Love's Ambition Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Love's Ambition

Love's Ambition Synopsis

The popular anchor Xu Yan and urban elite Shen Haoming are a couple envied by everyone. Despite their seemingly perfect match, their different backgrounds prevent them from fully integrating into each other’s social circles. Xu Yan, leveraging her glamorous career as a host and her meticulously crafted backstory, smoothly enters into marriage with Shen Haoming, who has been orchestrating everything behind the scenes.

When conflicts arise, Xu Yan breaks free from Shen Haoming's control and leaves without looking back. Shen Haoming, realizing that he has truly fallen in love, decides to do everything he can to win her back. Through various trials, they finally strip away their superficial facades, draw closer to each other, and come to understand their true selves.

Love's Ambition Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Xu Yan had always meticulously crafted the narrative of her life, dreaming of a happy, prosperous family with a powerful background. To ensure she made a good impression on Shen Haoming's parents, she hired strangers to impersonate her parents, providing them with a detailed script to memorize and ensuring they wouldn't reveal the truth. She believed her plan was flawless and would easily get her through the meeting.

Xu Yan's inner thoughts revealed this wasn't her first time fabricating her identity; she had changed her name from Qiao Yan to Xu Yan at eighteen to take her grandmother's surname, determined to give her a better life. At the meeting, her fake parents smoothly introduced "Xu Yan," explaining her name meant "promise of gold" and "beauty inside and out," reflecting their expectations for her.

Shen Haoming thanked them for entrusting Xu Yan to him, calling himself lucky to marry her. The fake father then complimented Shen Haoming's impressive career and role in Jinda Group. Yu Lan, Shen Haoming's mother, remained calm, sipping tea while listening. She mentioned visiting Syracuse University’s architecture program, where Xu Yan’s fake parents supposedly taught, and subtly probed their knowledge of future trends. The fake parents, in turn, praised Jinda Group's leading position in the industry.

When Yu Lan asked about their current research, the fake parents stumbled over the term "Eviro" (Environmental Building), requiring Xu Yan to prompt them. She had given them detailed materials to memorize and even offered the fake mother perfume, cautioning against the cheap, alcohol-smelling variety. After they confidently recited their "specialty," Shen Haoming's father praised them, remarking that only such high-intellect parents could raise an excellent daughter like Xu Yan.

Yu Lan then described her campus visit, including the bad dorm food and a Chinese restaurant on Marshall Street famous for its Peking duck, asking if they had eaten there. The fake parents, recalling Xu Yan's strict coaching about campus specifics—like the Ernest Bird Library, the two diners, and the "only" Chinese restaurant (P. F. Chang's) which served Sichuan cuisine—deftly corrected her, noting that the restaurant served Mapo Tofu, not Peking duck.

Yu Lan then pressed further, saying she couldn't find their names on Baidu or recall meeting them among Chinese-American professors. Xu Yan explained that her father, as a researcher at a campus institute rather than a professor, wouldn't be listed on Baidu. The fake father, playing his role, asserted that researchers, though less visible than industrialists, possessed their own value beyond fame and fortune. Shen Haoming's father agreed, calling them "true intellectual nobility." Yu Lan apologized for being forward.

The fake father then presented his "recently published work" as a gift, but Yu Lan noticed one book lacked a signature and asked him to sign it, observing his consistent handwriting. He signed it, and Yu Lan complimented his "cultural refinement" once more before they moved to dinner. At dinner, Yu Lan noticed Xu Yan didn't eat eggs, a detail unknown to her "parents."

This solidified Yu Lan's suspicions, and she directly asked Xu Yan if the two were her biological parents, noting the lack of familiarity between them. She pointedly questioned how a mother could be unaware of her daughter's dietary preferences. Later, while walking, Yu Lan bluntly told Xu Yan, "What's true can't be faked. What's fake can't be real," demanding the truth. Xu Yan, after a moment, confessed that she had lied.

She revealed she grew up with her grandmother because her parents, pursuing their careers, had left her behind to work overseas, making her feel unloved and unseen. She admitted she only contacted them for the wedding, for Shen Haoming's sake, as she wanted to make a good impression and appear to come from a loving family.

Yu Lan listened and empathized, sharing that Shen Haoming also studied abroad alone from childhood, and she often felt she owed him for their limited time together. Back at work, Xu Yan's colleague, Huanhuan, informed her that her application to become a host for "Family Feast" was rejected again due to Sun Siwei's interference. Xu Yan remained determined, believing it was just the beginning.

Sun Siwei publicly chastised Xu Yan, criticizing her scripts as "convoluted" and her guest choices as "worse and worse." She mockingly accused Xu Yan of "clinging to a rich second generation" and warned her to "know her place," threatening to have her fired.

Despite the pressure, Shen Haoming, who had "informants" in Xu Yan's workplace, offered his help by arranging a meeting with Mr. Sanmu, a founder of a famous art museum whom Xu Yan had been trying to contact for an interview. When Xu Yan asked for his parents' opinion of her "parents," Shen Haoming simply said he was "perfectly happy" regardless of what they thought, reaffirming his love for her, which she deeply felt for the first time.

Meanwhile, Xu Yan continued struggling to secure an interview with the owner of a trendy plant store. The owner was known for being secretive and rejecting all requests. Xu Yan decided to go to the store disguised as a job applicant named Amy. To her surprise, the owner was Shen Haoming. He had recognized her and knew her intentions, remarking on her "superb acting" and detailed research on agave cultivation.

He then revealed that her assistant, Huanhuan, had posted their photo on Weibo, exposing her facade. Despite rejecting the interview, Shen Haoming was impressed by her profound philosophy on agave cultivation—her desire to shape the plants according to her will, controlling every aspect to maximize their value. Before she left, Xu Yan presented him with pruning shears crafted by renowned botanist Mr. Yiding, which she had learned about from a staff member at the store.

In return, Shen Haoming gave her a jar of osmanthus jam, revealing he had read her online article about her grandmother making the jam. He told her her writing was full of emotion, deeply moved him, and that he didn't believe someone with such a story could possess a lonely heart. Xu Yan realized her every move had been under his watchful eye, and he had tacitly allowed her efforts.

The next day, Xu Yan's colleague, Huanhuan, expressed concern about her pale complexion, urging her to go home. However, Sun Siwei confronted Xu Yan again about the unconfirmed interview with the plant store owner, demanding an explanation. Xu Yan tried to explain she would expedite it, but Sun Siwei, interpreting her illness as an excuse, coldly told her to collect her salary and leave, warning her that any repercussions from the director would not be her responsibility.

Just as Xu Yan felt cornered, Shen Haoming sent her a text message, stating he was available for an interview that day at Jinda Group. Arriving at the formidable Jinda Group, Xu Yan was surprised to learn from Cathy at the front desk that "Mr. Shen" was Shen Haoming, the group's vice president and Chairman Shen's eldest son.

She was escorted to a waiting area, where she saw Shen Haoming deeply engaged in a meeting, his focused expression striking her as unique. He glanced up, making eye contact, acknowledging her presence.

Episode 2 Recap

During a meeting, Shen Haoming noticed Xu Yan, who was sitting behind him, looked cold. He promptly instructed an employee to turn off the air conditioning. While Xu Yan didn't notice this detail, other employees, though sweating, dared not voice their discomfort, finding their CEO's recent behavior rather peculiar. Shen Haoming, also feeling the heat, quickly concluded the meeting. He approached Xu Yan, intending to speak, but found her unresponsive, almost as if something was wrong.

As Shen Haoming called her name, Xu Yan looked up, then instantly fainted. Panicked, Shen Haoming rushed her to the hospital. Upon waking, Xu Yan realized that despite Shen Haoming's seemingly cold and unapproachable demeanor, he was incredibly meticulous and thoughtful in caring for her, even tearing off the label from a water bottle for her comfort. Now officially a couple, Shen Haoming happily brought Xu Yan to meet his mother, Yu Lan.

He soon had to leave for an urgent matter, leaving Xu Yan with his mother. Xu Yan was initially pleased to meet her prospective mother-in-law, careful to appear gentle and generous. However, Yu Lan immediately noticed details in Xu Yan's attire and hair, deducing that the girl's family background must not be affluent. Other wealthy women present also looked down on Xu Yan, making veiled criticisms, implying she was like a beautiful but foolish dog.

Later, from a nanny, Xu Yan overheard how these elite women invest heavily in their hair to keep it smooth and frizz-free. Taking these observations to heart, Xu Yan returned to work only to find her supervisor displeased with her. Struggling to maintain her composure, she received an invitation from Yu Lan for afternoon tea. Xu Yan spent a fortune on a sophisticated hairstyle and ordered an expensive renowned tea, yet her prospective mother-in-law's disapproval was palpable.

Yu Lan even brought two other girls to meet Xu Yan, overtly displaying her dissatisfaction. Xu Yan, who had grown up in an unhappy family and was often called an "orphan with no parents" by childhood friends, was further provoked when Yu Lan suggested she was "too submissive" and unwilling to express anger. Xu Yan finally snapped.

She asserted that her parents were professors at Syracuse University and had taught her proper etiquette, arguing that her calm demeanor was misunderstood as timidity or weakness. She further explained that her career in the country was built independently, not because of a poor family background. She firmly told Yu Lan she was wrong about her and, despite Yu Lan's dislike, she loved Shen Haoming and would not leave him.

Meanwhile, Shen Haoming and his father discussed business at the company. Shen Haoming expressed reservations about partnering with Shifeng Group and its new Chairman Zheng, citing Zheng's lack of accountability in a recent accident, his weak internal support, and his problematic close associates. His father, however, dismissed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of extensive experience in the construction industry and advising Shen Haoming to "maintain stability and avoid mistakes" as the company would eventually be his.

Xu Yan later experienced the unexpected benefit of having a wealthy boyfriend. A renowned artist she had long sought for an interview, who had previously declined her requests, promptly agreed to an interview upon hearing Shen Haoming's name.

During the interview with Mr. Sanmu, he acknowledged that he agreed to the interview partly due to Shen Haoming's connection and mostly because he was "moved by [Xu Yan's] sincerity" and persistent messages, even while he was on a business trip in America. Xu Yan was busy at work when she received a call from Yu Lan, informing her that they were buying a wedding house and asking her to rush over.

Upon arrival, Xu Yan realized Yu Lan's real intention was to have her, given her architectural background (her father was an architecture major), provide a professional opinion on the most suitable house. Just as Xu Yan felt cornered, Shen Haoming arrived. Without hesitation, he took Xu Yan by the hand and led her away. Xu Yan, curious, asked Shen Haoming why he was so fond of agave.

He explained its deep symbolism, marveling at how "an agave blooms only once in its lifetime. . . It exerts all its life's energy into one cloud of blossoms." He admired its "tenacious vitality" and its ability to "gather strength within, waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime burst." Later, as Shen Haoming meticulously cooked for her, Xu Yan felt a mix of happiness and a sense of being constantly judged by his words.

He gave her a gift, acknowledging her hard work in accompanying his mother, but also noting that her calendar was full of his mother's appointments. He then surprised her by revealing he knew about her aspiration to become the host of "Family Feast" and even offered to help with the "domineering" current host. Xu Yan, however, firmly declined his offer, stating she could handle her work matters herself and asked him to trust her.

As she ate the delicious burrito, Xu Yan reflected on Shen Haoming's genuine affection and constant support, which, despite the joy, left her with a gnawing question: "Am I worthy of such pure love?"

Episode 3 Recap

Xu Yan, driven by her desire for upward mobility and a future with Shen Haoming, meticulously strategized to win over his mother, Yu Lan. Unaware of Yu Lan’s suspicions about her true identity, Xu Yan found Ms. Yu to be a formidable opponent. During a dog walk with her friends, Xu Yan presented Yu Lan with a new cashmere scarf.

However, Yu Lan's friend, Ms. Ma, immediately dismissed it, stating Yu Lan preferred expensive, solid-colored Italian scarves and would not wear a patterned one. Although another friend defended Xu Yan, Ms. Ma insisted Xu Yan should be more attentive to avoid future social blunders. Yu Lan accepted the gift but subtly suggested Xu Yan keep it for herself, adding that she had many similar scarves and had even traded them for cash during her travels as a student.

Afterward, one of Yu Lan’s friends advised her directly against rushing Shen Haoming's engagement, criticizing Xu Yan’s taste in all aspects. Later, while grocery shopping with Hui, the housekeeper, Xu Yan subtly probed for information about Ms. Yu and her circle. Hui, after some hesitation, revealed that Ms. Yu’s friends, like Ms. Meng, were shrewd and influential.

She explained that if these friends disapproved of someone, Ms. Yu would inevitably be swayed to reject them, recounting an incident where Shen Haoming’s previous girlfriend was dismissed because she failed to impress Ms. Yu’s social group. This confirmed Xu Yan's realization that she was not truly accepted. Understanding that full integration into this elite circle was essential for marrying Shen Haoming, Xu Yan resolved to take a proactive approach.

To further her standing, Xu Yan joined Ms. Yu and her friends at a tennis court, diligently collecting balls. Unbeknownst to her, Ms. Yu and her friends discussed her. Ms. Yu's friend Meiling considered Xu Yan sensible, but another friend observed her as "low-key, unassuming, and not simple." Ms. Yu also advised Xu Yan to relax and not be so tense.

The women then deliberated on the vital role of a socially adept wife in her husband's career, asserting that even competent bachelors could not succeed without such support. Their conversation abruptly shifted when Ms. Qu, the director of Lanshan Capital and wife of Mr. Xiao, arrived. Immediately, Ms. Yu's friends abandoned her to fawn over Ms. Qu, praising her appearance and implicitly seeking her husband’s business connections.

Despite her efforts to maintain composure, Yu Lan visibly lost her position of influence. Afterward, Ms. Yu and her friends expressed their irritation with Ms. Qu, calling her "stuck-up" and recalling how Ms. Qu had previously refused their attempts to connect. Xu Yan soon discovered that Ms. Qu harbored a deep passion for Kunqu Opera, especially the water sleeve technique, and was even sponsoring an amateur competition.

Remembering her own basic Kunqu training from childhood, Xu Yan enrolled in a class, specifically requesting to learn only water sleeves, despite being advised by the teacher to start with fundamentals. Her intense practice led to tenosynovitis. The Kunqu teacher, impressed by Xu Yan's rapid progress, mentioned it to Ms. Qu. Ms. Qu approached Xu Yan, commending her water sleeve movements and expressing surprise at her beginner status. Xu Yan shared her lifelong appreciation for Kunqu.

Ms. Qu introduced herself as Qu Li, the organizer of an upcoming Kunqu competition, and invited Xu Yan to participate, which Xu Yan eagerly accepted. During a brief phone call, Ms. Qu expressed disappointment about her child's inability to secure a spot at Rhine International School. Returning to their conversation, Ms. Qu inquired about Xu Yan's elegant posture, asking if she had a dance background.

Xu Yan revealed her profession as a TV host for a show called "Family Feast," explaining its new format would feature influential women from various fields for interviews. Sensing Xu Yan’s strategic intent, Ms. Qu abruptly excused herself. Armed with insights from Sun Meiling about the social tensions among influential women, Xu Yan returned to her company and successfully pitched her revamped program to Mr. Zhou, her director.

She proposed replacing celebrity guests with powerful women like Ms. Qu, who is the global executive partner of Lanshan Capital, arguing this would create fresh dynamics and boost ratings. As a condition, Xu Yan requested that her application for a hosting position be resubmitted, which Mr. Zhou approved, affirming his support. Xu Yan then directly approached Ms. Qu, who remained hesitant to appear on the show.

Xu Yan revealed her knowledge of Ms. Qu’s efforts to enroll her child in Rhine International School and informed her that the school’s board member, An Yaqin, would be a guest on "Family Feast." Xu Yan framed the show as a tailor-made platform for Ms. Qu to network with key figures, promote her Kunqu Opera competition, and broaden appreciation for the art form. She even offered to host Ms. Qu’s competition for free.

Recognizing the strategic advantages, Ms. Qu agreed to participate. The "Family Feast" program, with Xu Yan as host, premiered to high ratings and positive reviews. Guests included Ms. Qu, actress Xue Yuqing, nutritionist He Jingshu, Rhine International School board member An Yaqin, and entrepreneur Sun Meiling. Xu Yan skillfully managed interactions, even orchestrating a cooking challenge for "Qianlong-style cabbage" and strategically grouping guests.

Observing the show, Ms. Yu and Ms. Ma discussed how Sun Meiling’s participation had already helped her husband make influential connections. Capitalizing on this, Xu Yan later informed Ms. Yu, Ms. Ma, and Ms. Meng that Ms. Qu would return for the next episode and subtly suggested Ms. Yu had personally "reserved spots" for them. Delighted, Ms. Ma and Ms. Meng eagerly accepted, rushing off to prepare. Ms. Yu then confronted Xu Yan about crediting her with reserving the spots.

Xu Yan eloquently responded that the caliber of guests elevated the show's value and that Ms. Yu's guidance and network were crucial for producing a quality program. Impressed by Xu Yan's cleverness and "vision," Yu Lan, for the first time, invited Xu Yan to sit beside her. Privately, Xu Yan reflected on her philosophy: to seize opportunities, one must "never pin your hopes on others," but rather "use what you have to get what you want."

Xu Yan’s program continued to thrive, receiving strong support from Mr. Zhou, who approved a 12% increase in sponsorship fees. Her assistant, Huanhuan, excitedly reported that celebrity agents were now eager for their clients to appear on the show. Xu Yan also displayed a compassionate side, offering financial aid and connections to her assistant, Huanhuan, whose father required surgery, emphasizing that "resources exist to be utilized." Amidst her success, internal office tensions grew.

Sun Siwei, Xu Yan’s rival, accused her of being pretentious and questioned her achievements, implying they were due to her "rich boyfriend." Xu Yan confidently defended her professional capabilities, dismissing the need for her boyfriend's assistance, and embraced being called "ambitious" and "scheming" as compliments, asserting her right to compete based on merit. Other colleagues gossiped, questioning Xu Yan's shifting background story—from having only a grandmother to suddenly claiming overseas parents and a "highly educated family."

They noted her expensive diamond bracelet, contrasting it with her earlier modest image, and emphasized the importance of social status for Shen Haoming's family. Later, Shen Haoming picked Xu Yan up from work. He helped her choose dishes for dinner and presented her with a pearl necklace, congratulating her on becoming a hostess, saying, "Your surprises always come first."

Xu Yan confided her dream of becoming a news anchor, and Shen Haoming encouraged her, expressing unwavering faith in her ability to achieve the "impossible." Despite his support, Xu Yan deeply understood the stark difference in their backgrounds, realizing he could not truly comprehend her struggles. While at Shen Haoming's house, Xu Yan saw her biological father, Shen Jinsong, on a financial news report leading a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Dayun County.

Ms. Yu, also watching the broadcast, noticed the location and asked Xu Yan if she was from Shanxi and if she had ever visited Dayun County. Hiding her shock, Xu Yan replied that her grandmother was from Yunlai Village in Dayun County. Xu Yan’s inner monologue revealed her growing internal conflict: "Everything moves towards my desired direction, but I refuse to believe that lies can be seamless. They only tighten their grip around my throat, choking me slowly.

Perhaps deception's purpose isn't to fool others but to delude oneself. The family I tried to erase was never truly gone." This subtle connection highlighted her deeply buried family secrets and fueled her increasing unease.

Episode 4 Recap

Upon being asked if she was from Shanxi, Xu Yan confirmed she was, adding that her grandmother was from Yunlai Village in Dayun County. Meanwhile, Qiao Lin, at work, was harassed by a man claiming to be the procurement manager from Dayun County's largest fertilizer factory. When he touched her hand inappropriately, she reacted by hitting him, leading to her arrest. Her fiancé, Lin Tao, picked her up from the police station.

Back home, Lin Tao's parents, particularly his mother, immediately began chastising Qiao Lin for her actions. Lin Tao presented a detailed breakdown of their wedding expenses, emphasizing his parents' financial contribution and his bank's regulations on wedding sizes, as well as the need to maintain a respectable image for his career advancement as a future bank manager. His mother sarcastically questioned if Qiao Lin's frequent visits to the police station would affect his career.

Qiao Lin retorted, calling her sarcastic and stating the man had harassed her first. Lin Tao’s parents continued to emphasize the potential negative impact on his career, ultimately suggesting that agreeing to their marriage might have been a mistake. Exasperated, Qiao Lin broke off the engagement, telling Lin Tao to go on his honeymoon by himself. Later, Qiao Lin's parents discussed Lin Tao's betrothal money and Qiao Lin's upcoming study trip to Jingzhou.

Her parents insisted she inform Lin Tao about her trip and prioritize their relationship, cautioning her not to be like her younger sister, Xu Yan, who they felt was as good as non-existent. Qiao Lin arrived at Xu Yan's workplace in Jingzhou, announcing she had called off her wedding and intended to stay with Xu Yan. Shen Haoming, Xu Yan's boyfriend, arrived to pick her up. To Shen Haoming, Xu Yan introduced Qiao Lin as her "cousin."

Shen Haoming politely greeted Qiao Lin before Xu Yan quickly arranged a hotel for her, explaining that Qiao Lin was tired. After Shen Haoming left, Qiao Lin confronted Xu Yan, demanding to know why she had introduced her as a cousin and implying Xu Yan was embarrassed by her due to Shen Haoming's wealth. Xu Yan then revealed her true identity, stating her surname was Xu, not Qiao, and that she and her grandmother shared a household registration.

She emphasized that her grandmother was her only family and that she had no obligation to care for Qiao Lin. Qiao Lin was deeply shocked and hurt, believing Xu Yan was abandoning her for her new wealthy life. Xu Yan's mind drifted to painful childhood memories. She recalled a gas poisoning incident where her father, Qiao Jianbin, had rushed to save Qiao Lin first, only remembering Xu Yan later.

In another memory, neighborhood children taunted young Xu Yan, calling her a "wild child" with no parents, until Qiao Lin bravely defended her, proclaiming, "You're my sister now." She remembered her grandmother firmly insisting to Qiao Jianbin and his wife, Yazhen (Qiao Lin's mother), that Xu Yan, then a small child, be taken back from the village and enrolled in a county school, criticizing them for neglecting their parental duties.

Her grandmother also revealed Xu Yan was telling others her parents were abroad and reminded them that Yazhen's health suffered from trying for a boy after Qiao Lin, leading to Xu Yan's birth with congenital heart disease, questioning if they felt any guilt for not saving her life. Qiao Jianbin and Yazhen promised to treat Xu Yan well.

Upon moving into their home, Xu Yan's grandmother advised her to be independent and not to fight with Qiao Lin for food, reflecting the existing favoritism. She also remembered her family leaving her instant noodles while they rushed out to deal with one of Qiao Lin's fights, and another birthday where her family forgot her, only her grandmother remembered, calling to sing her "Happy Birthday" over the phone.

The most painful memory was when her high school teacher praised Xu Yan's excellent mock exam scores, predicting her admission to a top university in Jingzhou. However, Qiao Jianbin declared that Xu Yan would not take the college entrance exam, citing family financial difficulties and the inability to afford two college students, with the resources designated for Qiao Lin. Xu Yan confronted him, demanding to know why he was depriving her of a university education.

Qiao Jianbin asserted his authority as her father and head of the family, then slapped her. Devastated, Xu Yan fled to her grandmother, crying, "Why do you always prove how much you don't love me? Why do I have to be your daughter?" Her grandmother gently comforted her, understanding her deep sorrow. Lost in these somber thoughts while riding in a taxi, Xu Yan received a call from Shen Haoming, inviting her to his studio.

He excitedly showed her a sixty-year-old agave plant that had grown a flower stalk and was about to bloom that night. Shen Haoming explained that agaves bloom only once in their lifetime, expending all their stored nutrients to create a single magnificent flower before dying, a "swan song."

Xu Yan felt a profound sadness, seeing parallels to her own life: constantly overcoming adversity, growing strong, and enduring hardship for a moment of glory, a path she felt she had no choice but to take. Shen Haoming then connected the agave's life cycle to human relationships—meeting, loving, marrying, and having children—explaining that just as the agave's pollen scatters to create new life, human love continues through generations.

He described the agaves' "two-way rush" for each other, even at the cost of their lives, because their love was "worth it," just like his love for Xu Yan. He asked if she regretted anything. Xu Yan, smiling, confessed she only regretted not marrying him sooner. Shen Haoming then suggested placing another agave in the pond so the blooming plant wouldn't be alone, to which Xu Yan readily agreed.

Episode 5 Recap

Qiao Lin sent a text message to Xu Yan, informing her that she would book a flight home the next morning and wished her sister well. Xu Yan read the message with no strong feelings. Later, Shen Haoming asked Xu Yan why he had never heard of her cousin. Xu Yan dismissed it, stating, "She's a distant relative. We weren't so close. Never mind," implying there was no need to invite her to the wedding. Shen Haoming simply replied, "Alright.

Your call." Qiao Lin, having moved out of the hotel Xu Yan arranged for her, texted Xu Yan to return the money, stating, "I moved out and canceled the hotel. Here's the money." Frustrated by her sister's indifference, she muttered, "Can't you take a hint? Bad sister! Bad Xu Yan! I'm done with you." Meanwhile, her ex-fiancé, Lin Tao, texted her, apologizing for his parents scolding her and pleading, "Come back, please?" Qiao Lin angrily texted back, "Get lost."

Lin Tao then visited Qiao Lin's parents, Mr. Qiao and Yazhen, asking if Qiao Lin had told them anything before leaving for Jingzhou. When they said no, Lin Tao revealed that he and Qiao Lin had broken up, leaving her parents shocked.

Unable to reach Qiao Lin or Xu Yan by phone, Mr. Qiao decided to book tickets to Jingzhou immediately to find Qiao Lin, asking for Xu Yan's address, which was two years old and proved unhelpful upon their arrival. At the wedding dress shop, Xu Yan instructed the two people she hired to pose as her parents to remain quiet and polite, and to make an excuse about meeting friends if Shen Haoming's parents came home with them.

As Xu Yan, Shen Haoming, and his mother, Yu Lan, discussed wedding dress options, Mr. and Mrs. Qiao arrived. Xu Yan froze, imagining a disastrous confrontation where her true identity was revealed and Shen Haoming’s family rejected her. Snapping back to reality, she immediately tried to send Shen Haoming's family away, quickly explaining that Shen Haoming's third uncle was arriving at 5 o'clock and they needed to pick him up.

Yu Lan acknowledged this, saying they wouldn't come up to the apartment then and would meet for dinner the next day. As Shen Haoming and his parents left, Mr. Qiao called out "Qiao Yan!" and asked about Shen Haoming. The hired parents quickly introduced themselves as being from a wedding planning company and discreetly told Xu Yan to transfer the remaining payment, before swiftly departing.

Mr. Qiao then confronted Xu Yan, expressing his outrage that she was getting married without informing them. Xu Yan defiantly told them she was not inviting them to her wedding, asserting, "Grandma is my only family." Mr. Qiao, angered by her words and her perceived disdain for her biological family now that she was marrying into wealth, declared, "You're no longer my daughter." When he asked for Qiao Lin's address, Xu Yan promptly sent it to him.

Mr. Qiao and Yazhen found Qiao Lin at her shared apartment in Jingzhou. Qiao Lin apologized for hiding her breakup and moving to Jingzhou, explaining that it happened too suddenly, and she didn't want them to worry. However, her parents insisted she return home, emphasizing the difficulties of making a living in Jingzhou without connections or a diploma. Qiao Lin retorted that it was better than suffering at Lin Tao's home.

She then brought up Xu Yan, accusing her father, "You drove her away, okay?" and asked if they knew she had a boyfriend. Mr. Qiao angrily dismissed it, stating Xu Yan wasn't inviting them to her wedding. Qiao Lin was shocked to hear of the wedding. She went to Xu Yan's apartment, where she overheard the hired fake parents claiming to be Xu Yan's parents who lived overseas.

When Xu Yan arrived, Qiao Lin confronted her, "You've been lying all along. You hired fake parents and told everyone that they live abroad." Xu Yan admitted to her actions, explaining that Shen Haoming's mother looked down on her background and this was the only way she could marry him. She confessed, "before meeting Shen Haoming, my life was colorless. He's the only one willing to look after me. The only one."

Qiao Lin, despite understanding some of her sister's pain, maintained that lying was wrong. Xu Yan argued that without the deception, they would force her to break up with Shen Haoming, and all her hard work in Jingzhou would be for nothing. She passionately stated, "Either I lose everything, or gain everything," and declared her desire for both career and love. Qiao Lin, unable to change her sister's mind, left, stating, "I can't watch you go down that path.

I won't come again." Shen Haoming later called Xu Yan, expressing concern that her guest list only included four people—her "parents," Huanhuan, and Mr. Zhou. Xu Yan explained that her "parents" lived abroad and rarely visited relatives, making it awkward to invite distant family members. Shen Haoming then suggested bringing Grandma to Jingzhou, but Xu Yan demurred, claiming Grandma was old and the trip would be too much for her.

She promised to ask Grandma about it but insisted on going alone to avoid disrupting her plans with her. Shortly after, Xu Yan received a call from Yazhen, who informed her that she and Mr. Qiao had decided they wanted to attend her wedding, regardless. Xu Yan returned to her hometown and met Mr. Gao, a former tailor who had returned to the village to run an orchard, tavern, and fishing pond.

He asked if she was still a chef in the city, and Xu Yan, maintaining her facade, explained she ran a food show, implying it was "like those on TV." She then visited her Grandma, who was precariously picking osmanthus flowers from a stool. Xu Yan quickly took over, chiding her Grandma for the danger. Grandma was delighted to see her and Xu Yan prepared a fruit platter for her.

Xu Yan then shared the happy news that she was getting married next month. Grandma was overjoyed, expressing that she had "finally lived to see" Xu Yan accomplish this life milestone. However, seeing Xu Yan's sadness, Grandma perceived something was wrong. Xu Yan confided that her parents had come to Jingzhou, and she did not want them at her wedding due to their lifelong lack of emotional connection.

Grandma, understanding Xu Yan's struggles, promised to call them back and ensure they wouldn't go to Jingzhou, guaranteeing Xu Yan a "proper, splendid, and beautiful" wedding. As Xu Yan looked at the sweet osmanthus jam Grandma had made for her, she began to cry, realizing how much Grandma cared. Grandma comforted her, explaining she made the jam to give Xu Yan strength to face life's hardships.

Xu Yan hugged her tightly, promising to bring Grandma to Jingzhou and ensure she lived a good life. A flashback to Xu Yan's childhood showed Grandma encouraging her academic success, emphasizing that "studying hard is your only way to change your life." Another flashback revealed Grandma giving Xu Yan her life savings, with her birthday as the password, to cover her university tuition and living expenses, despite Xu Yan's protests.

Grandma insisted she use it for extracurriculars like dancing and music. Xu Yan also recalled a New Year's Eve with Grandma where she vowed to bring Grandma to Jingzhou after graduation and have her sit at the head table at her wedding. Later, while in college, Xu Yan called Grandma, who expressed concern about her spending too much money. Xu Yan reassured her, mentioning her two high-paying part-time jobs and telling Grandma to simply enjoy life at home.

Shen Haoming, later at his company, asked for the risk analysis report on Plot 178. Fang Lei, a new employee in the investment strategy department, presented the report. Afterwards, Shen Haoming's cousin, Fang Lei, revealed she had returned from abroad and joined the company, playfully asking if he was surprised. Shen Haoming, though surprised, reminded her of company HR policies regarding reporting to direct supervisors.

Fang Lei then reminded him of a past event from his sophomore year: he had won a prize at the Collegiate Kayak League—a jacket—which she "snatched" from him because she liked it. Shen Haoming corrected her, "I didn't give it to you. You snatched it." Fang Lei continued, recalling his words when he left London, telling her to focus on her studies and return after graduation, which she now had done.

Xu Yan, reflecting on her path, told herself, "Only through diligence and hard work can I overcome one mountain after another. Only by becoming strong can I achieve permanent success. Only by achieving all goals can I make up for all my mistakes and make up to those I've let down." She knew she was not being entirely fair to Shen Haoming but felt that to achieve her goals, she would do anything necessary. The return of Shen Haoming's cousin, Fang Lei, now working at his company, created an unspoken sense of crisis for Xu Yan's aspirations.

Episode 6 Recap

Xu Yan observed Shen Haoming chatting with a girl. Sensing a subtle threat, she went to his apartment building and sent a text saying she was downstairs waiting for him. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming was telling Fang Lei, the girl he was talking to, that he was getting married, which visibly stunned her. When Xu Yan later saw Fang Lei at a cooking class, she introduced herself directly, saying, "Hi, I'm Xu Yan. I'm Shen Haoming's fiancée."

Fang Lei, introducing herself in return, explained that she was Shen Haoming's junior schoolmate from London and their families had been close friends for generations, so she was like his little sister. Xu Yan then cordially invited Fang Lei to visit them often, suggesting they could even go shopping together.

Fang Lei later joined Xu Yan for dinner, where she reminisced about how Shen Haoming always worried about her when she was young and studying abroad, visiting her frequently to ensure she wasn't homesick or bullied. Xu Yan acknowledged that it was natural for him to care for her like a sister.

Fang Lei also mentioned that Shen Haoming had arranged for her to work on his project at Jinda Group, which meant she would "bother him again" with work matters. As the dinner concluded, Fang Lei even volunteered to be Xu Yan's bridesmaid. Xu Yan and Shen Haoming's wedding day arrived. During the ceremony, the officiant guided them through the exchange of rings and vows, culminating in a kiss.

Later, during the reception, Fang Lei approached Xu Yan, praising the beautiful wedding and assuming Xu Yan, not the workaholic Shen Haoming, had planned it all. She raised a toast to Xu Yan. Shen Haoming intervened, saying Xu Yan had already had enough to drink, and offered to drink three glasses of liquor on her behalf, which he did to applause. The situation grew tense when Jiajia's parents, old acquaintances of Xu Yan, unexpectedly arrived and encountered Shen Haoming's parents.

A problem arose when Shen Haoming's father, an architecture enthusiast, discovered that Jiajia's father was also in the architecture field—the same profession Xu Yan had claimed for her own hired "father." The conversation deepened when Shen Haoming's mother proudly mentioned that Xu Yan's father had even written a book, "Sustainable Building Design." Jiajia's father, a genuine professional, carefully navigated the topic by clarifying that his own research was in "architectural mechanics" and that their fields, though related, were quite different.

Fearing imminent exposure from this expert-level discussion, Xu Yan quickly intervened, suggesting they all take a group photo to send to Jiajia. Just as they gathered, an assistant "accidentally" spilled wine on Jiajia's parents, prompting them to quickly excuse themselves to change. Claiming they lived upstairs, they departed before more questions could be asked, leaving Xu Yan physically and mentally exhausted from the risky wedding.

Later that evening, Fang Lei texted Shen Haoming, hinting at being at the infinity pool and asking if drunk people drown easily. Despite Xu Yan being asleep, Shen Haoming, feeling it safer to address the situation, went to the pool. He found Fang Lei in the water and urged her to come out, warning her it was unsafe to be drunk in the pool.

Fang Lei refused, wanting to sober up, and provocatively asked if he wasn't afraid she'd drown like her sister. Shen Haoming sternly told her not to utter such words, adding that it was his wedding day and her dramatics were unnecessary. Fang Lei then confessed her deep feelings, recalling every detail of their first meeting and admitting that seeing him marry made her realize she couldn't accept it.

Shen Haoming reiterated that he was married and asked her to respect that. Fang Lei lashed out, calling Xu Yan calculating and claiming she had only pretended to be friendly to uncover their relationship, questioning why Shen Haoming married her. Shen Haoming dismissed her claims, stating her performance at the wedding was dramatic enough and she should drop it and go home once sober.

Upon returning from their honeymoon, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming were greeted by their colleagues, who had missed them. Shen Haoming mentioned they had brought souvenirs for everyone. He then introduced Han Weiping, Jinda Group's newly hired legal consultant, describing him as "young and capable." Shen Haoming noted that Han Weiping and Fang Lei had met at their wedding, remarking that Fang Lei had "good taste." Xu Yan observed this interaction silently.

Shen Haoming then suggested they visit Xu Yan's grandmother in a few days, having already secured leave from his father. Xu Yan readily agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to deliver gifts they had bought for her grandmother. They visited Xu Yan's grandmother, who lovingly embraced Xu Yan, fussing over her weight loss, which Xu Yan gently returned by saying her grandmother was the one who looked thinner. Shen Haoming introduced himself as "your grandson-in-law, Shen Haoming," presenting gifts.

The grandmother praised his handsome looks and welcomed him warmly, though she gently chided them for bringing so many gifts. Xu Yan then reminded her grandmother to continue taking glucosamine for osteoporosis and fish oil for cholesterol, a regimen Shen Haoming had emphasized. Shen Haoming complimented the home-cooked "fresh greens" and "oxtail and taro stew," which the grandmother proudly described as freshly picked from her garden—"green, eco-friendly, and pollution-free"—and "nourishing."

As Shen Haoming began to inquire about Xu Yan's parents, Xu Yan quickly diverted his attention, presenting a framed picture for her grandmother and asking him to hang it in a prominent spot, effectively stopping his line of questioning. Later, the grandmother privately informed Xu Yan that her biological father had a lung tumor, currently benign but with a risk of turning malignant.

Despite his past failings as a father, the grandmother urged Xu Yan to visit him, even offering to accompany her. Xu Yan simply replied, "I understand." The grandmother also gave Xu Yan practical advice on nail care, mentioning how important it was to prevent paronychia. The next morning, Shen Haoming, an early riser due to work habits, volunteered to accompany the grandmother to the market.

On their walk, the grandmother praised Shen Haoming and advised him to prioritize rest to maintain his health for his successful career. Shen Haoming then suggested that she move to Jingzhou to live with them, but the grandmother politely declined, expressing her preference for the countryside and assuring them she was healthy enough to live alone.

The grandmother further shared how Xu Yan always spoke highly of Shen Haoming, and he affirmed his commitment to treating Xu Yan well as her husband. The grandmother then confided that Xu Yan, having been raised by an "old country woman," might have some "bad habits" and pleaded with Shen Haoming to be patient and forgiving, giving her a chance to change. He solemnly promised he would.

Later, Xu Yan, despite her lingering resentment towards her father, secretly provided him with funds for his medical treatment, giving him Qiao Lin's birthday as the password. She also arranged a dowry for her sister. Shen Haoming then took Xu Yan to a serene property tucked away in the city. Xu Yan admired the "blue bricks, gray tiles, and bamboo groves," noting how the place whispered "tales of tranquility and peace," a true "Jingzhou retreat."

Shen Haoming teased Xu Yan about her "journalism student" eloquence, then explained his practical assessment of the property's renovation needs for plumbing, wiring, and waterproofing. Xu Yan was surprised when Shen Haoming revealed the property was hers, declaring her the "lady of this retreat." He explained his intention for her to use it to network and entertain guests, enhancing her career and her application to become an anchor. He confessed he knew she secretly practiced broadcasting at 5 AM. "

You're my wife now," he said, "Whatever dreams you have, I'll help you make them real." Inside, Shen Haoming pointed out height markings on a wall, left by previous owners, and shared how his own father had measured his height, creating meaningful memories he cherished. Xu Yan, however, was transported back to her own childhood, where her family only measured her sister Qiao Lin's height, celebrating her growth while she herself was overlooked.

Touched by the memory, Shen Haoming took out Xu Yan's lipstick and, pulling her close, marked her height on the wall, fulfilling a long-held, unspoken childhood wish. Xu Yan was deeply moved. As they stood there, looking at each other, Xu Yan reflected, wondering aloud if her legs were "this short" compared to the earlier markings.

Episode 7 Recap

Working at the makeup counter, Qiao Lin found herself distracted by Yu Yiming, until a demanding customer drew her attention. The customer, who had been trying various products for a week without purchasing anything, habitually came at 5 PM sharp to "freeload makeup," as Qiao Lin put it. Qiao Lin confronted her, pointing out a new sign stating "trials up to 6 times a week," but the customer shrugged it off, refusing to buy and threatening to report her.

Later, Qiao Lin spoke to her mother on the phone, assuring her she was earning enough and sending money home, despite her mother's worries about her health. That evening, Qiao Lin gave her roommate, Guan Guan, some new makeup samples, kindly asking her to use them at home instead of bothering her at work. A few days later, while working alone in the warehouse, Qiao Lin was hit by falling goods.

Her manager, Mr. Zhang, who had been on a phone call, hastily told her to go to the hospital. Guan Guan, concerned for her roommate, secured a "specialist appointment" for Qiao Lin. To Qiao Lin's surprise, the doctor in Examination Room 4 turned out to be Yu Yiming. He recognized her, causing a moment of awkwardness. Yu Yiming efficiently reset her dislocated arm, advising her against heavy lifting or overusing it for the next three months to avoid re-dislocation.

Qiao Lin playfully hinted at free follow-up visits. Yu Yiming then asked about Qiao Lin's sister, Qiao Yan, prompting a flashback to his high school days when he confessed his feelings to Qiao Yan, who rejected him, stating her focus was solely on studies. Back in the present, Yu Yiming pressed Qiao Lin for Qiao Yan's contact, concerned that Qiao Lin, being newly in Jingzhou and injured, would struggle.

Qiao Lin, however, explained her sister now went by Xu Yan and was busy with work, insisting she could manage. Just then, Xu Yan arrived. Yu Yiming asked about her life in Jingzhou, and Xu Yan revealed she was an orthopedic doctor at the same hospital. She also mentioned that she had married last month. Satisfied that Qiao Lin was now in her sister's care, Yu Yiming left.

Xu Yan then observed Qiao Lin's small, shared apartment, noting its lack of a private bathroom and scarce furniture. Without consulting Qiao Lin, Xu Yan arranged for movers to clear out the room directly across from Qiao Lin's. Qiao Lin vehemently protested, asserting her independence and telling Xu Yan that even if she died, it wouldn't be Xu Yan's fault.

Xu Yan explained her actions by referencing a childhood incident where Qiao Lin had defended her, stating she needed to repay that favor to feel "no debts between us." Still, Qiao Lin refused to move until Xu Yan casually revealed that the new apartment’s neighbor would be Yu Yiming. Qiao Lin's attitude instantly shifted, and she eagerly helped the movers. The next morning, Yu Yiming brought Qiao Lin breakfast, confirming their new proximity.

Meanwhile, Lin Tao's parents informed him that Qiao Lin's family had purchased a storefront for a barbershop, implying they used the bride price money from his aborted marriage. Furious, Lin Tao tried to contact Qiao Lin, only to find she had blocked his messages and calls. He traveled to Jingzhou and attempted to enter Xu Yan's workplace, asking for "Qiao Yan," then "Xu Yan," the host of "Family Feast."

Security denied him entry without an appointment or a pass, even after he identified himself as her "brother-in-law." Lin Tao eventually snuck in and confronted Xu Yan, who was talking with Yu Yiming. He loudly accused Xu Yan of manipulating Qiao Lin to move next to Yu Yiming and of conspiring with Qiao Lin to cheat on him. Yu Yiming introduced himself, but Lin Tao only grew more agitated, demanding Qiao Lin appear to explain herself.

As Sun Siwei, a colleague, arrived on the scene, Lin Tao continued his accusations, claiming the sisters had conspired to "cuckold" him. Xu Yan tried to dismiss him, stating that he no longer had any connection to Qiao Lin and forbidding him from interfering in her life. Lin Tao retorted that he had never agreed to the breakup and that her family had accepted the bride price.

When Xu Yan offered to pay him off, he refused, insisting he wanted Qiao Lin, not money. He then threatened to expose Xu Yan's past and the situation at her workplace and to her in-laws, making their personal issues public knowledge. Xu Yan spoke with Qiao Lin, strongly advising against confronting Lin Tao.

She proposed to resolve the financial aspect of the bride price herself, preventing Lin Tao from escalating the situation to affect Xu Yan's workplace or the Shen family. Qiao Lin, initially thinking Xu Yan was concerned for her, realized Xu Yan was primarily protecting her own reputation and new life. Despite this, Xu Yan left clothes for Qiao Lin, a subtle gesture of care.

Separately, Shen Haoming instructed his assistant to investigate Lin Tao, effectively stopping Lin Tao's plans by getting Zhou Hang to deny Lin Tao's leave request and assign him more work, ensuring Lin Tao was kept busy in his hometown. That evening, Shen Haoming and Xu Yan shared a warm moment cooking together. Xu Yan prepared "Shrimp-stuffed potato chips," and Shen Haoming made his "Shen-family secret recipe cod."

Their playful banter masked Shen Haoming's underlying work stress, which Xu Yan subtly noticed. The source of his stress was a potential business partner, Mr. Huang, who had dismissed him as an "heir apparent," implying his influence was limited without his father's full backing. Later, sensing his unhappiness, Xu Yan reassured him that she wanted to share his burdens and anxieties, not be shielded from them.

Driven by her desire to help Shen Haoming, Xu Yan discreetly gathered information about Mr. Huang through a social contact named Meiling. Meiling revealed that Mr. Huang was notoriously difficult to deal with, but deeply devoted to his late wife, who had died from a serious illness. She also mentioned that Mr. Huang still cared for his mother-in-law, Yu Shufen, who suffered from mid-to-late stage Alzheimer's disease and resided in a nursing home by her own choice.

Xu Yan visited the nursing home under the guise of donating supplies and asked to meet Yu Shufen. Director Han warned her that Yu Shufen could be quite agitated due to her condition. Xu Yan observed Yu Shufen making "mud balls" from flowerpot soil, believing they were traditional vegetable balls for her deceased daughter. This poignant scene inspired Xu Yan to call her own grandma for the traditional vegetable ball recipe.

During their phone conversation, Xu Yan playfully complained about her grandma not visiting Jingzhou, while her grandma, busy playing mahjong and exercising her mind, shared the intricate steps of the recipe, teasing Xu Yan for her past impatience and forgetfulness.

Episode 8 Recap

Xu Yan successfully prepared the vegetable balls and presented them to Madam Yu, Huang's mother, who was initially absorbed in her own clay balls. Xu Yan introduced herself, offering Madam Yu a homemade osmanthus cake, explaining it contained jam made by her own grandmother. She tried to connect with Madam Yu, revealing that they were both born in the Year of the Ox and that both Madam Yu and her grandmother were among the first people to support Xinjiang.

Madam Yu then recited a patriotic phrase about being "born in new China and grew up under the national flag." Moments later, Madam Yu's memory faltered, and she mistook Xu Yan for a thief trying to steal her vegetable balls. Xu Yan calmly reassured her, explaining she had brought vegetable balls, Madam Yu's daughter's favorite. After Madam Yu lovingly counted her own ten clay balls, she tasted Xu Yan's vegetable balls and the osmanthus cake, finding them delicious.

Xu Yan attentively kept Madam Yu company, who seemed delighted during their time together. To encourage Madam Yu to take her medication, Xu Yan even pretended to take medicine herself. Despite her occasional confusion, Madam Yu was perceptive enough to feel genuine affection for Xu Yan, deeply moved by her kindness. While washing Madam Yu's hair, Xu Yan recalled washing her own grandmother's hair, who would often fall asleep during the process.

She continued gently, not immediately noticing that Madam Yu had begun to cry. Later, Madam Yu, in a moment of clarity, called Xu Yan "daughter" and offered her some of her beloved vegetable balls, instructing her to heat them before eating and to take good care of herself. Xu Yan understood these vegetable balls carried the weight of Madam Yu's profound love.

A nurse later confirmed that Xu Yan had been regularly visiting Madam Yu for over a week, and Madam Yu remembered Xu Yan by name, the cake, and their shared photos, embracing her. Huang observed his mother's newfound happiness, a state she hadn't experienced in a long time. Knowing Xu Yan was Shen Haoming's wife, Huang praised Shen Haoming for having such a supportive and capable wife who had greatly helped his mother's condition.

Shen Haoming expressed surprise, stating Xu Yan hadn't mentioned her visits. Huang asked him to convey his gratitude to Xu Yan. Huang clarified that their golf game was solely for personal thanks and not for discussing work. Seizing the opportunity, Shen Haoming acknowledged Huang's busy schedule and subtly brought up Shouke's challenges, such as its immature structure, lack of professional talent, and being on the periphery of the real estate industry, despite being well-funded.

He then proposed a strategic alliance: if Shouke were to join forces with Shifeng, currently locked in fierce contention with Mingyuan Group, it would be a "win-win cooperation" that would inevitably lead to Mingyuan's defeat. He further explained that Shouke could leverage Shifeng to upgrade its corporate structure, securing its entry into the core circle of the industry. Impressed, Huang agreed to a dinner meeting to discuss the matter further after their golf game.

Meanwhile, Sun Siwei overheard her colleagues discussing a news story about a woman who defrauded three men by holding fake weddings with hired actors posing as family. Sun Siwei noticed that the "parents" in the wedding photos strikingly resembled the people from Xu Yan's wedding. She found it suspicious, as Xu Yan had only ever mentioned having a grandmother.

Under the guise of seeking inspiration for a friend's upcoming wedding, Sun Siwei subtly accessed her director's phone and secretly viewed photos from Xu Yan's wedding, which the director had taken covertly due to strict rules. Following a tip from her assistant, Sun Siwei tracked down Gao Liangjie, one of the hired actors from the news story, at an address on Yunshui Street.

Gao Liangjie initially denied any involvement, claiming Sun Siwei had mistaken him for someone else and presenting his ID to prove his name was Gao Liangjie, emphasizing his "unwavering integrity." Unfazed, Sun Siwei informed him that she didn't need his admission, implying she had compelling evidence, and proposed they cooperate. Xu Yan was competing for a news anchor position in the finance department.

Sun Siwei, also vying for the role, mentioned to Xu Yan that her news demo would be "absolutely genuine" and "unforgettable." Xu Yan, during her own audition, eloquently explained complex financial concepts like physical settlement, cash settlement, and leverage using simple analogies, and articulated the host's role in conveying truth. Her colleagues were highly impressed, praising her confident and natural delivery.

Later, Sun Siwei, claiming her scheduled guest was stuck in traffic, coerced Xu Yan into being a last-minute guest on her recorded news demo, despite Xu Yan's concerns about lack of preparation. The director intervened, assuring Xu Yan he would cover her duties, and she reluctantly agreed. On air, Sun Siwei introduced Xu Yan, then dramatically pivoted to the wedding fraud news. To Xu Yan's horror, she introduced Gao Liangjie, the very "hired actor" from the news, as her guest.

Gao Liangjie immediately acknowledged Xu Yan, claiming they knew each other well. Xu Yan appeared visibly flustered, denying any prior acquaintance or remembering how they might have met. Sun Siwei pressed Gao Liangjie, asking about his motive for impersonating a wedding guest.

He explained that his services were sought for various reasons, such as livening up weddings for small families or helping hosts save face, but asserted that in the cases of marriage fraud, he only learned about the scams after the fact and deeply regretted his involvement. Sun Siwei then displayed a photo of Gao Liangjie acting as a bride's father at a wedding, subtly implying it was Xu Yan's.

Xu Yan, enraged, accused Sun Siwei of going too far and maliciously targeting her. Sun Siwei, ignoring Xu Yan’s protests, directly challenged Gao Liangjie to admit if he was Xu Yan's fake father. In a dramatic twist, Gao Liangjie denied being the person in the wedding photo, claiming it was merely someone who "looks a lot like him."

He asserted that if he possessed such "aura and demeanor," he wouldn't be working as a hired actor, and added that many people in the world look alike. Thinking she had an ace up her sleeve, Sun Siwei presented a close-up photo of a birthmark on the fake father's arm from the wedding. When challenged, Gao Liangjie revealed a matching birthmark on his own arm. However, instead of cornering him, this move backfired spectacularly.

Gao Liangjie's unflappable denial, combined with the confusing evidence, derailed Sun Siwei's entire accusation. Realizing she had been completely outmaneuvered, a furious Sun Siwei accused Xu Yan and Gao Liangjie of conspiring against her. Xu Yan, now composed, splashed water on Sun Siwei's face and walked away. A flashback confirmed Xu Yan's foresight: after her earlier conversation with Sun Siwei about the "unforgettable" demo, Xu Yan had called Gao Liangjie, who assured her he would never betray her.

Following the incident, Sun Siwei was suspended by the director for the chaotic demo and for illicitly obtaining photos. Sun Siwei called her mother, complaining that Xu Yan was bullying her, but her mother advised her to handle her own work matters. Xu Yan confronted a fuming Sun Siwei, remarking that her overly aggressive tactics made her appear "ugly."

Sun Siwei retorted that Xu Yan, despite her advantageous marriage, was "not fit to shine her shoes" and dismissed her as a "liar" whose "little tricks" could not fool her. Xu Yan, embracing the insult, declared that even as a "liar," she possessed the ability to reduce Sun Siwei to "a dog begging for food." Just then, Shen Haoming arrived. Xu Yan cleverly provoked Sun Siwei into physically assaulting her right as Shen Haoming witnessed it.

Shen Haoming immediately called Chen Lin, instructing him to assemble the Legal Department to pursue disciplinary action against Sun Siwei for workplace bullying. The episode concluded with Xu Yan confidently hosting the financial news.

Episode 9 Recap

Xu Yan’s career as a news anchor was flourishing, marked by her anchoring a news segment on global markets, specifically highlighting Nasdaq’s record high. Her colleagues praised her steady delivery and suitability for news over food programs. Her mother-in-law, Yu Lan, and father-in-law, with Shen Haoming present, celebrated her success by presenting her with a ruby necklace, noting its elegance suited her new on-screen image.

Shen Haoming, jokingly, added that he only knew how to buy bags, which were "useless here." Later, Shen Haochen, Shen Haoming’s younger brother, asked Shen Haoming to accompany him to his riding lesson next Saturday to switch horses. However, Yu Lan quickly interjected, explaining that Shen Haoming had a meeting with a Director Wu that day. Feeling neglected, Shen Haochen pouted, believing he was not important.

Witnessing the tension, Xu Yan offered to accompany Shen Haochen instead, but Yu Lan dismissed the idea, questioning Xu Yan's expertise in horse-switching. Yu Lan then redirected her attention to Xu Yan, suggesting she try on a pair of matching ruby earrings. Later, Yu Lan received a text from Shen Haochen's teacher, informing her that he had gotten into another fight during P. E. class and injured a classmate, whose parents were demanding action.

Frustrated by Haochen's continuous misbehavior and her own busy schedule, Yu Lan decided to add Xu Yan to the parents' group and entrusted her with handling Haochen’s school issues, asserting that as Shen Haoming's wife, Xu Yan was now Haochen's guardian. Despite Xu Yan’s hesitation as a first-time parent, Yu Lan instructed her to simply apologize and accept responsibility.

Xu Yan then received a direct message from the teacher, stating that the injured child's parents were waiting at the school office and she needed to come immediately. At the school, Xu Yan attempted to talk to a silent Haochen, informing him that the other parents would not press charges but emphasizing the need for them to discuss his behavior. Back at home, Yu Lan and Shen Haoming's father considered sending Haochen abroad due to his ongoing temper issues.

Xu Yan argued that Haochen was too young at twelve and might "go astray" without proper family guidance, but Yu Lan believed it would "exercise" him. Shen Haoming suggested they should consult Haochen first, prompting Yu Lan to blame Shen Haoming for spoiling his younger brother. Unbeknownst to them, Haochen had overheard parts of this conversation while sneaking out of school early.

Believing Xu Yan was behind the plan, Haochen confronted her, accusing her of conspiring to send him away after winning over his brother and parents. Xu Yan sarcastically confirmed his accusation, implying she wanted everyone to adore her. Haochen defiantly declared he would never go abroad and would "fight her to the end."

Xu Yan then clarified that as his sister-in-law and family, she would not hurt him and loved him as much as his parents did, reiterating that she had no reason to send him away. Haochen, still bitter, stated that his brother used to spend every day with him before Xu Yan arrived.

In response, Xu Yan promised that if Haochen behaved and avoided future incidents, she would find a way for Shen Haoming to spend more time with him, ensuring he wouldn't be sent abroad. Xu Yan’s career continued to progress as her director informed her that Jinda Group had granted her exclusive rights to cover their new district development project, recognizing it as a rare and significant opportunity.

Shortly after, Xu Yan’s colleague announced that a Mr. Zhou was waiting for her downstairs. This turned out to be Zhou Zeyuan, Xu Yan’s ex-boyfriend. They greeted each other after five or six years, and Zhou Zeyuan congratulated her on fulfilling her dream of becoming a news anchor. They reminisced about their first encounter in a cafe.

In a flashback, a younger Zhou Zeyuan was unsuccessfully pitching a medical project to an investor, who found it too theoretical and dismissed him. Meanwhile, a younger Xu Yan was at a job interview for a prominent media company. The interviewer emphasized the importance of family background for "implied background checks." When Xu Yan hesitated to disclose her parents' profession—they owned a barbershop—the interviewer suggested fabricating it as "overseas business operations," claiming it was untraceable and safer.

Zhou Zeyuan, overhearing, intervened, warning Xu Yan against resume fraud, calling it a "time bomb" for her career and accusing the interviewer of being an "unscrupulous headhunter." Despite the interviewer's anger, Xu Yan decided to be honest. Later, dejected by her interview failure, Xu Yan was approached by Zhou Zeyuan, who gave her a sunflower made from his discarded proposal and encouraged her to persevere. He then received a call, revealing his own investor had canceled.

They shared a moment of mutual encouragement, resolving to "thrive strongly together." Xu Yan learned his name was Zhou Zeyuan and introduced herself. Back in the present, Zhou Zeyuan recounted his company's remarkable growth from three employees to over 160, securing three rounds of funding, and expanding internationally with branches in New York, London, and Ottawa, and a recent partnership with a German medical institution.

He ambitiously planned for a NASDAQ listing by the end of the following year, embodying the image of a successful tech entrepreneur. He then directly revealed the purpose of his visit: he wished for Xu Yan to introduce him to her husband, Shen Haoming, hoping to secure a partnership with Jinda Group's highly reputable Investment Division, which he believed would be immensely beneficial for his company's development.

Xu Yan agreed to review his company's recent financial reports and business plan before discussing it with her husband, viewing a worthwhile investment as a win-win situation for all parties. As Xu Yan and Zhou Zeyuan concluded their initial discussion, his assistant announced the arrival of Mr. Wang from Youkang Medical. Mr. Wang eagerly tried to finalize a deal for equipment, but Zhou Zeyuan, emphasizing his "important friend" (Xu Yan), deflected, suggesting they reschedule.

Mr. Wang insisted on waiting, prompting Zhou Zeyuan to lead him to a conference room. Xu Yan then excused herself to use the restroom. In the hallway, Xu Yan overheard two individuals discussing their easy "job"—sitting around for 500 a day, claiming it was "just a shell company" that didn't require "professional skills." Her suspicions grew when she saw a display phone and asked an "employee" for a demonstration.

The employee fumbled, claimed it was "under maintenance," and went to find "Consultant Wang from Engineering." As Xu Yan continued, she observed a room full of people making "calls" on unplugged phones, engaging in animated conversations. She specifically heard one "employee" confidently introduce themselves as "Shangze Xinhui Medical Technology," assuring "comprehensive upgrades" and "lifelong after-sales service."

Moments later, another "employee," Liang, was abruptly called by a colleague to see the CFO about a "problematic" entry in the monthly financial report concerning a payment from the 15th, which left Liang visibly confused. Zhou Zeyuan eventually returned, apologizing for the wait and suggesting they continue their conversation in his office. Xu Yan, now fully aware of his deceptive operation, politely declined, stating she had other plans for the evening and would contact him by phone.

Shen Haoming, having heard about Xu Yan’s "cousin," Qiao Lin, inquired about her and expressed a desire to treat her to dinner as a token of appreciation, flexible with her schedule given her job selling cosmetics. Xu Yan brought Qiao Lin to a high-end restaurant, cautioning her to speak sparingly. During the meal, Shen Haoming ordered an array of exquisite dishes. When Qiao Lin asked for "stir-fried spinach," the waiter explained they only served seasonal items.

Shen Haoming, eager to please, promptly instructed the waiter to procure spinach, much to Qiao Lin's delight. Shen Haoming warmly welcomed Qiao Lin to Jingzhou and offered his assistance, to which Qiao Lin replied that Xu Yan already took great care of her and her life was now "on track." Shen Haoming thoughtfully offered Xu Yan a specific dish, recalling that she had said she liked it before.

Qiao Lin, in turn, effusively praised Xu Yan to Shen Haoming, claiming Xu Yan constantly spoke of his kindness. When Shen Haoming pressed for more details, Qiao Lin hesitated before declaring Xu Yan's "deep love" for him. She then launched into a detailed account of Xu Yan's academic excellence and popularity in school, implying Shen Haoming was Xu Yan's first love due to her high standards and focus on studies.

Shen Haoming questioned if they had studied together, prompting a flustered Qiao Lin to admit she had repeated high school and transferred to Xu Yan's school for remedial classes. Despite Xu Yan's attempts to temper her, Qiao Lin continued. The spinach arrived, and Shen Haoming encouraged Qiao Lin to eat. Shen Haoming suggested regular meet-ups to hear more about Xu Yan's past, which Qiao Lin readily agreed to, though Xu Yan subtly tried to stop her.

Qiao Lin then told Shen Haoming that Xu Yan "doesn't fall for anyone easily, but once she does, it's for a lifetime," urging him to "cherish her," to which he promised he would. Later, as they walked, Xu Yan remarked on Qiao Lin’s unusual loquaciousness. Qiao Lin defended herself, explaining she spoke to emphasize Xu Yan's love for Shen Haoming.

She then disclosed that she had consulted a lawyer, who advised her that if the "relationship is genuine" and Shen Haoming "believes you love him, and he loves you too," then Xu Yan would not face legal repercussions if her true identity were revealed.

Qiao Lin also admitted her fear at the restaurant's allegorical menu items, such as one named "Passing Off a Fake as Genuine" and another called "Innocence," and suggested they dine with Shen Haoming more often to enjoy good food. Xu Yan chuckled, calling Qiao Lin "adorable" but advising her to "talk less." Qiao Lin, unfazed, still urged Xu Yan to "talk it out" with Shen Haoming.

As they walked, Qiao Lin noted they hadn't shared such a stroll in a long time. Xu Yan, seeing students with MP3 players, remembered how her sister had selflessly given Xu Yan her own MP3 player as a child, promising to get a new one for her own upcoming birthday—a gesture Xu Yan cherished as a memory of her sister's kindness, despite her often "scatterbrained" nature.

At his riding lesson, Shen Haochen, with his new horse, Ruyi, was approached by Xu Yan, who offered him a cooling spray and explained that Shen Haoming had "things to do," so she was there in his stead. She complimented his new horse and advised him on adapting to its rhythm. Haochen, however, rudely dismissed her and rode off.

As Xu Yan filmed him with her phone, Haochen noticed, grew angry, abruptly pulled the reins, and fell, feigning a serious injury. At the hospital, Yu Lan and Shen Haoming's father were present. Yu Lan was solicitous, offering Haochen a bone broth steeped with Chinese herbs, while his father blamed the riding club and promised to find him a new one with professional coaches. He cautioned Haochen against moving, stressing the risk of not being able to ride again.

Shortly after, both parents left for an "important engagement" with "Shifeng's executives," once again entrusting Haochen to Xu Yan. Shen Haoming also departed, dismissing Xu Yan when she tried to speak with him. Left alone with Haochen, Xu Yan attempted to feed him soup and fruit, but he defiantly refused, throwing the fruit. Witnessing his tantrum, the hired caregiver quit, declaring she had "never seen a child like this."

Haochen then tried to drive Xu Yan away, but she stood her ground, challenging him to get out of bed to make her leave. He complained of pain, so Xu Yan reminded him he would be confined to bed for four weeks and that his family had entrusted his care entirely to her, warning him to be obedient or face her "punishment." Haochen then demanded fruit, to which Xu Yan pointed out the fruit he had just thrown.

He then demanded 45-degree warm water, complaining that the water she brought was too cold, a claim Xu Yan dismissed, reminding him they were in a hospital. When he demanded food and Xu Yan didn't immediately feed him, he accused her of bullying him now that his brother wasn't present, threatening to report her. Xu Yan responded by taking the food away, telling him he could starve. Eventually, he feigned stomach pain, asking to use the toilet. Xu Yan, despite her annoyance, assisted him, only for Haochen to cheekily ask if she intended to watch him.

Episode 10 Recap

Shen Haochen, who has always felt overlooked, yearned for his family's attention. He saw that while Xu Yan could be sharp-tongued, her care for him was genuine. Meanwhile, Qiao Lin visited Yu Yiming at the hospital, proudly demonstrating her arm's recovery. She assured him, "My arm is completely healed. It's even more flexible than before. Look." Yu Yiming cautioned her to be careful not to lift anything heavy for three months, or she would risk habitual dislocation.

As it was mealtime, Yu Yiming invited Qiao Lin to the canteen, and she eagerly accepted, mentioning she heard their food was great. At the canteen, Yu Yiming introduced Qiao Lin to Xu Wenjin, a neurosurgery PhD, and Qiao Lin introduced herself as a cosmetics salesperson. Xu Wenjin expressed her admiration for makeup skills, likening them to surgery, and admitted her own struggles with applying makeup. Qiao Lin enthusiastically offered, "Why don't you visit my store?

I can do your makeup. . . I'll customize makeup based on your skin type and tone, and your facial features. . . Let me add you on WeChat. Come find me at the store." They exchanged WeChat contacts, and Xu Wenjin also added Yu Yiming. Back at the hospital, Xu Yan showed Shen Haochen a video she had filmed of him riding. She pointed out, "You look really cool when riding, especially when you jump obstacles.

You look almost like Hua Tian." Shen Haochen was surprised she knew his equestrian idol. Xu Yan then suggested that recording videos could help him identify and improve his riding technique. Later, Xu Yan revealed to Shen Haoming that Haochen had intentionally let go of the stirrups and fallen from his horse, explaining he was trying to attract their attention. She observed that Haochen was extremely happy when with family but very upset when alone.

She recounted a story about a friend who, as a child, was sent to foster care due to family hardships and struggled for love and companionship, emphasizing that "no material comforts can replace family love and presence." She pleaded with Shen Haoming to reconsider sending Haochen abroad and asked their parents to think about it. Touched by her words, Shen Haoming agreed, "Okay, let's do as you say. Thank you for caring for him."

He promised to handle work early the next day so they could spend more time with Haochen, and left Xu Yan to stay with his brother while he fetched some clothes. Unbeknownst to them, Shen Haochen was not asleep and heard their entire conversation. Qiao Lin's makeup artistry earned her recognition at work. Her sales performance was top in the region, and her neo-Chinese-style makeup went viral online, boosting the company's brand image.

She was placed on the shortlist for a promotion to the headquarters' sales team. However, during the selection process, a leader remarked that her "education level is too low," which unfortunately eliminated her from consideration. Feeling the sting of this setback, Qiao Lin decided to pursue further education. She discussed her plan with Yu Yiming, explaining her desire to enroll in adult education to improve her qualifications.

Knowing that academics were her weakness, she earnestly asked him, "Will you tutor me in math and help me catch up?" Yu Yiming, though hesitant about his teaching abilities, agreed to help. The following morning, Shen Haochen apologized to Xu Yan for his previous bad attitude, addressing her as "sis-in-law" for the first time. Xu Yan graciously accepted his apology and promised to help him avoid being sent abroad, on the condition that he listened to her.

When his parents, Yu Lan and her husband, visited Haochen, they brought him an iPad and a renewed membership but prepared to leave for meetings. Xu Yan intervened, urging them to stay for a full day. She showed them Haochen’s drawings depicting his parents with phone heads, and himself as a solitary figure, explaining that he longed for their time, not just their gifts. This resonated with the parents, who then stayed and watched a horse riding match with him.

His father explained the merits of the sport, and Shen Haochen, amazed that his sister-in-law had convinced his family to stay, felt it was the happiest day of his life. Later, Shen Haoming presented Xu Yan with a beautiful red car, her favorite color, congratulating her on the success of her financial news broadcasts and her remarkable ability to connect with Haochen, noting that he had been discharged early thanks to her care.

Xu Yan, though appreciative, expressed her feelings, "Haochen is your brother. We're family. It's only natural for us to care for each other. You don't have to buy me gifts whenever I do something. . . You're a typical boss. Your expression of emotions has become transactional." Shen Haoming insisted he only wanted to give her the life she desired, to which Xu Yan replied, "You are all I want."

Meanwhile, Zhou Zeyuan sent Xu Yan a message asking to meet. She went to his "company" where he presented her with financial reports and project proposals, seeking her help to get an investment from Shen Haoming. Xu Yan swiftly dismissed his request, revealing her discovery that his "employees here are hired actors. . . This whole company is just a front to scam money from investors."

Zhou Zeyuan retaliated by exposing her own secret, stating her real parents lived in a small town, not abroad, and she had treated them coldly. He used this to argue they were "the same" and should "help each other," aiming for a small investment from Shen Haoming to gain credibility in the investment world. Xu Yan found him "disgusting" and refused him outright.

In an attempt to further pressure and mock her, he deliberately spilled water on his shirt, declaring the dry-cleaning bill would be "included in the investment." Back home, Yu Lan asked Xu Yan for help planning Haochen's upcoming birthday and the menu for special guests the next day. Xu Yan suggested shrimp with black truffle oil for Ms. Ma, ensuring other dishes would be low-calorie. The nanny then asked Xu Yan for a day off due to a personal matter.

Xu Yan confidently offered to handle all the cooking, assuring the nanny, "Go ahead. I'll handle it." The nanny remarked how much Xu Yan had changed, becoming "more like the lady of the house," a compliment that secretly pleased Xu Yan. That evening, a stressed Yu Yiming, dealing with the pressure of a highly complex scoliosis surgery, was drinking alone at a skewers stall.

Qiao Lin, who was at the same stall and also feeling down, saw him and joined him, offering to keep him company. Yu Yiming quickly became drunk. The next morning, he claimed he remembered everything and apologized for his inebriated behavior, including vomiting on Qiao Lin. She lightly dismissed it, suggesting that occasional release of stress was good for him.

Yu Yiming mentioned that Xu Yan was happy about Qiao Lin pursuing adult education and wished the sisters would communicate directly instead of using him as a messenger, since they clearly cared about each other despite their stubbornness. Qiao Lin didn't mind being the go-between. Later, Zhou Zeyuan brazenly appeared at the Shen residence, brought by Yu Lan's friend, Ms. Ma.

Unaware of his true intentions, Ms. Ma introduced him to Yu Lan as "Randy," a "rising star in tech," and praised his innovative "new medical tech" business model. Zhou Zeyuan, in turn, impressed Yu Lan with his extensive knowledge of fashion by correctly identifying her designer dress, demonstrating his ability to charm and ingratiate himself. Shen Haoming arrived, apologizing for being late due to traffic.

Zhou Zeyuan introduced himself to Shen Haoming as Xu Yan's friend, subtly implying that Xu Yan had arranged the meeting. Xu Yan quickly covered for the unexpected encounter, saying she had been swamped and forgotten to mention it. As Xu Yan watched Zhou Zeyuan leave with Shen Haoming, her resolve to eliminate this threat from their lives hardened.

Episode 11 Recap

Shen Haoming and Zhou Zeyuan raised their glasses. Shen Haoming mentioned his mother had spoken of Zhou Zeyuan, noting his involvement in new medical technology and Ms. Ma's investment in him. Zhou Zeyuan, with practiced flattery, expressed gratitude that someone as busy as Shen Haoming would remember a "small businessman" like him, then credited Xu Yan for the introduction. He toasted Xu Yan, but she politely declined, stating she had to drive.

Shen Haoming inquired about how long Xu Yan and Zhou Zeyuan had known each other. Before Xu Yan could reply, Zhou Zeyuan interjected, claiming a long history, having met when they first started their businesses in Jingzhou. He further embellished, saying that although they hadn't met often recently, they had stayed in contact, and he was even very close to Xu Yan’s parents, often chatting with them via overseas calls.

Shen Haoming, remarking on their closeness, suggested they should meet more often. Xu Yan, attempting to distance herself, quickly took the blame, saying she had neglected her friends due to work. Zhou Zeyuan then explicitly asked Shen Haoming for help with his company. Xu Yan tried to warn Shen Haoming against investing in Zhou Zeyuan’s medical tech company, citing Jinda Group’s lack of expertise in the medical field.

However, Zhou Zeyuan smoothly countered by stating that Xu Yan’s father, Mr. Xu, had already encouraged the meeting, believing in the importance of embracing new technologies. Shen Haoming, acknowledging his limited communication with his in-laws, expressed openness to good projects. Feeling overwhelmed, Xu Yan excused herself to the restroom. In the restroom, Zhou Zeyuan cornered her, accusing her of betraying their "consensus" and obstructing his plans despite his efforts to cover for her.

He threatened to expose her lies to Shen Haoming by suggesting her husband might call her father overseas. Xu Yan defiantly declared she would not let Shen Haoming be dragged into his scam, willing to face ruin herself. Zhou Zeyuan mocked her, claiming she was afraid to lose the privileged life she had “schemed so hard to get.” Xu Yan, however, retorted that she had nothing to lose.

Zhou Zeyuan then offered an alternative: Xu Yan could pay him directly to keep her secrets, giving her one night to think, or he would expose her online. He ominously warned her that a person "drowning in debt is a devil" and would haunt her. Later that night, Xu Yan received a phone call from Zhou Zeyuan, which she quickly ended, telling him she wouldn't help him and to solve his own problems.

Shen Haoming, noticing her distress, asked if it was a work call and offered his help. Xu Yan lied, saying it was about guest cancellations for a show. Shen Haoming, seeing her exhaustion, suggested she drop one of her two shows, but Xu Yan, passionate about both her news anchoring dream and her "Family Feast" show, couldn't part with either.

Shen Haoming reassured her, supporting her decision to keep both, emphasizing that his stance was always to support her choices and that mistakes didn't matter as they could simply start over. Unbeknownst to them, Zhou Zeyuan sent a threatening text message to Xu Yan, reminding her of the consequences of refusing him. One day, Zhou Zeyuan confronted Xu Yan in a parking garage, frantically demanding money.

He revealed his company was out of cash, couldn't pay salaries, and was being investigated by investors. He threatened to drag her down with him if he collapsed. Just as the confrontation escalated, Qiao Lin appeared and aggressively intervened, threatening to call the police, which made Zhou Zeyuan flee. Afterward, Qiao Lin comforted Xu Yan, expressing regret for past misunderstandings, especially regarding Lin Tao.

She also revealed that Yu Yiming had told her about Xu Yan secretly paying her tuition, for which she was deeply grateful. The sisters reconciled, and Qiao Lin vowed to protect Xu Yan from any future bullies. They shared a warm moment, and Qiao Lin insisted on treating Xu Yan to an expensive cake. Xu Yan’s father, Qiao Jianbin, called her to a hotel, where he and her mother were waiting with Zhou Zeyuan.

Zhou Zeyuan, presenting himself as a concerned mediator, urged Xu Yan to be honest with her parents. After Zhou Zeyuan left, Qiao Jianbin angrily confronted Xu Yan, accusing her of fabricating her parents' professions and hiring actors for her wedding. He expressed deep shame, feeling she had abandoned all moral principles to marry into wealth.

Xu Yan, however, asserted her genuine love for Shen Haoming, stating she married for love, not money, and that she learned to rely solely on herself from childhood. Her parents dismissed her arguments, saying they had taken her back and raised her, so she couldn't blame her current mistakes on them.

Xu Yan countered, claiming her only mistake was not exposing their own flaws earlier, and accused them of feigning concern while possibly seeking to extort money from her by threatening to expose her to the Shen family. Furious, Qiao Jianbin disowned her, stating she no longer belonged to the Qiao family, to which Xu Yan calmly responded that her name was Xu Yan.

Meanwhile, Shen Haoming's secretary informed him that Xu Yan had sold the luxury car he had gifted her. Shen Haoming simply acknowledged, "Got it." Xu Yan, after selling the car, transferred some money to Zhou Zeyuan. She warned him it was a one-time "hush fee," and any further attempts at extortion would lead to her calling the police.

Zhou Zeyuan scoffed, claiming the money was insufficient for his company’s massive deficit and reiterating his threat that if his company crashed, they would both be ruined, taunting Xu Yan to see if she dared to "gamble everything." Shen Haoming then called Zhou Zeyuan, inviting him to a golf game. Zhou Zeyuan, attempting to maintain control, informed Shen Haoming that Xu Yan was with him and would also be joining.

At the golf course, Zhou Zeyuan pitched his medical technology project, describing its potential to replicate top medical experts and promising a 20% annual return on a 50 million investment. Shen Haoming, though interested, stated he needed to discuss it internally and would have his secretary follow up. After Zhou Zeyuan departed, Xu Yan again voiced her concerns to Shen Haoming about the investment, citing their lack of knowledge of the medical sector and Zhou Zeyuan's company's operations.

She clarified that her connection to Zhou Zeyuan was not as deep as he claimed. Shen Haoming, however, reassured her that the required funds were not substantial, and he would use other investors, not Jinda Group's capital, thus mitigating risk. He assured her that the potential risks and losses were acceptable and within his control, urging her to be happy and carefree by his side rather than constantly worrying.

Shen Haoming had been subtly playing a waiting game with Zhou Zeyuan. Days later, as Zhou Zeyuan's company teetered on the brink of collapse, Shen Haoming's secretary finally called him, offering a personal investment with an increased 6 percentage point return rate. The funds would be managed by a professional agent and transferred in batches over three months, keeping Jinda Group officially out of the deal. Relieved, Zhou Zeyuan eagerly agreed to all terms.

Four months later, Xu Yan was flourishing in her career, now hosting two shows. It was then that she realized Zhou Zeyuan had completely disappeared from her life without a trace. Shen Haoming, reading the news, informed her that Zhou Zeyuan had been arrested in Macau for financial fraud, collusion with foreign charities, and illegally transferring investor funds. Xu Yan, relieved but curious, asked if Shen Haoming's promised investment would affect him.

He calmly explained that he had learned of Zhou Zeyuan's gambling addiction and wisely terminated their cooperation long ago, ensuring his funds, managed by professional brokers, were secure. He then gently brought up that she had sold her car. Xu Yan explained it was to pay Zhou Zeyuan, believing that a former investor, Ms. Ma, had been fooled by him.

Shen Haoming corrected her, suggesting Ms. Ma was likely aware of Zhou Zeyuan's true nature but enjoyed being surrounded by aspiring young entrepreneurs. He advised Xu Yan to simply ask him for money for any future investments, rather than selling her assets. Xu Yan remained perplexed, feeling that someone had covertly helped her with Zhou Zeyuan's downfall but she didn't know who.

Later, Qiao Lin, unaware of Shen Haoming's subtle machinations, reiterated her concern to Xu Yan, advising her to find an opportune moment to confess her past deceptions to Shen Haoming, believing his love would lead to forgiveness. Xu Yan admitted she wanted to, but hadn't found the right moment. Afterward, Qiao Lin brought Yu Yiming to dinner with Xu Yan.

Qiao Lin couldn't help but notice that Yu Yiming was unusually talkative and animated when interacting with Xu Yan, far more so than he typically was with her. Xu Yan then cautiously presented a hypothetical scenario to Shen Haoming, describing a friend who had concealed parts of her past from her husband before marriage but, now happily married, wished to confess. Shen Haoming, without hesitation, advised against it, stating that if the relationship was strong, the secret should remain hidden.

He elaborated that confession could introduce a "thorn" into a marriage, and ultimately, a happy outcome was more important than rigid principles. He then shifted the conversation to his own strategic plans, revealing that Jiang Liang and Jiang Yun of Yuanhang Fund would be returning to China the following week.

He had invited them to Jinda Group's reception and asked Xu Yan to help him prepare to make a good impression on Jiang Yun, whom he described as calm and decisive at 35. Concurrently, Shen Haoming received a call from Mr. Huang, who informed him that his father was not supporting the New District project, necessitating a fund company as a backer.

Mr. Huang suggested capitalizing on the Jiang siblings' return, but warned that Jiang Yun was known as the "Black Rose" of investing, renowned for her calm demeanor, decisive actions, and difficult temperament. He also cautioned about Jiang Liang, her brother, who, despite his playboy appearance, was a meticulous "numbers genius" with a photographic memory and integral to Yuanhang Fund's finances. Mr. Huang stated he could only provide the introduction, leaving the rest to Shen Haoming.

Episode 12 Recap

Fang Lei approaches Ms. Jiang at the event, but after a brief, somewhat dismissive interaction, she turns her attention to Jiang Liang. Jiang Liang greets her warmly, noting it's been a long time since they last met and asking about her time in New York. Fang Lei explains she’s been back for a while and her work has stabilized, suggesting they catch up.

Seeing Jiang Liang appear a bit tipsy, Fang Lei offers to mix him a hangover remedy of tomato juice and honey, a trick she's used before. This act triggers a memory for Shen Haoming of Fang Lei preparing the exact same "secret hangover remedy" for him in the past, a "family recipe" she insisted he drink. Back in the present, Jiang Liang expresses his appreciation and offers to introduce Fang Lei to some friends, advising her to eat something first.

Shen Haoming later confronts Fang Lei, telling her their cooperation with Yuanhang Fund is settled, so she doesn't need to flatter Jiang Liang anymore. Fang Lei retorts that the collaboration has only just begun, and she will meticulously maintain any connections that could benefit Shen Haoming.

She expresses feelings of inadequacy, admitting she feels useless compared to Xu Yan, who is beautiful, smart, and capable, and easily managed to connect with Ms. Jiang, a person Fang Lei didn't even dare to approach. She understands Xu Yan’s captivating appeal to Shen Haoming and laments that she cannot compare. Later, while being driven home by another man, Fang Lei adamantly states that her heart belongs solely to Shen Haoming, always has and always will.

She claims they share an unbreakable bond that outsiders wouldn't comprehend, despite the man's insistence that Shen Haoming has a loving family and there’s no possibility between them. Xu Yan arrives with Shen Haoming, who introduces her to Ms. Jiang. Xu Yan apologizes for her casual attire, explaining that fieldwork ran late and she didn't have time to change, detailing the practicality of her vest for her job.

Impressed, Ms. Jiang offers her lounge for Xu Yan to change into a more suitable outfit for the evening's dance, which Xu Yan gratefully accepts. After changing into a formal dress, Xu Yan admits she prefers her comfortable uniform, which feels more like herself. Ms. Jiang praises Shen Haoming for his beautiful and capable wife, calling her a true helpmate.

However, Xu Yan clarifies that she doesn't want to be merely "the woman behind her husband," managing his life and company. Instead, she seeks independence and security by keeping everything in her own hands, refusing to be an "appendage" to anyone. She then quotes Ms. Jiang's own words: "Be your own ship, your own lighthouse, and your own shore," explaining how deeply touched she was by them.

Ms. Jiang, recognizing Xu Yan's deliberate efforts to align with her values—including researching her past and mirroring her former reporter attire—tells Xu Yan, "You succeeded. . . because I really saw my past self in you." Xu Yan then presents Ms. Jiang with a gift: a collection of old photographs of Ms. Jiang from her early days as a journalist, explaining that she found them in the archives and that Ms. Jiang has always been her role model.

She assures Ms. Jiang that while her earlier actions might have seemed calculated, this gift is truly sincere. Ms. Jiang is touched and expresses her fondness for the gift. Subsequently, Ms. Jiang agrees to an exclusive interview with Xu Yan, suggesting they discuss how Ms. Jiang's journalism background influenced her entrepreneurial journey as they walk. Meanwhile, Jiang Liang introduces Fang Lei to his friends Chen Heng, Wu Chang, and Wang Hao, encouraging them all to drink.

Ms. Jiang also reconnects with Kriya, a friend, and they eagerly discuss their plans to finalize a long-standing business collaboration. Fang Lei, who has apparently been drinking heavily, looks unwell and is seen wiping her mouth, observing Shen Haoming and Xu Yan as they leave. Later, Shen Haoming offers Fang Lei warm milk, which she accepts. Ms. Jiang and Jiang Liang then meet with Shen Haoming to discuss the strategic partnership for the New District project.

Ms. Jiang clarifies that despite a pleasant conversation with Xu Yan, many companies are seeking their investment, and Shen Haoming's company is just one of four shortlisted, emphasizing that personal connections won't guarantee selection. Jiang Liang is more direct, stating that Shen Haoming is not the best candidate, lacks parent company backing, and his solo venture is too risky. Shen Haoming skillfully counters by highlighting his wife Xu Yan's public image of authenticity and credibility.

He argues that any dishonesty would be devastating to both their careers, thus demonstrating their commitment to being more transparent, responsible, and meticulous than competitors. He then reveals that a recent photo of the three of them at a banquet is trending online, causing both Jinda and Yuanhang's stocks to rise. Turning the tables, Shen Haoming asserts he also has four investment offers and asks why he should choose Yuanhang, telling them he will await their call.

Ms. Jiang finds his move "interesting." Separately, in the hospital, Yu Yiming's colleagues gossip about Qiao Lin, speculating that she has moved on from Mr. Lin to a chief orthopedic doctor, possibly even before their breakup. Lin Tao storms into Yu Yiming's office, claiming a "heart problem" and demanding to know Qiao Lin's whereabouts, accusing Yu Yiming of seducing her and threatening to expose his "dirty secrets."

Yu Yiming dismisses him, telling him to leave if he's not seeking actual medical treatment, and calls security when Lin Tao persists in calling him a "homewrecker." Qiao Lin arrives and confronts Lin Tao for causing a scene in the hospital. Lin Tao accuses her of finding someone new right after their breakup and asks if she was with Yu Yiming behind his back.

Qiao Lin vehemently denies any relationship with Yu Yiming, reminding Lin Tao they broke up long ago and his continued behavior is harassment. Lin Tao begs her to return, claiming he came specifically to take her home. Qiao Lin calls him "hopeless" and orders him to leave. Lin Tao then taunts her about attending adult college, implying it's solely to "match" Yu Yiming. Qiao Lin, offended, clarifies her studies are independent of him.

Lin Tao further antagonizes her by claiming Yu Yiming "emotionally manipulates" her into studying, unlike himself who "always accepted her lack of education and common sense." Qiao Lin sarcastically thanks him and attempts to hit him before Yu Yiming intervenes. Lin Tao dismisses Yu Yiming, proclaiming his first love with Qiao Lin is incomparable to any other relationship, declaring, "He's sick; I'm not." Shen Haoming's staff deliver personally selected gifts to Xu Yan for her birthday.

He also texts her to meet later. However, he then receives a phone call from Fang Lei. Fang Lei comments on how much "he" (presumably a child) has grown and how much "he" resembles her, admitting she went to see "him." An angered Shen Haoming asks who allowed her to meet "him" and warns her not to cross the line again. Fang Lei playfully dismisses his anger, then mentions it's Xu Yan's birthday.

Xu Yan, meanwhile, receives a message from Shen Haoming's staff saying he's at his studio and she should wait for him in the backyard. Shen Haoming rushes to meet Fang Lei. Fang Lei mockingly apologizes for interrupting his "romantic time" with Xu Yan, observing that he "still cares about us deep down." She then threatens him, stating that if he leaves, she will "really go meet him." Shen Haoming vehemently tells her not to dare.

Fang Lei counters that she doesn't need anyone's permission to meet "him," emphasizing that they are "related by blood" and "family bound by ties that can never be severed," questioning why he married an unrelated woman and couldn't wait for her. Distraught, Shen Haoming pleads, "Fang Lei, for your sister's sake, please let me go."

Fang Lei then grabs a bottle of pills, threatening, "Then I'll go find my sister," to which Shen Haoming desperately orders her to put them down. Unbeknownst to Xu Yan, who repeatedly tries to reach him, Shen Haoming does not answer her calls. Xu Yan, worried, calls his assistant, Chen Lin, who tells her Shen Haoming had an appointment with Xu Yan and left for his studio.

Finally returning home much later, Shen Haoming is greeted by a warm but concerned Xu Yan, who asks why he didn't answer her calls. He fabricates a story about an urgent contract signing meeting between Shifeng and Jinda, explaining his phone was on silent. Xu Yan, ever understanding, asks if he's eaten and offers to cook, but he declines, saying he already had something. She reassures him that waiting was "okay" since he had urgent matters.

Shen Haoming apologizes for the delay and finally wishes her a happy birthday, promising to take a shower before they share a cake together. Alone in the bathroom, Shen Haoming's composure crumbles. He is visibly tormented, and a memory reveals a conversation where he learns that Fang Lei's sister had an accident while diving and that her father, Mr. Fang, is on his way. Overwhelmed by grief, Shen Haoming breaks down in tears.

Episode 13 Recap

During a highly anticipated signing ceremony between Jinda Group and Shifeng Group, an unexpected disruption occurred when police arrested Zheng Yuanzhou, Chairman of Shifeng Group, on charges of bribery for unlawfully obtaining votes and illegal benefits during Shifeng's board election. The incident caused a significant drop in Jinda Group’s stock price and put the company in a precarious position. Shen Haoming approached his father, Shen Jinsong, to report on the situation.

He explained that Zheng Yuanzhou’s scandal had destroyed his reputation and affected Shifeng Group, causing key partners to withdraw from projects. Shen Haoming proposed collaborating with Shouke Real Estate to reclaim these projects, revealing that he had already secured the necessary land through bidding with Shouke, backed by the Yuanhang Fund. Shen Jinsong was skeptical, noting that such complex arrangements could not be achieved quickly, implying a long-term, meticulous plan.

Shen Haoming confirmed this, admitting he had warned his father previously and had orchestrated Zheng Yuanzhou's downfall by exploiting a capable but disgruntled confidant within Shifeng, whom he had won over with "recognition, sincerity, and benefits" and a display of his relentless ambition. Shen Haoming then presented his conditions for taking over: full authority to bring in his own people with his father’s decisive vote, and to establish an independent department with complete control over personnel and finances.

Shen Jinsong agreed. Soon after, news broke that Jinda Group and Shouke Real Estate had successfully signed a strategic cooperation agreement to develop Plot 178, with Shen Haoming, Jinda’s Vice President, leading the initiative. Upon assuming his new role, Shen Haoming moved swiftly to restructure the company, which included the dismissal of long-serving employees.

One such employee, Mr. Wu, confronted Shen Haoming, accusing him of using his newfound power to sabotage him despite his years of service to Shen Haoming's father. Shen Haoming countered by detailing Mr. Wu's illicit gains alongside his contributions, offering to testify in court regarding Mr. Wu’s cooperative attitude if he admitted his wrongdoing and offered compensation. Mr. Wu pleaded for another chance, citing his recent divorce and professional ruin, but Shen Haoming remained firm, calling it "early retirement."

In a fit of desperation, Mr. Wu attacked Shen Haoming with a knife, but Xu Yan, who had arrived to join Shen Haoming for a late-night snack, bravely intervened, taking the stab for him. Shen Haoming dismissed the attack as an inevitable consequence for Mr. Wu and later gave Xu Yan a supplementary credit card with no spending limit as a "reward" for her actions, a gesture she found unsettling.

He then left abruptly to handle the aftermath of the incident, leaving Xu Yan feeling a growing sense of detachment and sensing a "crisis approaching" in their relationship. That evening, Shen Haoming picked up Shen Haochen from school, spending quality time with the boy, playing games and promising to do so every night. The next morning, when Haochen asked if he was leaving again, Shen Haoming reassured him he was staying.

Meanwhile, Sun Siwei, now assigned to a grassroots role as a food reviewer, expressed her frustration to her mother over the phone, pleading for a different job. Her mother, however, firmly refused, stating they couldn't afford to support her idleness. Back at the office, Xu Yan, now a host, overheard colleagues discussing their relationship woes and praising her "charmed life" with an "amazing husband" who spoiled her with gifts.

Xu Yan then critiqued a colleague's script and later confronted Sun Siwei about her unenthusiastic performance in a field recording, advising her to show "sincerity in every single frame" and to wear practical sneakers instead of high heels for safety and efficiency. Sun Siwei retorted, accusing Xu Yan of having a "nouveau riche mentality" and questioning the nature of her marriage, implying Shen Haoming might be compensating for something or creating "smokescreens."

Fang Lei then visited Shen Haoming, presenting him with the New District project cooperation agreement drafted by her father. She praised Shen Haoming's capabilities and expressed her dedication to helping him. Feigning dizziness and low blood sugar, she gained his sympathy, leading him to offer her chocolates and a ride home. She then suggested they see a movie as a "reward" for her hard work on the project, to which Shen Haoming agreed.

Xu Yan later found a small pin, which she understood to be a "reward" from Shen Haoming, unaware of its true context. At a golf course, Fang Lei joined Shen Haoming and Xu Yan, openly reminiscing about Shen Haoming teaching her golf in London, further highlighting their past connection. Xu Yan confided in Qiao Lin, describing her relationship with Shen Haoming as being separated by "a glass wall," where they could see but not truly connect.

Fang Lei later attempted to seduce Shen Haoming by pretending to be heavily intoxicated. However, Shen Haoming, having just received a call confirming the project’s successful signing with Fang Lei's father and Mr. Huang in the US, confronted her. He revealed that he was aware of her manipulations, stating that her supposed affection was merely an act to secure her father's support for his project, and that her attempts were just "occasional outbursts."

He then summoned Han Weiping, his private attorney and former senior corporate lawyer for Jinda Group, who presented evidence of Fang Lei's attempts to disrupt Shen Haoming’s family, warning her of potential legal action. That night, Xu Yan waited for Shen Haoming, asking him why he hadn't answered her calls. He vaguely mentioned "important matters" without offering a proper explanation.

When she tried to confide something important, he coldly told her to "only share things that would make him happy; if it'll upset him, don't say a single word." Xu Yan remained silent. Later, Fang Lei confronted Xu Yan at Haochen’s school, revealing a shocking truth: Shen Haoming and Haochen are not brothers, but father and son. She explained that Shen Haoming and her sister had Haochen while studying in London when they were only twenty.

To avoid an "illegitimate child scandal," the Shen family took the baby, presenting him as Haoming's younger brother. After Fang Lei’s sister tragically died in a diving accident, the secret was carefully guarded. Fang Lei further claimed that Shen Haoming's marriage to Xu Yan was not out of love, but a strategic move to project a "perfect family" image for business, leveraging Xu Yan's intelligence and ambition, and even implying he helped her become a host for public relations.

Overwhelmed by this betrayal, Xu Yan found herself unable to look at Haochen with the same affection, feeling a sense of avoidance. Adding to her pain was the memory of a family member praising her for her wonderful interaction with Haochen, noting his improved temper and genuine fondness for her.

Episode 14 Recap

Xu Yan returned home in a daze, feeling completely shattered after learning the truth. Shen Haoming greeted her, mentioning dinner would be ready soon. She confronted him, revealing that Fang Lei had told her Shen Haochen was his son and asked if it was true. Shen Haoming confirmed that Haochen was his illegitimate son, then asked why she had to bring up matters that could affect their relationship. Xu Yan pressed him, asking if he intended to hide it forever.

She expressed her disappointment, believing he truly loved and supported her in her career, only to discover she and her work were merely tools for him to leverage business relationships. She questioned why he lied. Shen Haoming retorted that she was in no position to accuse him of lying, claiming he found her charming and interesting when they first met. He said his mother, a very picky person, liked her, and he admired her intelligence.

He also appreciated her ability to endure, noting that a proper noble lady wouldn't tolerate his past mistakes or his son. He said Xu Yan presented as a noble lady but lacked their arrogance and bad temper. Furthermore, her ambition to become a news anchor genuinely benefited his career.

While admitting he lied, he questioned if he hadn't generously supported her, mentioning applying pressure on Lin Tao's bank and sending Zhou Zeyuan to prison by providing funds to a desperate gambler. He asserted that he spent money to keep her "lies" unrevealed because he had lied to her. He outlined their agreement: she was to be a perfect wife with a respectable job, pleasing his family, and in return, he would fulfill his duty to advance her career.

He accused her of approaching him with ulterior motives, valuing his wealth, connections, and resources to build her own credibility. He claimed his generosity made her dreams come true. Xu Yan then asked if everything he did was fake and if he ever truly loved her. Shen Haoming, without hesitation, stated he couldn't fall in love with a fraud, acknowledging his own deceit and suggesting they simply take what they need from their arrangement.

Xu Yan realized that the watches, cars, and jewelry he had given her when she pleased him were not expressions of love but merely "rewards" or "recognition" for meeting his standards. Shen Haoming advised her not to dwell on it, as it would make her seem foolish, and reminded her that every choice has a price.

As she touched the documents on the table, Xu Yan left the room, her heart numb, understanding that Shen Haoming felt no love for her. She thought to herself, "Amidst the crowd, in the dark dusk, you are unrecognizable. And we won't meet again." Xu Yan calmly informed Shen Haoming that she would agree to a divorce if he wished.

However, he told her that the New District project had just launched, and his career and family could not afford any disruptions. He demanded her presence at upcoming events, especially the groundbreaking ceremony in two days, where she must attend as his wife and ensure their relationship appeared unchanged. When Xu Yan asked what if she couldn't do it, Shen Haoming coldly reminded her that she wasn't an official news anchor yet, implying he could jeopardize her career.

Xu Yan felt trapped in her job, considering leaving it. After recording a news program, her director praised her "elegant and composed" performance and announced that leaders had lauded her work, assigning her to host the next Financial Forum, a significant recognition. She reflected on Shen Haoming's words, acknowledging that her job indeed provided valuable information channels for his business. She wondered if the admiration and smiles she received would persist if she were no longer "Mrs. Shen."

Later, Fang Lei tried to call Shen Haoming, but he didn't answer. Xu Yan prepared Western food for Shen Haoming, using the occasion to apologize for her past actions, admitting she had initially married him for his wealth and resources. She acknowledged that her current achievements were linked to him and the Shen family. She expressed that her feelings for him had always been genuine and that she truly loved him, asking if they could start anew.

Shen Haoming dismissed her emotional plea, suggesting she would seem more genuine if she simply admitted to pursuing fame or wealth. He reiterated their established arrangement of mutual benefit, where they each fulfilled their roles at work and home. He acknowledged her "cooperation value" and promised a grand celebration for her news anchor promotion. He told her her acting was superb but warned her that she could only fool him once. He then casually invited her to eat.

Xu Yan felt like the "boy who cried wolf," unable to be believed even when speaking the truth, and accepted that her metaphorical "sandcastle" had collapsed, acknowledging she deserved the consequences. At the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jinda Group Huanyu International New District real estate project, Xu Yan hosted the event, highlighting the company's vision. During the ceremonial groundbreaking, Shen Haoming reminded her to smile.

After the ceremony, reporters asked Shen Haoming if he had incorporated Xu Yan's creative ideas into the project's interior design. He confirmed this, praising her wisdom and talent, and stating his respect for her capabilities and openness to her insights. When asked about the secret to their strong relationship, Shen Haoming attributed it to luck and mutual admiration, particularly admiring Xu Yan's dedication to her childhood dreams despite having easier options.

Xu Yan, when asked about her husband, lauded him as exceptional and impeccable, considering herself lucky to have met him. She emphasized his respect, trust, and support, believing he truly cherished her beyond her expectations, adding that she needed to do better. After the interview, Shen Haoming chastised Xu Yan for her "terrible" and unsmiling performance, especially during the press conference.

He warned her to improve for the upcoming charity gala, again linking her good performance to her news anchor promotion, to which Xu Yan replied, "Thank you, Mr. Shen." Later, Fang Lei messaged Shen Haoming, requesting a meeting. Shen Haoming then received a phone call informing him that Fang Lei was threatening to commit suicide at her home if he didn't meet her that night. Shen Haoming acknowledged the message and promptly left.

Xu Yan, overhearing, wondered if she should inquire about such matters as a good wife. Shen Haoming, noticing her, sternly told her not to ask about his affairs unless he chose to tell her. At Fang Lei's house, Shen Haoming found her in the living room. Fang Lei confronted him, questioning why he finally showed up after ignoring her calls and messages. Shen Haoming coldly declared she "deserved to die" for revealing Haochen's secret to Xu Yan.

He then informed her that she was removed from the New District project, but her bonus and compensation would be paid, instructing her to hand over her duties the next day. Fang Lei angrily threatened to kill herself. A woman intervened, telling Fang Lei that her dramatics were futile. She then offered to introduce Fang Lei to recently divorced, "decent men" from her past clientele to "kill time."

Fang Lei cursed at her, but the woman explained she was studying "homewreckers" like Fang Lei for her work, prompting Fang Lei to demand she "get lost." Meanwhile, Qiao Lin visited Yu Yiming at the hospital and witnessed him being harshly reprimanded by a patient's family. The family was upset that a surgery took six hours instead of the estimated three to four, accusing him of incompetence and withdrawing from further treatment.

Qiao Lin attempted to defend Yu Yiming to the family, praising his dedication and long, difficult work hours. The family dismissed this, stating it had nothing to do with their child's suffering. Qiao Lin then offered the family money, hoping to ease their financial burden and allow Yu Yiming to continue treatment. She identified herself as "Dr. Yu's wife." Later, Yu Yiming's director confronted him, informing him of a complaint regarding his "wife" bribing a patient's family.

Yu Yiming, bewildered, denied having a wife. Qiao Lin then arrived, profusely apologizing to Yu Yiming for causing trouble, explaining she only wanted to help him continue the surgery smoothly and hadn't thought through her actions. Yu Yiming asked if he had been disciplined by the hospital. Qiao Lin offered to personally apologize to the family and clarify to the hospital that he had no involvement, taking full responsibility.

Yu Yiming agreed, and they left together, with him reminding her not to waste the ice cream she had bought. After communication and explanations from the hospital, the family understood the surgery's complexity and the need for multiple procedures, agreeing to continue treatment and expressing understanding for Qiao Lin's actions.

Overjoyed, Qiao Lin again apologized to Yu Yiming, admitting she had claimed to be his wife because she didn't know what else to say when the family pressed her about their relationship. At the charity gala, Xu Yan and Fang Lei greeted each other politely. Fang Lei commented on Xu Yan's seating being far, prompting Xu Yan to invite her to sit at her closer table.

Fang Lei remarked on Xu Yan's "dull complexion," asking if she was tired from working late. Xu Yan, in turn, claimed to be very busy and asked Fang Lei to help take care of Shen Haoming, referencing their shared history. Shen Haoming then interjected, telling Fang Lei that Mr. Qiu and his wife, Qingwan Project investors, were at table six and she should go chat with them.

Xu Yan countered, telling Shen Haoming not to treat an employee like that at a gala, suggesting Fang Lei could relax and they could talk another day. She then told Fang Lei to stay. The auction commenced, featuring the "Angel's Tear Diamond Ring," a 7. 09-carat royal blue sapphire from Kashmir, described as a "spiritual symbol and an emblem of love." As bidding quickly rose from 500,000 RMB, Xu Yan suddenly made a bold bid of three million RMB. Shen Haoming, surprised, remained silent due to the many onlookers, inwardly believing Xu Yan had finally revealed her true intentions.

Episode 15 Recap

At the charity auction, Xu Yan aggressively outbid others, ultimately securing an item for three million, significantly higher than its initial 1. 6 million. Shen Haoming, feigning affection, asked if she was happy and suggested she try on the item. Xu Yan then provocatively presented the expensive piece to Fang Lei, dismissing it as merely an excuse for charity and not a "real treasure," instructing her to "take it if you like it" and claiming "it was made for you."

Fang Lei was bewildered by the gesture, while Shen Haoming regarded the item as a mere "trinket." Xu Yan then asked Shen Haoming what else he would like her to bid on, prompting him to caution her to "know her limits." She retorted, reminding him to "be gracious" and to "remember to smile," echoing his own previous instructions. Both maintained fake smiles while greeting other attendees, who commented on their seemingly blissful marriage.

Later, a TV news report featured Xu Yan hosting a segment on Jinda Group's Huanyu International real estate project, followed by an "Entertainment Frontline" piece calling her and Shen Haoming a "match made in heaven." Shen Haoming, in the clip, praised Xu Yan's ambition for pursuing her childhood dream despite easier options.

Back at the studio, Xu Yan's assistant complimented her on covering her husband's news and their perfect couple image, but Xu Yan, looking distant and tired, almost unrecognizable to herself in the mirror, began to cry, overwhelmed by a sense of powerlessness. Soon after, Xu Yan received a call from her Grandma, who, having seen her on TV, expressed concern about her unhappiness.

Fighting back tears, Xu Yan assured her Grandma that "everything is fine" and promised to take leave the following week to visit her. Xu Yan tearfully confessed, "I just miss you. I want to come home." However, when Grandma mentioned wanting a great-grandchild, Xu Yan fell silent. Later that day, back at home, Xu Yan accidentally broke a bottle of osmanthus wine, a cherished gift from Shen Haoming, further deepening her distress.

Discovering her Grandma was not home, Xu Yan panicked, learning from a neighbor that her Grandma had fainted the previous night and been rushed to a county hospital by her parents. At the hospital, Xu Yan learned her Grandma had suffered a transient cerebral ischemia but was now stable. Despite her stepmother and father being present, Xu Yan insisted on staying alone with her Grandma. As her Grandma awoke, Xu Yan offered her water.

Sensing her granddaughter's hidden worries, Grandma urged her to confide in her. Xu Yan proposed that Grandma move to Jingzhou, suggesting a house with a small yard in the suburbs. However, Grandma preferred her familiar, peaceful life in the countryside, stating that moving to the city would make her feel "lost" and "uneasy." She simply wished for Xu Yan to live her own life happily. Xu Yan understood and told her Grandma to rest.

Reflecting on her Grandma's illness, Xu Yan realized her elaborate lies had caused significant distress, solidifying her resolve to divorce Shen Haoming and "completely end the lies." She then internally decided to divorce Shen Haoming, realizing the extent of her fabricated life. Shen Haoming's assistant presented him with a legal risk report and informed him that Xu Yan was seeking a divorce lawyer, advising early preparations.

Shen Haoming, however, dismissed the warning, confident that Xu Yan would never give up her hard-earned career and current lifestyle. Defying his expectations, Xu Yan returned all of Shen Haoming's possessions and presented him with a divorce agreement, stating, "Let's get divorced. I'll leave with nothing, not taking a cent from you." Shen Haoming attempted to remind her of all the luxuries she would lose, but Xu Yan calmly stated, "They were never truly mine.

And I don't need them anymore." When Shen Haoming questioned if her newfound career made her reckless, Xu Yan, playing a recording of Fang Lei admitting her intent to pursue Haoming, subtly reminded him of Fang Lei's interference in their marriage. On the recording, Xu Yan had warned Fang Lei to "stop harassing my husband," but Fang Lei defiantly declared her determination to be with Haoming, regardless of his marital status, claiming she had already "won this battle."

After playing the recording, Xu Yan informed Shen Haoming that she would collect her things soon and would text him the address for the divorce documents, scheduling a meeting at the Civil Affairs Bureau for ten o'clock on the eighth. Xu Yan then went to see her sister, Qiao Lin, but was intercepted by a landlady who praised Qiao Lin's recent academic improvements, noting her newfound attentiveness and humility.

Xu Yan thanked the landlady, asking her to continue looking after Qiao Lin. Seeing Qiao Lin leave with colleagues, Xu Yan decided not to disturb them and instead quietly went to rent an old apartment, feeling as if the place was "waiting for her." Meanwhile, Shen Haoming discovered Xu Yan had left all her belongings, which triggered a moment of panic in him.

Elsewhere, Yu Yiming was under immense pressure for a high-risk surgery scheduled for the following week, exacerbated by the patient's family's dissatisfaction. He was coping by popping balloons to relieve stress. Qiao Lin found him and, recognizing his anxiety, playfully insisted he come with her. She took him to an amusement park, treating him to rides and activities, including witnessing "Jingzhou at 4 AM."

Yu Yiming expressed his gratitude, telling her that her presence truly helped him relax and made him feel confident about his upcoming surgery. Later, Xu Yan visited a beauty salon to cancel her membership. When she inquired about the refund, the receptionist informed her the money would be returned via the original payment method, which Xu Yan then realized was linked to Shen Haoming's account.

Meanwhile, Sun Siwei visited a law firm to discuss protecting her assets from her mother's much younger boyfriend, whom she suspected was after their family shares. There, she overheard that the firm specialized in divorce cases and saw Xu Yan, learning that she was getting a divorce. The news of Xu Yan's impending divorce also spread quickly among her colleagues, sparking rumors about affairs and potential impacts on her career, especially regarding her promotion and show sponsorships.

Separately, Fang Lei deliberately sought out Shen Haoming under the pretense of a business dinner, pushing for his attention and claiming Xu Yan was only with him for money. Just then, Xu Yan arrived for an interview. Seeing Fang Lei clinging to Shen Haoming, Xu Yan confronted her, declaring, "Before my divorce, you're the other woman." Xu Yan then slapped Fang Lei while pointedly showing her wedding ring.

A furious Fang Lei demanded to know why Xu Yan hit her, but Shen Haoming intervened, sternly telling Fang Lei that Xu Yan was right and that they were not divorced. He reminded Fang Lei that as the "Fang family heiress," she could not be seen as "the other woman" and firmly told her to "stop bothering me." Xu Yan's assistant later approached her, concerned about circulating rumors of her divorce from Shen Haoming.

She reported that management was inquiring, and that Sun Siwei was allegedly spreading these rumors, potentially impacting Xu Yan's imminent promotion to evening news host and shifting sponsorships to Sun Siwei's team. Xu Yan, however, calmly dismissed the rumors as normal marital disagreements, reassuring her assistant without confirming the divorce.

Shortly after, Sun Siwei confronted Xu Yan directly, accusing her of being a "hypocrite" and stating that her career success was solely due to Shen Haoming's influence and connections, not her own talent. She warned Xu Yan that her position was "crumbling" now that divorce rumors were out and urged her to consider "what's truly yours." Xu Yan remained silent throughout this harsh critique.

Immediately after Sun Siwei left, Xu Yan received a call from her director, who had received an anonymous tip alleging she had falsified her family background. Xu Yan responded by calmly stating, "Sir, I'll resign." When the director questioned if it was due to her marriage, Xu Yan clarified, "Nothing to do with my husband. I'm just tired." She reflected that her years of "career achievements were just fleeting illusions," realizing they were built on her husband's resources and deciding to seek a fresh start.

Episode 16 Recap

Xu Yan confessed to Yu Lan and her father about her background and all her lies. Yu Lan expressed her disappointment, stating, "I liked you and trusted you so much. How could you have been lying to us for so long?" Xu Yan apologized, offering to "take all the consequences," but Yu Lan warned her that if the truth got out, "it'll affect Haoming and the company's reputation. You can't handle the result."

Xu Yan assured them, "I'll comply with your wishes. I won't make any excuses." Her father added that while he wouldn't interfere with their personal issues, she "must understand this: it absolutely cannot affect the company's prestige and reputation." Xu Yan agreed to publicly claim she was starting a business until the divorce was finalized. Tearfully, she said goodbye, asking them to tell Haochen she was too busy to return if he inquired.

Shen Haoming later met with Mr. Huang, who inquired about Xu Yan's resignation and current plans. Shen Haoming explained she was starting her own business. Mr. Huang then revealed, "Even now, Xu Yan regularly visits my mother-in-law. Every time my mother-in-law sees her, she's overjoyed." He admitted he had initially believed Xu Yan was only being attentive to his mother-in-law for business purposes, but he was mistaken. "

I didn't expect she'd be truly remarkable," Mr. Huang commented, adding that Xu Yan "genuinely cares" for Shen Haoming as family. Shen Haoming thanked him, feeling a new appreciation for Xu Yan's sincerity. Xu Yan began a new phase in her life. One day, her drain was leaking, and after calling maintenance, Yu Yiming unexpectedly arrived to fix it. Xu Yan was surprised to see him.

After he successfully repaired the pipe, he stayed to chat, offering to help with anything she might need, be it work or personal matters. He expressed concern that she had moved without informing him or her sister, reminding her that he was her "fellow townsman and classmate." Xu Yan tried to politely decline, stating she could handle things herself and didn't want to trouble anyone, to which Yu Yiming noted she was "always so formal."

He then gently chastised her for eating unhealthy instant noodles and frozen dumplings, offering to cook her a proper meal with her sister. Xu Yan, misinterpreting his concern, explicitly told him she knew he used to like her, but she only considered him a "fellow townsman and classmate." Yu Yiming immediately clarified, "You're misunderstanding." He confirmed his past feelings for her but stated he now considers that a "most innocent and beautiful memory from 18" and has "moved on."

He emphasized that he just wanted to "help you, no reason needed" as a friend, and she should feel comfortable asking him or her sister Qiao Lin for help. As Yu Yiming was finishing up in the bathroom, Shen Haoming arrived at Xu Yan's home. Xu Yan, holding the divorce agreement, confronted him, asking, "What brings you here?" He presented her with a "Divorce Supplementary Agreement," expecting her to review and sign it.

She offered to send it back after signing, but Shen Haoming insisted on discussing it "clause by clause." Yu Yiming then came out of the bathroom and introduced himself. When Shen Haoming identified himself as Xu Yan's husband, Yu Yiming quickly excused himself, saying, "I'll leave you two alone," before departing. Shen Haoming then informed Xu Yan of a critical clause in the supplementary agreement: "even if we do divorce, you need my approval before making any public announcements.

Considering my company's reputation, mind your words and actions." Xu Yan questioned if her behavior had been inappropriate, and Shen Haoming alluded to her connection with Yu Yiming, who he knew was Qiao Lin's boyfriend. Xu Yan, unimpressed by his surveillance, retorted, "You shouldn't be in business. You should be a spy." She then firmly told him to meet her at the Civil Affairs Bureau the next day, the 8th. He agreed, reminding her to sign the agreement.

The next day at the Civil Affairs Bureau, they were informed that a one-month "divorce cooling-off period" was required for agreement divorces to allow couples time to reconsider. Their application was accepted but would only be finalized on the 8th of the following month, with the option for automatic withdrawal if they reconciled. At a family dinner, Shen Haochen declared the food was "awful," stating he missed "my sis-in-law's Longjing Tea Shrimp."

Yu Lan explained that Xu Yan was too busy with her new business to cook for them every day. Haochen retorted that Shen Haoming must have angered her, earning a reprimand from Yu Lan about his tone. Later, Shen Haoming's father encouraged Yu Lan to eat some fish, but she commented that she preferred "Yan's steamed fish" and the current cook "always [doesn't get] the technique right. The flavor's not the same."

Shen Haoming, meanwhile, appeared unaffected by the family's complaints and ate his meal contentedly. After resigning, Xu Yan began searching for a new job. She offered to reduce her salary by 20%, negotiate her probation, and adapt to any schedule, promising to "prove myself worthy." However, she was met with rejection. A former colleague, "Gezi," expressed regret, explaining that her previous prestigious position meant that "once you are out of the structure, it's hard to get another opportunity."

During a board meeting, a vote was held regarding Shen Haoming's admission to the board. Six members initially voted in favor. However, before his father cast his vote, some board members gossiped about Shen Haoming's personal life, mentioning his wife's resignation and rumored divorce and asset division. One member, claiming he "always knew that guy's not an easy one," spoke of Shen Haoming's "wild" past in England, where he was "surrounded by women," deeming him unfit.

Another commented on the irony that "Chairman Shen didn't even let him into the board. He's his biological son!" Ultimately, Shen Haoming's father cast the decisive vote against his son. With seven votes against and six in favor, Shen Haoming failed to join the board. Shen Haoming confronted his father, reminding him of their prior agreement: a board seat in exchange for resolving company crises and developing new projects.

His father bluntly stated he had "reconsidered" and found Shen Haoming "unfit," citing dissatisfaction with his "self-control, decision-making skills, and maturity." He then brought up Shen Haoming's past, chastising him for insisting on keeping Haochen at 19, despite his parents' advice, and disregarding the potential "stain" on his future and the child's. Shen Haoming countered that he "never saw Haochen's birth as a stain."

His father vehemently disagreed, stressing that he and Yu Lan had covered it up, but competitors would use it to portray Shen Haoming as a "reckless playboy, irresponsible and impulsive." The father then turned to Shen Haoming's marriage, accusing him of choosing "a fraud" and deliberately hiding "her background, education, life history," which he deemed intolerable.

Shen Haoming admitted, "Lying was my mistake," but argued his relationship with Xu Yan was "equal," and he "accepted everything about her," implying he wouldn't have divorced her if she hadn't suggested it. His father dismissed this, then ordered him to "go to Cheng'an County. Handle the delayed project at our branch there. Resolve it before you return." Xu Yan secured a live streaming job through Liao.

At the studio, Mr. Qiu, frustrated with his team's inability to find suitable hosts, met Xu Yan. Liao introduced her as a popular former news anchor. Xu Yan, after reviewing the script, adapted it to her "own interpretation," which Mr. Qiu initially approved, emphasizing the need for a "distinctive style." During her audition, however, Xu Yan maintained her formal news-anchor tone, meticulously introducing the "Comfort Home Textiles" brand and products.

Mr. Qiu quickly interrupted, admonishing her, "Ms. Xu, are you reporting news or selling products? You need vocal projection. . . explosive energy in your words. . . make the viewers feel urgent. . . not buying now means losing a fortune."

Xu Yan attempted to defend her "composed hosting style," citing examples of academic presenters, but Mr. Qiu dismissed these as "established star hosts" and reminded her she was a "newcomer," warning her current approach would only attract "twenty viewers." He then personally took over, trying to "brainwash" her to "forget the news anchor voice" and adopt a more aggressive sales approach, repeatedly making her shout promotional phrases. Overwhelmed by the unfamiliar high-energy style, Xu Yan requested a break.

Mr. Qiu instructed her to practice and pulled her from that night's broadcast, announcing he would host instead. Shen Haoming arrived at the Hongyun branch in Cheng'an County. The manager, Mr. Zhang, showed him his "humble" office, apologizing for the limited conditions of the smallest Jinda subsidiary, even noting the restroom was in the yard. Zhang explained their budget couldn't cover a hotel stay and this office was considered "special treatment."

Shen Haoming immediately requested all residential building files, eager to work. Zhang briefed Shen Haoming on the project delay, attributing it to increased material and labor costs, and a contractor from Anqiang Construction, Mr. Wu, who allegedly borrowed money for the project then fled with it. Shen Haoming asked about backup plans, and Zhang explained they had activated emergency funds and requested a new budget from headquarters.

When Shen Haoming wanted to verify the information, Zhang pressed him to approve the budget quickly, as the emergency funds were running low. Shen Haoming quickly discovered that the files, including inspection reports, construction logs, and building blueprints, were chaotically mixed together. Zhang reiterated their lack of funds, even for a secretary, and offered his personal assistance.

Meanwhile, other staff members openly gossiped about Shen Haoming, viewing his assignment as an "exile" and seeing him as a "discarded" son, especially since his own father had denied him a board seat. They doubted his ability to manage the project, given his "accommodation and office conditions," believing he would merely "go through the motions" before returning. Shen Haoming, in his spare time, checked Xu Yan's social media, only to find it completely blank.

Xu Yan hosted another live stream, but Mr. Qiu was still dissatisfied. He observed her excessively promoting the "7-day no-reason return policy" without adequately highlighting the product's quality or the brand's "factory persona." He interrupted her again, pointing out that emphasizing returns would lead to "a bunch of return orders." He reminded her that with the "factory persona," she should have focused on the superior "materials," the "exceptional fabric quality," and the "factory scale."

Xu Yan apologized, explaining she had initially followed the script and planned to add more details later. Mr. Qiu retorted that scripts were merely guidelines, and a host needed to be adaptable, stressing that she was failing to combine selling points with calls to action effectively. Overwhelmed, Xu Yan apologized repeatedly. Mr. Qiu then decided to demote her, instructing her to "assist Sun as co-host" and let him guide her. Xu Yan quietly accepted the decision.

Qiao Lin eventually found Xu Yan at her new workplace, concerned to see her live streaming and asking about Shen Haoming. Xu Yan was suffering from a stomach ache, but Qiao Lin was more focused on Shen Haoming, calling him a "scheming" and "cunning" "dog." She expressed disbelief that he could be so heartless after Xu Yan "loved him, married him, helped his career, [and] took care of his entire family."

Xu Yan, however, was philosophical, acknowledging, "But at first, I did wrong. In this world, apologizing doesn't guarantee forgiveness for wrongs." She found a silver lining, saying she had "realized Shen Haoming isn't the person I imagined him to be," and his love for her "isn't what I thought it was." Xu Yan looked forward to the cooling-off period ending so they could "finalize the divorce and. . . have no more ties, or mutual deception."

Qiao Lin questioned her decision to quit her previous job, which she had "worked hard for," but Xu Yan only alluded to Shen Haoming's involvement. Qiao Lin worried about the demanding hours of live streaming and Xu Yan's poor health, but Xu Yan insisted she was fine, noting she was new to the industry and would adapt. She concluded by saying she felt "relaxed now," unlike before when she "always feared to be revealed, living in perpetual anxiety." Qiao Lin, though still concerned for her sister's well-being, seemed relieved to see Xu Yan's newfound peace.

Episode 17 Recap

Shen Haoming diligently started his work from the ground up at the construction site. He observed the workers leaving steel bars exposed to the sun and inquired with Mr. He and Mr. Li about the potential issues. They explained that the steel would rust and oxidize when exposed to alternating rain and sun, rendering it unusable, and noted that much of the good steel inside the building had already rusted due to rain getting in through the uninstalled windows.

Later, Mr. Zhang gathered everyone to introduce Mr. Shen, who had been dispatched by the group's headquarters. Shen Haoming quickly addressed the project delays, pointing out severe construction problems like oxidized steel bars, waterlogged walls and grounds due to delayed window installation, moldy plumbing, and cracked slabs from lacking wire mesh reinforcement. He insisted on immediate rectification and rework. The workers protested, claiming the issues stemmed from investor Wu Chengming running off with their money, and demanding payment for rework.

Mr. Zhang tried to smooth things over, but the workers were furious, stating they followed company rules and demanded proof of non-compliance. Shen Haoming proposed individual contracts that would outline specific construction standards, timely wage payments for compliant work, and penalties for poor execution, with wages paid directly by the company. The subcontractor, who had worked for decades, was angered, claiming Shen Haoming was breaking industry norms and undermining his authority.

Shen Haoming clarified that the contracts only covered standards and pay, not management authority, and would ease financial audits. Some workers, enticed by daily pay, rushed to sign, while a few veteran workers, including Mr. Li, walked out, declaring they wouldn't work under such conditions.

Mr. Zhang tried to stop them, warning Shen Haoming that the project would stall without these key personnel, but Shen Haoming was unconcerned, making a call to Mr. Zhang (an engineer) to have his tech team report for duty at 11 AM as previously arranged. Shen Haoming then confronted the branch head, who had reported to the group that the delays were due to rising material and labor costs after a contractor, Wu Chengming of Anqiang Construction, absconded with funds.

Shen Haoming meticulously detailed how repeated rework led to wasted labor and materials, necessitating re-procurement and reconstruction, which in turn caused the cost increases. He accused the head of ample opportunities for manipulation and embezzlement, and of failing to supervise the contractors. The branch head pleaded being overwhelmed by handling hundreds of unpaid workers after Wu Chengming's disappearance. Shen Haoming gave him an ultimatum: three days to compile all procurement quotes, actual expenditures, and employee salaries from the project’s start.

The branch head argued it was impossible, but Shen Haoming stood firm. Meanwhile, Xu Yan, now an assistant host, applied to Mr. Qiu for the chance to host a solo live stream. She was granted the opportunity and began promoting boneless chicken feet. During her stream, her brother-in-law, Shen Haochen, using the username "Warm Harbor," made numerous large orders and sent expensive virtual gifts.

Shen Haoming, also watching the stream, secretly competed with his son by placing hundreds of orders himself. Mr. Qiu, noticing the high-spending "Warm Harbor," presumed it was a wealthy patron and instructed Xu Yan to meet them offline for coffee to cultivate the relationship, emphasizing that such patrons are paramount. Reluctantly, Xu Yan agreed. She went to meet "Warm Harbor" and was surprised to find Shen Haochen.

He confessed that he had used his nanny, Ms. Hui's, phone to place the orders and insisted that the money be repaid from his pocket money. He also revealed that he had donated all the chicken feet to an orphanage that his brother, Shen Haoming, regularly supported. He tearfully expressed how much he and his mother missed her, claiming they had lost weight from missing her cooking, and showed her a video of Shen Haoming looking despondent.

Xu Yan, realizing he was unaware of the divorce, softened and told him that if he missed her, he could call her anytime, and she would take him wherever he wanted to go. Back in the live stream office, Mr. Qiu scolded Xu Yan. He was furious that her offline meeting with "Warm Harbor" resulted in the high-spending follower disappearing.

He also berated her for a recent "broadcast accident" during another stream, where she had frozen and remained silent after being targeted by a barrage of harassing online comments calling her a "gold digger." Xu Yan tried to explain that "Warm Harbor" was a minor using a parent's phone, and she had persuaded him to stop because they couldn't ethically profit from a child.

Mr. Qiu dismissed her explanation, still angry about both the lost patron and the public on-air incident. He told her to stop selling her current product and reassigned her to a punishing outdoor live stream, threatening her job if she refused. Xu Yan quietly accepted the new assignment. Xu Yan later conducted an outdoor live stream from Daxingfa Supermarket at Jingzhou Cultural Park, promoting non-GMO cold-pressed rapeseed oil, beef balls, rice, and flour.

During the stream, Fang Lei brought Yu Lan and other friends to the site. The friends began making disparaging comments, questioning why Xu Yan, as a Shen family daughter-in-law, was selling basic groceries in such an environment, calling it "degrading" and saying it made people look down on her. Yu Lan, angered by their snobbery, fiercely defended Xu Yan.

She reminded them of their own humble origins, recalling how Ms. Meng and her husband slept in warehouses, how Ms. Ma used to be covered in cement dust from her family's cement factory, and how she herself, a contractor's wife, used to cook for workers when needed. Yu Lan declared that none of them should forget their roots and abruptly dismissed them all.

As Yu Lan and her friends departed, she instructed her assistant, Liu, to have someone place massive orders for hundreds of packs of rice, flour, and oil under the guise of company benefits. Other friends, inspired by Yu Lan's speech, also placed large orders, quickly clearing out the company's entire stock. The staff was astonished by the unexpected surge in sales. Later, Shen Haoming appeared to meet Xu Yan.

He mentioned that he was back for reporting and asked if she wanted to add any clauses to the divorce agreement. He also urged her to return to her news anchor position, offering help, but Xu Yan firmly refused, stating her current job was good. Shen Haoming then tried to give her a bank card, explaining it was basic compensation she deserved as his former wife.

Xu Yan refused it, explaining their fundamental differences: he learned to leverage connections and resources, while she learned to seize every opportunity to climb from poverty. She told him their different values meant they shouldn't be together. She walked away, stating that since they had decided to divorce, they should become strangers. Shen Haoming watched her leave, still unable to comprehend why they were drifting apart.

Episode 18 Recap

Mr. Qiu knew that Xu Yan was the Shen family's daughter-in-law, and his attitude instantly changed drastically. He asked why someone of her high status hadn't disclosed it to him earlier. Mr. Qiu saw that she was unyielding, and his expression suddenly changed. Xu Yan worked for over a month, but after the boss calculated her salary, she only received 1400. It was clear that the other party wanted to leverage her connections to keep her working.

Xu Yan felt that the other party was quite ambitious, and she also didn't want any further contact with the Shen family, so she immediately took her salary and resigned. Qiao Lin knew Xu Yan's job had fallen through, so she kindly recommended Xu Yan to her friend, who made ethnic art clothing. Qiao Lin's friend had clearly lost money doing this clothing business, so she had no working capital at all.

Guan Guan now had no confidence in this shop and felt that even if she earned money delivering food every day to invest in it, it couldn't be saved. Qiao Lin saw Xu Yan looking troubled and asked her sister what was wrong. However, Xu Yan didn't say anything, only feeling that a person who struggled to earn money for a living truly had vitality. Xu Yan unconsciously mumbled to herself, saying she wanted to give it a try.

Qiao Lin listened, stunned, and felt her sister was a bit off today. Shen Haoming didn't know that the person in charge here wanted to take kickbacks from the company. He had contacted local thugs to cause trouble at the construction site, aiming to delay the project timeline. Clearly, these local thugs wanted to make some money from this. Shen Haoming saw that the other party clearly had an agenda but didn't say anything.

The other party arrogantly stated that if construction began, they, as local residents, had plenty of time to drag out the project, and it would come down to who could outlast whom. Xu Yan suggested some modifications to Guan Guan and their team, indicating they could get an infusion of new ideas, specialize, and together manage the necessary parts with utmost precision. Then they could establish their own brand, with a few people pooling funds and efforts.

Xu Yan had originally thought they would need to consider it, but unexpectedly, these partners immediately said they would quit their current jobs and commit to starting a business. Yu Yiming was also helping Qiao Lin and her friends' clothing store with publicity. Lin Tao came to find Qiao Lin again. Qiao Lin heard him say they had a foundation of feelings, and he even said some very pathetic things.

Wanting to get close, she felt Lin Tao was even more of a mama's boy. Qiao Lin told Lin Tao there was no possibility between them. Yu Yiming directly told Lin Tao to his face that he liked Qiao Lin. Both Qiao Lin and Lin Tao were surprised by Yu Yiming's outburst. The account Xu Yan and her team created gained very few followers for a while. Xu Yan felt they had fallen into a misconception.

The clothing made with ethnic elements might differ from real-life everyday wear, making it difficult for office workers to accept. They could try to make slight changes in the clothing design so that it could be worn for both work and daily life, which would then attract more people. After considering the modified elements suggested by Xu Yan, everyone decided to make further changes.

Shen Haoming couldn't help but go to the live streaming room during his break but didn't see Xu Yan. Shen Haoming investigated some information about Wang Defu. Shen Haoming went alone to find Wang Defu. Wang Defu heard that someone named Shen was asking him to invest more money and felt as if the other party was insulting him, as it was clear the project was losing money, yet they still wanted him to keep investing.

Shen Haoming went directly to Wang Defu's house. Wang Defu saw that his mother was actually siding with Shen Haoming, and his arrogance immediately subsided. He patiently sat down and talked with Shen Haoming. Wang Defu heard what Shen Haoming said and realized it made sense; he could not only benefit his community but also earn a corresponding amount of money. Why wouldn't he be happy to do it? Shen Haoming found the protector behind the person in charge. Shen Haoming's father discovered it was related to his long-time friend, Lao Zhai, and felt that this was clearly no small matter.

Episode 19 Recap

Yao expressed concerns about the substantial investments made in clothing materials and filming equipment for their venture, noting the lack of positive feedback from their online videos. She felt guilty about the financial strain on the team, but Qiao Lin encouraged her to focus on her styling role, assuring her that they would handle the other challenges.

Xu Yan, however, continued to feel uneasy and secretly sought out investors on her own, attending various meetings and events, prioritizing securing funding over her own comfort. Shen Haoming, witnessing Xu Yan intoxicated and staggering alone, felt worried. Qiao Lin, observing Shen Haoming following her sister, confronted him.

She reminded him of his past indifference when Xu Yan truly wanted to reconcile, accusing him of being insincere and "cheap" in his current display of concern, especially now that Xu Yan had moved on and was working hard to secure investments through various engagements. After a disappointing meeting where an investor, Mr. Zhang, rejected her proposal due to insufficient video engagement, Xu Yan encountered Jiang Liang. He introduced himself as Mr. Liang and suggested she call him that.

He surprised her by directly referencing her separation from Shen Haoming, demonstrating an unexpected familiarity with her personal life. He then critically analyzed her short video and clothing project, citing detailed market statistics and concluding that the fashion-related short video market was oversaturated. Jiang Liang critiqued her designs, calling them "superficial" and "lacking soul," but also advised her to tailor her proposals to the specific investment philosophies of different firms.

Although he declined to invest from an investor's standpoint, he offered to introduce her to a talented photographer for free as a friend. Later, during a work session where Xu Yan was intensely focused on her designs despite the cold, Jiang Liang offered her his jacket, remarking on her captivating demeanor. Xu Yan casually dodged his gesture, stating her sole focus was on design. Jiang Liang found her unique and compelling.

He later explicitly told Xu Yan that Shen Haoming was shallow and heartless, and that she was better off without him. He then generously offered his help, asking her not to refuse, and she accepted, and they exchanged contact information via WeChat. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming returned to headquarters, having successfully revitalized the difficult Cheng'an County project.

His next critical objective was to secure a partnership with the influential Russian real estate tycoon, Mr. Baraikin, who was vacationing in Jingzhou with his Chinese wife at Yanbo Resort. Mr. Baraikin was known for valuing family harmony and insisted on avoiding business discussions during his vacation. Shen Haoming contemplated calling Xu Yan for help but hesitated and did not dial. Shen Haoming eventually contacted Xu Yan by phone, asking for her assistance with the Baraikin deal.

Qiao Lin, overhearing the call, immediately advised Xu Yan not to agree. Xu Yan, however, met with Shen Haoming. She directly challenged his condescending attitude, pointing out that he was the one in need of her help, not the other way around. Shen Haoming, taking her words to heart, quickly changed his posture and presented the details of the Baraikin deal, emphasizing the tycoon's strong family values and the necessity for them to appear as a devoted couple.

He asked her to name her price. Knowing his potential earnings from the deal were in the billions, Xu Yan requested a fee of one million yuan. Shen Haoming, shocked by the amount, attempted to counter-offer with a ten-million-yuan investment in her company. Xu Yan firmly refused, insisting that she wanted a fee for her services, not an investment or a partnership, and reiterated her demand for one million yuan.

Shen Haoming reluctantly agreed, reminding her of the absolute need to portray an exceptionally loving relationship to the Baraikins. To capture the Baraikins' attention, Shen Haoming and Xu Yan devised several elaborate plans. First, they staged a theatrical "Plan A" at check-in, pretending to have forgotten their IDs, causing a scene that drew the Baraikins' notice. Next, with "Plan B," they feigned being a couple reminiscent of "Edward and Bella" from the movie "Twilight", a favorite of Mrs. Baraikin.

Finally, under "Plan C," Shen Haoming ordered a lavish romantic package, including a cake and champagne, to be delivered to the Baraikins' room by mistake. When Xu Yan and Shen Haoming "discovered" the error, they went to the Baraikins' room. Mrs. Baraikin, charmed by the surprise, accepted the package as a gift from her husband. Xu Yan, playing her role, smoothly flattered the Baraikins, calling them a role model for young couples.

Impressed, Mr. Baraikin invited them to join him and his wife for drinks at the hotel's evening lawn show. Later, back in their shared hotel suite, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming briefly discussed their sleeping arrangements, with Xu Yan taking the bed and Shen Haoming opting for the sofa. At the lawn party, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming formally introduced themselves to the Baraikin couple, and Mrs. Baraikin immediately admired Xu Yan's horse-face skirt.

While they watched the stage games, the tension between them escalated into a heated argument. Xu Yan confronted Shen Haoming about his condescending attitude and his past belittlement of her. She asserted her newfound independence, stating that many investors were interested in her project, and accused him of using her now that they were divorcing. Shen Haoming tried to defend himself, claiming he had truly loved her, but Xu Yan retorted that it was too late for reconciliation.

Following their argument, the Baraikins invited them onstage to participate in the "Couples in Sync" game. Despite her annoyance, Xu Yan agreed to play the part. In the first round, which involved turning their heads in the same direction with a water-splashing penalty for mistakes, Xu Yan used the game as an outlet for her resentment, deliberately splashing Shen Haoming multiple times, even when their movements matched.

The game then transitioned to a "You Act, I Guess" round, where Shen Haoming struggled to guess the words Xu Yan was miming. For the final word, however, Xu Yan simply pointed to her wrist, recalling a past shared moment. Without hesitation, Shen Haoming correctly guessed "Band-Aid," demonstrating an unexpected moment of shared history and understanding between them.

Episode 20 Recap

Steve called Qu, informing him that he had seen Shen Haoming and his wife at Yanbo Resort with the Baraikins, and it appeared they were gaining favor. Qu instructed Steve to investigate and stop Shen Haoming at all costs from securing the Baraikins' cooperation. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming returned to his room, lost in thought.

Xu Yan approached him, confused as to why he would seek her help, a more difficult route, instead of using Jinda Group's established channels to approach Mr. Baraikin. She suspected there might be issues within his company. Shen Haoming confessed that his father did not trust him at the company, and the board members merely humored him. He explained that Jinda Group's overseas market expansion had historically been a weak point due to incompetent past managers.

Lacking management authority over international operations and not being a board member, coupled with his father's constant doubts, meant that approaching Mr. Baraikin officially would be seen as improper. He needed to secure this cooperation to join the board. His father had voted against his board entry because Shen Haoming had a child out of wedlock and insisted on raising Haochen, which caused a significant disagreement. Since then, his father had lost trust in him.

Xu Yan asked about Haochen's biological mother. Shen Haoming revealed that he had broken up with Fang Yu two months before she discovered her pregnancy. On a rainy day, she came to him, pregnant with his child, but stated she didn't want him to be responsible. Tragically, shortly after Haochen's birth, Fang Yu went diving with friends, encountered an ocean current, and passed away. DNA tests confirmed Haochen was his child, so he brought him home.

His father, fearing the situation would disrupt the family, had them announce Haochen as Shen Haoming's younger brother. Xu Yan then gently guided him, suggesting that his father's strictness and distrust might stem from a desire to protect him in a large corporation where even minor mistakes are magnified. She emphasized that distrust does not equate to indifference. Shen Haoming appreciated her comforting words but, still fixated on his goal, pressed her to reveal who had invested in her.

Xu Yan firmly reminded him that their relationship was strictly professional and he had no right to inquire about her private affairs, telling him to focus on tomorrow's plans. The next day, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming accompanied the Baraikins to a folk culture fair. While they were enjoying cultural experiences, including making zongzi, Steve was attempting to sabotage their plans. He climbed a tree to secretly take photos but accidentally inhaled pesticide, causing him to become disoriented and fall.

Later, Shen Haoming offered to draw Xu Yan's eyebrows, referencing the ancient practice of "Zhang Chang drawing eyebrows" as a sign of intimate love between a husband and wife. With the Baraikins present, Xu Yan, though initially shy, agreed to the demonstration for the sake of their mission, feeling a genuine flutter in her heart as Shen Haoming meticulously drew her eyebrows.

The Baraikins were delighted by their apparent affection, with Mrs. Baraikin remarking that seeing them reminded her of her own early marriage and their lovely connection. Xu Yan also shared about her ethnic-inspired fashion brand, Yan Studio, which she co-founded with her sister and friends, even gifting Mrs. Baraikin a sample dress.

Mrs. Baraikin was impressed by Xu Yan's kindness and enthusiasm, and the couples discovered that Mr. Baraikin was also in real estate, but they agreed not to discuss work during their vacation. Later, Steve was overheard on the phone confirming that Shen Haoming and Xu Yan were in a divorce cooling-off period and would divorce soon. He now knew what to do.

Back in their room, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming discussed the spy they believed was hiding in their wardrobe earlier. Shen Haoming identified him as a corporate spy, deciding not to confront him directly to avoid alerting him and risking sabotage. Instead, they would "go with it for now" and use the situation to their advantage.

As they enjoyed afternoon tea at the cultural street, a disheveled Steve, covered in mud, suddenly appeared, claiming he'd had an accident because the place wasn't "welcoming to singles." He brought gifts for the Baraikins, subtly introducing Shen Haoming as "the heir apparent of Jinda, the leading construction group." He then directly questioned Shen Haoming about rumors of his divorce and Xu Yan's live streaming activities.

Xu Yan explained that she had initially quit her job as a financial news anchor to start a business, tried live streaming for market research, and then founded Yan Studio after realizing it wasn't the right fit. Undeterred, Steve continued his attempt to expose them by pointing out a pillow and blanket on the living room sofa, as well as separately kept toiletries in their hotel room, suggesting they were not sharing a bed.

Shen Haoming quickly explained that it was a consequence of a "splashing game" they had played the previous night, where Xu Yan, annoyed by his lack of teamwork, had jokingly "taken away his chance to share a bed with her." When Steve demanded to see their bedroom as proof, Shen Haoming and Xu Yan were prepared.

They led the Baraikins into a room beautifully decorated with flowers and candles, creating the illusion of a romantic surprise Shen Haoming had prepared for Xu Yan, deflecting Steve's suspicions. Xu Yan was deeply annoyed by Steve's hurtful words and persistent questioning, but she maintained her composure. During dinner, Steve again brought up the topic, asking why Xu Yan was not wearing a wedding ring, which caught the Baraikins' attention.

Seeing no other option, Shen Haoming bravely improvised, admitting that their marriage had indeed faced some problems, and this vacation was his "trip of reconciliation." He expressed his immaturity and how he had deeply hurt Xu Yan, causing a rift between them and leading to a silent treatment period.

He then recounted how he had come to realize Xu Yan's importance in his life, recalling her unwavering support during his career struggles, her courage in shielding him from harm, and her loving care for his parents and brother when he was preoccupied with work. With the Baraikins as witnesses, Shen Haoming pulled out a wedding ring he had carried throughout the trip and, on one knee, earnestly asked Xu Yan for her forgiveness and another chance.

Xu Yan was genuinely moved by his sincere plea. Steve, still trying to cast doubt, suggested that a truly reconciled couple should share a kiss. Shen Haoming and Xu Yan immediately shared a heartfelt kiss, silencing Steve. Mr. Baraikin offered some sage advice, reminding them that couples often argue but should never let misunderstandings truly separate them, urging them not to let the past affect their future.

He expressed his admiration for Shen Haoming's composure and patience, especially in never mentioning work matters throughout the vacation. Mr. Baraikin then stated that he was open to hearing about Shen Haoming's intentions and would consider adding Jinda Group to his list of potential partners, acknowledging Jinda as an excellent real estate company. He promised to await Shen Haoming's call and to host him generously should he visit Russia, and expected the same in return.

After the Baraikins departed, Shen Haoming instinctively reached for Xu Yan's hand. Xu Yan pulled away, stating clearly that her task was complete and their contract had ended. Shen Haoming awkwardly apologized, explaining he had grown accustomed to holding her hand. Xu Yan insisted he could break the habit, but Shen Haoming still offered to take her home.

Episode 21 Recap

Shen Haoming drove Xu Yan home, remarking that their last vacation together had been their honeymoon, a comment that touched Xu Yan. To avoid upsetting him further, Xu Yan informed him that Jiang Liang was the investor for Yan Studio. Shen Haoming immediately reacted childishly, slandering Jiang Liang as a good-for-nothing who relied on his sister. Xu Yan countered, stating that Jiang Liang's advice had been quite practical and he was not as clueless as Shen Haoming claimed.

Shen Haoming, angered, demanded to know why Xu Yan hadn't informed him about seeking investors a month prior, especially when she met Jiang Liang at the cafe. Xu Yan retorted that she was no longer his concern and questioned why she should tell him anything, reminding him that Qiao Lin had already mentioned her search for sponsorship, yet he hadn't paid attention then.

The argument escalated as Shen Haoming brought up an old social media post where Xu Yan had praised her grandmother's osmanthus jam, implying he had bought it because of her words. Xu Yan, now equally combative, fired back with a torrent of revelations. She admitted that her fever during their first interview was real, but her fainting was faked.

She revealed that the band-aid he thought he gave her was actually from Secretary Chen, and she had silently accepted his assumption. She also mocked his online post about osmanthus jam as "melodramatic rambling." Xu Yan further criticized his fashion choices, from his "old-fashioned" suits to his "slicked-back hair," and questioned why he wore glasses if he wasn't nearsighted, accusing him of feigning an "old money" aesthetic. Shen Haoming, enraged by her words, slammed his glasses onto the dashboard.

He then retaliated by criticizing her cooking and her taste, claiming he had forced himself to eat her food and accept her "tacky and tasteless" gifts. Xu Yan, unfazed, admitted she was "used to" receiving men's gifts, implying numerous past relationships. When Shen Haoming pressed her for a number, she sarcastically added "a zero" to his assertion of "one," implying ten past partners.

Furious, Shen Haoming pulled the car over, and Xu Yan got out, declaring their divorce was set for the 8th of the month. After the heated exchange, Xu Yan found solace and purpose in her flourishing work. She video-called her Grandma, proudly showcasing her expanded Yan Studio and introducing her enthusiastic team, including designer Yao and model Guan.

Her Grandma offered heartfelt encouragement, reminding her that striving for success wasn't solely about money but also about cultivating inner confidence and a positive spirit. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming was plagued by the impending divorce on the 8th. His son, Shen Haochen, noticed his father's despondency and urged him to swallow his pride, apologize to Xu Yan, and win her back, emphasizing that rejection was not a failure.

Though initially dismissive, Shen Haoming later found himself pondering his son’s advice, lamenting his own foolishness. He then reached out to Xu Yan via text message, inviting her to dinner with Mr. Baraikin, but she declined, citing her busy schedule. He then told her the payment for her work would be wired to her account.

A revelation unfolded at Jinda Group when Shen Haoming's father discovered that the strategically important 120-mu plot for Project 018 had been purchased a decade ago by his son. Shen Haoming explained his foresight, detailing how his studies of urban design and planning led him to predict the area's development into a new high-speed rail district, an insight the company had missed. He revealed he had secured funding from college classmates by helping them earn profits through short-term futures.

When asked for his terms to transfer the land, Shen Haoming offered it unconditionally to the group. He then sincerely apologized to his father for the past troubles regarding Shen Haochen and expressed deep gratitude for his parents' unwavering love and tolerance.

Moved by his son's newfound maturity, Shen Haoming's father promised him a seat on the board if he successfully forged a partnership with Mr. Baraikin and expanded Jinda's overseas market, cautioning him about the increased scrutiny such a position would bring. Shen Haoming humbly expressed that his father's trust was more important to him than a board seat. Elsewhere, Yan Studio continued to thrive, with Jiang Liang personally visiting to inspect their progress.

Xu Yan and her team conducted interviews for new positions, welcoming Meng Zhao, Zhao Kehuan, and Qu Xiaowan, a former 4A agency planner who impressed them with her eagerness and focus on opportunity over salary. Shen Haoming became increasingly desperate to avoid the divorce. When Xu Yan called to confirm their appointment at the Civil Affairs Bureau on the 8th, he lied, claiming to be on a business trip in Russia to capitalize on a successful meeting with Mr. Baraikin.

Suspicious, Xu Yan called Secretary Chen, who initially corroborated the lie by saying Shen Haoming was in Moscow, then changed his story to Alexandria. Xu Yan exposed his lie by pointing out that Alexandria is in Egypt, not Russia. When confronted at Jinda, Shen Haoming feigned sudden heart problems, complaining of chest tightness and palpitations.

Despite seeing through his act, Xu Yan accompanied him to the hospital, where he prolonged their stay by requesting comprehensive examinations across multiple departments, including cardiology, ENT, and ophthalmology, to waste time. They finally rushed to the Civil Affairs Bureau, but Shen Haoming further delayed them by lingering in the men's restroom, causing them to miss the closing time.

The staff informed them that their previous divorce application had been automatically voided due to missing the deadline, requiring them to reapply and return on the 8th of the following month. Xu Yan stormed off in frustration, while Shen Haoming secretly shook the staff's hand in relief. Meanwhile, Jiang Liang took Xu Yan to a private film museum.

He shared his childhood passion for movies, instilled by his mother, and his initial dream of becoming a director before being persuaded to study finance. He revealed that after his parents' deaths and his sister's busy schedule, collecting film memorabilia became his way of coping. He then confessed to Xu Yan that he had missed his "leading lady" as a director but found his "one-in-a-lifetime partner" in her, as a businessman.

Xu Yan, in turn, shared her childhood aspiration of becoming a news anchor, noting their shared dreams. They took photos on a replica scooter from "Roman Holiday," discussing the film's bittersweet ending. Xu Yan expressed her dislike for the tragic conclusion, reflecting on the adult realities that often prevent loving couples from staying together. Jiang Liang then shared a poignant quote from the movie, "Life isn't always what one likes."

Their moment was interrupted by Meiru, who appeared and directly challenged Jiang Liang, accusing him of having previously misled her with a prop bike that wouldn't start. After Meiru left, Xu Yan calmly acknowledged Jiang Liang's "mentorship" style with women. Jiang Liang, eager to impress Xu Yan, highlighted their matching outfits, suggesting a deeper connection. Later, at a bar, Fang Lei approached a drinking Shen Haoming.

She maliciously gossiped about Xu Yan and Jiang Liang, calling Jiang Liang a "ladies' man who never commits" now "completely infatuated" with Xu Yan, and implying Xu Yan was desperately seeking a new partner. Shen Haoming defended Xu Yan, reminding Fang Lei that Xu Yan was still his wife and to watch her words. Enraged by his defense, Fang Lei accused him of being "used to" being "cheated on," then dramatically splashed water in his face. Seeing his angry gaze, she smiled, finding satisfaction in finally getting his attention and goading him to hit her.

Episode 22 Recap

Jiang Liang persistently tried to explain to Xu Yan that his actions were merely out of concern for other girls, encouraging them to be positive. Realizing his words might sound insincere, he quickly tried to salvage his image, stating that he had not yet met someone he truly loved and would treat such a person with genuine sincerity.

Xu Yan understood his intentions and thanked him for sharing his cinematic dreams that day, remarking that he seemed far from a lonely person. However, in her mind, Jiang Liang remained an excellent investor, and she wished no other sentiments to compromise that positive professional relationship, suggesting they stick to discussing work. Jiang Liang agreed, accepting her subtle rejection. Meanwhile, Shen Haoming had been secretly observing them, filled with jealousy.

As Xu Yan prepared to leave, he stepped forward to assert his claim on her in front of Jiang Liang, but Xu Yan, unlike before, simply walked away, leaving the two men to their unspoken rivalry. Shen Haoming hurried to catch up with Xu Yan in the elevator, repeatedly pressing the buttons. He expressed his joy at hearing her reject Jiang Liang, noting that she also mentioned their own problems could be resolved.

Xu Yan calmly clarified that the only resolution she sought was divorce. She assured Shen Haoming that she would minimize public fallout, fulfilling her promise to his parents, and requested his cooperation for a smooth divorce process next month. When Shen Haoming subtly placed his foot in the elevator door, Xu Yan kicked it away without hesitation, telling him not to obstruct public resources.

Later, Qiao Lin found Xu Yan and asked her to reconsider her relationship with Shen Haoming, as she had seen Xu Yan return with Jiang Liang. Xu Yan dismissed any romantic interest in Jiang Liang, stating it was purely a work relationship. When pressed about Shen Haoming, Xu Yan reiterated that their marriage had started without true love and was merely a matter of mutual benefit, so parting ways was the best choice.

She insisted her entire focus was on work, with no time for other thoughts. Qiao Lin, sensing Xu Yan was avoiding the topic, urged her to think clearly about her feelings before making any decisions. Despite her firm words, Xu Yan found memories of Shen Haoming, including a flashback of him expressing his genuine love and regret with a ring, constantly replaying in her mind.

Separately, Fang Lei, consumed by her unrequited love for Shen Haoming, had resorted to daily drinking. Han Weiping, seeing her distress, advised her to prioritize self-love, urging her to become an independent woman with her own career and the courage to leave when necessary. Fang Lei, however, declared she would rather remain single forever if she couldn't be with Shen Haoming.

Han Weiping, frustrated, tried to offer her an alternative vision of a shared independent old age in a nursing home, which Fang Lei rejected angrily. Then, Han Weiping suggested a dark path, asking if Fang Lei would be interested in helping to ruin Shen Haoming, to which Fang Lei questioned the motive. Han Weiping replied it was because of Fang Lei, as he didn't want her to sink deeper into the abyss.

At Yan Studio, Xu Yan convened a meeting with her partners. Reviewing the successful initial videos, she proposed moving to the ready-to-wear production phase. Acknowledging that five Chinese brocade pieces had garnered the most positive attention, Xu Yan explained the challenge: the fabric was handwoven by ethnic minorities, exquisite but with extremely low output.

She proposed a small-batch, high-quality, pre-sale strategy to prioritize reputation and financial security in their initial phase, suggesting they could leverage the difficulty of brocade production as a unique selling point in online promotions. She set a goal of 100 pieces for each of the five styles. The team discussed online marketing tactics, including reward-based activities and collaborating with influencers and bloggers to generate traffic and extend production time.

Jiang Liang met with his sister, who confronted him about constantly helping "female friends," especially Xu Yan, given that their companies were negotiating a partnership that could be jeopardized. Jiang Liang, unfazed, openly stated his intention to help Xu Yan, disregarding his sister's concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Meanwhile, Shen Haochen's equestrian coach recommended him for an upcoming championship. Shen Haochen, excited, insisted his "sister-in-law" Xu Yan handled all his affairs and asked his coach to contact her.

Later, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming attended a meeting with the coach. Xu Yan confirmed her support for Shen Haochen's equestrian dreams and raised concerns about his current horse being too small for jumping, ensuring the coach would make necessary adjustments. Afterward, Xu Yan made an excuse about an unfinished meeting and left promptly, despite Shen Haochen's attempt to keep her there.

Shen Haochen expressed his frustration to Shen Haoming, urging his older brother to apologize to Xu Yan for his mistakes. Yu Lan, Shen Haoming's mother, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Xu Yan's sincere love for their family and Shen Haochen. She reminded Shen Haoming how deeply Xu Yan cared for them all, especially him, and how she admired Xu Yan's resilience and determination.

Yu Lan regretted her initial harsh treatment of Xu Yan and now desperately wanted her to return as the Shen family's hostess. She implored Shen Haoming to do whatever it took to win Xu Yan back, reminding him that he had never intended to let her go when they married. Separately, Lin Tao witnessed Yu Yiming comforting a female colleague, who had just experienced the death of her first patient as a resident doctor.

Misinterpreting their interaction as intimate, Lin Tao secretly took photos and sent them to Qiao Lin, describing Yu Yiming as a "scumbag" and a "male coquette" who was insincere. Qiao Lin, however, dismissed Lin Tao's accusations, affirming her trust in Yu Yiming's character. Lin Tao, still clinging to his belief that Qiao Lin was his fiancée, even offered to be her personal punching bag.

Qiao Lin firmly explained to Lin Tao that their relationship was over, that they were incompatible, and that she was now happy with her sister and startup team. She wished him well and urged him to move on with his own life. Shen Haoming's assistant then offered his perspective, asserting that Xu Yan's recent successes and willingness to help him with the Bailaijin couple indicated she still cared deeply for him, seeing her desire for divorce as merely "anger talking."

The assistant suggested an "indirect strategy" to win Xu Yan back: enlisting the help of her friends. Shen Haoming, recalling that Xu Yan had a male friend, considered this. Haunted by Lin Tao's accusations and her own insecurities, Qiao Lin confronted Yu Yiming. She confessed her feelings for him but also acknowledged the "real differences" in their social standing and careers, mentioning the female colleague as a "more suitable" match. She offered to step aside if he preferred someone else.

Yu Yiming quickly explained that the colleague was distressed after losing her first patient and that he was merely comforting her. He assured Qiao Lin there was nothing more than a professional relationship. Although Qiao Lin trusted him, she expressed lingering doubts about their "real problems" and proposed a week-long separation to think things through. Yu Yiming, distressed, tried to stop her, but Qiao Lin left, fearing to hear more.

Seeing Qiao Lin's unhappiness, Xu Yan advised her to confront love directly, explaining that all emotions, including "bitterness, insecurity, pride, and pain," were part of it, and that avoiding them would only cause internal turmoil. Qiao Lin agreed to reflect on her feelings. Later, Yu Yiming arrived at Yan Studio with flowers, asking about Qiao Lin. Xu Yan reassured him that Qiao Lin was not avoiding him but was busy with makeup classes and upcoming exams.

She reiterated Qiao Lin's concerns about their differences and urged Yu Yiming to also calm down and think if he could truly accept her. Yu Yiming understood and promised to wait patiently for Qiao Lin, entrusting Xu Yan to give her the flowers. Finally, Shen Haoming contacted Yu Yiming, and they met. Shen Haoming directly asked if Yu Yiming still liked Xu Yan.

Yu Yiming clarified that his past feelings for Xu Yan were from many years ago, and while he had a soft spot, he was now with Qiao Lin. Shen Haoming then revealed his current predicament: he was in a "divorce cooling-off period," similar to Yu Yiming's "breakup cooling-off period" with Qiao Lin. They realized their shared struggles in love.

Yu Yiming reminisced about Xu Yan's radiant happiness when she told him she was married, while Shen Haoming confessed he had always loved Xu Yan but was now lost on how to win her back, though he was determined not to let go. Yu Yiming, recognizing Shen Haoming's emotional blindness, acknowledged his own similar flaw in taking so long to realize his feelings for Qiao Lin.

They agreed to form an alliance, becoming "love-chasing buddies," to support each other in winning back the two sisters they loved. They toasted to their new partnership, calling each other "brother-in-law."

Episode 23 Recap

Yan Studio finally received good news and is proceeding in full swing. Xu Yan received a call from Teacher Shen Haochen, who said that there would be a parent-teacher conference next week and invited her to the school. Xu Yan agreed without hesitation. Shen Haoming was currently discussing with Yu Yiming how to pursue a girlfriend, and even delving into the magical emotion of love from a philosophical perspective. Shen Haoming received a call from Xu Yan.

Xu Yan asked him to attend the parent-teacher conference. Shen Haoming originally wanted to text her that he would be free tomorrow. Yu Yiming assisted from the side, quickly stopping Shen Haoming, thinking that he could take this opportunity to visit her and talk, which would increase the chances of them meeting. Why not? Shen Haoming suddenly saw the light and hurried to Xu Yan's place.

His attitude was more pleasing than before, and his tone of voice had also become gentler. Xu Yan asked Shen Haoming to go to the parent-teacher conference with her. Shen Haoming readily agreed, pretending his phone had no network, he looked around for WiFi, taking the opportunity to look for any signs of a man in Xu Yan's house. Xu Yan thought Shen Haoming was very strange, but seeing his little tricks, she couldn't help but not expose him.

The two of them stayed like that for a long time, with a tacit understanding. Shen Haoming originally wanted to eat, but Xu Yan was about to see him off. Shen Haoming heard the doorbell ring and felt like a savior had arrived. He opened the door and saw Qiao Lin, shamelessly called her "Sister," and acted as the man of the house, serving drinks to entertain the guest.

Shen Haoming originally wanted to blend in with Xu Yan's good sisters, hoping to learn more about Xu Yan, but unexpectedly, he was subtly and openly mocked by those friends. They also said that men are inherently perverse: when they like someone, they insist on driving them away, but now that they don't like them, they shamelessly cling on here. Hearing these words, Shen Haoming immediately felt a bit embarrassed. Xu Yan saved his face.

Shen Haoming went to drink with Yu Yiming, and drank more and more. Yu Yiming told Shen Haoming that one must be able to endure some setbacks, and although being criticized is upsetting, what they said was also true. Xu Yan watched Shen Haoming's assistant try to move her with those photos. Xu Yan was no longer her former self. Although she knew Shen Haoming had tried to find her countless times, at the moment, she said nothing about forgiveness.

Jiang Liang received a call from Shen Haoming while moving. Jiang Liang was happy that although Shen Haoming now had connections and resources, his wife no longer belonged to him. Shen Haoming told Jiang Liang that he was not divorced yet and was deluding himself by trying to poach her. Jiang Liang felt that Xu Yan was someone he had watched grow step by step. Shen Haoming clearly stated that he could give Xu Yan the future she wanted.

Steve found another partner to find a way to prove that the relationship between Shen Haoming and Xu Yan had broken down and they were getting divorced. If that didn't work, they would target Yan Studio. Qiao Lin saw Shen Haoming come to ask her to put in a good word for him, but she said that when it came to matters of the heart, even the closest people couldn't speak on behalf of others.

Seeing that Qiao Lin was unyielding, Shen Haoming brought up Yu Yiming. Qiao Lin quickly surrendered and quietly revealed that Xu Yan would be working overtime tomorrow, but Jiang Liang would also be at the company. Shen Haoming's expression instantly changed, but the next day, he still shamelessly went to the company. Xu Yan was having a meeting with Jiang Liang. Shen Haoming listened in.

He clearly noticed that Xu Yan had grown very quickly, but he looked down on Jiang Liang and sharply pointed out that Jiang Liang would not sign a permanent agreement with Xu Yan. Shen Haoming told Xu Yan that once caught in a capital trap, she would have to constantly expand branches, in which case the product quality would not be guaranteed at all, and eventually, the product's reputation would be damaged.

Xu Yan also felt that Shen Haoming was very right and that she should keep the initiative in her own hands, rather than letting capitalists control it. Shen Haoming felt that Xu Yan should focus more on researching the core of the product and create a unique personality for her products, making them one-of-a-kind. Through Shen Haoming's explanation, Jiang Liang also felt there was some truth to it. Xu Yan saw the tense atmosphere and felt like slipping away.

Yu Yiming bought Qiao Lin many daily necessities, and Qiao Lin was quietly touched in her heart. Yu Yiming asked Qiao Lin if she had thought clearly about whether they should be together or not. Qiao Lin said she wanted Yu Yiming to think carefully, but Yu Yiming directly made a straightforward confession, which made Qiao Lin feel like it was a proposal, and the two finally got together.

Episode 24 Recap

Qiao Lin was wearing handmade clothes from their shop. Xu Yan picked up her phone to call her grandma, wanting her to see their achievements. Xu Yan felt that every stitch and thread on the clothes had a rich history, and her grandma would surely understand it. Her grandma was very happy to see her two granddaughters showcasing their achievements. Xu Yan and Qiao Lin didn't expect to hear trendy new memes from their grandma.

Xu Yan told Qiao Lin that every time she called, her grandma would answer in one second, hoping they could succeed in their business venture and own a small house of their own to bring her over. The car carrying Xu Yan's clothes broke down on the road, so she quickly called her friends. Shen Haoming happened to be passing by the company, heard about it, and immediately drove a car to pick up Xu Yan.

He also took the initiative to humble himself and help the driver unload the goods. Xu Yan saw Shen Haoming's change and felt a warmth in her heart. Seeing how hard Shen Haoming was working, she suddenly felt that he was still a reliable person and that she hadn't misjudged him. However, she didn't show anything on the surface; instead, she proactively offered Shen Haoming some water.

When Shen Haoming heard Xu Yan teasing him, he quickly explained that the company had a team-building event, which was why he had time to come. Xu Yan expressed that she didn't want to rely on Shen Haoming's profound reputation and fame to solidify her position. Now that she could finally stand on her own, she didn't want to depend on others, nor did she want to put on the shackles she wore before.

Shen Haoming felt a little uncomfortable when he heard Xu Yan tell him not to target Jiang Liang, but when he heard Xu Yan say that Jiang Liang's concerns weren't entirely wrong, Shen Haoming expressed willingness to get along peacefully with Jiang Liang. Shen Haoming fell asleep from exhaustion, lying on Xu Yan. Xu Yan initially wanted to push Shen Haoming away, but seeing how tired he looked, she didn't continue her action.

Yan Studio's finished clothes finally arrived at the company. They were about to open for business, but found that the quality of these ready-made garments was completely different from what they had been told. Moreover, many bloggers online were attacking and slandering Yan Studio. Xu Yan suddenly realized that the customer returns incident seemed to be escalating, as if someone was behind it. Jiang Liang also learned about this matter.

When Xu Yan heard Jiang Liang tell her to boldly move forward and that he would handle any financial needs, she felt an ache in her heart, yet also a warmth, feeling that Jiang Liang was a particularly righteous person. Xu Yan stated that personal relationships are personal relationships, and business is business; they must be kept separate, so she didn't want Jiang Liang to clean up the mess again.

Xu Yan felt that at least this incident wasn't a bad thing; it allowed her to see her investors clearly. Jiang Liang said he truly envied Xu Yan for being able to meet such good investors. Xu Yan replied that it was because she herself was good that she would meet better people. Xu Yan returned to the company and found everyone downcast. She encouraged everyone to unite, allow netizens to speak boldly, and accept accusations and comments.

Xu Yan stated that they must start the production of the third batch of finished products. Qiao Lin saw Mr. Zhang say he wanted to settle the final payment in advance, feeling a bit like 'killing the donkey after it's done grinding'. Qiao Lin heard her friend say they should tell Xu Yan about today's matter, but out of concern for her sister, she asked her friend not to mention it for now.

Steve approached Xu Yan, saying that there must be a reason behind Yan Studio having so many problems. He then asked Xu Yan to claim that she and Shen Haoming had a marital breakdown, stating that the resort business deal was still valid and even offered a high price. It was then that Xu Yan remembered Jiang Liang saying that someone must be instigating this matter, and Xu Yan felt it was related to Steve.

Shen Haoming heard from his assistant that Steve had contacted Xu Yan, and Shen Haoming firmly believed that Xu Yan would not betray him. Lin Tao came to visit Qiao Lin and Xu Yan and suddenly saw the investor yelling at Qiao Lin. He immediately used his professional financial expertise to audit the accounts for this person. Qiao Lin saw Lin Tao working overtime to manage the finances and felt that he seemed to have changed a lot.

Shen Haoming received Bajinlai's wife. Bajinlai's wife, knowing that Xu Yan was in difficulty, proactively offered her assistance. It truly was a case of 'when it rains, it pours'. Just as problems arose with Xu Yan's clothes, suppliers started coming in twos and threes to demand final payments, claiming that the company's assets had been frozen and urging them to return their money immediately. Xu Yan realized that these people had an agenda and were forcefully pressuring them, but she couldn't just let them walk away easily, or else future business would be impossible.

Episode 25 Recap

Xu Yan faced her cooperative partners, whose demeanor suggested they were relishing Yan Studio's difficulties. She knew they were aware of the quality and sales success of Yan Studio's first batch of garments, yet they were causing a scene, feigning innocence. She directly addressed them, acknowledging the damaging rumors but asserting they were deliberate smears. She reminded them of their previous collaboration and the quality of their products.

Since they were so concerned about their own interests, she declared that Yan Studio's future would no longer concern them. She gave them a minute to decide: if they wished to continue, they could return, and she would process final payments according to their contracts; otherwise, she would pay them immediately. At that moment, Sophia, Baraikin's wife, arrived at Yan Studio, greeting Xu Yan warmly.

Sophia explained she was in town representing Moscow for a Sino-Russian cultural exchange and had come to visit Yan Studio, whose dresses she adored, and especially to see Xu Yan. She complimented the partners, noting their excellent judgment in choosing to collaborate with such a sophisticated and visionary brand. She shared that Chinese-inspired dresses were a new trend in Russia and asked if international expansion was part of Yan Studio's plans, offering her assistance if needed.

Sophia also needed a gown for a high-end banquet and asked Xu Yan to help her pick one from the latest collection. After Xu Yan went to help Sophia, Shen Haoming joined the remaining partners. They immediately changed their tune, praising him and his father as role models. They subtly inquired about Sophia, and Shen Haoming explained she was the wife of a Russian real estate tycoon and Xu Yan’s close friend, highly optimistic about Yan Studio’s potential.

He hinted that Yan Studio could become an officially recognized company for cultural promotion, leading to an abundance of orders. Shen Haoming then stated his wife was facing business challenges and asked the partners to look out for her. The partners, eager to align with the influential Shen, pledged their unwavering support and loyalty to Yan Studio and Xu Yan.

Later, Sophia, delighted with the dress Xu Yan helped her choose, asked if Xu Yan was in trouble, revealing that Shen Haoming had told her about the difficulties. Sophia expressed her strong belief in Xu Yan, recalling her passion for her career at Yanbo Resort and assuring her that no challenge would defeat her. Deeply moved, Xu Yan told Sophia that her words were the most comforting and empowering she had heard recently, promising to overcome the crisis.

Sophia also mentioned her husband's company was undergoing a three-month evaluation for a partnership, and Shen Haoming's company was on their shortlist. When Shen Haoming later approached Xu Yan, he acknowledged being aware of Yan Studio's challenges and following them online. Xu Yan playfully asked if he intended to lend her money. Shen Haoming clarified that while he wouldn't undermine her principles, he couldn't stand idly by.

He then showed her information about the Qinglan Cup Fashion Design Competition, suggesting it could help her company. Xu Yan recognized it as a highly influential competition. Shen Haoming explained that winning an award would bring professional recognition and a platform to advocate for authentic brocade and Yan Studio's philosophy, proving that intangible heritage is truly worthwhile. Although registration had closed, he had already signed her up, asking her to submit the necessary documents and photos.

When he asked if she felt he had overstepped, Xu Yan thanked him, accepting his favor. Xu Yan gathered her team, announcing a new strategy: half the team would focus on sales of the second batch of ready-to-wear clothing, while the other half, led by designer Lu Baoyao, would fully support the Qinglan Cup preparations.

Lu Baoyao presented her design concept, emphasizing pure handmade Su embroidery and showcasing sketches, including a piece titled "Flames" using contrasting white and red hues to convey elegance and attraction. She also detailed the strict requirements for competition photographs to highlight craftsmanship. The team praised the designs for flawlessly blending traditional Chinese style with modern fashion and intricate detailing. Observing Lu Baoyao’s emotional response to her own work, Xu Yan joked about her being moved by her designs.

Meanwhile, a staff member informed Xu Yan of an accounting irregularity, explaining that the former CFO, Mr. Dong, had vanished, leaving them unable to proceed. The staff member suggested seeking help from Lin Tao, who had previously assisted Mr. Dong and quickly resolved accounting issues. Xu Yan agreed. Later, Xu Yan discussed with Qiao Lin the ongoing difficulty of finding a new CFO and the assistant's overwhelming workload. She proposed Lin Tao temporarily fill the position.

Qiao Lin readily agreed, prioritizing the company's needs. Xu Yan assured Qiao Lin that she wasn't concerned about her feelings and would explain the situation to Yu Yiming. Xu Yan then formally offered Lin Tao the vacant CFO position, commending his understanding of the company's finances and strong skills, as admired by the assistant. She mentioned a three-month probation period and offered him to start the next day.

Lin Tao, surprised but grateful, accepted, confessing he had lost his banking job and didn't want to return home and upset his parents, hoping to find new employment in Jingzhou first. Xu Yan welcomed him to the team, and he promised to manage finances diligently, allowing them to focus on expansion without worries. Yan Studio's eligibility for the Qinglan Cup was suddenly canceled, with the organizer citing their "controversial" public image as a negative influence on the competition.

Xu Yan and her team went to the organizer's office to appeal, but were told that reinstating their eligibility was beyond the staff's authority. Their attempts to re-explain their situation and assure the quality of their clothing were met with the argument that explanations weren't enough, and public disputes would harm the competition's image. The staff advised them to focus on public relations rather than troubling the organizers.

Outside the office, the team was furious, but Xu Yan urged them to find another solution, emphasizing that participating in the competition was crucial. Qiao Lin informed Shen Haoming about the disqualification, prompting him to rethink his previous decision to avoid media attention. He instructed his assistant to schedule an interview with Sun Siwei, a move he had initially declined.

In the interview, Shen Haoming clarified that he was not making exceptions for anyone but felt compelled to speak due to his wife's situation. He explained that while being low-key was generally good, being overly so had left Yan Studio vulnerable to malicious individuals who used cheap knockoffs to tarnish Xu Yan’s reputation.

When Sun Siwei brought up influencers' comparisons that suggested no difference between Yan Studio's high-priced items and the cheaper counterfeits, Shen Haoming drew a parallel to Jinda Group's properties, which, despite not engaging in price wars, used national standard materials to ensure long-term value. He asserted that Yan Studio, like Jinda, insisted on handmade brocade to convey cultural value, not to exploit consumers, dismissing the influencers' claims as nonsense and cyberbullying.

He concluded by saying that Xu Yan's vision was clear, and he learned from her perseverance, praising her for dedicating herself to creating handmade textiles and providing job opportunities for rural women, enabling family reunions and reducing the number of left-behind children. He called her a meaningful entrepreneur, his role model, and his pride. Later, Steve, seeing the shift in public opinion, was annoyed by the negative comments now circulating about him online.

Meanwhile, Xu Yan's team celebrated as Shen Haoming's interview went viral, causing a surge in followers, video traffic, and orders, with many previous cancellations being reversed. The news of Sophia wearing a Yan Studio dress to a banquet also trended, generating supportive comments that distinguished their craftsmanship from knockoffs. Xu Yan declared they could no longer make compromises and decided to actively fight back against those behind the scenes using social media.

During a live stream, Yan Studio's streamer, Guan, introduced Lu Baoyao, who shared her personal story as an Yi girl raised with traditional embroidery, where elders crafted garments filled with love and hope for every milestone. Lu Baoyao highlighted how Yan Studio helped bring this craft out of the mountains, transforming "finger-tip skills into finger-tip economy." Guan emphasized that their handcrafted brocade, produced by three villages, was vastly different from mass-produced counterfeits.

They firmly stated that despite defamation, they would continue to integrate intangible ethnic culture into modern life and strive to showcase their work at the Qinglan Cup. They formally declared war on those maliciously creating negative narratives, vowing to use legal action to defend their rights and calling for public support. Soon after, Xu Yan received a call from the Qinglan Cup organizing committee, informing her that due to numerous public requests, Yan Studio's eligibility had been reinstated.

Baraikin met with Shen Haoming, expressing his decision to partner with Jinda Group. He explained that he valued not only a partner's commercial strength but also their character and attitude towards family. He was particularly moved by Shen Haoming's wise management of his marriage and Xu Yan's relentless drive. He confirmed his satisfaction with Jinda’s strength and sincerity and asked Shen Haoming to maintain their performance during the evaluation period.

He also complimented Xu Yan's aesthetic sense, mentioning that the gown she provided to Sophia had put her in the spotlight. Lin Tao, now working at Yan Studio, encountered Yu Yiming, who was waiting for Qiao Lin. Lin Tao quickly explained his temporary role as accountant and assured Yu Yiming he had truly moved on from Qiao Lin, offering to be hit if it would provide Yu Yiming any satisfaction.

Yu Yiming acknowledged that Qiao Lin had already explained the situation and, shaking Lin Tao's hand, expressed hope that he would contribute to Yan Studio and keep his word. Later, Qiao Lin thanked Yu Yiming for clarifying things with Lin Tao, easing her mind, and he subtly corrected her, saying he did it for her.

Xu Yan then focused on the upcoming Qinglan Cup, expressing her determination to reach the finals and secure a top-eight position, which would grant them the opportunity to showcase their work on the main stage with elaborate aesthetics, reaching a wider audience. She also set an ambitious goal of winning a gold award.

During a rehearsal, while Shen Haoming affirmed that the staging, music, and rhythm were all perfectly adjusted, Xu Yan felt that something was still missing, a lack of emotional impact. Shen Haoming probed her, asking what truly moved her when she started Yan Studio. Inspired, Xu Yan recalled Lu Baoyao’s story of Yi girls receiving handmade garments from their elders, imbued with love.

Shen Haoming agreed that this raw emotion would resonate deeply with the judges, as all finalists would possess technical perfection. Xu Yan, now with renewed clarity, declared that their show would embody "inheritance and nurturing"—a "bloodline that connects craftsmanship and people," passed down through generations. She immediately called Qiao Lin, asking her to gather the team for a late-night meeting to adjust their presentation plan.

Yan Studio achieved excellent results in the competition, winning the "Most Commercial Value Award" and experiencing a significant boost in reputation and sales. At a celebratory event, Xu Yan, after thanking her team, playfully built suspense before choosing to publicly single out Jiang Liang, calling him Yan Studio's first investor and crediting him for providing courage and strength during their lowest point. Shen Haoming, who had not yet been praised, was visibly annoyed and jealous of their close interaction.

Jiang Liang responded by announcing that his company, Yuanhang, would double its investment and pledged to stand by Yan Studio through thick and thin, further sweetening the celebration with news of a lucky draw with no prize money limit. During the festivities, Shen Haoming informed Xu Yan that Ivan, a renowned Spanish designer, was impressed by Yan Studio's performance at the Qinglan Cup and wished to meet her. Xu Yan asked what they needed to prepare, and Shen Haoming suggested samples, documents, and learning some basic Spanish to show sincerity, offering to teach her some phrases like "Hola."

Episode 26 Recap

Shen Haoming angrily sought help from Yu Yiming. Yu Yiming, sitting opposite, was also taken aback to see Xu Yan and Jiang Liang chatting happily and endlessly, but he still thoughtfully comforted Shen Haoming, saying that they might be discussing work matters, so he shouldn't take it to heart. Shen Haoming watched them leaning close, their eyes almost touching, and he couldn't suppress the inexplicable anger rising within him.

Yu Yiming also felt that Jiang Liang was a bit too much. Shen Haoming was even more eager to vent his anger at Jiang Liang. Their friends also noticed something was off nearby and began to toast each other. Qiao Lin and Jiang Liang were chatting very happily again. Shen Haoming, wanting to stir up trouble, signaled Yu Yiming to look at Qiao Lin.

Yu Yiming initially stated that his girlfriend had this kind of personality and was happy when she saw people chatting cheerfully, but he also couldn't sit still and decided to take the initiative, pulling his girlfriend away. Shen Haoming tried to toast Xu Yan multiple times but was stopped. Shen Haoming felt greatly embarrassed, so he proactively toasted Xu Yan in front of everyone.

After drinking, he left angrily and complained to Yu Yiming that he would never speak to that woman again; he had helped Xu Yan so much, yet she wouldn't even toast him in return. Xu Yan complained to Qiao Lin that Shen Haoming didn't care about her at all back then, so now that they were separated, she didn't care about Shen Haoming either.

At this moment, Shen Haoming was dead drunk, holding his phone up repeatedly, indicating that he wanted Xu Yan to call him. Yu Yiming found Shen Haoming's drunken state too embarrassing. Qiao Lin watched Xu Yan's drunken and wild behavior, feeling that she couldn't control her. The next morning, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming suddenly woke up to find themselves lying in the same bed. Shen Haoming was very nervous and afraid that Xu Yan would be angry.

It turned out that both of them were drunk last night, and Yu Yiming had sent Shen Haoming to Xu Yan's home, and thus the two drunkards had ended up sleeping together after meeting. Qiao Lin and Yu Yiming were also quite shocked by them.

Xu Yan and Shen Haoming both felt extremely embarrassed hearing Yu Yiming and Qiao Lin recount what happened last night; people tend to get busiest when they are most awkward, and the two kept tidying up the room. Shen Haoming invited Xu Yan to stay for dinner. Just then, Yu Lan arrived and was very happy to see Xu Yan and Shen Haoming together. Yu Lan wanted to ask Xu Yan to participate in Shen Haochen's equestrian competition.

Xu Yan neither agreed nor refused, but left in a hurry. Yu Lan gestured for Shen Haoming to see Xu Yan off. Xu Yan told Shen Haoming that she wanted to create more traditional clothing and would definitely manage her studio better in the future. Shen Haoming invited Xu Yan to celebrate together, and also invited the Baraikins.

Xu Yan had originally planned to promote grass and wood dyeing as an intangible cultural heritage, and coincidentally, leaders from the ancient town came seeking collaboration, which perfectly suited their intentions, and an official invitation letter was issued. Qiao Lin felt that Xu Yan and her team were simply having their wishes come true. Guan came to invite the two executives to dinner, but they both rejected romance, thinking that single people were the most pitiful.

The Baraikins arrived, and Shen Haoming was waiting for Xu Yan. Steve called Xu Yan, stating that the collaboration between Jinda and them had a three-month trial period, implying that Xu Yan's husband merely wanted to use this opportunity to stabilize Xu Yan, wanting her to reconsider. After hearing this, Xu Yan felt a little disheartened.

Standing by the door, she overheard the conversation between Shen Haoming and Baraikin and felt that what Steve said seemed correct; someone like Shen Haoming, who prioritizes profit, very likely wanted to exploit her value. Shen Haoming didn't understand why Xu Yan was so cold towards him. Xu Yan told Shen Haoming that his intentions had been seen through by her.

Shen Haoming tried to explain, but Xu Yan felt she couldn't see through Shen Haoming at all in her heart, not even knowing what kind of person he truly was. Xu Yan felt that with their mutual distrust, they were simply not suitable to be husband and wife.

Episode 27 Recap

Shen Haoming appeared visibly shaken after Xu Yan's recent questioning. When his assistant, Chen Lin, complimented him, calling him kind, wise, open-minded, visionary, magnanimous, and calm in crisis, Shen Haoming felt a surge of pleasure. Chen Lin then suggested a trip to Gubei Town to relax with Shen Haochen, highlighting the town's beautiful scenery and its connection to Jinda Group's cultural tourism projects.

Upon hearing about the local folk festival, complete with a food street, handicrafts, and botanical dyeing workshops, Shen Haoming immediately decided to put aside his work and head to Gubei Town, instructing Chen Lin to handle company affairs. Meanwhile, Xu Yan’s assistant presented a paid promotion plan, which Xu Yan approved. Shortly after, Qiao Lin reminded Xu Yan about her upcoming visit to Gubei Town, which Xu Yan had forgotten due to her demanding schedule.

Qiao Lin urged her to take a break, emphasizing that the field trip was also an opportunity for a vacation. Xu Yan agreed to go once a new episode of content was successfully launched, leaving company matters in Qiao Lin’s capable hands. Upon her arrival in Gubei Town, Xu Yan was warmly greeted by Mr. Zhang, who had been eagerly awaiting her.

He spoke of the town's beauty, noting its unique blend of northern architectural styles and the delicate elegance of Jiangnan water towns. He also showcased the town's recent developments, including a new canteen, tourist center, organic vegetable farms, and dyeing workshops, all of which had enhanced the local quality of life. During her tour, Xu Yan met the friendly owner of the Sky Lounge, who offered her a discount.

She then spotted Shen Haoming chatting with an old man named Wu, who ran a kite shop. Haoming told Wu he was going to learn botanical dyeing, prompting Wu to praise Haoming's previous kite-making skills. Later, Hua, the guesthouse manager, provided Xu Yan with an electric scooter to explore the town, noticing Xu Yan's momentary surprise when she saw Haoming nearby.

In the botanical dyeing class, the teacher explained the history of the craft, detailing how ancestors extracted colors from nature, as recorded in "The Exploitation of the Works of Nature." Shen Haoming arrived late but impressed the teacher with his knowledge, having already attended a few days of classes. When asked to pair up, Shen Haoming promptly invited Xu Yan to be his partner.

He also demonstrated his profound interest in ancient texts by referencing "Record of Heretofore Lost Works" to request dyeing a piece "crimson-purple." As they worked together, Shen Haoming gently assisted Xu Yan, and the teacher explained how sappanwood, a red dye, could be transformed into a unique crimson-purple with the addition of alkaline. Their collaborative effort earned praise for their beautiful purple dye. That evening, Xu Yan confronted Shen Haoming, accusing him of following her to Gubei Town.

Shen Haoming insisted it was a coincidence, stating he had been there for days without knowing she would arrive. Unconvinced, Xu Yan called Qiao Lin, venting her frustration. Qiao Lin, however, suggested that Shen Haoming’s persistence was admirable if one liked him, but if one found him annoying, it could be seen as "clingy and shameless."

Xu Yan felt the description was too harsh, expressing her confusion over Shen Haoming's intentions, especially since "every time something happens between us, there's a conflict of interest." Qiao Lin, however, believed Xu Yan was simply refusing to acknowledge her true feelings. The next day, Xu Yan was distracted in class, struggling to answer questions about Chinese Indigo.

Later, while inquiring at the kite shop about an agave-shaped kite, she learned it was custom-made by "Xiao Shen," Mr. Shen Haoming of Jinda Group. The shop owner revealed that Jinda Group had funded many of Gubei Town's developments. He recounted how Haoming, initially thought to be a tourist, was actually "acting," quickly mastering kite-making before moving on to the botanical dyeing workshops. Xu Yan bought an agave kite and ordered another custom one.

Meanwhile, Chen Lin asked Shen Haoming if his purpose in Gubei Town was Xu Yan or botanical dyeing. Haoming admitted he was studying the craft because Xu Yan had expressed interest in a botanical dyeing series, hoping to find common ground with her and uncover answers to questions she had posed. He also confessed that he had moved out of the guesthouse to avoid upsetting her, as she had asked him to stay out of her sight.

Chen Lin praised his dedication, but Haoming was reminded of a play rehearsal he had with Mr. Zhang. At the town square, Xu Yan watched Shen Haoming perform as Chen Shimei. On stage, Shen Haoming cleverly suggested a modern adaptation where Chen Shimei would pursue his wife, Qin Xianglian, a proposal enthusiastically endorsed by Mr. Zhang and the others. Xu Yan privately commented that he "really loves acting."

Spotting Xu Yan in the audience, Shen Haoming abruptly left the stage, claiming he had an urgent matter and didn't want to be in her presence. Xu Yan followed him on her electric scooter, demanding to know why he was avoiding her. He reiterated that he was trying not to upset her.

When she challenged him to leave Gubei Town entirely, he explained he was there to learn botanical dyeing, hoping it would lead to shared interests and answers to their unresolved issues. Xu Yan, though still guarded, told him to "stop shunning me" and allowed him to remain her "classmate," with the only condition being "just don't be late."

During their continued dyeing classes, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming learned about Zhaxie and Jiaxie at an exhibition, with Xu Yan finding botanical dyeing "calming and soothing." They then saw a photograph of an exquisite batik piece, which Xu Yan admired greatly. The teacher explained it was the work of a local master craftsman, Master Chu, who had brought techniques from Miao villages.

However, Master Chu had stopped making batik three years prior, becoming reclusive and even asking for his works to be taken down. Shen Haoming, who knew Master Chu from Jinda Group's previous welfare initiatives in the town, offered to accompany Xu Yan to visit him. At Master Chu's home, Xu Yan, after introductions, directly requested authorization to use his batik patterns for Yan Studio's new collection.

Master Chu vehemently refused, asserting he had quit and would rather let his works "rot at home." After their polite departure, Xu Yan felt she had been too abrupt, but Shen Haoming pointed out that Master Chu still kept indigo plants in his backyard, indicating his continued connection to the craft. They then consulted a local acquaintance, who revealed that Master Chu had divorced his wife three years ago.

The acquaintance explained that while Master Chu was skilled in drawing, his wife, a Miao woman from Guizhou, was exceptional at indigo dyeing. Their marriage, initially romantic, dissolved due to differing views on progress and ambition. Xu Yan vehemently disagreed with the "creative block" excuse, arguing that the true tragedy wasn't the lost craft, but their relationship itself. She believed Master Chu's refusal to engage in batik was a way of holding onto his resentment against his ex-wife.

Back in Jingzhou, Qiao Lin fell ill with a high fever. Lin Tao rushed her to the hospital, and finding her phone left at the office, he went to retrieve it. He answered a call from Yu Yiming, explaining Qiao Lin's condition and reassuring him that his presence was purely as a "fellow townsfolk and coworker," dispelling any potential misunderstanding. Yu Yiming thanked Lin Tao and urged him to take care of Qiao Lin.

Back in Gubei Town, Shen Haoming and Xu Yan returned to Master Chu's house, attempting to convince him to resume his craft. Shen Haoming argued that art should be shared and that new technologies could aid, not replace, human creativity. Master Chu, however, remained steadfast in his refusal to change, dismissing modern methods as "nonsense" and reiterating his lack of inspiration.

Xu Yan confronted him, suggesting he wasn't resisting batik but "avoiding his true self," and that without his wife's unique color-mixing skills, he would never find "that perfect shade of blue" again. Master Chu, once again angered, insisted he had lost inspiration and demanded they leave. Outside, Xu Yan mused that Master Chu knew the blue hue "was" his wife but refused to admit it.

She concluded that his struggles with dyeing and inspiration were mere symptoms; "deep down, he hasn't let go of her." Shen Haoming agreed, reflecting that "you can't wake someone pretending to sleep," and admitted he now understood Master Chu better, seeing similarities to his own past "extremely self-centered and controlling" self. He likened it to cultivating agave, where one must constantly intervene rather than let it grow naturally.

He speculated that Master Chu's divorce stemmed from his fear of change and his desire to control those around him, rather than his wife’s perceived disdain for his lack of ambition. When Xu Yan asked if he had "cured his need for control," Shen Haoming replied, "Still working on it."

As they walked by a bridge, Shen Haoming remarked on how often they had crossed it without appreciating its beauty from afar, musing that rushing through life often means missing the scenery. He then shared a poignant memory of his first visit to Gubei Town when Haochen was four, revealing he had brought Haochen there to escape kindergarten, making it Haochen’s "personal paradise" where he could be a normal, mischievous child.

Xu Yan playfully remarked that Haochen's mischief was "half your fault," but then reassured him that he had been a good brother, and Haochen clearly adored and relied on him. Shen Haoming shared a tender memory of Haochen's first hug and kiss after eating two scoops of ice cream and asking him to keep it a secret. He explained that Gubei Town was also his "personal paradise," a place of simplicity and peace that calms him during difficult times.

He confessed that his continued support for the town, including renovating facilities under Jinda's name, was not for profit but out of a genuine desire for the place to thrive. Their conversation ended with Shen Haoming teaching Xu Yan how to skip stones across the water, noting her "natural talent," as their relationship subtly grew closer.

Episode 28 Recap

Xu Yan arrives at the Batik Shop, where she and Shen Haoming first met. After her call, she expresses gratitude to the owner, Mrs. Chu. Captivated by a stunning batik pattern, Xu Yan purchases a hand-dyed linen-cotton pouch and another item. She praises Mrs. Chu's dyeing skills and inquires about the technique for achieving different blues.

Mrs. Chu explains that the key to traditional indigo dyeing is the indigo paste, emphasizing that precise plant ash proportions and fermentation timing are crucial, otherwise the blues will turn grayish. Xu Yan compliments her mastery. Xu Yan then mentions seeing a batik piece by Master Chu Dongfeng at an exhibition, expressing her regret that he has ceased creating, reportedly due to losing inspiration from "the blues in his life." She notes his reclusive life.

Mrs. Chu sharply retorts that Master Chu is simply "creatively bankrupt," having failed to evolve artistically for years. When Xu Yan points out the similarity between Master Chu's exhibition piece and Mrs. Chu's own pouch, asking if they collaborated, Mrs. Chu realizes Xu Yan knows their history. Xu Yan confirms her intention was to convey that Master Chu has not abandoned batik, and his proclaimed loss of inspiration is in fact about Mrs. Chu.

Angered, Mrs. Chu tells Xu Yan to inform Master Chu to stop coveting her indigo dyeing techniques. Xu Yan attempts to mediate, suggesting their conflict is mere stubbornness and proposing they talk or collaborate again. Mrs. Chu rejects the idea of working with him and leaves. Later, Xu Yan calls Shen Haoming, who reports his efforts are "not well" and sends her a video. At a batik exhibition, Shen Haoming observes a mysteriously disguised Master Chu Dongfeng.

A staff member confirms that the man, who acts secretively, often visits with an annual pass. Shen Haoming ponders why Master Chu is secretly learning new techniques but concealing it from Mrs. Chu, speculating he fears she would perceive his efforts as disingenuous. Xu Yan confronts Shen Haoming about his presence there, sensing it is more than a coincidence.

Xu Yan later learns from a local woman that the hairpin Mrs. Chu dropped is a significant wedding gift from Master Chu, which Mrs. Chu has worn for decades. This reinforces Xu Yan's belief that despite her outward defiance, Mrs. Chu still holds feelings for Master Chu, just as Master Chu does for her. Xu Yan remarks that both are hiding their true emotions. Recognizing the hairpin's importance, Xu Yan decides to facilitate its return.

Shen Haoming, having previously failed to persuade Master Chu, approaches him again with the hairpin, claiming Mrs. Chu is waiting at the Mountaintop Cafe and gave him the hairpin as proof. Master Chu remains skeptical, saying his wife would have come herself if she wished to meet. Shen Haoming then threatens to inform Mrs. Chu of his lack of interest, which prompts Master Chu to agree to the meeting.

Concurrently, Xu Yan tells Mrs. Chu that Master Chu found her hairpin and is waiting at the cafe, prompting Mrs. Chu to go. Observing from a distance, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming watch the couple. Shen Haoming initially believes they are reconciling when Mrs. Chu puts on the hairpin, but Xu Yan notes her unhappy expression. Indeed, Master Chu and Mrs. Chu immediately begin arguing, with Mrs. Chu accusing him of being a liar.

Rushing over, Shen Haoming admits his deception in bringing them together but questions why Master Chu did not seize the opportunity. Master Chu dismisses it. Shen Haoming then reveals his own regrets, confessing his arrogance led him to lose the most important person in his life. He recounts how his pride prevented him from admitting his lingering feelings, resulting in his wife's deep disappointment and distrust.

He urges Master Chu to openly admit his love and not to fear rejection, asking why he could dye many blues but not the one that truly matters, suggesting he's waiting for Mrs. Chu. Mrs. Chu tries to dismiss Xu Yan, telling her to stop meddling. Xu Yan addresses Mrs. Chu, apologizing for her interference but explaining her sincere intentions.

She emphasizes Mrs. Chu's profound importance to Master Chu and clarifies that he desires her as a person, not merely her unique "blue" dyeing technique. Xu Yan shares her personal journey through similar doubts about the sincerity of Shen Haoming's love. She explains that hearing Master Chu and Mrs. Chu's story inspired her to give her own relationship another chance.

She encourages Mrs. Chu to believe in Master Chu's efforts and shows her a video of him secretly attending batik exhibitions with an annual pass, demonstrating his continued dedication to the craft and his commitment to change. Mrs. Chu remains unconvinced, insisting that if Master Chu truly cared, he would admit it himself, not through intermediaries. At that moment, Master Chu steps forward, stating he is not afraid to admit it, and asks Mrs. Chu to dye with him again.

Mrs. Chu, still hesitant, reminds him he can dye by himself. Master Chu clarifies, "What I want is the person who dyes the fabric." They reconcile. Later, Xu Yan and Shen Haoming celebrate Master Chu and Mrs. Chu's reconciliation, with Shen Haoming commenting on the enduring synergy of old partners. Shen Haoming informs Xu Yan about a performance he has that evening and invites her to watch, which she accepts, wishing him good luck.

Shen Haoming takes the stage, performing a play where he portrays Chen Shimei, a character notorious for his ingratitude and mistreatment of his wife. During his performance, he delivers a poignant confession, acknowledging his past arrogance and how his self-serving ways cost him the most important person in his life. He expresses gratitude to Xu Yan for helping him discern whether he genuinely loved her or merely cherished being loved by her.

He concludes by declaring that he is the man who has finally realized he still loves her. Deeply moved by his heartfelt confession, Xu Yan sheds tears. As Shen Haoming steps off stage, Xu Yan rushes to him, and they share a heartfelt embrace. Meanwhile, Qiao Lin discusses the unexpectedly smooth progress of their offline experience stores with her assistant. The lease agreements for three new stores have been signed, and renovation plans are finalized.

They now need to disburse rent and initial renovation fees. She instructs her assistant to confirm the financial details with Lin Tao before she authorizes the payment. Lin Tao then voices his concerns, suggesting they postpone the offline store development and redirect funds to production. He explains that recent tightening of bank policies might delay their loan approval, leaving them vulnerable to substantial supplier penalty fees.

Qiao Lin directs her team to continue as planned while she consults with Lin Tao. Lin Tao later reports that he has secured a loan through an old colleague at another bank. He presents the completed financial statements and other documents for Qiao Lin to stamp, explaining they need to travel to his hometown the following day for finalization. Qiao Lin, trusting Lin Tao, stamps the documents without close inspection, missing his conflicted expression.

Shen Haoming reports to his father, the Chairman, about the successful partnership with Baraikin, detailing his team's upcoming trip to Moscow for design and workflow management. He assures his father of his rigorous oversight to establish it as a flagship international project. Shen Haoming then proposes acquiring a valuable residential land plot in East China, emphasizing its high market potential and strategic importance.

His father supports the bid and promises Shen Haoming a board seat at next Friday's meeting as recognition for securing the Baraikin project, acknowledging his capabilities. Shen Haoming expresses his gratitude, but also his remorse for his earlier deception towards Baraikin. His father advises him on the fundamental importance of integrity and mutual benefit in business dealings. He then inquires about the reasons behind Shen Haoming's significant recent transformation.

Shen Haoming happily announces his reconciliation with Xu Yan, confirming they are still married. His father expresses his and his mother's approval, noting that Shen Haochen will be particularly delighted. Later, Jiang Liang surprises Xu Yan at her office with a large bouquet of flowers, welcoming her back. He praises her passion for batik and playfully remarks on a "romantic aura" about her.

Xu Yan candidly informs him of her reconciliation with Shen Haoming and her plan to move back home. Jiang Liang expresses understanding of her decisive nature but still asks "why." Xu Yan explains that their relationship, once secretive, is now "open and honest." Accepting her decision, Jiang Liang humorously offers to be her "backup option" if their relationship status ever changes. Xu Yan gently declines, stating Shen Haoming has always been her "only choice."

Jiang Liang jokingly replies that he will "drown his sorrows" tonight, despite never having a chance to start, and promises to always be her "strong backer and ally." He wishes her happiness, and she wishes him eternal carefree spirit. Meanwhile, Steve is informed by his "godfather" that Shen Jinsong intends to appoint Shen Haoming to the board, and they must prevent it.

Steve notes Shen Haoming's increasing formidable nature, especially now that he has reconciled with Xu Yan and is thriving. He recalls Fang Lei, while drunk, mentioning that her sister, Fang Yu, dated Shen Haoming in England and became pregnant. Steve immediately questions the child's fate and paternity. Han Weiping, present during the conversation, states that Fang Lei was tight-lipped about the details.

Steve instructs Han Weiping to "dig deeper" into Shen Haoming and Fang Yu's past during their time studying abroad, with the "key focus" being "the child." At home, Fang Lei discusses Shen Haoming and Xu Yan's reconciliation, feeling unsettled. She complains to Han Weiping about their reunion, while he is recovering from a boxing injury. Han Weiping attempts to comfort her, offering his unconditional support if she decides to pursue action against Shen Haoming.

However, Fang Lei declares she no longer cares about Shen Haoming and needs to move on. Han Weiping subtly tries to revisit the topic of her sister's pregnancy, but Fang Lei quickly dismisses it as a misunderstanding, attributing his recollection to being drunk. Shen Haochen warmly greets Xu Yan upon her arrival home, asking if she and his brother have reconciled. She confirms, stating they have "always been good," and playfully teases Shen Haoming about his past "gloomy-faced photos."

Shen Haochen then eagerly presents Xu Yan with a book of his drawings. He explains that after she left, their family felt "shattered and incomplete," like a "tornado." He shows her drawings of himself and Shen Haoming looking sad, desperately wishing for her return. Another drawing depicts Xu Yan alone amidst "glaciers," symbolizing her difficult journey, and he explains he kept a "light on" to guide her home.

The final drawing portrays their "family of five" joyfully reunited, declaring them "the happiest family in the world." Xu Yan is deeply moved, proclaiming it the "best gift" she has ever received, "a hundred times better than your brother's gift." Shen Haochen requests to sleep with Xu Yan and Shen Haoming that night, and they affectionately agree. The family then gathers for a meal, a scene of renewed warmth and togetherness.

Episode 29 Recap

Qu Shu came to see Shen Haoming. Shen Haoming reminisced about playing at Qu Shu's place when he was little, and Qu Shu always treated him with Da Hong Pao tea. Shen Haoming was very happy when he heard Qu Shu strongly supported him in going all out and doing what he needed to do. Weidong secretly searched for the identity of that mysterious child at Jinda Company.

Steve and Qu Shu secretly plotted, wanting to exploit this child to make a big fuss and prevent Shen Haoming from entering the board of directors. Han Weiping inquired everywhere in the company and even boldly guessed that Shen Haoming's nominal younger brother might be that legendary illegitimate son. Han Weiping secretly snuck into the safe, wanting to obtain some confidential information. Shen Haoming didn't notice anything unusual when he got up to drink water.

After multiple attempts at the password, Han Weiping finally chose their wedding anniversary to open the safe's password, obtaining the relevant data and instantly publishing it online. Immediately, rumors spread like wildfire online. Just as Shen Haoming was about to enter the board of directors, this news suddenly exploded, even turning the evening's situation into a headwind. Shen Haochen also heard the news that he was an illegitimate son at school.

After checking online, he realized that his nominal older brother was actually his father. For a while, he found it difficult to accept. Father Shen was holding a board meeting, but he heard the shareholders below him discussing animatedly, even saying that such a malicious incident at this critical juncture greatly affected the company's stock and even its corporate image.

Shen Haoming saw Qu Shu take the initiative when everyone was arguing, appearing to stabilize the situation, but it felt a bit strange. At this moment, Shen Haochen directly burst into the board meeting to question his older brother about whether he was his biological father and why he wouldn't acknowledge him. Shen Haochen was extremely emotional, and hearing his brother tell him to go home first made him feel utterly disheartened.

Shen Haoming told Shen Haochen not to think about those things online and to wait for him to come home. Qu Shu pressed the issue at the board meeting, saying that logically it should be a family matter and should not be questioned, but now it had already caused such an impact. As soon as Shen Haoming entered, he saw that his father was not feeling well and quickly took him away.

Father Shen also felt a bit of a headache but still told his son to actively repurchase and maintain a positive attitude. Shen Haochen jumped out of the car and ran away. After Shen Haoming learned of this news, he quickly went to look for him. Han Weiping found Shen Haochen and used Shen Haochen's desire to know about his father to trick the child into going to a suburban area.

Shen Haochen felt a little suspicious when he saw this person was supposed to take him to find his mother but instead went to a deserted suburb, but he still followed this person. Yu Lan was very worried about Shen Haochen. Shen Haoming reassured his mother, saying he would handle this matter. As Shen Haoming was about to leave, he found that a stranger had sent him a photo of a backpack.

Han Weiping quietly ran away when he saw Shen Haoming arrive. Shen Haoming quickly chased after him and asked his wife to call the police, finally finding Shen Haochen. At this moment, many reporters swarmed in, even wanting to ask about the facts of the matter. In front of all the reporters, Shen Haoming stated that he was Shen Haochen's biological father. Xu Yan, to protect Shen Haochen, voluntarily admitted that she was Shen Haochen's mother.

Shen Haochen returned home without saying a word, not even eating or drinking. Everyone in the family was very worried, but at this moment, the shareholders in the company were stirring up trouble again. Shen Haoming had to return to the company. Fang Lei knew that Han Weiping had exposed Shen Haochen's identity and deeply resented the person in front of her.

Qu Shu also did not hide his intentions, directly challenging the Shen family and stating that he now held the highest shares, demanding that this person step down and yield to a more capable individual. Shen Haoming finally saw the true colors of this uncle. Han Weiping was Qu Shu's godson. Father Shen fainted instantly upon hearing this news.

Yu Lan strongly believed that her husband would overcome this challenge and that their family would once again live happily ever after. Xu Yan counselled Shen Haochen at home. Yu Yiming also came to see Father Shen and hoped that Shen Haoming would truly overcome this difficult period. Lin Tao invited Qiao Lin to dinner, even asking the waiter to close the door.

Episode 30 Recap

Qiao Lin did not see Lin Tao's complex expression, but instead kept serving food, expressing how happy she was that Lin Tao could now help them start a business and even manage the company's accounts. Lin Tao said that it was wonderful to have achieved everything he had after so much effort. Immediately after, he revealed an ugly true face, stating that the company was short on funds and even had legal issues.

He pulled out a contract he had long since switched, demanding that Qiao Lin give him an explanation today, otherwise, Xu Yan, the company's legal representative, would risk going to jail. Qiao Lin said that this matter was too serious and asked for one day to consider. Shen Haoming's father suddenly fell critically ill, and everyone in the family was very tense. Yu Lan quickly called out, and stayed by her husband's bedside after his surgery.

Xu Yan received the news and rushed to the hospital without delay to comfort Yu Lan. Yu Lan felt that the family had no energy to take care of Shen Haochen recently, so she had no choice but to entrust Shen Haochen to Xu Yan. Shen Haoming told Xu Yan that he hadn't properly looked at his father all these years, nor had he cared that his father had been struggling in England for his career.

His father had endured a lot of pressure for him, and now that he had suddenly collapsed, Shen Haoming felt a bit overwhelmed. Qiao Lin felt very sad; on one hand, it was her own sister. On the other hand, it was her own foolish mistake, which she certainly wouldn't let her sister feel at ease about, so she had been avoiding her boyfriend. Shen Haochen was greatly distraught by this gentleman and was very emotional.

Yu Lan had originally taken Shen Haochen out for a stroll, but when the child saw reporters with cameras, he immediately became very tense and even fainted indoors. Yu Lan and the family were very flustered and quickly called a doctor. The doctor said that the child had experienced emotional breakdowns for several days and hadn't eaten, leading to low blood sugar, and would be fine after an IV drip.

Yu Lan said that she could take care of her husband in the hospital, and hoped that her son and Xu Yan could quickly help Shen Haochen. She stressed that Shen Haochen's situation was no small matter and required attention. Shen Haochen followed Shen Haoming and Xu Yan back to the countryside to find his maternal grandmother.

Shen Haochen was now very resistant to his nominal older brother; he even felt disgusted when the other person served him food, putting the meal aside and leaving. Xu Yan was relieved to hear her maternal grandmother say that she was very satisfied with her current life. Xu Yan told her maternal grandmother about Shen Haochen's situation, saying that the child needed some time to accept things, and hoped that her maternal grandmother could also help.

Her maternal grandmother felt that some matters required true feelings in exchange for true feelings. Shen Haoming was greatly relieved to hear that his father's condition had stabilized. Shen Haochen remained silent every day. His maternal grandmother did not spoil them, simply stating that if they ate there, they had to work. Xu Yan also joined his maternal grandmother in teasing and provoking Shen Haochen. Shen Haochen indeed fell for it.

He had no skill whatsoever when shucking corn for the first time. Shen Haoming taught Shen Haochen, but Shen Haochen completely ignored him. When catching chickens, although Shen Haochen was very scared, the father and son's relationship clearly improved a little. His maternal grandmother deliberately posed another challenge, giving a lot of corn to the father and son. Shen Haochen did a lot of farm work and finally had an appetite to eat heartily.

Ms. Qu felt that even though she had removed both Mr. Shen's (the father's) and Shen Haoming's positions, their influence in the company was still considerable. To avoid matters concerning Lin Tao, Qiao Lin was hiding from Yu Yiming, but Yu Yiming still caught her. Upon hearing about this, Lin Tao came directly to the hospital to pick up Qiao Lin, and even explicitly stated that he and Qiao Lin were dating.

Yu Yiming was very skeptical, and Qiao Lin was forced to admit it. Yu Yiming watched Qiao Lin return the ring to him, and he felt very sad. Shen Haochen was still very happy to see his maternal grandmother giving him some small tasks and asking him to take care of their three meals a day. To prevent Xu Yan from worrying, Qiao Lin shouldered the matter alone.

Yu Yiming felt that Qiao Lin must be hiding something from him, but Qiao Lin chose not to say. Xu Yan felt no discomfort when she saw her father come to visit her. When her father returned the money he owed her and said to contact them if she needed help, Xu Yan genuinely wanted to thank them. Shen Haoming discovered Xu Yan's notepad and realized that after the day they divorced, Xu Yan had stopped making entries.

Episode 31 Recap

Shen Haoming could hardly believe his ears when he heard Shen Haochen talking to him, even thinking he was hallucinating. But after seeing grandma, he excitedly told grandma that his son talked to him. Shen Haoming told Xu Yan that grandma’s method was indeed useful. Xu Yan couldn't quite believe this 'big straight man' when she heard Shen Haoming utter corny pick-up lines to her.

Shen Haoming didn't hide anything, saying he had already seen the photo album, but the end of the album was the day they divorced, so he wanted to take a picture himself to keep forever, proving they were very happy. Xu Yan and Shen Haoming felt that life in the countryside was very pleasant. Ms. Qu stated that she had just taken office, so she needed to achieve great accomplishments to silence the critics. Shen Haochen was constantly digging.

Shen Haoming wanted Shen Haochen to drink water, but the child clearly didn't want to pay attention to him. Shen Haochen told Xu Yan that he didn't want to talk to his brother at all, and he didn't even understand why his brother, who was clearly his father, wouldn't acknowledge him. The two were in an awkward relationship, not knowing what to say.

Xu Yan said that everyone in the family loved Shen Haochen very much, and hoped that Shen Haochen could understand that everyone makes mistakes, but love does not make mistakes, so he should experience it with his heart. Shen Haochen woke up at night wanting water, but there was none, so he went to find a small shop to buy water.

Shen Haoming woke up and saw that his son was not there and the front door was open, making him very worried. Shen Haochen saw Shen Haoming looking for him and deliberately hid, but ended up getting lost. Shen Haoming found Shen Haochen and scolded him verbally, but honestly took off his clothes and put them on his son. Seeing his son wearing slippers, he carried him home on his back.

Shen Haochen fell asleep on Shen Haoming's back, and their relationship seemed to have eased a bit. Xu Yan told grandma that Shen Haochen's condition was recovering a bit, but Shen Haoming's father was still in the hospital and needed care, so they needed to go back quickly. Xu Yan knew grandma was reluctant to see them go, but she didn't say it aloud. Xu Yan hugged grandma tightly, wanting grandma to come with her, but she was refused.

Xu Yan returned to the company. Qiao Lin told Xu Yan that Lin Tao had been diligently working in the company before, and his disguise was to make them lower their guard, then move company assets, alter company data, intending to destroy the company, and thereby threaten Qiao Lin.

Xu Yan thought that Lin Tao had created such large fraudulent accounts in a short period, and even asked friends for help, but the audit process was very complex, so there might be some problems in between, or even loopholes they could use to counterattack. Yu Yiming knew that Qiao Lin had been under immense pressure because of this recently and had also kept it from him, which pained him.

Xu Yan pretended not to know about Lin Tao's threat to Qiao Lin, and even assigned Lin Tao a task. Lin Tao was a bit stunned but still proceeded according to the company's arrangements, yet he threatened Qiao Lin to quickly go back with him. Lin Tao even wanted to propose to Qiao Lin. Qiao Lin brought Yu Yiming to find Lin Tao, exposed Lin Tao's false facade, and left with Yu Yiming.

Ms. Qu was stunned when she heard about the board's agreement with her team, which required her to complete the valuation adjustment agreements demanded by the board during her probation period. However, to secure her position, she still agreed. Shen Haoming was not worried about the company's changes, stating that he was confident he could win this time. Mr. Huang was actually very optimistic about Shen Haoming and prepared with Shen Haoming to overthrow Ms. Qu.

When Ms. Qu conversed with Mr. Huang, she confidently stated that she had kicked the Shen family couple out. Now, she was the legal representative and the head of the company. Mr. Huang was happy to see Shen Haoming running with him, but said that he hoped to run the second half by himself. Shen Haoming was a bit stunned but said nothing.

Everyone in the company was panicking, feeling that since Mr. Huang had rejected them this time, there would definitely be no chance to turn the tables. Shen Haoming still didn't give up, thinking they had a chance to turn the tables against the odds. Han Weiping was dispatched by Ms. Qu with the aim of sacrificing a pawn to save the king. Steve was playing tricks behind the scenes, trying to sow discord among them.

Han Weiping really misunderstood his godfather, feeling that his godfather was discarding him after he had served his purpose. Ms. Qu sought out Shen Haoming, wanting to negotiate so she could secure her position. Shen Haoming knew the old fox's scheme. At the bidding meeting, Mr. Huang defected at the last minute, handing all his assets to Shen Haoming, and reporting Ms. Qu by name for disrupting the bidding process. Ms. Qu watched Shen Haoming leave dejectedly.

Episode 32 (Ending) Recap

Shen Haoming was very happy to see his father wake up. In fact, his father had already woken up when Ms. Qu came to see him, but he pretended to be in a coma to make their opponent lower their guard. Shen Haoming thought his father was a very good actor, but felt bad that his father had to stay in the hospital for a while.

His father also felt that it was better to be able to help his son and was very pleased to see his son grow so quickly. When Mr. Huang discussed cooperation with Ms. Qu, he proposed some conditions. Ms. Qu felt that Mr. Huang was very greedy, but she had chips to make this person work for her, so she lowered her guard.

Mr. Huang had met many people and could say that it was lonely at the top; some people's sincerity or insincerity could be seen at a glance. Although Shen Haoming had used him, he was also very honest with him, so he chose to help Shen Haoming. Fang Lei showed Shen Haochen's paternity test report to Shen Haoming, telling him that Shen Haochen was not his child at all.

Her sister accidentally got pregnant with someone else's child while drinking at a bar and was forced to blackmail Shen Haoming. Fang Lei had thought at the time that Shen Haochen was a connection between Shen Haoming and herself, so after secretly swapping the birth certificates, she hoped they could be together. However, she never expected that it would backfire, leading to today's situation, and she deeply regretted it.

Fang Lei continuously apologized for her wrong actions, but now these things had already happened, and it was too late. Xu Yan felt that Shen Haochen was the most innocent, yet he was deeply hurt by these bad people. Fang Lei kept apologizing, but she had lost all credibility. She found Han Weiping, thinking that he was a very bad person, and she herself was not a good person either.

To prevent this bad person from entering society, she decided to take him in herself, and the two chose to live abroad. Yan Studio's business was also booming, expanding in scale, and gaining popularity through more new Chinese-style clothing. Shen Haoming also made his best efforts to join the board of directors and diligently pursue his career. The two were developing for the better.

Shen Haoming told Xu Yan that his application to join the board of directors had been rejected again, so he was very disheartened. Xu Yan used her own entrepreneurial experience to tell her husband that some things not only require timing but also effort. Shen Haoming and Xu Yan prepared to undertake a cultural integration project together. Xu Yan wanted to create a project that could give everyone a sense of belonging, even incorporating traditional culture.

The proposal presented by Shen Haoming and his wife received the board's approval, who felt that this development had great potential. Shen Haoming's efforts were recognized by the board of directors. Finally, all board members agreed for Mr. Shen to join the board, passing unanimously. His father also hoped that his son could lead everyone into the next era of glory.

His grandmother finally met her granddaughter and felt that Shen Haoming had become much better, and she was very willing to come and live with them. Xu Yan wanted to persuade her grandmother to stay longer, but her grandmother felt that although big cities were prosperous, she had a special fondness for small courtyards and wanted to go back. Shen Haoming took a group photo of the three of them with a camera.

The family was very happy and harmonious together. The relationship between Xu Yan and her husband also improved greatly. Hearing that her father had somewhat reformed, even selling his shop to take good care of her grandmother, she acknowledged these parents both in her heart and verbally. Lin Tao left the city again and returned to his own small town. Qiao Lin and Yu Yiming finally announced their happiness and got together. Xu Yan and Shen Haoming's family was complete and happy, and they also achieved long-term cooperation in their careers, moving towards a new beginning.