guan Qianya awoke with a hangover and discovered her phone was missing, which deeply worried her because it contained crucial evidence against Xu Guanghan. Her friend Jiang Kele attempted to call it, but the phone was switched off.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiao confronted Xu Nian after Jiang Kele informed him about the breakup and Xu Guanghan's paternity. Xu Nian confirmed he was Xu Guanghan's biological son. He then recounted Xu Guanghan's past threats, where his father had warned that if Guan Qianya, who knew his secrets, took any action against him, he would make her "disappear." Xu Nian confessed that he intentionally broke up with Guan Qianya and stole her phone, which held the evidence, to protect her.
He explained that he feared she might overreact after learning the truth, drawing Xu Guanghan's attention and putting herself in danger. He hoped this action would buy them time. Xu Nian then confided in Lu Xiao about his original intention to discuss escaping Bayhouse, a plan he had wanted to share before his phone was discovered. He believed that Xu Guanghan would never truly grant them freedom as they were his "trade secret."
His plan with Guan Qianya was for the four of them to escape Bayhouse, after which Guan Qianya would expose Xu Guanghan. Lu Xiao revealed he too had prepared for the worst, promising to lead everyone out himself if Xu Guanghan failed to keep his promise. Xu Guanghan, still highly suspicious, tasked his subordinates with tailing Guan Qianya, expressing his belief in being skeptical to minimize risk.
Guan Qianya, meanwhile, visited a bar she had been to the previous night, hoping to find her phone. The bar owner checked surveillance footage, informing her that no one had approached her or taken her phone while she was there, suggesting she might have lost it before arriving. However, after reviewing additional surveillance footage from another location, Guan Qianya eventually discovered that Xu Nian was the one who had stolen her phone, leaving her deeply disappointed.
Episode 23 Recap
Distraught and reflecting on Xu Nian's harsh words and his act of stealing her phone from the previous night, Guan Qianya sought solace in alcohol, drinking heavily early in the morning. Leaving a friend's bar, she hailed a taxi, intending to go to a subway station and use a secret passage to reach Bayhouse to find Xu Nian. Zhang Yang, sent by Xu Guanghan to follow her, trailed closely, reporting her movements in real-time.
Guan Qianya, heavily intoxicated, began to vomit near the entrance to the secret passage. Observing this, Xu Guanghan concluded he had overestimated her, deeming her useless. He instructed Zhang Yang to stop following Guan Qianya and instead focus on Granny Fu Shun. However, the vigilant Granny Fu Shun had already sensed she was being watched and worried if Xu Guanghan had discovered something. At Bayhouse, Jiang Kele was seething at Xu Nian, who acted as if nothing had happened.
She sarcastically remarked on how he now received his salary from his father and, in front of Su Lie and Luo Ke, revealed that Xu Nian was Xu Guanghan's son. Su Lie and Luo Ke were astonished, questioning if they could still address Mr. Xu as their father. Lu Xiao quickly intervened, sending Jiang Kele away and instructing Su Lie and Luo Ke to join him for data collection, leaving Xu Nian alone.
Soon after they left, Guan Qianya emerged from the secret passage, fueled by alcohol. She loudly demanded Xu Nian return her phone, accusing him of betraying her and stealing it to gather evidence for his father. Xu Nian tried to calm her, asking if anyone had followed her through the tunnel. He promised to explain everything when he brought everyone out that night. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan, noticing Xu Nian hadn't come for data collection, sent Lei Na to find him.
Lei Na, upon finding Jiang Kele, learned that Xu Nian was Xu Guanghan's son, a fact already known to everyone in Bayhouse. As Xu Nian led Guan Qianya back into the secret passage, Guan Qianya, still emotional, called him "scum" and believed he wouldn't have broken up with her face-to-face if he hadn't needed her phone. She slowly calmed down, leaving the tunnel and wondering if Xu Nian had his own reasons for his actions.
Zhang Yang, who had earlier abandoned his pursuit of Guan Qianya, felt something was off about the subway station and turned back to investigate. Fortunately, Granny Fu Shun, who was worried about being monitored by Xu Guanghan, managed to distract Zhang Yang, preventing him from seeing Guan Qianya emerge from the tunnel.
Guan Qianya initially suspected Granny Fu Shun, but Granny Fu Shun revealed her identity as Xu Guanghan's aunt, a former project manager and director of Bayhouse, and stated she had secretly dug the tunnel during the facility's construction. She explained she had saved Guan Qianya because they shared the same goal: freeing the four people from Bayhouse.
Granny Fu Shun also revealed her friendship with Jiang Kele was strategic, designed to help Jiang Kele discover Lu Xiao's family background and thereby awaken him to his situation so he could free everyone. Impressed, Guan Qianya understood Granny Fu Shun's plan. Granny Fu Shun gave Guan Qianya her contact information, offering help if needed.
Later, Xu Guanghan spoke with Xu Nian, offering him the position of his successor and promising freedom for his friends if Xu Nian remained loyal and revealed everything he knew, including outside contacts and evidence. Xu Nian feigned compliance, asking for more time to consider. However, upon returning, he immediately discussed their escape plan with Lu Xiao.
They decided that Luo Ke and Su Lie were not ready for the truth and would need to be tricked into leaving Bayhouse first. Once outside, they planned to contact Guan Qianya. Knowing Jiang Kele was upset with him, Xu Nian asked Lu Xiao to convince her to contact Guan Qianya and keep her phone accessible. That night, Lu Xiao and Xu Nian easily persuaded Luo Ke and Su Lie to join them, claiming they were going to a bar.
Eager to go out, Luo Ke and Su Lie agreed without suspicion. At the appointed time, Lu Xiao and Xu Nian opened the secret passage, leading Su Lie and Luo Ke through. Su Lie and Luo Ke, still believing they were going to a bar, asked many questions as they navigated the dark, cramped tunnel. Upon emerging from the passage, they were bewildered by the deserted nighttime street, mistakenly believing it was the end of the world.
Episode 24 Recap
Upon stepping out of Bayhouse, Luo Ke observed the deserted outside world, wondering if it was the end of the world and if there were any clubs nearby. Xu Nian made a call to Guan Qianya, informing her that all four of them—Lu Xiao, Su Lie, Luo Ke, and himself—were out but he was unsure where to take them. Guan Qianya instructed them to wait at the nearby Xianghuaqiao Alley, promising to pick them up by car.
She then eagerly roused Jiang Kele, announcing the others had left Bayhouse and urging them to depart immediately. Lu Xiao, impatient to leave, prompted them to go to the alley where their ride would soon arrive. As they walked, Su Lie and Luo Ke marveled at their own advertisement posters, realizing their great game appearances were thanks to the data they provided.
Lu Xiao, however, grew irritable, which Su Lie and Luo Ke attributed to his difficulty adjusting to the real world despite his past excursions. Their attention was soon diverted by the enticing smell of hotpot. Excited by the prospect of long-lost junk food, they attempted to order, only to discover they had no money. Xu Nian stepped in to pay for them, but Lu Xiao quickly alerted him that they were being followed.
Believing Xu Guanghan’s subordinates were pursuing them, the four ran into a nearby club. Their pursuers soon caught up, but it became clear they were not Xu Guanghan's men. Instead, they were fans of the virtual romance game, who mistook Su Lie and Luo Ke for incredibly accurate imitators and complimented their "plastic surgery."
With the immediate threat resolved, Xu Nian informed Jiang Kele that they were at Jazzy Club, and Guan Qianya instructed them to book a private room and wait. Inside the club, Su Lie and Luo Ke were bored, finding the club's dance floor smaller than Bayhouse’s dance studio. They argued that they could sing and dance just as well back at Bayhouse.
Amidst this, Luo Ke, attempting to flirt with Jiang Kele, was abruptly told by Lu Xiao that she was Xu Nian’s girlfriend, much to Su Lie and Luo Ke's surprise. Xu Nian and Guan Qianya then stepped aside to talk. Xu Nian apologized for any past misunderstandings, admitting he had to act for her safety. Guan Qianya apologized in turn, confessing she had wrongly believed he was bullying her and had been cynical towards him, but acknowledged his gentlemanly conduct.
She urged him to discuss matters with them in the future rather than handling everything alone. Jiang Kele then joined them, eager to discuss their escape plan: moving Lu Xiao, Su Lie, and Luo Ke to safety, contacting reporters, and publicly exposing Xu Guanghan with an on-camera statement. The group readily agreed to assist. While Xu Nian, Lu Xiao, Jiang Kele, and Guan Qianya were engrossed in their conversation, Su Lie and Luo Ke had wandered off.
Luo Ke had ventured downstairs and approached a girl, complimenting her dancing. He even claimed to be the real Luo Ke, only for the girl's ex-boyfriend to appear and furiously confront him for dancing with "his woman." Luo Ke tried to initiate a one-on-one fight, but the ex-boyfriend’s companions joined in, beating Luo Ke badly.
Luo Ke desperately tried to call for backup, invoking Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, and Su Lie, but the ex-boyfriend mocked him for trying to summon game characters, further asserting that Luo Ke was merely an imitator. As the beating continued, the girl intervened, pleading for them to stop, but her ex-boyfriend explained his rage: he had spent all his money on her, only for her to lavish it on Luo Ke, calling Luo Ke "husband" while merely calling him "hey."
Seeing Luo Ke on the verge of death, the girl desperately promised to reconcile with her ex-boyfriend if he stopped the assault. He agreed, demanding she promise not to break up with him for three months, then embraced her and left. Meanwhile, Su Lie, left alone after Luo Ke’s escapade, was approached by another woman. Overwhelmed by a deep-seated fear of women, he fled the club in a panic.
Hours later, Luo Ke returned to Bayhouse, severely beaten, only to find Su Lie already there. Luo Ke questioned Su Lie if he was truly hated, revealing his profound insecurity rooted in his childhood abandonment. Su Lie assured him it was not his fault but the outside world's problem. Su Lie then recounted his own terrifying experience, chased by "red-lipped women," which led him to believe the outside world was too scary. Both agreed never to venture outside Bayhouse again.
Back in the city, Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Jiang Kele, and Guan Qianya had searched tirelessly all night for Su Lie and Luo Ke. Their despair grew until they found an online post with a photo of Luo Ke, identifying him as an imitator beaten at a club for hitting on a girl.
Realizing that Su Lie must also be in trouble and that both would be traumatized, they surmised that the safest place for the inexperienced duo would be Bayhouse. They rushed back and found Su Lie and Luo Ke asleep together. Upon waking, Su Lie and Luo Ke recounted their harrowing experiences. Despite the others' attempts to convince them to leave Bayhouse permanently for their safety, they adamantly refused, declaring the outside world too dangerous.
They believed that by staying in Bayhouse and obediently following Xu Guanghan’s rules, they would be safe, failing to grasp the true peril. Xu Nian pressed them on their fears. Luo Ke admitted he feared being beaten again as an imitator. Su Lie revealed his phobia of women, which surprised Guan Qianya. Xu Nian explained that Su Lie had been abducted as a child by a red-lipped woman, later rescued by Xu Guanghan, leaving him with a deep psychological scar.
Guan Qianya, however, skeptically wondered if the red-lipped woman had instead sold Su Lie to Xu Guanghan. Su Lie vehemently defended Xu Guanghan, insisting he was their rescuer. Guan Qianya retorted that not all women wearing red lipstick were bad, gesturing to herself. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Xu Guanghan and Lei Na. Xu Guanghan announced that the data collection for the four of them was complete, and it was time to transfer them elsewhere. Jiang Kele immediately began sweeping, feigning diligent cleaning to buy them time. Lei Na, however, informed Jiang Kele that her work at Bayhouse was now finished.
Episode 25 Recap
Jiang Kele was informed she was being fired from Bayhouse. Although surprised, she didn't argue, only requesting three months' worth of salary as per the policy for sudden termination. Xu Guanghan offered her six months' pay on the condition that she keep everything she witnessed at Bayhouse a secret. Jiang Kele then jokingly asked for twelve months for extra secrecy, which Xu Guanghan refused, telling her not to push her luck.
She then inquired if she could still visit her four friends, to which he vaguely replied that they would "talk about that later." As she prepared to leave, Xu Guanghan seemed surprised that she wasn't going to say goodbye to them, but Jiang Kele simply reiterated, "We'll talk about it later." Later, Xu Guanghan noticed Luo Ke's injured face. Luo Ke tried to hide it with a black mask, claiming he had run out of white ones.
Xu Guanghan insisted he remove it. Luo Ke then accused Su Lie of punching him, adding that Su Lie had cried while trying to apologize. Su Lie stammered, unable to explain. Lu Xiao stepped in, claiming responsibility for beating Luo Ke because the others were playing video games and disturbing his sleep. Xu Guanghan accepted the explanation, stating he didn't care who hit whom.
He then announced that the data collection was complete, congratulating them and informing them they no longer needed to stay at Bayhouse. He had arranged four individual accommodations, emphasizing they wouldn't meet each other again. He instructed them to pack, as they would be moving that day, and then pulled Xu Nian aside. Xu Nian confessed to Xu Guanghan that he had made up his mind to side with him.
Xu Guanghan expressed his pleasure, telling Xu Nian he hadn't betrayed him like his mother did and had made the correct choice. Xu Nian asked what he needed to do next. Xu Guanghan explained that Xu Nian would be sent abroad, given a new identity, and start a new life. In time, he would return to take over Yao Inc. When Xu Nian asked about the other three, Xu Guanghan told him not to be impatient.
He explained that once Xu Nian truly took over, he could decide their fate, but until then, they would be imprisoned separately to keep their secret safe. Xu Nian questioned if this was the best course of action, and Xu Guanghan affirmed it was the best possible outcome. Jiang Kele headed to the subway station, intending to pick up Lu Xiao and the others.
However, she learned from Guan Qianya that her car had been towed from near Xiang Hua Qiao Road Station due to illegal parking. Guan Qianya instructed Jiang Kele to have Secretary Cui prepare another vehicle and await her message. Meanwhile, Zhang Yang reported to Xu Guanghan about a multi-purpose vehicle registered to Guan Qianya's company also found near Xiang Hua Qiao Road Station, leading Xu Guanghan to suspect a coordinated escape.
He ordered an investigation and rushed to the subway station himself. Concurrently, Lu Xiao revealed to Su Lie and Luo Ke that Xu Guanghan was lying about their new "accommodations" and intended to imprison them individually. Lu Xiao urged them to leave immediately, but Su Lie and Luo Ke were initially reluctant, preferring to stay or claiming they only wanted to stay due to their fear of the outside world.
Lu Xiao argued that staying would mean being stuck for life, eventually convincing them to follow him to Xiang Hua Qiao Road Station. At the station, Xu Guanghan's men discovered a hidden door in a passage. Xu Guanghan dismissed their warnings about danger, believing it was a passage the group used to sneak out, and entered alone. He found the group attempting to escape through it. Xu Guanghan expressed his deep disappointment in Xu Nian.
Xu Nian retorted that he was merely making the right choice and questioned if a cold-blooded, profit-driven man like Xu Guanghan deserved to be called his father. Xu Nian admitted he had been lying to Xu Guanghan to buy time and offered him two choices: surrender or be reported to the police. Xu Guanghan, enraged, declared that Xu Nian only had one option: to die. Su Lie and Luo Ke, intimidated, tried to backtrack, claiming they were forced to leave.
Xu Guanghan stated that once they entered the passage, there was no turning back. Lu Xiao confronted Xu Guanghan, accusing him of lying about rescuing or saving them in the past. Xu Guanghan reminded them that he had taken them in when they had nowhere to go, questioning their repayment. Lu Xiao countered that their contract had expired, and they were leaving. When Xu Guanghan declared none of them could leave, a struggle ensued.
Lu Xiao and Xu Nian fought together against Xu Guanghan. Although they managed to subdue him, their escape was short-lived, as Xu Guanghan's men apprehended them outside. Using Guan Qianya's phone, Xu Guanghan then messaged Jiang Kele, luring her and Secretary Cui into the trap by claiming something bad had happened and they needed to discuss their next step. When they arrived, Xu Guanghan ambushed and knocked them both unconscious, tying them up.
Later, Lu Xiao and Xu Nian, finding themselves bound, used a shard from a broken flower vase to cut through their ropes. They then freed Su Lie, Luo Ke, Jiang Kele, and Secretary Cui. They frantically searched for an exit, but the secret passage was blocked, the elevator was out of order (despite Xu Guanghan having misled Secretary Cui earlier), and the fridge contained no food.
Realizing Xu Guanghan intended to trap them there, Luo Ke began to blame Lu Xiao, arguing that if they had simply listened to Xu Guanghan, they would be living comfortably in the promised big houses. Jiang Kele defended Lu Xiao, accusing Luo Ke of ingratitude. Su Lie and Luo Ke continued to bicker, saying they only wanted to stay in Bayhouse. During the argument, Lu Xiao remembered an alternative escape route.
He located and opened a ventilation shaft, crawling into it to scout ahead. Finding the passage clear, he called for the others to follow. They emerged into a scenic outdoor area, regretting not finding this exit earlier, as it would have prevented their capture at the subway station. Their relief was short-lived, however, as Zhang Yang and his men spotted them. The group quickly split up, agreeing to rendezvous at Guan Qianya's house.
Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele found themselves cornered by Zhang Yang's men. Jiang Kele volunteered to distract Zhang Yang, allowing Lu Xiao to deal with the other henchmen. As Jiang Kele confronted Zhang Yang, he prepared to use a taser on her. Lu Xiao quickly intervened, shielding Jiang Kele and taking the taser hit himself. He then grappled with Zhang Yang, and both fell from a significant height.
Jiang Kele rushed to Lu Xiao's side, relieved to find him conscious despite his injuries, while Zhang Yang lay unconscious. Just then, Secretary Cui arrived with a car, and they quickly loaded Lu Xiao inside. The group then sped off, rushing Lu Xiao to the hospital. At the hospital, Jiang Kele sat by Lu Xiao's bedside, apologizing for his injuries and urging him to wake up.
An older woman, whom Jiang Kele recognized as Granny, appeared, assuring her that Lu Xiao was safe in a secret ward. Jiang Kele, concerned, pressed the doctor for information on Lu Xiao's condition, asking why he hadn't woken up.
Episode 26 Recap
After Lu Xiao was hospitalized in a private ward, Jiang Kele anxiously inquired about his condition. The doctor reassured her that despite a soft tissue contusion in his chest and a concussion, his injuries were not severe, and he would regain consciousness after some rest. Jiang Kele, visibly relieved, promised to take good care of him.
Granny Fu Shun comforted a tearful Jiang Kele, urging her not to blame herself, and emphasized that everyone had managed to escape safely, which was the most important outcome. Jiang Kele then asked about Guan Qianya, and Granny Fu Shun confirmed that Guan Qianya and the others were safe at her house. Granny Fu Shun also revealed that Guan Qianya had contacted journalists to testify against Xu Guanghan and offered her assistance if needed when the time was right.
Guan Qianya met with a journalist, urging her to expose Xu Guanghan by revealing that Y4 were real people whom he had imprisoned for his "despicable project." The journalist found this approach too uninteresting and suggested a more novel method: living with the Y4 members to uncover their stories and write from their perspective, believing this would be more relatable to the audience.
Cui Hengzhi attempted to interject, claiming his own story would be exciting, and detailed the tragic backstories of Lu Xiao, Su Lie, and Luo Ke.
He described Lu Xiao as an orphan taken in by Yao Inc., Su Lie as a victim of human trafficking abducted as a toddler, and Luo Ke as someone whose parents sold him to Xu Guanghan due to debt, asserting that Luo Ke had been brainwashed into believing Xu Guanghan truly cared for him, a point Luo Ke off-screen disputed, leading the journalist to identify it as Stockholm syndrome.
Cui then added Xu Nian's story, revealing him to be the son of a superstar, Ge Yilan, who abandoned him, and that Xu Nian was imprisoned by his father, who was also Ge Yilan's manager, before falling in love with his father's nemesis. After this detailed exposition, Cui tried to elaborate on his own involvement, but the journalist was overwhelmed and stated she needed time to sort out the information.
Guan Qianya, anxious about the delay, pressed her to hurry, emphasizing that the sooner they exposed Xu Guanghan, the safer they would be. However, Xu Guanghan preempted their plan by holding his own press conference. He delivered a public "apology," admitting that Y4 were based on real people but twisting the narrative to his advantage.
He claimed to have kindly adopted Lu Xiao (whose real name he revealed as Li Zhenyu), Su Lie (Su Minglie), and Luo Ke (Luo Wenxuan) from their difficult pasts, rescuing them from the streets or human traffickers. He then dramatically announced that Xu Nian was his biological son with superstar Ge Yilan, falsely accusing her of abandoning their child for her career.
Xu Guanghan presented himself as a benevolent father and manager who helped the four boys fulfill their dreams of becoming stars, stating that their contracts had now expired, making them free. When questioned about their alleged imprisonment, he argued that Bayhouse's security was for their protection as celebrities and that they had secret passages allowing them free movement, presenting photos of Xu Nian on a date with Guan Qianya and Luo Ke dancing as proof.
This public relations maneuver successfully swayed public opinion, with fans enthusiastically anticipating the real Y4 members. Jiang Kele, watching the live broadcast from the hospital, angrily denounced Xu Guanghan's lies, but her protests were dismissed by fans who believed his narrative. In the aftermath, Guan Qianya found her company in dire straits as public sentiment and Yao Inc.'s stock price soared.
Xu Guanghan then made a triumphant visit to Guan Qianya's office, mocking her as a failed CEO and a weak rival. He presented her with an "award" for "Best Competitor of the Year," accompanied by a condescending lecture on her "naiveté" in trusting humanity, which he described as flawed animals blindly following their desires.
Before leaving, Xu Guanghan instructed Guan Qianya to relay a message to Xu Nian: he was still his son and would be welcomed back home if he "came to his senses." Later, Lu Xiao regained consciousness and immediately asked about the safety of the others and the success of the plan to expose Xu Guanghan. Jiang Kele regretfully informed him that the plan had failed. Distressed, Lu Xiao expressed his determination to expose Xu Guanghan's lies, despite his injuries.
At that moment, Zhang Yang and Lei Na arrived. Zhang Yang, identifying himself as a park security guard, falsely accused Lu Xiao of trespassing, assaulting him, and pushing him off a building, claiming severe injuries. Lei Na intervened, stating they would not pursue legal action and explained she was visiting on behalf of Xu Guanghan, who was too busy with interviews. Jiang Kele accused Lei Na of lying, but Lei Na asserted that public belief determined the truth.
Lei Na then presented a new contract from Xu Guanghan, proposing to turn Y4 into a top idol group with albums, films, and tours.
However, both Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao vehemently rejected the offer, with Lu Xiao declaring he would never trust Xu Guanghan again or return to Yao Inc. Lei Na dismissed Jiang Kele as reckless and warned Lu Xiao about the harsh realities of the outside world, urging him to reconsider, stating that Yao Inc. would always welcome his return. Meanwhile, Guan Qianya expressed deep frustration and self-doubt to Xu Nian, questioning if her efforts had been naive.
Xu Nian comforted her, asserting that she had done nothing wrong and that the truth often belonged to the powerful. He acknowledged that if she hadn't taken action, they might never have met. Guan Qianya then relayed Xu Guanghan's message to Xu Nian, offering his return, which Xu Nian adamantly dismissed.
As Lu Xiao was discharged from the hospital, Granny Fu Shun informed everyone that Guan Qianya's company had filed for bankruptcy and liquidation, leading to the confiscation of her house and cars. Granny Fu Shun offered to take in Luo Ke and Su Lie, and also invited Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele to live with her. Jiang Kele, deeply concerned for Guan Qianya, decided to stay with her to offer support and help them both figure out their next steps.
Guan Qianya, packing up her office, reflected on the loss of her company and the memories associated with it, choosing to keep a sentimental item given by Jiang Kele. She shared a heartfelt farewell with Secretary Cui, who had been with her from the company's inception until its end, expressing his honor to have worked for her and offering to return should she ever make a comeback. Finally, Xu Nian arrived to pick Guan Qianya up.
Episode 27 Recap
Xu Nian arrived to pick up Guan Qianya, who questioned his presence. Xu Nian reassured her, stating everything would be fine and urged her not to feign strength in front of him. Guan Qianya admitted that the company's closure was not a major issue for her, as she had anticipated various outcomes since starting her business, with closing down being one of them.
While acknowledging her company's closure and the loss of her house and car, she expressed contentment that Xu Nian and the other three were now free to live well in the real world, regretting nothing. She even suggested that losing everything could be the best way to start over. She then stated that the future was too distant to contemplate and her sole desire was to relax. Taking her cue, Xu Nian immediately suggested they go somewhere.
He took her to an amusement park, a place Guan Qianya hadn't visited since childhood when her father brought her there. She recalled a carefree youth. Xu Nian encouraged her to relive those innocent days and relax. After their fun, Xu Nian asked if she felt completely relaxed. Guan Qianya replied she was very close to forgetting all her worries, needing only to get drunk to complete the process.
After his company's closure, Cui Hengzhi sought out his ex-wife, who expressed surprise at his presence. He claimed to have been just passing by but admitted he had something to tell her. He explained that losing his company and enduring many setbacks had made him realize how uncaring he had been during their marriage.
He recounted how he would only tell her to drink warm water when she was unwell, worked overtime on holidays, and was ignorant of her daily meals, mistakenly believing that marital loyalty superseded the need for continued love and effort. He concluded by taking full responsibility for their divorce, admitting he had lost to the game and to his own carelessness.
His ex-wife agreed he had indeed lost, conceding that the game's characters were more attractive, considerate, romantic, and gentle than him, and wished him happiness. However, she quickly added that despite his flaws, he was the most important person to her and shared responsibility for their divorce. She acknowledged the game had fulfilled her romantic fantasies, but emphasized that real life extended beyond mere chocolates and roses, encompassing trivial daily matters that a virtual game could never replace.
Cui Hengzhi then admitted he was hungry, prompting his ex-wife to offer to treat him to lunch. He playfully noted her unemployment, but she insisted a man should buy a woman a meal. Cui Hengzhi then suggested they split the bill, an idea his ex-wife found agreeable. After being discharged from the hospital, Lu Xiao was staying with Jiang Kele at Guan Qianya’s home.
Kele remarked that their current living situation was modest compared to Bayhouse and warned that their lives might get harder. Lu Xiao, however, assured her he could adapt, having experienced tough times and even sleeping on the streets in his childhood.
Kele, pleased by their shared resilience, revealed her own past struggles working six jobs simultaneously, but noted things weren't too bad now as she still had her cosmetic shop job and planned to find more part-time work, confident their lives would improve. Lu Xiao, not wanting Kele to overwork, announced his intention to also find a job the next day, proposing they work hard together. Kele agreed, but admitted she was unsure what job would suit her.
Immediately, she suggested Lu Xiao become a piano teacher, given his exceptional skills, and even playfully pretended to be his student, demonstrating how he could teach. Meanwhile, Granny Fu Shun was trying to instill some independence in Luo Ke and Su Lie, who complained about having to eat salad while she had something nicer.
Granny Fu Shun explained their need for a healthy diet due to their weak stomachs, inherited from years of a healthy lifestyle in the game, and warned against fast food. Su Lie countered that their stomachs were healthy and they were used to spicy food, thanks to Jiang Kele often buying them hot and sour noodles.
Granny Fu Shun admonished them for being picky despite her cooking and for being "slackers," reminding them she had cared for them since they were young. Luo Ke defensively stated they weren't slackers, just idle, and when asked if they'd considered careers, Su Lie admitted he hadn't. Luo Ke then expressed his desire to return to Bayhouse, where he could simply eat and have fun without responsibilities, blaming others for forcing them into the real world.
Granny Fu Shun, exasperated, declared she couldn't speak to them for another second, prompting Su Lie to retort that they didn't want to talk to her either, given her constant scolding. Luo Ke then brazenly asked Granny Fu Shun for money to go out and have fun. She patiently explained that in the outside world, nothing was free and they had to earn money themselves.
Ignoring her advice, Luo Ke declared he was full and bid her goodbye, prompting Granny Fu Shun to sarcastically offer them money while challenging them to earn it themselves, stating she would only look up to them if they could. She then wondered to herself how they would survive. Later that night, Guan Qianya and Xu Nian continued their drinking. Xu Nian asked Qianya why she enjoyed drinking.
Qianya explained that alcohol boosted her emotions, making happy moments happier and allowing her to forget her sadness. She revealed she often drank with Jiang Kele and had moved on from their past breakup by getting drunk, finding solace in not having to think when intoxicated. Xu Nian pointed out that she would eventually sober up, but Qianya maintained that being happy in the moment was enough, leaving everything to the next day.
They clinked glasses, and Xu Nian suggested they dance. Qianya then expressed her contentment, telling Xu Nian that even if she lost everything in the world, as long as he was with her, she would be satisfied. After their night out, Xu Nian carefully brought a tipsy Guan Qianya home, telling her he would always be there for her and reassuring her he could work to support them.
He then spoke to Lu Xiao about adapting to the unfamiliar real world, sharing his decision to find a job the next day and expressing concern for Guan Qianya, who despite her calm demeanor, was deeply suffering. He intended to stay by her side, believing it was their turn to protect those who had saved them from Bayhouse.
He also recognized that Luo Ke and Su Lie, who hadn't willingly left the game, would need more time and help to adapt, emphasizing the need for them all to work harder. As Luo Ke and Su Lie wandered through a night market, they spotted delicious fried chicken and fish balls, recalling how they had previously dropped similar food while running. Despite having no money, they decided to order, planning to figure out payment later.
While enjoying their food, they were recognized by fans who excitedly asked to take pictures with them. The food stall owner, noticing their popularity, inquired if they were celebrities. Luo Ke confidently introduced himself as Luo Ke from Love Boys, and Su Lie also stated his name. The owner remembered seeing them on TV and confirmed their emergence from the game.
Luo Ke, seizing the opportunity, brazenly asked if they could eat for free since they were "celebrities" and had no money. The owner, running a small business, refused, explaining that "dining and dashing" was unacceptable. Luo Ke, unfamiliar with the term, insisted they weren't "dashing" but simply eating. When the owner threatened to physically confront them for not paying, a mysterious man intervened, urging everyone to stop and offering to pay for their meal.
The man then took Luo Ke and Su Lie to a high-end restaurant, claiming street food was beneath their status. He assured them they could order anything they wanted, as he would cover the bill. When asked why he was so generous, he introduced himself as the general manager of Follow Inc. in Greater China, a company specializing in transforming individuals into celebrities across film, music, and variety shows.
Though Luo Ke initially struggled to grasp his meaning, the manager clarified that he could guarantee them a luxurious, glorious life and significant earnings. Their only requirements would be to sign a contract and continue their talents in singing and dancing. Luo Ke, wary of being "kept in captivity" again, questioned the contract, but the manager reassured them of complete freedom outside of their working hours, even offering bodyguards and personal assistants, promising top-tier travel and accommodation.
They requested to review the contract first, which the manager readily produced, having prepared it in advance. Luo Ke and Su Lie, naive and believing they had met a benevolent benefactor, signed the contract. The next morning, Luo Ke and Su Lie found themselves locked out of their presidential suite, surprised as the "kind man" had assured them they could stay indefinitely. The hotel staff informed them the suite was booked for only one night and check-out time had passed.
They insisted the manager would pay, but the staff revealed his phone number was disconnected. Realizing they might have been scammed, they attempted to leave discreetly, thinking they had only incurred the cost of one night's stay and a meal. However, the hotel staff stopped them, presenting a bill for ¥12,800 for various amenities including breakfast, lunch, spa treatments, gym, swimming pool, and mini-bar items. With no money to pay, they attempted to flee when security was called.
They were quickly apprehended by several individuals, each brandishing a copy of the contract they had signed. Upon seeing their signatures, Luo Ke naively asked if they were friends of the "kind man" and if they were there to pay their bill. He was then informed by multiple agitated parties that the "kind man" was a scammer who had sold their contract to several different agencies, each claiming exclusive rights to Luo Ke and Su Lie.
Lu Xiao attended an interview for a piano teacher position, asking if he could keep his cap on to avoid disturbance. The interviewer, who had watched all his piano videos, praised his exceptional playing and decades-long solid foundation. Lu Xiao, eager to start, asked if he could begin work the next day. However, the interviewer requested his resume, to which Lu Xiao explained his lack of one and professional experience, acknowledging his unique situation.
He reiterated his confidence in teaching beginner-level children, drawing on his experience from the game. The interviewer acknowledged his skills but highlighted the crucial difference between the game and reality. She explained that in the real world, parents hire teachers from their agency primarily for exam preparation, and without a certificate or formal experience, parents would be hesitant to trust him with their children. She advised him to seek other employment.
Lu Xiao, realizing the interview was going nowhere professionally, asked if that was her only reason for meeting him. The interviewer then revealed her true, personal motive: both she and her niece were huge fans of his and simply wished to take a picture with him. Despite his disappointment, Lu Xiao agreed to the photo. Concurrently, Guan Qianya was facing the grim reality of her financial losses, as a crew arrived to repossess her car for auction.
She was instructed to vacate her house as soon as possible and sign documents confirming the repossession. She confirmed there were no personal items left in the car, allowing them to take it.
Episode 28 Recap
The scene opens with various company agents confronting Su Lie and Luo Ke, demanding they come with them, but the two men refuse, stating they will not trust anyone again. The agents argue over who holds the legitimate contracts for Su Lie and Luo Ke, some claiming exclusive management and others having advertising deals.
Just as the situation escalates, with one agent suggesting they fight for ownership and another proposing they beat them up to share the contract, Lei Na intervenes. She declares that Su Lie and Luo Ke belong solely to Yao Inc. Su Lie and Luo Ke acknowledge Lei Na, clearly relieved by her presence. That night, Guan Qianya struggles with insomnia. Xu Nian attempts to soothe her with a familiar hypnotic technique, guiding her to imagine a dark, peaceful room.
However, Guan Qianya reveals that the technique isn't failing; rather, she's had an epiphany about her next venture. She shares data with Xu Nian, highlighting that a significant percentage of young adults and the elderly suffer from insomnia, which impacts their health, careers, and daily lives. She explains that her past experience with a failed social media application, which ironically made people addicted to the virtual world, has given her valuable entrepreneurial experience.
Now, she proposes creating an application to help insomniacs, allowing those who have lost their sleep to find it again. Xu Nian supports her idea and offers to help with the proposal. Guan Qianya optimistically refers to herself as a "cockroach that can't be killed." Meanwhile, Lu Xiao joins Jiang Kele on her night shift at the beauty store.
When asked about his interview (for a piano teacher position, which was unsuccessful in the previous episode), he admits it went well but the offer was not substantial, so he plans to explore other job opportunities. Jiang Kele suggests he consider becoming a dance coach, which he decides to pursue. The next day, Lu Xiao interviews for a dance coach position.
The studio's boss is impressed by his singing and dancing skills and his current popularity, hiring him on the spot. During his first class, Lu Xiao is a hit with the female students, who eagerly seek one-on-one instruction, much to the subtle annoyance of other coaches. After class, several students invite him to dinner, but he politely declines. Jiang Kele arrives to pick him up, happy to see his popularity.
Lu Xiao expresses his pleasant surprise at the "friendly" outside world, his good salary and bonus, and the kind boss. Jiang Kele feels relieved he didn't pursue piano teaching, and they decide to celebrate his successful first day with a hot pot meal. Later, as Jiang Kele prepares for hot pot, she receives a call from Granny Fu Shun, who informs her that Su Lie and Luo Ke haven't returned home in two days.
Concurrently, Guan Qianya gets a call from Secretary Cui, who reveals that Bayhouse has been transformed into a tourist attraction and that Su Lie and Luo Ke have been spotted there. Concerned, the group heads to Bayhouse. Upon arrival, they find Su Lie and Luo Ke engaging with tourists, receiving gifts like sunscreen and wool caps.
They explain that they were deceived and nearly beaten outside, and Lei Na rescued them, bringing them back to Bayhouse and offering them their old jobs—singing, dancing, and eating—with the added duty of posing for photos with tourists. They shockingly reveal that they willingly added a clause to their contract preventing them from leaving, citing the outside world as "too dangerous" and filled with scammers.
They also claim that while they still eat fitness meals, tourists bring them delicious treats, and the more they eat, the happier the tourists are. Lu Xiao, deeply disappointed, criticizes their lack of dignity, comparing them to "monkeys in a zoo." Luo Ke retorts that humans evolved from monkeys and that they may not find a better job. Exasperated, Jiang Kele declares she will unfriend them.
Luo Ke, unfazed, provocatively tells Lu Xiao that if he and Xu Nian ever wish to return, he would plead with Xu Guanghan on their behalf. Unable to contain his anger, Lu Xiao punches Luo Ke. As they leave, Guan Qianya tries to soothe Lu Xiao, suggesting they respect Su Lie and Luo Ke's choice to stay in Bayhouse, as they have experienced the outside world and made their decision.
They then shift to more positive news, with Lu Xiao sharing his work success and Guan Qianya her new app idea. Jiang Kele enthusiastically offers to invest once she gets her next salary, and they all toast to their future endeavors. The following day, Guan Qianya and Xu Nian begin their search for investors. Their first meeting is with a mocking investor who dismisses their proposal, suggesting it should be sold as a cure for insomnia itself.
The second investor is only interested in connecting with Xu Guanghan through Xu Nian, and upon learning there's no such link, quickly loses interest. The third investor, who gives them a strict five-minute window, praises the project but condemns Guan Qianya personally.
He viciously reminds her of her failed company, "Crush On Love," and accuses her of blaming external factors for her misfortunes, asserting that she is blacklisted in the investor community and will never succeed, as she will fail in everything she does. Meanwhile, Lu Xiao faces difficulties at his new job. Female students increasingly harass him; when he rejects their advances, they threaten to cancel their memberships.
He approaches his boss to resign, but the boss dismisses his concerns about harassment as "small matters" and "normal physical skinship." Lu Xiao recounts an incident where a student offered to help him meet sales targets if he would have dinner or go to a bar with her. When he refused, she insulted him and threatened to cancel her membership.
The boss chastises Lu Xiao, calling him a "dimwit" and accusing him of lacking "social graces" and failing to understand that pleasing customers directly impacts sales and bonuses. He tells Lu Xiao that if he insists on sticking to his principles, this job isn't for him and that he won't last long in the outside world, implying he can only survive by being a "freeloader" like with Xu Guanghan.
Just then, Jiang Kele arrives to pick Lu Xiao up, only to be informed by the boss that Lu Xiao has been fired because he "doesn't love this profession enough," "doesn't understand the ways of the world," and "can only stay in Bayhouse" as "it's never easy to survive in the outside world."
Episode 29 Recap
Having failed to secure investors, Guan Qianya initially projected strength when discussing the setbacks with Xu Nian, even joking about absurd past investor meetings, including one where a Mr. Zhang tried to force her to leave her company. Xu Nian assured her they would find an investor and that he would always be by her side. However, after stepping away, Xu Nian realized Guan Qianya had been secretly crying, having been acting strong to avoid worrying him.
Overwhelmed by remorse and understanding the depth of her silent suffering, Xu Nian resolved to alleviate her burden. He soon met Lei Na, who noted his changed appearance since leaving Bayhouse, hinting at the harshness of the outside world and even offering him a primer. Xu Nian immediately pressed her about the investor he requested, surprising Lei Na with his prompt arrival.
Lei Na revealed that Xu Guanghan had sent her, explaining that despite Xu Nian's past disappointments, Xu Guanghan, as his biological father, was willing to help, but only if Xu Nian met him in person to admit his mistake and apologize. Though initially resistant, Xu Nian was swayed by Lei Na's persistent questioning of his love for Guan Qianya. Lei Na highlighted Guan Qianya's repeated humiliations and forced smiles, urging Xu Nian to set aside his self-esteem for her sake.
She promised that Xu Guanghan would invest in Guan Qianya's project anonymously, ensuring Guan Qianya would never know the sacrifice, and that only Xu Nian, Lei Na, and Xu Guanghan would be aware of it. Faced with the image of Guan Qianya's ongoing suffering, Xu Nian reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, a despondent Lu Xiao sat downstairs upon returning home, having forgotten his keys. Jiang Kele, arriving home from the market, noticed his dejection.
She gently offered him her key and, feigning ignorance of his recent job loss, asked how work was. Lu Xiao, not wanting to worry her, claimed work was "pretty well," adapting, and just a little tiring. Jiang Kele encouraged him to rest, offering to cook and reminding him she had a key for next time, subtly providing comfort.
The fragile peace in Guan Qianya's life was shattered when Qi Chuan arrived, ostensibly to visit her but quickly admitting his true intention was to mock her. He gloated about her downfall from a CEO and spiritual leader to bankruptcy, relishing her inability to secure investments. Guan Qianya retorted that he was unpopular and wasting his time, asserting that she had achieved her goal of freeing their friends.
Qi Chuan scoffed at her self-deception, claiming that Su Lie and Luo Ke were being paraded around like zoo animals, and that Lu Xiao, her best friend's boyfriend, had been fired from his job despite getting it through his looks. He suggested she ask Jiang Kele for confirmation.
Qi Chuan then turned his scorn on Xu Nian, lamenting that Xu Nian, who could have been a successful president of Yao Inc. or a celebrity, had been "seduced and brainwashed" by Guan Qianya, leading him to fall out with Xu Guanghan and lose everything. Guan Qianya defended Xu Nian, stating he didn't desire such a materialistic life and that it was only for vain people like Qi Chuan.
Unfazed, Qi Chuan declared that Xu Nian was now "kneeling down to Xu Guanghan" to secure an investor for her. Dismissing this as nonsense, Guan Qianya tried to silence him, but Qi Chuan continued, claiming Guan Qianya was a jinx, causing misfortune to those close to her, just as she had allegedly caused her father's death, and now Xu Nian would be next.
Simultaneously, Jiang Kele, having been told by Qi Chuan that Lu Xiao was now washing dishes on the street, went to verify and found Lu Xiao indeed working in an alley, being harshly reprimanded by his employer. Just as Qi Chuan's cruel words resonated, Lei Na approached Xu Nian, confirming that Xu Guanghan was satisfied with his apology and an investor had already contacted Guan Qianya. She promised secrecy and wished them happiness.
At that moment, Guan Qianya appeared, having received the call from the investor. Confronting Xu Nian outside Xu Guanghan's residence, she demanded to know if he had begged his father. Xu Nian admitted his actions, explaining he did it because he could no longer bear to see her constantly humiliated and hurt. However, Guan Qianya was deeply disappointed, declaring that all their previous efforts were now futile.
She argued that even in bankruptcy and poverty, they had maintained their dignity, but his apology to Xu Guanghan represented a complete failure. Xu Nian maintained that his desire to protect her from pain outweighed the loss of dignity, calling it his way of loving her. Guan Qianya vehemently rejected this, stating she would rather not have such love and wished they had never met.
She accused Xu Nian of sacrificing his integrity, warning that if he bowed to Xu Guanghan for investment, he would eventually return to his father for other matters, step by step, until he was completely under his control again, believing his sacrifice noble while truly being manipulated. When Xu Nian reached out to her, she recoiled, telling him she never wanted to see him again. As she stormed away, disengaging from their relationship, she was tragically struck by a car.
As Xu Nian desperately called her name, pleading for her to wake up, Guan Qianya suddenly regained consciousness in a hospital bed, realizing she had been dreaming. Xu Nian, Jiang Kele, and Lu Xiao were all in the room with her, relieved by her awakening.
In a sudden revelation, Guan Qianya understood that everything they had experienced was part of a meticulously designed game by Xu Guanghan, and they were still trapped in Bayhouse's data collection room in reality, their vital signs gradually diminishing. She urgently tried to explain the truth to Xu Nian, Jiang Kele, and Lu Xiao, but they dismissed her frantic warnings, believing she was disoriented or had suffered a head injury.
They suggested calling a doctor for a brain CT scan and psychotherapy. Though frustrated by their disbelief, Guan Qianya remained determined. Later, when Xu Nian left the room to get food, Guan Qianya confided in Jiang Kele that she knew Kele didn't believe her, but she had a way to prove that they were indeed inside a game, offering to take her to a place that would reveal the truth.
Meanwhile, unseen by the trapped participants, Xu Guanghan contemplated his actions with an unknown associate, acknowledging his own sadness at seeing them vanish, but asserting that his elaborate game, a fusion of pain and pleasure, reflected the true nature of life, hoping it would ultimately eradicate his own perceived weakness.
Episode 30 Recap
Guan Qianya brought Jiang Kele to see the Newton's cradle Kele had given her. Qianya pointed out that while a real Newton's cradle would eventually stop, theirs continued to swing indefinitely, explaining that this was a bug indicating they were currently inside a game.
To prove her point, Qianya suggested that Kele find a familiar person and ask them something only the two of them would know, stating that only she and Kele were real people confined by Xu Guanghan, while others were NPCs. Still skeptical, Jiang Kele decided to test Qianya’s theory. She approached her colleague, Qiqi, and immediately noticed something was amiss.
Qiqi, who typically used the store's cosmetics, was now using her own and couldn't recall Jiang Kele's previous job at a convenience store, a detail Kele had specifically mentioned to her. Convinced by these discrepancies, Kele realized Qianya was right. Jiang Kele gathered the others and shared Guan Qianya's revelation about the game's malfunction. She assured them that Granny Fu Shun would soon arrive, and she would prove her claims.
When Granny Fu Shun appeared, Jiang Kele began asking her specific questions about Lu Xiao's deceased mother, such as her nursing home room number, her favorite pastime, and a vital item cremated with her. Granny Fu Shun failed to answer any of these questions correctly, confirming to everyone that they were indeed trapped within a game. Realizing the gravity of their situation, Lu Xiao immediately asked Guan Qianya how they could escape.
Guan Qianya informed them that the only way out was to "die" within the game. Without hesitation, the group resolved to escape, but first, they needed to retrieve Luo Ke and Su Lie from Bayhouse, where they had been staying. Upon finding them, the group explained their predicament.
However, Luo Ke and Su Lie were content in the game, enjoying the readily available food, drinks, and entertainment, and even feeling that Xu Guanghan had forgiven them and given them new jobs. They questioned why they should leave, as Su Lie noted he was no longer afraid of women in the game and dreaded readjusting to reality.
Guan Qianya warned them that continuing to stay would lead to their real-world vital signs dropping to zero, resulting in their actual deaths. Despite the urgency, Luo Ke and Su Lie remained unwilling to leave, forcing the others to resort to physical force to bring them along. The group, now including a reluctant Luo Ke and Su Lie, stood on a rooftop. Despite Secretary Cui's acrophobia, the decision was made to jump.
Guan Qianya reassured him, even offering to push him if he couldn't jump himself. Lu Xiao jumped first, followed by others, with Kele and Guan Qianya jumping last to ensure Luo Ke and Su Lie didn't escape. As the others woke up in the real world, in what appeared to be the data collection room, Secretary Cui remained unconscious.
Xu Nian began to express concern and prepared to go back for him, but Secretary Cui suddenly woke up, explaining he had gotten stuck in a tree and had to climb back up and jump again to fully awaken. With everyone now conscious, they quickly dispersed to find an exit. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan confronted Granny Fu Shun, accusing her of betrayal and demanding to know where she had hidden Kele and Qianya.
Granny Fu Shun retorted, suggesting Xu Guanghan had already captured them, which was why she couldn't reach them. She urged him to reconsider his actions, but Xu Guanghan remained firm, stating his ideals had not yet been achieved and he would not stop. Granny Fu Shun managed to bribe her guard, who then disappeared, allowing her to escape. Sometime later, she appeared at the data collection room, rescuing the trapped group and urging them into a car.
Granny Fu Shun bravely stayed behind to cover their escape, allowing Zhang Yang to catch her instead. Zhang Yang later reported to Xu Guanghan that he had knocked Granny Fu Shun unconscious and she was now in a car, ready to be sent to Xu Guanghan's house. Xu Guanghan then instructed his assistant, Lei Na, to contact entertainment reporters.
Soon after, a news announcement on TV reported that Yao Inc. had issued an emergency statement claiming four men were impersonating characters from "Love Boys," falsely alleging confinement by Xu Guanghan to gain sympathy and money. This preemptive move by Xu Guanghan left the group feeling helpless, realizing they needed stronger evidence to expose him effectively. As they sought refuge, they discovered Zhang Yang's men guarding Guan Qianya's home, making it unsafe.
Jiang Kele decided to take Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Luo Ke, and Su Lie to her favorite mala tang stall, where the owner, a regular customer of Kele's, welcomed them warmly. Kele then went to Qiqi’s place, hoping to borrow her apartment. Qiqi explained that she lived in a shared rental and couldn't accommodate so many people. However, she mentioned that Granny Fu Shun had left a parcel for Kele at the store.
Upon retrieving the parcel, Kele discovered it contained a map with a marked location. She deduced that Granny Fu Shun, anticipating their predicament, had left them a safe place to stay. Following the map, the group arrived at a secluded treehouse in a forest, realizing it was Granny Fu Shun's secret base. As they searched for clues, Jiang Kele found a piggy bank identical to one they had seen in Bayhouse. She inserted a coin, and a holographic projection of Granny Fu Shun materialized before them.
Episode 31 Recap
After watching a video message left by Granny Fu Shun, the group learned that she had anticipated Xu Guanghan's cleverness and the current situation. She revealed that she had prepared an "ultimate trump card"—evidence sufficient to prove Xu Guanghan's guilt, which she hoped they would obtain soon to defeat him. Initially, Lu Xiao mistakenly suggested the evidence was love, but the others quickly dismissed it, confirming Granny Fu Shun wouldn't joke about such a serious matter.
They began searching the room, and soon after, a printer dispensed a sheet of paper with several lines of numbers. Lu Xiao questioned if these were the evidence. Jiang Kele, whose father is a seafarer, recognized the first two sets of numbers as latitude and longitude coordinates, while "8171" could be a password or a book's serial number. Plotting the coordinates on a map revealed the location as the Future Library.
Since it was getting late, they decided to spend the night in the cabin and head to the library the next day. Secretary Cui arranged the sleeping arrangements, with Lu Xiao sharing a room with Jiang Kele, Luo Ke with Su Lie, Xu Nian with Guan Qianya, and himself alone. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan visited Granny Fu Shun, who lay unconscious. He recalled a childhood memory where Granny Fu Shun had taken him in.
Young Xu Guanghan had asked why his parents betrayed him, to which she explained they might have betrayed each other, not him. He then asked if she would betray him, and she had promised to be with him forever. In the present, Xu Guanghan felt Granny Fu Shun had betrayed him. He told the unconscious Granny Fu Shun that he hadn't reached his goals and she should stop meddling.
The doctor attending her assured Xu Guanghan that Granny Fu Shun was strong and would soon regain consciousness under his treatment. Xu Guanghan then asked if her memory could be erased, and when the doctor said no, he ordered that she be kept in her current state. After the doctor left, Xu Guanghan commanded Granny Fu Shun to stop pretending, but she remained unresponsive. That night, Guan Qianya couldn't sleep.
Xu Nian also found himself awake and sought to sincerely apologize to Guan Qianya for his actions in the game, specifically for compromising with Xu Guanghan. He pledged that no matter what Xu Guanghan and Lei Na did in the future, he would always stand by her side. Guan Qianya acknowledged her own mistake in trying to appear strong and concealing her vulnerability, emphasizing that honesty and mutual trust were essential for them to overcome challenges together.
They both apologized, resolving their lingering issues. The following morning, Zhang Yang reported to Xu Guanghan that he couldn't find the group, despite searching Guan Qianya's office, her house, Fu Shun's house, and Secretary Cui's house; they seemed to have vanished. Xu Guanghan inferred they were hiding and instructed Lei Na to gather all of Granny Fu Shun's data. At the cabin, the group was enjoying breakfast prepared by Secretary Cui.
Secretary Cui then showed them a post from Yao Inc. falsely claiming that their cleaner, Granny Fu Shun, had been injured by four imitators and was in a coma. Concerned for Granny Fu Shun, they decided to rescue her from what Xu Nian believed was Xu Guanghan's house, after seeing it in the game. However, they realized that all seven of them going together would be too obvious and risky.
They decided to split up: Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele would proceed with the original plan to search for the evidence at the library, Xu Nian and Guan Qianya would go to Xu Guanghan's house to save Granny Fu Shun, Secretary Cui would prepare communication equipment and self-defense tools, and Su Lie and Luo Ke would stay at the cabin and remain vigilant.
Xu Guanghan, analyzing Granny Fu Shun's travel data and GPS, discovered that apart from Bayhouse, Yao Inc., and her own house, she frequently visited a specific wooden cabin in the suburbs. He immediately dispatched Zhang Yang and his men to search that location. Meanwhile, Xu Nian and Guan Qianya arrived at Xu Guanghan's house but noticed his men observing all entrances. They narrowly avoided a trap involving a wheelchair delivery and quickly left.
As Zhang Yang's men approached the suburban cabin, Secretary Cui spotted them and alerted Su Lie and Luo Ke to escape. Xu Nian and Guan Qianya, unable to rescue Granny Fu Shun, were also forced to flee back towards the suburban cabin, encountering Zhang Yang's men pursuing Secretary Cui and the others. Xu Nian engaged the pursuers to cover Guan Qianya's escape. Secretary Cui sustained a leg injury during the chaos.
Xu Nian, having drawn the pursuers away, was eventually surrounded by Zhang Yang's men. Guan Qianya instructed Luo Ke and Su Lie to take the injured Secretary Cui to a safe place, giving them contact numbers. Secretary Cui later sought refuge with his ex-wife, Li Xinyi, who helped them settle down and assured Guan Qianya of their safety.
Guan Qianya then headed to the library to meet Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele, although they had already left after finding the evidence; she also believed Xu Nian would meet them there. At the library, Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele first checked lockers for the "8171" code but found none matching. They then turned their attention to the books and successfully located a book titled "Secret" with the serial number 8171.
However, the book appeared ordinary and contained no immediate evidence. Believing the evidence might be within its content, they decided to borrow it to read carefully. As they left the library, they were spotted by Zhang Yang's men and had to run to escape the pursuit. After successfully evading their pursuers, the librarian confirmed that a man and a woman had just borrowed a book from the 8171 series.
Back at the cabin, Zhang Yang reported their escape to Xu Guanghan, expressing frustration at their failure to apprehend the group. Xu Guanghan then observed a device within the cabin. It bore the name "Jiang Kele, Store Assistant," and also displayed Granny Fu Shun's familiar message, "My dear children," signifying the extent of her careful planning over the years, including planting Jiang Kele within his company.
Episode 32 Recap
Xu Guanghan ordered his men to thoroughly search the area, leaving no corner unchecked. A key item, capable of solidifying all his criminal evidence, was being sought. One of his men questioned if this evidence might be with Fu Shun, since the protagonists had risked going to her place to save her. Xu Guanghan dismissed the idea, expressing annoyance at the mention of Fu Shun's name, stating he would have known if the evidence was with her.
Fortunately, the printer, which would have printed a paper with crucial coordinates, remained unplugged because Manager Cui had unplugged it earlier while cleaning, finding it wasteful to keep it plugged in. Meanwhile, Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao were on the run, pursued by men in black. Jiang Kele led Lu Xiao to the cosmetic shop where she worked. They managed to slip into a storage room unnoticed.
The men in black then questioned Qiqi, the cashier, asking if she had seen a guy and a girl enter, and Qiqi denied seeing them. Qiqi mentioned that the shop was having a team-building event and she was clocking out early. She then asked the men to draw the heavy shutters for her as they left. Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao quickly realized they were trapped inside.
They tried pushing and forcing the door, but it was stuck without the proper tools, and breaking it would trigger the alarm. With no other options, they resigned themselves to spending the night there, hoping someone would open it the next day. Elsewhere, the men in black reported to their boss that despite searching every room and checking every electronic device, they found no evidence.
Their boss, Xu Guanghan, remained unfazed, asserting that he would obtain the evidence eventually, regardless of its current location. Guan Qianya was still waiting at the library, where she unexpectedly ran into Qichuan. Noticing her distress, Qichuan offered to help. Guan Qianya directly asked him if Xu Guanghan was still his enemy, then confided in him about her efforts to take down Xu Guanghan.
Qichuan expressed his willingness to assist, but only on the condition that Xu Guanghan was overthrown before his concert the following week, which would allow him to perform more of his own songs. Despite finding his reason "lame," Guan Qianya accepted his help, acknowledging that he could be a significant asset. She asked him to take her to Xu Nian, who was currently missing.
Before leaving, she called Secretary Cui, asking him to send either Su Lie or Luo Ke to guard the library in case Jiang Kele and Lu Xiao returned there. Secretary Cui, who was with his ex-wife Li Xinyi, and also Su Lie and Luo Ke, had just finished explaining the situation to Li Xinyi. Li Xinyi, upon seeing Su Lie and Luo Ke in person, felt a sense of disillusionment, remarking on how different they were from their in-game appearances.
Secretary Cui tried to convince Luo Ke to go to the library, but Luo Ke hesitated, finding the outside world too dangerous. Su Lie interjected, pointing out that since Secretary Cui was injured, one of them had to go. Su Lie then put on a mask and departed. Li Xinyi, concerned about Secretary Cui's injury, insisted on taking him to the hospital, despite his protests.
Back at the cosmetic shop, Jiang Kele found Qiqi's snacks and urged Lu Xiao to eat something to rest. Jiang Kele, still troubled by matters concerning Granny Fu Shun, had little appetite. Seeing her low spirits, Lu Xiao encouraged her to close her eyes. He then turned off the lights and lit some scented candles, declaring it their "candlelight dinner" to cheer her up. Jiang Kele's mood lifted.
After their makeshift dinner, they began poring over the books they had brought from the library, hoping to find evidence within them. Jiang Kele searched for a long time without success and eventually, overcome by exhaustion, drifted off to sleep. Lu Xiao gently cradled her head with his hand, allowing her to rest, and continued his search through the books. At the library, Su Lie, who was guarding the entrance, eventually dozed off.
A passing girl recognized him and woke him up. Upon seeing her, Su Lie's past trauma resurfaced, causing him to instinctively try to flee. In his haste, the girl stumbled and fell. Su Lie, feeling a pang of empathy, turned back to help her up. He confessed his fear of women with red lips. Understanding, the girl immediately removed her lipstick, which seemed to ease Su Lie's anxiety.
She introduced herself as Zhang Lanlan and asked if he was indeed Su Lie from Love Boys, but he quickly denied it, giving a false name, Su Liang. Seeing him alone, Zhang Lanlan offered to keep him company while he waited for his friend and even invited him to play a game on her phone, which he admitted he didn't know how to use. She offered to teach him.
Meanwhile, Guan Qianya tirelessly searched for Xu Nian, revisiting all the places they had once frequented together. She finally found him at a spot known for watching fireworks, a place they had once discussed in the context of lovers meeting secretly. Relieved to find him safe, a huge weight lifted from her shoulders. Qichuan's assistant arrived with a van, and Guan Qianya called Luo Ke to inform him that she had found Xu Nian. She then planned to head to the library to reunite with the others.
Episode 33 Recap
Guan Qianya, who was already preparing to look for Luo Ke and Secretary Cui, received a call from Luo Ke informing her that they were at the hospital. Guan Qianya and the others immediately went there. Upon their arrival, Li Xinyi informed Guan Qianya that Secretary Cui had a high fever due to a wound infection and required hospitalization. Secretary Cui, upon seeing Guan Qianya, expressed concern about Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele, who were still missing.
Despite his injury, he insisted on joining the search. Guan Qianya and Li Xinyi urged him to rest and not overexert himself, assuring him that they would handle the search. Luo Ke promised to take good care of Secretary Cui, allowing Guan Qianya to leave. The next morning, Jiang Kele awoke to find herself and Lu Xiao still trapped, looking at each other. Hearing a noise at the door, she quickly urged Lu Xiao to hide.
Qiqi entered, and Jiang Kele immediately fabricated a story, claiming Qiqi had forgotten to lock the store door the previous night and she had stayed there all night, guarding it. Although initially skeptical, Qiqi eventually seemed to accept her explanation. Jiang Kele then continued her deception, excitedly telling Qiqi about a new feature in the "Love Boys" game: a VVVIP membership allowed direct character sharing between friends without the need for eye-straining contact lenses.
She then revealed Lu Xiao, presenting him as her game character, who emerged from the storage room. To convince Qiqi, Jiang Kele instructed Lu Xiao to give Qiqi a massage, which was not very successful. When Qiqi asked if there were more "exciting functions" and even tried to touch Lu Xiao's abs, Jiang Kele intervened. Qiqi then requested a kiss from Lu Xiao as an early birthday gift.
Jiang Kele agreed and, as Qiqi closed her eyes in anticipation, she and Lu Xiao seized the opportunity to make their escape. Meanwhile, at the library, Su Lie had been waiting all night, accompanied by a girl named LanIan. Su Lie thanked her for her company, and she agreed to keep in touch.
As Su Lie's friends, including Guan Qianya, Xu Nian, Luo Ke, Jiang Kele, and Lu Xiao, began to arrive and reunite, Su Lie quickly went to meet them. Qichuan revealed himself as an ally, explaining that he and Guan Qianya had teamed up against their common enemy, Xu Guanghan.
Unbeknownst to Su Lie and his friends, after they reunited, LanIan covertly took photos of the group and reported their presence to someone over the phone, stating that everyone, not just Su Lie, had shown up. Soon after, Qichuan noticed they were being followed. Fortunately, he was driving a paparazzi-proof car, which allowed them to successfully evade their pursuers and prevent being captured by Xu Guanghan.
At Qichuan's unexpectedly grand house, he immediately raised the pressing issue of their exposed whereabouts, concluding that there must be a spy among them, as they were spotted as soon as they met. While he quickly dismissed Guan Qianya and Jiang Kele as potential suspects, he expressed distrust towards Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke. Xu Nian, however, retorted that Qichuan himself was the most suspicious.
To resolve the mutual suspicion, Qichuan proposed that everyone hand over their cell phones for inspection, with Jiang Kele, deemed less likely to be a spy, acting as the notary. Qichuan’s phone was checked first, revealing messages from his agent and private doctor, which, while slightly embarrassing due to details about plastic surgery consultations, proved his innocence. Jiang Kele, Lu Xiao, and Xu Nian's phones were new and unactivated, containing no data.
Luo Ke's phone only showed a call to Guan Qianya. Finally, Su Lie’s phone revealed a suspicious chat history with a contact named LanIan, who had asked if he and his friends would return to the library. Su Lie explained that LanIan was a new friend, a Library Information Resource Management student interning at the library, preparing to study abroad, who had accompanied him all night.
Jiang Kele found it highly suspicious that a stranger would sit with him for an entire night without reason. Su Lie admitted it was odd but claimed LanIan had helped him overcome his fear of women. Guan Qianya urged him to recall more details of their conversation, prompting Su Lie to remember LanIan’s persistent questions about his friends and their lack of phones.
Growing suspicious of LanIan himself, Su Lie agreed to Guan Qianya’s plan to trick LanIan into meeting for lunch so they could question her. After a prolonged wait, the group at Qichuan’s house, including Guan Qianya, Jiang Kele, Luo Ke, and Qichuan, decided it was unsafe for Su Lie to be alone, so they went to the library to check on him.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiao and Xu Nian remained at Qichuan's house, with Lu Xiao expressing his growing distrust towards Qichuan, noting how quickly he seemed to be sowing discord among their group and swaying Guan Qianya and Jiang Kele to his side. Upon arriving at the library, the group found Su Lie still there with LanIan, who was on the phone, overheard saying she had "stalled Su Liang" (referring to Su Lie). The group confronted them, taking LanIan's phone.
Guan Qianya accused LanIan of being a spy sent by Xu Guanghan, pointing to a contact named "Hanhan" on her phone. LanIan clarified that "Hanhan" was merely her best friend, who, when called, confirmed that they had planned to persuade the "fake Su Lie" (as they believed him to be an Y4 imitator) to stop his deceptive behavior.
LanIan explained that she was a "Love Boys" game player who had seen news about Y4 imitators and, after meeting Su Lie, believed he was simply misguided. She had hoped to guide him back to the right path with her friend, never expecting to encounter a celebrity and a "big boss" behind him. Despite LanIan's explanation, Jiang Kele remained cautious, suggesting LanIan might be an experienced spy. To completely dispel their doubts, Qichuan suggested calling Xu Guanghan directly.
When LanIan called Xu Guanghan, he clearly didn't recognize her, further confirming her innocence. Realizing their mistake, Guan Qianya apologized to LanIan. LanIan, while accepting the apology, still advised them to "stop scamming around." Su Lie attempted to clarify that he was not an imitator, but Guan Qianya quickly silenced him, instructing LanIan to forget everything that had happened and not to mention it to anyone. As compensation for the misunderstanding, Qichuan offered LanIan a VVIP concert ticket.
Su Lie, evidently smitten, asked if he could still message LanIan, but Guan Qianya intervened, telling him to stop contacting her to avoid causing her harm. Su Lie reluctantly complied, clearly disappointed.
Episode 34 Recap
That evening, Guan Qianya and Qichuan finally returned, sparking an intense discussion among the group. Xu Nian expressed his frustration that Zhang LanIan was not the spy, feeling they had wasted an entire day when their priority should be securing the evidence. Lu Xiao agreed, arguing that if a spy truly existed among them, Xu Guanghan would have already captured them. However, Qichuan countered that without identifying the mole, any evidence they found could easily be stolen.
Qichuan insisted on an investigation, including phone checks and body searches, stating he didn't trust any of them who had escaped from Bayhouse. Lu Xiao, enraged by the lack of trust, refused to cooperate and declared he wouldn't participate in their "game." Jiang Kele attempted to intervene, but Qichuan advised leaving Lu Xiao alone for the night. The following morning, a note and a phone were discovered missing, and Lu Xiao was nowhere to be found.
This led many to suspect Lu Xiao was the spy, explaining his refusal to be searched. Jiang Kele vehemently denied this, believing Lu Xiao had fled because of the previous night's arguments and not due to guilt. She tried calling him, but his number was unavailable, which others interpreted as further proof of his treachery. Jiang Kele, however, remained steadfast, asserting that even if Lu Xiao were the spy, he must have had his reasons.
Meanwhile, Lu Xiao was at a library, diligently examining staff ID badges. He noted one for a librarian, No. 8156, and another for a cleaner, No. 8171. Following his lead, he found the cleaner, Lao Zhang, and introduced himself, stating Granny Fu Shun had sent him. Lao Zhang cautiously asked if Lu Xiao was alone, and upon confirmation, led him to a small room.
Unbeknownst to them, Xu Guanghan's boss was already informed that Lu Xiao had met with a cleaner, and an ambush was being prepared for when Lu Xiao retrieved the evidence. Lao Zhang emerged from the room with a folder, handing it to Lu Xiao with instructions to open it when he was alone. As soon as Lu Xiao received the folder, Xu Guanghan's men sprang into action. Lu Xiao immediately fled, creating a diversion.
Simultaneously, Guan Qianya, Xu Nian, Jiang Kele, and Qichuan arrived at the library, also encountering Xu Guanghan's men. Qichuan, wary of their numbers, suggested they split into pairs; he joined Xu Nian, while Jiang Kele paired with Qianya. He warned the two women that Lu Xiao, suspected of being the spy, could be dangerous. Spotting Guan Qianya cornered by their pursuers, Lu Xiao rushed to her aid, pushing her to safety before leading both her and Jiang Kele away.
Once they reached a secure location, Lu Xiao reaffirmed he was not the spy. Jiang Kele readily believed him, and Qianya, who had previously harbored doubts, now trusted him, realizing he wouldn't have saved her if he were the mole. Lu Xiao revealed he had found the "evidence," explaining that the number 8171 referred to Lao Zhang, the library cleaner, whom he had heard Granny Fu Shun mention before.
Upon opening the folder, they found only a single piece of paper with the words "See you again." Lu Xiao deduced that Lao Zhang must have realized Xu Guanghan's men were closing in, hence the ambiguous message. He now admitted his earlier mistake in not believing there was a spy, noting how quickly Xu Guanghan's men had appeared.
The group discussed the possibility of a mole, considering that someone might have turned after the treehouse attack, during their separation, or if a new person had joined them. They dismissed Qichuan as a suspect, as he had provided them a safe haven and actively tried to find the mole.
While Su Lie's suspicion had been cleared by Zhang LanIan, Lu Xiao suggested they shouldn't rule out the possibility that the mole had colluded with Xu Guanghan beforehand, deliberately creating a false impression. Lu Xiao then pointed out Xu Nian's recent strange behavior, suspecting he was hiding something. He recalled Xu Nian's earlier insistence on prioritizing evidence over finding the spy. Guan Qianya also remembered Xu Nian's inconsistent reactions during their dispute.
Jiang Kele added that on the day they were separated, Xu Nian, despite knowing everyone was going to the library, chose to watch fireworks by the lake. Qianya conceded their points, agreeing that Xu Nian’s actions were peculiar. Jiang Kele then announced she had a plan to identify the spy. Later, Qichuan received a call from Qianya, confirming she and Jiang Kele were safe with Lu Xiao, and that Lu Xiao was not the spy, having found the evidence.
Upon their return to Qichuan's house, Lu Xiao announced that Lao Zhang had given him a new address for the evidence, contained within an envelope. They decided to rest and depart the next morning. However, later that night, Guan Qianya secretly met with Xu Nian, explaining that the ambush at the library proved a spy was still among them.
She revealed that the "tomorrow morning" plan was a decoy for the spy, and the real operation would be tonight to catch Xu Guanghan by surprise. She handed Xu Nian a fake address, Lot 312, Dadu Road, trusting him implicitly and instructing him to contact her no matter what happened. Similarly, Jiang Kele gave Luo Ke a fake address (Lot 18, Baihua Road), and Lu Xiao gave Su Lie another fake address (Lot 29, Fahua Road).
Qichuan revealed he had set up surveillance cameras at these three locations to identify the spy based on where Xu Guanghan's men appeared. As they waited, Jiang Kele proposed a game, betting on who the mole was. She bet on Xu Nian. Qichuan bet on Luo Ke, and Xu Nian reluctantly followed suit.
Back at Xu Guanghan's base, his boss expressed frustration over the failed library operation, learning that Lu Xiao had only obtained a new address, not the evidence itself. He instructed his subordinate not to go to Qichuan's house. Meanwhile, Xu Guanghan's men appeared at Luo Ke's fake address (Lot 29, Fahua Road). Seeing this, the group concluded Luo Ke was the spy. Qichuan immediately declared his house unsafe and urged everyone to leave.
As they prepared to depart, Luo Ke returned, frantically announcing that their operation had been exposed, as he had seen Xu Guanghan's men at the address he was given and had rushed back to warn them. Lu Xiao retorted that Luo Ke had exposed them, not that their location was compromised. Luo Ke denied being the spy, questioning why he would return to warn them if he were.
Lu Xiao explained that Luo Ke returned because the address was fake, he found no evidence, and needed to maintain his charade. Once the real evidence was secured, he would help Xu Guanghan capture them all. Su Lie, though hesitant, noted that only Luo Ke's given address had been compromised. Despite Luo Ke’s insistence that he never contacted Xu Guanghan, they refused to believe him and abandoned him, telling him to go anywhere, just away from them.
Qichuan then suggested "Chuan's City" as a new safe location. During their transfer, Xu Nian asked Lu Xiao for the real address. Lu Xiao revealed that Lao Zhang had only said "meet again" and hadn't provided any contact information. With Lao Zhang's whereabouts now exposed, returning to the library was too risky, and they had no other leads. They then considered Zhang LanIan, realizing she might be the only one who could contact Lao Zhang.
Su Lie attempted to message her, only to find he was blocked. Calling her proved fruitless as she didn't pick up. Desperate, they decided to wait for her at her neighborhood entrance. When they finally confronted her, Zhang LanIan explained she had blocked Su Lie because Guan Qianya had previously instructed them not to contact each other. They explained their predicament, asking if she knew the library cleaner, Mr. Zhang. She confirmed she knew him but didn't have his phone number and firmly refused to get involved in their troubles any further.
Episode 35 Recap
Su Lie, facing LanIan's refusal to help, decided not to press the matter further. Before leaving, he returned a notebook she had left behind in the library. LanIan hesitated to take it, stating she already had a new one. After Su Lie departed, LanIan reflected on her interactions with him, acknowledging his good character. She eventually unblocked Su Lie and sent him Mr. Zhang's contact information, which she had obtained.
Meanwhile, Luo Ke, separated from the others, found himself at a Spicy Hot Pot stall. He asked the owner for some food, offering to work in exchange. The kind owner agreed and took him in. While working at the stall, Luo Ke had an encounter with a girl named Qiqi. After she forgot to pay for her meal, he caught up with her and asked if he could add her on WeChat. Qiqi agreed, and they exchanged contact information.
Luo Ke then introduced himself to her. Guan Qianya and the others quickly contacted Mr. Zhang and arrived at the abandoned factory where he had arranged to meet them. They searched the factory until Mr. Zhang finally arrived. Eagerly, they asked about the evidence he had for them. Mr. Zhang revealed that the evidence comprised complete information about Lu Xiao and the others' true backgrounds.
He clarified that Su Lie was not rescued by Xu Guanghan but was, in fact, abducted by Xu Guanghan's own men. Similarly, Luo Ke was snatched from his parents by Xu Guanghan. Mr. Zhang then produced a U-disk, explaining that it contained their parents' home addresses, contact numbers, and their birth certificates, all painstakingly collected over the years by Granny Fu Shun. As Xu Nian took the U-disk from Lu Xiao, Zhang Yang's men suddenly surrounded them.
Xu Nian's demeanor changed completely as he declared that their attempts to find a mole had been like a game. He revealed that he had overheard Jiang Kele's test at the entrance, which allowed him to intentionally frame Luo Ke. Xu Nian then took the evidence, instructing Zhang Yang's men to capture Guan Qianya and the others, before quickly departing on a motorcycle, seemingly to deliver the evidence.
Guan Qianya managed to break through the encirclement and intercepted Xu Nian outside. Despite their past relationship, Xu Nian was utterly cold and emotionless towards her. Desperate, Guan Qianya told him that if he was no longer the Xu Nian she knew, he should run her over, or she wouldn't let him leave. Without hesitation, he drove his motorcycle directly towards her.
Fortunately, Jiang Kele arrived just in time, riding her own motorcycle and crashing into Xu Nian's, knocking him off. Guan Qianya was startled, but Jiang Kele was unharmed. They moved towards the fallen Xu Nian to retrieve the evidence, only to discover wires exposed on his body, revealing he was not the real Xu Nian, but a robot.
As they stood in confusion, Zhang Yang called Guan Qianya, informing her that the real Xu Nian had been captured in the forest earlier. The real Xu Nian had refused to reveal their whereabouts, even giving false information when pressed. Xu Guanghan had previously developed four robots, identical to humans, for the upcoming "Virtual Lover" concert. These robots were cold, emotionless, and completely loyal to him.
Zhang Yang then informed Guan Qianya that Xu Nian was being held captive, hanging from a rooftop. He demanded she come alone to exchange the evidence for him, threatening Xu Nian's life if anyone else moved. Guan Qianya complied. After she handed over the evidence to Zhang Yang, he released Xu Nian, who was hanging precariously. Guan Qianya immediately rushed forward to grab the rope, and the others quickly joined her, together managing to pull Xu Nian to safety.
Upon learning that Zhang Yang had secured the evidence, Xu Guanghan officially commenced the concert. During the event, he made a grand announcement to the wildly enthusiastic audience, unveiling the AI robot versions of Y4. He explained that their long-held wish to have the members as "real" boyfriends was finally coming true.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
Yao Inc. CEO Xu Guanghan unveiled his latest creation, the Y4 AI robots, to a stadium full of enthusiastic fans. He declared that after the global success of the virtual "Love Boys" characters, people now yearned for tangible lovers. Xu Guanghan presented Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke, proclaiming them to be perfect, life-like AI robots.
He then instructed the "Lavender members" in the audience to log into Yao Inc.'s official website, announcing the immediate sale of 1,000 units of each Y4 model. The robots swiftly sold out, prompting Xu Guanghan to promise a wider official launch the following week, allowing fans to enjoy the "performance of the real Y4." However, the performance took an unexpected turn when Lu Xiao paused the music and revealed that they were not AI robots but real human beings.
This public declaration came after a critical series of events: Brother Lao Zhang, at Jiang Kele’s request, had alerted the police and apprehended Zhang Yang at an abandoned factory, successfully recovering vital evidence. The police then escorted the real Y4 members to the concert venue, where they infiltrated the backstage area to disable the AI robots. Concurrently, Jiang Kele had tracked down Luo Ke, who also goes by Luo Wenxuan, at a malatang stall.
She convinced him to join them in exposing Xu Guanghan's crimes, appealing to his desire to live authentically as Luo Wenxuan. On stage, the real Lu Xiao, Xu Nian, Su Lie, and Luo Ke courageously exposed Xu Guanghan's deceit. Lu Xiao revealed that they had been held captive in Bayhouse by Xu Guanghan since childhood, forced to provide data for the Love Boys virtual characters, and were meant to be imprisoned indefinitely once the Y4 AI robots were fully launched.
Lu Xiao vehemently condemned Xu Guanghan for his ruthless pursuit of goals and the elimination of dissenters, stating that he deserved to spend the rest of his life in jail. As Xu Guanghan was apprehended by the police, Lei Na attempted to intervene, but Jiang Kele and Guan Qianya confronted her. After a brief struggle, in which Guan Qianya displayed some moves she had learned, they subdued Lei Na.
Lu Xiao then addressed the crowd, expressing profound gratitude to Jiang Kele and Guan Qianya. He credited their courage and kindness with awakening the Y4 members' hope for the real world and enabling them to reclaim their own lives. In the audience, Qiqi realized that Luo Wenxuan was indeed the real Luo Ke, while Zhang Lanlan understood her previous misunderstanding of Su Lie. Both women then went on stage to reunite with Su Lie and Luo Ke respectively.
Following Xu Guanghan's arrest, Qi Chuan, whose music copyrights were recovered, opted for a path true to his artistic roots. Despite his manager’s efforts to prepare a major concert and maintain his celebrity status, he chose to perform on the streets. He explained that this allowed him to regain the contentment and happiness he felt before signing with Yao Inc., emphasizing that singing was for his own joy, not for money or external validation.
Luo Ke, now living openly as Luo Wenxuan, thrived in the e-sports world, winning the championship in the Greater China E-sports League. Inspired by his ability to live authentically, he confessed his long-held feelings for Qiqi, who ecstatically accepted him, admitting she had been waiting for him to make the first move. Su Lie found fulfillment as a tae kwon do instructor, diligently teaching children not only martial arts but also crucial safety lessons.
Meanwhile, Zhang Lanlan surprised Su Lie by arriving a day early to pick him up, presenting him with a thoughtful gift. Guan Qianya experienced a remarkable resurgence in her business. The very Mr. Zhang who had previously sought to acquire her company now faced the tables turned, as his own company succumbed to mismanagement and was poised for acquisition by Guan Qianya.
Mr. Zhang requested to remain in the company, but Guan Qianya, supported by Xu Nian, coolly reminded him of his past tactics and the harsh realities of business, forcing him to sell and depart. Guan Qianya asserted that her actions were simply business, not revenge. Concurrently, Lu Xiao successfully launched his career in the entertainment industry, with Jiang Kele taking on the role of his manager.
While discussing his next day's schedule, Lu Xiao requested she cancel his commitments for a group outing. Jiang Kele, despite her managerial duties, approved as his girlfriend. The group later gathered at Granny Fu Shun's house for a joyful reunion dinner. Lu Xiao and Jiang Kele, now openly a couple, playfully bickered about their public image as she managed his burgeoning career. They celebrated Luo Ke's e-sports championship.
Granny Fu Shun prepared a lavish spread, including a dish of "Cola fish" named after Jiang Kele. The evening took a heartwarming turn when Jiang Kele’s father made a surprise appearance, announcing he was back for good, fulfilling her long-cherished wish. Overwhelmed with happiness, Jiang Kele remarked that it felt so perfect it was almost unreal, as if she were "back in the game."
This startled her friends, who promptly pulled out their personal Newton's Cradles to confirm they were indeed in the real world. Reassured, they raised a toast, ironically acknowledging Xu Guanghan for inadvertently leading them to their newfound freedom and happiness.
