Love Me Like I Do Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love Me Like I Do Synopsis
Tian Tian is an illustration designer and it has always been her dream to become a designer of fashion toys.
When she applied for a job as a designer for the Qian Sheng Group, she found that the Group's new products had been copied from her previous illustrations.
After Tian Tian demanded for compensation several times, she attracted the attention of Liu Xilai, the president of the group.
He not only buys the copyright of the plagiarized work, but also allows Tian Tian to work for Qian Sheng Group as a designer of fashion toys, and also as the president's special assistant to help him with some personal matters.
At first Tian Tian is able to do both with her own diligence and enthusiasm, but as special assistant's work increases, Tian Tian becomes more and more exhausted and unable to meet Liu Xilai's demands. They have a lot of conflicts in both work and life.
When the Qian Sheng Group is in crisis, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian work together to protect the group. Their feelings for each other are also strengthened.
Together, their colleagues and friends are growing up in their careers.
Love Me Like I Do Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Tian Tian, a vibrant illustrator and aspiring designer toy artist, holds a strong belief that dreams serve as guides, and hard work leads to good fortune. She enthusiastically approaches her interview at Qiansheng Group, a major toy company in Asia now venturing into the niche designer toy market. Meanwhile, Liu Xilai, the meticulous President of Qiansheng Group, is a workaholic who plans his time down to the minute, believing that mastering time is key to controlling one's destiny.
Having brought the company to unprecedented heights in less than two years, he often appears cold and wears sunglasses. He is also known for his peculiar aversion to the color red, a condition advised by a master who stated gold brings him prosperity while red brings him ill fortune.
Consequently, Qiansheng Group enforces a strict no-red policy for all interviewees, even extending to lipstick and accessories, which Tian Tian finds quite odd, especially since her interview piece is a red toy. Liu Xilai himself uses special red-light filtering sunglasses to manage this condition. During her interview, Tian Tian is dismayed to discover that Kevin, the Design Director and her interviewer, has plagiarized her "Thorned Roses Cute Pets series" illustration, created three years prior.
She confronts Kevin, pointing out the striking similarities in his design of a cutesy stone lion, particularly the "thorned roses" element, which she clarifies contains a hidden "Tian" logo as her unique easter egg. Kevin, flustered and angered by her accusations, dismisses her claims as "false accusations" and "making a scene," having security forcibly remove her from the premises. Infuriated by the injustice, Tian Tian vows to fight for her rights, comparing the plagiarism to having her child stolen.
She is subsequently blocked from entering the Qiansheng Group building, so she decides to wait outside, determined to confront Liu Xilai. As Liu Xilai arrives, Tian Tian intercepts him, explaining Kevin's plagiarism. Liu Xilai, indifferent, dismisses her concerns, stating his time is too valuable for such trivial matters. Tian Tian retorts that a CEO who tolerates plagiarism will lead his company to ruin. Frustrated, she throws her red designer toy at him.
In his attempt to dodge, Liu Xilai’s special red-light filtering sunglasses fall off, and the sight of the red toy triggers a severe dizzy spell, causing him to collapse. Tian Tian is startled and initially thinks Liu Xilai is deliberately faking the incident to frame her. He is rushed to the hospital, though he is not seriously injured. Kevin tries to blame Tian Tian, accusing her of ill-behavior, assaulting Liu Xilai, and framing him.
However, Liu Xilai, after regaining consciousness, instructs his Assistant Tang to investigate all materials related to the plagiarized designer toy. Assistant Tang notes that it has been a long time since Liu Xilai fainted from seeing red. Later, Kevin calls Tian Tian, revealing he knows her personal details, including her family background from her resume, and attempts to threaten her future, warning her to think about her prospects before stirring up trouble.
Tian Tian defiantly rejects his intimidation, declaring plagiarism is her bottom line and she will defend her rights until the very end. Kevin then tries to bribe her with money to drop the issue, but she adamantly refuses the offer. Tian Tian confides in her roommate and entertainment journalist friend, Rose, about her difficulty accessing Liu Xilai, especially since she's been blacklisted from Qiansheng Group.
Rose, confident in her investigative skills, promises to find Liu Xilai's schedule to help Tian Tian get her justice. Liu Xilai’s uncle arranges a blind date for him with Qian Qian, a renowned campus beauty. Liu Xilai, however, is completely uninterested, finding her attempts at conversation tedious. He sarcastically suggests she converse with his company's new AI robot, offering her a discount. Qian Qian, insulted, exits.
Tian Tian, armed with Rose's information, appears at the same private club, disguised as a job applicant. She confronts Liu Xilai again, loudly demanding justice and conspicuously displaying a T-shirt emblazoned with "Say no to plagiarism" in large red letters. The sight of the red text triggers another dizzy spell in Liu Xilai. As he sways, he leans towards Tian Tian, who initially thinks he is faking the incident again.
To his astonishment, upon physical contact with Tian Tian, his dizziness immediately vanishes. He quickly checks, finding that as long as he touches her, he no longer succumbs to red. While Liu Xilai is preoccupied with this discovery, Tian Tian passionately points out the intricate details of the plagiarism, feeling frustrated that he seems distracted by her every attempt to explain with repeated comments of "unbelievable."
Liu Xilai assures her he was listening intently and promises a prompt and fair investigation. Tian Tian warns him not to be perfunctory, or she will resort to legal action and media exposure. After she leaves, Liu Xilai marvels at this "miracle" and asks Assistant Tang to schedule an appointment with Doctor Li.
Episode 2 Recap
Liu Xilai, surprised by Tian Tian's unique ability to alleviate his vertigo upon physical contact, repeatedly tests this phenomenon, confirming that her touch indeed prevents his dizziness when he sees red. He consults his personal physician, Li Huai, who explains that Liu Xilai suffers from Ai'er-shi Syndrome, commonly known as hemophobia, which, in his case, manifests as heightened sensitivity to red due to specific past stimuli, causing vertigo.
Liu Xilai shares his astonishing discovery about Tian Tian, and Li Huai suggests that she could be the "key" to overcoming his condition, offering a chance for him to lead a normal life and dispel the misunderstandings surrounding his eccentric behaviors. Meanwhile, Assistant Tang reports to Liu Xilai that investigations have confirmed Kevin's plagiarism of Tian Tian's illustrations.
Liu Xilai immediately fires Kevin, asserting Qiansheng Group's zero-tolerance policy against intellectual property theft, and assures Tian Tian that she will receive proper attribution and fair copyright fees. He also instructs Assistant Tang to conduct a comprehensive background check on Tian Tian. With Qiansheng Group venturing into the designer toy market, board member Wen Zhicai urges Liu Xilai to attend an upcoming designer toy dinner party, highlighting the presence of Luo Ci, a renowned guru in the field.
Liu Xilai, initially reluctant and preferring a private meeting, learns from Assistant Tang that Luo Ci's packed schedule makes this impossible. Realizing the critical opportunity for Qiansheng Group, and thinking of Tian Tian, Liu Xilai agrees to attend, despite the dinner's Chinese-Red theme, which would typically trigger his erythrophobia. Assistant Tang expresses strong reservations about Liu Xilai's decision, emphasizing the lack of control over event security and decor, and Liu Xilai's inability to wear sunglasses.
He recounts his disastrous attempts to investigate Tian Tian, detailing how she inadvertently damaged his new bike and caused him a painful back injury. Assistant Tang warns Liu Xilai that Tian Tian, despite her sweet appearance, is like "cotton candy on the outside, a bomb on the inside," and advises him to "cherish his life and stay away from Miss Tian."
Liu Xilai, however, dismisses the warnings, finding Tian Tian "lively and vigorous," and instructs Assistant Tang to bring her to his office to discuss the plagiarism matter. Upon Tian Tian's arrival, she is satisfied with the swift and just resolution of the plagiarism case, stating that justice was her only demand. Liu Xilai then proposes a bold offer: to bring her as his companion to the designer toy dinner party.
His condition is that she must hold his hand throughout the event. Tian Tian, perceiving this as a "filthy request" from a "rascal," is outraged and immediately refuses, even as Liu Xilai attempts to sweeten the deal with more money. That evening, Tian Tian confides in her friend, Rosy, about Liu Xilai's bizarre invitation.
Rosy playfully suggests it's a classic "domineering boss falling in love" scenario, but Tian Tian dismisses it, painting Liu Xilai as a "psycho" with severe psychological issues. Rosy encourages Tian Tian and warns her to be cautious of potential retaliation from Kevin. Unfazed, Tian Tian expresses her determination to seek opportunities with other companies after her initial interview was ruined. Undeterred by Tian Tian's repeated rejections, Liu Xilai remains convinced that he can persuade her with the right incentives.
After a brief encounter where Liu Xilai intervenes to protect Tian Tian from a stalker in her neighborhood, which she politely acknowledges but still refuses his invitation, he continues his persistent efforts. All his increasingly generous financial offers fail to sway her. It is only when Liu Xilai presents her with the gala invitation, highlighting the presence of her idol, Senior Luo Ci, that Tian Tian, overcome with excitement at the prospect of meeting him, readily accepts.
Liu Xilai then humorously scolds Assistant Tang for his investigative shortcomings, implying he should have known about Tian Tian's idol earlier. On the night of the Chinese-Red-themed World Designer Toy Gala, Tian Tian, elegant in a white gown, helps Liu Xilai fasten his red bow tie, while he adorns her hair with a red hairpin to match the event's theme. As they sign the guestbook, Liu Xilai accidentally draws a heart between his name and Luo Ci's.
Tian Tian teases him about his apparent nervousness but eagerly anticipates meeting Senior Luo Ci, whose signature she admires. Liu Xilai, relishing the ability to attend the red-themed event without his usual vertigo, feels as if he has a "cheat code." He even confidently signs his name with his left hand. Their evening is interrupted by Wen Xian, a famous painter and Liu Xilai's childhood friend, who harbors feelings for him.
Wen Xian confronts Tian Tian, subtly challenging her role as Liu Xilai's companion. Tian Tian, however, confidently retorts that Liu Xilai is the one holding onto her. Liu Xilai quickly intervenes, asserting Tian Tian's unique importance to him and excusing himself from Wen Xian. Tian Tian, noticing Wen Xian's hostility, directly asks Liu Xilai if Wen Xian is romantically interested in him.
Liu Xilai, attributing their connection to family ties and his busy schedule, dismisses the notion, prompting Tian Tian to playfully question his "charm." Soon after, they approach Luo Ci. Tian Tian greets her "senior brother" with excitement. Liu Xilai introduces himself and proposes a lucrative three-year collaboration to develop a designer toy IP matrix. Luo Ci, however, states his disinterest, explaining he is there for leisure, not business.
Observing an archery challenge, Liu Xilai, confident in his ability to withstand red, challenges Luo Ci to a contest. Liu Xilai flawlessly hits five ten-rings, while Luo Ci barely misses with nine rings on his final shot. Tian Tian jokingly chides Liu Xilai for not going easy on a potential business partner, but he asserts he only used half his strength. As the victor, Liu Xilai offers his prize to Luo Ci, declaring, "I'm here only for you today."
Misinterpreting this earnest gesture and recalling the heart drawn on the signing board, Luo Ci politely declines, stating firmly that he is "very straight," and still refuses to collaborate. As the gala host begins his speech, Luo Ci deliberately avoids Liu Xilai. A throng of women surrounds Liu Xilai, pushing Tian Tian away. Suddenly, red balloons suspended from the ceiling burst, showering the attendees with red fragments. Overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of red, Liu Xilai begins to faint.
Just as he starts to collapse, Tian Tian rushes to his side, scolding him, "Why did you faint again?" She embraces him, her touch instantly stabilizing him and preventing his condition from worsening. Later, in a lighter moment, Liu Xilai enjoys some delicious strawberry-flavored dessert. Tian Tian offers to get him more, prompting Assistant Tang to remark on how they appear to be "like-minded meal pals."
Episode 3 Recap
Liu Xilai, grateful for Tian Tian's assistance and convinced she is crucial for managing his unusual condition, instructed Assistant Tang to draft a contract for her as a senior employee of Qiansheng Group. He told her to review it at home, hinting at a pleasant surprise. However, when Tian Tian and her friend Rose examined the document, they discovered the position offered was "President's Life Assistant."
Feeling deeply insulted, Tian Tian angrily deemed the offer "damage is not big, but extremely insulting," and resolved to confront Liu Xilai the next day. Upon their confrontation, Tian Tian reminded Liu Xilai that she had interviewed for a designer toy designer role, not a life assistant. Liu Xilai affirmed that "President's Life Assistant" was indeed a senior position and implied she hadn't yet seen the generous salary offered.
Unmoved, Tian Tian rejected his belief that money could solve all problems and harshly criticized his impolite habit of wearing sunglasses, his attempts to physically engage her under the guise of "social graces," and his arrogant, mafia boss-like demeanor. She flatly refused to be his life assistant, calling him a "weirdo" and a "fragile man" for trying to bribe her. Despite her strong words, Liu Xilai remained confident that she would eventually be captivated by his leadership and charm.
He then instructed Assistant Tang to proceed with a "keep trying" strategy. Liu Xilai initiated his "keep trying" strategy, first presenting Tian Tian with another high-paying contract at her door. However, she rejected it without even signing, amusing Assistant Tang with a "signature that resembles an amphibian." Next, he approached her during her night run, reminding her of a previous stalking incident and offering protection from his bodyguards, along with a special assistant's salary.
Tian Tian vehemently refused, asserting that she would feel safer if he simply stopped following her. She challenged him to reveal his true motives, to which Liu Xilai, highlighting his wealth and success, merely stated he simply wanted her as his life assistant, citing her strength and spirited nature. The public, observing Liu Xilai's sunglasses during the night run, mistakenly gossiped that Tian Tian's "mafia boyfriend" was showing off.
Later, Assistant Tang advised Liu Xilai that his high-profile tactics were counterproductive for Tian Tian, who preferred a low-key life. Adopting a new approach, Liu Xilai took Tian Tian to a casual street food stall, setting up a quirky "fancy foods with chopsticks and champagne with plastic cups" dinner. He hoped this familiar, comfortable setting would encourage her to reconsider.
Tian Tian, however, questioned his "abnormal" methods and pressed him on why he was so insistent on her becoming his life assistant. Liu Xilai responded that she was "irreplaceable" to him and he "really needed her." Tian Tian, interpreting his words as a "romantic investment," decisively rejected him once more, believing he harbored ulterior motives.
She later confided in Rose, describing Liu Xilai's persistence as harassment and her narrow escape from a typical "bossy rich man falls in love with a normal girl" drama. Rose, a journalist, promised to uncover Liu Xilai's secrets. Meanwhile, Wen Xian, who planned to establish herself in China, visited Liu Xilai, bringing a "homemade" lunchbox she claimed to have prepared. She expressed her hope for his future support.
Liu Xilai, however, coolly thanked her, passed the lunch to Assistant Tang, and excused himself, stating he had to attend an executive's wedding. Assistant Tang then politely escorted a disappointed Wen Xian out. At the traditional Chinese wedding, Liu Xilai quickly offered his congratulations, apologizing for his early departure and explaining that traditional red ceremonies were a "taboo" for him before having Assistant Tang present his wedding gift.
During the event, Rose was spotted taking photos, leading to a chase by Assistant Tang and his bodyguards, which she skillfully evaded. Later, Rose shared her findings with Tian Tian, revealing Liu Xilai's impressive background as an Ivy League graduate who transformed Qiansheng Group into an industry leader, hailing him as a "funny, capable, and rich boss." Tian Tian, still unimpressed, dismissed him as merely "funny."
Rose also showed Tian Tian a photo of Liu Xilai having covered a wedding decoration, a 'double happiness' character, with a promotional poster for his products. Concerned by his bizarre behavior, Tian Tian warned Rose to cease her investigation and to protect herself from both Liu Xilai and a potential stalker, handing her a pepper spray for safety. Wen Xian made another attempt to connect with Liu Xilai, suggesting they try a popular new restaurant.
Initially, Liu Xilai claimed to be busy, but relented when Wen Xian reminded him they hadn't shared a meal since her return to China, agreeing to make time and book a restaurant. Concurrently, Tian Tian faced a series of rejections from various toy companies for designer positions, causing her significant distress. She walked despondently in the rain, questioning her own capabilities. Assistant Tang informed Liu Xilai about Tian Tian's repeated interview failures, suggesting someone might be deliberately "blocking her way."
Liu Xilai, while denying any unethical involvement due to his "high moral standards," recognized Tian Tian's vulnerable state as a prime "opportunity." Spotting her in the rain, he immediately cancelled his pre-arranged dinner with Wen Xian, instructing Assistant Tang to inform her he would reschedule. He then went to find Tian Tian, umbrella in hand, intending to offer support without mentioning money.
When Assistant Tang delivered the cancellation message, citing urgent work, Wen Xian suspected "that girl" was the real reason and promptly called someone abroad, urging them to return to China as "reinforcements." Tian Tian angrily confronted Liu Xilai, accusing him of stalking her again and orchestrating her job rejections.
She dismissed his attempts to discuss the life assistant role or his advice to prioritize "bread over dreams," firmly telling him to mind his own business and emphasizing her unwavering determination to overcome challenges. She lashed out, calling him a privileged individual who couldn't understand the struggles of ordinary people and had no right to judge their lives.
Liu Xilai, in turn, defended himself, highlighting the immense responsibility he carried as head of Qiansheng Group, bearing the livelihoods of hundreds of employees, and stressing that he "can't collapse" under pressure. In her frustration, Tian Tian pushed his arm, causing his umbrella and sunglasses to fall. At that precise moment, a red car drove past, and Liu Xilai collapsed.
Hearing the commotion, Tian Tian turned, rushed to his side, and, with Assistant Tang's help, transported him to the hospital, openly questioning the frequency of his fainting spells. Assistant Tang, once again, vaguely attributed it to "low blood sugar." At the hospital, Tian Tian instructed Assistant Tang to convey to Liu Xilai that she would forgive his past actions if he agreed to leave her alone in the future.
Assistant Tang then revealed the truth: it was Kevin, not Liu Xilai, who had sabotaged her job interviews. Liu Xilai, now conscious, corroborated this. He apologized for "using the wrong guy," accepting responsibility, and immediately ordered Assistant Tang to remove Kevin from the designer toy industry entirely. Realizing her mistake, Tian Tian also apologized for her impulsive outburst. Wishing him a swift recovery, she prepared to leave, playfully calling him a "runt" too weak to "extort money from anyone."
Liu Xilai, offended, retorted that he had abs and was far from weak. As Tian Tian was departing, she overheard Assistant Tang instructing a nurse to ensure no red items were present in Liu Xilai's room and to avoid blood tests. When the nurse inquired about a history of hemophobia, Assistant Tang, citing patient privacy, avoided a direct answer. This conversation, coupled with Liu Xilai's earlier remark about her being his "game cheat," led Tian Tian to a crucial realization.
She returned to his room, applied bright red lipstick, and observed him growing dizzy again at the sight of the color. As she clasped his hand, he immediately stabilized, confirming her deduction: Liu Xilai suffered from hemophobia, and her touch indeed had a remedial effect on his condition.
Episode 4 Recap
Liu Xilai, no longer concealing his condition, candidly explained to Tian Tian that he suffers from Ayers Syndrome, a severe phobia of red that, upon seeing the color, causes neurological physiological dysfunction, leading to dizziness, lightheadedness, and even loss of consciousness. He revealed that her physical touch uniquely suppressed his symptoms, which was why he had been so insistent on her becoming his personal assistant.
When Tian Tian questioned why she was the one who had this effect, Liu Xilai admitted he didn't know the exact reason, only that his private doctor was exploring it through desensitization screening. Tian Tian criticized him for being indirect, but Liu Xilai defended his approach, stating he preferred controllable solutions to unpredictable human nature and to prevent others from using his weakness. He then proposed hiring her as his personal assistant and designer.
Tian Tian immediately countered, demanding her primary title be "designer" and personal assistant, emphasizing that the order determined the job's priority and time allocation. Liu Xilai, impressed by her intelligence, agreed. Tian Tian then laid down two additional conditions: she would only assist him with his phobia during important events and occasions, and her role as his personal assistant must remain a secret within the company to avoid misunderstandings and allow her to focus on her design work.
Liu Xilai found her requests reasonable and accepted them. The following day, Tian Tian arrived at Qiansheng Group filled with excitement, clutching her employee ID. At the entrance, she saw the security guard who had once tried to stop her, prompting a quiet moment of triumph as the guard recognized her as the "strong woman who knocked out Mr. Liu." Assistant Tang met her at the elevator, welcoming her to Qiansheng and escorting her to Liu Xilai's office.
Liu Xilai, engrossed in a phone call about an upcoming "Blue Sky Dream White Cloud" charity event, concluded his call and then instructed Tian Tian to quickly familiarize herself with her new environment. He clarified that while her designer role allowed for some freedom, her duties as his special assistant required utmost precision, even "exquisite to the utmost detail, even to her hair," and that she should serve as his "red barrier."
He then reached over to adjust her slightly loose hair clip, an intimate gesture that made Tian Tian's heart race. Assistant Tang, who had just entered, quickly averted his eyes, pretending to have seen nothing. Liu Xilai then sent Assistant Tang to take Tian Tian to the designer toy department.
There, Assistant Tang introduced Tian Tian to her new colleagues: Zheng Qian, the chief designer and acting director; Doggie, the sketch master; Jiang, the model master; and designers Xiao Wang, Xiao Gu, and Wen Wen. Zheng Qian gave Tian Tian a straightforward welcome, instructing her to study the company's three years of design concepts and product styles to quickly get up to speed.
One of her colleagues, however, offered a friendlier welcome, assuring Tian Tian that Zheng Qian was warm-hearted despite her stern demeanor. Later that afternoon, Liu Xilai unexpectedly appeared in the design department. Feigning a casual visit to check on the team, he quietly approached Tian Tian's desk and whispered for her to meet him in the underground parking lot in five minutes.
This unusual interaction immediately sparked whispers among the other designers, who speculated whether Tian Tian was a powerful heiress slumming it for experience or Liu Xilai's secret girlfriend. After leaving the office, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian attended a charity event. Liu Xilai was pleased because the event's success caused Qiansheng Group's stock to hit its daily limit. As they were leaving, Tian Tian spotted her friend, Reporter Shan Rousi, being ejected from a dessert shop.
Curious, Tian Tian pulled Shan Rousi aside. Shan Rousi explained that her recent viral video about a "sickly domineering CEO vs. a brave girl who boycotted plagiarism" had garnered over a hundred million views, leading to a promotion to the remix team and a 500-yuan raise. However, her editor was now pressuring her to produce another viral hit by interviewing a "weird boss" within a week, a task she found challenging.
She had tried to interview the dessert shop owner, who had a peculiar way of coping with an ex-boyfriend by printing his face on milk tea cups for daily straw-poking, but was promptly kicked out. Recognizing an opportunity, Tian Tian confidently offered to help Shan Rousi by arranging an interview with her own "weird boss," Liu Xilai, noting that her unique position with him was "irreplaceable." Shan Rousi was delighted, praising Tian Tian for her kindness.
Back at the office, a minor mishap occurred when Tian Tian accidentally bumped into a colleague while copying documents, scattering papers everywhere. As the colleague helped her gather them, they discovered a draft of Shan Rousi's interview invitation, mistaking it for a love letter from Tian Tian to Liu Xilai. The rumor quickly spread, reaching Assistant Tang, who relayed it to a visibly pleased Liu Xilai. Convinced of his "damned charm," Liu Xilai believed Tian Tian had fallen for him.
To spare her the embarrassment of a direct rejection, he decided to avoid her, even cancelling a joint doctor's appointment. Tian Tian, however, was baffled by Liu Xilai's sudden coldness and evasiveness. She called Shan Rousi, assuring her she would secure the interview despite Liu Xilai's bizarre behavior. When Tian Tian finally cornered Liu Xilai in his car, demanding an explanation, he revealed his supposed "knowledge" of her impending confession.
He patronizingly praised her beauty and capability, expressing his reluctance to "lose her" as his personal assistant, but ultimately declared a relationship between them "impossible" because he chose to "be beautiful alone" (meaning to stay single). Furious and amused by his delusion, Tian Tian retorted by sarcastically repeating his words, then thrust Shan Rousi's interview invitation under his nose.
As Liu Xilai read the request from Reporter Shan Rousi, it finally dawned on him that he had completely misunderstood the situation. Tian Tian, exasperated, scoffed that there was "a whole biochain," or rather, "different species" separating them, making any romantic interest impossible. Liu Xilai, recovering his composure, retorted that he was "satisfied" she held no such "unrealistic thoughts" and also wouldn't "casually accept interviews from nobodies," echoing her "different species" comment.
He then unceremoniously told her to get out of his car. The next morning, Tian Tian recounted the previous day's embarrassing misunderstanding to Shan Rousi, but both agreed that Liu Xilai was too odd for a successful interview, which would likely be "a disastrous scene." While discussing this at work, Tian Tian and her colleagues enthusiastically admired Luo Ci, a prominent figure in the designer toy industry whose picture graced a magazine cover.
They praised him as a "guru," talented, handsome, and the "top one in the design circle," noting that he even "outshined Mr. Liu." Liu Xilai, overhearing their conversation and driven by the desire not to be overshadowed by Luo Ci, immediately instructed Assistant Tang to arrange Shan Rousi's interview, much to Tian Tian's astonishment and delight.
Shan Rousi conducted the interview, during which Liu Xilai delivered a series of quirky and unexpected answers, such as wanting to be on a magazine cover and telling netizens they could only meet him "in their dreams." His uncle later summoned him, criticizing the interview for being too frivolous for the CEO of Qiansheng Group. He advised Liu Xilai to adopt a more serious image, questioning why, despite his wealth and good looks, he remained single.
Liu Xilai, however, dismissed his uncle's concerns, suggesting he pay more attention to Liu Xizhao, his cousin, who was returning from abroad the next day and could potentially help manage the company. His uncle agreed that Liu Xizhao was coming back and suggested a family dinner. Seizing the opportunity, Liu Xilai decided to plan a surprise welcome for his cousin. That evening, instead of attending her department's dinner, Tian Tian joined Liu Xilai.
In the car, she suggested they devise a secret signal to prevent their hidden working relationship from being exposed, but Liu Xilai found the clandestine nature of their arrangement "exciting." He explained that his cousin, Liu Xizhao, was returning from abroad, and he needed Tian Tian's help to prepare a surprise welcome. Upon their arrival at the family home, Liu Xizhao was greeted with a childish display of balloons and decorations, which he immediately attributed to Liu Xilai's "self-amusement."
His father, pleased to see him, urged him inside for dinner. Liu Xilai then introduced Tian Tian as his special assistant who had helped with the decorations. Liu Xizhao, unimpressed, rudely commented that Tian Tian didn't "look like a fool," despite working for Liu Xilai. Before dinner, Liu Xilai told his cousin there was another surprise waiting in his room.
To Liu Xizhao's bewilderment, his room was plastered with large red posters featuring both him and Liu Xilai, resembling wedding photos. He mockingly asked if Liu Xilai wanted a "wedding photo." Later, Tian Tian expressed her hope that Liu Xilai would adhere to their agreement and not appear in her vicinity as CEO, as it caused her significant trouble. Liu Xilai simply replied that powerful individuals never fear external gossip.
Episode 5 Recap
Liu Xilai had specially prepared a new room for his younger cousin, Liu Xizhao, who had just returned from overseas. Seeing the framed photo of the two brothers with a red background and the red Superman bedsheets and duvet cover, Liu Xizhao was reminded of a childhood incident. His father had taken away his Superman toy, declaring that Liu Xilai disliked red and that no red items were allowed in their home.
This memory resurfaced a long-standing question for Liu Xizhao: "Who is your son after all? Did you pick me up?" He felt as though he had always lived in Liu Xilai's shadow. During a family dinner to celebrate Liu Xizhao's return, their father asked if Liu Xizhao was satisfied with the room.
Liu Xilai mentioned that changing the red Superman bedsheets for Liu Xizhao when they were children had made him cry all night, implying he was making up for it now. Their father then admonished Liu Xilai not to sacrifice his own comfort for Liu Xizhao, indicating Liu Xilai's continued aversion to red. Liu Xizhao, feeling sidelined, jokingly asked his father, "Who is your real son after all? Did you pick me up?"
Liu Xilai offered Liu Xizhao a position at the company or to start a new business for him, but Liu Xizhao refused, stating he wanted an easy job where money would fall from the sky. Liu Xilai playfully suggested he wanted to be "the feng shui tortoise in the wishing pool." Just then, Wen Xian arrived, initially to see Liu Xizhao, but then expressed surprise at seeing Tian Tian at a family gathering.
Liu Xizhao also joked if Liu Xilai had upgraded his assistant to a girlfriend. Liu Xilai explained that Tian Tian was a special talent he hired, working in different capacities during the day and night. Tian Tian clarified that she was a designer during the day and a special assistant to the CEO after work, though their explanations left others puzzled.
Wen Xian commented on Tian Tian's hard work, to which Liu Xilai responded that it was part of her job to fully reflect her value. At the company, Director Zheng Qian announced exciting news: the design department would be launching the Shan Hai Jing series of designer toys, with the Nine-tailed Fox as the main focus. Designers were expected to submit their proposals by Friday and prepare for overtime, with hotel rooms booked for their convenience.
Eager to contribute, Tian Tian asked Director Zheng if she could submit her own design. Director Zheng told her to focus on organizing competitor data and studying company materials, subtly implying she wasn't ready to design, and noted that Tian Tian's frequent summons by Liu Xilai left her with little time. As they spoke, Assistant Tang called, summoning Tian Tian to Liu Xilai’s office.
There, Liu Xilai, while on a video call with international clients, rested his hand on Tian Tian’s wrist to support himself, allowing him to communicate more easily. Tian Tian observed his diligent and sharp business acumen, resolving to excel in her own design work. Tian Tian worked overtime on her design drafts and showed them to Director Zheng.
Director Zheng was impressed by her unique style and lively lines, giving her permission to submit a proposal for the Shan Hai Jing series by Friday. Tian Tian was ecstatic and immediately immersed herself in design work. However, Liu Xilai's constant calls for assistance consumed much of her time, leaving her design proposal slightly incomplete by the deadline. During the presentation, Director Zheng critiqued other proposals, finding them unoriginal.
When Tian Tian tried to explain her incomplete design, Director Zheng curtly dismissed her, emphasizing that this was a professional setting, not a casual student assignment. She suggested that Tian Tian's talent remained in imagination and advised her to give up if she couldn't dedicate enough time, as it would "burden no one." Tian Tian, understanding the director's point, resolved to solve her work-life balance issue.
Later, Tian Tian confronted Liu Xilai, arguing that she needed more time for design work during the day. She used the analogy of instant coffee versus handmade coffee to explain her need for hands-on experience over just reading documents. Liu Xilai, misinterpreting her metaphor, simply instructed Assistant Tang to replace all instant coffee in the pantry with handmade coffee, completely missing Tian Tian’s underlying message.
Tian Tian felt like she was "a chicken trying to talk to a duck," believing her dream was slipping away despite telling herself she had made the "right choice" to work for Liu Xilai. As Tian Tian pondered how to secure more daytime hours for design, Liu Xilai called, urging her to come to his home for an "emergency rescue" related to Wen Xian's visit.
Liu Xilai admitted he used Tian Tian as a "jinx" against Wen Xian, as he was aware of Wen Xian's affections but didn't know how to handle them. Upon arrival, Tian Tian realized his intention and demanded a clear commitment: from then on, she would be a designer during the day and only work as his special assistant at night. Liu Xilai reluctantly agreed.
Tian Tian quickly took control of the situation, expertly deflecting Wen Xian's passive-aggressive remarks about her multiple roles. As she helped clean up the mess Wen Xian had made, moving paintings and art pieces, she accidentally fell from a ladder. Liu Xilai rushed to help her, and in the process, Tian Tian unexpectedly kissed his forehead. Both were momentarily stunned and embarrassed, while Wen Xian fumed with anger.
After Tian Tian left, Liu Xilai was astonished to discover that he no longer experienced dizziness when seeing red. He was overjoyed, immediately ordering red bedding and canceling all his appointments for the following day to schedule an urgent evaluation with Doctor Li Huai. Doctor Li Huai found the sudden remission of Liu Xilai's psychogenic hemophobia unusual.
During a hypnotic session, Liu Xilai recalled a fragmented memory of a little girl holding his hand and kissing his forehead after his childhood car accident, which had brought him comfort. Li Huai suggested that Tian Tian's accidental forehead kiss might have recreated that soothing experience, potentially triggering the unexpected improvement in his condition by opening his psychological block.
While Li Huai cautioned that it was too early to declare a cure and further observation was needed, Liu Xilai, feeling significantly better, decided to "seize the day" and enjoy his newfound freedom from his red phobia. He later showcased a Sisley painting he claimed to have bought as a welcome gift for Liu Xizhao. However, Liu Xizhao, interpreting the "green foxtail" in the painting as a subtle insult, jokingly called Liu Xilai a "cunning person," sensing a hidden meaning.
Episode 6 Recap
Liu Xilai, thrilled that his hematophobia was temporarily under control, eagerly pulled Li Huai along for a day of fun. He took Li Huai to a go-karting track, much to Li Huai's exasperation, who found it a place for parents to entertain children. Liu Xilai, however, confidently declared that he would conquer a "country" for Li Huai.
Despite his bravado, they were soundly defeated by two young children, and as a result, had turtles drawn on their faces as a sign of their loss. Liu Xilai initially dismissed it as a warm-up and insisted on another round to reclaim their honor, but they lost again, confirming their faces would bear the turtles.
He reflected on how his younger brother, Liu Xizhao, used to get excited about go-karting, making him think it would be enjoyable, but now realized even go-karting had its own "thugs." Meanwhile, Tian Tian was still concerned about the unexpected kiss she had shared with Liu Xilai on his forehead the previous night, fearing awkwardness when they met the next day. Her mood immediately brightened when she discovered Liu Xilai was not at work.
Her colleagues also noticed her phone was unusually quiet, remarking on how Liu Xilai's calls usually kept her busy. They soon realized the reason: the CEO was absent today. Tian Tian tried to focus on her work, reminding herself not to dwell on the kiss. Liu Xilai and Li Huai went to eat chili hot pot. This had been a forbidden dish for Liu Xilai due to his hematophobia, but now, he could finally enjoy it without restraint.
He commented on the beautiful color of the red oil, encouraging Li Huai to be less rigid and enjoy a splurge. Li Huai, ever the cautious one, warned about the health risks of excessive chili consumption. Liu Xilai then tricked Li Huai into trying a super spicy pot, claiming it was nothing, much to Li Huai's shock. Despite Li Huai's pleas to switch to clear soup, Liu Xilai refused, expressing his joy at finally being able to "see red."
Li Huai, resigned, toasted to Liu Xilai's new lease on life, and they endured the spicy meal, eventually ordering sour plum drinks. Later, they watched a movie, where Liu Xilai, excitedly shouting out the names of superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman—his brother Liu Xizhao's favorites—caused other moviegoers to give them dirty looks, making Li Huai repeatedly urge him to lower his voice.
Liu Xilai also posted a picture of their hot pot meal on his social media to commemorate the special day. Scrolling through her social media, Wen Xian spotted Liu Xilai's hot pot photo. Noticing two sets of cutlery and a hand cream bottle, she immediately deduced he was with Tian Tian. Feeling a strong sense of crisis, she concluded they were in a relationship and Tian Tian might even be at Liu Xilai's house that night.
She dragged Liu Xizhao to Liu Xilai's place, only to be surprised to find Li Huai about to take a shower and doing laundry because of hot pot oil. Wen Xian was relieved to learn it was Li Huai who had eaten hot pot with Liu Xilai. When Liu Xilai emerged, Wen Xian playfully complained that he hadn't invited her and Liu Xizhao, reminding him they were the "Golden Trinity."
Liu Xizhao, however, retorted that only she still cared about the "Golden Trinity," while Liu Xilai had clearly "gone solo" with Li Huai. Liu Xilai tried to reassure Liu Xizhao, but his younger brother pushed him away, declaring he didn't want Liu Xilai's "favorite." Wen Xian then claimed Liu Xizhao wished to learn from Liu Xilai about balancing life and work. Misinterpreting this, Liu Xilai decided to arrange for Liu Xizhao to start working at the company the next day.
Liu Xizhao, still wanting more rest, refused and shot a resentful glance at Wen Xian. The next day at the Qiansheng Group, Liu Xizhao received his work schedule on his phone. He complained to Wen Xian over the phone about being forced to work, to which she slyly suggested he was just using her as an excuse to visit Liu Xilai.
At the office, Liu Xilai showed Liu Xizhao his newly prepared office, appointed him as Vice President, and reminisced about Liu Xizhao's childhood complaints about not having what his older brother had, promising him everything he now possessed. Liu Xizhao initially tried to "slack off" but was corrected by Liu Xilai to "understand the company's business." Wen Xian then arrived, bringing coffee for Liu Xizhao, clearly trying to approach Liu Xilai.
Liu Xilai, however, dodged her attempts, claiming he didn't drink coffee with milk, so Liu Xizhao took both cups. Wen Xian then invited Liu Xilai to her art studio that weekend for a gift, but he declined, stating he had plans. Wen Xian immediately suspected it was a date. Liu Xizhao then let slip that Liu Xilai was planning to take him to the West Coast Art Exhibition to "gain exposure."
Wen Xian, realizing her opportunity, bribed Liu Xizhao with the entire Lego Star Wars series to help her "accidentally" meet Liu Xilai at the exhibition. Meanwhile, Tian Tian and her colleague were discussing the West Coast Art Exhibition, lamenting how difficult it was to get tickets. Liu Xilai called Assistant Tang, asking for two tickets to the exhibition.
When Assistant Tang asked if they were for Tian Tian, Liu Xilai denied it, saying he wanted to go and Tian Tian could join if it was convenient. He then asked for a third ticket for Liu Xizhao, wanting him to "cultivate artistic cells." Assistant Tang questioned why Liu Xilai still valued Tian Tian so much, given his hematophobia was gone.
Liu Xilai explained his fear that Tian Tian would feel her importance diminished, comparing it to suddenly telling Assistant Tang he was no longer needed. He planned to reveal his recovery to Tian Tian at the exhibition at an opportune moment. Liu Xilai took Tian Tian to the West Coast Art Exhibition. Tian Tian, telling herself not to be awkward about the previous night's kiss, was still surprised when Liu Xilai arrived, apologizing for being late.
He secretly thought about how Tian Tian had protected him, and decided to delay telling her about his recovery to avoid any embarrassment on her part, feeling that they now shared a growing unspoken understanding. There, they "coincidentally" ran into Wen Xian and Liu Xizhao. Wen Xian immediately commented on Liu Xilai and Tian Tian's closeness.
While admiring a painting, Wen Xian impressed other visitors with her profound insights into "Last Dinner," earning her recognition as the "Snow Queen" and a request for photos. Tian Tian, not one to back down, had retorted to Wen Xian's jabs, claiming she was "on duty, accompanying Mr. Liu" as a "precaution against accidental encounters." Feeling Tian Tian's discomfort amidst Wen Xian's popularity, Liu Xilai subtly steered her away.
During their tour, Tian Tian spotted a prominent red mark on a painting. Concerned it might trigger Liu Xilai's hematophobia, she quickly reached out and held his hand, which made him feel particularly warm and further delayed his decision to disclose his cured condition. She then excused herself to the restroom, asking Liu Xilai to stay put and wear his sunglasses, ensuring he put them on before she left.
Upon her return, she found him looking as if he might faint. She rushed to him and pulled him away, only to discover he was perfectly fine. Passersby scoffed at Liu Xilai for wearing sunglasses indoors, but Tian Tian defended him, stating that not everyone wore them just for show. She bravely told him she would be his "sunglasses" from now on so no one would dare criticize him.
Moved, Liu Xilai began to tell her the truth about his condition. However, before he could finish, Tian Tian looked at a painting behind him, recognizing it as the "cutesy cat" series of designer toys by Xia Feng, which Qiansheng Group was launching next week. She remembered from her review of relevant documents that Qiansheng had not obtained authorization from Xia Feng for this series.
Liu Xilai realized the gravity of the situation and immediately called Assistant Tang to request all copyright collaboration records for the "cutesy cat" designer toy series within three minutes. It was then that Tian Tian excitedly pointed out his lack of reaction to the red color, realizing he was no longer dizzy from red. Liu Xilai quickly explained that he had intended to tell her at the exhibition, fearing she would feel less important.
To his surprise, Tian Tian was overjoyed, exclaiming that she could finally stop being his special assistant and dedicate more time to designer toy design. Later, in a company meeting, Liu Xilai announced that the upcoming product launch would proceed as planned. He then introduced Liu Xizhao as the new Vice President. Despite murmurs from the staff, Liu Xilai acknowledged that Liu Xizhao was "air-dropped" into the position but proudly declared that his younger brother was undoubtedly capable. Liu Xizhao introduced himself, mentioning he had just returned from studying abroad and expressing his anticipation to learn from everyone. The meeting then concluded.
Episode 7 Recap
Zheng Qian admitted to Liu Xilai that the "cutesy cat" trending toy series lacked authorization from the artist Xia Feng, explaining that Kevin had not clearly communicated this during his handover. Liu Xilai stated that now was not the time to assign blame, but rather to secure the authorization before the upcoming product launch next Monday. Since no one else volunteered, Liu Xilai assigned his newly appointed Vice President, Liu Xizhao, to the task.
Liu Xizhao initially protested in private, citing his inexperience with company affairs and art. However, Liu Xilai insisted, emphasizing that his brother's personal involvement would demonstrate Qiansheng Group's sincerity. Seizing an opportunity to impress Liu Xilai, Wen Xian volunteered to accompany Liu Xizhao, believing her background as a painter would help secure the authorization more smoothly. Liu Xilai agreed, suggesting they treat it as a vacation, as Shanshui Village sounded like a picturesque location.
Assistant Tang found information that Xia Feng was in Shanshui Village, though his exact whereabouts were unknown. Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian traveled there, only to discover it was a very ordinary village, far from the picturesque retreat Liu Xilai had described. Liu Xizhao complained about his brother's deceptive description and, in a fit of frustration, kicked a village stone tablet, causing it to fall. This action led to their immediate detention by the outraged villagers.
Liu Xizhao had sustained an injury to his arm, and Wen Xian, surprisingly, had first aid supplies, a habit she'd maintained since his college days. Liu Xizhao wondered if the villagers were attempting to extort them, but Wen Xian, ever self-serving, decided against calling Liu Xilai to warn him off, preferring to orchestrate a "hero saves the beauty" scenario for Liu Xilai.
Liu Xilai received a call from Liu Xizhao's phone, but a villager answered, speaking a dialect Liu Xilai couldn't understand. Tian Tian, however, recognized it as her hometown dialect and translated: Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian were being held for damaging the village's stone tablet, and the villagers demanded compensation and an apology.
Liu Xilai, realizing the urgency, immediately asked Tian Tian to pack her belongings and accompany him to Shanshui Village, much to the annoyance of Assistant Tang, who was left behind to oversee other company matters. Upon their arrival, Liu Xilai maintained his arrogant demeanor, even expecting Tian Tian to carry both their heavy suitcases, despite her protests. He was unfazed by her sarcastically praising his "care for subordinates."
During the confrontation with the villagers, Liu Xilai, ever proud, agreed to repair the stone tablet but refused to apologize. Tian Tian, skillfully mediating due to her fluency in the local dialect, strategically misrepresented Liu Xilai's words and expressions. She told the villagers that Liu Xilai, despite his "deadpan face," was genuinely apologetic and had never seen such handsome, rich, and straightforward men.
She then offered, on his behalf, not only to repair the stone tablet but also to build a directional sign to prevent future incidents. Her clever translations diffused the tension, and the impressed village chief agreed to release Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian. Liu Xilai, oblivious to Tian Tian's linguistic gymnastics, took full credit, believing his "charm" had won them over. Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian were released.
Liu Xizhao noticed Wen Xian had a fever and was determined to take her to a doctor. Just as he was leading her away, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian arrived. Wen Xian, still hoping to impress Liu Xilai, insisted on staying to help secure the authorization. However, Liu Xilai firmly told her and Liu Xizhao to prioritize their health and return home to rest, assuring them he would handle the remaining negotiations himself.
Wen Xian was reluctant to leave Liu Xilai's side, but Liu Xizhao escorted her away. Finding only one hotel room with a single king-size bed available, Liu Xilai was hesitant, but Tian Tian readily agreed they could share it, proposing she would hang a makeshift curtain for privacy. Before settling in, Liu Xilai, a man of refined habits, admonished Tian Tian for her supposedly messy showering, commenting on her wet hair and the water splashed around the bathroom.
Tian Tian retorted, asking if he dry-cleaned himself. Later that night, Liu Xilai's worst fears were realized: he woke up on the floor, presumably kicked off the bed by Tian Tian's "unrestrained" sleeping posture. The next morning, when Tian Tian commented on his tired appearance, Liu Xilai dryly accused her of kicking him off the bed, a claim she playfully attributed to his "sleepwalking." The next morning, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian resumed their search for Xia Feng.
They found a painting in a shop, which Liu Xilai identified as Xia Feng's work by its unique style and Ziyunmo colors. The shopkeeper told them the artist often painted graffiti outside the yard. Following this lead, Tian Tian unexpectedly encountered her senior, Luo Ci, who initially claimed he was just "collecting inspiration." Liu Xilai, noticing wet paint on the nearby wall, deduced that the painter must still be in the vicinity.
They tracked him to his residence, but Xia Feng proved uncooperative, slamming the door shut. Liu Xilai attempted to negotiate through the closed door, introducing himself as Qiansheng Group's CEO and offering a high copyright fee for the "cutesy cat" design, emphasizing his sincerity. Xia Feng's only response was a blunt refusal and a spray of water through the door. Damp and frustrated, Liu Xilai mused about the eccentricity of artists and wondered what Xia Feng truly valued beyond money.
Tian Tian suggested a different approach, highlighting Xia Feng's childlike and emotional nature reflected in his art. Undeterred by the initial rejection and especially since she hadn't even seen Xia Feng's face, Tian Tian decided to stake out his house, pitching a tent outside, vowing to wait until Xia Feng returned and agreed to the authorization. Luo Ci, Tian Tian's senior, reappeared, advising them not to "run into a dead end."
Liu Xilai, defiant, declared that his choice was always to "break down the dead end," not turn back. Liu Xilai initially questioned the effectiveness of just waiting, but seeing Tian Tian's endearing persistence, he reluctantly agreed to her plan. As night fell, Tian Tian prepared instant noodles, offering Liu Xilai a choice between braised beef or old altar pickled beef. Liu Xilai, who claimed never to eat fried food, initially refused.
However, after tasting it, he found it surprisingly delicious and declared his intention to have Assistant Tang buy a box for his office. Later, Tian Tian noticed Liu Xilai's discomfort around fireflies. She caught one and showed him, explaining they weren't scary. She then shared a myth about fireflies being fallen stars who stayed on Earth to comfort a lonely girl. Liu Xilai admitted this was his first night outdoors and found the experience "quite amazing."
He then reflected on his childhood, revealing that his blood phobia had forced him to see the world through sunglasses for years, making him feel secure despite the blurred vision. Tian Tian encouraged him to now embrace the world's beauty with his recovered sight. Liu Xilai, gazing at her, confessed that with her by his side, he felt safe, regardless of his condition.
Before sleeping, Liu Xilai meticulously described his luxurious perfume's scent profile, asserting that attention to detail in all aspects of life was key to control. Tian Tian, amused by his "delicate" routine, countered with a practical solution for the rural environment: Six Gods mosquito repellent. She offered him some, but he declined, insisting "lady first" for washing up.
Episode 8 Recap
Liu Xizhao brought Wen Xian home. Upon learning of Liu Xilai's trip to Shanshui Village from this encounter, Wen Zhicai immediately ordered an investigation into the true purpose of Liu Xilai's visit. Meanwhile, Wen Xian, still recovering from her illness, preferred the quiet of her studio to her father's incessant nagging at home. Early the next morning, Liu Xilai awoke and looked at Tian Tian, who was still asleep beside him.
He reflected on her encouraging words from the previous night, and a tender affection for her began to blossom in his heart, subtly changing his feelings towards her. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a door opening outside. He quickly woke Tian Tian, and together they intercepted the person attempting to leave the house. Liu Xilai confidently addressed him as Luo Ci, confirming that he was indeed the reclusive artist Xia Feng.
Luo Ci, surprised, asked how Liu Xilai had uncovered his identity. Liu Xilai explained that their repeated "chance" encounters in the village were too frequent to be coincidental, and he had noticed Ziyunmo paint on Luo Ci's hand on several occasions. Although impressed by Liu Xilai's keen observation, Luo Ci still refused to grant Qiansheng Group the authorization for his artwork. Determined to persuade him, Tian Tian followed Luo Ci to his vibrant flower field.
She offered to help him weed, deliberately avoiding the topic of authorization. Liu Xilai, initially reluctant and showing little aptitude for manual labor, eventually joined in, learning how to properly use a hoe from Tian Tian. His sincere effort in the arduous task began to make an impression on Luo Ci.
Liu Xilai then spoke about the special significance of the vervain flowers and the cutesy cat to Luo Ci, revealing his understanding of Luo Ci's deep emotional connection to his art. He shared his own story, explaining that his cutesy cat, Dafu, was a cherished gift from his grandmother and had been a comforting companion during his loneliest times after her passing, much like a family member.
Luo Ci resonated with this sentiment but was hesitant to commercialize such a personal memory. Liu Xilai proposed establishing a "Dafu Fund" from a portion of the cutesy cat designer toy sales, dedicating it to charity and supporting homes for stray animals. This, he argued, would make Dafu's legacy even more meaningful by allowing more lonely people to experience the joy of companionship.
Convinced by Liu Xilai's heartfelt proposal, Luo Ci finally agreed to authorize Qiansheng Group, hoping Liu Xilai would uphold his promise to support animal welfare. Due to the village's remote location, Luo Ci arranged for a tractor to transport Liu Xilai and Tian Tian to the nearest town. Liu Xilai initially tried to maintain a dignified squat in the tractor but eventually, at Tian Tian's suggestion, he gave in and sat comfortably for the hour-long ride.
Meanwhile, Kevin, having been dismissed from Qiansheng Group, found his attempts to secure other jobs repeatedly blocked. He suspected Liu Xilai was deliberately obstructing his career. At this opportune moment, Wen Zhicai called Kevin, proposing a collaboration that hinted at a plan to disrupt Qiansheng Group. Not long after, Liu Xizhao received alarming news: the media had publicly exposed Qiansheng Group for allegedly using Xia Feng's cutesy cat designs without authorization. Liu Xizhao immediately called Liu Xilai.
Despite the poor phone signal, Liu Xilai calmly reassured his brother that he had already secured the authorization and would publicly announce it at the product launch event scheduled for the following day. He instructed Liu Xizhao to remain calm and prepare for the event, confident that everything was under control. Liu Xilai and Tian Tian had planned to return to the city that evening, but their journey was plagued by misfortune. The tractor broke down unexpectedly mid-route.
The driver informed them that a bus station was a mere twenty-minute walk away. However, after walking for over half an hour, Liu Xilai, utterly exhausted, struggled to continue. Despite his claims of being a long-distance running champion, his legs were visibly shaking. Tian Tian, seeing his struggle, insisted on taking the heavy luggage. When they finally reached the bus station, they were dismayed to discover that buses only operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and today was Sunday.
To make matters worse, a heavy downpour began, forcing them to seek shelter in an abandoned factory. Their phones had no signal, making it impossible to return to the city that night. While sheltering in the factory, strange howling sounds emanated from within, startling Liu Xilai, who instinctively hid behind Tian Tian. Tian Tian, calmer, investigated and found the sounds were merely the wind blowing into empty plastic buckets, which then echoed through the abandoned space, making it seem scary.
She then offered Liu Xilai a cup of ginger tea to ward off the chill and later, a self-heating hotpot to replenish their energy. Impressed by her resourcefulness and thoughtful nature, Liu Xilai openly expressed his admiration for her tenacious personality, also noting her delicate inner self and ability to provide a sense of security. Determined to find a way out, Liu Xilai decided to contact his friend, Li Huai.
He found a wooden box, stood on it, and stretched his arm high, hoping to catch a fleeting signal to send a message. In his eagerness, he slipped, almost falling, but Tian Tian quickly caught him. In the clumsy save, Liu Xilai accidentally kissed Tian Tian's forehead, a familiar yet awkward "forehead kiss" exchange between them.
He managed to send a WeChat message to Li Huai, informing him of their predicament in Peng Town and, in a characteristic display of his confidence, "allowing" Li Huai to drive his luxurious high-end pickup truck to rescue them. Coincidentally, Li Huai was already nearby on a house call. He received Liu Xilai's message and quickly replied that he would pick them up later.
As he sped towards Peng Town in Liu Xilai's car, the slippery road conditions caused him to accidentally scrape off Shan Rousi's rearview mirror. In his haste to reach Liu Xilai, he left his business card with Shan Rousi, instructing her to contact him for insurance claims, and then drove off, leaving a very frustrated Shan Rousi, especially since the car was borrowed and she was concerned about returning it damaged.
Back at Qiansheng Group, concern grew as Liu Xilai remained uncontactable amidst the heavy rain in Shanshui Village and the disruption to public transportation. Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian worried about his ability to return for the morning press conference.
They brainstormed drastic solutions if Liu Xilai couldn't make it, including Wen Xian's suggestion for Liu Xilai to attend the conference in a cutesy cat costume and communicate via an AI toy, or Liu Xizhao's more extreme, though quickly dismissed, idea of setting the company on fire to postpone the event. These desperate ideas highlighted their growing anxiety.
Episode 9 Recap
As Liu Xilai had not returned, Liu Xizhao prepared to host Qiansheng Group’s designer toy new product launch, feeling quite anxious. Wen Xian offered words of encouragement, telling him to buck up as it was his moment to shine and he shouldn't mess it up. She teasingly remarked on his nervousness, which he brushed off by claiming he had given many speeches in school, making this occasion seem minor.
Liu Xizhao then took the stage, greeting the media and announcing the initial offline opening ceremony. Instigated by Wen Zhicai, a reporter immediately challenged him, asking why Mr. Liu was absent and if he was standing them up. Liu Xizhao calmly explained the event's agenda, which included an online initiation, the unveiling of the Cute Pets series, a design concept presentation, and finally, the CEO's address and Q&A, assuring them that Liu Xilai would answer questions later.
Wen Zhicai observed, realizing Liu Xizhao was deliberately extending the event to buy time for Liu Xilai. Meanwhile, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian were being driven back by Li Huai. Liu Xilai, anxious to reach the venue, complained about Li Huai's slow driving. Li Huai defended himself, mentioning the speed limit and a minor fender bender from the previous night while picking them up. Tian Tian, noting Li Huai's exhaustion, offered to drive.
Despite Li Huai's apprehension about her driving his car, Liu Xilai approved, confident in her abilities. True to her "violent woman" reputation, Tian Tian sped through traffic, causing Li Huai to clutch the car for dear life, while Liu Xilai remained surprisingly calm, although the ride was quite jarring for both men. After about an hour into the launch, the same reporter pressed Liu Xizhao again, questioning Qiansheng Group’s authorization for the new products. Other reporters joined in the uproar.
To further delay, Liu Xizhao announced a special gift for the media, inviting painter Wen Xian to the stage. Wen Xian presented a painting, her first attempt at depicting living things, as a lucky draw prize, which successfully captivated the audience and bought another half-hour. Just as the crowd grew restless again, Liu Xilai and Tian Tian arrived. Tian Tian displayed the authorization letter from Xia Feng.
Liu Xilai confidently took the stage, engaging in a war of words with Reporter Liu from Xinyang Daily, who had a history of making baseless plagiarism accusations. Liu Xilai deftly turned the tables, reminding the reporter of past legal troubles and suggesting he was merely seeking attention.
He then elaborated on Qiansheng Group's commitment to original design, mentioning the firing of a designer for plagiarism and the establishment of the Dafu Public Welfare Fund, in Xia Feng’s name, using part of the proceeds from the Cute Pets series to give back to society. His powerful statements quelled the media's doubts and shut down Wen Zhicai's orchestrated smear campaign. Following the successful event, Liu's father expressed satisfaction, particularly commending Liu Xilai.
Liu Xilai, in turn, acknowledged Wen Xian and Liu Xizhao’s contributions in managing the initial crisis. However, Liu's father only praised Wen Xian, downplaying Liu Xizhao's efforts as merely "making up for a mistake" and urging him to learn from Liu Xilai. Feeling unappreciated, Liu Xizhao excused himself, upset by his father's favoritism. Liu's father then broached the topic of Liu Xilai's marriage, trying to set him up with another woman.
Liu Xilai, eager to deflect, revealed he might have someone he liked, his thoughts immediately drifting to Tian Tian. Later, Wen Xian found Liu Xizhao, who was still feeling disheartened. She tried to cheer him up, reminding him of his many admirable qualities, jokingly placing him just "a tiny bit" below Liu Xilai, and in the top 10% of society, acknowledging her own high standards. Meanwhile, Tian Tian was with Dan Rousi.
Tian Tian praised Li Huai for being loyal and sensible, having helped them get back in time. Rousi, however, launched into a rant about an irresponsible driver who scratched her borrowed car in the rain and left only a business card, calling him immoral and disrespectful. Just then, Li Huai walked up. Tian Tian, realizing the awkward situation, identified Li Huai, confirming he was the same person Rousi was complaining about.
Li Huai tried to explain he was in a hurry and had left his card, but Rousi dismissed him, stating she wanted no further interaction with someone like him, and pulled Tian Tian away. Li Huai was left bewildered, wondering why she detested him so much. Back at the office, Liu Xilai, having realized he had feelings for Tian Tian, sought help from Assistant Tang, asking him to devise strategies to win her over.
Despite Assistant Tang's lack of romantic experience, Liu Xilai trusted his strategic mind, emphasizing that he needed advice from an "ordinary person's point of view" to appeal to Tian Tian’s preference for a low profile, while still reflecting his own nobility. Assistant Tang proposed the "Exclusive Love" method, suggesting unique gestures that would make Tian Tian feel special.
The next day, office workers found snacks on their desks, a general reward from Liu Xilai for their efforts on the Shan Hai Jing series. However, Tian Tian’s desk conspicuously featured a life-sized cardboard cutout and a calendar adorned with Liu Xilai's photos. This immediately sparked office gossip, with colleagues speculating about her relationship with Liu Xilai and accusing their previous business trip of being a "public-funded romance."
Tian Tian, embarrassed, called Liu Xilai, asking him to stop such "surprises" that caused misunderstandings and made her uncomfortable. Liu Xilai, misunderstanding, promised to fulfill her wish for "quietness," believing he was still being thoughtful. Later, Zheng Qian announced that the design department would collaborate with the marketing department to promote the Shan Hai Jing series, requiring everyone to participate in on-site demonstrations. Tian Tian was excited that her designs would finally be showcased.
Liu Xilai, contemplating how to make his feelings reciprocated, learned that Tian Tian was at the promotional event through a phone call. Inspired by Assistant Tang's second strategy, "Close Contact," which advocated physical proximity over words, Liu Xilai decided to go there. Upon arrival, he spotted a mascot and, unaware it was Tian Tian, jokingly remarked that the "sturdy-looking" and "not-so-smart" doll wasn't his "sweetheart." Tian Tian, still inside the oversized male costume, revealed herself, surprised to see him.
Liu Xilai, realizing his blunder, quickly complimented her "cuteness." He then invited her to lunch, aiming to create opportunities for physical contact. During their meal, Liu Xilai repeatedly tried to initiate casual touches—reaching for food or a drink—but Tian Tian unintentionally thwarted each attempt, either by offering the item first or by simply taking it herself.
When he was caught staring at her hand, he claimed he was learning palmistry, to which Tian Tian scoffed, urging him to believe in science instead of superstition. Frustrated by the lack of response, Liu Xilai confided in Assistant Tang, wondering why Tian Tian wouldn't acknowledge his feelings despite clearly liking him. Assistant Tang analyzed the situation, but his conclusion was that their feelings were likely not mutual, and Liu Xilai was probably unilaterally enthusiastic.
Unconvinced by this, Liu Xilai decided he needed to employ more "neat tricks" to win her over. Separately, Liu Xizhao was seen reflecting on his relationship with Wen Xian. He looked at a childhood photo of them and a drawing Wen Xian had given him, remembering her cheerful spirit. He realized that after all these years, Wen Xian was the only person who could instantly make him happy, concluding that she was, in fact, the most special person to him.
Episode 10 Recap
Assistant Tang, attempting to verify Tian Tian's feelings for Liu Xilai, suggested the "drunk test method." He arranged for Liu Xilai to appear heavily intoxicated and had a bartender call Tian Tian to pick him up, hoping she would reveal her true emotions. Tian Tian, though hesitant, went to the bar and with much difficulty, brought a supposedly drunk Liu Xilai home.
As she helped him into his house, she was momentarily captivated by his handsome features, observing his perfect eyebrows, delicate skin, and lips that resembled jelly. However, she quickly dismissed these thoughts as inappropriate. While Tian Tian went to the bathroom to collect herself and prepare honey water, Liu Xilai, who had been faking his drunkenness, quickly threw himself onto the floor, having mistakenly thought she had left. Tian Tian returned, roused him, and offered the honey water.
Liu Xilai, still feigning intoxication, tried to coax a confession from her, promising to grant any wish. To his disappointment, Tian Tian simply requested a half-day leave for her efforts in caring for him that night. She reasoned that since his condition was stable, she was no longer needed as his special assistant. Liu Xilai conceded, but his hopes for a heartfelt declaration remained unfulfilled. Disappointed after Tian Tian's departure, Liu Xilai continued his pursuit through text messages.
He asked Tian Tian if he could call her "Ah Tian" or "Sweetie Tian" to acknowledge their close working relationship, which made Tian Tian uncomfortable. She later confessed to her friend Rose that she suspected Liu Xilai might like her. Rose, however, systematically debunked Tian Tian's theories.
She dismissed Liu Xilai's "attentions"—his visits during her field work, shared meals, asking her to pick him up while drunk, and giving her a personalized breakfast with his cutouts—as mere management tactics by a "weirdo boss" who was exploiting her labor and would only invite jealousy from colleagues. Rose then reminded Tian Tian of "the three great delusions of life," the third being "he likes me," leading Tian Tian to believe her feelings were merely wishful thinking.
Meanwhile, Senior Luo Ci invited Tian Tian to participate in the launch of the Dafu Fund's "Home for Strays" project. Tian Tian happily accepted, expressing her enthusiasm for charity work and her enjoyment of working with Luo Ci. Luo Ci showed her his design for an outdoor cat climbing frame and encouraged her to add her own ideas.
Tian Tian suggested enclosing the cat houses to provide the insecure stray animals with a sense of safety and shelter, impressing Luo Ci with her imagination and empathy. During their collaboration, Liu Xilai called Tian Tian to invite her to dinner the following evening. Tian Tian politely declined, stating she already had plans.
Liu Xilai, frustrated by her rejection, complained to Assistant Tang, who suggested he should have made the invitation more enticing, perhaps mentioning a reserved restaurant and candlelight dinner. However, Liu Xilai insisted on respecting Tian Tian's time and refused to resort to "moral kidnapping," showcasing his newfound consideration. Assistant Tang, still lamenting his own unappreciated efforts, speculated that Tian Tian's weekend plans must be something unavoidable like a "natural disaster" to be more important than spending time with Liu Xilai.
Tian Tian joined the construction efforts for the animal shelter. During a material inspection, she surprised the delivery person, and Luo Ci, by demonstrating her strength. When the supplier tried to pass off inferior wood instead of the ordered oak, claiming it was "very strong, people can't even break them," Tian Tian easily snapped a piece, forcing him to replace the materials. Luo Ci found her "righteous violence" quite adorable.
Later, as Tian Tian struggled to hang a decoration, Liu Xilai appeared and offered assistance, taking over from Luo Ci who was also present. Tian Tian was surprised by his presence, but the curator explained that Liu Xilai, as a major sponsor, had been invited to attend the launch ceremony.
Liu Xilai's arrival directly disrupted Luo Ci's attempts to further interact with Tian Tian, and a subtle rivalry between the two men began, with Liu Xilai asserting his dominance and Luo Ci implicitly expressing his determination not to yield. A kitten approached Liu Xilai, who, having never interacted with small animals, was initially hesitant. Tian Tian noticed his discomfort and gently held the cat, interacting with him and gradually easing his apprehension.
Tian Tian's desire to smell Liu Xilai's unique scent also made him a bit flustered. She explained that his perfume had a mint scent that cats love. Tian Tian also shared that the kitten had been rescued with injuries and was very insecure, implying that Liu Xilai's gentle touch had won its trust, to his surprise. Watching Tian Tian's joyful interaction with the animals, Liu Xilai felt his heart "burst with joy."
Assistant Tang captured a photo of Liu Xilai and Tian Tian with the cat, presenting it proudly to Liu Xilai, who acknowledged his improvement. Soon after, Liu Xilai realized Tian Tian had disappeared and found her talking with Luo Ci. Luo Ci discreetly gave Tian Tian a pendant, explaining it featured a hidden logo similar to one in her illustrations. Tian Tian was delighted and impressed that Luo Ci had noticed such a subtle detail in her work.
Just as Luo Ci reached out to brush her hair, Liu Xilai loudly called out Tian Tian's name, rushed over, and pulled her away. Tian Tian confronted Liu Xilai, accusing him of being rude and creating misunderstandings with Luo Ci. Liu Xilai defended his actions, claiming he was simply demonstrating how Luo Ci had almost touched her face. In an attempt to "recreate the scene of the accident," Liu Xilai accidentally touched Tian Tian's face himself.
Flustered and blushing, Tian Tian quickly turned and rushed away, even momentarily heading in the wrong direction. Liu Xilai, discussing the incident with Assistant Tang, rationalized his actions as merely a demonstration. Assistant Tang, however, saw Tian Tian's intense reaction as proof of her secret feelings for Liu Xilai, interpreting her retreat as shyness rather than rejection, perhaps even excitement.
Liu Xilai, convinced by this, concluded that Tian Tian was indeed shy and that no one, especially not Luo Ci, could compare to his own excellence. Assistant Tang then revealed he had arranged for the curator to give Tian Tian two movie tickets for a romantic film, confident that she would soon invite Liu Xilai on a date. Liu Xilai, anticipating their movie outing, was once again immersed in blissful fantasies.
Episode 11 Recap
Liu Xilai discussed his burgeoning romance with Tian Tian with Li Huai, confidently asserting that he and Tian Tian were mutually attracted. To test Tian Tian's feelings, he had arranged for Curator Fang to give her two movie tickets. He believed there was a 90% chance Tian Tian would invite him to watch a movie using these tickets, but acknowledged a 10% possibility she might invite her friend, Shan Rousi.
To prepare for this contingency, Liu Xilai asked Li Huai to accompany him to the cinema to stage an "accidental" encounter, as going alone would be awkward and bringing Assistant Tang would appear too deliberate. Li Huai, realizing he was being used, begrudgingly agreed, noting it was an opportunity to clear up some misunderstandings with Shan Rousi.
As Liu Xilai waited impatiently for Tian Tian's call, Li Huai pointed out that Tian Tian had arrived, but she was with Luo Ci. Liu Xilai was annoyed, admitting his "90% chance" prediction had gone awry, but insisted they proceed with their "accidental" meeting plan. Meanwhile, Tian Tian explained to Luo Ci that the movie tickets were a gift from Curator Fang, and she felt Luo Ci deserved a share.
She apologized for Liu Xilai’s "arrogant behavior" from the previous day, describing Liu Xilai as having a "narcissistic personality" and an overly competitive nature. Liu Xilai, overhearing her comments, was irked by her portrayal of him, although Li Huai tried to assure him that Tian Tian was actually defending him, and his hopes were still alive. Inside the cinema, Liu Xilai and Li Huai strategically sat near Tian Tian and Luo Ci.
Liu Xilai dramatically greeted Tian Tian, pretending to be surprised by the "coincidence," to which Tian Tian sarcastically responded, asking if he could be more obvious. When a staff member delivered roses to Liu Xilai's seat, he claimed they were for his "friend," embarrassing Li Huai, who joked about Liu Xilai making him look like his romantic partner and threatened to cut ties.
Throughout the movie, both Liu Xilai and Luo Ci vied for Tian Tian's attention, offering her popcorn and drinks, leaving her flustered. After the movie, Li Huai excused himself. Luo Ci invited Tian Tian to a barbecue restaurant, and despite Tian Tian’s suggestion that such a place didn't suit his "haute couture suit," Liu Xilai insisted on joining, claiming his "temperament is very compatible." At the barbecue, a drinking competition ensued between Liu Xilai and Luo Ci.
Tian Tian tried to intervene, reminding Liu Xilai of his low alcohol tolerance and propensity for being a sloppy drunk. As both men became heavily inebriated and started squabbling childishly, Tian Tian called Shan Rousi for help. Drunkenly, Liu Xilai grabbed Tian Tian's hand and confessed his feelings, declaring, "You're not allowed to look at others. You can only look at me." Shan Rousi arrived to witness this surprising declaration.
Tian Tian attempted to book two separate rooms at a nearby hotel, but only a single room with a double bed was available. Unable to transport the two heavily intoxicated men home, Tian Tian and Shan Rousi left Liu Xilai and Luo Ci there. Reflecting later, Tian Tian began to think that Liu Xilai might genuinely have feelings for her, contradicting Shan Rousi's previous assertion that it was one of her "three major delusions."
The next morning, Liu Xilai and Luo Ci woke up together in the hotel room, both shocked by their shared predicament. They openly confronted each other about their intentions toward Tian Tian, with Liu Xilai boasting about his "quality man" status and Luo Ci countering that "love is not about conditions but feelings." They agreed to compete for Tian Tian's affection based on their own merits. Meanwhile, Liu Xizhao was boxing.
Wen Xian arrived and informed him that Liu Xilai had asked her for advice on romantic gestures for a movie date. Liu Xizhao, frustrated that she hadn't shared this "important information" earlier, demanded to know the cinema, but Wen Xian refused. She challenged him to a boxing match as a condition for information, knowing he couldn't win. Liu Xizhao declared he would no longer be "accommodating in love" and left, resolute in his decision to actively pursue Wen Xian.
Back at Liu Xilai's office, Assistant Tang tried to make amends for his previous failed advice. He presented Liu Xilai with an "upgraded plan" based on "big data analysis" and CEO romance novels, suggesting that introducing a "love rival," a "second female lead," would "stimulate" Tian Tian into realizing her true feelings. Liu Xilai was skeptical, likening it to a business merger gone wrong, but Assistant Tang insisted this method was "infallible."
Just as Liu Xilai wondered where to find such a "love rival," Uncle Liu called to inform him that a blind date had been arranged for the following day. Liu Xilai seized this as an opportunity for the "stimulation" plan. Liu Xilai meticulously prepared for the blind date, instructing Assistant Tang to buy an expensive new bag as a gift for the blind date, to compensate for using her.
He intended for this date to make Tian Tian feel "threatened" and turn her away from Luo Ci. Assistant Tang then posted about Liu Xilai's blind date on his Moments, specifically asking Tian Tian to like it. Tian Tian saw the post, which mentioned "accompanying my boss to buy gifts for his blind date," and felt a pang of disappointment, concluding that her feelings for Liu Xilai were indeed a delusion.
Shortly after, Luo Ci called, offering her a custom lotus-scented perfume he had made and inviting her to meet. Tian Tian, trying to shake off thoughts of Liu Xilai, accepted. At the restaurant for his blind date, Liu Xilai spotted Luo Ci being affectionate with an older woman (his mother) and accepting a gift from a young fan, immediately branding Luo Ci as a "playboy" and "jerk."
He expected Tian Tian to confront him angrily about his date, but she walked right past him to greet Luo Ci. Luo Ci explained that the older woman was his mother and the fan was just seeking an autograph. Liu Xilai's blind date, Gao Jing, arrived. She introduced herself as "the daughter of the hospital director" and declared them a "perfect match," much to Liu Xilai's discomfort, as she immediately began discussing marriage plans.
He was perplexed why Tian Tian still hadn't come to "take him away." Liu Xilai rejected Gao Jing, offering the expensive bag as an apology, stating they were "not suitable for each other." Tian Tian, having also seen Liu Xilai on his date, accepted Luo Ci's perfume and agreed to visit a stray animal shelter with him.
As Tian Tian and Luo Ci prepared to leave, Liu Xilai rushed over, cutting short his date, and grabbed Tian Tian's hand, demanding to speak with her. He warned Luo Ci to keep his "hands off my people," asserting that "Qiansheng Group's people belong to me." Tian Tian, apologizing to Luo Ci, accompanied Liu Xilai. She angrily told him to release her, accusing him of being a "playboy" for dating someone else while still bothering her.
Liu Xilai countered by asking if she was "jealous" and explained that his blind date was a "love signal" orchestrated by Assistant Tang to make her realize her feelings for him. Tian Tian dismissed his explanation as an excuse to "brag about his charm." Liu Xilai then confessed directly, "I like you." Tian Tian was taken aback, questioning how he could like her while on a blind date.
He passionately declared that in this vast world, she was the only one for him. Tian Tian, however, found his "expression of love" too "weird" because he relied on "a general to come up with a battle plan" for dating. She told him she needed to "calm down" and walked away, leaving Liu Xilai lamenting that he had been "tricked by Assistant Tang's unreliable methods again."
Separately, Li Huai sent a WeChat message to Shan Rousi, introducing himself and offering to handle any "servicing" for her scratched car, also suggesting they "can contact me for anything in the future." Shan Rousi realized he didn't recognize her and decided they should simply maintain basic politeness.
Episode 12 Recap
After Liu Xilai's awkward confession following his blind date, Tian Tian told him she needed time to consider their relationship. The Qiansheng Group announced a precious opportunity: a three-month designer toy master training course hosted by Toy Buring, a top designer toy company in the UK. This company annually selects six renowned designer toy masters worldwide as instructors. The Director, Zheng Qian, informed the design department that the company would internally select one excellent designer to represent them.
The selection criteria included being under 30 years old, having experience in independent designer toy planning, and providing a design draft for internal review. The competition for this spot would last three days, during which designers could gather inspiration but had to complete their creative ideas independently. Tian Tian was determined to compete for this rare chance. Meanwhile, Liu Xilai was furious with Assistant Tang, threatening to send him to Africa because his "Big Data 3.
0" advice had only pushed Tian Tian further away, even leading her to call Liu Xilai a "weirdo." Assistant Tang insisted that Tian Tian's reaction to Liu Xilai's blind date showed she was jealous. He urged Liu Xilai to resolve the misunderstanding quickly, invoking the "golden twenty-four hours principle of crisis communications." Annoyed, Liu Xilai reluctantly tasked Assistant Tang with finding Tian Tian's current whereabouts. Liu Xilai found Tian Tian on a field trip, taking photos to gather design inspiration.
He approached her, holding out a cotton candy, saying they might be "connected" by heart. Tian Tian, focused on work, initially dismissed him, suggesting he find Assistant Tang if he was bored. Liu Xilai clarified that he had kept Assistant Tang busy so he could accompany her. He offered her the cotton candy, thinking she wanted it because she was photographing it.
Tian Tian revealed she was actually photographing the "mythical beast behind the cotton candy stall," making Liu Xilai realize he had misunderstood her again. Despite this, Tian Tian tasted the cotton candy and admitted it was sweet, though she still feigned annoyance. Liu Xilai then tried to apologize with some cheesy jokes, before sincerely admitting his feelings for her were real, and his previous "strategy was wrong" due to "inexperience."
Tian Tian, still focused on work, said she didn't want to discuss it now. Liu Xilai, seizing the opportunity, offered to take her for a meal. Later, Liu Xizhao stopped drawing with Wen Xian, stating his allocated hour was up. Feeling hungry, Wen Xian suggested they invite Liu Xilai to lunch. Liu Xizhao was skeptical, thinking his busy brother wouldn't come, but Wen Xian confidently declared Liu Xilai had a "brother complex" for him and would never refuse his requests.
Liu Xizhao called Liu Xilai, who surprisingly agreed. Wen Xian was pleased, but her mood soured upon seeing Tian Tian accompanying Liu Xilai to lunch. At the restaurant, Wen Xian subtly tried to provoke Tian Tian, commenting on her "matsutake with eggplant" dish and using it as a metaphor to imply that people from different worlds, like Tian Tian and Liu Xilai, wouldn't fit together and would appear "out of place."
Tian Tian calmly retorted that whether a pairing fit was not up to Wen Xian, but up to the "eggplant and matsutake." Liu Xilai immediately showed his support for Tian Tian by tasting her dish and declaring it "delicious," "unique," and "good together." Wen Xian then remarked that different people simply have different tastes. Changing the subject, Liu Xizhao reminded Wen Xian that her birthday was approaching and offered to treat her.
Wen Xian, however, turned to Liu Xilai, reminding him that he usually mailed her gifts, but this year she wanted him to present it to her in person, to which Liu Xilai readily agreed. Later, as Liu Xilai drove Tian Tian home, he pressed her about her feelings for him, asking if she believed he was sincere.
Tian Tian confirmed her belief but expressed concern that their "thinking system and behavior are parallel," making it "hard for us to cross paths." Liu Xilai understood this to mean they weren't "on the same page," but optimistically noted it was a significant improvement from when she previously said they were "across a food chain," suggesting their distance was closing. Tian Tian, still a little overwhelmed, asked for time to think.
Liu Xilai then, with a hopeful tone, asked if this meant their relationship was entering a "probationary" period. Tian Tian nodded, seemingly agreeing. Liu Xilai enthusiastically promised to interact with her in a new way, to be "on the same page" with her, and reminded her that she had agreed to go gift shopping with him for Wen Xian's birthday the next day.
After dropping her off, Liu Xilai sent Tian Tian a playful text, reminding her not to stick her head out the window and to rest early, which Tian Tian found endearing, thinking this "stupid boss" had a cute side.
The next morning, Assistant Tang advised Liu Xilai to adopt a more "meticulous and considerate" persona, like a "boy next door," to shower Tian Tian with "spring-like warmth" during his "probationary boyfriend" phase, suggesting even a "domineering boss" must "come down from his pedestal" to find love. Liu Xilai enthusiastically tried this new approach, opening the car door for Tian Tian and offering her freshly squeezed soy milk.
However, Tian Tian found it "uncomfortable all over" and "very awkward," telling him to "just be yourself," as forced alignment was meaningless. Liu Xilai quickly agreed that the "boy next door" image didn't suit him. Tian Tian then accompanied Liu Xilai to buy Wen Xian's birthday gift. Their tastes immediately clashed.
Liu Xilai first picked a large golden floral piece, thinking it was what girls liked, but Tian Tian corrected him, emphasizing that gifts should be chosen based on the recipient's preference. She then suggested an elegant diamond jewelry set, calling it suitable for Wen Xian's "Snow Queen" style. Liu Xilai dismissed the small diamonds as "ordinary," insisting on something "valuable and beautiful." He then picked out a magnificent "imperial jade" piece, which Tian Tian labeled as having "straight man taste."
While they were debating, Liu Xizhao entered the store and was overheard discussing a unique "Little Prince" themed snowflake design for a necklace. Liu Xilai, overhearing Liu Xizhao's idea, immediately got inspired. At Wen Xian's birthday party, Liu Xizhao presented his thoughtful, "exclusive custom-made" snowflake necklace, proclaiming it was for the "one and only" Wen Xian. To everyone's surprise, Liu Xilai then presented an almost identical box.
He revealed his gift was "one of a pair," with subtle differences, containing letters representing himself, Liu Xizhao, and Wen Xian, symbolizing their "Golden Trinity" friendship. A furious Liu Xizhao questioned how Liu Xilai knew his design. Liu Xilai smugly admitted to using "clever tricks," having secretly inquired with the store staff about Liu Xizhao's purchase. As Wen Xian prepared to make a wish, Liu Xilai prompted her to share it, promising to grant it if he could.
Wen Xian then wished to be his girlfriend. Liu Xilai, feigning shock, gently rejected her, stating he had always viewed her as a sister. Wen Xian quickly claimed it was a joke to test his acting skills, though Liu Xilai warned her against such jokes. Wen Xian suggested they "get drunk," and Liu Xizhao, visibly upset but composed, offered to drink with her. Liu Xilai, citing urgent company matters, left, entrusting Wen Xian to Liu Xizhao's care.
After Liu Xilai departed, Liu Xizhao watched a visibly drunk Wen Xian, silently lamenting that despite all his years of dedicated companionship and care, her eyes were only for Liu Xilai, questioning if her affection was true love or mere childhood admiration. Back at the company, Liu Xilai noticed Tian Tian still working late. Remembering she disliked being disturbed while focused, he discreetly returned to his office.
He ordered a midnight snack for her, sending a text that read, "Dear Ah Tian, your midnight snack has arrived. You will be more energetic after some food." Tian Tian, receiving the thoughtful gesture, felt a surge of inspiration and thanked him. Liu Xilai promptly replied, "Your probationary boyfriend is on call. Welcome to place your order." Tian Tian felt a warm connection, realizing that being "on the same page" wasn't as difficult as she thought.
The next day, the company intranet announced the results of the master training course competition. Tian Tian was selected to represent the company for the three-month training. Assistant Tang expressed concern to Liu Xilai about Tian Tian's impending absence so early in their "probationary boyfriend" phase.
Liu Xilai, however, confidently stated that he had promised Tian Tian to be "on the same page" with her, and that "no matter how far the distance is, it won't be wider than my wavelength," implying their hearts would always be connected. He reflected on how he had learned to let go of his need for control and instead accompany Tian Tian in a way that made her comfortable, concluding that "liking is indulgence, love is restraint." He then texted Tian Tian, inviting her to dinner that night to celebrate her success.
Episode 13 Recap
Liu Xilai expressed his happiness about Tian Tian being selected for overseas training, congratulating her and promising the company's full support for her dreams. He then mentioned having an unfulfilled wish. Tian Tian, seeing a waiter approach with roses, secretly wondered if he was about to confess his love to her. However, the roses were delivered to another table, leaving her a little disappointed, though she acknowledged her fondness for roses.
Liu Xilai then called a waiter, who presented Tian Tian with a bouquet of baby's breath. Tian Tian was initially confused, thinking it was a "filler flower" and commenting on his "unique taste." Liu Xilai then revealed the flower's meaning: "For you, I'm willing to play a supporting role. I'm no longer the old me who liked to control everything."
He then explained the meaning of blue baby's breath: "I want to give you all the stars, but none of them is as shiny as you are." Tian Tian was touched, questioning if he was still the arrogant CEO or if he was truly willing to change so much for her. Liu Xilai then gave her a necklace, explaining it was a gift he had initially planned to give her at the cinema but was interrupted.
He now presented it as a congratulatory gift for her upcoming training and asked her to accept it. He concluded by assuring her that while he might not be perfect for her now, he would strive to become the right person. The next morning, Liu Xilai was delighted to receive a batch of heart-shaped cookies that Tian Tian had personally baked for him. Tian Tian explained they were healthy, with zero sugar, zero fat, and plenty of fiber.
As they sweetly shared them, Liu Xilai exclaimed that they tasted like "happiness." He couldn't stop praising their perfect color, fragrance, and shape, declaring them a delicacy that overshadowed all others. He then called Li Huai, only to brag about the cookies. When Li Huai asked why he was there just to listen to praise for cookies, Liu Xilai stated that as his friend, Li Huai had to witness such a memorable event.
He strictly forbade Li Huai from tasting them. Li Huai sarcastically suggested turning the cookies into specimens for an exhibition, a "good idea" Liu Xilai surprisingly agreed with. Li Huai then teased Liu Xilai for acting like a "fool" over cookies and wondered if his "mean" way of speaking alienated potential dates.
Li Huai warned him that a long-distance relationship could be a "number one killer" for their budding romance and that Tian Tian might meet a handsome and talented man with whom she shared more in common during her three-month training. Liu Xilai confidently retorted that he had already elevated Tian Tian's standards and that they were now "on the same wavelength," like parallel lines gradually converging.
Li Huai, however, cautioned that parallel lines, after a brief convergence, might drift further apart. Just then, Assistant Tang called Liu Xilai with urgent news. Liu Xilai, after calmly telling him to compose himself, learned that Luo Ci would be a special tutor for Tian Tian's toy design training. Liu Xilai's good mood instantly evaporated, and he angrily told Li Huai to "shut up," calling him a prophet.
That night, Liu Xilai was tormented by a vivid nightmare, reliving the car crash, hearing urgent calls to "wake up." He jolted awake, disturbed that he hadn't had such a nightmare in a long time. The thought of Tian Tian spending three months abroad with Luo Ci consumed him, filling him with dread about potential consequences.
He was torn, knowing that preventing Tian Tian from going would crush her dreams, yet he couldn't bear the thought of her bonding with his rival. He spent the night sleepless. The next morning, he called Assistant Tang, claiming he had a cold from the air conditioner and insomnia, stating he wouldn't come to the office. He instructed Assistant Tang to bring any urgent documents to his home.
Assistant Tang, intuiting Liu Xilai's true intentions, asked if his insomnia was due to Tian Tian's upcoming training abroad with Luo Ci. Liu Xilai sternly told him to get back to work. Realizing Liu Xilai's "irascible" mood, Assistant Tang decided to send Tian Tian to deliver the files instead, telling her she "came at the right time." Alone, Liu Xilai declared, "No! I can't let that happen!"
He determined he could no longer give Tian Tian the "freedom" that would allow her to bond with his rival. Tian Tian arrived, surprised to find Liu Xilai already trying to quickly groom himself. She told him not to worry about his appearance while sick, adding that she found his current disheveled look to have a "dispirited charm," though she quickly joked that she was only kidding.
Liu Xilai, having quickly tidied up, declared that even sick, he possessed an "unaffected charm." Tian Tian then offered him medicine. Liu Xilai, however, began to act dramatically, complaining that she still called him "Mr. Liu" despite his grand gestures and her homemade cookies. When she asked what else to call him, he suggested "Oppa" or "dear," which she found too cheesy to utter. He then refused his medicine, first claiming it was too hot, then too cold.
He whined that his "girlfriend" was scolding him and calling him "Mr. Liu," making him too sad to take it. Tian Tian gently reminded him he was only a "probationary boyfriend," but he countered that it still meant he was a future boyfriend. Eventually, she agreed to call him "Xilai" at home, but insisted on "Mr. Liu" at the company.
After he finally took the medicine, Tian Tian attempted to leave for work, but Liu Xilai stopped her, feigning hunger and calling her "cruel" for wanting him to work on an empty stomach. Tian Tian found his childish whining "cute" and agreed to make him breakfast. As they ate, Liu Xilai wistfully expressed his wish for time to stop so she wouldn't have to go abroad.
Later, when Tian Tian noted his fever had subsided and asked if he was still uncomfortable, he dramatically questioned if that meant he was fully recovered and she could leave him. He implored her to stay, and she, resigned, asked what he needed. He requested she simply chat with him. Tian Tian, however, brought out a company-developed AI robot, playfully suggesting it could fulfill his desire for conversation and even sing, echoing his past words to her.
Liu Xilai immediately clutched his head, claiming it hurt more, and declared he no longer wanted to chat. He then suggested watching TV to distract himself. As they watched a romance drama, a kissing scene played, making Tian Tian visibly awkward. She suggested changing the channel, but Liu Xilai argued it was a good depiction of true feelings. Tian Tian quickly asked to fast forward, deeming current TV "inappropriate for kids," and suggested they rest instead.
Liu Xilai reminded her they weren't children. He then began removing his watch, claiming it was tight, and unbuttoned his shirt, saying he felt hot. Tian Tian, confused and concerned, asked what he was doing, reminding him of his illness. Leaning close, Liu Xilai finally revealed his true desire, asking softly, "Can you stay? Can you not go abroad?"
Tian Tian noticed Liu Xilai's pale face and his sudden complaints of chest tightness, dizziness, and a feeling of being "struck by lightning." She immediately suspected his erythrophobia (fear of redness) had relapsed, worrying if his cold had worsened or if it was the phobia acting up again. Liu Xilai, sensing her misunderstanding, dramatically claimed he felt fine only when she was by his side, but the thought of her leaving made him breathless.
Realizing Tian Tian's confusion was an unexpected opportunity, he internally considered it "God giving him a chance." Shortly after, he received a call, implied to be Luo Ci, suggesting he and Tian Tian take the same flight to the training for mutual care. Liu Xilai internally bristled, thinking, "My woman, why would I need you to take care of her?"
He then intensified his act, telling Tian Tian he couldn't live without her and that the entire room seemed red, making his head spin. Convinced his erythrophobia had worsened, Tian Tian insisted on taking him to Li Huai. Liu Xilai initially feigned resistance, saying he only needed her, but eventually went along. At Li Huai's clinic, Tian Tian anxiously explained Liu Xilai's symptoms, asking if his erythrophobia had "upgraded."
Catching Liu Xilai's subtle pleas, Li Huai, after a moment, told Tian Tian he needed to conduct further examinations and asked her to wait outside. Once alone, Li Huai confronted Liu Xilai about his elaborate scheme to keep Tian Tian. Liu Xilai admitted he hadn't intended to lie but merely "chose not to explain" when Tian Tian misunderstood.
He argued that while training opportunities were annual, three months alone with Luo Ci would seal his fate, causing him to lose Tian Tian forever. Li Huai expressed reluctance to participate in the deception, suggesting Liu Xilai simply tell Tian Tian his feelings. Liu Xilai vehemently refused, stating he couldn't say it aloud and found it unacceptable to be put in a "choice" against a "superficial playboy" like Luo Ci, as he was always the one doing the choosing.
He also confessed his fear of rejection. Li Huai remarked on Liu Xilai's uncharacteristic insecurity. Liu Xilai declared he wouldn't waste this divine opportunity and would "seal the car door" to prevent Tian Tian from leaving until his "boyfriend status" was official, promising to arrange private elite training for her later. Li Huai then called Tian Tian back in. Tian Tian anxiously asked about Liu Xilai's condition, fearing the worst.
Li Huai, playing his part, explained that Liu Xilai's erythrophobia was psychosomatic and thanked Tian Tian for making Liu Xilai's life richer and "normal." He then implied that Tian Tian's recent "changes" (her impending departure for training) had caused his insecurity and relapse, adding that she was "the only one who could help him," using an idiom about untying the bell.
Liu Xilai quickly interjected, reinterpreting Li Huai's words to mean that "companionship is the cure" and that he needed her to stay by his side for "observation and treatment." Li Huai reluctantly confirmed this, then added that Tian Tian could also help Liu Xilai by finding the truth behind his fears and helping him face them, hinting at a deeper psychological root. Liu Xilai understood the underlying message.
Unbeknownst to Liu Xilai, Tian Tian later discussed with her friend, Rose, about baking cookies for Liu Xilai, not Luo Ci. Rose questioned if Liu Xilai had forced her, but Tian Tian defended him, saying he wasn't "that kind of person." Rose then asked if she had fallen for the "fragile boss," to which Tian Tian clarified he was not fragile and had abs.
Rose concluded that Liu Xilai's "blind date trick" must have worked, but Tian Tian explained he was just awkward with girls and had been misled by Assistant Tang, and he had already apologized. Rose was surprised by Tian Tian's sudden change from complaining to defending him, but Tian Tian countered that people change, and even a "big boss" could become agreeable. Rose observed that a "Taoist girl" (Tian Tian's previous moniker) in love could indeed become very gentle.
Episode 14 Recap
Believing Liu Xilai's fake blood sickness, Tian Tian diligently sets out to cure him. Recalling advice to face his fear, she prepares a variety of red-colored fruit juices: watermelon, pitaya, strawberry, and hawthorn. She explains to Liu Xilai that they must follow medical instructions and confront his fear. Liu Xilai inwardly laments his fate but forces himself to drink, enduring the different flavors and feeling incredibly full.
Tian Tian encourages him, reminding him that cooperation is key to a swift recovery. Eventually, he can't drink anymore and accidentally spills a bottle, staining his white shirt red. Tian Tian, concerned about the stain, tells him to take off his shirt. Liu Xilai, sensing her shyness, dramatically removes his shirt, flaunting his muscular physique. Tian Tian is flustered and quickly tells him to put his clothes back on, then rushes out.
Liu Xilai smirks, convinced she was impressed by his physique. Tian Tian returns shortly after, holding clothes, urging him to get dressed to avoid catching a cold, and calls it a day for the "treatment." That evening, Tian Tian returned home to discuss her decision about the overseas training with Shan Rousi. Shan Rousi playfully teased her, asking if she was "working for her delicate boss" or "nursing her patient."
Tian Tian admitted Liu Xilai was indeed "sick and delicate," but explained that his condition was a "mental illness" that doctors alone couldn't cure, and she felt she could help him. Shan Rousi questioned why she couldn't simply go for the training and help him afterward, emphasizing that the opportunity was "now-or-never." Tian Tian worried about Liu Xilai coping alone for three months, to which Shan Rousi countered that he had managed fine before her.
Tian Tian insisted that his condition had worsened, making his reliance on her "reasonable." Shan Rousi concluded that Tian Tian had clearly "fallen in love." Meanwhile, Liu Xizhao discovered that Wen Xian had been avoiding him. A while ago, on Wen Xian's birthday, Liu Xizhao had carried her home after she drank too much, confessing his feelings to her along the way.
Wen Xian vaguely heard his confession but had dismissed it, as her heart had always been set on Liu Xilai. Now, Liu Xizhao lamented to himself that Wen Xian hadn't contacted him for two days, wondering if she was hiding to grieve. He called her, and after some verbal sparring where Wen Xian tried to hang up, Liu Xizhao proposed they go swimming that weekend to help her "vent her sadness."
Wen Xian initially refused, but Liu Xizhao threatened to tell Liu Xilai about her failed confession and subsequent despondency if she didn't come. Reluctantly, Wen Xian agreed. At the pool, Wen Xian angrily confronted Liu Xizhao, twisting his ear and demanding to know if he had told Liu Xilai anything. He denied it, then unexpectedly pulled her into the water. After surfacing, Wen Xian, frustrated, told him to stop his "funny play."
She asserted that she wasn't sad and that he shouldn't presume to know her so well, reminding him that she was his elder sister, despite being only a year older. Liu Xizhao, realizing her distant behavior was because she had heard his earlier confession of feelings, acknowledged that he "crossed the line" and understood her avoidance. He walked away, but not before covering her with a towel.
As he left, Wen Xian finally understood that Liu Xizhao had been by her side all these years, a fact she had always overlooked. The next day, Liu Xilai met Tian Tian, joking about her "formatting" her previous impression of him and internally musing that she must have been thinking about his physique.
He then announced that his condition had "improved" under her treatment, allowing him to return to work, as his assistant was getting depressed and his stomach couldn't handle the lack of proper food anymore. At the office, Liu Xilai, back in his formal attire, asked Tian Tian to call him "Xilai" instead of "Mr. Liu." Tian Tian became flustered and quickly returned to her office, where a colleague instructed her to prepare for her work handover before the training.
Unbeknownst to her, Tian Tian was still conflicted about leaving, thinking, "How can I leave at ease without his illness being cured?" Liu Xilai worked quickly, hoping to finish early for a date with Tian Tian. When Tian Tian arrived at his office during lunch break, bringing him another "horrible juice" for his "treatment," he quickly put on his sunglasses to maintain his pretense of illness.
He expressed a desire to "hold her hands and grow old with her," but Tian Tian dismissed it as "cheesy," assuring him he would recover soon. He reluctantly drank the juice, feeling the "treatment plan" was stressful. Tian Tian, seeing his distress, promised to take him to an "interesting and relaxing place" that weekend if he finished the juice. As promised, Tian Tian took Liu Xilai to a ferris wheel.
Liu Xilai initially expressed acrophobia, but Tian Tian encouraged him to close his eyes or avoid looking down. He decided to look at the same scenery she did. Tian Tian remarked on his change, finding him more approachable. At the highest point, she made a wish for his speedy recovery. Liu Xilai, who initially claimed not to believe in wishes and to rely on self-effort, admitted he was now "afraid of losing" and couldn't predict "every consequence."
Tian Tian countered that wishes symbolize faith in a desired future, which gave him confidence. He then made a "selfish" wish to himself: for Tian Tian to "always be with him." After the ride, Tian Tian asked about his wish, but he teasingly kept it a secret. She then inquired about how his blood sickness was cured previously, hoping to replicate the method. Liu Xilai claimed a kiss on the forehead had worked before and suggested they "try again."
Despite her suspicion that he might be "trying to trick" her, Tian Tian felt a sense of "anticipation." She kissed his forehead and asked if he was still dizzy. Liu Xilai feigned dizziness, stating the forehead kiss wasn't "effective enough" for his "serious" condition this time. He then unexpectedly kissed her on the lips. After their passionate kiss, Liu Xilai internally wished he had "skipped all the unnecessary parts earlier."
Tian Tian, flustered, questioned why a lip kiss worked but a forehead kiss didn't. When Liu Xilai suggested "one more time" because he was "too into it" to "feel anything," Tian Tian quickly made an excuse about the late hour and left for home. That evening, Tian Tian informed Shan Rousi via message that she had told her director of her decision to forfeit the overseas training.
Shan Rousi expressed no surprise, noting Tian Tian's obvious affection for the "delicate boss." Despite her preference for career over romance, Shan Rousi expressed happiness for Tian Tian finally falling in love and assured her of support regardless of her choice. The next day, after Liu Xilai texted Tian Tian an invitation for dinner, he began preparing a meal, reflecting on his uneasy conscience about deceiving her and deciding it was time to "tell Tian the truth."
When Tian Tian arrived, looking beautiful in the necklace he had gifted her, Liu Xilai greeted her, expressing his anticipation for her "treatment." Tian Tian offered to cut fruit and make juice, but Liu Xilai joked that she should only focus on his treatment. However, when Tian Tian accidentally cut her finger, Liu Xilai instinctively rushed to help, completely forgetting his feigned blood sickness.
While he was calling Li Huai for advice on handling the situation, Tian Tian overheard him admit to Li Huai that he had "forgotten to respond" to seeing blood, and he believed he had been "exposed." Realizing his deception, Tian Tian confronted him, stating that his "blood sickness hasn't relapsed at all." Liu Xilai immediately tried to explain, saying he had planned to confess soon. Tian Tian, however, was furious.
She recounted how she had worried about him, how she feared for his safety under his sunglasses, and how she had even "given up the chance for training" she had "dreamed for a long time." She felt her concern was a "joke" and that she was "the most foolish one in the world." Liu Xilai tried to calm her, revealing that his deception was due to Luo Ci.
He confessed his anxiety and insomnia upon learning Luo Ci would be the training lecturer and that Tian Tian would travel with him. He feared "losing" her if they spent three months together, knowing her admiration for Luo Ci. Tian Tian rebuked him for his "self-righteous" method of keeping her by his side without considering her feelings, emphasizing that "mutual trust is the most important in a relationship." She expressed her deep disappointment in his lack of trust. Despite his attempts to justify his actions as fear of "unknown results," Tian Tian left in anger.
Episode 15 Recap
After his lie was exposed, Liu Xilai realized that Tian Tian was truly angry with him. He tried everything to win back her forgiveness, including buying flowers and preparing a heartfelt apology, but Tian Tian wouldn't even answer his calls. Meanwhile, Luo Ci, noticing Tian Tian’s name was missing from the final training list, flew over to inquire about it. Tian Tian explained it was a misunderstanding.
Luo Ci, aware of her high hopes for the training, offered her a spot as his teaching assistant, an opportunity he had specifically reserved for her as a special guest lecturer. However, this would require her to resign from her current position at Qiansheng Group, leaving Tian Tian in a dilemma. Seeing her hesitation, Luo Ci further tempted her with an offer to join his studio and confessed his feelings, telling her, "I like you."
Tian Tian, while expressing her admiration for him as an idol and senior, clarified that her heart already belonged to someone else. She explained that she had come to understand that even if two people came from different "planets," they could still be deeply attracted to each other if their hearts connected. Luo Ci immediately realized she was referring to Liu Xilai.
He gave her until his flight the following Friday to make a decision, acknowledging that "the crush won't last long" and true connection requires mutual understanding. Tian Tian promised to consider it and give him an answer. Just as Luo Ci was speaking, Liu Xilai approached, trying to apologize to Tian Tian and offering to secure her a spot in the training. Still fuming, Tian Tian responded with a cold shoulder and left.
Liu Xilai and Luo Ci then had a tense confrontation. Luo Ci suggested he still had a chance, but Liu Xilai declared he wouldn't allow Luo Ci to get close to Tian Tian. Frustrated by Tian Tian's refusal to forgive him, Liu Xilai confided in Li Huai. Li Huai chided him for not heeding his advice earlier, telling him, "You deserve it." At that moment, Assistant Tang called to discuss the company's annual team-building event.
Initially disinterested, Liu Xilai's ears perked up when Li Huai suggested using the design department’s team-building as an opportunity to reconcile with Tian Tian. Liu Xilai eagerly embraced the idea. Under Liu Xilai's meticulous planning, the company's team-building activities were staggered. He chose a romantic beach resort for the design department, emphasizing a relaxing and intimate atmosphere. To further his cause, he specifically invited Li Huai, Wen Xian, and Shan Rousi.
Li Huai and Shan Rousi, despite their own playful squabbles and mock denials of a romantic connection when others mistook them for a couple, readily agreed to conspire to bring Tian Tian and Liu Xilai together. Meanwhile, Wen Xian noticed Liu Xizhao had been avoiding her. She confronted him, asking why he hadn't answered her calls and hadn't waited for her as promised.
Liu Xizhao tried to use the excuse of arranging rooms, but Wen Xian quickly called out his lie. As they talked, she noticed he had a fever and immediately began to care for him. Liu Xizhao, affected by her concern and remarking that it was a reversal of roles as he usually cared for her when she was sick, and realizing she was no longer treating him just as a younger brother, softened his stance.
During the team-building, after Wen Xian openly pursued him, Liu Xizhao, initially coy, eventually reciprocated, and the two shared a sweet embrace and kiss, marking the beginning of their new romance. Taking a quiet moment, Tian Tian called Luo Ci to deliver her decision. She thanked him for the precious opportunity and for his feelings but gently rejected him, stating, "I already have someone in my heart. I want to stay with him."
She assured him that she would continue to pursue her dreams diligently and would not lose direction because of love, hoping they would meet again at an international design exhibition. Luo Ci, who had already suspected her feelings for Liu Xilai, gracefully accepted her answer, wishing her well. Back at the beach resort, Assistant Tang, a true genius at matchmaking, orchestrated a "Truth or Dare" game, cleverly pairing Liu Xilai with Tian Tian.
Through several rounds, their conflicting answers led to penalties. For instance, when asked who they would save if their idol and lover fell into the water, Tian Tian chose 'lover,' while Liu Xilai chose 'idol.' Tian Tian then humorously explained she would save Luo Ci because he couldn't swim, while Liu Xilai could. Later, when asked who initiated their first kiss, their answers also differed. These disagreements led to Tian Tian drinking multiple penalties and becoming visibly tipsy.
Later, Liu Xilai found a very drunk Tian Tian. In her inebriated state, she candidly expressed how he was constantly on her mind, even in her dreams, playfully attributing it to his good looks. Capitalizing on the moment, Liu Xilai sincerely apologized again, explaining that he had lied because he was terrified of losing her. He emphasized, "In my life, you are my only choice." When Tian Tian asked, "How do you know that you aren't?"
he sensed a shift in her feelings and, excitedly, offered to perform outrageous feats like "smashing boulders on my chest" or "jumping into the sea" to earn her forgiveness. Though she teasingly refused to forgive him outright, his amusing offers made her laugh. Liu Xilai then proposed a game: whoever could list more merits would get a kiss. Tian Tian confidently declared she had "as many strengths as the stars in the sky," while his were "too hard to find."
Liu Xilai, conceding defeat, declared "You win" and then playfully "cheated" by kissing her first, asserting that he was the true winner. Their passionate kiss instantly dissolved the remaining barriers between them.
Episode 16 Recap
Tian Tian woke up, initially believing her intimate night with Liu Xilai was merely an erotic dream. However, she found a note from him by her bed, which read, "Tian, your passion for love can only be shown to me. Also, I have a surprise for you. From Xilai, who loves you more every day." Realizing the previous night was real, she couldn't help but feel shy.
Assistant Tang, aiming to further Liu Xilai's romantic endeavors, introduced a "Queen's Treasure Hunt" as a major team-building activity. He explained that the male partners were guarding treasures and awaiting discovery based on clues. He specifically handed Tian Tian her clue, emphasizing the uniqueness of the gift and urging her to cherish the search. Wen Xian easily located Liu Xizhao, affectionately calling him a "little salted fish who loves sunbathing."
She teased him for pretending disinterest in the game, asserting her deep understanding of him. She then confessed that she had overheard his birthday declaration of love. Initially confused, her subsequent time spent avoiding him made her realize that he had always been her constant companion, sharing her joys and sorrows. Unable to imagine life without him, she asked if he truly wished to let go.
Liu Xizhao reassured her, stating he had never let go and was simply awaiting her embrace. She joyfully declared herself his "fan," though she quickly corrected it to "fan sis" due to their age difference, solidifying their loving relationship. Shan Rousi found Li Huai, who presented her with two tickets to the movie "Titanic." When she questioned if the gift was a nod to her name, Rousi, sounding like Rose, Li Huai confirmed it, revealing his English name was Jack.
Later, Li Huai offered Shan Rousi a healthy meal, having noticed her meager dinner. He recalled a middle school classmate, also surnamed Shan, who called herself an "inhabitant of the Fatty Planet" and was much heavier. He admitted to playfully calling her "Fatty," which she disliked, eventually leading her to transfer schools. Shan Rousi realized he was speaking of her, playfully remarking that he was still "so mean."
Meanwhile, Wen Zhicai received a phone call informing him that Liu Xilai had once again rejected their new toy proposal. Enraged, Wen Zhicai expressed concern over their declining influence within the Qiansheng Group. He decided to act decisively, calling Kevin. He emphasized the impending CEO election in two weeks, urging Kevin to take the initiative rather than passively await their fate. Kevin assured Wen Zhicai that he understood what needed to be done.
Tian Tian began her treasure hunt, guided by clues that were carefully curated memories of her relationship with Liu Xilai. These included his humorous admission that he initially suspected her of trying to scam him when they first met, and how she later became his "most invincible attachment." The trail led her to a hot air balloon, where Liu Xilai, already inside, invited her for "a date in the sky."
High above, Liu Xilai spoke of how falling in love with her had transformed him from a rigid strategist, vulnerable to fears of red, loss, and uncontrollability, into a more secure, empathetic, and approachable person. He asked for her forgiveness and to love him again. Tian Tian reciprocated, thanking him for making her softer and for his unwavering love before she even recognized her own feelings.
He then officially asked her to be his girlfriend, promising eternal love, a vow she passionately returned. They shared a sweet kiss, solidifying their unique bond. As they returned, a masked assailant abruptly appeared, striking Liu Xilai in the head with a baseball bat as he instinctively shielded Tian Tian. The attacker fled, leaving a distraught Tian Tian to frantically call for help and rush Liu Xilai to the hospital. While in a coma, Liu Xilai experienced vivid dreams.
He relived the car accident and his father's parting words, hearing his father's final regrets about prioritizing work over family. He also saw a young girl comforting him and kissing his forehead, recalling her words that his mother said a kiss on the forehead would make him less afraid. Tian Tian was overjoyed when Liu Xilai finally awoke after two days. The doctor reassured her that he only had a minor concussion and would recover with rest.
The doctor also shared the good news that his hemophobia showed no signs of relapse, indicating a complete recovery. Liu Xilai then asked Tian Tian if she had ever helped a boy from a car accident when she was young. Tian Tian recalled an incident on her way to her grandmother's house, where she comforted an injured boy trapped in a car. Liu Xilai revealed that he was that very boy.
He explained that this shared past now made sense of his hemophobia being cured by her kiss, realizing his subconscious had chosen her long ago and she had always been his source of security. They both expressed gratitude for finding each other again. Liu Xilai informed Assistant Tang that the masked attacker was fully armed and his attack seemed intentional rather than impulsive, indicating a premeditated act. Although he had a suspicion, he couldn't prove it yet.
He told Assistant Tang he wished to be discharged soon, but Tian Tian urged him to rest, assuring him that Assistant Tang and Vice President Liu Xizhao could handle the work. Liu Xilai then announced his intention to retire from the CEO position, declaring that after this near-death experience, he realized the world was a vanity fair and wanted to live a simple life, enjoying nature with Tian Tian.
He planned to recommend Liu Xizhao as his successor for the CEO election in two weeks. His uncle was initially apologetic about the accident but then questioned Liu Xilai’s decision, fearing Liu Xizhao was not ready. Liu Xilai explained that his dream about his father's dying regret of not spending enough time with family had made him prioritize living life and being with loved ones over fleeting fame and fortune.
Liu Xizhao initially resisted, feeling unready, but Wen Xian spoke up in his defense, highlighting his responsibility and growth, despite his casual demeanor. Wen Zhicai, after confirming Liu Xilai's decision with Wen Xian via a call, visited him, feigning concern while subtly probing Liu Xilai's true intentions. Liu Xilai calmly reaffirmed his decision, assuring Wen Zhicai that he would remain a company shareholder and assist if needed, placing his trust in Liu Xizhao.
Tian Tian called her father, who informed her that he and her uncle were embarking on a senior tour group for the next half-month, asking her to look after their tea shop. This provided the perfect opportunity for Liu Xilai and Tian Tian to stay at her hometown. Before leaving, Assistant Tang expressed mock sadness about being "abandoned," but Liu Xilai joked that he was a loyal "steadfast assistant" who had accompanied three generations of leaders.
Li Huai offered to provide psychological counseling, as Liu Xilai's sudden shift to a relaxed lifestyle seemed extreme. Liu Xilai insisted he wasn't sick, but Li Huai advised Tian Tian to stay close to him as he was still unstable. Upon arriving at Tian Tian’s small, rustic home, she apologized for its modesty, but Liu Xilai found it "down-to-earth" and endearing, stating he had longed for such a relaxed life.
Tian Tian playfully teased him about his rapid transformation from a money-driven CEO to a health expert, but he retorted that she too had changed her perspective on their relationship. Meanwhile, Liu Xizhao called, still feeling overwhelmed by the sudden responsibility. Liu Xilai encouraged him, highlighting his strengths and advising him to trust Assistant Tang, whom he described as the most trustworthy person in the company. He also shared some health tips, further cementing his new persona as a "health expert."
Episode 17 Recap
During his recovery, Liu Xilai adopted a more serene approach to life, often waking at five in the morning to meditate. He even invited Tian Tian to join him, prompting her to jokingly question if his head injury had truly affected his mind. While Tian Tian was busy, Liu Xilai, left to his own devices, engaged with customers at her father's tea shop. However, his inherently blunt and often critical nature remained unchanged.
Instead of offering comforting words, his philosophical musings frequently turned confrontational, leading customers to leave in frustration and causing a significant drop in business. Later, while counting the day’s earnings, Tian Tian noticed a 150 yuan shortfall. She asked Liu Xilai if the customers he had conversed with had paid. He playfully distracted her with a kiss before discreetly adding 200 yuan to the cash register, claiming that the townspeople were so delighted by his company they left tips.
For Liu Xilai, pleasing Tian Tian was far more important than any small sum of money. Meanwhile, Wen Xian was feeling disheartened as Liu Xilai’s leave meant all company responsibilities had shifted to Liu Xizhao, leaving him no time for their dates. Upon hearing this, Wen Zhicai was delighted, taking it as confirmation that Liu Xilai had indeed relinquished his power.
Seizing the opportunity, Wen Zhicai resolved to push for Liu Xizhao to be appointed CEO at the upcoming shareholder meeting, intending to manipulate him from behind the scenes and gain absolute control over the group. He met with Liu Xizhao, proposing his support, but Liu Xizhao expressed doubts about his own capabilities and inexperience. Wen Zhicai quickly bolstered his confidence, emphasizing that he must not back down, lest all his hard work be in vain.
Wen Xian later assured Liu Xizhao that she loved him for who he was, not for his title, and longed for him to be the one who cherished her and shared her happiness. Moved, Liu Xizhao promised to stay by her side once his current workload eased, and they sealed it with a pinky swear. Unbeknownst to many, Liu Xilai’s detached demeanor was part of a larger, elaborate strategy.
Assistant Tang called Liu Xilai, confirming that Wen Zhicai was indeed contacting various shareholders to campaign for Liu Xizhao's CEO election, with the clear intention of controlling him. Liu Xilai acknowledged that Wen Zhicai's past minor manipulations had been tolerated, but this time, he had crossed a critical boundary, necessitating a firm counterattack. He directed Assistant Tang to closely monitor the company, explaining that his current "retreat to advance" strategy was designed to "lure the snake out of its hole."
He promised to return once his plan unfolded. Concerned that Liu Xilai’s constant reading of Buddhist scriptures might overly pacify his spirit, Tian Tian brought him a stack of different books. He accepted them all, showing a particular fondness for romance novels focused on dating tips and experiences. He began to spout cheesy, clichéd pick-up lines, which Tian Tian found excessively sweet, worrying he might become "delicate, overly zen, and greasy."
She tried to give him an inspiring book, "The Talent Code," but he asserted he was already a genius and preferred "Domineering CEO novels," proving his point with a classic line: "I don't want what you think, I want what I think." Desperate, Tian Tian called Li Huai, who suggested physical exercise to boost dopamine and improve his mood. Tian Tian woke Liu Xilai, enthusiastically proposing they engage in some "stimulating exercise."
He immediately became excited, expecting a romantic encounter, but Tian Tian surprised him by taking him to a public square to join a group of older women in dancing. He embraced the unexpected activity, but when Tian Tian returned from running errands, she discovered he had already taken charge, teaching the group yoga exercises, once again demonstrating his inherent leadership qualities.
At the company, Assistant Tang reported to Liu Xizhao about a critical issue: a new batch of designer toys was causing allergic reactions among customers. Liu Xizhao, despite warnings that recalling the products would significantly damage the company's reputation, resolutely decided to suspend sales and recall all defective items, prioritizing corporate responsibility over short-term losses. Concurrently, Wen Zhicai investigated the matter and discovered that Kevin, the design director, had knowingly used inferior materials to cut costs.
Wen Zhicai saw this as an opportunity to further undermine Liu Xilai, planning to shift all blame onto him to ensure he could never regain his position. Wen Zhicai instructed Kevin to remain silent about his involvement, threatening severe consequences if he spoke up.
He then advised Liu Xizhao not to take responsibility at the upcoming emergency board meeting, reminding him that the supplier was not his choice and that securing his own stable position as CEO was paramount for the company's long-term benefit. Later, Li Huai and Shan Rousi arrived to visit Liu Xilai and Tian Tian. The couple's affectionate displays left their friends feeling overwhelmed by their sweetness.
After dinner, Tian Tian and Liu Xilai playfully engaged in a game of "Golden Flower." Liu Xilai won the first round, "punishing" Tian Tian with a gentle touch. Tian Tian won the second round, "punishing" Liu Xilai with a kiss. When Liu Xilai won the third round, he declared it was time for a "more stimulating" activity and carried Tian Tian into the bedroom. During their visit, Shan Rousi expressed her disdain for Li Huai's sharp tongue.
To create a good impression, Tian Tian subtly coerced Li Huai into cooking dinner for everyone, highlighting his domestic and caring side for Shan Rousi. While eating, Shan Rousi spoke of her struggles with weight, and Li Huai realized she was inducing vomiting to maintain her figure. He chided her about the health risks, but she defiantly stated she feared gaining weight more than getting sick, recounting a past experience where she was called "Fatty" in middle school.
Li Huai was stunned by her words, realizing she was his old classmate, "Strong Shan," whom he had once teased. Shan Rousi confirmed it, explaining she had changed her name to escape her past and was upset he kept bringing it up. Li Huai sincerely apologized for his past cruelty and promised to help her develop a healthy weight management plan that allowed her to enjoy food while staying fit, a proposition Shan Rousi agreed to consider.
Liu Xilai eventually confided in Tian Tian, revealing that his "resignation" was merely a pretense to expose Wen Zhicai. He explained that Kevin, the design director, was the masked assailant who had attacked him, and Kevin had direct ties to Wen Zhicai. All his recent actions, including his seemingly changed demeanor, were part of a strategy to make Wen Zhicai and his associates drop their guard.
He admitted that he also genuinely wanted a break to spend quality time with her. Tian Tian, while initially upset he hadn't told her sooner, accepted his explanation, making him promise that from now on, they would face all challenges together. With the truth unveiled and their bond strengthened, they decided it was time to return to the city.
Lying in bed later, Tian Tian reflected on her feelings, wondering if this was what it meant to be in love, her heart fluttering whenever she looked at Liu Xilai. As he awoke, he asked what was different about her today. She softly replied that the "her" in his eyes today loved him even more than yesterday.
Episode 18 (Ending) Recap
The Qiansheng Group convened a board meeting to address the issue of problematic designer toys. Liu Xizhao reported that the Sales Department had already initiated a recall of the toys from the market. However, the group's stock price had fallen, leading shareholders to direct their frustration at Liu Xizhao. Wen Zhicai interjected, asserting that the toy production line had always been Liu Xilai's responsibility, and Liu Xizhao, having only recently taken over, had done commendably to control the situation.
Wen Zhicai then proposed that replacing the current leader would be an effective way for the public to regain confidence in Qiansheng, suggesting a new election. However, a shareholder pointed out that it was premature to call for a new leader when the crisis was still unresolved. At that moment, Liu Xilai, who was supposed to be resting, made a sudden return.
He emphasized that the group's crisis was far more important than any personal matter, urging everyone to unite and overcome the hardship. He vowed to uncover the truth and punish anyone who jeopardized the company's reputation for personal gain. After the meeting, Liu Xilai stopped Liu Xizhao, advising him to distinguish between personal and professional matters, specifically regarding his relationship with Wen Xian and her father, Mr. Wen.
Liu Xizhao grew angry, accusing his brother of interfering not only with his work but now his love life. Liu Xilai explained he only wished for Liu Xizhao to remain calm and objective as he used to be. Liu Xizhao retorted that Liu Xilai always wanted him to be an "inept vice president under his wings" and dismissed his past guidance as "hypocritical." Liu Xilai told him to reconsider his words.
Wen Zhicai, who had witnessed the exchange, approached Liu Xizhao after Liu Xilai left. He assured Liu Xizhao that he and Wen Xian were his unwavering support and encouraged him to prepare for taking over as CEO in three days. Assistant Tang reported to Liu Xilai on the progress of the toy recall. Although Liu Xilai was satisfied with Liu Xizhao's initial emergency response, he acknowledged that conventional recall methods would not be enough to fully restore Qiansheng's reputation.
He needed a more impactful solution. Later, Tian Tian arrived with dinner, knowing Liu Xilai was stressed and had missed his meal. Liu Xilai apologized for neglecting her due to work, but Tian Tian, understanding the importance of his duties, didn't mind. Seeing his immense pressure, she decided to help him de-stress by taking him to an arcade. While playing whack-a-mole, Tian Tian playfully cautioned him, "be gentle, don't smash the screen."
Her words sparked an idea in Liu Xilai, and he realized he had found a way to solve the problem, calling her his "Sweetie Tian." The next day, Liu Xilai began implementing his plan. He instructed Assistant Tang to reach out to potential corporate partners to provide customized prizes for a "smash golden eggs" event, aiming to leverage the situation for a massive promotional campaign. He also emphasized using big data to create personalized prize lists based on customer preferences.
Liu Xilai himself recorded a video as the CEO of Qiansheng Group, apologizing for the product quality issue and announcing the "smash golden eggs, get gifts" event to recall problematic toys and compensate customers. He promised to livestream the destruction of all recalled toys, publicly showcasing Qiansheng's commitment as a responsible and trustworthy company. Shan Rousi reported live from the event, capturing the public's enthusiastic response.
Customers were thrilled to receive rare items, like the "hidden toy of the Cute Pets series," praising Qiansheng for its integrity in taking responsibility. During the subsequent board meeting, Liu Xilai highlighted how his innovative approach had not only recovered the problematic toys and restored the company's image but also saved significant advertising costs for new product launches. He challenged the shareholders, arguing that their focus on internal blame rather than collective problem-solving was detrimental to the company.
Wen Zhicai, however, remained adamant, asserting that Liu Xilai was merely rectifying his own oversight and that the company's reputation had indeed suffered under his leadership. He called for a vote to determine Liu Xilai's position. Liu Xilai agreed to the vote. The results initially showed a tie between Liu Xilai and Liu Xizhao. However, Liu Xizhao cast his deciding vote for Liu Xilai, ensuring Liu Xilai remained the CEO of Qiansheng Group, much to Wen Zhicai's dismay.
After the vote, Wen Zhicai realized that Liu Xilai and Liu Xizhao had orchestrated the entire situation, making him a pawn in their plan. Prior to this, Liu Xizhao, following Liu Xilai's instructions, had spoken with Wen Zhicai, clarifying that Wen Xian was his daughter, not a "bargaining chip" for corporate power, and that he would never "step on" his brother to become CEO despite Wen Zhicai's persistent efforts to persuade him.
Liu Xilai then confronted Wen Zhicai directly, listing instances of his "tricks" since Liu Xilai took office, including issues with the "Cute Pets series" and "Classic of Mountains and Rivers" pre-sales, and even the attack at the resort. He revealed he had withheld this information out of respect for Wen Zhicai as a company elder, Wen Xian's father, and Liu Xizhao's future father-in-law.
Liu Xilai then presented Wen Zhicai with a choice: continue his divisive actions, risking the company's stability, or "take a step back and enjoy a peaceful retirement." Overwhelmed and defeated, Wen Zhicai decided to retire. Later, Liu's father visited Wen Zhicai, reiterating that they were too old for corporate battles and that Liu Xilai had given him a dignified exit.
He also playfully suggested that Wen Xian, Wen Zhicai's daughter, would soon become his own daughter, a prospect Wen Zhicai still found irritating. Away from the corporate battles, Liu Xizhao and Wen Xian's relationship flourished. Liu Xizhao shared with Liu Xilai that he realized his responsibility as a man was to ensure Wen Xian's happiness and prevent her from being caught in familial conflicts.
He expressed relief that the current outcome was the best for her, allowing him to return to his carefree life. Wen Xian, having been kept in the dark about the brothers' plan, initially felt slighted but quickly understood Liu Xizhao's intentions. She thanked him for everything, calling him "the one who suffered the most" and saying her admiration for him had only grown stronger. Meanwhile, Li Huai and Shan Rousi's bond deepened.
Li Huai demonstrated his commitment by meticulously planning a healthy diet and workout regimen for Shan Rousi. They re-introduced themselves to each other, shedding old insecurities and embracing their new, evolved selves—Li Huai as a "warm and straightforward" man dedicated to caring for her, and Shan Rousi as a "fair, thin, and beautiful girl" who makes changes only to please herself.
Their blossoming romance was evident as Shan Rousi happily enjoyed a diet meal prepared by Li Huai, a gesture that Tian Tian teasingly interpreted as a sign of their deepening affection. To cap off their journey, Liu Xilai sought the help of his friends—Liu Xizhao, Li Huai, Assistant Tang, Shan Rousi, and Wen Xian—to plan a grand marriage proposal for Tian Tian. Shan Rousi suggested a unique approach that would fit Liu Xilai's "CEO persona."
During the romantic event, filled with music and dancing, Liu Xilai expressed his profound love to Tian Tian. He declared that her presence had allowed him to fearlessly face the world and taught him that love meant supporting each other's dreams and being each other's strength. Kneeling, he asked, "Will you marry your weird boyfriend and make him a miracle in your life?"
Tian Tian, deeply moved, replied that he was already her miracle, having brought their "parallel lines" together from completely different worlds. She affirmed her willingness to enter his "weird world" and join him in a "mudslide of love." Amidst cheers of "Stamp! Stamp! Stamp!" from their friends, they embraced and shared a passionate kiss, sealing their beautiful love story.
