Make A Wish Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Make A Wish

Make A Wish Synopsis

The Buddha-like youth Chi Yan accidentally saved a small white cat. However, the cat transformed into a beautiful girl Xiao Xiu overnight.

It turns out that Xiao Xiu comes from the parallel world of the cat star. Due to Chi Yan’s rescue, she has to complete the “cat’s requite” to return to the cat star. However, Chi Yan is unable to make his deepest wish, and Xiao Xiu’s journey home is plagued with difficulties.

Xiao Xiu has to move into the bookstore of Chi Yan, their life of living together begin.

Make A Wish Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

4. 6 billion years ago, a Big Bang created two planets on opposite sides of a black hole: Earth and Meow Planet. Both possessed the same conditions for carbon-based life, yet evolved vastly different dominant species. On Meow Planet, tetrapods, thanks to their evolutionary advantages, gained the ability to travel to the other planet and change their physical forms. This ancient secret was kept for a long time, until now.

Chi Yan, the owner of a bookstore, leads a busy but solitary life. He has no close family or friends, finding his daily routine centered around his books more comforting than human interaction. He admits to being terrible at socializing and dislikes holidays, romantic relationships, and wasting energy on social engagements. He believes the warmth and consolation people seek from human connections are less valuable than what a cat can offer. He often feeds stray cats, preferring their company.

Despite his aversion to people, he does have one human friend, Xu Zihao, a veterinarian, whom Chi Yan considers the most annoying person he knows. One day, Xu Zihao called Chi Yan to his animal hospital, claiming it was a "Level-2 crisis" because of a difficult cat. Despite Chi Yan's initial reluctance and excuses about his bookstore, Xu Zihao insisted, even joking that the bookstore's annual customer traffic wasn't as much as the testicles he'd neutered.

When Chi Yan arrived, a feisty cat was giving Xu Zihao a hard time, but Chi Yan, with his calm demeanor, quickly soothed the animal. After the cat was settled, Xu Zihao tried to persuade Chi Yan to have hotpot and see a movie, "Postman Blues," which he had picked out specifically for him. Chi Yan, however, resisted, suggesting Xu Zihao go with his girlfriend, Lulu, and even pointing out that the characters in the movie both die.

Chi Yan firmly refused the invitation, leaving Xu Zihao to lament his friend's lack of enthusiasm. As Chi Yan was returning to his bookstore entrance, a white cat suddenly darted out and devoured the cat food from his bag, as if it had been eyeing it for a long time. Moments later, the cat was hit by a car. Without hesitation, Chi Yan rushed to save it.

He immediately called Xu Zihao, who was busy with Lulu and unable to come. Xu Zihao told Chi Yan to bandage the cat's wound himself, promising to check on it in the morning. Chi Yan, carefully and tenderly, treated the cat's injury, after which the cat curled up on his sofa and fell asleep. The next morning, Chi Yan awoke as usual, only to find a naked girl, Xiao Xiu, in his home. Embarrassed, he quickly handed her his clothes.

When she remained silent and seemingly confused, he threatened to call the police. However, Xiao Xiu appeared not to understand. Instead, she became fascinated by her surroundings, bit Chi Yan, and then dove into his fish tank to catch and eat the fish. As Chi Yan tried to stop her, they ended up in a close, awkward embrace.

Just then, Xu Zihao opened the door, misinterpreting the scene and quickly backing away, insisting he wouldn't join whatever "club" Chi Yan was a part of. However, Xu Zihao's dog, Nietzsche, dashed inside. Xu Zihao returned, sporting two red marks on his face, claiming he was slapped. Chi Yan, who was still trying to control the agitated Xiao Xiu, urged Xu Zihao to take Nietzsche to another room.

As Xiao Xiu started playing with a wind chimes, Chi Yan and Xu Zihao discussed her, with Chi Yan insisting he didn't know her and concluding she was "either retarded or mute." Chi Yan asked Xu Zihao to take her away. Xu Zihao, however, joked about Chi Yan trying to get rid of her after their supposed "relationship development." When Xiao Xiu rushed to the kitchen to grab food, Xu Zihao quickly prepared a bowl of noodles for her.

Though Chi Yan remained aloof, Xu Zihao noticed a wound on Xiao Xiu's leg and offered to take her to the hospital. In the car, Xu Zihao had a challenging time getting Xiao Xiu to put on pants properly. She didn't understand the concept, even attempting to wear them on her head. With great difficulty and keeping his eyes closed, Xu Zihao eventually managed to help her put them on.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Xiao Xiu became visibly excited upon seeing the cats. Xu Zihao had her sit on a feline surgery table to clean her wound. As he did, Xiao Xiu cried out a single, clear word: "It hurts!" Surprised that she could speak, Xu Zihao was then horrified as Xiao Xiu, seemingly in response to the cries of her "fellow cats," set about rescuing them.

She managed to open all the cages, releasing every animal in the hospital. In a panic, Xu Zihao immediately called Chi Yan, declaring it a "top-level crisis." Chi Yan rushed over, and together, they frantically chased after the escaped animals. Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu wandered into an empty area, attempted to recite a spell to return to Meow Planet, but failed.

She was then drawn to a nearby bakery, where she began to eat pastries directly from the display case like a cat, without understanding the need to pay. The staff quickly tried to remove her and threatened to call the police. Fortunately, Mr. A Fu intervened, paid for her food, and gently explained to her that she couldn't speak "cat language" in the human world and needed to learn to speak like a human.

Mr. A Fu then revealed the rules of the "coming of age ceremony" period: cats temporarily gain human forms, but the ability is unstable and only occurs occasionally for a short time. They can only return to Meow Planet once they have repaid a favor to a human, a debt signified by a bracelet. Mr. A Fu also confessed his true identity as an envoy from Meow Planet, explaining that this was why he could maintain his human form stably.

He warned her to protect herself, avoid transforming, and only speak human language. Xiao Xiu eventually found Chi Yan again, repeatedly urging him to make a wish. Chi Yan, confused and bewildered, tried to ignore her. He was about to rescue a cat from a tree when Xiao Xiu unexpectedly climbed the tree herself, retrieved the cat, and passionately declared in her first complete sentence: "Don't you know cats don't like being kept in a cage? !"

Chi Yan, startled by her sudden fluency, explained that the cat was sick and needed the cage to go to the hospital. Xiao Xiu handed the cat to Chi Yan, but continued to insist that he make a wish, stating that it was the only way she could return to Meow Planet because she was a cat.

Chi Yan, still thinking she was deluded, was utterly stunned when Xiao Xiu transformed into the white cat he had rescued the day before, right in front of his eyes. Terrified, Chi Yan hailed a taxi and called the emergency line, reporting that he had witnessed a girl turn into a cat. Both the police operator and the taxi driver dismissed him as mentally unstable.

After delivering the returned animals back to the pet store, Chi Yan went home, still in disbelief, feeling like he had seen a ghost. As soon as he walked through the door, Xiao Xiu, now back in her human form, pounced onto the sofa with him. To finally get her to leave, Chi Yan, exasperated, reluctantly made a wish: to "get rich overnight."

Episode 2 Recap

After Chi Yan made a wish to become rich overnight, Xiao Xiu pressed her forehead against his, attempting a spell. When nothing happened, she insisted that his wish had to stem from his truest desires. Chi Yan, however, remained indifferent, offering a series of superficial wishes like time travel, immigration to Finland, and even a car license plate for his city, none of which worked.

He admitted to Xiao Xiu that he simply had no genuine desires, much to her disbelief, as she believed human desires were boundless. Resigned, Chi Yan suggested Xiao Xiu find another way to return home, but she revealed that his true wish was her only path. Until he could genuinely wish, she would have to stay with him.

Annoyed, Chi Yan sarcastically wished for Xiao Xiu to leave his house, and she naively complied, only to storm back shortly after, furious that he had tricked her because his wish was not authentic. The two spent the entire night in a heated argument, with Xiao Xiu relentlessly pressuring Chi Yan to come up with a true desire.

The next morning, Chi Yan thoughtfully placed a blanket over the sleeping Xiao Xiu on the sofa before retreating to his room to research cat care online. Awakened by a commotion, he remembered an online tip suggesting disobedient cats should be spanked. He raised his hand, only to be scared off by a fiercely glaring Xiao Xiu. She then demanded the same noodles she had eaten the day before.

After preparing them, Chi Yan attempted to train her like a house cat, reminding her to clean the kitchen. However, while he was on a phone call with his editor, who was praising his novel and offering him a new sweet romance project—which Chi Yan adamantly refused to write—Xiao Xiu mischievously shredded his manuscript. Furious, Chi Yan threw Xiao Xiu out of his house.

Outside, Xiao Xiu frantically gathered the torn pieces of manuscript from the trash, determined to fix them. She told Chi Yan, who was still inside, that she would repair the manuscript and leave, but implored him to reveal his true wish so she could finally return home. Seeing her barefoot, Chi Yan relented, offering her a pair of slippers and acknowledging that she had nowhere else to go. He allowed her to stay at his place temporarily.

Life with Xiao Xiu proved chaotic. As a human-turned-cat, she was incredibly mischievous, leaving Chi Yan at a loss for how to manage her. One day, while Chi Yan was working, Xiao Xiu surprised him by reading aloud from his book, demonstrating an unexpected ability to read both Chinese and English. Shortly after, Qin Liangliang, a young boy who often came to the bookstore to read, arrived.

Fearing Qin Liangliang might discover Xiao Xiu's true nature, Chi Yan quickly urged him to take a book and read elsewhere. Chi Yan then tried to get Xiao Xiu to pick a human name, but she was stumped. She playfully mispronounced his name, "Chi Yan," as "eating salt," calling him a "smelly salted fish" because of his grumpy demeanor, and insisted he name her instead. Meanwhile, Xu Zihao, a veterinarian, was being pressured by his girlfriend, Lulu, to get married.

His intense fear of marriage caused him to gag reflexively, and he ultimately fled the conversation, leaving Lulu frustrated and demanding an explanation. Later, Qin Liangliang received a call from his sister, Qin Mingming, inviting him to dinner. She mentioned she was outside his school, but had mistakenly gone to Binhe No.1 Primary School, unaware that Qin Liangliang was already in junior high.

That night, Xiao Xiu was engrossed in cartoons, much to Chi Yan's annoyance, though he only gently reminded her to go to bed and transform back into a cat, not to enter his room. The next morning, Xiao Xiu excitedly unveiled her chosen human name: "Born in the Moonlight, Valerie Edward II, Mouse Buster, the Meow Planet's Guardian." Chi Yan found the name excessively long, but Xiao Xiu insisted she had already shortened it significantly and demanded he memorize it.

Determined to uncover Chi Yan's true desires, Xiao Xiu delved into a book about Maslow's hierarchy of needs, attempting to understand human psychology. She observed Chi Yan addressing physiological needs by getting food from the fridge and reacted to a mousetrap, only to be saved by Chi Yan (safety needs), prompting her to ask him to make a wish. She then found Uncle Fu live streaming about seafood and approached him to discuss her difficulties in finding Chi Yan's wish.

She mentioned reading that "love" was the most significant human need in interpersonal relationships but couldn't grasp its meaning. Uncle Fu offered a simple explanation, describing love as the nervous, blushing, and heart-pounding "chemistry" that single men and women feel when they encounter each other, a kind of "fate." Inspired, Xiao Xiu then subtly inquired about Chi Yan's age, discovering he was 26 and still single.

Armed with this new understanding, Xiao Xiu rushed to the neighboring flower shop, where He Meng, the kind owner who secretly admired Chi Yan, worked. Xiao Xiu explained that Chi Yan, engrossed in his books and computer, neglected to cook for himself and asked He Meng if she would cook him a meal. Although hesitant at first, He Meng, after some playful persuasion and an assurance that Chi Yan enjoyed fish, agreed to come to his place.

Xiao Xiu shrewdly advised He Meng to claim she was teaching Xiao Xiu how to cook if Chi Yan became upset. While buying bubble tea, Xu Zihao witnessed a heroic Qin Mingming assisting the police in apprehending a thief. Mesmerized by her, he inadvertently became entangled in the situation and was mistakenly accused as an accomplice, leading to his detention at the police station.

Back at Chi Yan's, Xiao Xiu led He Meng to the kitchen, promising Chi Yan a delicious meal. Seizing an opportune moment, Xiao Xiu feigned a headache, urging He Meng to retrieve some "medicine" from the storage room. When Chi Yan entered to help, Xiao Xiu swiftly locked them both inside, declaring that they should "feel the chemistry." Chi Yan's frustration mounted as He Meng became increasingly desperate to use the restroom.

In a fit of exasperation, Chi Yan opened a window and dramatically jumped out, while Xiao Xiu, startled by his unexpected escape, fled. He Meng was left utterly bewildered by the chaotic scene unfolding around her.

Episode 3 Recap

After being released by the police, Xu Zihao was met by Qin Mingming, who quickly apologized for the misunderstanding. Xu Zihao, ever the charmer, engaged her in conversation, introducing himself as a vet and complimenting her bravery as a journalist. He tried to add her on WeChat, but she refused, stating she didn't have pets. When he then asked for a ride, she mentioned she rode a motorbike. Undeterred, he asked her to give "him" a ride.

When she reminded him he had previously said he'd get a cab, Xu Zihao faked a phone call and then claimed his phone was dead. He then exaggerated being run over by her motorbike, dramatically feigning injury to convince her to take him to a hospital. Qin Mingming, still feeling guilty, reluctantly agreed to give him a ride. As Qin Mingming rode her motorbike, Xu Zihao commented on how far out she lived.

She eventually dropped him off at the Zhaojiatun Bus Stop, instructing him to take a bus back eleven stops. Realizing he had been tricked, Xu Zihao tried to protest, but Qin Mingming exposed his deception about his foot being injured and left him there, even throwing his helmet to him. Stranded and with a dead phone, Xu Zihao discovered the bus route was suspended. In desperation, he found a public phone and called his friend, Chi Yan, pleading for help.

He explained he was in a tunnel, surrounded by the sea, with nothing else around. Chi Yan was initially hesitant, reminding Xu Zihao he hadn't driven since getting his license, but relented after Xu Zihao dramatically threatened to never be seen again. Chi Yan agreed to pick him up, asking for the detailed address, which Xu Zihao, unable to send a message, provided by naming the Zhaojiatun Bus Stop.

Xiao Xiu overheard the call and insisted on accompanying Chi Yan, even threatening his beloved fish to ensure her inclusion. Chi Yan, a novice driver, drove at a snail's pace, much to Xiao Xiu's boisterous encouragement to "overtake them." Upon reaching Xu Zihao, Chi Yan immediately tossed him the car keys, telling him to drive. Xu Zihao was thrilled but quickly found that the car wouldn't start.

Chi Yan relayed information from his rescue contact that they could only reach the tunnel entrance due to an impending tunnel closure. With no other option, Chi Yan and Xu Zihao began pushing the car. Xiao Xiu initially sat in the driver's seat, playing with the steering wheel, but Chi Yan soon made her get out and help push.

However, Xiao Xiu barely exerted any effort, leading Xu Zihao to complain to Chi Yan about her lack of help, even calling her names. In response, Xiao Xiu cheekily extended her cat tail to scare him. Tired of their bickering, Chi Yan ended up pushing the car almost entirely by himself while Xiao Xiu sat on the car roof, excitedly cheering them on.

At one point, Xu Zihao, startled by a reflection, screamed about seeing a ghost, which Chi Yan quickly dismissed. Back at Chi Yan's place, Xu Zihao commented on Xiao Xiu's presence, wondering how she had managed to make Chi Yan "fall for her" and move in. Xiao Xiu clarified that she was only "temporarily living in Chi Yan's box." She then approached Xu Zihao, asking if he knew Chi Yan's wishes or desires, as he always seemed unhappy.

Xu Zihao explained that Chi Yan's biggest problem was having no apparent wishes, or perhaps his only wish was for the health of himself and those around him. Xiao Xiu pondered this, concluding that "those around him" couldn't possibly refer to Xu Zihao.

Determined to make Chi Yan wish for something, she later sent him a message, threatening to harm his pet fish if he didn't meet her at the park's east gate, signing the message "Valerie Edward II, Enemy of rats, protector of cats." At the park, she tried to force Chi Yan to make a wish by threatening to release his fish.

She instructed him to close his eyes, intending to push him into the water, but accidentally slipped and fell in herself, calling out to Chi Yan for help. Chi Yan, despite his initial annoyance, quickly jumped in and saved her. As he walked away, visibly frustrated, Xiao Xiu followed, trying to explain her intentions. Chi Yan patiently but firmly told her that the human world was far more dangerous than she imagined and urged her not to act recklessly.

Later, Chi Yan instructed Xiao Xiu to take a bath, explaining how to use the shampoo, shower gel, and towel, and assuring her the water was a perfect temperature. However, Xiao Xiu, naturally afraid of water, hid in a corner, convinced he intended to drown her. Chi Yan, recalling how he had just saved her, reassured her that wasn't the case.

He eventually lured her into the bathtub with a bath sponge, and to her surprise, Xiao Xiu found herself thoroughly enjoying the comfortable soak. Chi Yan presented Xiao Xiu with a "Coexistence Contract," outlining rules such as no nudity, no interfering in personal relationships (especially matchmaking), no endangering others, and contributing to the bookstore in exchange for room and board.

Xiao Xiu, however, insisted on adding three clauses of her own: Chi Yan must buy her any delicious food she desired, he must immediately tell her if he developed any wishes, and he must smile at her daily because his face was too serious. Though he initially resisted the third clause, Chi Yan ultimately conceded to her demands.

He then officially named her "Xiao Xiu," explaining it was inspired by "Hugh Williams," a name associated with survivors of historical shipwrecks, a fitting name for her resilient nature. Xiao Xiu loved her new name. Excited, Xiao Xiu ran to Qin Liangliang, introducing herself as "Xiao Xiu," leading to a playful back-and-forth repetition of their names. Meanwhile, Xu Zihao had an awkward encounter with Qin Mingming at a crossroads.

Separately, Xiao Xiu, still curious about Chi Yan's wishes, explored his room and discovered a photo of him with an older man. Chi Yan, upon finding her, became angry, pushed her out of his room, and quickly put the photo back, ignoring her explanations that it had fallen accidentally. Feeling discouraged by Chi Yan's lack of wishes and frequent anger, Xiao Xiu sought advice from Uncle Fu, lamenting her inability to fulfill her "repayment" and return home.

Uncle Fu reassured her that everyone has wishes, though some just need a "stimulus." He explained that humans, much like cats hiding their treasures, hold their diaries as deeply private, considering them like a cat's belly—something only they can choose to reveal. Xiao Xiu wondered when Chi Yan would "show his cat belly" to her.

Uncle Fu also acknowledged Chi Yan's chosen name for her, Xiao Xiu, was a good one, and that a name, once given, would always be hers, regardless of whether she used her old one. Elsewhere, Qin Mingming visited a pet adoption center and adopted a stray dog. She was advised to spend time with the dog and pat its head, and was told to take it to an "East side pet hospital" for vaccinations.

It was there that she once again ran into Xu Zihao, who was a vet at the clinic. Their encounter was still awkward, with Qin Mingming admitting her fear of dogs but explaining she adopted this one because her brother, Qin Liangliang, loved golden retrievers. She asked about his leg, and he assured her it was perfectly fine, thanks to her "lesson," adding that he was now more careful.

She then wondered why he was afraid of dogs, to which he retorted it was better than bothering girls. Xu Zihao helped her with the dog's injection. After she left, Xu Zihao covertly snapped a picture of her registration information from the counter. Uncle Fu later continued his counsel to Xiao Xiu, emphasizing the complexity of humans—how they can appear one way but be another, both cold and warm.

He spoke of inevitability rather than coincidence, urging Xiao Xiu to slowly build her understanding and relationship with Chi Yan. Convinced, Xiao Xiu decided to apologize to Chi Yan. On her way, she was drawn by the enticing aroma of a bar. Inside, she quickly consumed several drinks, becoming completely intoxicated. In her excited state, her cat ears emerged, and she began to dance energetically on the dance floor. Back home, Chi Yan grew increasingly worried about her prolonged absence.

At the bar, people noticed Xiao Xiu's ears, mistaking them for a novelty "kitty camera" filter, and eagerly began asking for photos. Realizing her transformation, Xiao Xiu's drunken haze instantly cleared. Panicked, she fled the bar, with the curious crowd chasing after her. She eventually managed to hide, trembling with fear.

Episode 4 Recap

Chi Yan found Xiao Xiu just as her cat ears appeared, quickly covering them with his jacket. Startled, Xiao Xiu clung tightly to his clothes, and he carried her back to the bookstore. Xiao Xiu explained she had been to a noisy place and drank different colored liquids, which Chi Yan realized meant she had consumed alcohol, causing her cat ears to appear.

Once home, Xiao Xiu tearfully apologized for looking into his private box, assuring him she hadn't meant to cause trouble and promising it wouldn't happen again. Chi Yan, no longer angry, apologized for his reaction, admitting he should have listened. He then explained that humans and cats are different, and there are things humans simply shouldn't do. He then told her to get some rest.

Qin Liangliang, a young boy, stealthily entered Chi's Bookstore and took some money from a box. Xiao Xiu witnessed this and immediately ran after him. Unaware of the theft, Chi Yan mistakenly thought Xiao Xiu had taken money to go out and play. Xiao Xiu followed Qin Liangliang to a bustling arcade, where she observed him being bossed around by a group of older boys who demanded more game tokens from him.

However, her attention was soon captured by a lively whack-a-mole game. Later, Xu Zihao visited Chi Yan, excitedly sharing that he had encountered Qin Mingming again at his clinic, where she brought her new golden retriever, and he had even managed to get her phone number. Despite Chi Yan calling him a "pervert," Xu Zihao passionately declared his conviction that Qin Mingming was subtly testing him.

He vividly described the pounding in his heart the first time he saw her, a sensation that now felt even stronger. Chi Yan was reminded of Xiao Xiu clinging to him, realizing his own heart had pounded similarly at that moment. Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu, having lost track of Qin Liangliang, was abruptly grabbed by a man. He quickly apologized, claiming he had mistaken her for someone else.

Incensed, Xiao Xiu angrily scolded him for accosting strangers, for his dark attire, and for causing her to lose her target. Back at the bookstore, Chi Yan helped a very intoxicated Xu Zihao into a taxi, with Xu Zihao still expressing his deep infatuation with Qin Mingming. Upon returning, Xiao Xiu informed Chi Yan that she had followed Qin Liangliang and seen him with unruly boys at the arcade.

She expressed concern that Qin Liangliang might pick up bad habits and questioned why Chi Yan, as his friend, wasn't doing anything about it. Chi Yan calmly explained that at Qin Liangliang’s age, these experiences are a necessary part of growth, and external intervention would be ineffective; it's better for him to learn to navigate such situations himself.

Xiao Xiu then asked if he would intervene if she were to go astray, to which Chi Yan reminded her that she was destined to return to her cat home and would not stay with him forever. Chi Yan then took Xiao Xiu to a supermarket to determine if she had other allergies. There, they saw Qin Liangliang attempting to steal items.

Before he could be apprehended by staff, Chi Yan discreetly paid for the goods, and Qin Liangliang quickly fled. On their way back, they encountered a group of thugs bullying Qin Liangliang. The thugs, who seemed to have a history with Qin Liangliang, demanded alcohol or more money from him. When Chi Yan intervened, the thugs attacked him. Although Chi Yan initially avoided fighting, he picked up a stick to protect Xiao Xiu and Qin Liangliang.

As one of the thugs brandished a knife, Chi Yan quickly told Xiao Xiu and Qin Liangliang to run, leading them to the police station, where the thugs were arrested. Qin Mingming arrived to pick up Qin Liangliang, expressing gratitude but also frustration that her brother had kept his troubles a secret. She revealed to Xiao Xiu that she and Chi Yan were high school classmates. Qin Liangliang remained quiet and withdrawn.

Qin Mingming attempted to exchange contact information with Chi Yan via WeChat, but Xiao Xiu interjected, explaining that Chi Yan used an older phone without WeChat, and then provided his phone number. Back at home, Qin Liangliang was overjoyed to see that Qin Mingming had gotten him a golden retriever. He confessed that the thugs were unemployed individuals with criminal records who often loitered near the school, and he had thought he could handle them without bothering his busy sister.

Qin Mingming apologized for not being more attentive, reassuring him that despite her demanding job, family – especially him – was always her utmost priority. She earnestly asked him to confide in her about any problems in the future, sealing the promise with a pinky swear. Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu clumsily bandaged Chi Yan’s arm, insisting on doing it herself despite his protests that it was just a minor scratch, wrapping his entire arm.

Later, on the rooftop, they drank beverages, and Xiao Xiu confirmed that her cat ears only appeared when she consumed alcohol, proving Chi Yan's earlier observation. She expressed remorse for misjudging Qin Liangliang and wanted to apologize to him. Chi Yan also felt regret, admitting that he, whom Qin Liangliang treated like an older brother, had been unaware of the boy's struggles.

Xiao Xiu comforted Chi Yan, reminding him of his protective nature, recounting how he had saved her from drowning, shielded her at the bar, and now protected Qin Liangliang, asserting that he was a very good person. She then playfully insisted that Chi Yan, who had never called her by name, say it properly. After a lighthearted threat to fry his fish, Chi Yan earnestly pronounced "Xiao Xiu," bringing a joyful smile to her face.

Chi Yan continued working on his manuscript, and Xiao Xiu brought him coffee before becoming engrossed in his newly published novel, "The Bully in The Alley." She eagerly tried to deduce the murderer's identity, repeatedly asking Chi Yan for clues. He eventually revealed that the murderer was Xu Tingyu's sister, explaining a critical detail involving a wet matchbox from a humidifier.

Xiao Xiu, impressed by his deduction, then noticed the pen name "Yan Yi" on the cover of "The Bully in the Alley: The Scarlet Book" and questioned its origin, as it wasn't his name. Chi Yan, slightly exasperated by her questions, explained that he was a ghostwriter and shared the pen name because he disliked and wasn't skilled at promoting his own work, arguing that without effective promotion, no one would discover or read his book.

Xiao Xiu felt his efforts were being taken advantage of, but Chi Yan emphasized the necessity of marketing. She then observed that their Chi's Bookstore consistently lost money, unlike other businesses, and suggested they close it temporarily. Chi Yan firmly rejected the idea, stating that the bookstore held immense importance for him and he would never give it up.

Xiao Xiu, recalling Chi Yan's earlier heartfelt prayer for abundant money, mistakenly concluded that wealth was his ultimate desire, and began to brainstorm ways to generate income for him. To help attract customers and make money, Xiao Xiu enthusiastically donned a mascot costume and distributed flyers for Chi's Bookstore. Later, while Chi Yan was out, Xiao Xiu, having transformed into a cat, was startled awake by customers.

In her sleepy confusion, she inadvertently handled a financial transaction using a calculator in her feline form. The astonished customers captured photos and videos of the "calculating cat." She reluctantly accepted the money as a cat, deeming it too crucial to refuse. When Chi Yan returned, he noticed her stained mascot head and gave her money to take it to a self-service laundry. At the laundry, she unexpectedly encountered Lin Mo, the young man in dark clothing, again.

He approached her silently and persistently probed for her name, where she lived, and if she was a local. Annoyed by his intrusive questions, Xiao Xiu curtly told him it was none of his business and threatened to "scratch" him. As before, Lin Mo abruptly declared he had "mistaken her for someone else" and left, prompting Xiao Xiu to label him a "weirdo."

On the street, a little girl named Yuanzi offered Xiao Xiu an ice cream, assuming Xiao Xiu had spent all her allowance like she did on her Barbie dolls. Xiao Xiu clarified that she had rented the mascot costume as a failed attempt to promote Chi's Bookstore. Yuanzi, recognizing Chi's Bookstore (which she knew as 'Chitang Bookstore'), introduced herself and mentioned that she knew Chi Yan, describing him as a very kind "big brother" who fed stray cats daily.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiu, just as Chi Yan arrived with her freshly laundered costume, indignantly confronted him, accusing him of disloyalty for secretly feeding other cats when he already had her. Chi Yan, holding the fish he had bought, calmly replied that he would now feed her openly and equally. Her anger quickly subsided, and she graciously allowed him to pet her head as a special privilege, despite him calling her "childish."

The following morning, a large crowd gathered outside Chi's Bookstore, clamoring to buy books and, more specifically, eager to see the "calculating cat." Chi Yan, utterly bewildered, attempted to tell them they were at the wrong store, but the enthusiastic customers pushed their way inside, all demanding to know "where's the cat," leaving Chi Yan completely confused.

Episode 5 Recap

Pond Bookstore saw a surge of customers, all clamoring to see the cat that had recently gone viral. Many asked, "Where is the cat? Can you let your cat do the check-out for us?" Xiao Xiu, finding their fascination with a cashier cat a bit ignorant, transformed into her cat form and adeptly handled the transactions, swiftly calculating totals on the register. A reporter arrived, commenting on the cat's viral fame and asking, "Is that cat your pet?"

However, Chi Yan, overwhelmed by the chaos, ignored the reporter and began telling everyone, "We are closed now. Please exit the store. We are closed now." He then forcefully ushered all the customers out. Xiao Xiu was puzzled, asking Chi Yan why he had driven everyone away. She reminded him that the bookstore was very important to him and that the increase in sales should bring a sense of accomplishment.

Chi Yan, however, saw it only as trouble, not an accomplishment. After a heated argument, Chi Yan retreated upstairs to write, telling Xiao Xiu not to let anyone else in. She sarcastically replied, "Rest assured. No one's coming." Feeling dejected, Xiao Xiu walked the streets and found an advertisement for Galaxy Law Firm, promising to make wishes come true.

She went inside and met Mr. Ke, who introduced his firm as highly-rated for various services, including "Missing person search" and "Marriage investigation." Xiao Xiu explained that she wanted to help someone achieve their wish but didn't know what they were thinking. Mr. Ke assured her they could investigate to find clues, making it easier to fulfill the wish. Xiao Xiu expressed eagerness, wanting the information as soon as possible.

Mr. Ke quoted her a price of four to six thousand, calling it an "urgent case" but offering a discount because he felt it "must be really hard for you." Xiao Xiu vowed to return quickly once she had the money. Determined to earn the fee, Xiao Xiu took on numerous odd jobs. She was seen distributing flyers, facing repeated rejections, and washing dishes at a restaurant.

One day, a man approached her, asking if she had considered becoming a model, promising she could "earn a lot" with her looks. Excited, Xiao Xiu demonstrated her "catwalk." The man asked for her details and a five-hundred-dollar registration fee. Xiao Xiu, having only a small sum, handed over all her earnings. Later, her last remaining coin fell into a sewer. Chi Yan, discovering her distress, used a magnet to retrieve the coin for her.

That evening, Chi Yan made two bowls of noodles and apologized to Xiao Xiu for his earlier outburst, acknowledging that her actions with the trending cat were not intentional. Xiao Xiu, in turn, admitted her mistake for making decisions on her own. As they watched "Tom and Jerry," Xiao Xiu wondered if humans could earn money by catching mice.

Chi Yan explained that Tom's inability to catch Jerry was not a lack of skill, but because "the two of them are in need of each other," implying the story would end if Tom succeeded. Xiao Xiu, still not fully understanding, declared she would "never be friends with a mouse." Soon after, two girls dressed in Lolita fashion arrived at the bookstore, asking to see the famous cat cashier.

Xiao Xiu, misunderstanding the "Lolita" style as a magical spell, was initially excited. Chi Yan, however, told the girls he had "given the cat away," much to their disappointment. Xiao Xiu again challenged his decision, worried about losing customers and income. Chi Yan retorted that his bookstore was "not a tourist attraction," suggesting a cat cafe if she wanted to be a "famous cat."

Xiao Xiu, asserting her "aristocrat" status from Meow Planet, insisted she only wanted to make money for him. Frustrated, she reluctantly told the departing customers that "the cat has gone back home." Later, she lamented to Chi Yan that the potential "money's all gone." Xiao Xiu continued her search for work, frequently being turned down. Sitting on the rooftop, scanning job advertisements, she pondered whether to try a "cafe" or a "bar."

She found herself at a brewery, where she encountered Lin Mo again, who was also applying for a job. The female boss clearly favored Lin Mo, praising his handwriting and appearance while criticizing Xiao Xiu's. During the interview, Xiao Xiu accidentally broke something and was quickly dismissed, the boss stating Lin Mo was "more suitable for this job."

Lin Mo, seeing Xiao Xiu's injured leg from the broken glass, applied a band-aid and offered his help if she ever needed it. Xiao Xiu, annoyed, muttered, "Stop faking it. I won't." Later, Xiao Xiu spotted the scammer from the modeling agency, who was coaching other aspiring models. She confronted him about the training, but he feigned ignorance and openly mocked her lack of qualifications.

Upset, Xiao Xiu returned home and complained to Chi Yan, scratching the table as she recounted how she was deceived into paying all her money. Chi Yan admonished her for seeking quick money without an ID or proper qualifications. Looking up at the full moon, Xiao Xiu suddenly forgot her troubles. She remarked on its perfect roundness, something rare on Meow Planet where the moon was always crescent-shaped. She then expressed longing for her parents.

Chi Yan revealed he had no family. Given that neither of them had family nearby, Xiao Xiu suggested they celebrate the full moon together. They had a pleasant time on the rooftop, and Xiao Xiu's spirits lifted. Chi Yan advised her to wait for his manuscript fees if she genuinely needed money, or at least to be cautious and "not be deceived again" if she insisted on working. Xiao Xiu, calling herself a "clever little white cat," promised she wouldn't.

Xiao Xiu's job hunt remained fruitless. She decided to play basketball with some children, but their game was interrupted by a group of older boys who tried to take over the court. Xiao Xiu, standing up for the children, ended up being chased by the boys across the basketball court. Just as she was about to be hit by a ball, Lin Mo appeared, intervened, and chased the boys away, urging Xiao Xiu to go home safely.

Meanwhile, Qin Mingming once again bumped into Xu Zihao, who inexplicably had her phone number. Annoyed, she tried to shake him off, accusing him of "following me" and calling him a "pervert." She even took a picture of him, claiming it was "evidence" she had sent to a friend. Xu Zihao, maintaining he was merely going in the same direction, eventually let her go ahead. To their surprise, they both arrived at Pond Bookstore.

Xiao Xiu, opening the door, was surprised to find them both there and even more surprised that they already knew each other. Inside, amidst their bickering, Xu Zihao realized that Qin Mingming and Chi Yan were high school classmates. Over dinner, the group marveled at the coincidences that brought them together, and Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming managed to resolve their past misunderstandings. Afterwards, they went to karaoke. Chi Yan, uncomfortable with the noisy environment, kept to himself.

Xiao Xiu, accidentally drinking an alcoholic beverage disguised as an alcohol-free one, quickly felt tipsy and excused herself. Qin Mingming then apologized to Chi Yan for a high school incident where some boys found an anonymous letter in his bag and claimed it was a love letter from him to another girl. Before she could fully explain the truth of the letter, Chi Yan, noticing Xiao Xiu's sudden behavior, realized she had consumed alcohol and rushed out to find her.

Xiao Xiu, disoriented, stumbled through the KTV halls. Chi Yan caught up, covering her with his jacket from a group of people. At a convenience store, he couldn't find any sober-up tea, so he bought her a cat-eared raincoat instead. Xiao Xiu, wearing the whimsical raincoat, playfully danced in the rain, while Chi Yan watched her with a fond expression. Later, Xu Zihao was blindsided by an arranged blind date, which to his astonishment, was with Qin Mingming.

Both had dressed unconventionally to deter their dates – Xu Zihao in heavy makeup and Qin Mingming in an eccentric outfit. Despite their efforts, they recognized each other immediately. Xu Zihao, surprisingly, seemed interested in the prospect, but Qin Mingming quickly declared her lack of interest in him, saying, "When will you realize I am not interested in you?" She then walked out. Xu Zihao persistently offered to drive her home, but Qin Mingming hailed a taxi and left, pointedly ignoring his pleas.

Episode 6 Recap

Chi Yan took Xiao Xiu shopping for new clothes, explaining that her constantly wearing his oversized garments was impractical and didn't suit her. Xiao Xiu, initially startled by the high prices on the tags, remarked that it would be better to remain a cat. Chi Yan selected several outfits for her, assuring her that the new clothes fit well, and purchased all of them. Afterward, Xiao Xiu pulled Chi Yan to a children's trampoline park.

Though Chi Yan was hesitant to join, Xiao Xiu eventually tackled him, finding his body surprisingly comfortable. Flustered, Chi Yan quickly announced he was going to buy her a phone, leaving Xiao Xiu to play while reminding her to stay safe and wait for him to return. After choosing a pink phone for Xiao Xiu, Chi Yan unexpectedly encountered his mother. The atmosphere between them was tense.

They sat down for coffee, where his mother remarked on his age and asked about his work. Chi Yan revealed he owned "Chi Tang Bookstore" in the city's north. She tried to add sugar to his coffee, recalling his childhood love for sweets and his introverted nature. She then inquired if he truly didn't mind sharing authorship of his book, to which Chi Yan explained it was merely a transaction for quick money.

As he prepared to leave, his mother expressed a desire to reconnect after so many years, wanting to understand his experiences better. However, Chi Yan questioned her sincerity and clarified that his name was Chi Yan, not "Xiao Yi" as she had called him. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by Zhang Yi, when his mother told him to pay for a bag for "Jiajia," explaining it was her welcome gift.

Chi Yan was then lost in a painful memory of his childhood: his mother had left money for him while he slept, and he could only watch helplessly as she was driven away, leaving him heartbroken. Back in the present, Chi Yan suddenly realized he had left Xiao Xiu behind in the mall. He rushed back, frantically searching for her and asking staff for help.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu, unable to find Chi Yan, ingeniously made her way to the mall's broadcasting room. Over the loudspeaker, she loudly called for "Chi Yan," declaring, "it's me, your Xiao Xiu is waiting for you in the mall." Chi Yan quickly heard her unique broadcast and found her, whereupon Xiao Xiu excitedly recounted her adventure with the "magic mic" that had broadcast her voice throughout the entire building.

Chi Yan began teaching Xiao Xiu how to use her new pink phone, explaining it needed a SIM card but could still be used. He showed her how to power it on and use the touchscreen, and they joyfully took many selfies together. Later, a news report announced that Zhang Yi’s novel, "The Bully in The Alley", had become a massive hit, and he was being hailed as a "genius writer."

A new book launch for its sequel was to be held, where Zhang Yi would appear to discuss his "inspiration" as a result of hard work and research. Meanwhile, Chi Yan received a letter from Yu Shan, his high school homeroom teacher, who remained a very important person in his life through years of continued correspondence. Xiao Xiu asked if she could also write to Yu Shan, but Chi Yan declined.

Soon after, Xiao Xiu saw the news report featuring Zhang Yi claiming authorship of "The Bully in The Alley", which she immediately recognized as Chi Yan's work. Confused and upset, she questioned why Zhang Yi was presented as the author instead of Chi Yan. Chi Yan received a call about the situation, where he was informed that Zhang Yi had publicly claimed authorship, and his studio was unreachable. Chi Yan simply acknowledged the news.

Xiao Xiu, however, was furious, denouncing Zhang Yi as a "liar" and "evil." Zhang Yi publicly claimed authorship of the novel, celebrating his skyrocketing fame with his team. Despite the book's immense success, Zhang Yi's assistant confirmed that Chi Yan's payment remained unchanged. Zhang Yi maintained that "The Bully in The Alley" owed its success entirely to his marketing, arguing that without him, Chi Yan's writing would go unread.

He confidently stated he would convince Chi Yan without increasing his compensation. Later, Zhang Yi sought directions to Chi Tang Bookstore from Xiao Xiu. Recognizing him, Xiao Xiu feigned adoration as a fan and deliberately gave him a long, confusing route that led through a back alley filled with trash.

Returning home, Xiao Xiu delightedly informed Chi Yan that she had avenged him, vividly describing how Zhang Yi was now lost, hot, thirsty, and covered in flies, a stark contrast to his polished television image. After much wandering, Zhang Yi eventually found the bookstore. Xiao Xiu quickly hid as Zhang Yi entered, expressing admiration for Chi Yan's talent. He proposed continuing their collaboration on "The Bully in The Alley" series, offering increased royalties.

The arrangement would remain the same: Chi Yan would write, and Zhang Yi would handle the marketing. However, Chi Yan firmly refused, stating that once the publisher settled their previous accounts, their partnership would be completely severed. Zhang Yi then brought up seeing Chi Yan's mother at the cafe, remarking that she was his stepmother and had asked him to look after Chi Yan's career. Chi Yan retorted that his relationship with his mother was none of Zhang Yi's concern.

Zhang Yi then twisted the knife, claiming Chi Yan’s mother had abandoned him to marry his own father, enduring compromises just to secure a better life. He ended by deriding Chi Yan, asserting that without his marketing and promotion, anything Chi Yan wrote would be ignored, and told him to call when he reconsidered. Later, Xiao Xiu strategically bribed a group of stray cats with cans of cat food, directing them to attack Zhang Yi.

As Zhang Yi was on a call, boasting about his success, the cats ambushed and scratched him, much to Xiao Xiu's amusement. A disheveled Zhang Yi aggressively confronted Xiao Xiu, but Chi Yan quickly intervened, protecting her and apologizing on her behalf. Xiao Xiu then questioned Chi Yan, asking why he would write such brilliant books for Zhang Yi instead of publishing them himself, believing he could achieve greater success independently and that Zhang Yi didn't deserve his talent.

She tried to inquire about Chi Yan's mother, but her attention was diverted by a passerby's sausage. Chi Yan, understanding her distraction, gave her money to buy one. Upon returning home, Chi Yan had installed the SIM card in Xiao Xiu's new phone. Fascinated by its calling feature, Xiao Xiu began to repeatedly call Chi Yan, even when they were in the same room.

Chi Yan grew increasingly exasperated, eventually setting a rule that she could only call him if they were further apart than the distance between the bookstore and the brewpub, before finally turning off his phone in frustration. Xiao Xiu confronted him about this, but Chi Yan simply stated he no longer wished to receive her calls and suggested she bother her "cat friends" instead. Xiao Xiu, however, playfully insisted that he was the only one she wanted to bother.

One day, Xiao Xiu discovered Chi Yan's account book was entirely in the red, indicating consistent losses. Realizing they were quickly running out of money, she became determined to find a job, vowing not to return home until she did. While searching, she was captivated by a Lolita dress display and immediately went to try one on. In the fitting room, she was unexpectedly joined by Lin Mo, who, desperate to escape debt collectors, had burst in.

Xiao Xiu, with quick thinking, helped him hide, fending off the pursuers by pretending to be alone. After the collectors left, she playfully questioned Lin Mo about his troubles, which he casually dismissed. He offered to buy her the Lolita dress as a thank you, on the condition that she keep his escapade a secret, but Xiao Xiu teased him about how "cute" he looked in his predicament.

Meanwhile, Qin Liangliang brought his dog, Bulb, for a check-up with the pet doctor, Xu Zihao. Qin Liangliang expressed his usual disdain for Xu Zihao, but his brother, Mingming, found him to be good. Xu Zihao diagnosed Bulb with a common cold, advising Qin Liangliang to keep the dog's bed dry and ensure it stayed hydrated. Qin Liangliang's sister found Xu Zihao to be annoying and overly talkative, warning her brother not to emulate him.

The publishing house later tried to persuade Chi Yan to continue "The Bully in The Alley" series, acknowledging Zhang Yi's misconduct but urging Chi Yan to accept compensation and renegotiate for a better deal, citing his financial needs for the bookstore. However, Chi Yan remained firm, stating he had fulfilled his obligations and desired no further compensation. To ensure the bookstore’s survival, he reluctantly agreed to write a "sweet romance" novel, a genre he typically avoided.

Upon learning of Chi Yan's decision, Zhang Yi was enraged. Chi Yan's mother, trying to console Zhang Yi with a bowl of Ganoderma soup, offered to persuade Chi Yan to continue the collaboration. Zhang Yi, however, reacted with rude impatience, questioning her loyalty and accusing her of secretly meeting Chi Yan, asking whether she was helping him or Chi Yan. Separately, Xiao Xiu approached Uncle Fu, seeking advice on finding a high-paying job with minimal effort to fund a lawyer.

She explained the lawyer would help uncover Chi Yan’s true wishes for her to fulfill her "returning the favor" mission more quickly. Uncle Fu suggested using job-seeking apps. Xiao Xiu soon found a potential job opening at a brewpub near the bookstore, the same place she had previously failed to get hired. To prepare for the interview, she asked Chi Yan to teach her about beer. Though annoyed, Chi Yan provided her with several books on brewing and reluctantly agreed to give her a brief lesson.

Episode 7 Recap

Journalist Qin Mingming and pet doctor Xu Zihao appeared together on a police dog program. During filming, Xu Zihao tried repeatedly to engage Qin Mingming in conversation. Afterwards, as they were leaving, he continued to follow her, insisting on talking or getting coffee. He cautioned her about walking in high heels down the stairs, but then clumsily twisted his own ankle. Qin Mingming initially ignored his attempts at conversation, but seeing him genuinely injured, she offered her help.

As he was being attended to, Xu Zihao apologized, explaining that he wasn't usually like this, but he couldn't control himself whenever he saw her. He offered to stop appearing on the show if he was causing her trouble, and even find another doctor for her pet. Qin Mingming, softened by his sincerity, agreed to drive him home.

Meanwhile, Chi Yan helped Xiao Xiu prepare for her brewery job interview by teaching her about different beer types, their production methods, and storage. The next day, Xiao Xiu went for her interview, only to find that Lin Mo was the interviewer. She successfully answered all his questions, demonstrating her knowledge. Lin Mo offered her the job. Xiao Xiu then requested to be paid daily instead of monthly.

Lin Mo initially questioned her desperation for money, but eventually agreed, and Xiao Xiu started working immediately. Chi Yan's mother visited his bookstore. Chi Yan was distant and cold towards her. His mother sought his help, explaining that Zhang Yi was still angry with her. She worried that if things continued, she would have to leave Zhang's family, with nowhere else to go. Chi Yan responded with a sarcastic smile, noting that she still only thought of herself.

His mother tried to persuade him, suggesting Zhang Yi could offer him a good job and a better life. Chi Yan, however, stated he was content with his current life. Later, Lin Mo was once again attacked by debt collectors in an alley behind the brewery, collapsing to the ground. Xiao Xiu found him bleeding and panicked, wondering if he was dead. Lin Mo, though injured, insisted he was fine and warned her not to call for help.

At the same time, Chi Yan received another visit from his mother, who was still trying to convince him to reconcile with Zhang Yi. Chi Yan firmly reiterated his decision to no longer collaborate with Zhang Yi and asked his mother to stay out of his life. Shortly after, Chi Yan received a desperate call from Xiao Xiu, telling him her colleague was severely injured in the alley. Chi Yan rushed over.

Lin Mo, covered in blood, still refused to go to the hospital, even threatening Xiao Xiu if she called for help. He eventually lost consciousness, forcing Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu to take him back to the bookstore. Lin Mo woke up in Chi Yan's bookstore. Both Xiao Xiu and Chi Yan urged him to seek professional medical attention, but Lin Mo steadfastly refused, citing a superstitious belief that a fortune-teller warned him against it due to a "blood disaster."

He thanked Chi Yan for patching up his wounds, then left the bookstore. He also asked if Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu were a couple, to which Xiao Xiu replied they were just friends. Chi Yan then advised Xiao Xiu to get some rest after her first day of work.

Back at Zhang Yi's office, his new book's reputation plummeted, and he desperately sought a writer better than Chi Yan, despite his assistant's pleas about the tight schedule and Chi Yan's unique style. Zhang Yi angrily dismissed his assistant's suggestions. Meanwhile, Chi Yan's mother called him, saying she found his late father's pen—a gift from Chi Yan himself—and wanted to meet. Chi Yan agreed to meet her at the Twelve Oaks cafe.

Xiao Xiu secretly followed Chi Yan to the cafe. At the cafe, Chi Yan's mother presented him with the pen. She also showed concern for Chi Yan's peanut allergy, by asking for a sandwich without peanut butter, which Chi Yan confirmed he could scrape off himself. She tried to persuade him to be more adaptable, especially with his bookstore business.

She explained that Zhang Yi was grateful for his past contributions and offered Chi Yan a card with 150,000 yuan, suggesting he use it to develop his bookstore. She urged him to face reality, acknowledging his ideals but stressing that he shouldn't be at odds with money. Chi Yan was unmoved, reaffirming his decision not to cooperate with Zhang Yi and stating he valued his boundaries.

His mother then spoke of her own difficulties with Zhang Yi's family, hoping to sway him. Chi Yan simply told her that everyone chooses their own path and then left. As he exited, he spotted Xiao Xiu, who had accidentally dropped her camera while eavesdropping. Xiao Xiu quickly chased after him, explaining she didn't mean to listen in, but also expressing her support for his decision. Irritated, Chi Yan told her not to follow him.

Feeling dejected, Xiao Xiu confided in Uncle Fu, complaining about Chi Yan's uncommunicative nature. Uncle Fu suggested that her concern for Chi Yan now surpassed mere gratitude, signifying they were friends. Later, at the brewery, Lin Mo's charm attracted many female customers, but he discreetly deleted all their contact information. Xiao Xiu, drinking alone, happily declared that she and Chi Yan were friends, even imagining herself growing cat ears.

When Chi Yan appeared, she excitedly tried to initiate a "friendship ritual" by rubbing against him. Chi Yan gently stopped her, proposing a pinkie swear instead. He asked her to promise never to drink alone again, as it was dangerous. In return, Xiao Xiu made Chi Yan promise to be happy every day and to share any worries with her instead of keeping them to himself. Earlier, Xiao Xiu had dinner at He Meng's place.

He Meng expressed understanding for Chi Yan's reluctance to turn his bookstore into an internet-famous spot, suggesting his current quiet state might be what suited him best. She also mused that Chi Yan might have subtly drawn closer to Xiao Xiu, despite his difficulty in expressing such feelings. He Meng then gave Xiao Xiu a yellow rose, indicating that Xiao Xiu was undoubtedly a very important friend to Chi Yan.

The next day, Xu Zihao visited Chi Yan at the bookstore, wondering if Xiao Xiu had some leverage over Chi Yan, given he allowed her to stay. He even jokingly referred to her as a 'beast' after noticing carved pillars in the bookstore. He then asked Chi Yan about Qin Mingming's hobbies, hoping to gain insight, but Chi Yan, known for being reserved, didn't know much about his high school classmate.

Xu Zihao then proposed a dinner with himself, Qin Mingming, and Chi Yan. Chi Yan declined to help. Just then, Xiao Xiu returned, and upon hearing about dinner, enthusiastically agreed to go with Xu Zihao. Suddenly, Chi Yan received a phone call, learning of his former teacher, Mr. Yu's passing. The memorial service was scheduled for that afternoon. Chi Yan decided to attend and instructed Xiao Xiu to mind the bookstore in his absence.

Meanwhile, Qin Mingming was packing to return to her hometown to be a bridesmaid for a friend. As she packed, she discovered her old diary and a hidden photo of Chi Yan from their high school days. Unbeknownst to Chi Yan and Xu Zihao, Xiao Xiu, in her cat form, sneaked into their car as they were leaving.

When she transformed back into her human form, she realized she hadn't brought any clothes and had to rummage through Chi Yan's luggage for something to wear. Xu Zihao returned to the car and was startled to find a naked Xiao Xiu. He quickly exited the car, urging her to put on clothes. He questioned her behavior, jokingly calling her an "alien" or "psycho," and again wondered if she had some secret hold over Chi Yan. Xiao Xiu denied it.

Episode 8 Recap

Chi Yan attended the funeral of his high school Chinese teacher, Mr. Yu Shan. Xiao Xiu, upon hearing this, was surprised, as she had thought Chi Yan and Mr. Yu were still in contact. Xu Zihao remarked that one never knows what tomorrow brings. At the funeral, Chi Yan reflected on Mr. Yu’s care during his high school years. Mr. Yu had noticed Chi Yan's exceptional talent for writing, even as he struggled in other subjects.

While acknowledging that university wasn't strictly necessary, Mr. Yu advised that it offered the easiest path in life, warning that opting out would require significantly more effort and risk. He gave Chi Yan two books, believing they would resonate with him. Mr. Yu had been one of the few who truly understood Chi Yan, helping him discover his inner voice. Xiao Xiu mentioned that she had recently seen Chi Yan's mother visiting him, which deeply angered Xu Zihao.

He explained that Chi Yan's father died when he was in primary school, and his mother quickly remarried, abandoning him. Chi Yan was raised by his grandfather, who also passed away during Chi Yan’s college years. This difficult upbringing led Chi Yan to become reclusive, focusing solely on his small bookstore and rarely returning home. Xu Zihao emphasized that despite his aloof demeanor, Chi Yan was warm-hearted.

He recounted how, as a chubby and ostracized child, only Chi Yan would run three kilometers with him every day, offering genuine companionship when others either ignored him or sought favors. After the funeral, Chi Yan noticed Xiao Xiu had followed him. She explained she was worried, promising not to be a bother. Shi Yang, Mr. Yu's son, approached Chi Yan to hand over a book that his father had intended to give him personally.

Chi Yan thanked Shi Yang and offered any assistance needed. Xu Zihao drove Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu home, exchanging phone numbers with Xiao Xiu and asking her to keep an eye on Chi Yan, knowing he was suffering internally despite his silence. Upon arriving, they found the power out. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu used a phone's flashlight to find a candle.

Noticing Chi Yan's difficulty, Xiao Xiu, whose cat night vision was excellent, took his hand and guided him as they navigated the dark house. Chi Yan showed her his childhood room, his old toys, and a photo of himself with his father and grandfather, then suggested she sleep in his room for the night. Later, Xiao Xiu heard disturbing noises from downstairs and found Chi Yan angrily chopping the grapevines in the yard, declaring them useless.

Concerned, Xiao Xiu watched as he retrieved a glass of wine. Chi Yan explained that his grandfather had loved wine and had planted the grapevines, remembering how they used to pick grapes and make wine together every summer. He recalled his grandfather joking about never drinking it again after replanting a new vine, a premonition that had now come true.

Chi Yan described his grandfather as an ordinary, diligent man who loved to recount his army stories, which Chi Yan eventually grew tired of, only later realizing his grandfather's memory was fading. Xiao Xiu then shared about her older sister, whose life had ended at the human equivalent of twenty-eight.

She spoke of her sister’s immense kindness and love, recalling how her parents, after the accident, had pretended nothing happened, trying to forget their grief, which forced Xiao Xiu to mourn in secret. Chi Yan validated her feelings, noting that people often claim grief will pass, and memories will fade, but he firmly believed that forgetting loved ones meant their true disappearance.

He asserted that the most agonizing aspects of loss weren't grand, visible sorrows, but rather the countless small, mundane moments that would continually resurface, reminding one of the unfillable void left behind. Taking Xiao Xiu's hand, Chi Yan formally made a wish: he asked her to bring back his father, grandfather, and Mr. Yu. Xiao Xiu, however, tearfully apologized, explaining that while the Cat's Requital could grant wealth, power, and good health, it could not reverse death.

Meanwhile, Lin Mo, another cat, had taken a special medicine to maintain his human form indefinitely, which unfortunately stripped him of his cat abilities, including his sense of smell and the ability to detect other felines. A flashback showed an elder warning him that the medicine would also significantly shorten his lifespan as a cat.

Lin Mo was investigating the death of a cat at a school, an incident that had caused a significant stir and was followed by other cases of cat abuse. He obtained a photograph of a group of students, believing the culprit was among them. Lin Mo learned that the culprit was the first person on the left in the second row of the photo, who had reportedly transferred schools after the incident.

Chi Yan later took Xiao Xiu to the cemetery to visit his father and grandfather. Xiao Xiu observed that human burial customs were the opposite of those on Meow Planet. She described how, after death, cats on Meow Planet become light, enveloped in a golden aura, and gently float into the sky to become stars. Chi Yan remarked that, compared to Meow Planet, human existence sometimes felt more ephemeral.

Separately, Xu Zihao encountered Qin Mingming, who was struggling to find a cab. He offered her a ride to Taihao Hotel, where she was due to be a bridesmaid, an offer she reluctantly accepted. During the drive, Xu Zihao tried to impress her with his driving skills. He mentioned Mr. Yu Shan's passing, prompting Qin Mingming to express concern for Chi Yan, asking if he was very upset and if Xiao Xiu was with him.

Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu then visited his old high school. After being turned away by a security guard who stated the school was closed for the holidays, Xiao Xiu boldly climbed over the wall, with Chi Yan following. As they walked through the campus, Chi Yan pointed out familiar landmarks. He recalled a time in high school when he saw other students feeding a small white cat.

He had intervened to warn them against giving cats salty food, only to be mocked by them. He confided in Xiao Xiu that he had encountered a cat very similar to her there, but it was no longer alive. He then remembered the day that cat died, and how everyone had blamed him, leading to his ostracization and being called a "psycho."

He hadn't bothered to explain himself because, as he put it, people only believe what they want to believe, and even Mr. Yu Shan's attempt to clarify the truth in a class meeting had been useless. Chi Yan's grandfather had even suggested he transfer schools, which he hadn't opposed. He decided to continue writing but vowed never to publish his work again.

He explained that cutting off unnecessary external connections wasn't a punishment but a liberation, making him feel lighter and happier, free from external judgment and the need to compromise. Though he admitted to feeling "a little bit" lonely, he considered it a normal part of life.

Xiao Xiu, while not fully grasping his words, affirmed her belief in him, stating that only a truly good person could be chosen by a cat for an offering of gratitude, and he had never used his wish for any ill purpose. Before leaving the school, Xiao Xiu plucked a flower and placed it on the grass, wishing the departed cat a happy afterlife as a star, introducing herself in the process.

Unseen, Lin Mo observed their departure, his emotions visibly stirred. Soon after, Xu Zihao called Chi Yan, asking where he and Xiao Xiu were and if they wanted to have a meal together. He also mentioned that he had given Qin Mingming a ride earlier that day to her bridesmaid duty and felt they had gotten along harmoniously. Later, Xiao Xiu impulsively climbed a tree to rescue a cat but accidentally disturbed a beehive.

Chi Yan quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher to drive the bees away, but not before getting stung, leaving a large bump on his head, and Xiao Xiu was also left disheveled. Meanwhile, Qin Mingming, also revisiting her alma mater, saw Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu holding hands as they left, which visibly saddened her. Xu Zihao continued to insist on driving Qin Mingming home, perplexed by her apparent dislike for him, yet confessing that simply seeing her brought him joy.

Qin Mingming, without elaborating, apologized and asked to be left alone, not wanting to hurt his feelings. That night, a thunderstorm broke out, terrifying Xiao Xiu. She rushed into Chi Yan’s room, insisting on sleeping with him. Seeing her cat ears appear due to fright, Chi Yan relented, allowing her to stay. He held her and comforted her until she eventually fell asleep. As the night deepened, Lin Mo covertly entered the house.

Episode 9 Recap

Lin Mo secretly entered Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu's room, holding a knife. He didn't harm them, but left and expressed his anger afterwards. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu were preparing to return home, and Xu Zihao arrived to pick them up. Lin Mo, in his cat form, was hiding in a fitting room, scared, and nearly discovered.

Xiao Xiu thought she saw a rat, describing it as "furry and moving," and asked for a broom, while Chi Yan didn't see anything and jokingly said he saw a "shabby cat." Lin Mo, while still a cat, silently asserted, "I am a white cat!" Fortunately, Lin Mo transformed back in time. Lin Mo needed medication to maintain his human form, a potion that, while keeping him human, would also cause him to lose his sense of smell.

This condition made him distracted at his job, leading to an incident where he was scolded for wasting beer. A colleague defended him, saying he was tired from being the top seller every day, but was quickly dismissed. Another person then offered to cover his shift and urged him to rest. Chi Yan was busy writing, narrating a passage from his novel about Su Miao seeing a handsome face and being held tightly, when Xu Zihao burst in.

Xu Zihao mocked Chi Yan's "cliché" novel and confessed that Qin Mingming had turned him down after he impulsively confessed his feelings. Xu Zihao wanted Chi Yan's advice, hinting at Chi Yan and Qin Mingming's past. Chi Yan immediately shut him down, stating unequivocally that nothing happened between him and Qin Mingming in high school, and nothing would happen now or in the future.

Undeterred, Xu Zihao declared he wouldn't give up, explaining that love isn't something one can easily switch off. He then accused Chi Yan of not understanding love, going so far as to say Chi Yan would rather fall in love with a cat than a human. Chi Yan retorted that since he didn't understand love, Xu Zihao shouldn't consult him anymore. Xu Zihao playfully responded, quoting Chi Yan's novel, "But I miss you. I miss you so much, bro.

I want to hold you tightly in my arm. Get lost. Don't move. Or, I don't know what I will do to you." After getting her paycheck, Xiao Xiu decided to treat herself to fish-related snacks, mentioning fish cakes, fish floss, fish jerky, and canned anchovies, even dreaming of owning a "fishpond." She also considered buying something for Chi Yan. Lin Mo, questioning their relationship given they lived together and she wanted to buy him gifts, asked about it.

Xiao Xiu clarified that they were merely "boss and employee." When Lin Mo pressed her to describe Chi Yan for gift ideas, she said he rarely left the house, dedicating his time to the bookstore or writing, with only one friend and a dislike for socializing. She noted his regular routine and obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly his strict waste sorting.

Lin Mo, observing Chi Yan meticulously sorting trash, further elaborated on OCD, claiming it's a stress-triggered disorder linked to neurotransmitter imbalance, and could lead to schizophrenia, noting many serial killers suffered from it. Xiao Xiu, however, believed Chi Yan simply had "too much free time." He sorted waste "every day at the same time" and wanted her to do it, but she lacked the patience. Lin Mo then headed home, declining an invitation to the bookstore.

The next morning, Chi Yan discovered a large gift in the yard. Xiao Xiu, full of mystery, urged him to unwrap it. Inside was a lively grapevine seedling, a gift she bought with her savings, hoping they could make their own wine one day. Chi Yan expressed his liking and gratitude, calling it "romantic." Soon after, Lin Mo arrived, looking for a book titled "Revenge" by Wang Zengqi.

Chi Yan informed him the book was sold out and directed him to the bookstore, reminding him this was private property. Lin Mo noticed the grapevine seedling and asked about it. He then invited Xiao Xiu to a fish hotpot place, recalling her earlier wish for fish. However, Chi Yan told Xiao Xiu she had to go to the laundromat as it was Friday.

Lin Mo promptly offered to accompany her, stating it was on the way to the hotpot restaurant. Xiao Xiu agreed, and they departed. As Xiao Xiu took one of Lin Mo's earphones to listen to music with him, Lin Mo was suddenly reminded of his past. He reached for her hand but stopped. Xiao Xiu, noticing his change in demeanor, asked if he was reminded of "the girl that looks like me."

Lin Mo confirmed that she was similar, but also "different from you." Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming met again while walking their dogs. Sitting awkwardly, Qin Mingming apologized for her previous rude attitude, and Xu Zihao reassured her not to feel burdened, suggesting they return to their normal interactions, like walking dogs or going to the bookstore. On their way back, they found an abandoned two-month-old kitten.

Xu Zihao took it inside, fed it milk, and taught Qin Mingming how to do so, while affectionately calling her "adorable." He explained that elephants perceive humans as cute, similar to how humans find kittens adorable, which made Qin Mingming smile as it was the first time anyone had called her cute. Lin Mo, in cat form, sneaked into the bookstore and deliberately pushed a flowerpot down as Chi Yan passed.

Xiao Xiu, seeing the danger, pushed Chi Yan out of the way, saving him but injuring her own leg. Since she couldn't go to a regular hospital, Chi Yan called Dr. Luo, his former high school senior, and rushed her to Dr. Luo's private clinic. Xiao Xiu was allergic to anesthetic but needed stitches. Chi Yan stayed by her side, trying to comfort her as she cried out in pain.

He asked everyone else to leave so he could speak with her alone, reassuring her that the painful procedure was necessary for her recovery, otherwise, she might lose the ability to walk, jump, or climb trees. He encouraged her to trust Dr. Luo, who he vouched for as the best and a nice guy. Throughout the stitching, Chi Yan held Xiao Xiu tightly, preventing her from looking at the wound as she screamed in agony.

He kept reassuring her it was almost over. With Xiao Xiu's wound stitched, Chi Yan stayed by her side as she slept. Xu Zihao arrived with late-night snacks and offered to keep an eye on Xiao Xiu while Chi Yan paid the bills.

Dr. Luo informed Chi Yan that Xiao Xiu's temperature and heart rate were slightly elevated and suggested a chest X-ray, but Chi Yan declined, stating her higher temperature was normal and they should wait until her leg healed. Dr. Luo mistakenly assumed Xiao Xiu was Chi Yan's girlfriend, to which Chi Yan clarified she was merely an employee who had saved him.

Dr. Luo acknowledged that Chi Yan was unusually worried and reflected on how much time had passed since high school, recalling Chi Yan as a handsome, solitary, talented writer with a strong character, an "outcast." Chi Yan remembered Dr. Luo's help back then and mentioned he now owned a bookstore, inviting Dr. Luo to visit. Xiao Xiu woke up distraught, fearing she might be permanently disabled. Xu Zihao reassured her, highlighting Dr. Luo's expertise and his connection to Chi Yan.

Xiao Xiu then recounted her "heroic deed" of saving Chi Yan, calling him a "damsel in distress," specifically "the ice-cold damsel with a stone heart" like Elsa from "Frozen". Xu Zihao playfully responded that Chi Yan was "more like a ninja turtle." Despite her leg injury, Xiao Xiu was restlessly moving around the house. Chi Yan had to steady her when she almost fell, urging her to rest properly.

Taking advantage, Xiao Xiu began ordering him around for snacks, drinks, a copy of "The Little Prince", a blanket, and even a doll, and then to take her to the bathroom, pushing Chi Yan's patience to its limit. When he finally told her "enough is enough," she switched to a dramatic, self-pitying mode, lamenting about her severe injury for an "ungrateful human," which left Chi Yan helpless.

Bored at home, Xiao Xiu received a visit from Qin Mingming, who had heard about her injury from Xu Zihao. Qin Mingming learned that the flowerpot incident was deliberate. When asked if they suspected anyone, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu could only think of Zhang Yi, a controversial writer-influencer. Chi Yan noted they had no evidence to report it to the police, but Qin Mingming offered to ask Uncle Gao for help.

Concerned about Xiao Xiu's living situation with an injury, Qin Mingming was appalled to learn that Xiao Xiu was sleeping on the couch while Chi Yan slept in his room, calling him a "monster." Xiao Xiu reluctantly explained that she had "no choice" but to live with Chi Yan due to undisclosed "reasons," hinting at the profound limitation of human power, a situation Qin Mingming seemed to understand.

After Chi Yan saw Qin Mingming off, Lin Mo arrived, claiming there was a last-minute training session at the store and he was there to pick up Xiao Xiu. Despite her injury, Xiao Xiu quickly changed, emphasizing her need to go for work. Chi Yan reluctantly carried her downstairs and then helped her onto Lin Mo's motorcycle. Once Xiao Xiu left, Chi Yan became distracted, constantly checking for her return.

The "training" was a ruse; Lin Mo had taken Xiao Xiu out for dinner. During dinner, he apologized for the serious injury she sustained, bringing up the falling flowerpot incident. He tried to insinuate that Chi Yan was not a good person, suggesting that "chivalry should be practiced on good people" and "appearances can be deceiving." Xiao Xiu, however, firmly defended Chi Yan as "a decent person."

Lin Mo then asked if she "liked" Chi Yan in an "unusual way," a concept Xiao Xiu didn't grasp, believing "like is just like." Lin Mo revealed he once loved someone, but "she's dead." As they returned, Chi Yan and Lin Mo began to argue over who would carry Xiao Xiu upstairs, each insisting they would do it.

Episode 10 Recap

Lin Mo and Chi Yan argued over who would carry Xiao Xiu upstairs, but Chi Yan ultimately scooped her up and brought her home. Lin Mo watched them with a knowing, somewhat sinister look. Later, Chi Yan, struggling with writer's block, sat next to Xiao Xiu as she watched a cartoon. Xiao Xiu was captivated by a sad story about a mermaid who loved a prince who didn't love her back, causing the mermaid to turn into bubbles.

Reflecting on the story, Xiao Xiu asked Chi Yan what the difference was between "like" and "love" and then directly asked if he liked her. Chi Yan was taken aback, blurting out, "Why would I like you?" He quickly told her not to ask such questions and retreated to his room, leaving Xiao Xiu puzzled by his sudden exit.

Chi Yan accompanied Xiao Xiu for a follow-up medical appointment, and Dr. Luo confirmed her leg was recovering well, though he advised more rest. Xiao Xiu observed Dr. Luo’s popularity among patients, which Chi Yan attributed to Dr. Luo's kindness and the significant help he had provided Chi Yan during high school. As they headed home, Xiao Xiu spotted a skateboarder and playfully urged Chi Yan to race him.

Despite finding the idea childish, Chi Yan sped up to pass the skateboarder. They then encountered Uncle Fu, who recognized Chi Yan. Uncle Fu revealed that he had known Chi Yan’s grandfather, Chi Renyuan, from when he first arrived in the human world decades ago. Chi Renyuan had even given Uncle Fu a secret recipe book, and they often cooked together.

Xiao Xiu proudly declared her identity as a "mackerel orange tabby cat" and indicated Chi Yan was also from the Meow Planet. Uncle Fu mentioned that unlike Xiao Xiu, he had lived in the human world for decades without blowing his cover, and attributed Xiao Xiu's injury to her clumsiness. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu quickly corrected him, explaining she was injured while saving Chi Yan. Uncle Fu, a keen angler, then offered them some freshly caught fish.

Xiao Xiu, intrigued, eagerly asked to join him fishing, and Chi Yan also agreed to go. Out on the sea, Uncle Fu explained how to catch halibuts. Xiao Xiu, despite her supposed injury, confidently declared she would win the fishing competition against Chi Yan. However, Chi Yan had an uncanny knack for fishing, reeling in one fish after another, much to Xiao Xiu's envy and frustration.

In her excitement over a potential big catch, Xiao Xiu spontaneously stood up, revealing her leg was fully healed. Chi Yan admitted he had known about her recovery for a while but chose not to say anything, out of gratitude for her having saved him. Uncle Fu commented that Chi Yan, like his grandfather, possessed a "personality of a cat" that made people comfortable around him.

Meanwhile, Lin Mo met with an associate, acknowledging his previous attempt at revenge had failed and inadvertently harmed someone. His associate chastised him, suggesting a more efficient method. Lin Mo then produced a vial of a substance, confirming it was medicine forbidden on Meow Planet. He instructed his associate to procure a substantial quantity, assuring them that money was no object.

Separately, Zhang Yi's assistant informed him that sales for his new book were exceeding expectations, and the publisher wanted to host a book signing event. Zhang Yi, after dismissing initial venue suggestions, decided on a specific "good place" for the event. At his bookstore, Chi Yan received a call from Hao Qingsong, his editor, who criticized his "Summer Sweetheart" manuscript for poor quality and slow delivery, threatening to cut his pay.

Chi Yan defended his work, explaining it was his most challenging piece and that good writing required time. Shortly after, his landlord called, pressing him for overdue rent. Just then, a representative arrived, not for books, but to propose holding a book signing at Chi Yan's bookstore. The representative kept the author's identity a secret but offered a substantial venue rental fee.

Given his financial straits, Chi Yan reluctantly agreed, specifying that he would only provide the venue and no catering services. Xiao Xiu, unaware of the mystery author's identity, diligently cleaned and rearranged the bookstore in preparation for the event. She enthusiastically told Lin Mo that she wished Chi Yan, an excellent but secretive writer, could one day have his own book signing. Lin Mo, cynical about the publishing world, remarked that fame was often more about marketing than writing quality.

Upon learning that Chi Yan's bookstore would not provide drinks, Lin Mo approached Xiao Yu, the owner of a local brewer, with a business proposal. He revealed the upcoming book signing was for a popular internet influencer, suggesting Xiao Yu's pub could provide the catering and use the event's popularity for publicity. Xiao Yu found the idea promising and agreed to discuss the details further with Lin Mo.

On the day of the signing, Zhang Yi arrived early, much to the shock of Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu. With no way to back out, Chi Yan calmly advised Xiao Xiu that "revenge is a dish best served cold." During the Q&A session, a reporter pressed Zhang Yi about the alleged decline in his novel's quality and his character creation process. Zhang Yi stammered, unable to provide coherent answers.

Chi Yan stepped in, introducing himself as the bookstore owner and a fan. He confidently explained the intricacies of the villains in "The Bully in The Alley" series, claiming Zhang Yi was too immersed in his own creations. Chi Yan then pointed out that Zhang Yi's new book, "Dark Alley Mob: The Gospel of Killing," lacked such complex villains, subtly implying Zhang Yi was confusing it with his next work. The moderator quickly moved the event to the book signing.

Xiao Xiu was delighted by Chi Yan's clever intervention. Later, Lin Mo, serving drinks, approached Chi Yan with a glass of lager, claiming Xiao Xiu had told him it was Chi Yan's preference. However, Chi Yan, feeling troubled, left the drink untouched and went to the rooftop. As the event continued, Zhang Yi, looking for Chi Yan, aggressively questioned Xiao Xiu about his whereabouts. Chi Yan then appeared, stepping forward to protect Xiao Xiu.

Zhang Yi, agitated by Chi Yan's earlier words, confronted him, asserting that all the fans were there for him, not Chi Yan. Chi Yan, unfazed, dismissed Zhang Yi, stating he would never consider him a rival because they weren't on the same level, and he refused to "bully the weak." He further clarified that while he understood Zhang Yi's desperate need for relevance, Zhang Yi held no significant place in his life.

Enraged, Zhang Yi ordered Xiao Xiu to get him a drink. Chi Yan intervened, asking if Xiao Xiu was his maid, and then pulled Xiao Xiu away from the scene. Zhang Yi, left alone, angrily grabbed the drink on the table and consumed it, promptly collapsing and foaming at the mouth. Panic ensued, and Zhang Yi was rushed to the hospital. Qin Mingming and Xu Zihao arrived at the bookstore, confused by the chaos.

Xiao Xiu, worried, asked Xu Zihao to stay and watch the store, then left for the hospital with Qin Mingming, who had been nearby on an assignment. Lin Mo also departed for the hospital after instructing his staff to manage the remaining event. At the hospital, Chi Yan's mother arrived, completely ignoring Chi Yan and rushing to Zhang Yi's side.

Upon learning that Zhang Yi had consumed a drink Chi Yan had given him, she furiously berated Chi Yan, accusing him of intentionally harming Zhang Yi. Xiao Xiu tried to defend Chi Yan, explaining that he had no prior knowledge of Zhang Yi being the mystery author and that Zhang Yi had deliberately kept it a secret to provoke them. Chi Yan's mother, however, refused to listen, pushing Xiao Xiu aside.

Despondent and overwhelmed by the accusations, Chi Yan numbly admitted that he was indeed the one who gave Zhang Yi the drink. His mother, calling him a "bastard" and "stupid," tried to physically remove him. Qin Mingming stepped between them to de-escalate the situation. Dr. Luo informed them that Zhang Yi was out of danger thanks to prompt medical attention but needed to be hospitalized for observation.

He also firmly told Chi Yan's mother to calm down and take her accusations to the police if she had any evidence. After Zhang Yi was settled in a private room, Dr. Luo consoled Chi Yan, urging him not to take the incident to heart. Dr. Luo assured him that he always believed in Chi Yan's integrity, both past and present, and that justice would ultimately prevail.

Later, Qin Mingming confessed to Chi Yan that the hospital incident had brought back painful memories of high school, when he was wrongly accused of cat abuse and she, out of fear and cowardice, failed to defend him. She expressed deep remorse for her inaction. Chi Yan, however, gently told her not to dwell on it.

He recounted seeing former classmates at his teacher Mr. Yu's funeral; they had approached him cheerfully, as if their past bullying and his ostracization had never occurred. He explained that those who truly harmed him had moved on and selectively forgotten. He understood now that he was seen as an "outcast" by his peers, and people often resorted to ostracizing others to fit in.

He also noted that reporting such issues to adults back then was often futile, as they dismissed it as mere "kids messing around." Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Xiu and Xu Zihao had been listening in from behind the door. Qin Mingming reiterated her unwavering trust in Chi Yan's character, asserting that she was now stronger and more capable of helping him. She pledged to assist in uncovering the truth.

Xiao Xiu and Xu Zihao then emerged, also offering their full support. Just as they were having this emotional moment, Chi Yan's mother called him. Chi Yan, with a concerned Xiao Xiu, gently urged her to go upstairs first, promising to follow shortly.

Episode 11 Recap

Chi Yan’s mother, upset by the sudden turn of events, expressed her wish for all the troubles to end and for Chi Yan to cease all contact with Zhang Yi. She admitted that some of her words earlier might have hurt his feelings. She explained that their recent reunion had brought a lot of chaos into both Zhang Yi's and her own life, especially with Zhang Yi currently hospitalized and in a bad state.

She reiterated her belief that Chi Yan, with his talent from a young age, was fortunate, but Zhang Yi also deserved to pursue his dream of becoming a writer, a dream he was very close to achieving. She implored Chi Yan not to hinder Zhang Yi if he couldn't help him. Acknowledging her past failures as a mother, she apologized to Chi Yan and offered to compensate him for anything, as long as he left Zhang Yi alone.

Chi Yan, in turn, demanded five million yuan, causing his mother to pause, but she agreed to transfer the money the next day. As Chi Yan exited the car and walked away in the rain, Xiao Xiu, worried, followed him with an umbrella. Frustrated by his silent defiance, she threw the umbrella away, choosing to brave the downpour with him.

She recognized his pain, and Chi Yan, emotionally shattered, confessed that he had grown accustomed to being alone, to the reality that not all mothers love their children, and to the absence of expectations to avoid disappointment. Xiao Xiu lovingly reminded him that he was no longer alone, declaring, "I am here with you. I will be your armor." She gently stroked his head as he embraced her, sobbing in the heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming had a successful program recording. The show provided them with two aquarium tickets as a perk. Xu Zihao, having a weekend interview, offered his ticket to Qin Mingming, suggesting she could take Qin Liangliang. On their way home, Qin Mingming suddenly asked to stop the car, feeling nauseous and vomiting by the roadside. She insisted Xu Zihao stay away, but in her distress, she accidentally sprained her ankle.

Xu Zihao ended up carrying her back home. Later, Xiao Xiu stumbled upon a news article about a donation to the Hope Bird-nest Single Dad Foundation. She recognized Chi Yan’s mother in the photo as the donor but soon learned from Chi Yan that he had made the five-million-yuan donation in her name, deciding how his mother’s compensation would be used.

Qin Mingming, burdened by love troubles, confided in Qin Liangliang about an admirer she didn't like and her unrequited feelings for someone else. When Qin Liangliang realized she was talking about herself, she denied it, claiming it was a friend. Qin Liangliang advised her "friend" to maintain distance from the unwanted suitor and proactively pursue the one she liked, suggesting methods like spending time alone and catering to their interests.

Qin Mingming then gave the two aquarium tickets to Qin Liangliang, hinting he could take a friend. The following morning, Chi Yan awoke from a nightmare to find Xiao Xiu sleeping peacefully beside him. He gently woke her, telling her they could no longer share a bed and that he would prepare a separate room for her. Xiao Xiu, flustered, quickly explained she had sought comfort in his room due to the loud thunder and heavy rain the previous night.

Soon after, Qin Liangliang gave the aquarium tickets to Xu Zihao, suggesting he take Qin Mingming. Qin Mingming later approached Chi Yan with two book fair tickets, mentioning an exhibition of painter’s manuscripts, hoping he would be interested in joining her. Xu Zihao, who was nearby outside the bookshop, overheard the conversation with a heavy heart. Chi Yan, as expected, politely declined Qin Mingming's invitation, leaving her visibly disappointed.

Xiao Xiu, noticing Xu Zihao's distracted state, received the aquarium tickets from him. She excitedly suggested to Chi Yan that they go together to see an "underwater world like in The Mermaid," but he dismissively stated he had "no time" and "no interest." Back home, Qin Mingming’s continued dejection led Qin Liangliang to assume Xu Zihao had rejected her, only to discover that Xu Zihao was not the person she liked.

Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu secretly met with Ke Bei, a lawyer. She offered him an installment payment for his services, requesting an expedited investigation. Ke Bei, who had developed an instant crush on He Meng when she passed by, proposed a deal: if Xiao Xiu helped him pursue He Meng, his consultation fees would be waived. Xiao Xiu readily agreed.

Later, Xiao Xiu went to the aquarium with Lin Mo, exclaiming how wonderful it was and lamenting that Meow Planet didn’t have such places. Lin Mo quickly corrected her, substituting "Mongolia" for "Meow Planet." Upon discovering a note from Xiao Xiu stating she went to the aquarium with Lin Mo, Chi Yan felt a pang of disappointment and called Xu Zihao to meet at their usual spot.

At the aquarium, Lin Mo playfully teased Xiao Xiu about her fondness for fish, asking if she was a cat, which she deflected. He then used Xiao Xiu to ward off an admirer and suggested she consider him romantically. Xiao Xiu immediately rejected him. Lin Mo speculated her rejection was due to Chi Yan, asserting he could sense the depth of her feelings for Chi Yan.

However, he then claimed Chi Yan might not be as good as she imagined, hinting at hidden aspects that could harm her. Xiao Xiu, angered by the veiled accusations against Chi Yan, passionately defended him, describing him as gentle and kind despite his sometimes grumpy and strange demeanor, which others might not see. She grew increasingly upset with Lin Mo's insinuations and eventually ignored him. Chi Yan and Xu Zihao met for a fencing match.

Xu Zihao quickly noticed Chi Yan's unusual intensity and pressed him about his troubles. Observing that Chi Yan's emotions had been deeply tied to Xiao Xiu since her arrival, and sensing a mutual affection between them, Xu Zihao advised Chi Yan to take the initiative and not let such a good connection slip away, dismissing Chi Yan's notion of caring as a "burden."

Later that night, Xu Zihao brought a heavily intoxicated Chi Yan back home, telling Xiao Xiu that Chi Yan was "not as cold as he seems" before leaving. Xiao Xiu struggled to help Chi Yan, removing his coat and trying to get him into bed. In the process, she accidentally kissed him. As Chi Yan slowly drank some water, Xiao Xiu, believing him asleep, confessed her feelings.

She recounted her joy at the aquarium, wishing he had been there to share the experience. She realized she wanted to share every moment, every sight, and every feeling with him, concluding that she had likely fallen in love with him. Chi Yan, however, remained asleep. The next morning, Chi Yan was startled to find his clothes changed.

Xiao Xiu shyly asked if he remembered anything from last night, but Chi Yan only recalled Xu Zihao bringing him home and then blacking out. As Xiao Xiu hesitated, preparing to reiterate her confession, the doorbell rang. Meanwhile, Zhang Yi was live streaming from his hospital bed, portraying himself as a victim with severe sequelae. His fans were relentlessly pressuring the police.

Chi Yan revealed that the poisoned drink was originally intended for him, not Zhang Yi, suggesting someone else was targeting him. Qin Mingming and Xiao Xiu resolved to help Chi Yan clear his name and find the true culprit. Investigating the bookshop, they discovered a hidden surveillance camera, which Chi Yan had previously believed did not exist.

They discussed how this camera could prove Chi Yan's innocence regarding the spiked drink, but also wondered who had placed it there and for what purpose. They concluded that the person who installed the camera would eventually reveal themselves.

Episode 12 Recap

Late at night, Ma Gaofei stealthily entered the bookstore, attempting to steal a surveillance camera when he was discovered by Chi Yan, Xiao Xiu, and Qin Mingming. Caught red-handed, Ma Gaofei confessed that he had no malicious intent. He explained that he knew Chi Yan was writing a book for Zhang Yi and that the two had conflicts.

His plan was to record any potential confrontations during the upcoming book launch at Chi Yan's bookstore and sell the footage to reporters for money. He added that he despised Zhang Yi, feeling treated like a servant while working for him. Qin Mingming questioned if he was acting on Zhang Yi's behalf, to which Ma Gaofei clarified he wasn't. Chi Yan then revealed that Ma Gaofei's camera, far from harming him, could actually help clear his name.

The group convinced Ma Gaofei to accompany them to the police station to testify on Chi Yan's behalf. Meanwhile, He Meng was distressed, searching for her lost tabby cat, the same one Qin Mingming and Xu Zihao had previously found. Xiao Xiu enthusiastically offered to help, quickly drawing a crude, yet recognizable, cat portrait for a missing cat poster. After smelling the cat's litter box, Xiao Xiu declared she would find it.

Dr. Luo, on his way to Chi Yan's bookstore, encountered a neighborhood girl playing with a stray cat, which was He Meng's missing pet. Dr. Luo located Chi Yan's obscure bookstore and commented on its hidden location. He admired a unique, recently repaired book, noting that such books survive only through careful maintenance. Spotting cat hair, Dr. Luo asked if Chi Yan still kept cats, recalling the cat cashier that made the store famous online.

Chi Yan confirmed he no longer kept it, aligning with his preference for avoiding crowds. Dr. Luo encouraged Chi Yan's continued writing, promising to be his first reader. Meanwhile, Xiao Xiu, proudly pointing out her "artistic" missing cat poster to He Meng, spotted Dr. Luo. She attempted to greet him, but the young girl He Meng was with, who knew Dr. Luo from a previous injury, interjected, stating her strong dislike for him.

Later, while helping a neighbor search for a cat, Chi Yan made a grim discovery: two small cats had been poisoned to death. He immediately called Xu Zihao for help, expressing his disbelief at such cruelty. Separately, Lin Mo received a phone call from a friend asking for an errand fee, and he stalled for a few more days, claiming a lack of funds.

Observing Chi Yan's low spirits, Qin Mingming empathetically asked if the incident with the dead cats reminded him of a painful high school experience, noting that pet loss can be as devastating as losing a loved one. Chi Yan admitted his distress stemmed more from incomprehension than sadness, unable to grasp such evil. Qin Mingming shared that as a journalist, she'd witnessed similar injustices, acknowledging that most people prioritize conformity over truth, as she herself once did in high school.

She vowed to help him this time, alongside Xu Zihao and Xiao Xiu. Chi Yan then requested she keep the day's tragic discovery from Xiao Xiu, fearing her impulsive nature due to her love for cats. Qin Mingming agreed to secretly investigate and offered to share dinner, but Chi Yan declined, explaining Xiao Xiu would worry if he was unreachable.

Gathering her courage, Qin Mingming confessed her feelings for Chi Yan, acknowledging his likely lack of reciprocation but stating she needed to say it to move on, feeling lighter afterward. Unbeknownst to her, Xu Zihao had overheard her confession and was visibly disheartened. He continued to follow her, expressing concern she might cry, though she denied it, her spirits clearly low. After work, He Meng arrived with Xiao Xiu's missing cat poster.

Lin Mo found the drawing amusing and offered to help search for the cat. Xiao Xiu, still concerned about the book signing incident, discussed it with Lin Mo, expressing worry that if the suspicious wine was indeed poisoned, Chi Yan was the intended target. Lin Mo acknowledged the difficulty in pinpointing the culprit due to the large crowd.

Meanwhile, a heartbroken Xu Zihao sought solace with Chi Yan, lamenting Qin Mingming's confession to Chi Yan and Chi Yan's lack of reciprocation. He admitted to a fleeting moment of schadenfreude but seeing Qin Mingming's subsequent sadness made him wish they would just be together. Qin Liangliang called Xu Zihao, informing him Qin Mingming was out running and suggested he come over. Xu Zihao, despite Qin Liangliang's warning about his sister's marathon experience, rushed to find Qin Mingming.

He quickly became exhausted trying to keep up with her. Qin Mingming eventually stopped, embarrassed by her behavior, and asked Xu Zihao to forget the day's events. Xu Zihao, however, firmly stated that there was no shame in liking someone and vowed never to forget anything about her, promising to catch up to her, metaphorically, just like a marathon runner.

Seeing Lin Mo escort Xiao Xiu home, Chi Yan quickly went to bed, feigning sleep and ignoring Xiao Xiu's persistent knocking. The next morning, as Xiao Xiu prepared breakfast, Chi Yan noticed Lin Mo calling Xiao Xiu again, a hint of unease crossing his face. Lin Mo had successfully located He Meng's cat, but Chi Yan's primary concern was Xiao Xiu, who seemed to have caught a cold.

Ignoring Chi Yan's offer of medicine, Xiao Xiu, eager to help, hurried to meet He Meng at the veterinary hospital. Lin Mo transported the rescued cat to Xu Zihao's clinic, where it received immediate attention, much to He Meng's relief. After Lin Mo departed for work, He Meng treated Xiao Xiu to bubble tea, a beverage Xiao Xiu instantly adored, proclaiming it even better than beer.

Soon after, a limping Xu Zihao arrived, explaining his soreness was from running a half marathon with Qin Mingming to cheer her up after her confession to Chi Yan. When Xiao Xiu heard that Qin Mingming had confessed her feelings to Chi Yan, she abruptly stood up, visibly angered. Furious, Xiao Xiu headed to confront Qin Mingming but was intercepted by a beauty salon worker who convinced her to get a dramatic "battle makeup" for her impending showdown.

Simultaneously, Xu Zihao urgently called Chi Yan, revealing his accidental slip-up about Qin Mingming's confession to Xiao Xiu. Chi Yan rushed to meet Xu Zihao, who was driving to prevent a potential conflict. Xiao Xiu, now adorned in her fierce new makeup, confronted Qin Mingming, declaring Chi Yan as hers and forbidding Qin Mingming from liking him. Qin Mingming, maintaining her composure, advised Xiao Xiu to first understand Chi Yan's true feelings.

Before Xiao Xiu could fully process this, a police dog suddenly appeared, startling her into a terrified yelp, causing her to cling to Qin Mingming. From a distance, Xu Zihao, seeing the unexpected embrace, momentarily feared the women had indeed come to blows. Later, Xiao Xiu grumbled about her defeat being due to the police dogs and mocked Xu Zihao for comparing her makeup to the Powerpuff Girls.

Dejected, Xiao Xiu commanded Chi Yan not to like Qin Mingming, and he quietly assented. She then asked if he liked her, reminding him of her drunken confession. She admitted that despite his often grumpy demeanor, being around him had changed her, making her worry for him and forget her original goal of repaying a kindness, which fueled her anger when Qin Mingming confessed.

Citing the tragedy of the Little Mermaid, Xiao Xiu declared her love for Chi Yan and her desire for his affection in return. Chi Yan, however, apologized, stating he wasn't ready to consider such matters. Shortly after, they found an unconscious kitten by the roadside and rushed it to the veterinary hospital. Fortunately, it had only been sedated, not fatally poisoned, though a larger dose would have been lethal.

As Xiao Xiu developed a fever, Chi Yan grew concerned, and Xu Zihao drove them home. Xiao Xiu was convinced that the recurrent incidents with stray cats were not accidental, observing a disturbing decrease in their numbers, suggesting they were being captured. She vowed to uncover the perpetrator. Xu Zihao, before leaving, urged Chi Yan not to shoulder his burdens alone, emphasizing their friendship. Back home, Xiao Xiu was horrified to discover her "battle makeup" was completely waterproof.

Chi Yan, after researching online, purchased makeup remover and pads, then painstakingly worked to remove her elaborate makeup. Once her face was clean, Xiao Xiu drifted off to sleep, and Chi Yan gently covered her with a blanket. He reflected that while Xiao Xiu had dramatically changed his life with her brave, cheerful, and energetic presence—a stark contrast to his own somber nature—he knew she ultimately belonged to another world and he could not reciprocate her feelings.

Episode 13 Recap

Xiao Xiu woke up to find Chi Yan had been taking care of her all night. Relieved that she seemed fine, Chi Yan went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for her, urging her to eat well as he had something important to discuss. Xiao Xiu immediately lost her appetite, but Chi Yan insisted. Once she finished eating, Chi Yan explained that many stray cats had recently gone missing, putting Xiao Xiu in potential danger.

He advised her to leave the area as soon as possible. Xiao Xiu then asked if he liked her, but Chi Yan, ever stubborn, claimed he only found her troublesome and that his care was merely an attempt to resolve his own issues. When Xiao Xiu challenged him to make a wish for her to leave, Chi Yan wished for her to return to the Meow Planet, safe forever.

Sensing the true meaning of his wish, Xiao Xiu called him a "coward and a big liar." Later, Uncle Fu tried to explain Chi Yan's behavior to Xiao Xiu. He shared a story about a proud Maltese cat, then told Xiao Xiu that Chi Yan was much gentler than such a cat, praising his patience with her.

Uncle Fu elaborated that for humans, "liking" someone carries a profound responsibility beyond just physical closeness, involving sharing pain, facing difficulties together, and offering unwavering support. He believed Chi Yan took this responsibility very seriously, which was why he hesitated to admit his feelings easily. Xiao Xiu, however, still playfully accused Uncle Fu of siding with Chi Yan. Meanwhile, Xu Zihao visited Chi Yan, sighing over Chi Yan's reluctance to get together with Xiao Xiu, especially after her confession.

Xu Zihao pointed out that Chi Yan had been staring at the same page of his book for twenty minutes and urged him to stop being stubborn, reminding him that Xiao Xiu had bravely expressed her feelings. Chi Yan dismissed it, saying the situation wasn't as simple as Xu Zihao made it out to be. While Chi Yan was fencing, Qin Mingming unexpectedly arrived.

She explained that her college classmate, Coach Wu, had told her Chi Yan was practicing there, so she came for a sparring match. They enjoyed a lively bout, and Qin Mingming admitted she had expected their next encounter to be awkward. Chi Yan then shared an analogy about the "Salzburg Bough," comparing the idealized version of a person in love to an ordinary, leafless branch covered in glittering crystals, suggesting that the initial enchantment often masks the mundane reality.

He hoped Qin Mingming could move past her past feelings for him. Qin Mingming chuckled, noting that Chi Yan was clearly trying to comfort her by comparing himself to a "broken branch." She then astutely observed that Chi Yan liked Xiao Xiu, causing him to choke on his drink. She encouraged him to be more proactive in love, just like in fencing, to seize opportunities.

Later, as Xiao Xiu and Lin Mo were about to leave work, the staff surprised Lin Mo with a birthday cake and song. However, Lin Mo wasn't pleased and stated he didn't celebrate birthdays. Curious, Xiao Xiu followed him, and Lin Mo revealed that while it wasn't his birthday, it was a deeply significant day for him—the death anniversary of his late girlfriend.

He explained that he didn't know his actual birth date, choosing this day because it marked their first meeting. He confessed that Xiao Xiu bore a strong resemblance to his former girlfriend, and sometimes seeing her made him unable to stop thinking about the past, even though he knew they were different people. As he spoke, Xiao Xiu realized she had inadvertently consumed alcohol and began to feel the effects.

Panicked, she quickly said goodbye to Lin Mo, covering her cat ears, and rushed home. Unable to make it back fully, she transformed into her cat form in an alley, only to be caught by cat traffickers. Lin Mo discovered Xiao Xiu's abandoned clothes and called Chi Yan.

Frantic that Xiao Xiu hadn't returned home, Chi Yan immediately rushed to the shop, only to be told by a staff member that Xiao Xiu and Lin Mo had left together hours ago. Just then, Lin Mo arrived with Xiao Xiu's jacket, confirming they had been together. Chi Yan, realizing Xiao Xiu had been drinking, became even more alarmed, knowing she couldn't consume alcohol. They decided to split up and search for her.

Meanwhile, Xu Zihao also learned of Xiao Xiu's disappearance and grew worried. Qin Mingming and Qin Liangliang, who were investigating the poisoned cat food cases, received a call and hurried to join the search. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Xiu had managed to pick the lock of her cage in a large room filled with other cats and escaped, wrapping herself in a stolen piece of clothing.

As Chi Yan, Xu Zihao, and Qin Mingming continued their desperate search with no success, Chi Yan, filled with anxiety, suddenly remembered that Xiao Xiu had a special friend. Xiao Xiu, disoriented, ran aimlessly until she found a truck, quietly climbing into its cabbage-filled cargo bed, intending to jump off once it reached a town. Chi Yan sought out Uncle Fu, asking for his help.

Uncle Fu used his unique ability to sense cat star residents but found no trace of Xiao Xiu in the area they had searched, which included food stalls, community gardens, and beer houses. He expanded the search by contacting other cat star residents. Xiao Xiu, meanwhile, woke up on the vegetable truck to find herself already at sea on a boat. Startled, she jumped off but quickly realized she was heading towards Tongye Island.

She immediately called Chi Yan on her phone, crying as she told him she was about half an hour away from Tongye Island. Chi Yan, relieved to hear her voice, calmly instructed her to find a safe spot on the island and wait for him and Uncle Fu. Chi Yan and Uncle Fu rushed to the pier, but due to rough waves, no boats were willing to take them to Tongye Island.

Uncle Fu then introduced Chi Yan to a friend who owned a boat. Chi Yan earnestly pleaded with the owner, explaining that the girl was incredibly important to him and that he desperately needed to find her tonight. He further explained that Xiao Xiu was foolish, afraid of water, and now alone at sea.

Moved by Chi Yan's plea, the owner agreed to take him out to sea, but not Uncle Fu, who was told to stay and look after the shop. On the boat, Chi Yan called Xiao Xiu on his phone, assuring her he would arrive soon and telling her to stay put.

As Chi Yan's boat approached the island, Xiao Xiu spotted him, immediately ran towards him, and threw herself into his arms, tears of relief and distress streaming down her face. Chi Yan held her tightly. Back home, Chi Yan brewed ginger tea for Xiao Xiu to warm her up. She recounted how she accidentally drank Lin Mo's beer, transformed into a cat, and was captured by a net.

She hadn't seen the captor's face, as he wore a mask and hat, but remembered being held in what looked like a farmhouse filled with instruments and cages containing other cats. Chi Yan advised her not to tell Xu Zihao and the others about her capture, as they didn't know her true nature. He expressed profound relief at finding her, confessing he would never forgive himself if anything had happened to her.

Chi Yan then promised to stay by her side every day, protecting her from any harm. He finally declared his love for her, and Xiao Xiu happily accepted his kiss. Chi Yan revealed that before meeting Xiao Xiu, he had been a coward, his life seemingly stuck in the past, constantly avoiding people and events. He felt unable to genuinely laugh or cry, feeling utterly alone in a world where everyone he loved had left him.

This led him to believe it was better not to possess anything in the first place to avoid the pain of loss. When he first met Xiao Xiu, he found her troublesome, always getting into mischief and requiring his constant attention and protection. However, over time, he realized it wasn't just Xiao Xiu who needed him; he needed her too.

He initially thought his life, with his grandfather's bookstore, stories to write, and supportive friends and Xiao Xiu by his side, was enough, and he shouldn't be greedy for more, fearing that his desire for more might worsen things. Xiao Xiu understood his fear, comparing it to the anxiety of catching a big fish and then worrying about losing it.

Chi Yan then admitted that during the search for Xiao Xiu, he had a moment of clarity: he had been utterly wrong. He found that the thought of her disappearing was far more unbearable than the pain of her leaving. He recognized his past fears, unhappiness, and miseries as selfish excuses. He acknowledged that Xiao Xiu had empowered him, making him braver and less afraid, and he now wished to spend his entire life with her.

Episode 14 Recap

Xu Zihao and Uncle Fu arrived at the pier to pick up Xiao Xiu and Chi Yan. Xu Zihao congratulated Xiao Xiu on her safe return and Chi Yan for finally "getting a girlfriend." Chi Yan, in turn, teased Xu Zihao, claiming that if it hadn't been for him, they "would've been dating long ago." Xiao Xiu simply expressed her happiness at being home safely. Xu Zihao invited Uncle Fu to join them for dinner at his home.

Xiao Xiu recounted her hazy memories of the abduction, saying she ended up at a bus stop, missed the last bus, her phone died, and then she woke up on the island. Chi Yan sternly warned her never to go drinking with others at night again, to which Xiao Xiu promised she wouldn't. Xu Zihao then excused himself, explaining that his sister, Xu Ziqi, was returning from the U. S.

that day, and he had to attend a family dinner, referring to his sister as an "ancestor." Qin Mingming also left with Xu Zihao, offering him a ride since he had lent his car out, to which Xu Zihao jokingly agreed, "Anywhere except tunnels." After Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming left, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu discussed the abduction. Xiao Xiu mentioned seeing cat cages and instruments in the warehouse where she was held.

Chi Yan believed the abductor was likely the same person responsible for the missing stray cats, as the locations were very close. He vowed to find the culprit to protect Xiao Xiu. Xiao Xiu suggested seeking Ke Bei's help, to which Chi Yan agreed, emphasizing the need for caution and not revealing their identities. As Xiao Xiu was leaving for work, Chi Yan gave her a raincoat, and they shared a reluctant kiss before she departed.

Later, Yuanzi informed Xiao Xiu that a "good-looking boy" was waiting for her. It was Lin Mo, who had come to accompany her to work. He expressed relief that she was safe and said he had been looking for her all night after finding her jacket on the ground. Xiao Xiu reiterated her story about the alcohol allergy, claiming she fainted after just "a sip" and was taken away, waking up on the island.

She then excitedly told Lin Mo that Chi Yan had searched for her all night and they were finally together, making her feel incredibly happy. Lin Mo, however, maintained a "serious" expression and simply acknowledged her news. Xiao Xiu then met with Ke Bei, who was engrossed in studying flowers, explaining that he wanted to approach He Meng by "speaking the same language" as her.

Xiao Xiu seized the opportunity to ask for his help with an issue related to He Meng: stray cats in their community were being stolen and poisoned, and He Meng was very worried. Ke Bei immediately agreed, and when Xiao Xiu offered her limited clues – a man with a suburban warehouse who takes photos of stray cats and puts sleeping pills in their food – he deemed them insufficient.

Ke Bei proposed a "social media breakthrough" (SM) strategy, suggesting they search for hidden online forums and communities where animal abusers "exchange experiences" and "show off what they've done." Xiao Xiu then informed Ke Bei to disregard her previous request about finding out Chi Yan's wish, saying she was "not in a hurry about this now," which prompted Ke Bei to comment on the fickle nature of women.

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Mingming inadvertently watched a video from Zhang Yi's book launch and realized that the poisoned drink was "deliberately left for Chi Yan" by Lin Mo, but Zhang Yi had accidentally consumed it. The police immediately went to the brewer in search of Lin Mo, but he was nowhere to be found. Chi Yan later picked up Xiao Xiu from work with two cups of bubble tea.

As they walked home, Qin Mingming found them and relayed her suspicions about Lin Mo. Xiao Xiu struggled to understand why Lin Mo would target Chi Yan without any apparent conflict. Chi Yan, however, reiterated his long-held belief that "Lin Mo is not a good person" and advised Xiao Xiu to "stay away from him." Xiao Xiu playfully accused him of being jealous. Later, when Xiao Xiu brought Chi Yan coffee, he reflexively closed his laptop.

Her curiosity piqued, Chi Yan eventually relented and showed her his unfinished romance novel, revealing it was "a love story based on you." Xiao Xiu was overjoyed to discover she was the heroine. That night, Chi Yan attempted to sleep on the sofa, but Xiao Xiu insisted he join her in bed, reminding him, "We slept together yesterday."

After a playful struggle on the bed, Chi Yan, feeling awkward, grabbed his pillow and left, leaving Xiao Xiu wrapped in the blanket. In the dead of night, Lin Mo suddenly appeared. He attempted to stab Chi Yan with a dagger, but the blade passed "like stabbing the air" right through Chi Yan's body, leaving him completely unharmed, "not even a drop of blood." Xiao Xiu suddenly woke up, startling Lin Mo, who quickly transformed back into his cat form.

She cautiously closed the window and then covered a sleeping Chi Yan with his blanket. Seeing his opportunity, Lin Mo slipped away through the window. The next day, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu went out and bought matching "his-and-hers phones" that included a GPS function. Chi Yan expressed his hope that the previous incident would "never happen again."

Xiao Xiu was surprised he was willing to use a smartphone, given his past aversion to "social media, text message bombing," but he dismissed her concerns, saying it was "no different" from old phones. At a mall, they came across a "Beer King Challenge." Xiao Xiu was captivated by the prize, a large fish-shaped pillow, but couldn't compete due to her alcohol allergy.

Chi Yan, eager to win it for her, entered the contest and drank until he was "about to burst" to secure the prize. On their way home, Xiao Xiu suddenly recognized her kidnapper by his scent and immediately pointed him out to Chi Yan. Chi Yan cautioned her to remain calm, reminding her, "You can't tell others that you smell him out." They discreetly followed the man, tracing him to a hospital, but lost sight of him once they entered.

They encountered Dr. Luo, who offered to help them look. They explained they were searching for a suspicious person involved in local animal abuse who had vanished inside the hospital. Xiao Xiu, drawing from crime novels, speculated the man might be a "perverted murderer" doctor, which Chi Yan quickly downplayed. Dr. Luo noted that they were looking for an "ordinary person" in his thirties, dressed in black, and commented on Chi Yan's "cute clownfish" prize.

After deep thought, Xiao Xiu recalled a crucial detail: the man had a scar "on the outside of his wrist." Chi Yan immediately called Dr. Luo to share this new clue, thanking him for his help. Chi Yan felt certain that the man who had kidnapped Xiao Xiu was the same individual poisoning the stray cats. He proposed a plan: they should spread the news that the street park was safe to lull the culprit.

Since the street park had the most stray cats, it was the most likely place for the culprit to act. They would then go there to feed cats while hiding, ready to apprehend him when he returned to act. They would also enlist Ke Bei's help to identify the suspect's activity range.

Meanwhile, Uncle Gao informed Qin Mingming that Lin Mo's ID was fake, and he had completely disappeared, even from his rented house, cementing his status as a "major suspect." Uncle Gao advised Qin Mingming to be cautious, noting her tendency to prioritize others. Qin Mingming, showing her resolve, stated that she wouldn't easily let the next one go. Elsewhere, Xu Zihao brought food to his sister, Xu Ziqi.

He invited her to volunteer with him at a stray animal rescue station over the weekend, tempting her by saying she could meet Chi Yan's girlfriend. Xu Ziqi was genuinely surprised that "a solitary man like Chi Yan" now had a girlfriend and became increasingly curious about who this mysterious person could be. Later, a child attempted to buy Chi Yan's fish-shaped clownfish pillow, explaining it was "for my girlfriend."

Chi Yan, however, firmly stated, "This is my girlfriend's, and I won it." At work, Xiao Xiu noticed Lin Mo's absence and learned he had "taken a long vacation to go out of town." She immediately sent him a message, saying she had "something important to tell you." Chi Yan went to the street park to feed the stray cats.

While there, he discreetly questioned a child if they had seen any strange men with a scar "on the back of his hand" feeding the cats. The child hadn't but promised to inform Chi Yan if they did. Elsewhere, He Meng sensed someone was following her and quickly pulled Xiao Xiu into hiding. Xiao Xiu confronted the follower aggressively, only to discover it was Ke Bei. Ke Bei then showed them a "show-off post" he had found online.

The video in the post matched Xiao Xiu's description of the warehouse environment, and the person in it also had a scar "on the back of his hand." Despite this, Ke Bei advised against immediately calling the police, as there was no "direct evidence" of cat drugging, and existing laws might not be sufficient for a conviction. He suggested online exposure instead.

Xiao Xiu, furious at the situation, nevertheless agreed with He Meng's perspective and resolved that it was time to "implement Chi Yan's plan soon." Lin Mo, bewildered by his inability to harm Chi Yan, sought help from a peer. He described how his knife had passed "like stabbing the air" straight through Chi Yan's body without inflicting any injury or drawing "a drop of blood." His peer, recalling similar phenomena once dismissed as mere tales, identified this strange occurrence as "cat seals."

Episode 15 Recap

Residents in the park expressed relief that the person responsible for drugging animals had been caught, and stray animals were once again freely roaming. Yuanzi, however, spotted the black-clad man and immediately called Chi Yan, who warned her to stay away from the park for a few days, promising that he and Xiao Xiu would handle the situation and ensure the cats' safety.

Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu went to the park, where Chi Yan believed the man was gathering information. They devised a plan: Chi Yan would film the man, and Xiao Xiu would discreetly remove any poisoned cat food. When the man appeared, a stray cat, named Seven, approached the tainted food. Xiao Xiu rushed forward to intervene, leading to a struggle with the man. He shoved Xiao Xiu aside, grabbed the cat, and fled.

Chi Yan pursued him relentlessly, eventually joining forces with a delivery driver whose motorbike the man had attempted to steal, and together they apprehended him. Chi Yan then quickly returned to Xiao Xiu, relieved to find both her and Seven unharmed. The black-clad man was taken to the police station.

Xiao Xiu grew impatient during the interrogation, but Qin Mingming explained that due to a previous theft arrest, this "second time" would likely result in a harsher sentence, especially with the added charge of bike theft. She also emphasized the need to find suitable arrangements for the rescued stray animals.

Xu Zihao then invited them to an animal rescue event at a local shelter, which Chi Yan, Xiao Xiu, and Qin Mingming (who planned to arrive later) all agreed to attend. At the shelter, after a welcoming speech about safety and tasks, Xiao Xiu confidently declared that bathing the animals would be an honor for them, as she "licks herself" to clean. Amused, Chi Yan immediately assigned her to house cleaning instead. Dr. Luo also arrived, having seen their fliers.

Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming bathed a dog, and Xu Zihao noticed Qin Mingming was no longer afraid of dogs, a change she attributed to her involvement with police dog shows and her own pet, Bulb. Dr. Luo observed Xiao Xiu was "really cute, just like a cat," and remarked on how much Chi Yan had changed since meeting her, which Chi Yan acknowledged was true and "because of her."

During their tasks, Xiao Xiu, seeing cat food, instinctively put some in her mouth. Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming were stunned, prompting Xiao Xiu to quickly explain she "just wanted to smell it." Qin Mingming then playfully exposed Xu Zihao's fear of frogs, which he amusingly confirmed, finding them "odd" with their human-like legs and hopping.

Later, Xu Ziqi arrived, providing her brother Xu Zihao with a card to pay for dinner for everyone, with the remaining funds to be donated to the shelter. Xu Zihao introduced Xiao Xiu to his sister, playfully calling her "the one who is meant to be alone." Xu Ziqi found Xiao Xiu very cute and complimented Chi Yan's choice. Xiao Xiu, in turn, complimented Xu Ziqi's appearance, joking that she looked much better than her brother.

Xu Ziqi greeted Chi Yan, noting it had been "two or three years" since they last met, to which Chi Yan briefly replied "long time no see." Xu Zihao then introduced Dr. Luo to his sister, explaining he was his high school senior. Dr. Luo shared his intention to adopt "Bubble," the dog with the broken leg. Everyone praised his compassion.

At dinner, Xu Ziqi showed a clear interest in Dr. Luo, inquiring about his work at Renai Hospital and displaying knowledge of its distinguished cardiovascular department. Dr. Luo extended an invitation for her to contact him if she ever needed help, or even just to visit if she wished. When Xu Zihao suggested they all drink alcohol to celebrate, Chi Yan reminded him of Xiao Xiu's allergy, and Dr. Luo declined, citing a potential emergency at the hospital.

Complaining about everyone being "boring," Qin Mingming declared she would drink alone, ordering two dozen beers while Xu Zihao offered to drive her car home. Dr. Luo then received an urgent phone call from the hospital, prompting him to leave. Xu Ziqi swiftly announced she also had a virtual meeting and a draft to submit, offering Dr. Luo a ride and telling her brother to prioritize her happiness over his car.

Qin Mingming stepped outside for some fresh air, where Xu Zihao expressed surprise that she had come to volunteer, given that Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu were present. Qin Mingming clarified that she had "thought it through" and that Chi Yan was merely "a memory of her lost youth and guilt." She affirmed that they were all friends.

She also told Xu Zihao that despite being "unreliable from time to time," he was "a good man" and "a friend worth making," to which he jokingly asked if she was "rejecting him again." Later, knowing Xu Zihao was afraid of frogs, Xiao Xiu mischievously tried to scare him with one. Qin Mingming, attempting to intervene, accidentally bumped into Xu Zihao, leading to an unexpected kiss between them.

Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu watched, stunned, as Qin Mingming ran off covering her face, leaving Xu Zihao in a daze. Meanwhile, Xu Ziqi dropped Dr. Luo off at his destination. She playfully suggested a brunch date for the following day as a token of appreciation, comically dismissing his suggestion for a weekend dinner by saying, "We may be living on Mars then. The weekend is miles away."

She then softened her stance, acknowledging his hard work and suggesting they reschedule for another time, to which Dr. Luo agreed. Xiao Xiu suddenly felt an intense heat and began rubbing against Chi Yan, causing him to retreat into his room, locking the door out of fear. Panicked, Chi Yan called Xu Zihao, asking for advice on how to handle a female cat in heat. Xu Zihao suggested sterilization or breeding, but Chi Yan rejected both options.

When Xu Zihao informed him that the heat could last "from two or three days to half a month," Chi Yan was utterly dumbfounded. A short while later, silence fell outside his door. Chi Yan cautiously ventured out, only to be immediately embraced by Xiao Xiu, who declared she needed him most. He quickly blurted out that he had a solution.

Chi Yan attempted to explain that her condition was a "special situation" due to "irregular hormone and growth" on Earth, unlike her home planet, but Xiao Xiu insisted that her teacher had told her that "people who like each other can" act on their feelings. She then demanded that Chi Yan sleep with her, and he reluctantly agreed, spending the night squeezed onto her bed.

The next morning, Chi Yan promised to make her breakfast and compile a list of movies before making a swift exit. Later, a bored Xiao Xiu discovered a movie clip with a seductively dressed woman on TV and promptly began to imitate her. That evening, upon returning home, Chi Yan found Xiao Xiu, dressed alluringly, performing a seductive dance for him.

When she nuzzled his cheek, Chi Yan nearly lost control, pushing her away and fleeing to Xu Zihao’s house, claiming his bed had broken. Xu Zihao teased Chi Yan about his lack of romantic experience, earning a light beating from Chi Yan. Xu Zihao then excitedly recounted his "first kiss" with Qin Mingming, believing it was a perfectly timed event facilitated by a series of coincidences involving a frog.

Elsewhere, Qin Mingming found a love letter from a girl to her brother, Qin Liangliang, who casually dismissed it. Qin Liangliang then cheekily asked Qin Mingming about her last kiss, becoming even more surprised when she admitted it was "last week." Xu Zihao used a pet massager on his cat, Nietzsche, sparking Chi Yan's interest, who asked to borrow it.

As heavy rain began to fall outside, Chi Yan, concerned about Xiao Xiu’s fear of thunderstorms, rushed home without an umbrella. He found Xiao Xiu cowering in a corner, trembling from the thunder. He comforted her, apologizing for leaving her alone. Xiao Xiu explained that she had dropped her phone in the toilet, fell, and was terrified by the thunder.

She pleaded with Chi Yan not to leave her during thunderstorms, and he promised to always stay by her side whenever it thundered. In the middle of the night, Xu Zihao, plagued by insomnia, confided in his cat, Nietzsche, that he was suffering from "lovesickness" and missing Qin Mingming, whom he referred to as Bulb's owner, noting Nietzsche seemed to miss Bulb too. The next morning, Qin Liangliang provided Xu Zihao with Qin Mingming's schedule in exchange for breakfast.

Xu Zihao asked why Qin Liangliang was helping him pursue his sister. Qin Liangliang explained that he found Xu Zihao to be "reliable" and to "genuinely like" his sister, adding that even if their relationship didn't work out, Qin Mingming "would not be at a disadvantage." Back home, Xiao Xiu was thoroughly enjoying the pet massager Chi Yan had borrowed.

Deciding to close the bookstore for the day, Chi Yan took Xiao Xiu out to have fun, after her fright from the previous night. Xiao Xiu initially wanted to drive a car like in "Fast and Furious," but Chi Yan reminded her she lacked a license and promised to take her to an even "better place." They went go-karting and visited an amusement park.

Finally, Chi Yan bought Xiao Xiu a bicycle and patiently taught her to ride it in the park, explaining the brakes and pedals and holding her steady as she learned to balance and pedal.

Episode 16 Recap

Mingka, a brave police dog, officially retired after a decade of service with the drug enforcement team, during which it made significant contributions. Xu Zihao attended the retirement ceremony, where he unexpectedly met Qin Mingming, who was there to learn about police dogs for an upcoming TV interview. Xu Zihao shared that he had treated Mingka before and had already found a suitable adopter: a vet from his own animal hospital.

He explained that due to Mingka's age, injuries, and specialized background as a drug enforcement dog, it required care from someone with professional guidance, making the vet an ideal choice. After the ceremony, Xu Zihao invited Qin Mingming to dinner, offering to pay. While eating, Xu Zihao accidentally burned himself on a hot dish. Qin Mingming immediately requested an ice pack and applied it to his hand, expressing concern and reminding him to put medicine on it later.

Xu Zihao then suggested they order an "Orange Bomb" since neither of them was driving, and Qin Mingming agreed. Chi Yan confessed to Xiao Xiu that before meeting her, he was unsure of his preferences, but now he understood she was the one, describing her as a "little white cat" due to her unique qualities like climbing trees, jumping from heights, a keen sense of smell, and her tendency to stand up for the weak.

He then took a bite of ice cream from her hand and, when she wasn't looking, affectionately kissed her. Meanwhile, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming continued their dinner, becoming increasingly inebriated. In his drunken state, Xu Zihao stood on the table, declaring he would "make friends" with a nearby light bulb, seeing it as a "bro." A restaurant employee eventually intervened, informing them the establishment was closing, which finally prompted the two to relocate their drunken revelry.

The next morning, Qin Mingming awoke in Xu Zihao's bed, panicked. Despite Xu Zihao's repeated attempts to explain, she was distressed and immediately left. When Qin Mingming returned home, her brother, Qin Liangliang, greeted her with a knowing smile, teasing her about staying out all night. She tried to dismiss it as a work dinner, but he remained unconvinced. Distraught, Xu Zihao went to Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu's place to recount the events of the previous night.

He insisted he was drunk but explicitly remembered Qin Mingming giving him a "kiss with a smile" and swore he "didn't mean to take advantage of her." Chi Yan, recognizing the need for a private conversation, quickly sent Xiao Xiu to her room with the promise of a surprise. He then advised Xu Zihao to go and clarify the situation with Qin Mingming.

Shortly after, Qin Liangliang called Xu Zihao, hinting at the night's events and asking if Qin Mingming had stayed with him, playfully demanding a "gaming console" as a bribe. Xu Zihao vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating he was not "that kind of person," and quickly ended the call, claiming urgency. Qin Mingming made it clear she didn't want to discuss the previous night or speak with Xu Zihao.

Undeterred, Xu Zihao waited outside her company and unveiled a large public confession. In it, he declared his unwavering feelings for her, stated he would not shy away from what happened last night and that he intended to be responsible for it. He conveyed that even if she continued to avoid him, he would persist in his affection. After Xu Zihao left, Qin Mingming unexpectedly sped after him on a motorcycle.

She pulled off her helmet, leaned in, and kissed him, declaring her love and asking if he had any objections to them being together. Overjoyed, Xu Zihao enthusiastically confirmed he had "no problem at all," and the two officially became a couple. Chi Yan surprised Xiao Xiu with a new electric bike, which thrilled her. He took her to an empty lot to teach her how to ride, warning her that it was faster and more dangerous than a bicycle.

Xiao Xiu quickly mastered it but soon found the empty lot "not exciting" enough, insisting they go to the main street, which Chi Yan eventually agreed to. That evening, they visited the seaside, where Xiao Xiu was enchanted by glowing jellyfish, marveling at their beauty. Chi Yan explained the phenomenon, and though he asked if she wanted to interact with them, she refrained, fearing she might scare them. She then thanked him for the motorbike and the stunning view.

Seizing a moment when Chi Yan was distracted, Xiao Xiu gave him a quick kiss. Surprised at first, Chi Yan swiftly regained his composure and responded with a deep, passionate kiss. Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming engaged in a real-life shooting game, where Qin Mingming's exceptional skills carried them through, earning her his admiration.

Later, at a gathering with Qin Mingming's family and friends, Uncle Gao, who had watched Qin Mingming grow up, sternly told Xu Zihao to treat her well. Despite Qin Mingming's attempts to protect him, Xu Zihao was plied with alcohol by the enthusiastic elders, quickly becoming very drunk. With his own home inaccessible due to a locked door from him trying the wrong password, Qin Mingming had no choice but to take him back to her own place.

Qin Mingming and Qin Liangliang found themselves unable to manage the extremely drunk Xu Zihao, who, after getting sick, ended up in the bathtub and refused to move. From there, he began to sing drunkenly and playfully suggested they "sleep together," much to Qin Liangliang's amusement. Qin Mingming, frustrated yet patient, tried to coax him out. He then confessed that he "really, really liked" her and wanted to tell her a secret.

He listed her five best qualities: "pretty, generous, clever, and kind," concluding that the "most important one" was her willingness to love him. A portal from Meow Planet opened, and Xiao Xiu's father, Gao Xing, arrived on Earth, welcomed by Uncle Fu, the 357th envoy. Gao Xing proudly showed off his "latest version of Travel Guide to Earth" and accompanying clothes, but Uncle Fu quickly pointed out that the guide seemed outdated.

After confirming his name and purpose—to find his daughter, Xiao Xiu—Gao Xing eagerly tried to rush to her. However, Uncle Fu conducted a routine check, revealing "delicacies" Gao Xing had brought from home, as he worried Xiao Xiu wouldn't like Earth food. Uncle Fu assured him that Earth had plenty of amazing food, and as he guided Gao Xing through the city, Gao Xing became completely engrossed in human cuisine.

He was amazed by durian and then by stinky tofu, eagerly buying both using "e-payment," a concept new to him. Despite his newfound love for Earth's food, Gao Xing soon remembered his daughter and, abandoning his snacks, insisted on seeing Xiao Xiu immediately. Chi Yan was blow-drying Xiao Xiu's hair, but she playfully wrapped her arms around his waist, making him blush. Just then, her father, Gao Xing, arrived, lovingly calling her "prettier now."

Gao Xing immediately expressed his intention to take Xiao Xiu back to Meow Planet, citing the impossibility of a relationship between a human and a cat. Xiao Xiu, however, passionately defended her love for Chi Yan, reminding her father of his own past advice to live without regrets.

She also revealed that she couldn't leave yet because Chi Yan had saved her, and she still needed to repay his kindness, showing him a mark that confirmed her inability to return to Meow Planet. When Chi Yan called for Xiao Xiu, she excitedly introduced him to her father. Since it was late, Chi Yan offered Gao Xing a place to stay. Gao Xing reluctantly accepted, remarking that the house was "rather small" compared to their home.

Initially, Gao Xing was going to sleep on the floor in Chi Yan's room, but he somehow managed to coerce Chi Yan into switching rooms. Consequently, Chi Yan found himself unable to sleep, disturbed by Gao Xing's loud snoring. The next morning, Xu Zihao woke up on Qin Mingming's sofa. He initially considered slipping away, asking Qin Liangliang to check Qin Mingming's mood first, but then decided against escaping.

Instead, he stayed and, with Qin Liangliang's help, prepared breakfast for Qin Mingming, who was surprised to find them both busy in the kitchen. Having blacked out from the alcohol, Xu Zihao couldn't recall what he had said the previous night, so he apologized for any "nonsense," claiming it "didn't count." He emphasized that despite their new official relationship, he had "been in love with [her] for a really long time."

When he pressed her for details of his drunken confessions, Qin Mingming cleverly deflected, reiterating that "it didn't count" and playfully remarking that his "normal version is pretty annoying," leaving him in the dark about his heartfelt declaration. Meanwhile, Gao Xing woke up to discover Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu sleeping together. He immediately pulled Xiao Xiu awake, demanding to know what had happened and accusing Chi Yan of seducing her.

Xiao Xiu playfully denied it, claiming, "I seduce him," which further agitated Gao Xing. He sternly warned Chi Yan that he was not to "stay close to her without my permission." During breakfast, Gao Xing, still determined to separate them, asked Xiao Xiu who she would save if he and Chi Yan both fell into the water. Xiao Xiu quickly replied she would save him, explaining that Chi Yan was a strong swimmer and could save himself.

Ignoring the deflection, Gao Xing then pressed Chi Yan directly, demanding to know his true wish, suggesting options like "money, status, dreams." Xiao Xiu again tried to explain that Chi Yan had no wish, but Gao Xing accused Chi Yan of cunningly delaying their departure. Chi Yan, however, calmly stated that he was "really pleased about my life now" and genuinely had no other desires.

If forced to name a wish, he declared it would be "to be with Xiao Xiu forever." Gao Xing vehemently rejected this, reiterating that "cats and human beings can't be together" and that they should simply fulfill the wish and the favor to "end it clean."

Episode 17 Recap

Chi Yan was telling Xiao Xiu a story when Gao arrived, looking displeased at their closeness. Gao, holding a fire, demanded Chi Yan make a wish to protect his bookstore, which he said was left to Chi Yan by his grandfather. Xiao Xiu, however, doused the flames with a basin of water. Gao then threatened Chi Yan with his pet fish, demanding he make a wish, or he would throw the fish down or eat it.

Xiao Xiu, with an expressionless face, took the fish away, clearly upset by his actions. Concerned that Gao would cause trouble for Chi Yan, Xiao Xiu took her father with her to the brewpub where she worked. She offered him various juices (orange, grape, apple) and soda, telling him it was her treat and to sit quietly.

She then asked a colleague to keep a close eye on Gao, explaining that he was her father and that she didn't want him to run off. However, after sampling the drinks, Gao grew bored and slipped away unnoticed. Gao found Chi Yan and tied him to a high ledge, demanding he make a wish. He threatened Chi Yan with a fall that would leave him crippled, stating he didn't trust humans and wouldn't give Chi Yan a chance.

Chi Yan, however, stated that his only wish was to be with Xiao Xiu. He explained that if he didn't make a wish, Xiao Xiu's mission would remain incomplete, preventing her return to Meow Planet, and believed Gao's actions would only push Xiao Xiu further away, making her want to stay on Earth even more. Gao remained unmoved, asserting that all humans had desires and that there was no precedent for refusing a wish.

Chi Yan pleaded for Gao to trust him, promising to make Xiao Xiu happy and proving his sincerity. Gao, reiterating his distrust of humans, refused to give him a chance. Chi Yan then defiantly told Gao to let go, stating that his only wish was to be with Xiao Xiu, and he had no other desires. Xiao Xiu arrived, panicked at the sight, and quickly rescued Chi Yan.

Due to her concern, she then had a heated argument with Gao, accusing him of going too far and questioning if he truly believed pushing Chi Yan would make her return to Meow Planet. She insisted that Chi Yan was a good person, despite Gao's warnings about the dangers of humans. Gao maintained that his actions were out of love for her, but Xiao Xiu retorted that his love was destructive and that he always believed he was right.

Chi Yan caught up to a distressed Xiao Xiu, acknowledging that her father meant well but shouldn't treat Chi Yan in such a manner. He comforted her, explaining that both she and her father were viewing the situation from their own perspectives, and neither was entirely wrong, as conflicts are unavoidable within a family. Chi Yan reassured Xiao Xiu that while her father loved her, he too loved her, and with their combined efforts, they could eventually earn Gao's trust.

Meanwhile, Fu met with Gao, telling him that he knew Chi Yan and his family well, and vouched for Chi Yan's character. Gao, however, still believed that humans and cats were fundamentally incompatible. Fu argued that Gao shouldn't sacrifice Xiao Xiu's happiness and pursuits over an uncertain future, urging him not to make a judgment based on an unknown outcome that cannot be 100% proven without traveling to the future.

Later, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu returned to his bookstore, but Chi Yan realized he had forgotten his keys. Xiao Xiu, transforming into a cat, slipped into the house through a small opening. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Mo witnessed this transformation. He later contacted a compatriot, revealing his discovery that his colleague, Xiao Xiu, was also from Meow Planet and bore a striking resemblance to his lost girlfriend, both in human and cat forms.

His compatriot then deduced the connection, explaining that Lin Mo's girlfriend's father (Gao) had also come to Earth, thus linking Xiao Xiu to Lin Mo's lost love. Xiao Xiu later apologized to Gao for her earlier outburst, explaining that Chi Yan had helped her understand that neither of them was entirely wrong. Gao, having caught some small fish, offered them to Xiao Xiu and also apologized for his behavior and losing his temper.

He confessed that his opposition stemmed from the lack of precedent for human-cat relationships and the pain of losing Xiao Xiu's sister, fearing the worst for his remaining daughter if she stayed with a human. Xiao Xiu, to ease his fears, recounted how Chi Yan had given her the name "Xiao Xiu" (Hugh) after rescuing her from the water.

Chi Yan explained that in three major human shipwrecks, the survivors all had the same name, Hugh Williams, signifying survival, which Gao acknowledged as a good name. Gao then extended his apologies to Chi Yan, explaining his parental worries and desire for Xiao Xiu to live a safe and healthy life.

Chi Yan, in turn, thanked Gao, revealing that he had not been afraid when pushed to the ledge, as it offered a chance to prove his genuine love for Xiao Xiu. He expressed his only wish: for Gao to believe in their love. Separately, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming were on a date at an arcade when they encountered Qin Mingming's godmother, Aunt Lou, who was Uncle Gao's wife.

Aunt Lou immediately brought up marriage, causing Xu Zihao to vomit due to his fear of commitment. Later, Xiao Xiu took Gao shopping for clothes, but much to Gao's chagrin, she ended up buying many items for Chi Yan. Qin Mingming, still concerned about Xu Zihao's health, prepared a stomach-soothing porridge for him. While watching a wedding-themed TV show, Xu Zihao vomited again, leaving Qin Mingming utterly confused.

Xu Zihao sought advice from Chi Yan, who unexpectedly congratulated him on finding true love. Xu Zihao then agonized over whether to reveal his "problem" to Qin Mingming, fearing she would leave him. Chi Yan advised him that his real issue was a lack of honesty. Gao again questioned Xiao Xiu's commitment, warning her that a relationship with Chi Yan, being a human, would have no future.

Xiao Xiu countered that the lack of a "result" was merely because no one had ever dared to try. She used Gao's own love for her mother as an analogy, asserting that just as he would never abandon her mother, she would never abandon him, her mother, or Chi Yan, regardless of what happened. As Xiao Xiu went to fetch a drink for Gao, Lin Mo discreetly passed him a note, requesting a meeting.

During their meeting, Lin Mo revealed himself as a fellow cat and the lover of Xiao Xiu's late sister. He showed Gao some of her cat hair, confirming her identity, and recounted how they had met on Earth before she disappeared. Lin Mo then shockingly accused Chi Yan of murdering her. Gao vehemently denied this, explaining that he had investigated past poisoning incidents involving stray cats and dogs at Chi Yan's school and believed Chi Yan was innocent.

Lin Mo, however, insisted that everyone at the school had pointed to Chi Yan, leading to his transfer. Gao urged Lin Mo to see past his hatred, reminding him that gossip could obscure the truth and that Chi Yan was not the murderer. Lin Mo, blinded by his grief and desire for vengeance, refused to be swayed and vowed to kill Chi Yan himself.

Gao, understanding Lin Mo's deep love for his daughter, implored him to let go of his obsession and live a good life, but Lin Mo remained resolute. Gao returned home to find Xiao Xiu and Chi Yan intimately reading together, which left him feeling somewhat disheartened. The next day, Xiao Xiu, Chi Yan, and Gao went to a park to feed stray cats. Gao observed Chi Yan's patient and gentle care for the felines.

Xiao Xiu recounted a past poisoning incident there, explaining how she and Chi Yan had rescued the affected animals and sent them to a rescue station. Lin Mo then appeared and transformed into his cat form in front of Xiao Xiu, explaining that the human-form medicine he took had masked his scent and dulled his sense of smell, preventing their earlier recognition. Xiao Xiu confided in Lin Mo about Gao's disapproval of Chi Yan.

Lin Mo, in turn, surprisingly expressed his belief that Chi Yan was a good person and wished them happiness, acknowledging his previous prejudice against Chi Yan. He then shared an ancient legend from Meow Planet about a "cat seal," a relic granted to humans who earn a cat's approval. This seal, he explained, could forge a love pact, transforming the cat into a true human with a fixed form and human lifespan.

Xiao Xiu, incredibly excited by this possibility, immediately ran back to question Chi Yan about any such cat seal he might possess, but Chi Yan had never heard of it. Chi Yan then informed Xiao Xiu that the next day was his grandfather's death anniversary and asked if she would accompany him to his old mansion. He extended the invitation to Gao, who declined, stating he had made plans to go fishing with Fu.

Episode 18 Recap

Qin Mingming was out running when Xu Zihao caught up to her, urgently needing to confess something. He revealed that he has a phobia that has recently intensified; he throws up at the mere mention of the word "marriage."

Xu Zihao explained that his parents divorced when he was very young, and although his mother and sister loved him, he grew up witnessing his parents' constant arguments, and his mother's lingering regrets about her marriage left him with a negative perception of it. Later, in college, a girlfriend tragically attempted to take her own sweet life because she thought he didn't want to marry her, which became the root of his profound fear.

Qin Mingming assured him that she believed him. However, she admitted she is not an anti-marriage advocate. Her own parents had passed away when she and her brother, Liangliang, were children, and they were raised by Uncle Gao and Aunt Lou. While grateful for their care, she still felt a void and yearned to have a small family of her own, believing "that piece of certificate" was quite important.

Despite this, she was genuinely happy that Xu Zihao was willing to be so open and honest with her, and she agreed to continue their relationship and see where things lead. Xu Zihao expressed his gratitude, promising he would not disappoint her. Meanwhile, Chi Yan and Hugh returned to the old mansion. Hugh was diligently searching for the cat seal, explaining that it was crucial for a human and a cat to forge a "love pact."

Chi Yan pulled her outside to look at the grapevine in the yard, which Hugh had secretly set up when Chi Yan was intoxicated. Chi Yan reassured her that even without the cat seal, they would always be together, as their love was already full of magic. Elsewhere, Hugh's father was speaking with Fu. Hugh's father expressed his difficulty in letting go of his daughter as she grew up.

Fu advised him to be grateful that someone else could protect and care for Hugh, suggesting he should be happy for them. Hugh’s father acknowledged this but still wished for Hugh and Chi Yan's enduring happiness, musing on the human saying that "you will eventually cross the bridge when you come to it" and advocating for preparing for the worst while striving for the best. Hugh later reported to Lin Mo that she hadn't found the cat seal.

Lin Mo then revealed his true intention: to acquire the cat seal so he could harm Chi Yan. Back at the mansion, Chi Yan and Hugh looked at old photos, and Chi Yan read from his favorite childhood book to her. He then showed her his grandfather's favorite book and gave her the bookmark nestled inside, telling her his grandfather would have adored her. Hugh was delighted, unaware that the cat seal was, in fact, hidden within that very bookmark.

Fu then informed Hugh's father about a cat who had been inquiring about the cat seal at Meow Planet, hoping to learn how to break its protective power to avenge a deceased lover. Hugh's father, connecting this to Hugh's recent search for the cat seal, immediately realized Chi Yan might be in danger and quickly headed to the old mansion with Fu. After ensuring a sleeping Hugh was covered, Chi Yan fell asleep at his desk.

Lin Mo quietly entered the old mansion, tied Hugh up, and declared that Chi Yan was responsible for her sister's death and that everything would soon be over. As Lin Mo charged at Chi Yan, Hugh shattered a glass, startling Chi Yan awake. Lin Mo swung his knife wildly as he fought Chi Yan. Hugh managed to cut her ropes with a glass shard and drove Lin Mo away, but not before Chi Yan was wounded by the knife.

Chi Yan was rushed to the hospital. Hugh, her hands stained with his blood, cried uncontrollably. Fu and Hugh's father soon arrived, and Hugh sobbed in her father’s embrace. Fu explained to Hugh that because Chi Yan had given her the cat seal, he had lost the Meow Planet's protection, making him vulnerable to Lin Mo’s attack.

When Chi Yan regained consciousness, Hugh was consumed by guilt, believing Lin Mo had only targeted her because of Chi Yan, and that Chi Yan would not have been hurt if it weren't for her. Chi Yan requested to speak with Hugh's father privately. He apologized for his failure to protect Hugh's sister years ago and vowed to find the culprit. Hugh's father, however, reassured him that he shouldn’t blame himself.

He explained that while the pain of losing Hugh’s sister still lingered, revenge would not bring her back. He expressed his wish for the younger generation to live happily, unburdened by hatred. Understanding how past grudges fuel animosity, Hugh's father told Chi Yan that he and Fu would find Lin Mo and bring him back to the hospital so they could resolve their misunderstanding face-to-face.

Fu and Hugh’s father located Lin Mo, who stubbornly maintained that Chi Yan was the murderer and couldn't let go of Hugh’s sister's death. They eventually persuaded him to return to the hospital to see Chi Yan. Upon seeing Lin Mo, Hugh instinctively slapped him. Chi Yan quickly intervened, clarifying that he had asked Lin Mo to come.

Chi Yan acknowledged Lin Mo's pain, explaining that at the time, everyone believed he was responsible for Hugh’s sister's death, and no one sought the truth. Now, being with Hugh, Chi Yan wanted Lin Mo to know he empathized with his feelings. Lin Mo, finally convinced that Chi Yan was innocent, still insisted he had to find the true murderer for closure, even if he didn't personally exact revenge.

Lin Mo then apologized to Hugh for using her in his pursuit of the cat seal, admitting that she strongly resembled her sister. Hugh told him she couldn't forgive his actions against Chi Yan, but she understood that he acted out of love for her sister.

She acknowledged that her sister was fortunate to have met someone who loved her so deeply, but advised Lin Mo that he couldn't remain in human form on Earth indefinitely and should return to Meow Planet to start a new life, assuring him her sister would bear no ill will. Hugh also shared that her parents, though they didn't speak of it often, still carried the grief of her sister's death and wished to find the killer.

However, unlike Lin Mo, they prioritized cherishing their current blessings and protecting other cat-kind from similar harm. She believed her sister had transformed into a star, watching over them from the unified sky of Earth and Meow Planet. The next morning, Chi Yan attempted to make breakfast for Hugh, but she insisted on doing it herself to prevent him from aggravating his injury. Hugh's father decided it was time to return to Meow Planet.

He explained that the Cat's Requital was a task Hugh had to complete independently, and seeing how well Chi Yan cared for her, he felt reassured. Hugh playfully accused him of wanting to return for his dried fish, which he denied, claiming the treats were for her mother and neighbors. He then bid her farewell, urging her to take care of herself.

Xu Zihao, still struggling with his phobia, sought help from Chi Yan and Hugh, having tried numerous methods without success. He expressed his deep love for Qin Mingming and his desire to provide her with happiness, deciding to confront his fear head-on. Chi Yan and Hugh accompanied Xu Zihao to places associated with marriage, including the civil affairs bureau and a wedding photography studio. As anticipated, he continued to throw up at each encounter.

Meanwhile, Dr. Xu (Xu Zihao) discreetly discarded his anti-nausea pills, convinced that a true cure wouldn't come from medication. Later, on their way home, Hugh and Chi Yan discovered a dead ginger cat by the roadside. Hugh, sensing the familiar presence of the black-clad man from their previous encounter, immediately gave chase but was unable to catch him and got injured herself. Qin Mingming promptly called Uncle Gao about the incident.

Chi Yan speculated that the cat capturers were part of an organized group and needed to be apprehended entirely to prevent further harm to cats. Dr. Luo, having overheard their conversation, entered Hugh's hospital room after she was treated. He offered his full support in finding the cat capturers, telling them to reach out anytime they needed assistance. Separately, Xu Ziqi called Xu Zihao, intending to visit Hugh at the hospital the following day, prompting Xu Zihao to teasingly suggest her real motive was to see Dr. Luo.

Episode 19 Recap

On the way to the hospital, Xu Ziqi instructed Xu Zihao to pull over, needing to purchase some mouthwash. There, she spotted Dr. Luo and quickly followed him, only to witness the usually polite doctor berating a delivery driver. He accused the driver of reckless driving and causing damage, demanding full responsibility, and stating that "being poor doesn't justify your misbehavior."

Disgusted by this display, Xu Ziqi immediately lost interest in Dr. Luo and decided not to go to the hospital at all, leaving Xu Zihao bewildered. Meanwhile, Chi Yan awoke to find Xiao Xiu basking in the sun as a cat. She soon transformed back into her human form, insisting he take her home, claiming the hospital was "boring" and she felt much better.

Chi Yan playfully tempted her with promises of snacks, and Xiao Xiu dramatically feigned dizziness to get her way. Later, Chi Yan met with a black-clad man, urging him to take money and leave that night without returning, warning him against speaking about their previous dealings and mentioning that "those people are hard to deal with." Xiao Xiu, with her keen senses, detected the man's scent and saw him speaking with Dr. Luo.

Just as she considered following, Dr. Luo reappeared. When Xiao Xiu inquired about the man, whom Dr. Luo described as wearing a "black hoodie and black cap," the doctor explained that the man's grandmother had been his patient, and they had simply stopped to chat. Xiao Xiu initially found the man familiar but dismissed her suspicions as hospital-induced dizziness, and Dr. Luo advised her to rest. Back in her hospital room, Xiao Xiu, still troubled, forgot to get water.

She questioned Chi Yan about Dr. Luo's character, mentioning she had seen him speaking with Scarface. However, both Chi Yan and Xu Zihao were dismissive; Chi Yan staunchly defended Dr. Luo as "the only one that I trust" from his high school days, a "good person," echoing the doctor's explanation about former patients. Chi Yan then warned Xiao Xiu not to take any risks if she encountered Scarface again, but to immediately inform him.

Upon her discharge, Xiao Xiu playfully ordered Xu Zihao to buy groceries, specifically vinegar, prompting him to complain about being treated like a "maid." Chi Yan jokingly referred to Xu Zihao as his "first love" now that he had Xiao Xiu as his "new love." When Ke Bei informed them he had a lead, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu invited him, He Meng, Xu Zihao, and Qin Mingming over for dinner.

The table was laden with fish dishes, much to Xiao Xiu's delight, leading Xu Zihao to quip that she must have been a cat in her past life. This remark brought a touch of sadness to Xiao Xiu, as she worried about all the stray cats who might not have food.

Ke Bei then detailed their plan for that night: he had posed as a "first-timer" buyer of stray cats and arranged a meeting with the traffickers at Riverside Park at midnight. Knowing the traffickers were experienced, Chi Yan decided that Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming should pose as a couple to lower suspicion, while he and Ke Bei would secretly record evidence from a distance.

Concerned for Xiao Xiu's safety, Chi Yan insisted she and He Meng stay home, ready to call the police if needed. Xiao Xiu strongly protested, believing she could help, but eventually relented after Chi Yan promised to ensure everyone's safe return. That night, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming, pretending to be new to the trade, met Blackie at the agreed location. Xiao Xiu, at home, watched her cat seal glow with increasing worry.

Blackie led them to a "feeding station," explaining that "overly sympathetic people like to feed stray cats here." He callously stated that stray cats "destroy the ecological balance" and they were doing a "good deed by kindly killing a few." He then revealed a more lucrative scheme: he knew "who raise the most expensive cats in the neighborhood" and used "poisoned cat food" to sedate them, making them "quiet" and easy to steal.

He even showed them a cat he had "just caught" and offered to show them more. A sudden phone call seemed to alert Blackie, who then attempted to flee. Unseen accomplices ambushed Chi Yan and Ke Bei, who were recording from a distance. Overwhelmed with worry, Xiao Xiu rushed to the scene. She bravely shielded Chi Yan from a blow, taking the hit herself, and collapsed unconscious. Xiao Xiu was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Chi Yan, bruised and injured, waited anxiously outside the operating room. Doctors reported that Xiao Xiu was unconscious, her pupils dilated and unresponsive to light, with a heart rate of 190 BPM, a fever of 39°C, and rapidly decreasing blood oxygen levels. The initial diagnosis was a closed-head injury, confirmed as a brain hemorrhage requiring immediate surgery and a blood transfusion. However, her blood type was highly unusual, with irregularities in all components, a blood type "never seen before."

Doctors stated that only a family member could attempt crossmatching. Everyone pressed Chi Yan for details about Xiao Xiu's family, but he was overwhelmed and helpless. Examining her blood test report, Xu Zihao realized, "It's not human blood." Suddenly, Uncle Fu arrived, confirming he knew Xiao Xiu's blood type but was not a match. He pleaded to see her, and Dr. Luo, acknowledging the grim situation, allowed them in.

Seeing Xiao Xiu in such a dire state, Chi Yan was heartbroken. Uncle Fu revealed the only way to save her was to take her back to the Meow Planet, but she could not return until she had repaid her "Cat's Requital," or debt of gratitude. As Xiao Xiu's condition worsened, Chi Yan desperately sought a way to save her.

He found himself lost in a misty forest, struggling to form a wish, until Xiao Xiu appeared before him, touching his forehead as she always did, and saying, "You can make a wish now." Though Chi Yan had "never wished for anything" before, this time, he sincerely wished for "Xiao Xiu to wake up safely." With that, Xiao Xiu vanished, and Chi Yan awoke to a profoundly altered reality. Xiao Xiu awoke on a grassy field, children playing nearby.

The world felt both strange and familiar. Rushing back to Chi's Bookstore, she found Yuanzi. When Xiao Xiu tried to stop Yuanzi from feeding milk to a cat, explaining "most cats are lactose-intolerant" and it causes "diarrhea," Yuanzi looked at her bewildered, stating she had "never met you before." A confused Xiao Xiu then encountered He Meng, who also did not recognize her, asking if she was "mistaking me for someone else" or "lost," even offering to call the police.

Xiao Xiu frantically tried to remind her of their dinner just the night before, but He Meng simply stated, "I really don't know you." Distraught, Xiao Xiu returned to the bookstore, where she saw several girls taking pictures of Chi Yan. They told her that "many students in our college love him." When Xiao Xiu proclaimed herself his girlfriend, the girls reacted with disbelief, calling her "crazy" and "delusional," suggesting she "got dumped."

Chi Yan himself showed no recognition, treating her as a stranger, and firmly telling her he "doesn't have a girlfriend" and asking her to "get out." Tearfully, Xiao Xiu desperately tried to remind him of their shared past, mentioning the name "Xiao Xiu Williams" he had given her, and how they had visited his grandpa, dad, and Mr. Yu together. Chi Yan, however, remained unmoved, dismissing her as "neurotic."

In tears, Xiao Xiu ran to find Xu Zihao, who was out walking Nietzsche. To her despair, Xu Zihao also failed to recognize her, mistaking her for a "fangirl" of Chi Yan and asserting that if Chi Yan had a girlfriend, he would "know for sure." He asked how she knew his and Nietzsche's names, dismissing her attempts to remind him of their hospital visit as irrational fangirl behavior. Just then, a thief ran past.

True to his nature, Xu Zihao, with Nietzsche's help, chased and subdued the thief. Qin Mingming, passing by, also sprang into action and helped restrain the culprit. Qin Mingming, afraid of dogs, accidentally stumbled and clung to Xu Zihao when Nietzsche approached. To free her, Xu Zihao unhesitatingly cut off a piece of his own shirt. Soon after, Uncle Gao arrived, took the thief into custody, and advised Qin Mingming to prioritize her safety in the future.

Despite not recognizing Xiao Xiu, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming found a common topic in Chi Yan, their shared connection. Xu Zihao introduced himself to Qin Mingming, who reciprocated, and they discovered Chi Yan was a classmate of Qin Mingming's from Qing Xi No.1 High School and Xu Zihao's "best friend," a revelation that seemed to forge a new bond between them. Left feeling completely lost and unheard by everyone she knew, Xiao Xiu, bewildered and with nowhere else to turn, went to find Uncle Fu.

Episode 20 Recap

Long ago, a young girl from the Meow Planet, destined to be its future ruler, experienced an accident during her coming-of-age ceremony on Earth. A human boy saved her, and to repay his kindness, the two eventually fell in love. However, to fulfill the "Cat's Requital," an Elder from her planet found them and forced the boy to state a wish.

A close friend of the boy secretly revealed his true desire: for his village to become prosperous so everyone could live well. Once the wish was granted, the Cat's Requital was complete, and the girl was taken back to the Meow Planet. There, she refused to assume the role of ruler and was confined. Overwhelmed by her love for the human boy, she fell ill with sorrow.

Knowing her time was short, she secretly returned to Earth one last time to leave him a token of her affection before passing away on the Meow Planet, her heart heavy with regret. Uncle Fu explained to Xiao Xiu that she had been gravely injured, and Chi Yan's wish to save her, made through the Cat's Requital, caused him to lose all memories of her.

He added that the lives of everyone else, who were connected because of Xiao Xiu’s presence, had also changed. Xiao Xiu realized Chi Yan made the wish after she was attacked, which explained why she woke up on the grass. Uncle Fu gently reminded her that Chi Yan had vowed to give up anything as long as she lived.

He tried to reassure her, saying that at least everyone was safe, and since her debt of gratitude was repaid and her coming-of-age ceremony was complete, she could finally return home. However, Xiao Xiu was heartbroken that Chi Yan had completely forgotten her. Uncle Fu emphasized that the rules governing Earth and Meow Planet were absolute and unchangeable, and that her memories of Chi Yan would become her most precious possession.

Still distraught, Xiao Xiu pleaded with Uncle Fu to tell her if there was any way to restore Chi Yan's memories, insisting she would try anything, even if it had never been done before. Uncle Fu stood firm, stating that rules were rules, and she must return to her parents; the pact could not be broken, as it was his duty to ensure its fulfillment. Later, Qin Mingming, a journalist, encountered Chi Yan.

She had learned from Xu Zihao where to find him. She noted that Chi Yan was less reclusive than before, now running his grandfather's bookstore. Realizing it had been ten years since they last met, Qin Mingming added Chi Yan on WeChat and suggested they all have dinner together with Xu Zihao. Xiao Xiu, sitting alone by the roadside, was overwhelmed with sadness recalling her sweet memories with Chi Yan. She returned to the bookstore and inquired about job openings.

Chi Yan, visibly uneasy, initially refused, thinking she was a fraud, especially after her previous claim of being his girlfriend. Xiao Xiu clarified that she wasn't lying; something had simply caused him to forget. To prove her sincerity and knowledge, she accurately described his preferences: the bell to minimize customer interaction, his favorite books on the top shelf, and his disdain for marketing gimmicks, instead preferring good books to find worthy readers.

Startled, Chi Yan threatened to call the police if she didn't leave. Before going, Xiao Xiu asked if the cat smugglers had been arrested, and Chi Yan nodded, confirming they had been. Apologizing for alarming him, she then left. That night, Xiao Xiu found herself, almost instinctively, outside Chi Yan's house, unable to bear the thought of leaving him.

The next morning, she was back in the bookstore, claiming to be a customer, making it impossible for Chi Yan to completely dismiss her. She pretended to read, subtly glancing at him, and even tried to give him a small bookmark, which he declined. A deaf customer entered the store. Xiao Xiu immediately helped him find the three books he wanted, efficiently handling the transaction.

When the customer accidentally left his wallet, Xiao Xiu quickly chased after him to return it. Chi Yan, mistakenly thinking she was stealing, followed, only to witness her honest act. Touched by her kindness, the customer insisted on treating them to lunch. At the restaurant, Xiao Xiu thoughtfully removed peanuts from Chi Yan's dish, remembering his allergy. Chi Yan acknowledged that Xiao Xiu wasn't a bad person, but he couldn't bring himself to believe her claims of their past together.

When he poured two glasses of beer, he instinctively pulled Xiao Xiu’s glass back, making her eyes light up with hope that he had remembered. However, he merely explained he didn't know if she drank, and she then clarified her alcohol allergy, mirroring his peanut allergy. After lunch, Xiao Xiu led Chi Yan to his "secret base"—a beautiful blue ocean spot she claimed he had brought her to before.

Chi Yan was puzzled, suspecting she had been stalking or investigating him, denying any memory of the place or ever bringing anyone there. Xiao Xiu then recounted their entire story: how she arrived in the city, was saved by him, and came to live in his bookstore to repay him with a wish he couldn't express.

She detailed their shared life, their growing love, her severe injury during the cat smuggler bust, and how his wish for her safety resulted in him permanently losing all memories of her. Chi Yan admitted that his grandfather had told him a very similar story, "Cat's Requital," which Xiao Xiu confirmed, even recalling details about his grandfather's wine and their grapevines. She mused on how the same beautiful sea felt entirely different now, given their changed circumstances.

Chi Yan, now aware of her name, Xiao Xiu, sensed her distress and admitted he felt equally lost, unsure how to interact with her—whether to pretend familiarity or confess his lack of memory. Despite his confusion, he chose to believe her story, acknowledging the beauty of the sea but confirming his complete lack of memory of ever seeing it with anyone. He concluded that the reality could not be changed and that it was profoundly unfair to her.

Xiao Xiu, however, insisted it wasn't unfair and expressed her desire to simply stay by his side, hoping his memories might one day return. When he questioned what if they never did, Xiao Xiu had an epiphany: instead of trying to make him remember the past, she would make him fall in love with her all over again, so they could create new, wonderful memories. She declared the past irrelevant, emphasizing only their present existence.

She then asked if he remembered the white kitten from his high school days, and he confirmed he did. Overjoyed, she thanked him profusely for caring for it. Xiao Xiu's new resolve to make Chi Yan fall for her again filled her thoughts, while Chi Yan was troubled by their conversation, dreaming that night of their first encounter. The next morning, while Chi Yan and Xu Zihao were jogging, Xiao Xiu waved at Chi Yan from afar.

Xu Zihao, noticing Xiao Xiu's persistent interest, teased Chi Yan about finding a girlfriend. Later, He Meng brought lilies to Chi Yan and invited him to participate in the community's upcoming flea market. After some thought, Chi Yan agreed, swayed by her point that all local shops were joining, and it would be an opportunity for more people to discover his books.

Xiao Xiu, observing Chi Yan and He Meng's seemingly close interaction from a distance, saw Chi Yan subtly avoid her when He Meng mentioned her. He Meng, relieved that Chi Yan claimed not to know Xiao Xiu, found comfort in his denial. Xiao Xiu, now working at the brewery's stall at the market, became visibly angry seeing Chi Yan and He Meng together.

She stormed over to a bookstall, her emotions almost overwhelming her, and aggressively asked for romance novels about revenge or amnesia leading to success, implying she would write one herself if such stories weren't available. That evening, as Chi Yan’s bookstore closed, Xiao Xiu, drawn by his presence, found him. Meanwhile, Qin Liangliang called Qin Mingming to report that Bulb, their dog, had been bitten by a chihuahua.

Qin Mingming and Qin Liangliang rushed Bulb to a pet hospital on Hong Qi Rd. Learning that Bulb was anxious around male veterinarians, Xu Zihao, the vet, quickly put on a wig and high heels, and spoke in a high-pitched voice to successfully treat Bulb’s wound. Qin Mingming and Qin Liangliang struggled to contain their laughter at Xu Zihao’s dedicated performance, but Bulb remained perfectly calm.

As Xiao Xiu searched for Chi Yan, she noticed a freshly painted bench and stood guard, warning passersby. Chi Yan arrived and, seeing her struggles, produced a "Wet Paint" sign. Relieved, Xiao Xiu accidentally sat on the still-wet bench herself. She then presented Chi Yan with a bookmark, intending it as an apology and suggesting he "needed it the most." Chi Yan, however, politely refused, explaining he preferred to dog-ear pages.

Xiao Xiu argued that dog-earing damaged books, especially for a second-hand bookseller, but Chi Yan maintained it was a normal sign of a book being read. Accepting her apology but still declining the bookmark, he advised her to give it to someone who truly needed it and playfully told her to go clean her paint-stained pants. Xiao Xiu muttered that he was the one who needed it most. Afterward, Xu Zihao removed his wig. Qin Mingming praised his professionalism and "manly spirit" for his unusual method of treating Bulb. They exchanged WeChat contact information and planned to have dinner together, including Chi Yan.

Episode 21 Recap

Qin Mingming invited Xu Zihao and Chi Yan to dinner. Xu Zihao finished his work early and went to find Chi Yan at his bookstore. Xu Zihao arrived, surprising Chi Yan, and shared his belief that he and Qin Mingming were "meant to be," recounting how he had repeatedly encountered her, from her chasing a thief to her dog, Bulb, becoming his patient. Chi Yan, however, warned Xu Zihao not to lead two girls on, a statement Xu Zihao denied.

Chi Yan then confessed to Xu Zihao that he was preoccupied with a girl he had recently met, who felt both familiar and strange to him, often thinking of her upon waking or going to bed. Xu Zihao immediately realized Chi Yan was speaking of Xiao Xiu, claiming she was actively pursuing him and had gathered information about him.

Xu Zihao analyzed the women in Chi Yan's life – Qin Mingming was not his type, He Meng did not interest him, and his own sister, Xu Ziqi, was an impossible choice – concluding that Xiao Xiu was the only logical candidate and that Chi Yan should pursue her. The three later met at a brewer for dinner, where they were surprised to find Xiao Xiu working as a waitress. Chi Yan quickly turned his head to avoid her gaze.

Xiao Xiu enthusiastically greeted them and took their order, introducing herself as "Hugh Williams." She recommended the Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Tuna No.1, Beer Shrimps, and Salt and Pepper Chicken. Xu Zihao, after some playful banter with Xiao Xiu about her treating Chi Yan, ordered everything she recommended. While serving, Xiao Xiu recognized Zhang Yi at another table with a client. The client, mistaking Xiao Xiu for a fan of Zhang Yi, inappropriately touched her. Xiao Xiu reacted by slapping him.

Zhang Yi, seeing the commotion, attempted to retaliate against Xiao Xiu, but Chi Yan quickly intervened, grabbing Zhang Yi's arm and demanding he let go. The client insisted on an apology from Xiao Xiu, and the manager also pressured her to comply. Xiao Xiu refused, stating the client had initiated the physical contact. Chi Yan then offered to involve the police and review the surveillance footage, prompting Zhang Yi and his client to leave.

The manager, upset by the incident, scolded Xiao Xiu, reminding her that "guests are always right," and assigned her the task of taking out all the trash for the day. Xiao Xiu struggled with the heavy trash bags, and Chi Yan appeared, asking if she was alright and offering her a tissue. Xiao Xiu expressed concern for Chi Yan, revealing her knowledge of his past troubles with Zhang Yi and his mother.

She spoke passionately about how Zhang Yi had slandered Chi Yan, and how Chi Yan's mother had sided against him, saying she was angered by the injustice. Chi Yan was surprised by her knowledge but calmly stated that he had made peace with his past with Zhang Yi and his mother, realizing that holding onto resentment would only cause him more pain. He thanked Xiao Xiu for standing up for him.

Xiao Xiu, in turn, thanked him and suggested they forget their unhappy past and create new, happy memories together, proposing activities like going to the supermarket, walks, and dinner. She then suggested they visit the Kendo hall the following day, to which Chi Yan agreed. Xiao Xiu watched him leave, pleased with the progress of her plans. The next day at the Kendo hall, Chi Yan taught Xiao Xiu various techniques, impressed by her quick learning.

During a sparring session, Xiao Xiu stumbled and fell onto Chi Yan. He looked at her intently, a sense of deep familiarity washing over him. Soon after, Chi Yan received a phone call from his publisher, informing him that his new novel was approved for publication and requesting his immediate presence. Xiao Xiu was delighted by the news and offered to accompany him, promising to be well-behaved and not cause any disturbance. After changing, they headed to the publisher's office.

At the entrance, they encountered Zhang Yi, who mocked Chi Yan's attempts at writing and questioned how his book could be published without extensive marketing. Driven by jealousy, Zhang Yi grabbed Chi Yan's manuscript and scattered the pages across the street. Xiao Xiu immediately rushed to collect the scattered pages, expressing her dismay at seeing his hard work on the ground. Chi Yan reassured her that they could simply print another copy.

However, as Xiao Xiu continued to retrieve pages from the road, she was almost struck by a rapidly approaching car. Chi Yan instinctively pulled her to safety, a familiar scene that triggered a memory of Xiao Xiu once taking a blow for him. At that moment, Xiao Xiu felt an unusual shift and transformed back into her cat form. Chi Yan took Xiao Xiu, now a cat, home.

He gazed at the bookmark she had given him and reflected on the stories she had told, realizing that what he had thought were mere fairy tales were, in fact, real. He recalled her name, Hugh Williams, which he had given her, and her references to "Cat's Requital," his grandfather, his grandfather's wine, and their shared memory of planting grapevines, even his peanut allergy. These details solidified his understanding.

Xiao Xiu's employer at the brewer sent a voice message, urgently calling her back to work. Chi Yan, unable to communicate her situation, took the initiative to request three days of leave for her. The following day, Xiao Xiu remained in her cat form, much to Chi Yan's frustration. While she was eating canned food, the sound of her boss's voice message startled her, causing her to instantly revert to her human form.

Chi Yan smiled and asked if he had behaved similarly in the past. Xiao Xiu enthusiastically confirmed, reminiscing about how he used to buy her pretty dresses, cook for her, take her to fun places, and enjoy the sunset with her. Inspired by this, they decided to go together to watch the sunset, both feeling a sense of deep emotional connection.

As the bookstore's tenth anniversary approached, Chi Yan received news from his landlord, Uncle Han, that the building was scheduled for demolition. Chi Yan could no longer rent the space. Noticing Chi Yan's somber mood, Xiao Xiu suggested organizing a small farewell appreciation event to commemorate the bookstore and his grandfather. Chi Yan agreed, and in exchange for her help with planning, he promised to treat her to two meals.

Xiao Xiu eagerly began preparations, including ordering elegant flowers from He Meng at a discounted rate. However, she suddenly felt dizzy and asked Uncle Fu, her mentor, why she was struggling to maintain her human form. Uncle Fu explained that with the "Cat's Requital" pact fulfilled and the "cat seal" no longer present on Chi Yan, it would become increasingly difficult for her to stay in human form on Earth for extended periods.

Despite this, Xiao Xiu brushed off her dizziness. Coincidentally, the brewer where Xiao Xiu worked was also slated for demolition, along with the entire block. Xiao Xiu proposed a collaboration between Chi's Bookstore and the brewer for the appreciation event, suggesting it would benefit both in thanking loyal customers and promoting the brewer's new location. The owner approved the idea. Xiao Xiu then approached Xu Zihao, asking him to host the event, praising his ability to control a crowd.

Xu Zihao confidently accepted the role for the upcoming Thursday. As Xiao Xiu left, she witnessed Xu Zihao's current girlfriend, Lulu, arriving at the bookstore. Xu Zihao was chatting with Qin Mingming, and he looked visibly embarrassed by Lulu's appearance. Lulu proceeded to make sarcastic remarks about Qin Mingming's dog, Bulb, indirectly criticizing Qin Mingming. Qin Mingming, sensing the tension, quickly left with Bulb. Xiao Xiu, having observed the awkward scene, also departed.

At the Chi's Bookstore Appreciation Event, Chi Yan took the stage to thank everyone. Seeing a hall full of familiar faces – his loyal, long-time customers – he felt at ease. He warmly greeted several, including "Mr. Plaid-shirt," who always sat in his unique spot, and a lady who regularly bought "Jean-Paul Sartre" books, jokingly advising her and a "Albert Camus" fan nearby not to become "frenemies."

A customer asked if Chi Yan had finished reading "Ulysses," which he had been working on for over a month. Chi Yan confirmed he had, describing the satisfaction as "finishing a game." He then spoke of his grandfather establishing the bookstore ten years ago, when he was a sensitive and fragile middle schooler who sought solace in books. He credited his customers for helping him change and grow.

Chi Yan assured everyone that despite the community's demolition, Chi's Bookstore would continue to provide a quiet and comfortable space, expressing his hope that they would all remain together for the bookstore's 20th, 30th, 40th, and even 50th anniversaries. The deaf-mute customer, a regular, presented Chi Yan with flowers and a thank-you note. Xu Zihao, the host, inquired about Qin Mingming, to which Chi Yan replied she was busy but had sent a flower basket.

Xu Zihao teasingly asked if Chi Yan wanted to see her. After the event, Qin Mingming arrived, apologizing for her delay. Xiao Xiu quickly pulled Xu Zihao aside, reminding him that he had been drinking and couldn't drive, then suggested that Qin Mingming drive him home. Xu Zihao initially protested, offering to call a cab, but Xiao Xiu insisted it was too late and unsafe. Qin Mingming agreed to give him a ride.

That evening, Chi Yan was looking through the heartfelt wishes written by his customers. Xiao Xiu then produced a wish card of her own, which Chi Yan recognized, having believed he had given it to her previously. Xiao Xiu, however, clarified that she had asked for it.

Episode 22 Recap

Chi Yan announced that the prize for the winner was a book coupon. However, Xiao Xiu, who won, declared that she didn't want a book but desired a different wish. She asked Chi Yan for one day entirely to herself and requested that he wear clothes similar to hers the following day. Chi Yan agreed.

Xiao Xiu smiled, noting that it had been a long time since Chi Yan had smiled at her like that, recalling an old agreement where he promised to smile at her every day. Meanwhile, Qin Mingming drove Xu Zihao home, with an awkward tension between them that made Qin Liangliang, in the back seat, visibly uncomfortable. After Xu Zihao arrived home, Qin Liangliang began to pry into Qin Mingming's relationship with him.

Qin Mingming quickly dismissed his notions, reminding him that Xu Zihao had a girlfriend. Xu Zihao, left alone with his cat Nietzsche, found himself in a dilemma. He mused on Lulu’s sometimes hasty temper but felt he couldn't break up with her, especially since she hadn't abandoned him for his fear of marriage. Yet, he couldn't deny his strong attraction to Qin Mingming, admitting she felt entirely different.

He then chastised himself, calling his feelings for both women the actions of a "cheating jerk." The next morning, Xiao Xiu eagerly waited outside Chi Yan’s door because she wanted to see him early. As they took a stroll, Chi Yan remembered his grandpa bringing him to that very spot when he was a child and expressed how much he missed him.

Xiao Xiu consoled him, sharing that she often thought of her own sister, who had also passed away, and suggested that his grandpa, like her sister, would want him to live happily. They decided to go boating. As they playfully rowed, Xiao Xiu's vision began to blur, but she stubbornly pushed through, convinced that they were successfully replacing Chi Yan's negative memories with new, happy ones. Suddenly, Chi Yan noticed Uncle Fu waving frantically from the shore.

He turned to Xiao Xiu, only to find she had already fainted. Chi Yan quickly carried her ashore, where Uncle Fu urgently explained their dire situation. He didn't know how much Chi Yan remembered, but he had to reveal that Xiao Xiu had fulfilled her contract and could no longer sustain her human form without protection. If she didn't return to the Meow Planet, she would die.

Xiao Xiu woke up in distress, unwilling to leave Chi Yan, especially after he was so close to remembering everything. Chi Yan gently asked her to leave her bookmark as a keepsake. The moment Xiao Xiu handed him the bookmark, it glowed with a bright light, and Chi Yan's mind was flooded with all his past memories of her, including how she saved him and became his "armor."

With tears in his eyes, he embraced her, apologizing for having forgotten her. As the bookmark ascended into the sky, it transformed into a ray of light, from which a woman slowly emerged. Uncle Fu, recognizing her as Moses, the legendary figure on the Meow Planet's top poker ace, was ecstatic. He explained that Moses was the first Meow Planet citizen to form a cat seal.

Moses herself revealed that she had fallen in love with Chi Yan's ancestor, breaking a taboo. She was banished back to the Meow Planet, losing her beloved and living with regret. Before her death, she left the bookmark, wishing that all truly loving humans and Meow Planet citizens could be together forever and that her lover would be protected.

She infused some cat energy into the bookmark, which became the cat seal, protecting the Chi family and allowing cats near them to maintain stable human forms for extended periods. Now that the cat seal had reformed, Xiao Xiu's human form would also be stable. Moses urged Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu to work together to break the dimensional barrier between their worlds and find everlasting happiness before she departed.

With Moses gone, Xiao Xiu no longer needed to return to the Meow Planet. Uncle Fu, however, decided to go back to find Lin Mo and inform Xiao Xiu's parents about her situation. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu cherished his recovered memories, with Chi Yan happily recounting details from their past to confirm his recollection. Half a month later, their landlord informed them that their building was scheduled for demolition soon, advising them to find a new place quickly.

He kindly offered to return both their current month's rent and deposit. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu began their enthusiastic house hunt but encountered numerous setbacks. Seeking a break, they went to the beach. There, Xiao Xiu had a strange feeling and soon spotted Ke Bei secretly taking photos of them. While Ke Bei didn't seem to remember them, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu recognized him as a lawyer.

Ke Bei explained that he simply found their interactions beautiful, especially them holding hands, calling it "love, as good as it can be." Xiao Xiu asked him to print the photos and deliver them in person, not by mail, for fear of them being lost. She gave him He Meng's address. Later, Chi Yan ordered many new and exciting dishes for Xiao Xiu, carefully blowing on her hot scallop porridge.

Xiao Xiu felt incredibly happy, telling Chi Yan that even being scalded by porridge or getting wet at the beach felt more joyful with him. She even joked that even flies were less annoying when she was with him, teasing him for being shy. Unbeknownst to them, Qin Mingming inadvertently saw Lulu with another man. Lulu then introduced her new boyfriend, showing off her engagement ring to a bewildered Xu Zihao.

He couldn't help but wonder if he had wronged her. Lulu simply stated that he couldn't give her "a result," implying their relationship had no future. As he watched the fireworks he had meticulously arranged for Lulu's birthday, costing him a hefty sum, they seemed to mock his efforts. He felt foolish. Qin Mingming confronted him, calling his self-pity "ridiculous." She told him not to punish himself or negate his worth for someone who had given up on him.

She passionately listed his virtues – his kindness, humor, love for animals, and how he bravely helped her catch a thief. Realizing she had said too much, Qin Mingming, embarrassed, quickly ran off. Back at the bookstore, Xiao Xiu, in her cat form, was playfully causing mischief. Chi Yan led her out for ice cream, but they quickly hid upon seeing Ke Bei enter the bookstore.

Xiao Xiu wanted to ensure he didn't realize she had given him He Meng's address. Ke Bei, meanwhile, felt a sense of familiarity upon meeting He Meng. They quickly found common ground, discussing plants, with Ke Bei even quoting Hamlet about rosemary. He asked for her WeChat to get her new shop's address and buy more plants. He Meng then delivered the printed photos to Xiao Xiu, explaining Ke Bei had dropped them off at her shop.

Xiao Xiu explained she gave He Meng's address to avoid any delivery issues while they were busy house-hunting. He Meng offered to help them move after closing her shop that evening, but Xiao Xiu politely declined, mentioning they already had friends assisting.

Episode 23 Recap

Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu were busy packing for their move when Xu Zihao arrived to help. He immediately announced that he had finally broken up with Lulu, this time for real, admitting he had been a coward. Xiao Xiu tried to console him, explaining that the relationship's end wasn't entirely his fault and Lulu might not have been the right person for him.

Chi Yan added that there’s no right or wrong in relationships, and he should cherish the next one. Xu Zihao then noticed a change in Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu, asking if they were together. Chi Yan explained that they were already a couple, but his memory issues had made him forget. Xu Zihao initially thought Chi Yan was losing his mind, suggesting he seek medical help.

Chi Yan rephrased, saying he and Xiao Xiu felt like they had known each other for a very long time and had a familiar connection, a feeling Xu Zihao admitted he had experienced recently too. Soon after Xu Zihao left, Qin Mingming arrived to offer her help after work.

Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu told her they were almost done for the day but would need her assistance during the actual move in two days, mentioning Xu Zihao would also be there and subtly trying to set them up. Qin Mingming seemed to suspect Xu Zihao had said something about her, but they denied it. Chi Yan then described Xu Zihao as a sincere person despite his playful exterior, adding that everyone has obstacles to overcome.

Meanwhile, Xu Zihao picked up Xu Ziqi, who was distressed because their mother had arranged a blind date for her that evening with Dr. Luo, the same doctor Xu Zihao had introduced to their mother. Xu Zihao, remembering his mother's complaints about him not setting them up sooner, remarked that Dr. Luo was a decent man who should meet Xu Ziqi’s standards, to which Xu Ziqi replied she would just "try and see how things go."

Later, Dr. Luo visited Chi Yan’s old bookstore. Chi Yan, surprised, inadvertently asked what he had been busy with, then quickly corrected himself, realizing it had been a long time since they last met. Dr. Luo explained that Xu Ziqi had told him about Chi Yan’s bookstore when they met on their blind date, prompting him to visit. Dr. Luo noticed a cat in the store, and Chi Yan thanked him for his past kindness.

Dr. Luo, pleased to see Chi Yan had recovered, mentioned he would keep an eye out for potential new locations for the bookstore as Chi Yan explained the current building was scheduled for demolition. As Dr. Luo left, he cast a peculiar glance at Xiao Xiu, who was lounging around in her cat form. On the official moving day, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming helped Chi Yan transport books to the new location.

Chi Yan asked Xiao Xiu to wait in the car while he attended to the last few items. Standing in the empty old bookstore, Chi Yan bid farewell to the space, a place he had run for ten years, and to his younger self from a decade ago. Upon arriving at the new bookstore, Chi Yan realized a box of books was missing.

Xiao Xiu admitted she had forgotten one "really important" and "really heavy" box at the old store, and with Chi Yan busy, she asked Qin Mingming to go back with Xu Zihao to retrieve it. Xu Zihao complained about the weight of the box as they struggled to carry it, with Qin Mingming playfully suggesting she could use a "lighter spell."

Dr. Luo then arrived at the new bookstore to congratulate Chi Yan on the move, presenting him with a cat figurine. Chi Yan gratefully accepted the gift, and Dr. Luo subtly looked towards Xiao Xiu, who was in her cat form near Chi Yan. Back at the old bookstore, Xu Zihao almost tripped on the stairs while carrying the heavy box with Qin Mingming, hurting his foot.

Qin Mingming offered to take him to the hospital, but Xu Zihao, a professional doctor, assured her he could handle it, though she reminded him he was a vet. As they drove, a radio program discussing marriage caused Xu Zihao to gagged and recoiled, revealing a severe phobia. Qin Mingming expressed surprise at his strong reaction. Xu Zihao admitted that Xiao Xiu had told her about his aversion to marriage.

He then explained his deeply rooted fear stemmed from his parents' painful divorce during his childhood, witnessing their constant arguments and his mother's subsequent regrets, which left him with a negative impression of marriage. Qin Mingming shared her own story of losing her parents young and growing up with guardians, and her deep desire for her own family. She then comforted Xu Zihao, telling him that past obstacles and frustrations mean nothing, and he shouldn't give up on the future.

After Dr. Luo departed, Xiao Xiu returned to her human form. She was captivated by the cat figurine he had gifted Chi Yan, noting its striking resemblance to her sister, with only a subtle difference in pupil color. Chi Yan comforted her, suggesting she could consider it a representation of her sister and find solace in it. Later, as Xu Zihao drove Qin Mingming home, he struggled to articulate his feelings, repeatedly stuttering and failing to speak his mind.

Qin Mingming simply told him to get some rest and remember to check his foot. After she went upstairs, Xu Zihao, unable to contain himself, loudly declared his love for Qin Mingming from the street below, acknowledging he couldn't offer her a future yet but wanted the world to know his feelings. A neighbor complained about the late-night shouting and his reluctance to marry her, but Qin Mingming opened her window, smiled brightly, and happily declared she was willing.

Later, Yuanzi came to Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu, distressed that the stray cats she fed were missing. She explained that the cat food she usually left out had gone untouched for several days. Xiao Xiu immediately realized that the food had been drugged to make the cats quiet and docile. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu sent Yuanzi home, promising to find all the cats.

They searched the park and found the cat food, which was indeed undrugged, but surprisingly smelled of Dr. Luo. Chi Yan dismissed it as a coincidence, given Dr. Luo had recently visited his bookstore and been in the area. However, Xiao Xiu revealed she had seen Dr. Luo giving an envelope, possibly containing money, to a man in black at the hospital, raising her suspicions.

Chi Yan, recalling Dr. Luo being the only person who helped him during a difficult time in high school, staunchly defended his character, insisting Dr. Luo would never harm animals. Xiao Xiu, on the verge of tears, expressed her distress and inability to comprehend why anyone would want to capture them. Chi Yan reassured her, promising they would find the cats and urging her to trust him before they returned home to rest and think of a plan.

The next day, Chi Yan visited Dr. Luo at the hospital, complimenting his successful career as a chief physician. He subtly questioned whether there were ever financial transactions between doctors and patients. Dr. Luo initially denied any such dealings. Chi Yan then specifically asked about a man with a distinct scar on his hand.

Dr. Luo first denied knowing him, but then, upon recognizing Chi Yan's description, acknowledged the man, explaining he was a relative of a former patient whose grandmother had a terminal illness. Dr. Luo explained that he and other doctors had pooled money to donate to the man to help with his grandmother’s treatment.

Chi Yan, relieved, informed Dr. Luo that the man was actually wanted by the police and was considered very dangerous, urging him to report any sightings to the authorities immediately. Chi Yan expressed his relief upon learning the truth, glad that Dr. Luo was not involved in anything suspicious. Back home, Xiao Xiu was comfortably napping in the sun.

Chi Yan woke her, explaining that the scar-faced man was merely a patient's relative whom Dr. Luo had helped, confirming their initial suspicions about Dr. Luo were wrong. Xiao Xiu expressed remorse for misjudging him, and Chi Yan reiterated that believing in Dr. Luo's good nature was enough.

Xiao Xiu admired the view from their new, smaller balcony, telling Chi Yan she didn't mind the change as it allowed them to be closer and gave her an excuse to stick by his side. Qin Mingming then called, announcing she had left a housewarming gift for Xiao Xiu, a camera, at the doorstep.

Meanwhile, Xu Zihao, demonstrating his care, quickly took over peeling shrimp from Qin Mingming, warning her about the hard shells, to which Qin Mingming playfully teased him about his "bravery" as a professional doctor peeling shrimp bare-handed. Xiao Xiu, observing their sweet interactions and using the gifted camera to record them, commented on how endearing they were. Later, during the new bookstore's opening celebration, Xiao Xiu, after having a little too much to drink, delivered heartfelt remarks to her friends.

She told Xu Zihao that despite his player-like facade, he was as innocent as a high school student. She then warned him that Qin Mingming, despite her tough exterior, was vulnerable and needed a sense of security and protection, urging him to discard his playboy ways and treat her well, or she would personally deal with him.

Xu Zihao promised to treat Qin Mingming well, and Qin Mingming playfully asked Xiao Xiu to beat him up if he ever hurt her. Xiao Xiu then turned to He Meng, praising her gentle nature, cooking skills, and beauty, declaring that if she were a man, she would fall for her. He Meng, noticing Xiao Xiu's intoxication, asked if she was drunk.

Xiao Xiu then addressed Ke Bei, jokingly calling him "chubby" and reminding him of past financial dealings, then advising him to be more attentive to He Meng’s sensitive feelings, urging him to care for and protect her. Ke Bei, confused by Xiao Xiu’s specific remarks and her knowing details about their lives, wondered how Xiao Xiu seemed to know them so well. The others also felt a sense of déjà vu, remarking that Xiao Xiu seemed to understand them deeply.

Xiao Xiu then became emotional, tearfully expressing her gratitude to everyone for teaching her about friendship and love, proclaiming that this period, regardless of whether they remembered it or not, was the most precious experience of her life, and wishing them all happiness as she marked her Transition. The next morning, Xiao Xiu was sleeping soundly in her pajamas.

Chi Yan, finding her unknowingly alluring, became restless and quickly sent her out of the room, suggesting she go check the bookstore, buy breakfast, and take a walk, reminding her to be safe and return soon. Xiao Xiu, still groggy, decided to clean the bookstore and eventually fell asleep at the counter.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

Chi Yan instructed Xiao Xiu to stay put while he went out to buy some food for her. Unbeknownst to them, Dr. Luo, who had earlier given Chi Yan a ceramic cat concealing a camera, was observing from outside the bookstore. Seeing Chi Yan leave, Dr. Luo entered, used a medicated cloth to subdue Xiao Xiu, and then spirited her away.

When Chi Yan returned just half an hour later, he was alarmed to find Xiao Xiu missing, her phone left behind on the table. Worried, he called out her name repeatedly. Soon, Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming arrived to help search. Chi Yan explained that the ceramic cat Dr. Luo had gifted him, which was on the table earlier, was now broken.

He also pointed out a fresh crack on the recently refurbished floor and noted that the fragments were not in the bin, leading him to believe Xiao Xiu was in danger. Chi Yan was determined to find her immediately, but Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming urged him to calm down, unsure where to even begin looking. As they spoke, Lin Mo and Yu Nan appeared, equally urgent. Lin Mo revealed that Xiao Xiu was indeed in danger.

He explained that he had asked Yu Nan to investigate what happened years ago, and they discovered that on the fifteenth of every month, people gathered at Haibin Park to hand over cats to a man with a scar. Lin Mo had followed this Scarface and discovered another person involved: Luo Jiaxuan, from Renai Hospital. Lin Mo revealed that Luo Jiaxuan had converted an abandoned ship into a lab, where he acquired stray cats to perform experiments.

Qin Mingming questioned what this had to do with Xiao Xiu, noting she had no quarrel with Luo Jiaxuan. Lin Mo explained that Xiao Xiu had likely encountered these individuals while conducting her own investigation into the matter. Though initially stunned by the revelation about Luo Jiaxuan, Chi Yan, along with Lin Mo, Qin Mingming, and Xu Zihao, quickly prepared to head to the abandoned ship.

Lin Mo offered to lead the way while Yu Nan stayed behind at the bookstore in case Xiao Xiu returned. As they left, Qin Mingming expressed her disbelief that Luo Jiaxuan, a seemingly benevolent doctor, could be capable of such evil. She suggested calling the police, and they agreed to do so while hurrying to the location. Upon arriving at the abandoned ship, they heard a cat's cries.

Inside, they found Xiao Xiu, in her white cat form, bound to an operating table. Luo Jiaxuan, having drugged her, commented on her beautiful fur and warned her against struggling. He revealed he had compared her blood to that of ordinary cats, finding no difference, yet marveling at her ability to transform into a human. He mused about her home, "Meow Kingdom" or "Meow Planet," and offered to release her if she would take him there.

Otherwise, he threatened to "explore her anatomy." Following Xiao Xiu's cries, Chi Yan and his friends sought a way in. Qin Mingming accidentally cut her leg while navigating the rough terrain. Lin Mo, being more agile, went ahead, urging the others to follow. As Chi Yan rushed through a door, it slammed shut, separating him from Lin Mo, Qin Mingming, and Xu Zihao.

Seeing surveillance cameras, Qin Mingming realized they had walked into a trap and began searching for another entrance. Alone in the ship's labyrinthine passages, Chi Yan was suddenly ambushed from behind by Luo Jiaxuan, who knocked him unconscious. Chi Yan awoke to find himself tied in Luo Jiaxuan's lab. Luo Jiaxuan grabbed Chi Yan's throat, accusing him of being the kind of person who made him hate the world.

He labeled Chi Yan too pure and noble, claiming his past actions were merely an attempt to make Chi Yan face the harsh realities of life earlier, believing Chi Yan would then find freedom and happiness in isolation, like in his bookstore. Chi Yan, recalling the cat Luo Jiaxuan had killed, defiantly accused him of the crime.

Luo Jiaxuan, his voice trembling with a deranged intensity, dismissed the dead as unrevivable but offered Chi Yan a way to save Xiao Xiu: convince her to take him to Meow Planet. Chi Yan flatly refused. Enraged, Luo Jiaxuan threatened Xiao Xiu, comparing her appearance to Lin Mo's deceased partner. Just as he prepared to harm Xiao Xiu, Lin Mo, now a black cat, sprang into the lab and attacked Luo Jiaxuan.

Luo Jiaxuan's eyes lit up at the sight of another "creature" of interest, while Lin Mo, recognizing the killer of his beloved, fiercely sought revenge. As they fought, Chi Yan managed to free himself and helped Lin Mo to tie a rope around Luo Jiaxuan's neck. However, Luo Jiaxuan overpowered Lin Mo, throwing him to the ground. Severely wounded, Lin Mo, clinging to Luo Jiaxuan's leg, urged Chi Yan to take Xiao Xiu and leave.

Chi Yan opened the door, and to his relief, Qin Mingming and Xu Zihao were waiting. Together, they returned to the lab. Lin Mo, barely clinging to life, told them Luo Jiaxuan had escaped through another door and urged them to pursue him. As Qin Mingming called for an ambulance, Xiao Xiu, now back in her human form, rushed to Lin Mo's side, distraught by his injuries.

Lin Mo reassured her that he wouldn't die but cautioned her against revealing her true identity to others. He also expressed deep regret for not being able to protect her sister. Xiao Xiu tearfully thanked him for everything he had done for her sister, promising to take him to Meow Planet once he recovered. Lin Mo, however, encouraged her to join Chi Yan in the chase, assuring her he would wait for their return.

With a pained "Sorry," knowing his end was near, Lin Mo accepted his fate. Chi Yan, with Xu Zihao and Qin Mingming, pursued Luo Jiaxuan to the ship's deck, where police sirens blared in the distance. Luo Jiaxuan, cornered, threatened to expose Xiao Xiu's true identity to the police, warning that countless people would then want to experiment on her.

When Xiao Xiu caught up, Luo Jiaxuan again demanded she take him to Meow Planet to escape this world, or face dissection. Xiao Xiu defiantly stated she would rather be experimented on than take him to her home, believing he would face retribution. Luo Jiaxuan, in a frenzied rant, dismissed the idea of karma, arguing that experimenting on animals was not illegal and no different from the daily suffering of animals in the human world.

Xiao Xiu, enraged by his callousness, retorted that they too were living beings with feelings, capable of love and pain, and demanded to know how he could treat them so callously. As the police closed in, Luo Jiaxuan made one final demand for Xiao Xiu to take him to Meow Planet. Chi Yan embraced Xiao Xiu, then, with a desperate surge, tackled Luo Jiaxuan, sending them both plunging into the wreckage below the ship.

Luo Jiaxuan survived the fall but was hospitalized with severe injuries, which left him mentally unstable upon recovery. The incident, exposed by the media, garnered significant public attention. Meanwhile, Lin Mo, having achieved his revenge, quietly prepared to leave, choosing not to take anything, not even the cat fur of Xiao Xiu’s sister. He observed Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu's happiness, feeling a genuine joy for them. They found him as he was leaving, but he was resolute.

He explained that after deciding to stay and seek revenge, life and death no longer held meaning for him. He recounted his sister’s dream of opening a restaurant with him, describing a simple, happy life that was now lost without her. With little time left, Lin Mo wished to spend his final days visiting places that held memories of her. He departed, warning Chi Yan to always treat Xiao Xiu well. Chi Yan understood and let him go.

Back at Chi's Bookstore, Xu Zihao was helping Chi Yan clean up, both overwhelmed by an abundance of cat fur. Chi Yan explained that Xiao Xiu's relatives from Meow Planet had arrived, bringing a mix of happiness and chaos to their lives. Xu Zihao then confided in Chi Yan that he planned to propose to Qin Mingming, and Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu eagerly helped him plan the event.

Later that night, Xu Zihao stood outside Qin Mingming's building with a megaphone. Before he could even finish his heartfelt proposal, Qin Mingming, touched and amused, happily accepted. Xu Zihao slipped the ring onto her finger, and they embraced joyfully. Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu shared in their happiness. And so, Chi Yan and Xiao Xiu, a man and his Meow Planet cat, continued to lovingly operate Chi's Bookstore on Earth, building a sweet and fulfilling life together.