Love Unexpected Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love Unexpected Synopsis
Lu Fanfan time-traveled back to 2012 three times, becoming friends with her 12-year-old self, calling her parents at the time aunts and uncles, and meeting Liu Ruochen, who was 12 years older than herself, leading to the change of her life and that of her family and friends in 2024.
The first time she traveled, she designed a new look for Liu Ruochen, saved her mother from a fire, and fought for insurance compensation.
She took the initiative to become Liu Ruochen's girlfriend, and met Liu Ruochen's best friend Qin Yang and her best friend Yu Xiaoyue.
Liu Ruochen was in love with Lu Fanfan and rejected many pursuers; Qin Yang put aside his crush on Fanfan and became Lu Fanfan's best friend.
Love Unexpected Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 2024, renowned lawyer Liu Ruochen, known for his undefeated record and sharp, ruthless methods, found himself at the center of public debate once again due to a controversial case. His aggressive approach to winning lawsuits had earned him a reputation for being unscrupulous. He was later seen driving to his company, ignoring a throng of reporters.
Meanwhile, Lu Fanfan, a nutritionist, was in a gym presenting meal plans to a client when the man made inappropriate comments and then touched her. Lu Fanfan quickly reacted, kicking him and warning him to behave. Liu Ruochen, worried about potential retaliation, requested information on Gao Ruwen, a man he had prosecuted for murder who was now released early for good behavior.
He cautioned his friend to be careful, fearing Gao Ruwen might target those around him rather than Liu Ruochen himself. Lu Fanfan discussed personal matters with her best friend, Yu Xiao Yue, during a facial treatment at a spa. Lu Fanfan needed help but was told she first had to assist Yu Xiao Yue with a challenging client—a significant business opportunity that could not fail.
Later, while boxing with a friend, Liu Ruochen was informed about reporters accusing him of bullying a victim's family. He remained indifferent, stating he had no intention of mending his public image. After being knocked down by his friend, Liu Ruochen's mind drifted to a mysterious woman, a back view appearing in his thoughts as he wondered, "Who are you? How can I find you?"
His friend, noticing his distant gaze, urged him to snap out of it, reminding him that the woman he was thinking of did not exist. Lu Fanfan, determined to tackle Yu Xiao Yue's difficult client, arrived late for her appointment. This particular client, Liu Ruochen, suffered from anorexia, and numerous chefs had failed to prepare food he would accept. Confident in her culinary skills, Lu Fanfan prepared omelette rice.
As she cooked, she fantasized that Liu Ruochen would love her dish, declare it an "earthly delicacy," and immediately hire her as his private chef, offering her a stack of cards with no limits. In reality, an assistant presented Lu Fanfan's omelette rice to Liu Ruochen, who, upon smelling it, found the aroma familiar, stirring a memory. However, he concluded that it wasn't what he was searching for.
The assistant informed Lu Fanfan that her cooking was not to the boss's liking. Undeterred, Lu Fanfan made multiple attempts, but none satisfied Liu Ruochen. Eventually, everyone in the office, even a dog named Pikachu, was full from her cooking, yet Liu Ruochen still refused it.
Annoyed that her efforts were fed to a dog, Lu Fanfan attempted to confront Liu Ruochen but was stopped at the front desk, where she was told his next available appointment was over a month away, at 5 AM. She decided to wait for him to leave work. Hours later, Lu Fanfan had fallen asleep while waiting. She was woken by a call from Yu Xiao Yue, inviting her to a party.
Realizing it was past 10 PM and Liu Ruochen had long gone, Lu Fanfan left for her hotel. While discussing her frustrating day with Yu Xiao Yue, Lu Fanfan called Liu Ruochen a "black-hearted lawyer." However, a news report on TV then highlighted Liu Ruochen's recent victory in an insurance fraud case, explaining how the client had faked a murder. Lu Fanfan realized she had misunderstood his involvement.
She then expressed worry about her mother's hospital fees for the upcoming month, only for Yu Xiao Yue to reveal she had already covered the cost, prompting Lu Fanfan to joke that she would marry Yu Xiao Yue if she were a man. Yu Xiao Yue was then called out by a handsome man for drinks, leaving Lu Fanfan the presidential suite to herself, making her feel like a "happy single dog."
Relaxing in a bath, Lu Fanfan watched a news report about Fermi Bubbles in the Milky Way, which were expanding and were believed to be caused by super high-energy gamma rays and X-rays from black holes, forming shockwaves. Suddenly, the hotel experienced a power outage. At the same time, Liu Ruochen, who was also showering in a different part of the hotel, found himself in darkness. Both ventured into the hallway and collided in the dark.
Lu Fanfan accidentally touched his abdomen. Power was restored, and seeing it was Liu Ruochen, she quickly recoiled and ran back to her room, instantly regretting not taking the opportunity to touch him longer. When she opened her door to catch another glimpse, a powerful surge caused her to suddenly find herself teetering on the edge of a high-rise building.
Liu Ruochen, appearing out of nowhere, grabbed her hand and pulled her back, causing her to fall on top of him. He asked if she was trying to commit suicide, which she vehemently denied, explaining she had no idea how she ended up there. It was then revealed that they had been transported back to 2012, and this Liu Ruochen was twelve years younger. Meanwhile, in 2012, Gao Ruwen was at a bar, flirting with Yu Xiao Yue.
She showed him a photo of Lu Fanfan, telling him her best friend had gone missing. Gao Ruwen reassured her that she would find her friend and eventually be happy. Back with Liu Ruochen, he took Lu Fanfan to a food street. She found the area strangely familiar. Noticing the date "2012" on a poster and then seeing Liu Ruochen's old-model Xiaomi Mi 1 phone, she became distressed, realizing it was indeed 2012. Initially thinking it was a prank by Liu Ruochen and Yu Xiao Yue, she insisted on going home, bewildered by her sudden displacement in time.
Episode 2 Recap
In 2024, Liu Ruochen received a phone call from Gao Ruwen. He reflected on a past insurance fraud case where Gao Ruwen had also interacted with the suspect. Liu Ruochen had personally sent Gao Ruwen to prison that time, and he declared he would do it again if Gao Ruwen committed another crime.
Gao Ruwen expressed his admiration for Liu Ruochen and proposed a partnership, suggesting that Liu's intelligence combined with his own ambition would lead them to great achievements and allow them to stand at the pinnacle of success. Liu Ruochen, however, firmly rejected the offer, stating that people with different principles cannot work together.
He reminded Gao Ruwen how he had sent him to prison before and urged him to turn over a new leaf and be a good person after his release. Gao Ruwen adjusted his glasses and ominously told Liu Ruochen that he would regret it, his gaze falling upon a diary filled with dense writing on the table. Liu Ruochen later sipped red wine, musing about when he would see Fanfan again after twelve years.
His thoughts were interrupted by a call informing him that the person he had been searching for was found. Lu Fanfan woke up in a hospital, with Liu Ruochen by her side. She didn't recognize him, only identifying him as the prominent lawyer she had seen on television. Liu Ruochen was distraught, telling her that he was her boyfriend from 2012, and he had spent twelve years searching for her after her sudden disappearance.
Lu Fanfan, however, insisted she had never been in a relationship. Her parents then entered. In this 2024 timeline, her parents were doing well, and the childhood fire had not resulted in any injury to her mother. Her parents also failed to recognize Liu Ruochen, with her father forcefully sending him away for seemingly harassing his daughter. Distraught by Lu Fanfan's amnesia, Liu Ruochen later vented his emotions by boxing.
A friend tried to console him, reminding him that at least he had found her. He advised Liu Ruochen to give Fanfan some time, believing that their strong love would eventually help her remember him. Meanwhile, Lu Fanfan's parents were deeply worried about her fragmented memory and disjointed speech, fearing she might completely forget them. The doctor assured them that all physical examinations were normal but offered further tests to pinpoint the cause.
Later, after her hospital discharge, Lu Fanfan's mother advised her to rest at home. However, a customer called their restaurant to order food, specifically mentioning a "signature milk tea." Lu Fanfan was confused, as she didn't recall their restaurant ever having such a drink. Her mother clarified that it had always been on the menu, a creation of a young girl who used to work there years ago, and a childhood favorite of young Fanfan.
This revelation deepened Lu Fanfan's confusion about her memories. She then encountered Gao Ruwen at the grocery store. He reminded her they were old acquaintances and used to chat frequently. Lu Fanfan, attributing her memory loss to a recent accident, apologized for not remembering him. Gao Ruwen suggested that visiting familiar places and friends might help her memory recover, likening her condition to a "computer crash." He offered his business card for future contact.
Meanwhile, in 2012, the adult Lu Fanfan, who had time-traveled from 2024, found herself in a food street, dressed like a student and eating skewers. She vividly recalled standing there as a child. She quickly checked her phone and, to her surprise, saw the date was August 12, 2012. Behind her, Liu Ruochen was pursuing her, asking for his phone back. Lu Fanfan ran into a house that was ablaze, where she found her mother.
Together, she and Liu Ruochen managed to open a window and rescue her mother. When her mother regained consciousness, she didn't recognize Lu Fanfan, mistaking her for someone else. Realizing the current year was 2012 and that her mother wouldn't believe her, Lu Fanfan quickly adapted, calling her "Auntie" and explaining that she bore a striking resemblance to her own mother. Soon after, the fire department arrived, and young Fanfan, along with her father, returned home.
Fanfan's father sincerely thanked Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen for saving his wife. The adult Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen formally introduced themselves, and he left his phone number, offering assistance if she ever needed it. After he departed, Lu Fanfan realized that this was the Liu Ruochen from before her journey to the future, the "fussy lawyer" she knew.
The time-travelled Lu Fanfan (in 2012) walked through the city streets, relieved that her mother was safe and her family could finally live happily in this altered timeline. Yet, she was uncertain about her next steps and whether she could ever return to 2024. Her mother (from 2012) spotted her and asked why she wasn't home.
Lu Fanfan quickly fabricated a story, claiming she had just arrived in the city with no place to stay, but she highlighted her excellent cooking skills and inquired if her mother’s restaurant was hiring. Her mother, taking pity, invited her home. Lu Fanfan noticed an identical ring on her mother's hand. Realizing the potential of the younger Liu Ruochen as a future legal luminary, Lu Fanfan decided to cultivate a relationship with him.
She called him, requesting an in-person meeting to discuss a matter. She arrived at his house, a large, luxurious villa. Upon learning he lived alone because his parents had been absent since he was young, Lu Fanfan offered to make him a nutritious meal instead of the sweets and fruits he offered. She prepared omelet rice, which he found incredibly delicious.
After the meal, Lu Fanfan explained that her family’s restaurant fire insurance claim was being denied and sought his legal counsel. Liu Ruochen was surprised she knew his field of study. Lu Fanfan, realizing her slip, decided to reveal her "secret": she was a time-traveler and his future girlfriend, jokingly stating he had no choice but to help her. Liu Ruochen seemed skeptical, even suspecting she might be mentally unwell, but agreed to consider her request.
The following day, Liu Ruochen accompanied Lu Fanfan to her parents' restaurant to address the insurance claim. He professionally explained to the insurance representatives that, according to the insured's contract, fire and explosion damages were covered. He argued that the insurance company had failed to explicitly inform the policyholder of any exemption clauses, thus rendering such clauses invalid and obligating them to pay compensation. Faced with Liu Ruochen's clear legal reasoning, the insurance company representatives reluctantly agreed to the settlement.
Impressed by his effectiveness, Lu Fanfan's parents invited Liu Ruochen to stay for dinner, raising a toast to "future Lawyer Liu." Later, Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan went to the beach, where they found young Fanfan playing and together, they built sandcastles.
Episode 3 Recap
In 2012, after time-traveling, Lu Fanfan discovered Liu Ruochen's excellent physique, which was often concealed by his casual attire. She enthusiastically offered to give him a makeover. She took him shopping, where he reluctantly tried on numerous clothes. As a gesture of gratitude for her help, Liu Ruochen purchased many dresses for Lu Fanfan. Lu Fanfan then suggested he get a new haircut, but he was initially hesitant about trimming his long hair and bangs.
After her persistent pleading, promising he would look incredibly handsome, Liu Ruochen finally agreed. While waiting for his haircut, Lu Fanfan dozed off. When Liu Ruochen woke her up, she was astonished by his transformation, finding him almost unrecognizable due to his newfound attractiveness. He then gifted her a pair of glasses, suggesting she use them from then on. Meanwhile, Qin Yang, Liu Ruochen's future friend from 2024, arrived at the university in a luxury car.
He instructed his driver, Uncle Li, to drop him off early so he could walk. His arrival on campus immediately drew attention from female students. The campus beauty, Zhu Yixiao, along with her friends, observed Qin Yang. Her friends admired his intelligence and good looks, even speculating about their future children's brilliance, but Zhu Yixiao revealed that she had previously rejected Qin Yang's advances.
Shortly after, the newly transformed Liu Ruochen entered, garnering similar admiration from the students, who found him as handsome as Qin Yang. He was introduced as Liu Ruochen, a second-year postgraduate student in the Faculty of Law and their new teaching assistant. Liu Ruochen then sat beside Qin Yang, who was amazed by his friend's drastic change, questioning what had happened.
Liu Ruochen confessed it was for his "future girlfriend," drawing a contrast with Qin Yang, who he joked was only interested in physics problems. Later, Lu Fanfan found herself on a familiar street and entered a bookstore. There, she encountered Qian Mingli, who was trying to evade paparazzi. Both reached for the same album. As a devoted superfan of Qian Mingli since his debut, Lu Fanfan desperately wanted the new album.
She tried to persuade him to let her have it, even offering triple the price, but he initially refused before eventually giving in to her passionate plea. As Lu Fanfan left the bookstore, she witnessed a group of girls bullying Yu Xiao Yue. Recognizing Yu Xiao Yue from her future memories, Lu Fanfan intervened, but Yu Xiao Yue, not knowing her, dismissed her as a busybody.
Later, Yu Xiao Yue and her friends attempted to dine and dash at a restaurant. It turned out to be Lu Fanfan's family restaurant, and her father caught them. Seeing Yu Xiao Yue, Lu Fanfan chased after her, declaring her intent to protect Yu Xiao Yue in 2012, just as Yu Xiao Yue had protected her in 2024. Yu Xiao Yue, however, rejected her attempts at friendship and ran off.
Still in 2012, Lu Fanfan later went to the university, hoping to find Liu Ruochen. She had bought her favorite rice balls, but while walking, she accidentally bumped into Qin Yang, causing the rice balls to fall to the ground. In 2024, Qin Yang contacted Lu Fanfan via phone to order a nutritious meal for someone with an eating disorder. He was actually arranging this for Liu Ruochen, hoping that Lu Fanfan's cooking might help her recall her lost memories.
When Lu Fanfan arrived at Qin Yang's office, she apologized for being late due to traffic. Qin Yang made a cryptic remark about "waiting being worth it" and "meeting again," which left Lu Fanfan puzzled. She clarified that she herself did not have an eating disorder. Qin Yang then led her to a waiting area, where she saw a corgi named Pikachu. Liu Ruochen soon entered, and Lu Fanfan confronted him, expressing her confusion and frustration.
She reminded him of a past incident where he had fed her food to a dog and now seemed to be orchestrating ways to pursue her. She warned him that she would sue him for harassment if he continued to bother her. Liu Ruochen tried to jog her memory by showing her a picture of them together on a Wishing boat from 2012. However, Lu Fanfan had no recollection of the photo or the event, reiterating her memory loss.
She then departed, wishing him a pleasant meal. Back in 2012, Lu Fanfan heard that the handsome students from the Faculty of Law were playing basketball. She correctly guessed that Liu Ruochen would be there and headed to the basketball court, where Zhu Yixiao was also present. Liu Ruochen made a striking shot, captivating the audience.
Despite many girls offering him water, he declined them all and walked directly towards Lu Fanfan, taking a drink from her cola, much to her surprise and the other girls' annoyance. He then took her by the hand and led her away. As they walked, Qin Yang, who was also at the game, picked up an earring that Lu Fanfan had dropped.
Liu Ruochen explained that the other girls were merely his students and offered to buy Lu Fanfan ice cream and show her around campus as an apology. In 2024, Lu Fanfan had a heartfelt conversation with her mother, expressing her bewilderment over her memory gaps and Liu Ruochen's claims of being her boyfriend, which she could not remember. Her mother, who also felt that Liu Ruochen looked familiar, advised her to confront her uncertainties directly rather than avoiding them.
The following day, Lu Fanfan sought out Liu Ruochen, finding him swimming. She wanted to clarify the nature of their relationship. Liu Ruochen asked if she remembered anything about him, but she admitted she only recognized him as the "great lawyer Mr. Liu from television," and nothing more. He then presented her with a wishing card from the Wishing boat, calling it their "token of love" and his "promise."
He recited the inscription, "Among all things in the world, you're the most special one for me," and asked if it brought back any memories. Lu Fanfan, however, still drew a blank and remarked that the style did not seem characteristic of her. She returned the card to him, stating that she perhaps should not have come and that the person who made the promise might not have been her.
As she turned to leave, a sudden, intense headache caused her to collapse into the swimming pool. Liu Ruochen immediately jumped in to rescue the unconscious Lu Fanfan and administered CPR. (Post-credits scene): On August 12, 2012, Yu Xiao Yue wrote musical notes, feeling aimless but allowing the music to express her deepest feelings.
A voice reflected on ten years of searching for Yu Xiao Yue, wondering about her whereabouts and well-being, recalling a childhood memory of a big brother playing a song for her. The voice wished to see her again, hoping they could regain the simple joy of their youth and reunite to create beautiful melodies once more.
Episode 4 Recap
In 2012, as Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen walked through the campus, a thief suddenly snatched Fanfan’s bag. Liu Ruochen immediately ran after the thief. Meanwhile, Zhu Yixiao stopped Lu Fanfan and questioned her relationship with Liu Ruochen, falsely claiming to be his first love and noting that the chocolate ice cream Fanfan was eating was also her favorite flavor, implying Liu Ruochen still thought of her.
As Liu Ruochen approached, Zhu Yixiao dramatically opened a bottle of water and, pretending to struggle with Fanfan, poured it onto the ground, then tearfully accused Fanfan of splashing water on her. She added that she had simply intended to bring Liu Ruochen water and that Fanfan's actions were uncalled for, especially after what happened at the basketball court earlier.
Recognizing Zhu Yixiao's trick, Liu Ruochen took off his jacket and, to Zhu Yixiao’s surprise, poured the remaining water on himself. He declared firmly that Lu Fanfan was his girlfriend, asserting that he trusted her completely, which left Zhu Yixiao fuming. Lu Fanfan was touched by his trust and happily used a tissue to dry his hair. As he bent down, Liu Ruochen noticed that one of Fanfan’s earrings was missing.
Realizing it was a gift from her mother, they quickly went back to search for it. Years later, in 2024, Liu Ruochen confided in Qin Yang by the sea, acknowledging that Lu Fanfan still hadn’t regained her memories despite all his efforts. Qin Yang suggested moving on, but Liu Ruochen was resolute, stating that after twelve years, he was prepared to wait longer and start fresh if she never remembered. That evening, Lu Fanfan's apartment experienced a power outage.
Believing it was due to an unpaid bill, she went to find her top-up card. Liu Ruochen suddenly appeared, explaining that he had rented the adjacent apartment because their first encounter had also been during a blackout. He hoped this would help trigger her memories and offered to help her every day, starting tomorrow. The following day, they visited the sea. Lu Fanfan was delighted watching children build sandcastles and soon joined them.
This scene brought back Liu Ruochen’s memories of building sandcastles with her in the past. Later, Zhu Yixiao was forcibly dragged into a forest by a man who demanded money, claiming he had bad luck gambling and urging her to use her wealthy admirers to get more funds. Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen witnessed the scene.
Zhu Yixiao quickly ran to them, lying that the man was their former driver who had gambling debts and was merely asking for a loan. Liu Ruochen appeared to believe her, but Lu Fanfan saw through the fabrication and, feigning another engagement, left with Liu Ruochen, advising Zhu Yixiao to report the robbery to the police if she was truly in trouble. In 2012, Yu Xiao Yue walked down the street, clutching a new album.
However, her "friends" took it, mocked her poverty for buying such an expensive item, and then threw it to the ground, leaving Xiao Yue upset. Meanwhile, Zhu Yixiao’s father, Zhu Guo Feng, having lost more money gambling, wanted to get money from Zhu Yixiao, but her mother intervened. Lu Fanfan, walking along, accidentally bumped into Zhu Yixiao’s mother. Their identical bags got swapped in the fall, and Fanfan didn’t notice until much later.
Upon returning home without the money Zhu Guo Feng expected, Zhu Yixiao’s mother was violently assaulted by her husband. Just then, Lu Fanfan called her phone, which was in the swapped bag, to arrange the bag exchange. Zhu Guo Feng answered and gave Lu Fanfan their address on Jinshui Street. When Lu Fanfan arrived, Zhu Yixiao saw her. Zhu Guo Feng then demanded her phone and assaulted her.
Liu Ruochen, who had been waiting for Lu Fanfan at Dongfeng Road and called her, overheard Lu Fanfan's cries for help and Zhu Guo Feng's voice through the phone, quickly rushing to the address. He kicked Zhu Guo Feng away, causing him to flee after being told the police were on their way. Zhu Yixiao then entered, calling out to her mother, revealing to Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan that the injured woman was her mother.
Back in 2024, Lu Fanfan visited Professor Gao Ruwen for a hypnosis session to recover her lost memories. Professor Gao explained that hypnosis accesses the subconscious to retrieve forgotten memories, and she might experience fragmented images, which she should describe. During the session, Lu Fanfan was abruptly startled and woke up. She described seeing only darkness and hearing a man repeatedly calling her name, though she couldn't discern his face.
Professor Gao, observing her distressed state, advised against another immediate session, suggesting her mental state was too fragile. He reassured her that with more treatments, her memories would surely return. Returning to 2012, Liu Ruochen advised Lu Fanfan not to go back to her family’s restaurant immediately, fearing Zhu Guo Feng's violent retaliation against her or her parents. Lu Fanfan agreed but pointed out she couldn't stay in a hotel without an ID.
She then asked if she could temporarily stay at his place, knowing he had many empty rooms. Liu Ruochen initially expressed concern about the impropriety, but Lu Fanfan insisted, highlighting their close friendship and appealing to him not to leave her homeless. Ultimately, he agreed. To alleviate her parents' worries, Liu Ruochen called them, informing them that he and Lu Fanfan were going on a trip together and, to Lu Fanfan's blush and secret delight, implied they were now dating. Her parents, relieved she was safe with Liu Ruochen, readily approved of the "trip."
Episode 5 Recap
Liu Ruochen took Lu Fanfan to an aquarium, a place they frequently visited. He recalled how he once lost her there and, upon finding her, vowed never to let her go again. Lu Fanfan expressed sadness at not remembering these shared memories. Liu Ruochen reassured her, stating that even if she didn't remember him, he would always stay by her side, protect her, and never leave.
He then took her lipstick, drew on his finger, and pressed it against her finger, suggesting they make a "stamp as a promise" to signify their commitment. He then earnestly asked her if they could "start over." In 2012, Liu Ruochen brought Lu Fanfan to his home. He showed her a room, asking for her opinion, to which she replied she liked it and would stay there. He helped put her belongings in the room and waited outside.
Later, he found her asleep on the sofa and gently covered her with a blanket. The doorbell rang, waking Lu Fanfan, and Liu Ruochen opened the door to find Zhu Yixiao. Zhu Yixiao admitted she got his address from classmates and apologized if she was disturbing them, misinterpreting their living situation. Liu Ruochen clarified and invited her in.
Zhu Yixiao explained that her mother’s hospital bills were very high and, knowing Liu Ruochen was aware of her family’s difficult situation, asked if he could lend her 7,000 RMB, promising to repay him quickly with money from a new part-time job. Liu Ruochen sought Lu Fanfan’s opinion, and she immediately said they should help.
While Liu Ruochen went to get the money, Lu Fanfan comforted Zhu Yixiao, sharing that she, too, had a similar past where she had to work hard to pay for her mother's medical expenses after an accident when she was 13. Liu Ruochen returned with 10,000 RMB, giving Zhu Yixiao the extra 3,000 RMB for her mother’s nutritional supplements.
Zhu Yixiao thanked them, especially Lu Fanfan for sharing her story, and promised to repay them as soon as possible, to which Liu Ruochen replied there was no rush. As Zhu Yixiao left, Lu Fanfan told Liu Ruochen that "good people have good rewards" before heading to bed. They exchanged goodnights. The following day, Lu Fanfan went to the school library but was stopped by the administrator for not having her student card.
She pleaded her case, explaining that the upcoming final exams had made her forget it, and eventually persuaded the administrator to let her in. Inside, she spotted Qin Yang, who was watching a show. They formally reintroduced themselves, and Qin Yang, a good friend of Liu Ruochen, readily believed that Lu Fanfan was Liu Ruochen’s girlfriend from the future. He even provided a scientific explanation for time travel, citing theories about warped space, gravitational forces, and black and white holes.
Although Lu Fanfan found it complex, she was impressed and quickly asked him how she could return to her original time. Qin Yang admitted he didn't know the method, explaining that current science only supported the theory of parallel space for such phenomena, and even that wasn't proven.
Lu Fanfan then offered to prove it, confirming she was indeed from 2024, and vividly described her future world, which included VR games, livestream videos, artificial intelligence, and driverless cars that used iris recognition to prevent theft. Qin Yang was amazed, though he noted the potential downsides of such advanced technology, like the risk of personal information theft. He expressed his longing for such a future.
Lu Fanfan then made a promise: if she found a way back, she would seek out the future Qin Yang in 2024 to prove her story. Qin Yang agreed, and they sealed it with a verbal promise. He then handed her an earring he had found on the basketball court, which turned out to be hers, and she thanked him for returning it.
While Zhu Yixiao was at the hospital to pay for her mother's medical expenses, her father, Zhu Guofeng, confronted her and tried to seize the money she had just received from Liu Ruochen. Zhu Yixiao resisted, explaining that it was borrowed for her mother’s care. Zhu Guofeng, upon learning about Liu Ruochen, questioned if he was her new wealthy boyfriend. Although Zhu Yixiao stated she didn’t want to ruin Liu Ruochen’s current relationship, her father dismissed her concerns.
He pressured her to confirm Liu Ruochen’s wealth, then insisted she pursue him, promising to "handle" Liu Ruochen's current girlfriend for her. Later, Zhu Guofeng himself faced debt collectors who demanded immediate repayment. After being beaten, he promised to pay within three days. Realizing the severity of his financial situation, he asked his employee, Xiao Hu, for advice on how to quickly make a woman leave a man, indicating he had a scheme to get money.
That evening, Lu Fanfan prepared a lavish dinner, proudly declaring herself a "famous top-notch nutritionist." Liu Ruochen, impressed by the delicious food, asked if she could cook for him every day from then on. Lu Fanfan, after a moment's pause, deflected the question by insisting he finish all the food, which he happily did, praising her cooking. Later, Liu Ruochen appeared to be very drunk and sleepy, asking to take a nap.
Lu Fanfan tried to guide him, chiding him for his low alcohol tolerance. However, she soon realized he was faking his drunkenness to attempt a confession, which she observed was a "failure" from his side. In 2024, Lu Fanfan pondered her reality, wondering what had transpired during her coma. She went to wait for a meteor shower, where Liu Ruochen joined her, having learned about her plans from her aunt.
He playfully pointed out a "shooting star," prompting Lu Fanfan to quickly make a wish. He then revealed his own wish: that she had included him in hers. Lu Fanfan lamented the fleeting nature of shooting stars, which left no time for multiple wishes. Liu Ruochen then surprised her by releasing a swarm of fireflies, creating a dazzling display.
He encouraged her to make another wish, and this time, she wished for the eternal safety, health, and happiness of everyone around her. She was touched by his gesture and thanked him for the beautiful experience. Liu Ruochen then walked Lu Fanfan home, only for them to discover her apartment had been ransacked. Disturbed, Lu Fanfan wondered if she had offended anyone.
Liu Ruochen, suspecting that Gao Ruwen was behind the incident, reassured her not to worry and immediately called the police. Citing safety concerns, he insisted that she could not stay there and should move into his place for the next few days, or whenever she had nothing important to do, for her protection. Despite Lu Fanfan’s concern about inconvenience, Liu Ruochen prioritized her safety. The next morning in 2012, Liu Ruochen was enchanted watching Lu Fanfan prepare breakfast.
She playfully reminded him of her earlier comment about good deeds being rewarded and informed him that since she had lent her money to Zhu Yixiao, she would now be taking over his daily meals. When Liu Ruochen asked if she could add red beans to his Omelette rice, she dismissed the idea, telling him to stop "causing trouble" and to go get ready. He later savored the Omelette rice, declaring it the "tastiest and sweetest" he had ever eaten.
Episode 6 Recap
In 2012, Fan Fan visited Liu Ruochen to deliver some documents. After leaving, she wandered around campus and spotted Qin Yang, quickly pulling him into a nearby room to hide. Qin Yang, having just been in a teacher’s lab, explained that he was conducting a Helmholtz coil experiment. He believed that if a magnetic field's reaction was strong enough and an area's energy sufficiently high, a person could be pushed from one timeline to another.
This, he hoped, would prove that Fan Fan truly originated from 2024. Fan Fan found the concept complicated, noting that her current presence in 2012 was already the best proof. Qin Yang then asked her if she would share the details of how she traveled through time, so he could analyze it further. Fan Fan suddenly recalled that the entire city had experienced a blackout on the day she traveled.
She had seen a streak of light on a doorknob and, just as she was about to touch it, found herself transported to 2012. Qin Yang suggested that this was likely due to a magnetic field issue, mentioning phenomena like geomagnetic storms, mutated sunspots, and Fermi Bubbles. Fan Fan confirmed it was Fermi Bubbles, as it had been broadcast on TV that day, which aligned with Qin Yang’s prior investigations.
He had learned that in August 2012, events like the Bermuda Triangle anomalies and crop circles indicated increasing turbulence in Earth's magnetic field. This turbulence, he concluded, resonated with Fan Fan's original magnetic field line, causing her to travel from 2024 to 2012. Therefore, if Fermi Bubbles appeared again, she might have a chance to return. Qin Yang also remembered a book in the library about time-space that could be helpful.
They went to the library together, and Fan Fan quickly located the book, "Letters to Lily," in Zone G. As she flipped through the pages, Qin Yang gazed at her, seemingly captivated, believing she might be the one person who understood him. Fan Fan eventually reminded him that he should return to class. Qin Yang dismissed it, saying a little lateness was fine.
Fan Fan asked him to borrow the book for her, promising to return it once she finished reading. Later, walking away, Fan Fan messaged Liu Ruochen, asking when his class would end. He replied that he was helping a teacher and would be late, suggesting she go home first. She decided to buy some groceries to cook a delicious meal. In 2024, Liu Ruochen brought Fan Fan to his home.
Upon entering, Fan Fan echoed the exact words she had said upon arriving at his house in 2012. Liu Ruochen then showed her a box filled with various items and photographs, all cherished memories they had shared. Looking at these items, Fan Fan experienced a sudden headache but still couldn't recall anything specific. Liu Ruochen then led her to her room, which was right next to his, suggesting she rest.
Fan Fan picked up a photo of herself in the room and looked around, still finding everything strangely unfamiliar. Later that night, Liu Ruochen watched her room light turn off from upstairs before going to bed. Despite the quiet, neither of them could sleep. The next morning, Liu Ruochen drove Fan Fan home.
Before she left, he gave her a special watch, explaining that if she ever encountered an emergency, she should press its button three times, and he would receive an alert. Just then, Liu Ruochen received a threatening text message from Gao Ruwen, which included photos of him and Fan Fan. This made Liu Ruochen realize that Gao Ruwen must have installed surveillance cameras in his house.
Elsewhere, Gao Ruwen observed the unfolding events, ominously declaring, "The show is about to begin." Back home, Fan Fan chatted with her mother. She mentioned that while Liu Ruochen had told her many things, they felt unfamiliar, yet she didn't believe them to be untrue. Her mother comforted her, advising her to take things slowly and not put too much pressure on herself, assuring her that everything would eventually get better.
Leaning on her mother, Fan Fan asked what she would do if she ever forgot her way home. Her mother tenderly replied that no matter where Fan Fan was, she would always find her, because as mother and daughter, their hearts were interconnected. Meanwhile, Qin Yang informed Liu Ruochen that he had located Gao Ruwen. Liu Ruochen, however, was hesitant to confront him directly without concrete evidence of his crimes.
Qin Yang, worried about Fan Fan's safety, insisted they couldn't just let Gao Ruwen continue to monitor them. They decided to go and meet him. Upon arriving at the room Gao Ruwen was in, they found he had already left. Liu Ruochen then received another text from Gao Ruwen, taunting him for being "one step too late." Inside the room, they discovered numerous shredded documents pertaining to Fan Fan, increasing their concern for her safety.
Qin Yang reiterated the need to inform Fan Fan so she could be more cautious. In 2012, Fan Fan revisited a small shop she used to frequent as a child. However, the owner, Uncle Xiang, didn't recognize her grown-up self. Unbeknownst to her, Zhu Guofeng and his accomplice were secretly following her, planning to kidnap her. They decided to wait for a more secluded moment, fearing that striking in a crowded area would lead to them being caught.
As Fan Fan continued her stroll, she encountered her younger self in a bookstore. The younger Fan Fan, sensing a connection, advised her older self to get together with Liu Ruochen, whom she fondly called "Big Brother." Adult Fan Fan jokingly "bribed" her younger self. As rain began to fall, Adult Fan Fan quickly led her younger self homeward. Suddenly, Zhu Guofeng and his accomplice ambushed them, forcibly taking both Fan Fans into their car.
Zhu Guofeng then called his daughter, Yixiao, demanding Liu Ruochen's phone number, explaining that he had kidnapped Fan Fan and intended to demand a ransom. Yixiao, while horrified by her father's criminal act, didn't explicitly refuse his request. Impatient, Zhu Guofeng snatched Adult Fan Fan's phone and called Liu Ruochen directly.
He demanded 500,000 yuan as ransom for "Lu Fan Fan," to be delivered to a trash can on Qinglong Street within an hour, warning him not to involve the police. Liu Ruochen insisted on hearing Fan Fan's voice. The younger Fan Fan then tearfully called out to "Brother Ruo Chen," begging him to save her and her older sister. Yixiao, still with Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang, overheard the call and tearfully confessed that her father was the kidnapper.
Panic set in as they realized the banks were closed, making it impossible to gather such a large sum of money in an hour. Yixiao then remembered that her father often hid from loan sharks in an old, abandoned factory where he used to work—a remote and spacious place. They quickly deduced this was the actual location of the kidnapping, not Qinglong Street. Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang immediately rushed to the factory.
At the factory, Zhu Guofeng grew increasingly agitated as the ransom money didn't arrive. Just as he threatened the two Fan Fans and prepared to leave, Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang arrived. Enraged by their presence, Zhu Guofeng pulled out a knife and lunged at them. In a moment of bravery, the younger Fan Fan threw herself in front of her older self, taking a knife cut on her arm.
Simultaneously, a corresponding cut mysteriously appeared on Adult Fan Fan's arm. In a post-credits sequence, Zhu Yixiao reflected on her life. She mused about wearing a mask for too long, losing sight of her true self, and living in an illusion. She acknowledged that the illusion was shattered by her mother's unpaid medical bills, which served as a harsh awakening. Trapped in what she felt was fate's cage, she declared that it was time for her rebirth. She hoped that in a time tunnel to another realm, a version of herself longing for happiness was striving towards a warm and wonderful world.
Episode 7 Recap
Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang raced to rescue Lu Fanfan, who was being held by Du Guofeng, Zhu Yixiao's father, and another assailant. During the struggle, Little Fan was accidentally cut by a knife, and mysteriously, the wound appeared on Lu Fanfan's arm, surprising everyone present. Seizing the moment, Lu Fanfan tripped one of the assailants, and Liu Ruochen quickly kicked him down. However, the assailant unexpectedly rose again, wielding the knife and attempting to stab Qin Yang.
Lu Fanfan grabbed a stick to intervene but was kicked to the ground. Liu Ruochen immediately subdued the opponent. As Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan embraced, Zhu Yixiao's father lunged again with the knife, aiming for Lu Fanfan, but Liu Ruochen bravely shielded her and was stabbed instead. Qin Yang promptly kicked the attacker away, just as the police arrived and apprehended the culprits.
Liu Ruochen was rushed to the hospital for surgery, while Qin Yang and Lu Fanfan anxiously waited outside. After the operation, the doctor informed them that Liu Ruochen was out of immediate danger but remained in a coma due to a ruptured spleen, significant blood loss, and cerebral hypoxia. The doctor explained that his recovery depended on his own will and encouraged them to talk to him to stimulate his brain.
Lu Fanfan stayed by his bedside, speaking to him, asking why he was so foolish. She reminded him that she didn't belong in this time, and in 2024, she wasn't even his girlfriend, and he didn't recognize her. She recalled their first meeting in 2024 when she cooked for him, and he fed her food to his dog, which made her incredibly angry, even though his dog was cute.
She expressed her astonishment at traveling back to 2012 and that he was the first person she met. As she spoke, Liu Ruochen's finger twitched. Qin Yang approached but, seeing Lu Fanfan pouring her heart out, quietly left. Later, Zhu Yixiao arrived at the hospital, asking if she could enter. Lu Fanfan allowed her in. Zhu Yixiao was deeply remorseful, wishing she had realized her father's actions sooner to prevent such a tragedy.
Lu Fanfan comforted her, saying it wasn't her fault and that it was already incredibly brave of Zhu Yixiao to alert Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang to rescue her. She added that Liu Ruochen was simply too foolish to sacrifice himself. The next day, Lu Fanfan was still by Liu Ruochen's side, holding his hand, tears streaming down her face as she questioned his selflessness.
She reminded him of his promises to become a great lawyer and to make her his girlfriend, urging him not to break them. Suddenly, Liu Ruochen's lips moved, and he muttered, "You're making a lot of noises." Lu Fanfan realized he was awake. When she asked if he was, Liu Ruochen feigned amnesia, asking who she was.
Lu Fanfan, identifying herself as Lu Fanfan, reiterated that she was his future girlfriend, even if they had only known each other for two months in this timeline. Liu Ruochen then playfully teased her, saying he wouldn't have such an "ugly girlfriend," prompting Lu Fanfan to scold him and tell him never to joke like that again.
He then confessed that he didn't care if it was the Lu Fanfan of 2012 or 2024; he was holding the real her, and he believed their feelings would only grow stronger with time. They shared a kiss, which was promptly interrupted by Qin Yang's arrival. Embarrassed, Lu Fanfan quickly ran off to find a doctor. Liu Ruochen playfully chided Qin Yang for his untimely appearance. Qin Yang responded that he never expected to witness someone's first romance.
Liu Ruochen affirmed he didn't want to miss Lu Fanfan. Qin Yang mused that he also didn't want to miss her, but it was too late for him. He then brought up the topic of Lu Fanfan's time travel, stating that they now had proof, referencing that the little girl was probably her younger self.
Qin Yang voiced his concern that if Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen's relationship developed now, it could imply that the future had been altered, potentially leading to unforeseen dangers. Liu Ruochen dismissed these worries, emphasizing that rather than fretting about an unpredictable future, he preferred to cherish the present. Qin Yang teased him, attributing his change in perspective to a "poisonous drug called love." Lu Fanfan later returned with a hearty meal and soup for Liu Ruochen.
He playfully exaggerated his weakness, requesting her to feed him, which she did. He made a humorous demand for broccoli, insisting it was good for his recovery. That evening, Lu Fanfan fell asleep by Liu Ruochen's bed. He gently caressed her face, believing her to be asleep. When she stirred and realized it was midnight, she suggested she should head home. Liu Ruochen, concerned for her safety, asked her to stay. She reluctantly agreed.
As she feigned sleep, Liu Ruochen covered her with a blanket and murmured sincerely that he meant everything he had said earlier. The next morning, Liu Ruochen tried to extend his hospital stay, claiming he felt unwell and needed another ten to fourteen days, implying he wanted Lu Fanfan to continue caring for him.
However, a nurse promptly arrived and announced that he could be discharged that afternoon, as his health indicators were excellent, and the bed was needed for other patients. Liu Ruochen tried to protest, but the nurse was firm. Lu Fanfan took the discharge papers. As they were leaving, they encountered Qin Yang.
Lu Fanfan mentioned that while Liu Ruochen was quite a handful, she preferred the current him to the renowned lawyer he became in 2024, a future where she knew him but he didn't know her. However, despite her belief, the future Liu Ruochen actually still deeply loved her. Qin Yang again brought up the time travel, acknowledging the scar on her arm as proof.
He questioned whether their current relationship meant they had altered the future and if it would lead to a "butterfly effect." Lu Fanfan admitted she didn't know, but Qin Yang reassured her not to overthink it, encouraging her to live in the moment and believe that fate brought her here for a reason, promising that the future would unfold positively. They then left to take Liu Ruochen home. Back at their apartment, Liu Ruochen went into the kitchen, but Lu Fanfan quickly told him to leave, insisting he wasn't allowed in there.
Episode 8 Recap
That evening, Lu Fan Fan and Liu Ruochen returned home. Lu Fan Fan immediately said she was tired and needed to rest. Liu Ruochen brought her a glass of milk and his own bedding, explaining that after his hospital stay, he had grown accustomed to having someone nearby and couldn't sleep alone. He insisted on sleeping on the floor beside her bed. Lying awake, Lu Fan Fan was filled with complex emotions.
She questioned if they could truly be together, wondering if Liu Ruochen would still recognize her twelve years from now if she suddenly disappeared. She mused on whether their relationship was merely a temporal anomaly or fundamentally flawed from the start. Convinced she needed to be rational for his sake, she resolved to let him go. After shedding a silent tear, she woke Liu Ruochen and told him she would be moving back to Xian Lu Dessert the next day.
Liu Ruochen was disheartened, asking if he had upset her, but Lu Fan Fan calmly stated her decision was final, asserting it was for his own good. She reflected that if she were to vanish, he would be lost, and similarly, she would be lost without him. Believing they hadn't fallen too deeply yet, she concluded it was best to end things now.
Remaining awake after she fell asleep, Liu Ruochen pondered her worries and vowed not to let her leave him. The next day, Lu Fan Fan realized she couldn't move back to Xian Lu Dessert and had to find a new place to rent. Liu Ruochen offered to connect her with a real estate agent, but she insisted on finding a place herself. That evening, she found an advertisement for a remarkably affordable single apartment in a prime location.
Liu Ruochen, who was with her, also found the price suspiciously low and suggested it might be a scam, but encouraged her to call the landlord. Lu Fan Fan called and confirmed the apartment was available. The agent assured her there were no hidden problems, explaining that the wealthy landlord simply had very specific criteria for tenants: she must be female, a Libra, love good food, and possess an optimistic outlook on life.
Lu Fan Fan realized she perfectly matched all the requirements. She provided her contact details and arranged a viewing for the following afternoon. Liu Ruochen accompanied Lu Fan Fan to the viewing, worried she might be scammed. The apartment turned out to be bright and well-maintained, featuring a shared garden space suitable for planting. Lu Fan Fan was delighted with the cozy decor and the private kitchen and bathroom, declaring her satisfaction and readiness to sign the contract immediately.
However, when asked for her ID, Lu Fan Fan, being from the future, didn't have her current identification. Liu Ruochen promptly offered his own ID to sign the lease. Once the paperwork was done, Lu Fan Fan politely but firmly told Liu Ruochen to leave, as she needed to furnish the apartment and focus on finding a way back to 2024. Liu Ruochen reluctantly departed, reminding her to be careful that night.
At Xian Lu Dessert, Little Fan asked Lu Fan Fan why "the big brother who saved her" hadn't visited recently, implying that she missed him. Lu Fan Fan brushed off the comment, telling Little Fan to mind her own business and watch the shop while she went out to attract customers. Shortly after, Liu Ruochen arrived at Xian Lu Dessert, and Little Fan directed him to Lu Fan Fan.
He found her attempting to sell milk tea, but a customer was more interested in getting her phone number. Liu Ruochen intervened, scolding the man and sending him away. Lu Fan Fan was annoyed, explaining that her job in the service industry meant encountering all types of people, some even worse. Liu Ruochen then proposed a deal: if he could help her sell all the milk teas, she would have to grant him one wish.
He donned a teddy bear mascot costume and began promoting the milk tea. With his energetic help, all the milk teas were quickly sold, much to Lu Fan Fan's surprise and admiration. Later that evening, Liu Ruochen took Lu Fan Fan to Haicheng's most renowned dumpling restaurant, promising her a surprise. He reminded her that if the surprise genuinely pleased her, she would need to agree to a condition.
While they were eating, Liu Ruochen considerately blew on a dumpling to cool it for her. Suddenly, Lu Fan Fan spotted her favorite celebrity, Qian Ming Yue, emerging from a nearby car. Overjoyed, she rushed over to ask for his autograph. After signing, Qian Ming Yue inquired how she recognized him despite his disguise. Lu Fan Fan excitedly declared that she had been his fan since childhood and would recognize him even if he were "reduced to ashes."
Qian Ming Yue then subtly prompted her about their previous encounter, which jogged Lu Fan Fan's memory of their first meeting when she arrived in 2012, and his parting words, "See you again." She was ecstatic to realize she had already met her idol up close, even "super close." Observing her excitement, Liu Ruochen appeared jealous. On their way home, he again asked if they could truly be together.
Lu Fan Fan reiterated that she didn't belong to this time and space and could disappear at any moment. She admitted her fear of their relationship having no future and that she was trying to keep her distance for his benefit. Understanding her predicament, Liu Ruochen reassured her not to feel pressured, pledging to love her even more with each passing day.
Some time later, Lu Fan Fan saw Yu Xiao Yue in a taxi and followed her to a welfare home. Inside, she found Qian Ming Yue celebrating Yu Xiao Yue's birthday with her favorite dumplings. However, Yu Xiao Yue seemed distant, stating that she didn't have a brother like him. Spotting Lu Fan Fan, Qian Ming Yue playfully called her "Silly Lady" and asked what she was doing there.
Lu Fan Fan tried to claim she was "just passing by," but neither believed her. Lu Fan Fan then invited Yu Xiao Yue back to "her own" new apartment. There, Yu Xiao Yue confirmed that Qian Ming Yue was indeed her biological brother, and they had grown up together in the welfare home.
She recalled his immense kindness in their childhood, but lamented that after he was adopted by a musical family and became a celebrity, he stopped visiting for three years, leaving her feeling resentful and abandoned. Lu Fan Fan tried to suggest that Qian Ming Yue must have his own reasons, but Yu Xiao Yue remained bitter.
Lu Fan Fan then expressed to Yu Xiao Yue that both Qian Ming Yue (her idol) and Yu Xiao Yue (her benefactor and now close friend) were incredibly important to her. She asserted that true friendship wasn't measured by the length of time they'd known each other, firmly believing they would become the best of friends.
Since she was living alone, Lu Fan Fan warmly invited Yu Xiao Yue to stay overnight, an offer Yu Xiao Yue accepted, claiming the bed for herself. As Lu Fan Fan lay awake, she reflected on Yu Xiao Yue's difficult childhood and wondered what had truly transpired between her and Qian Ming Yue, and how she could help them mend their relationship.
Driven by a desire to help, Lu Fan Fan called Aunt Lu, the owner of Xian Lu Dessert, to invite her family and Yu Xiao Yue to a thank-you dinner at her new apartment. The next day, Uncle Lu prepared a grand feast. Lu Fan Fan asked everyone to wait for one more guest. To everyone's astonishment, she opened the door to reveal Qian Ming Yue. Aunt Lu and Uncle Lu were star-struck, warmly welcoming the celebrity into their home.
Lu Fan Fan introduced Qian Ming Yue as her friend. During dinner, as Qian Ming Yue offered Yu Xiao Yue some meat, Uncle Lu commented on their resemblance, realizing they were siblings. However, Yu Xiao Yue coolly stated she wasn't "lucky" enough to have a celebrity brother. Overjoyed by the celebrity's presence, Uncle Lu proposed a toast to the happy gathering.
Qian Ming Yue later thanked Lu Fan Fan for the day and then entrusted Yu Xiao Yue to Lu Fan Fan's care. Yu Xiao Yue, in turn, also thanked Lu Fan Fan, asking her to take good care of her. In a seemingly separate moment or a glimpse into the future, Liu Ruochen attended a fan meeting for Qian Ming Yue.
When chosen to ask a question, he thanked Qian Ming Yue for a song that perfectly encapsulated his recent experiences. He then asked if Qian Ming Yue had ever met someone he loved most, knowing a future together was impossible, yet still wishing to defy fate. Qian Ming Yue responded that he had, referring to someone who wasn't a lover but the most important person in his life.
He advised Liu Ruochen not to give up if he found such a person. Liu Ruochen thanked Qian Ming Yue, then, in a heartfelt confession to Lu Fan Fan, thanked her for coming into and changing his life, declaring his profound love for her. Deeply conflicted by her temporal predicament, Lu Fan Fan could only offer a sorrowful apology.
Episode 9 Recap
One evening, Liu Ruochen was at Fan Fan's home. Fan Fan, visibly intoxicated, questioned why Liu Ruochen was dressed "like that." He teasingly asked if she liked his "mature look," to which she responded "not bad." Despite her lightheartedness, Liu Ruochen noted she had too much to drink. Fan Fan, however, expressed her profound happiness and gratitude for being in this world, for meeting her family, friends, and him, calling Liu Ruochen an "unexpected surprise."
Meanwhile, Qian Mingli's manager, Brother Dong, confronted him about recent paparazzi photos involving Yu Xiao Yue. Brother Dong expressed extreme disappointment, warning Qian Mingli that the photos could ruin his carefully built image and career. He stressed that Yu Xiao Yue was not his biological sister and questioned why he would jeopardize his future for her, especially given her troubled reputation for theft, fighting, and bullying at school.
Qian Mingli firmly stated that Yu Xiao Yue was his family, his only family, and he felt a responsibility to protect her from suffering, even threatening to quit his concert tour and career if he couldn't. Brother Dong, hearing this, warned Qian Mingli that if Yu Xiao Yue truly cared about him, she would distance herself. Yu Xiao Yue, who was secretly listening outside, was heartbroken by the conversation.
Later, she decided to leave, hoping to ease her brother's burden and focus on her studies. The next morning, Fan Fan woke up to find Liu Ruochen shirtless in her home and questioned his presence. Liu Ruochen, with a smug grin, asked if she had forgotten the events of last night. He humorously recounted how she had embraced him, unbuttoned his shirt, and then, to his dismay, thrown up on him.
Embarrassed, Fan Fan offered to wash his clothes as an apology. While cleaning his jacket, she discovered an agent's business card and a key that suspiciously opened her own front door. Confronting Liu Ruochen, she pressed him for an explanation. He eventually admitted that the apartment was his, and he had arranged for her to rent it through an agent because he was worried about her safety.
Angry at his deception, Fan Fan declared him a liar and the "fussy landlord," confiscating the key and telling him he was not allowed to enter her home without permission. Liu Ruochen, feeling their relationship hadn't progressed as he hoped, revealed a video he secretly recorded last night. In the video, a drunken Fan Fan was seen hugging a pillar and loudly confessing her love for him.
Mortified, Fan Fan tried to snatch his phone, leading to a playful struggle that brought them close, making her shy. Taking the opportunity, Liu Ruochen presented her with a necklace he had long intended to give her, placing it around her neck. He tenderly caressed her cheek, asking her never to reject him again.
He confessed his deep feelings, vowing to overcome any obstacles to be with her, even if she came from another time and space, and formally asked her to be his girlfriend. Overwhelmed, Fan Fan accepted, and they shared a passionate kiss. Later, Qian Mingli arrived at Fan Fan's home, distraught that Yu Xiao Yue had disappeared. He realized she must have overheard his conversation with his agent, leading her to leave without a trace.
Fan Fan reassured him, knowing Yu Xiao Yue's strong self-esteem. As they tried to figure out where Yu Xiao Yue might have gone, Fan Fan had a sudden flashback to 2024.
In that memory, due to an elevator malfunction, she and Yu Xiao Yue had to take the stairs, but Yu Xiao Yue became terrified and collapsed, confessing that she had once "killed someone" by pushing them down a long staircase, leading to the person's death from blood loss and her subsequent placement in a juvenile detention center. Liu Ruochen, present with Fan Fan and Qian Mingli in 2012, was surprised by Fan Fan's revelation.
Qian Mingli initially struggled to believe that Xiao Yue could be capable of such an act, but Liu Ruochen urged him to calm down. Fan Fan then remembered the specific details: the incident occurred on October 8, 2012, at Qidong Road. Realizing this was the current date, they quickly set off to find Yu Xiao Yue. They arrived at Qidong Road, a vast area with many buildings, and split up to search for "a very high and long staircase."
Yu Xiao Yue, meanwhile, was cornered by Gao Ning and her friends, who threatened to expose photos of her with Qian Mingli unless she paid them 5,000 yuan in hush money. Yu Xiao Yue furiously snatched the phone and tried to escape, but she was caught. During the struggle, the phone fell, and the confrontation turned physical.
Fan Fan arrived just in time to intervene, breaking up the fight, but she hit her head hard on a railing in the process. Liu Ruochen and Qian Mingli rushed to her side, urging her to go to the hospital. Shifting to 2024, Liu Ruochen was driving, searching for Fan Fan. She called him, saying she was on Binhai Road, heading to a psychological clinic.
However, the call abruptly ended, and soon after, Liu Ruochen received a call from Fan Fan's phone, but it was Gao Ruwen. Gao Ruwen initiated a twisted "prince saving the princess" game, giving Liu Ruochen 30 minutes to find Fan Fan. If he failed, Gao Ruwen threatened that "the princess will sleep in the darkness forever." Liu Ruochen issued a stern warning not to harm Fan Fan. Gao Ruwen also demanded that Liu Ruochen come alone.
Liu Ruochen immediately had Qin Yang, his driver, stop the car and get out, then drove off by himself. Using a tracking watch he had previously given Fan Fan, Liu Ruochen located her, tied to a rope on a rooftop with a lit fuse. He successfully rescued her just as the rope was burning through. In that moment, Fan Fan's memories of Liu Ruochen flooded back.
Back in 2012, Fan Fan woke up in the hospital, disoriented and asking why she was there instead of searching for Yu Xiao Yue. To spare her from worrying, Liu Ruochen and Qian Mingli lied, telling her that Yu Xiao Yue was already safe at home and that Fan Fan had merely hit her head during the excitement of the day. Later, Liu Ruochen spoke privately with a doctor, who confirmed that Fan Fan's condition had worsened significantly.
The doctor warned that her memories would begin to disappear in reverse chronological order and advised Liu Ruochen to be prepared for the worst. Liu Ruochen decided not to tell Fan Fan the truth, wanting to protect her from further distress since there was no cure. Qian Mingli apologized to Liu Ruochen, blaming himself for Fan Fan's injury while trying to save his sister. Liu Ruochen reassured him that Fan Fan would not regret helping a friend.
He then advised Qian Mingli to carefully manage his relationship with Yu Xiao Yue and address his agent's concerns to ensure that Fan Fan's efforts to help them would not be in vain. Qian Mingli pledged to protect both Fan Fan and Yu Xiao Yue.
Episode 10 Recap
A week after Liu Ruochen brought Lu Fan Fan home in 2012, she woke up disoriented, wondering why she kept waking up in different places and if she was dreaming. She asked Liu Ruochen if they were in his house or hers. He gently reminded her it was her own apartment, noting her inability to recall it. Although embarrassed, she quickly covered her confusion, claiming she wasn't fully awake.
To lighten the mood, she kissed him and told him to smile. Liu Ruochen sat in the courtyard, diligently writing in his diary on October 10th. He noted that Lu Fan Fan's amnesia was worsening; she was even forgetting her own home. He felt a sense of urgency, realizing he had little time left, and was determined to document their time together in every possible way as proof of their shared life.
After packing his bags, he then revealed his plan to Lu Fan Fan, asking if she remembered her wish list. She recalled a time when he had discovered the list while doing laundry. At that time, she was embarrassed by her aspirations, which included managing her Home Cuisine well, becoming rich overnight, finding a boyfriend, experiencing passionate love with full enthusiasm, and going on a trip without a plan.
He had then confidently declared that he would fulfill all her wishes. Now, he confirmed they would embark on all the adventures on her list. Lu Fan Fan, excited, asked where they were going, to which he playfully replied she would find out upon arrival. They drove to the seaside, where the vast ocean created a refreshing panorama. Liu Ruochen joyfully took photos of Lu Fan Fan as they chased each other along the shore.
Qin Yang and Zhu Yixiao joined them, observing their happiness. Zhu Yixiao expressed her hope that Liu Ruochen and Lu Fan Fan would always remain happy, seeing Lu Fan Fan's choice validated by Liu Ruochen's devotion. She wished for a similar partner, to which Qin Yang assured her she would find someone, provided she wasn't too demanding. Zhu Yixiao clarified her modest desires for a gentle, cheerful, and kind partner. Later, they all boarded a Wishing boat.
Liu Ruochen recounted the legend of the boat, where a couple from warring families, facing certain death, were saved by a mysterious ship that brought them back after sailing overnight, leading to the belief that couples who make wishes there will see them come true. Lu Fan Fan wondered if it was truly magical, and Liu Ruochen affirmed that with sincere belief, wishes and love could manifest.
They all made wishes, and when Lu Fan Fan asked Liu Ruochen his, he sweetly responded that his only wish was to fulfill all of hers. That evening, Liu Ruochen presented Lu Fan Fan with a special gift: two matching wishing cards. On them was written, "Everything is like grass, you're the only mountain."
He explained that these cards were their sacred token and his solemn promise to her, urging her to remember their significance no matter what the future might bring. Lu Fan Fan, deeply moved, embraced him, and they shared a tender kiss. Just then, children ran by with sparklers, and the night sky erupted with fireworks, which the four friends watched together. After returning home a few days later, both felt hungry.
Lu Fan Fan volunteered to make omelette rice for Liu Ruochen, who was busy unpacking. A delivery arrived for Lu Fan Fan, containing facial masks. After receiving them, she instantly forgot about the cooking and proceeded to apply a mask. A while later, Liu Ruochen emerged and asked if breakfast was ready. Lu Fan Fan was confused, unable to recall her offer, and in the background, the food on the stove had burnt, nearly causing her to scald herself.
Liu Ruochen quickly intervened, comforting her and assuring her it was just tiredness, reminding her to be more careful. Feeling apologetic, Lu Fan Fan insisted on making him a new meal. That evening, after she prepared the omelette rice, Liu Ruochen suggested they look at photos from their trip. While admiring the pictures, Lu Fan Fan suddenly forgot they had just eaten and offered to make him dinner again, proposing omelette rice.
Despite already being full and having no appetite, Liu Ruochen accepted, eating a fifth plate of omelette rice, prioritizing her happiness above his discomfort. The following day, Lu Fan Fan was perplexed to find the newly purchased eggs gone and went out to buy more. Liu Ruochen returned to an empty home and became frantic when he couldn't reach her on her phone. Relieved when she returned, she explained her phone was dead and she'd gone for eggs.
She noticed numerous sticky notes plastered around their home. When she confronted him, Liu Ruochen explained they were merely "to enhance their memories," though they were clearly subtle reminders for her. Lu Fan Fan, however, suspected he was hiding something, asking if something was wrong. He dismissed her concerns, suggesting she might be stressed, and offered to cook. Liu Ruochen took Lu Fan Fan to an aquarium, where they happily took many pictures of the diverse marine life.
Moments later, Lu Fan Fan's joy turned to confusion as she spotted Liu Ruochen and asked him why he was there, having forgotten they had arrived together. Frightened by her lapse in memory, she apologized, but Liu Ruochen gently reassured her, hugging her tightly and suggesting they go to a park. Back at home, Lu Fan Fan remained close to Liu Ruochen, holding onto him as they both wrestled with unspoken emotions.
She tearfully wondered if she was becoming a burden, lamenting that her memory was worse than a fish's, not even lasting seven seconds. Liu Ruochen firmly told her she would never be a trouble to him, encouraging her that forgetting simply meant they could always start anew. He vowed to always be by her side, comparing himself to the water that surrounds a fish. They then shared a heartfelt kiss.
After a night together, Lu Fan Fan woke up in terror, seeing Liu Ruochen beside her as a complete stranger. She furiously told him to "go away," demanding to know why he was in her house. He tried to explain he was Liu Ruochen, but she threatened to call the police if he didn't leave. Desperate, he showed her pictures of their recent trip – moments from the beach, their strolls, their wishes – asking if anything came to mind.
Still, she couldn't recall, questioning if he was truly her boyfriend since she had no memory of him. She asked him to leave so she could have time to think, insisting she needed him out of her house. Heartbroken, Liu Ruochen complied. Distraught by Lu Fan Fan's complete memory loss, Liu Ruochen sought help from a doctor, explaining her worsening condition and asking for a way to help her remember him.
The doctor regretfully informed him that amnesia was generally irreversible. However, recalling a past case where a patient regained memories through sudden stimulation, the doctor suggested Liu Ruochen try to trigger Lu Fan Fan's memory with a truly profound or memorable experience they shared. Liu Ruochen, grasping at this sliver of hope, thanked the doctor. Lu Fan Fan confronted Liu Ruochen and took back her house key, sternly telling him he was not allowed to enter without her permission.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Liu Ruochen broke down, apologizing and desperately wishing he wouldn't have to forget her. Later, Lu Fan Fan, also deeply distressed by her memory loss, went to find Liu Ruochen on the rooftop. Upon seeing him, she expressed her profound reluctance to forget him, sharing in his pain over the difficult challenges their love faced due to her amnesia. As they walked back, hand in hand, Lu Fan Fan's ring slipped from her finger.
She bent down to pick it up, and just as she found it, a truck suddenly passed by. When it was gone, Lu Fan Fan had vanished, leaving Liu Ruochen in utter disbelief and desperately calling her name. Some time later, Lu Fan Fan found herself alone in her apartment. After showering, she noticed the television repeatedly turning on by itself, despite her attempts to switch it off, leading her to believe it was broken.
Moments later, the water cut off mid-shower, further frustrating her with the old house's faulty amenities. Then, unsettling knocking sounds came from her door, but each time she checked, there was no one there. She began to wonder if the agent's claim about the house being haunted was true. Eventually, she discovered Liu Ruochen hiding in her apartment. He confessed he was there out of concern for her safety, knowing she lived alone.
Annoyed by his meddling and the "haunted" phenomena, she pulled the main power switch, plunging the apartment into darkness. Hidden in her closet, Liu Ruochen, terrified of the dark, began to panic and plead for the power to return. Lu Fan Fan, amused and realizing he was scared of ghosts, teased him, noting he was the one who needed worrying about.
Episode 11 Recap
Liu Ruochen was in deep despair after Fan Fan’s disappearance, suffering from anorexia and isolating himself in his room. His friend, Qin Yang, tried to console him, asking why he was punishing himself, whether suffering from anorexia would truly bring him peace. Liu Ruochen expressed his profound agony, describing the feeling of his most loved person suddenly vanishing.
He lamented that he had believed fate had finally shone a light into his life, only to cruelly snatch away his loved ones again—first his parents, and now Fan Fan. Qin Yang, heartbroken to see his friend so dejected, urged Liu Ruochen to be strong, reminding him that Fan Fan would be heartbroken to see him in such a state. Qin Yang then offered a thought, suggesting that Fan Fan might still be alive in a parallel time and space.
He speculated that Fan Fan might not have truly belonged in their current time and that returning to her own time could have been the only way for her to recover her health. Qin Yang concluded by saying that nothing is impossible in this world, giving Liu Ruochen a glimmer of hope. The narrative then shifted to the year 2024, where Fan Fan had regained her memories of Liu Ruochen.
She inquired about a psychologist who seemed to be targeting them. Liu Ruochen explained that the psychologist was Gao Ruwen, a former client he had personally sent to prison, who was now bitter and seeking revenge. Fan Fan, sensing there was more to the story and that things weren't as simple as he claimed, prompted Liu Ruochen to embrace her and confess the truth.
He reminded her of a news report from a week prior about a high-intelligence criminal who masterminded a complex scheme to set up a maze to trap others, which Liu Ruochen had managed to expose. He revealed that Gao Ruwen, now released from prison, was the man behind these recent troubles, intent on destroying Liu Ruochen's reputation with this case.
Liu Ruochen warned Fan Fan that being with him could be dangerous, but Fan Fan, undeterred, expressed her unwavering commitment, jokingly asking if it was too late to regret being with him, indicating she had no intention of leaving. The next morning, Fan Fan awoke early, fearful that her happiness might be a dream and Liu Ruochen would disappear again. He reassured her, telling her that the pain she felt confirmed their reality and that she was not dreaming.
Liu Ruochen left to buy flowers, secretly planning to propose to Fan Fan, thinking to himself that "she has to say yes to my proposal today." Fan Fan called him, asking where he went, and he vaguely replied that he was handling "work stuff" and would be back soon, asking her to wait at home. Upon arriving back, he called Fan Fan from downstairs, asking her to come down quickly.
As Fan Fan rushed out, a sudden, loud explosion engulfed Liu Ruochen's car. Fan Fan screamed his name in agony, collapsing to the ground in grief. Days later, a heartbroken Fan Fan, clutching the engagement ring Liu Ruochen intended for her and gazing at their photos, was found by Qin Yang. She had not slept for days, constantly reliving the traumatic event and unable to accept its reality.
Qin Yang vowed to bring Gao Ruwen to justice and personally ensure his conviction. He tried to comfort Fan Fan by suggesting that Liu Ruochen might not be truly gone, but merely living in another parallel time and space, still alive. This idea sparked a memory or realization in Fan Fan. Wearing her pajamas, Fan Fan returned to the old hotel room where her original journey began.
On the television, news about the Fermi Bubbles reported on their expansion due to the galactic environment. It mentioned that contact with other celestial bodies could lead to unpredictable situations as the bubbles cause high-temperature plasma to break apart, and scientists hoped to gain valuable information from these electromagnetically rich regions. Fan Fan attempted to recreate her original time-traveling experience by using a newspaper and touching the doorknob, but nothing happened. Puzzled, she questioned what went wrong.
Suddenly, a city-wide blackout plunged everything into darkness. This triggered an epiphany, and Fan Fan touched the doorknob again. This time, she successfully traveled back to 2012. Meanwhile, in 2012, Liu Ruochen was on a rooftop, drinking alone and tearfully expressing how much he missed Fan Fan, wondering how she was doing in the future and if they would ever meet again. As Fan Fan appeared before him, he questioned if it was truly her.
She confirmed her identity, saying, "It's me," and announced, "I'm back again." Overwhelmed with emotion, they rushed into each other's arms, sharing a passionate embrace and kiss. The following morning, Liu Ruochen and Fan Fan visited Xian Lu Dessert, Fan Fan’s parents' restaurant. As they approached, Fan Fan expressed concern about her parents, having been away for so long.
Inside, Mrs. Lu was busy and scolding Mr. Lu for a mistake with a customer's order, wistfully wishing that "Xiao Lu" (Fan Fan) were there to help, acknowledging that Fan Fan was not their biological daughter. Adult Fan Fan stepped in, declaring her presence to help. Mrs. Lu and Mr. Lu were overcome with joy and surprise to see her, warmly welcoming her back.
Liu Ruochen explained to her parents that he and Fan Fan had been traveling for the past few days. Mrs. Lu enthusiastically prepared a special dinner for them, and Mr. Lu brought out his "private collection" of aged wine to celebrate. During their conversation, Liu Ruochen playfully asked Mr. Lu if he feared Mrs. Lu.
Mr. Lu clarified that it was not fear, but profound respect, explaining that Mrs. Lu dedicated her best youth to him and provided such a warm home for Fan Fan. Therefore, he believed he should cherish and pamper her. He also expressed his desire to be a role model for Little Fan Fan, hoping she would one day find a partner who loves her deeply, and be able to proudly say that her parents' love was strong.
Liu Ruochen accepted this wisdom, admitting that he, too, was somewhat intimidated by Mrs. Lu. Mr. Lu then offered a toast, though Liu Ruochen mistakenly drank pickle water. Mr. Lu gently told Fan Fan that he had always regarded her as his own daughter and trusted her judgment to choose a man who truly cared for, loved, and understood her, emphasizing these qualities were more important than anything else. Just then, Little Fan Fan arrived home from school.
Seeing her older self, she playfully scolded her for being absent for so long and asked where she went. Adult Fan Fan tenderly told her younger self that "sister went to a place far, far away. . . as far as the future." Little Fan Fan asked if she would return, to which both Liu Ruochen and adult Fan Fan confidently affirmed that she would.
Later, Fan Fan tied an apron on Liu Ruochen and began to teach him how to cook. He questioned why he, a future lawyer, needed to learn cooking, but Fan Fan playfully retorted that she did not want to eat his "awful food" in the future. He agreed to learn, and they started cooking together, with Mrs. Lu remarking that men should "excel in both social life and housework."
Both Mr. and Mrs. Lu observed them with contentment, noting that their actions clearly indicated they were envisioning a future together. As Liu Ruochen watched Little Fan Fan sitting on a rocking chair in the yard, he felt a strange sense of familiarity, as if he was seeing Fan Fan herself, unaware that this young girl was indeed the younger version of the woman he loved.
Episode 12 Recap
In 2012, Fan Fan made barbecue for everyone outdoors for her friends. Qin Yang asked her where she had been during her absence, and Fan Fan frankly told him that she had returned to 2024. She explained that she came back because Liu Ruochen and their good friends were there. She also assured Qin Yang that they remained good friends in 2024.
As they sat and chatted, Fan Fan learned that Liu Ruochen had been refusing to eat properly while she was away. Ruochen playfully complained that he had become accustomed to her cooking and lost his appetite when she wasn't around. Fan Fan urged everyone to start eating, feeling immensely happy in that moment. However, Qin Yang's earlier question about her return lingered in her mind, and she wished every day could be this simple and joyful.
Later, after school, Liu Ruochen invited Qin Yang to dinner at his home, but Qin Yang declined. He wanted to know if Fan Fan had been acting differently lately. Liu Ruochen believed she hadn't, but Qin Yang sensed that Fan Fan's return might have a special purpose. Liu Ruochen dismissed this as overthinking, convinced that Fan Fan simply missed them. That evening, Fan Fan set up a candlelight dinner at home.
Liu Ruochen added a romantic touch with flowers and wine, a "small ceremony" he prepared for her. He then asked Fan Fan if she was truly hiding something from him, mentioning Qin Yang's suspicions. Fan Fan paused for a moment but quickly denied it. The next morning, Liu Ruochen, despite wanting to sleep in, got up to go to work.
After he left, Fan Fan went to the computer to search for information on a Dr. Shen Shijia, finding out he was a dermatologist who had adopted a son named Gao Ruwen from a welfare institution. She decided to pretend to be a patient to approach him. Fan Fan applied makeup to simulate an allergic rash and went to Dr. Shen's office.
After he diagnosed her fake condition, she directly asked him if he had an adopted son named Gao Ruwen. She then warned him that in 2024, Gao Ruwen would become a criminal and cause harm to many people. Dr. Shen, disbelieving her, suggested she visit the psychiatry department and dismissed her. Undaunted, Fan Fan waited until Dr. Shen finished work and followed him to the Pingtai Bar. On the way, she left her phone in the taxi.
Liu Ruochen, calling her, had the taxi driver answer and was informed of Fan Fan's location. While Dr. Shen was in the restroom, Fan Fan approached him, pretending to be heartbroken from a breakup. She hoped to get him to drink and extract information about Gao Ruwen. However, Dr. Shen, with ulterior motives, kept plying her with alcohol until she was drunk. He then offered to take her home but attempted to take her to a hotel.
Fortunately, Liu Ruochen arrived just in time, punched Dr. Shen, and carried Fan Fan back home. The next morning, Fan Fan awoke with a severe headache. Liu Ruochen was beside her and playfully teased her, suggesting she "bear the rod and beg for forgiveness." He then asked her why she went to the bar alone the previous night. Fan Fan initially resisted telling him, but Liu Ruochen urged her to trust him, assuring her they could face any problems together.
Fan Fan then confessed: in 2024, Liu Ruochen had sent a suspect to prison. After his release, this individual orchestrated a bomb attack on Liu Ruochen's car, killing him. Fan Fan explained that she had returned to 2012 specifically to save him, declaring she could not bear to lose him again. Liu Ruochen, unfazed by the revelation, saw her return as a chance to change the future.
He promised to protect himself for her but strictly forbade her from taking such risks alone again. He also took her old phone, which the taxi driver had given him, and presented her with a new, simpler phone, referring to it as the "latest model." Soon after, Qin Yang arrived, having been informed by Liu Ruochen about the situation. The three discussed how to extract information about Gao Ruwen from Shen Shijia.
Liu Ruochen proposed that since it was only 2012, Gao Ruwen might still be a teenager and not yet have turned to evil. They decided that Liu Ruochen and Fan Fan would visit Shen Shijia's home to assess the situation, while Qin Yang would go to the welfare institution to discreetly gather information. Liu Ruochen and Fan Fan then went to Shen Shijia’s house. Dr. Shen was not home, having just gone out for something.
His wife welcomed them and offered them water. Fan Fan presented the wife with some snacks, ostensibly for their child. Shen's wife began to talk about her child, Nan Nan, describing her as mischievous, always hiding under the bed to play marbles and not listening to her mother. She then asked Fan Fan and Liu Ruochen to help persuade Nan Nan. As she pulled "Nan Nan" out from under the bed, it was revealed to be a doll, indicating that Shen's wife was mentally unstable.
Episode 13 Recap
Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen were startled to find themselves in Shen Shijia's home. His wife, Yu Li Qing, was speaking to a doll as if it were her daughter, Nan Nan, expressing gratitude for their help in putting her to sleep. When Shen Shijia arrived, Liu Ruochen explained they were there to thank him. Shen Shijia, however, addressed his wife, correcting her that they had no daughter, only a son named Wen Wen, revealing her delusional state.
He then insisted they discuss their business outside, away from his family. Outside, Lu Fanfan clarified that beyond thanking him, they wished to ask about his family, not for reasons related to their previous encounter. Shen Shijia was reluctant, citing 'family shame should not be publicized,' but Liu Ruochen persuaded him to talk. Shen Shijia then explained that his wife developed a severe delusional disorder after her last miscarriage, cautioning them not to believe anything she said.
Lu Fanfan probed further, asking about their adopted child and whether the miscarriage occurred before or after the adoption. Shen Shijia confirmed they adopted Gao Ruwen ten years prior. Lu Fanfan then revealed her knowledge from the future, stating that Gao Ruwen was destined to commit a series of tragic crimes. Shen Shijia vehemently denied this, praising Gao Ruwen as an exemplary child with excellent academics and character, whom he and Yu Li Qing loved as their own.
However, a flashback showed a young Gao Ruwen enthusiastically embracing his new parents, even expressing excitement about a new sibling when Yu Li Qing became pregnant, eager to play marbles with the future child. The flashback then tragically depicted Yu Li Qing's miscarriage, caused by slipping on Gao Ruwen's marbles. Both Yu Li Qing and Gao Ruwen blamed themselves, but Shen Shijia consoled them, insisting it was an accident.
Despite these memories, Shen Shijia firmly stated he didn't believe Gao Ruwen could do anything wrong, having watched him grow up. Just then, Liu Ruochen received a call from Qin Yang, who had new information. Liu Ruochen advised Shen Shijia to reflect on their conversation before they departed. Qin Yang's investigation at the welfare home revealed that Gao Ruwen was indeed an exceptional child, but his older age made adoption difficult.
A flashback to Gao Ruwen's adoption day showed him presenting himself as a perfect candidate with high grades and self-sufficiency, which impressed the Shen couple. The welfare home director mentioned a younger child, Xiao Tao, but Gao Ruwen, with a composed demeanor, encouraged them to consider other children if they wished, attributing family to destiny. Coincidentally, Xiao Tao became ill with diarrhea and couldn't meet the family, leading the Shen couple to adopt Gao Ruwen on the spot.
Later, Xiao Tao hinted that Gao Ruwen might have caused his illness, though there was no proof. Liu Ruochen concluded that Gao Ruwen had been cunning from a very young age, making it challenging to thwart his future actions. Nevertheless, Lu Fanfan asserted, "No matter how difficult it is, we must try." That evening, Liu Ruochen surprised Lu Fanfan with two cakes, celebrating not only her birthday but also that of her younger self, Little Fan.
Lu Fanfan's parents were delighted by the coincidence. Lu Fanfan expressed a long-held wish, asking if she could call her mother "Mum" on her birthday, as her biological mother hadn't been with her when she was young. Her mother warmly agreed. After cutting the cakes, Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen enjoyed lighting small fireworks outside. Liu Ruochen then jokingly regretted not using the opportunity to call her parents "father-in-law" and "mother-in-law," and playfully declared his intention to pursue her.
Later that night, Shen Shijia found Gao Ruwen seemingly reading and advised him to rest. Once Shen Shijia left, Gao Ruwen was shown secretly drawing a disturbing image. Downstairs, Yu Li Qing's mental state continued to deteriorate. She cradled her doll, conversing with it as if it were alive, and became agitated when Shen Shijia tried to intervene. She accused him of adopting a stranger's child and blamed Gao Ruwen for her not having a healthy baby.
Shen Shijia attempted to calm her, promising to send Gao Ruwen away, unaware that Gao Ruwen was listening from upstairs. During her childhood, Little Fanfan employed a clever "roundabout tactic" to convince her mother to buy her a comic book. She first asked for an unattainable villa, then a sports car. When her mother dismissed these requests as too expensive, Little Fanfan requested the much cheaper comic book, tricking her mother into agreeing.
As her mother playfully chased her, the adult Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen arrived. Lu Fanfan reflected on her fortunate childhood, contrasting it with Gao Ruwen's potentially difficult past, which might have shaped him. Liu Ruochen suggested alerting the police, but Lu Fanfan reminded him of their lack of concrete evidence. Unbeknownst to them, Gao Ruwen was watching them from the shadows. Later, Qin Yang joined Lu Fanfan and Liu Ruochen to discuss their strategy.
While Lu Fanfan was in the kitchen preparing dinner, she received a call from Yu Li Qing, Shen Shijia's wife. Yu Li Qing claimed to possess evidence proving Gao Ruwen's malicious nature and arranged a secret meeting for the following morning at the Hailan Highway intersection, emphasizing that Lu Fanfan must come alone. Lu Fanfan agreed, keeping the meeting to herself. She then served a delicious meal, much to Qin Yang's delight.
The next day, Liu Ruochen went to confront Shen Shijia, reiterating the severity of Gao Ruwen's future crimes and urging him to seek psychological help for his son. Shen Shijia scoffed at the "future" and "prophecy" warnings, dismissing them as nonsense stemming from their previous encounter. Liu Ruochen sternly warned Shen Shijia that he would not tolerate any harm to Lu Fanfan, emphasizing the dangerous situation they were all in.
Shen Shijia, exasperated, finally agreed to let Liu Ruochen meet Gao Ruwen, provided they stop bothering him afterward. Soon after, Shen Shijia missed a call from Yu Li Qing, but a colleague called him, expressing concern that Yu Li Qing was driving alone despite her depression. Alarmed, Shen Shijia realized his wife, who rarely drove since her miscarriage, was on the road. Fearing she might be with Gao Ruwen, he and Liu Ruochen immediately set off in pursuit.
Meanwhile, Lu Fanfan was already waiting at the designated intersection, unaware of the impending danger. Yu Li Qing, fueled by anger and delusion, called Lu Fanfan the killer of her "Nan Nan" and accelerated her car towards her.
Episode 14 Recap
Yu Li Qing, driving aggressively, accused Lu Fanfan of killing her "Nan Nan" before pressing the accelerator, aiming for Lu Fanfan. Just as Yu Li Qing's car was about to hit Lu Fanfan, Qin Yang suddenly drove his car in front of hers, taking the brunt of the collision. He was injured but managed to slowly stand up, confirming Lu Fanfan was safe before losing consciousness.
Lu Fanfan rushed to him, calling his name repeatedly and urging Liu Ruochen, who had just arrived, to help him. Liu Ruochen immediately called for an ambulance. Shen Shijia also arrived at the scene, desperately calling for his wife, Yu Li Qing, to hold on. Both Qin Yang and Yu Li Qing were rushed to the hospital. Lu Fanfan was overcome with self-blame. Liu Ruochen was deeply concerned, while Shen Shijia appeared not just worried, but also frightened.
After Yu Li Qing's surgery, a doctor informed Shen Shijia that despite their best efforts, they could not save her. Distraught and refusing to believe it, Shen Shijia lashed out, accusing Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan of causing her death. Lu Fanfan, in anguish, confessed that Yu Li Qing had arranged to meet her. She felt responsible for everything, believing it all happened because she returned to 2012. Overwhelmed, Lu Fanfan then fainted.
Doctors quickly confirmed Lu Fanfan was physically unharmed, having only passed out due to intense emotional stress. Later that night, a grief-stricken Shen Shijia returned home. He spoke to whom he believed was his son, Wen Wen, expressing his sorrow. However, "Wen Wen" chillingly declared that Yu Li Qing was not fit to be a mother and Shen Shijia was not fit to be a father, suggesting he should join her in death.
Shen Shijia realized this was not his son, and was then hypnotized by him. This person was 2024 Gao Ruwen, who had traveled back in time. 2024 Gao Ruwen revealed that he was responsible for manipulating Yu Li Qing, making her believe Lu Fanfan was responsible for the death of her child. This manipulation led Yu Li Qing to attempt to crash her car into Lu Fanfan.
He explained that hypnosis, at an advanced level, allows one to control people's minds. He then introduced a new "wishing game." During this revelation, the 2012 version of Gao Ruwen also appeared, confused about his father's condition and demanding to know who the newcomer was. 2024 Gao Ruwen clarified he was his future self, returned to punish those who had harmed them. He told his younger self that he knew all his actions but found him "too naive."
He reminded 2012 Gao Ruwen that he originally learned hypnosis to explore the human mind, calling it "childish," and reiterated that the true power of advanced hypnosis was mind control for personal advantage. Meanwhile, Lu Fanfan awoke in the hospital, with Liu Ruochen by her side. He assured her that Qin Yang's surgery was successful, he was out of danger, and would soon wake up. Liu Ruochen apologized for allowing her to meet Yu Li Qing alone.
Lu Fanfan, reflecting on her actions, wondered if they had been too hasty, admitting that she, too, would likely not suspect a loved one based on a stranger's words. Liu Ruochen countered that preventing 2024 Gao Ruwen from committing future crimes justified their actions. He embraced her, but Lu Fanfan, feeling responsible for the recent misfortunes, decided she needed to distance herself from everyone for their safety.
She asked Liu Ruochen to get her some food, intending to use the opportunity to separate from him for a while. Qin Yang also woke up, his first words calling out Lu Fanfan's name. Zhu Yixiao, who had been keeping vigil, informed Liu Ruochen that Qin Yang was awake. Liu Ruochen returned to Qin Yang's room.
Qin Yang shared that he had been investigating Gao Ruwen's past at the orphanage and had gathered evidence linking Gao Ruwen to an incident involving another child. He was on his way to inform them when he saw Yu Li Qing's car speeding towards Lu Fanfan and acted without thinking. He then asked about Lu Fanfan, to which Liu Ruochen vaguely replied that she was "okay" and needed time to herself.
Qin Yang sensed an argument, but Liu Ruochen assured him they would handle it and advised Qin Yang to focus on his recovery. Lu Fanfan returned to her residence and packed her belongings. She reflected that she had returned to save Liu Ruochen, but her presence had only led to Yu Li Qing's death and Qin Yang's injury. She felt her selfishness was causing harm and decided to withdraw.
As she left with her suitcase, she found Liu Ruochen waiting outside her old residence. She handed him money for rent and firmly told him not to disturb her, moving back to her own apartment. She regretted her actions but felt she had no other choice. The next morning, as Lu Fanfan stepped out to take out the trash, she discovered Liu Ruochen had spent the entire night waiting outside her new apartment, still seeking answers for her departure. In her heart, Lu Fanfan admitted she still struggled to resist his presence.
Episode 15 Recap
Liu Ruochen waited outside Fan Fan's apartment all night. When she appeared, he confronted her, asking why she was leaving. Fan Fan claimed she was just tired and wanted peace, but Liu Ruochen insisted she still loved him and was only trying to protect him from further harm, like what happened to Qin Yang. Fan Fan, however, just wanted time alone.
Before Liu Ruochen left, he reminded Fan Fan that she once expressed a desire to ride the Ferris wheel, recalling her "childish" wish to him. Fan Fan reluctantly admitted her wish to experience the legend: that lovers who kiss at the highest point of the Ferris wheel will be together forever. Despite her reluctance, she agreed to ride, deciding it would be their last time.
As they admired the night view from the Ferris wheel, Liu Ruochen shared the story of the park owner. He explained that the owner and her late husband met on the Ferris wheel, and her husband, before passing, promised to become a star to watch over her. The owner's happiest moments were spent watching the stars from the Ferris wheel, the place closest to them.
Fan Fan found the tale beautiful yet sad, and Liu Ruochen added that its message was to cherish those present in one's life. They took a photo together. At the end of their Ferris wheel ride, Fan Fan told Liu Ruochen they should break up. He questioned her decision, reminding her they were supposed to be taking a break, but she explained that despite her efforts, she couldn't reconcile with the situation in her heart.
Liu Ruochen, respecting her choice, wished her well. Fan Fan, in turn, advised him to smile more in his future photos, take care of himself, and eat properly. They exchanged goodbyes, and as Fan Fan walked away, she broke down in tears, recalling their cherished memories together. One week after 2024 Gao Ruwen's arrival in 2012, he found his body was showing signs of rejection, yet Fan Fan remained unaffected. He had Shen Shijia held captive in the basement.
Young Gao Ruwen confronted his future self, questioning why their father was imprisoned. 2024 Gao Ruwen justified it as a necessary measure to prevent Shen Shijia from revealing their secrets, promising to release him once their current plans were finished. Young Gao Ruwen reminded 2024 Gao Ruwen that he had already fulfilled the task of stealing Fan Fan's blood information and asked what else was required.
2024 Gao Ruwen responded vaguely, asking if he wanted Shen Shijia to undergo deeper hypnosis. When young Gao Ruwen declined, his future self told him to go to sleep, assuring him that a "new game" would begin the next day. This interaction left young Gao Ruwen feeling distrusted and pondering how to save his father and uncover the secrets surrounding Fan Fan. A month later, Liu Ruochen, still thinking of Fan Fan, enrolled in a fitness center.
He diligently inquired about boxing and Taekwondo classes, determined to become stronger. He vowed to himself that he would become powerful enough to ensure Fan Fan would never have to worry about him again. Upon returning home, Fan Fan was questioned by Little Fan about Liu Ruochen's absence. Fan Fan informed her younger self that they had broken up, clarifying that it wasn't because she stopped liking him, but she declined to elaborate further.
Meanwhile, Liu Ruochen, struggling to eat without Fan Fan's cooking, received a text message from Little Fan. The message urged him to make up with "Sister," chastising him for being too passive and warning him that Fan Fan might be "snatched away" if he didn't act. Little Fan encouraged him to be more mature and make Fan Fan feel secure, emphasizing the need to win her back.
Liu Ruochen pondered Little Fan's words, particularly the idea of making Fan Fan feel safe. Fan Fan continued to mull over the car crash, remembering Liu Ruochen's assertion that Yu Liqing couldn't drive, suggesting the accident was no mere coincidence. She suspected young Gao Ruwen might have turned malicious. Her investigation into Shen Shijia led her to discover he was neither at work nor home, which she found unsettling.
Meanwhile, Liu Ruochen was intently watching boxing videos, driven by his desire to become stronger to protect those he loved. Qin Yang visited him, inquiring about his and Fan Fan's breakup. Liu Ruochen reiterated his respect for Fan Fan's decision and the need for some space. Qin Yang, now recovered and discharged from the hospital, met Fan Fan at her family's restaurant. He brought up the car crash, expressing regret over the situation between her and Liu Ruochen.
Fan Fan revealed that the accident was not a mere coincidence. She explained that her investigation into Shen Shijia was the reason 2024 Gao Ruwen acted prematurely, leading to Qin Yang's injury. To prevent anyone else from getting hurt due to her decisions, she felt it was best to break up with Liu Ruochen. She reiterated her determination to find Gao Ruwen, mentioning her inability to locate Shen Shijia.
Though Qin Yang offered further help, Fan Fan insisted on handling the matter herself, asking him to stay informed if he found any information. In the basement, Shen Shijia regained consciousness, disoriented. He called out for "Wen Wen" (his son, young Gao Ruwen), but 2024 Gao Ruwen, who was present, corrected him. Shen Shijia then recognized that the person before him was not his son, exclaiming, "You're not Wen Wen!"
2024 Gao Ruwen then firmly instructed Shen Shijia to remain in the basement. Fan Fan visited the Hai Bo Bookstore, looking for Uncle Xiang. A new owner informed her that Uncle Xiang had sold the shop after winning a lottery jackpot, supposedly thanks to a "tip" from an "expert."
The new owner elaborated that this "expert" had guided Uncle Xiang to play a game to obtain a phone number that could predict the future, thus allowing him to know the winning lottery numbers in advance. Fan Fan, skeptical, questioned why everyone wouldn't be a millionaire if such a thing were possible, to which the new owner simply said it was just a story for amusement. Later, Qin Yang and Liu Ruochen appeared at Fan Fan's home.
Fan Fan, surprised to see them, asked why they hadn't left and joked that she had no spare rooms for them to stay overnight. Liu Ruochen stated he had something to tell her. Qin Yang also wanted to speak first, but Fan Fan dismissed him, saying he had already said enough and should leave. Qin Yang accepted this, telling Liu Ruochen that they could talk, and left. As Qin Yang departed, he mused that "today's Gege [Liu Ruochen] is like a reactor."
Episode 16 Recap
Little Fan attempted to orchestrate a reunion between her sister, Fan Fan, and Liu Ruochen. She messaged "Brother" (Liu Ruochen), asking him to buy her a backup phone. Fan Fan discovered her efforts to "ship couples" and threatened to confiscate her phone, even deleting Liu Ruochen's number from Little Fan's device. Despite this, Little Fan had already secretly jotted down the number. Meanwhile, Fan Fan visited her old comic bookstore, only to find that it had been sold.
She learned that Uncle Xiang, the previous owner, had won the lottery after receiving winning numbers from someone who could foresee the future, a detail that piqued her curiosity. The next morning, Liu Ruochen arrived at Fan Fan's house with flower seeds, intending to plant them in her yard as a symbol of their friendship. Fan Fan, however, felt uneasy, stating that as long as the matter involving Gao Ruwen remained unresolved, she couldn't fully relax.
Liu Ruochen understood her concern but insisted that their friendship could continue regardless. Later, Fan Fan was lost in thought, pondering Gao Ruwen's whereabouts. She realized that after the incident with Yu Li Qing, becoming friends with him was impossible, yet she couldn't allow him to harm others. Observing her pensive sister, Little Fan mistakenly concluded she was suffering from lovesickness.
She called Liu Ruochen, urging him to be more proactive in showing care, asserting that Fan Fan still thought of him. Liu Ruochen hesitated, explaining that his attempts to approach Fan Fan only seemed to upset her and make her feel burdened. Little Fan, however, insisted that they couldn't allow Fan Fan to move on. Believing Fan Fan still liked him, Little Fan proposed an offline gathering to either soften Fan Fan's heart or spark a sense of crisis.
Liu Ruochen found merit in her plan and agreed to bring his friends. Following Little Fan's instructions, Liu Ruochen called Qin Yang, inviting him to hang out the next day instead of doing his Hall effect experiment. Liu Ruochen also specifically asked Qin Yang to bring Zhu Yixiao, explicitly stating his intention to create a "sense of crisis" for Fan Fan.
At home, Little Fan's father, Mr. Lu Fen Jin, playfully lamented about love, upset that his wife, Madam Li Yaxi, hadn't rewarded him with a hug after he thoroughly cleaned the kitchen. Little Fan interrupted their playful banter, asking her mother for a day off from school for "Sister Lu's matter," which her mother eventually granted after some persuasion. Madam Li Yaxi and Mr. Lu Fen Jin noticed Fan Fan's forced smiles and worried about her.
Madam Li Yaxi comforted Fan Fan, explaining that everyone remains a child when they have someone to lean on, regardless of age, but becomes an adult when they have no one. She reassured Fan Fan that their home would always be her sanctuary, where she could always be a child. Touched by their words, Fan Fan admitted that she was indeed feeling aggrieved, and her mother encouraged her to cry if she needed to.
The next day, Little Fan took Fan Fan to a real Counter-Strike game, explaining it was a great way to relieve heartache. She revealed a local legend: the winner of the game receives a mysterious city number that can provide answers to any question. She added that Uncle Xiang supposedly won this number before hitting the lottery. Fan Fan, initially skeptical, conceded that if it were true, she would ask about her future with Liu Ruochen.
As they registered, the staff informed them they needed more players and would match them with others. Just then, Liu Ruochen arrived with Qin Yang and Zhu Yixiao. Zhu Yixiao immediately faked a sprained ankle, prompting Liu Ruochen to attend to her, even producing flat shoes for her to change into. Observing their apparent closeness, Fan Fan felt a pang of sadness and internally labeled Liu Ruochen a "bad guy."
Zhu Yixiao then invited Fan Fan to join their team, but Fan Fan politely declined. The staff announced a 3-on-3 match, with themselves as the sixth player. Fan Fan initially refused to play, but Little Fan eventually convinced her. The teams were set: Fan Fan, Liu Ruochen, and Zhu Yixiao on the red team, and Little Fan, Qin Yang, and the staff member on the blue team.
Zhu Yixiao reminded Liu Ruochen about her "injured ankle" and asked him to protect her and Fan Fan. Fan Fan, asserting her strength, told them not to count her as weak. Liu Ruochen then proposed a strategy where those with weaker shooting skills go first, with him providing cover and offense. Zhu Yixiao, feigning too much pain, decided to sit out and watch, subtly giving Fan Fan and Liu Ruochen an opportunity to interact.
Left with just the two of them, Liu Ruochen reassured Fan Fan they could still win. They worked together, with Fan Fan covering Liu Ruochen. During the game, Liu Ruochen eliminated Qin Yang. In the heat of the moment, Liu Ruochen accidentally shot Fan Fan, attributing it to "instinctive reaction." Despite the friendly fire, they continued to cooperate and ultimately won the game.
After their victory, Liu Ruochen tried to share the "gift" (the mysterious number) as a collective team achievement. Fan Fan, realizing she had been subtly "schemed against," stated she only played for relaxation and refused to be included in the shared reward. She vowed to settle things with Liu Ruochen later and left abruptly with Little Fan. Zhu Yixiao took the prize.
Liu Ruochen turned to Qin Yang and Zhu Yixiao, wondering if they had "overacted" their plan and if Fan Fan had discovered their intentions. Qin Yang expressed reluctance to continue the "fake affection" charade, fearing Fan Fan's anger. Liu Ruochen worried that Fan Fan might have made up her mind to leave him, but Qin Yang and Zhu Yixiao reassured him, offering their support and encouraging him to stay positive.
Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Gao Ruwen that Liu Ruochen and his companions had obtained the mysterious number from the Counter-Strike game but had given it away. Gao Ruwen, already aware, used the opportunity to explain that not everyone is willing to work hard for achievements, and he simply exploits their weaknesses.
He then instructed the subordinate to closely monitor Liu Ruochen and his friends, especially Fan Fan, and to report her every move, leaving the subordinate to wonder why Fan Fan was the primary target.
Episode 17 Recap
In 2012, Gao Ruwen instructed his younger self to closely monitor Lu Fanfan, reporting her every move. When his younger self asked why, Gao Ruwen stated he would reveal the reason when the time was right. A few days after their separation, Lu Fanfan felt a growing sense of insecurity. She suspected Liu Ruochen and Yi Xiao had started a relationship.
She considered texting Qin Yang for clarity, but after drafting and deleting her message several times, she decided against it and went to bed. The next morning, Yi Xiao visited Fanfan, wanting to discuss their situation. Yi Xiao observed that Liu Ruochen clearly had strong feelings for Fanfan, and Fanfan reciprocated, yet they remained estranged. Fanfan explained that love doesn't always necessitate being together, emphasizing that compatibility was paramount.
She even suggested that Yi Xiao and Liu Ruochen seemed well-suited for each other. Yi Xiao quickly clarified Fanfan's misunderstanding. She confessed that Liu Ruochen had enlisted her help at the CS game specifically to make Fanfan jealous. Yi Xiao admitted to being reluctant, feeling like merely "cannon fodder" in their romantic drama. However, she expressed genuine concern for Liu Ruochen, who had been noticeably distracted and absent-minded in class, fearing he might do something drastic.
She urged Fanfan to check on him, even suggesting he might commit suicide. Fanfan, though concerned, doubted he would go that far. Despite her reservations, Fanfan found herself outside the fight club. She wrestled with the idea of interfering in a grown man's affairs but ultimately decided to go inside, just to make sure Liu Ruochen was alright. She found him intensely training, pulling ropes. Misinterpreting the scene, Fanfan panicked, believing he was attempting to commit suicide.
She rushed forward to stop him, causing them both to tumble to the ground. Liu Ruochen, amused, clarified he was merely working out, leaving Fanfan feeling embarrassed. He was pleased that she had come to check on him, though she quickly denied it, telling him not to flatter himself. Fanfan silently vowed not to give him another chance after he laughed at her. Later, Little Fan and Fanfan's parents arrived.
They playfully engaged in dramatic romantic declarations about the moon and longing, hoping to subtly nudge Fanfan and Liu Ruochen toward reconciliation. Fanfan, seeing through their act, playfully accused them of joining the "enemy's side." Little Fan chimed in, questioning why her brother would be an enemy if they were a couple. Fanfan’s mother, observing Fanfan closely, gently told her that even if she didn't voice her feelings, her eyes betrayed them.
When Fanfan asked what emotions were visible, her mother replied, "disappointment," and Fanfan then admitted, "I am disappointed." Fanfan, distressed by their intervention, expressed not knowing what to do. Her mother then offered heartfelt advice, affirming Liu Ruochen's good character and stressing that true love meant facing life's joys and sorrows together.
The entire family encouraged Fanfan to fight for her love, reminding her that she clearly didn't want to let him go, and that regret would follow if she lost him. Their words deeply moved Fanfan. That evening, as Fanfan was delivering takeout on her way home, a masked man slipped into the elevator with her. Just as the doors were closing, Liu Ruochen quickly entered. The masked man then swiftly exited through another opening.
Liu Ruochen explained that Little Fan, acting as his "spy," had told him it was unsafe for Fanfan to return home alone and that Fanfan had missed him. Fanfan, however, firmly denied missing him. Suddenly, the elevator malfunctioned, plummeting rapidly and plunging into darkness. Liu Ruochen, who suffered from claustrophobia, was visibly terrified and fell to the floor. With no phone signal, they were trapped. Fanfan tried to comfort him, acknowledging his fear of darkness in enclosed spaces.
Liu Ruochen, trying to lighten the mood, joked that he didn't mind being stuck if it meant he was alone with her. Soon, repairmen arrived and freed them. Liu Ruochen insisted on walking Fanfan home to ensure her safety. On their way, they discovered an abandoned Corgi puppy. Fanfan, charmed by the adorable dog, decided to take it home. At Fanfan's apartment, they warmed some milk for the puppy.
As it grew late, Fanfan suggested Liu Ruochen leave, but he tried to prolong his stay, humorously asking if she would consider adopting another "single dog"—referring to himself. They then discussed naming the puppy, with Liu Ruochen proposing "Pikachu." Fanfan was struck by the name, remembering that in 2024, the dog in Liu Ruochen's office also bore the name Pikachu. The following day, Liu Ruochen arrived with an assortment of dog supplies and toys, celebrating Pikachu's "joining the Lu family."
As Fanfan prepared for work, Liu Ruochen asked for her house key so he could care for Pikachu. Fanfan, understanding his underlying intentions, reiterated her desire to maintain their current relationship, not wanting to draw him further into her life. Liu Ruochen, however, declared that he was already deeply involved and simply wished to remain by her side to protect her. Later, Qin Yang contacted Liu Ruochen by phone, asking him and Fanfan to meet at a "secret base."
There, Qin Yang presented surveillance footage he had collected from around the locations of recent events. The footage revealed a consistent masked individual tracking Fanfan. Qin Yang suspected this person was Gao Ruwen, the very individual they had been searching for. Liu Ruochen speculated that Gao Ruwen might have started following Fanfan since their initial visit to Shen Shijia's house. Fanfan was visibly frightened by the revelation, but Liu Ruochen quickly reassured her of his protection.
Qin Yang predicted that Gao Ruwen would eventually reveal himself, though he expressed concern about their currently passive position. In a supermarket, Liu Ruochen and Fanfan were shopping. Fanfan asked if accompanying her was distracting him from his academic topic selection. Liu Ruochen confidently replied that he had already mastered what he needed to learn, and for anything he didn't know, even professors couldn't help him. Fanfan affectionately teased him about his intelligence.
Liu Ruochen playfully suggested buying river snail noodles to "ward off evil spirits." He complimented Fanfan's appearance, then asked her to pick a mask for him. When she chose a pink one, he comically rejected it. He then took a picture of her, calling her "cute" and "my kid."
Episode 18 Recap
As Zhu Yixiao walked home, she noticed someone following her and, frightened, rushed safely indoors. Moments later, she received a call from a stranger identifying himself as Lin Han. She vaguely recalled playing a CS game with him before. Lin Han expressed his joy that she remembered him and unexpectedly asked her to be his girlfriend. He passionately claimed that while many pursued her, only he was sincere and would treat her well.
Stunned, Zhu Yixiao told him they were incompatible and, feigning sleepiness, quickly hung up. She then received a text message from him reiterating his feelings, which she found unsettling. Unbeknownst to her, Lin Han was the one who had been following her, and he later called a mysterious "Wish Number" he had obtained from winning a game.
He asked if the number could answer all his questions and how he could win Zhu Yixiao's affection, specifically if they could be together. The voice on the other end assured him they were a "match made in heaven" and would "of course be together." Zhu Yixiao shared her unsettling experience with her friends. Ruo Chen dismissed Lin Han as just a "typical suitor," but Fan Fan found the situation serious, especially since he knew Zhu Yixiao's home address.
Qin Yang speculated it was due to Zhu Yixiao's popularity with suitors in school. Zhu Yixiao was truly frightened by the man's intensity, and Fan Fan advised her to be cautious and reach out if anything happened. Zhu Yixiao then invited her friends to her "Romeo and Juliet" performance the following evening. The next day, Zhu Yixiao was absent from class and unreachable. Qin Yang worried about her, considering Lin Han's overly passionate pursuit.
They decided to go to the theater to find her. On the way, Ruo Chen made a stop to buy a variety of yogurts, explaining to Qin Yang that he wanted to ensure Fan Fan had her preferred flavor since she loved yogurt. When Qin Yang questioned their relationship, Ruo Chen confidently stated that he knew Fan Fan had feelings for him. At the theater, Ruo Chen presented the assortment of yogurts to Fan Fan, who was visibly pleased.
Qin Yang went backstage to look for Zhu Yixiao and passed a man in black. As the performance began, Zhu Yixiao, playing Juliet, lay on stage. To their shock, Lin Han, not the scheduled actor, appeared as Romeo. The audience noticed a significant deviation from the rehearsal; the play abruptly jumped to the martyrdom scene, omitting Juliet's remaining parts, causing many to leave. On stage, Lin Han delivered lines about Tybalt's death and Juliet's enduring beauty.
Qin Yang, realizing the gravity of the situation, saw Lin Han pull out a real knife. He immediately rushed to intervene. Lin Han screamed that no one could stop him and Zhu Yixiao from being together, claiming even "he" (referring to the voice from the Wish Number) said they were a perfect match. Ruo Chen and Fan Fan also rushed onto the stage.
Amidst the chaos, Ruo Chen pursued a man in black (likely the same one Qin Yang had seen backstage), but he managed to escape. Zhu Yixiao was taken to the hospital, where it was confirmed she had been given sleeping pills; she awoke unharmed but couldn't recall anything after arriving home. Overcome with guilt, she blamed herself for giving Lin Han her phone number.
The police explained that Lin Han, heartbroken by Zhu Yixiao's rejection, had called the Wish Number and adopted the extreme methods it suggested. Fan Fan suspected the Wish Number was connected to Gao Ruwen, recalling that a comic book shop owner she knew had won the lottery after calling the same number, attributing it to mysterious guidance.
Determined to uncover the truth, Fan Fan decided to text the Wish Number from Lin Han's phone, posing as his friend, asking for a meeting to fulfill a wish. The request was accepted, and a meeting was scheduled for 3 PM the next day at Timez Cafe on Anning Avenue. Ruo Chen vehemently opposed Fan Fan going alone, citing the danger, but she insisted it was a rare opportunity they couldn't miss.
Qin Yang proposed all four of them go for mutual support. Ruo Chen then suggested that since the text message didn't reveal the sender's gender, he and Qin Yang should meet the contact, while Zhu Yixiao and Fan Fan remained in ambush. Fan Fan then conceived an idea: Ruo Chen and Qin Yang should cross-dress to avoid being recognized. They reluctantly agreed to "sacrifice the small self for the greater good."
Meanwhile, Gao Ruwen, having received the text, was intrigued by the unusual request for a personal meeting. He agreed to go, planning to bring Shen Shijia, his foster father, along for an outing, while advising his assistant to stay behind to avoid suspicion. The next day, at Timez Cafe, Qin Yang and Ruo Chen, disguised in female attire, waited. Shen Shijia arrived, and Qin Yang immediately noticed his strange behavior.
Unbeknownst to them, Gao Ruwen was secretly observing from a distance, recognizing the disguised group. Ruo Chen attempted to question Shen Shijia about his recent whereabouts and Gao Ruwen's location, but Shen Shijia repeatedly asked, "What wish do you have?" and referred to Gao Ruwen as "Master." This confirmed their suspicions that Shen Shijia was under Gao Ruwen's control. As Shen Shijia began to leave, having received no wish, Fan Fan and Zhu Yixiao rushed out.
Gao Ruwen, realizing he had been discovered, fled. They chased after him but he once again eluded them. Back together, Zhu Yixiao apologized for not being able to stop Shen Shijia, but they all acknowledged they had underestimated Gao Ruwen. They discussed Shen Shijia's hypnotized state, realizing Gao Ruwen had even manipulated his own foster father, and concluded he would harm many more. They considered reporting to the police but understood they lacked concrete evidence beyond their suspicions.
Though they failed to catch Gao Ruwen, they affirmed that their hypothesis about him being the Wish Number owner was correct. They decided it would be much harder to trick him again now that he was on high alert and opted to strategize another day.
Episode 19 Recap
In 2012, Gao Ruwen observed Fan Fan returning home. Afterward, Qin Yang invited Liu Ruochen to grab a drink. During their conversation, Liu Ruochen teased Qin Yang about "having many crushes," which Qin Yang immediately took offense to, downing a large glass of alcohol. Liu Ruochen then mused that Qin Yang was better because he wasn't easily affected by others' emotions, implying his own struggles with Fan Fan.
Qin Yang encouraged Liu Ruochen, believing that if he persisted, he and Fan Fan could overcome any difficulties together. Liu Ruochen expressed his frustration, saying women are like water—hard to grasp and understand. However, Qin Yang found Fan Fan adorable and not difficult to understand. Liu Ruochen acknowledged Fan Fan's charm but admitted he couldn't figure her out and asked Qin Yang for advice. Qin Yang retorted that Liu Ruochen's inability to understand her stemmed from not trying hard enough.
Qin Yang then revealed his own hidden feelings, saying Liu Ruochen was lucky because his crush liked him back, whereas he himself chose not to bother his own crush, burying his feelings. Liu Ruochen felt pain and anxiety, not happiness, about his situation. Qin Yang then disclosed that Fan Fan was keeping her distance from Liu Ruochen because of Gao Ruwen, fearing that Gao Ruwen would harm Liu Ruochen if they were together.
Liu Ruochen defiantly declared he wasn't afraid of Gao Ruwen, not even a little. Qin Yang ended the emotional exchange by admitting he envied Liu Ruochen. Eventually, Liu Ruochen, heavily intoxicated, insisted on going to see Fan Fan "just for one time." Qin Yang tried to take him home, but Liu Ruochen redirected the taxi to Fan Fan's house, claiming it was his own.
Upon arriving, Liu Ruochen began banging on Fan Fan's door, prompting Qin Yang to stop him and call Fan Fan instead, warning that they could be arrested for causing a nuisance. Fan Fan answered the call and soon came out, surprised to see them. Qin Yang explained that Liu Ruochen was drunk and had insisted on coming to her house. Fan Fan suspected Liu Ruochen was deliberately pretending to be so drunk, knowing she wouldn't let him in otherwise.
Qin Yang then left, asking Fan Fan to take good care of Liu Ruochen. Fan Fan helped Liu Ruochen inside and laid him on the bed, gently wiping his face. In his drunken state, Liu Ruochen grabbed her arm, repeatedly pleading with her not to chase him away. Fan Fan comforted him, assuring him that she wasn't sending him anywhere and wished him good night. The next morning, Fan Fan woke up and found Liu Ruochen had a high fever.
She helped him sit up to take medicine and drink water before going to prepare him a meal. Liu Ruochen woke later, disoriented to find himself at Fan Fan's house, and fragments of their conversation from the previous night resurfaced in his memory. He walked out to the kitchen, where he saw Fan Fan preparing century egg porridge and side dishes, finding the scene very warm and comforting.
Fan Fan sternly told him not to drink so much again, to which Liu Ruochen cheekily admitted he had drunk heavily on purpose so he could get inside her house. He then sent a text message about his smooth progress at Fan Fan's place, receiving a reply expressing surprise that Fan Fan had taken a day off. Noticing his messy hair, Fan Fan told Liu Ruochen to tidy up, reminding him he was a teaching assistant.
Liu Ruochen, still playing the "sick" card, asked her to wash his hair, joking about her giving him a bath too. Despite calling him a dreamer, Fan Fan agreed to wash his hair. Liu Ruochen thoroughly enjoyed the scalp massage, guiding her hand to exert more strength and move to specific spots. Afterward, Fan Fan jokingly compared his hairstyle to Pikachu, adding that Pikachu was much cuter.
Liu Ruochen tried to extend his stay by feigning dizziness, but Fan Fan quickly checked if he was still dizzy. He then confessed that he just wanted to spend more time with her. Later, Fan Fan hosted a gathering at her home, inviting Qin Yang and Yi Xiao, explaining they hadn't had a get-together in a long time.
Yi Xiao shared happy news: her mother's health had significantly improved, and her father had promised to quit gambling once he was out of prison so they could live a good life together. Fan Fan offered her unwavering support. Yi Xiao then asked Fan Fan why she broke up with Liu Ruochen, observing how much he still liked her. Fan Fan responded that she had her own difficulties. Both friends expressed their sincere wishes for each other's happiness.
Fan Fan then announced the "Lu Fan Fan Weekend Party and First Dumpling Cooking Contest," challenging Liu Ruochen and Qin Yang to a dumpling-making showdown. The winner would receive "The Lu's 36-Style-Recipe," while the loser would have to admit defeat three times. Both men demonstrated surprising skill and dexterity in making dumplings. After deliberation, everyone unanimously declared Qin Yang the winner. Liu Ruochen playfully admitted defeat to Qin Yang three times. Fan Fan then declared that regardless of who won or lost, everyone had to finish all the dumplings.
Episode 20 Recap
Qin Yang and Yi Xiao were reviewing photographs from the restaurant that day. Qin Yang believed that even though the person they were looking for didn't visibly appear, it didn't mean he wasn't there. He pointed out someone who consistently stayed near them and seemed to know everything about them. Yi Xiao, perplexed, wondered why she was being targeted by someone she didn't even know.
Qin Yang implied it was a complex matter, suggesting Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan would explain it later. Yi Xiao also observed Qin Yang's feelings for Lu Fanfan, asking why he didn't confess. Qin Yang responded that loving someone doesn't always require declaration; seeing them happy is enough. Yi Xiao, looking thoughtful, agreed. Meanwhile, Gao Ruwen had learned that Liu Ruochen's group was searching for him.
He informed the younger Gao Ruwen that both he and Lu Fanfan originated from a parallel time and space. However, since Fanfan's arrival, she had experienced no adverse effects, while his own health was rapidly declining. Gao Ruwen explained he needed a healthy physique and believed that bringing Fanfan to him would provide the necessary answers, as the previous blood report only contained basic, unhelpful data.
He then used Shen Shijia to coerce the younger Gao Ruwen, but the younger Gao Ruwen wanted to see him. Observing the younger Gao Ruwen's recent good behavior, Gao Ruwen allowed him a moment with Shen Shijia. The younger Gao Ruwen tearfully confessed his past resentment for Shen Shijia but admitted he couldn't hate him anymore. He expressed regret for his past mistakes and impulsive actions, believing they might have still been happy.
He urged Shen Shijia to pull himself together, assuring him it wasn't too late for a new beginning. Liu Ruochen arrived at Lu Xiaoguan, insisting on having a meal prepared by Lu Fanfan before he left, stating he would eat anything she made. Fanfan, knowing Ruochen's aversion to spicy food, served him extremely hot dishes. Despite his discomfort, Ruochen stoically endured the meal, frequently drinking water. Fanfan's parents, witnessing this from the back, remarked that love truly conquers all fear.
Unable to watch him suffer further, Fanfan intervened, telling him not to force himself. She then prepared a bowl of wontons with an egg for him. As Ruochen ate, Fanfan told him to go home afterward, expressing her reluctance to involve their friends in the ongoing issues with Gao Ruwen. Ruochen then remembered Qin Yang's discovery of Gao Ruwen in the cafe's CCTV footage, where Gao Ruwen was seen taking Shen Shijia away.
He reassured Fanfan that their proactive efforts were effective and that he would resolve Gao Ruwen's matter soon, to which Fanfan nodded. That evening, Lu Fanfan proactively called Gao Ruwen. Over the phone, he hypnotized her, causing her to experience a terrifying nightmare where she felt trapped and unable to escape. Waking up in a fright, Fanfan immediately called Liu Ruochen, who urged her not to hang up, promising his presence on the line would alleviate her fear.
Separately, the younger Gao Ruwen announced that he had located another Lu Fanfan from the parallel time and space. Gao Ruwen was delighted and instructed him to bring both Fanfans in, promising not to harm them. The younger Gao Ruwen reiterated his request for his father, Shen Shijia, to be released from hypnosis, but Gao Ruwen stated he needed more time. Shortly after, the younger Gao Ruwen discovered Gao Ruwen in the basement, re-hypnotizing Shen Shijia.
Confronting him about breaking his promise, the younger Gao Ruwen was then himself hypnotized by Gao Ruwen. The following day, after waking, the younger Gao Ruwen felt betrayed. He hurried to the basement, managed to free Shen Shijia, but they were both apprehended by Gao Ruwen as they attempted to escape. Gao Ruwen menacingly warned the younger Gao Ruwen against further disobedience, ordering him to capture Lu Fanfan, or else he would ensure he never saw Shen Shijia again.
Later that morning, Lu Fanfan called Liu Ruochen again after waking, only for Ruochen to playfully tease her about her loud snoring the previous night. While she was out walking Pikachu, Fanfan received a promotional call for a family-friendly outdoor tour. She politely declined, explaining she didn't have children yet. During the call, Pikachu wandered off, prompting Fanfan to frantically search for her pet. Coincidentally, Liu Ruochen found Pikachu first and offered her some dog food.
Fanfan, upon seeing them, accused Ruochen of being manipulative, bribing Pikachu, and following her. Ruochen denied following her, explaining he was on his way to see her and simply encountered Pikachu by chance. At home, Lu Fanfan's father, Lu Fen Jin, was diligently writing a guide titled "100 Ways to Spoil Your Wife." He intended to impart his marital wisdom to Liu Ruochen, whom he regarded as rather unfortunate.
However, Fanfan's mother, Yu Li Qing, advised her husband against meddling, suggesting that young people should be allowed to manage their own relationships and that things should be left to fate. She then redirected him to household chores. In another exchange, the younger Gao Ruwen attempted to persuade Gao Ruwen to release Shen Shijia, arguing that their captivity was pointless since they hadn't harmed anyone.
Gao Ruwen sternly reminded the younger one that they were the same person and should stand united. He implied he would have disposed of Shen Shijia long ago if not for the younger Gao Ruwen's attachment, pointedly mentioning Yu Li Qing. This mention visibly distressed the younger Gao Ruwen. In a seemingly therapeutic setting, one version of Gao Ruwen (presumably the younger one, reflecting on the past) was asked by a doctor if he would return to the past.
He replied that some mistakes shouldn't be erased, making a return unnecessary. The other Gao Ruwen then voiced his transformation, boasting about his current wealth, respect, and status, and how he now bullies others instead of being bullied. He dismissed concerns about his current state. The younger Gao Ruwen questioned if this aligned with their father's hopes for them, but Gao Ruwen scornfully dismissed their father, calling the younger version a coward who only desired a warm home.
The younger Gao Ruwen conceded his timidity but countered that he had promised their father to be a useful person, unlike the "vile, gloomy, psycho, and perverted" Gao Ruwen. Gao Ruwen angrily told him to shut up.
Episode 21 Recap
Gao Ruwen continued to threaten Xiao Wen Wen, reminding him that he had shown restraint by not sending Shen Shijia to join Yu Li Qing. This provoked Xiao Wen Wen, who punched Gao Ruwen and angrily told him not to mention his mother. Xiao Wen Wen warned that if Gao Ruwen pushed him too far, he would resort to self-harm, which would also seal Gao Ruwen's fate, declaring, "At worst, I'll just fight you to the death.
If I die, you won't live either." Gao Ruwen quickly softened his tone, claiming it was just a joke and that he would never make things difficult for Xiao Wen Wen, emphasizing, "We're one person. You are me, I am you. We still have to live well together." Later, as Xiao Wen Wen was feeding Shen Shijia, the hypnosis abruptly wore off.
Shen Shijia recognized Xiao Wen Wen as his son and desperately pleaded for help, saying, "Get me out of here. There is hope for us as long as we get out of here. Trust me. We'll leave together." Moved, Xiao Wen Wen agreed to help his father escape. That evening, Xiao Wen Wen approached Gao Ruwen, feigning cooperation and offering him red wine.
Gao Ruwen, however, sensed an ulterior motive, realizing Xiao Wen Wen's true intent was to free Shen Shijia. To Gao Ruwen's astonishment, Xiao Wen Wen revealed he also possessed the ability to hypnotize. He used this skill on Gao Ruwen, causing him to feel overwhelmingly tired and sleepy, effectively neutralizing him. Xiao Wen Wen quickly rescued Shen Shijia, explaining that he had successfully stalled Gao Ruwen.
Shen Shijia expressed concern about being recaptured, but Xiao Wen Wen suggested they call the police, noting that Gao Ruwen had no identification, which would give them sufficient time to escape. Shen Shijia voiced a wistful wish for his mother to be with them, and Xiao Wen Wen reassured him that she would protect them from the other side. They then made their way to the police station.
The following day, Liu Ruo Chen called Lu Fan Fan with news that Gao Ruwen had been arrested. He explained that an anonymous tip led to Gao Ruwen's capture, and he had cooperated by turning himself in. They speculated whether a victim's family member was behind the report. Regardless, everyone felt a sense of relief with the police now involved, and Fan Fan admitted she felt less fearful performing on stage.
Ruo Chen believed that once the police gathered conclusive evidence, Gao Ruwen would face deserved punishment, allowing Fan Fan to finally live peacefully in their current time and space. Yi Xiao, overhearing the unusual phrase "time and space," appeared puzzled. Fan Fan, Ruo Chen, and Qin Yang then explained the concept of time travel to Yi Xiao. Initially, Yi Xiao was skeptical, thinking they were either pranking her or describing a scenario from a movie.
However, after their detailed explanations, she was amazed and accepted the truth, thrilled to realize she had a friend from 12 years in the future. Qin Yang attempted to offer a physics-based explanation, but he was interrupted. With the immediate threat seemingly resolved, the group decided to celebrate. Meanwhile, that evening, the police searched Shen Shijia's home for Gao Ruwen but could not find him; he had managed to escape.
Later, Fan Fan and her friends enjoyed an outing at a kart racing track. Ruo Chen displayed impressive skill, breaking Qin Yang's previous record, and Fan Fan also proved to be a capable driver. After the race, Yi Xiao observed that Ruo Chen and Fan Fan had still not reconciled. She questioned Ruo Chen, who replied that Fan Fan "should know that I'm waiting for her to come back to me."
Yi Xiao then stressed the importance of a "sense of ritual" for girls, particularly with the upcoming festival. She advised Ruo Chen that while a grand gesture wasn't strictly necessary, he needed to continuously demonstrate his love for Fan Fan, ensuring she felt cherished and cared for, as everyone desires such validation. At home, Fan Fan prepared a heart-shaped steak for her pet Pikachu.
Her parents, subtly attempting to foster a reconciliation, suggested she invite Ruo Chen to celebrate the festival, encouraging her to venture out more often. Fan Fan wondered if he would make the first move. Feeling somewhat lonely, she tried to make plans. She called Yi Xiao, who politely declined, explaining she was attending a school masquerade ball with many attractive students, a mandatory event for all freshmen.
Fan Fan then messaged her other friends, only to discover they were also at the school ball with Ruo Chen and Qin Yang, and they invited her to join them. Resigned to spending the festival alone with her pet, Fan Fan decided to take Pikachu for a walk, feeling like she and her pet Pikachu were "two lonely souls" celebrating together.
Unbeknownst to Fan Fan, all these rejections were part of an elaborate plan orchestrated by Ruo Chen and their friends. As Fan Fan stepped outside with Pikachu, she noticed the flowers Ruo Chen had planted earlier had finally bloomed. Moments later, Ruo Chen called her. He claimed the school ball was boring due to the overwhelming number of people wanting to dance with him and inquired about her evening plans.
When she told him she was home, he unexpectedly asked if she wanted to see snow, even though the weather forecast hadn't predicted any. Fan Fan expressed hesitation, wondering if it was truly acceptable for him to leave the school ball. Ruo Chen responded that he didn't have a dance partner anyway, and more importantly, she was far more important to him than the ball.
Ruo Chen then drove Fan Fan to the aquarium, a place they had visited together before. Inside, he had meticulously arranged a breathtakingly romantic scene, complete with artificial snow falling and shimmering lights. Fan Fan was utterly enchanted, exclaiming how beautiful it was and expressing her profound delight. Deeply moved by her reaction, Ruo Chen leaned in and kissed her. He then declared loudly and sincerely, "Lu Fan Fan, be my girlfriend!" Having always held a deep love for him, Fan Fan joyfully accepted his heartfelt proposal. They were finally reunited, understanding the preciousness of their rediscovered love.
Episode 22 Recap
Fan Fan woke up in Liu Ruochen's embrace, delightedly kissing him. She then sneaked off to eat durian. Liu Ruochen, waking up and discovering her, playfully threatened to throw away her durian if she didn't admit it, urging her to shower. Fan Fan, wanting one more bite, eventually agreed. However, Liu Ruochen tried to join her in the bathroom, which she playfully resisted, pushing him out and telling him to close the door.
Alone, Fan Fan fondly recalled their romantic snow-viewing evening, smiling to herself. Liu Ruochen, seeing her after her shower, found her captivating. He asked why she was smiling, and she responded teasingly. When she reminded him about being late for work, he reassured her they had plenty of time, pulling her into an embrace. That evening, Liu Ruochen came home drunk. Fan Fan helped him inside, where he, in his intoxicated state, pleaded with her never to leave him.
She promised him she wouldn't. The next morning, Fan Fan cooked a meal of Scalded Prawns. Liu Ruochen affectionately hugged her from behind, praising her as a nutritionist girlfriend and jokingly admitting he pursued her for her delicious cooking. He then asked her to get a drink from the fridge. When Fan Fan opened it, she was astonished to find it filled with beautiful flowers.
Liu Ruochen revealed he bought them because she deserved them and promised to get them for her every day if she liked them, dismissing her concerns about waste. Later that night, Liu Ruochen was busy with work, making Fan Fan feel sleepy. Despite his suggestion to sleep, she insisted on waiting for him. Once he finished, he joined her, and she suggested watching an "interesting movie" in the dark.
To his dismay, it turned out to be a horror film, which he admitted to being afraid of, despite her teasing him about past claims of bravery. He asked to switch to something romantic or soothing. Fan Fan then showed him a slideshow of her own photos, which Liu Ruochen playfully criticized as "worse than watching the movie." When she switched the horror movie back, he couldn't bear it. She then playfully tickled him, claiming it was "the real horror."
The next morning, as Liu Ruochen tried to get Fan Fan to wake up, she received a terrifying phone call. The caller, identifying himself as Gao Ruwen from 2024, chillingly declared that since she made him suffer, he would make sure she wouldn't have a good time either. Fan Fan, recognizing the chilling words from her 2024 memories, realized that the future Gao Ruwen had indeed traveled to their current timeline.
He taunted her for being afraid, promising to "put an end to everything" before abruptly hanging up, leaving Fan Fan shaken and realizing she faced an even scarier adversary. Fan Fan immediately shared the threatening call with her friends, who were deeply concerned about Gao Ruwen's vindictive nature. Liu Ruochen emphasized that they couldn't lower their guard, warning that Gao Ruwen, an intelligent felon, would find a "breakthrough" to target them, likely Fan Fan herself.
To ensure their safety, Liu Ruochen proposed that everyone – Qin Yang, Yi Xiao, and Fan Fan – move into his house and stay together, preventing Gao Ruwen from having any opportunity to approach Fan Fan if she remained indoors. Everyone agreed, and they even devised a code phrase for entering the house, ensuring no intruder could get in. When Qin Yang and Yi Xiao arrived, Liu Ruochen meticulously checked their travel details, reinforcing the high alert.
He realized that merely defending was too passive, especially since Fan Fan and Yi Xiao were women and therefore more vulnerable. He declared that he and Fan Fan were now "bound together in life and death." Fan Fan initially suggested preparing defensive tools like pepper spray and alarms, which Yi Xiao also possessed. However, Liu Ruochen reminded them that Gao Ruwen's hypnosis made such tools useless, as he could incapacitate them with just a glance.
Instead, he started teaching them women's self-defense techniques, demonstrating moves with Qin Yang. When Qin Yang suggested a "Water Carry Game" instead of continued training, everyone joined in. The goal was to pour water from one cup to another without spilling, with the loser cleaning the kitchen and doing the dishes. Liu Ruochen, despite claiming he was "giving way," ultimately lost the game, accepting his defeat.
After the game, as Liu Ruochen began to clean the kitchen, Fan Fan announced she needed to go out quickly to buy some personal items. Liu Ruochen immediately objected, reiterating the danger outside. When he struggled to understand what she needed, she finally clarified that she was on her period and needed to buy sanitary pads. Without hesitation, Liu Ruochen volunteered to go himself, promising to be back quickly.
At the store, the sales clerk, charmed by Liu Ruochen's handsome appearance while buying such items, enthusiastically offered recommendations for different types of pads. Faced with an overwhelming variety and unsure which one Fan Fan used, he ultimately bought a large bag of various options. Upon his return, Fan Fan was surprised by the sheer quantity, while Liu Ruochen simply handed them over before excusing himself to join Qin Yang and Yi Xiao.
Later, Liu Ruochen was drawing when Fan Fan joined him, playfully snatching his drawing pad. She commented that he remembers everything, to which he affirmed he always did. She then promised to stay by his side forever. She looked at his drawing, identifying it as a cello, the instrument he plays. However, she teased that it looked more like a bee with antennae. She then lovingly showed him how to properly draw a cello.
Liu Ruochen then asked her to teach him to play the cello. She agreed, guiding his hands, though he found it difficult and soon gave up, prompting her to remark that he never changed. Liu Ruochen then surprised her with a gift: he played the cello, recalling how she used to sit beside him and listen to him practice. Lastly, Yi Xiao expressed her gratitude to Fan Fan for reuniting her with her brother, wishing her happiness.
Episode 23 Recap
Liu Ruochen returned home, presenting Lu Fanfan with the sanitary pads he had purchased for her. Lu Fanfan thanked him. Liu Ruochen then went to the study to relieve Qin Yang from his watch duty. Noticing Qin Yang's exhaustion, Liu Ruochen insisted he go rest, offering to take over for the remainder of the night as he had plenty of homework to do. Qin Yang, despite his concern for Liu Ruochen being alone, ultimately conceded to rest.
Liu Ruochen then settled into his watch, enjoying some cartoons. A week passed with no sign of Gao Ruwen, leading Lu Fanfan to question if their fears were overblown. However, Liu Ruochen cautioned against complacency, stating that their current passive approach was not ideal and their patience was being tested. Qin Yang then announced that the school required their presence that afternoon and suggested Lu Fanfan accompany them, believing Gao Ruwen would not strike in a crowded school.
Liu Ruochen agreed with the idea but pointed out that Pikachu, their dog, had not eaten all morning and appeared unwell. Lu Fanfan insisted they go to school without her, emphasizing that they had already sacrificed too much time for her. Liu Ruochen, still worried, offered to stay, but Lu Fanfan reiterated her resolve, promising to lock the door and only open it for them, using their secret code.
Reluctantly, Liu Ruochen, Qin Yang, and Yi Xiao departed for school, with Qin Yang reminding Lu Fanfan to be extremely careful and not to open the door for anyone else. Soon after they left, Lu Fanfan was tending to Pikachu, who was still refusing to eat, when the doorbell rang. She was surprised by the quick arrival, having just ordered medicine for the dog.
When she attempted to use their secret code, the person outside failed to respond, instead claiming to be a deliveryman. Her suspicion immediately aroused, Lu Fanfan suspected it was Gao Ruwen and quickly called Liu Ruochen. Over the phone, Liu Ruochen instructed her to stall him, assuring her they were rushing back. Lu Fanfan tried to buy time by claiming she had ordered the wrong item and asked the "deliveryman" to cancel it.
Gao Ruwen, no longer pretending, insisted she had to come out and sign to confirm the cancellation. Lu Fanfan, realizing the ploy, directly confronted him, stating she knew it was him. Amused, Gao Ruwen acknowledged her discovery, expressed his enjoyment of their "game," and told her he had left a "gift" at her door before leaving. Liu Ruochen, Qin Yang, and Yi Xiao returned swiftly, narrowly missing Gao Ruwen. Liu Ruochen immediately embraced a shaken Lu Fanfan.
Lu Fanfan told them about the gift Gao Ruwen had mentioned, which she hadn't dared to retrieve from outside. After much speculation about whether it was a trap, a bomb, or something grotesque, Liu Ruochen cautiously ventured out. Inside a bag, he found a box. Opening it, they discovered a roasted chicken and a note from Gao Ruwen posing a chilling question: "Who will you choose between Liu Ruochen and 'you'?"
Lu Fanfan initially thought "you" referred to her, but Qin Yang quickly understood that "you," coupled with the roasted chicken (Little Fan's favorite), referred to Little Fan. They realized with horror that Gao Ruwen had kidnapped Little Fan. Liu Ruochen regretted their oversight, admitting they had focused solely on protecting the adult Lu Fanfan, forgetting about her younger self. With no other options, they decided to wait for Gao Ruwen's next move.
That night, Gao Ruwen called Lu Fanfan, inquiring if she liked his gift and inviting her to play a simple game. When Lu Fanfan demanded to know about Little Fan, Gao Ruwen confirmed the kidnapping by letting Little Fan's desperate cries for help be heard over the phone. Lu Fanfan pleaded with him not to harm the child, but Liu Ruochen interjected, telling Gao Ruwen to state his terms directly.
Gao Ruwen chillingly implied that Little Fan was not an ordinary child and that Lu Fanfan's emotions were tied to her well-being. He then gave them his terms: they were to meet him alone at the Abandoned factory in the western suburbs at midnight, with only one hour to arrive and a stern warning against involving the police. Liu Ruochen and Lu Fanfan decided to keep this information from Qin Yang and Yi Xiao, choosing to face Gao Ruwen together.
Upon arriving at the desolate factory, they found Little Fan tied up. Gao Ruwen, pleased by their punctuality, taunted them. Liu Ruochen demanded Little Fan's release, but Gao Ruwen dismissed his threats, claiming he merely wanted to play a game because the "Liu Ruochen from 2024" was such a "bad sport." Liu Ruochen pressed him to reveal the rules of the game. Gao Ruwen then gave Lu Fanfan an ultimatum: she had to choose between Little Fan and Liu Ruochen.
To save Little Fan, she would have to take a stick and beat Liu Ruochen. Liu Ruochen tried to reason with Gao Ruwen, stating that he was the one Gao Ruwen had a problem with, not Lu Fanfan or Little Fan. However, Gao Ruwen retorted that they were the ones who had forced his actions, preventing him from living peacefully.
He revealed that ever since he arrived in this timeline, his body had been deteriorating, and he was curious why Lu Fanfan remained unaffected and still had a chance. He then reiterated his challenge: choose between her 12-year-old self or the man she loved most. Liu Ruochen, picking up the stick himself, urged Lu Fanfan to hit him, stressing that Little Fan's life depended on it.
Lu Fanfan was distraught, unable to bring herself to strike him, but Liu Ruochen's desperate insistence compelled her. Gao Ruwen cruelly encouraged her, telling her to hit him harder. Lu Fanfan, tearfully, delivered blows to Liu Ruochen until he eventually collapsed, nearly unconscious. Gao Ruwen then instructed Little Fan to stay upstairs before brandishing a dagger and descending towards the incapacitated Liu Ruochen.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Liu Ruochen, initially appearing subdued, seized the moment when Gao Ruwen approached him, believing him to be incapacitated, to launch a counterattack. As the two men struggled, Fan Fan quickly went to rescue Little Fan. Liu Ruochen urged Fan Fan and Little Fan to leave immediately, assuring them that the police were on their way and that they shouldn't worry about him. Fan Fan, however, heard a cry of pain after Liu Ruochen was struck forcefully by Gao Ruwen.
Unable to abandon him, she instructed Little Fan to run home through a nearby door, promising to follow right after. Little Fan, frightened, was reluctant, but Fan Fan insisted. As Gao Ruwen held a stick against Liu Ruochen's throat, Fan Fan re-entered the fight, hitting Gao Ruwen on the head with another stick. Gao Ruwen retaliated by choking Fan Fan, while Liu Ruochen, already weakened, struggled against him.
As Fan Fan’s vision blurred, memories of her time with Liu Ruochen flashed before her eyes. Just as their lives seemed to hang in the balance, police sirens blared outside, responding to Qin Yang's call. Fan Fan then lost consciousness. The scene then shifted to 2024, where Fan Fan suddenly awoke, calling out Liu Ruochen’s name as if from a nightmare. Her parents were by her bedside, relieved to see her conscious.
They explained that she had suffered injuries from a gas leak explosion at a neighbor's house the previous year, and it was Liu Ruochen who had saved her. Fan Fan was disoriented, struggling to grasp that the current date was November 1, 2025, and that she had been in a coma for almost a year. Her parents added that Liu Ruochen had visited her every single day during her recovery.
Fan Fan, still confused, insisted that she had gone back to 2012, met a 24-year-old Liu Ruochen, and even saved her family and herself from danger. Her parents, though not fully understanding, patiently assured her that everything she said was true. Later, Liu Ruochen took Fan Fan to an amusement park. He attentively put his coat around her, noting she was "sick and wearing so little," and gently stroked her hair.
Fan Fan remarked that she didn't feel sick but rather felt like she had been dreaming. Liu Ruochen confessed that he too had experienced a very long and beautiful dream. He told her he dreamt of his 24-year-old self and that she was in that world. In his dream, he had sworn to marry her. He then sincerely declared his love for her, and they shared a loving kiss.
Back at home, Fan Fan’s parents encouraged her to relax and wait for food, hinting that someone was cooking something delicious. To Fan Fan’s surprise, Liu Ruochen emerged from the kitchen, proudly presenting a plate of stir-fried beef. Everyone tasted it, offering polite praise, with Fan Fan exclaiming it was "so good." When Fan Fan offered to get more, her parents quickly intervened.
Her father declared himself "professional" and went to cook with her mother, subtly saving everyone from more of Liu Ruochen's cooking. Liu Ruochen then tasted his own dish and realized it wasn't very good. Fan Fan noticed he was still wearing the rubber band she had given him previously, a gesture he confirmed, cherishing it as a gift from her. Fan Fan and Liu Ruochen revisited the aquarium, a place holding special significance for them from their past.
They enjoyed a romantic candlelight dinner, with Fan Fan looking elegant in a beautiful dress. They laughed and shared a kiss. In an epilogue, Qin Yang and Yi Xiao were by the sea. Yi Xiao asked Qin Yang why he liked Fan Fan. He replied that she was like an unsolvable physics problem.
Qin Yang then asked Yi Xiao why she liked Liu Ruochen, to which she answered that he gave her a sense of protection, and she was grateful to him. They both agreed that love isn't always about having all the answers. Yi Xiao observed that they were quite similar, both "pitiful." She then asked Qin Yang if he truly believed in parallel time and space.
He affirmed his belief, adding that in such a world, he might be the one with Fan Fan. Yi Xiao called him narcissistic but then pondered that if parallel universes existed, she, too, would find her own happiness. She suggested they pretend to be Liu Ruochen and Fan Fan for just one day. Qin Yang, after a moment of thought, seemed to agree. Qin Yang bought an ice pop for Yi Xiao, who playfully remarked that he was too slow.
Yi Xiao reflected on how quickly the day had passed and thanked Qin Yang as he reassured her that she would find happiness, perhaps having already fulfilled her desires in a parallel time and space.
