Love Me Like I Do Episode 2 Recap
> Love Me Like I Do 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."
