Meteor Garden 2018 Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Meteor Garden 2018 Synopsis

Dong Shancai was a girl with mediocre qualifications but optimistic and strong.

With the dream of making her family’s home cooking business bigger and stronger, she strived to get into the nutrition department of her ideal university, Mingde College and started her dream journey.

But unexpectedly, she offended the head of the school’s popular figure, the head of F4, Daoming Shi. It completely disrupted her peaceful life.

F4 consists of four handsome, character and academic excellence of the senior boys, respectively, Daoming Shi, Huaze Lei, Feng MeiZuo, and Ximen Yan ( Caesar Wu ). They were the masters in the bridge world and were recognized by many students as models.

Because righteous Shancai did not like the domineering way of Daoming Shi and had arguments with him.

Since then, Daoming Shi often played pranks on Shancai. After that, a series of things happened, so that the misunderstanding between Shancai and Daoming Shi gradually deepened.

But every time there was a crisis, Huaze Lei would appear to help Shancai.

With her weed-like vitality, Shancai gradually changed the bad impression of the four boys, and her relationship with them gradually eased and became friends, turning from an ordinary girl into a model for the whole school.

Daoming Shi was attracted by her indomitable optimistic nature in the process of prank, unknowingly fell in love with Shancai. They experienced heavy hindrance and finally got together, harvesting love.

Meteor Garden 2018 Recaps

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My name is Dong Shancai, and I am an ordinary eighteen-year-old girl. My mother, with her round face, loud voice, and optimistic philosophy, is an excellent chef whose signature sweet and sour spare ribs are a source of pride for our family's private kitchen. My father is a simple logistics manager, a loving husband and dad.

Inspired by my mom's cooking, I aspired to study in the Nutrition Department of Mingde College, dreaming of expanding our family business and spreading happiness through food. My high school friend, Xiaoyou, who loves tea, and I worked at a milk tea shop during the summer after our college entrance exams. It was a peaceful summer, just like the previous eighteen years of my life.

However, this tranquility was shattered when we received our admission letters: Xiaoyou was accepted into Chaoyang University's Tea Culture Department, and I was thrilled to be admitted to my dream school, Mingde College, as a nutrition freshman. On my first day at Mingde, I reunited with my high school best friend, Chen Qinghe, who had followed my university choices as he was destined to take over his family's banana business regardless of his major.

I also met Li Zhen, a quiet but intelligent girl from the next class. The three of us eagerly anticipated navigating our college years together. On the same day, during a campus speech by Mr. Babbit from the University of Pennsylvania, a sudden commotion erupted outside the hall as students crowded to greet F4. In the chaos, Shancai's phone was knocked to the ground and then deliberately crushed underfoot by one of the F4 members as they walked past.

Upset, Shancai frantically searched for the culprit, inadvertently confronting Mr. Babbit and being chastised by school staff, much to the amusement of other students. A senior from the Journalism Department, Guo Caijie, explained who F4 were: four prominent fourth-year students – Huaze Lei from the Music Department, Ximen Yan from a tea ceremony family, Feng Meizuo from Industrial Management, and their leader, Daoming Si.

They were described as handsome, tall, intelligent, multi-lingual, and excellent in bridge, having won numerous championships for the school, earning them the title 'light of Mingde'. Caijie also explained the 'Joker Card' challenge, a system F4 used to manage the many students who wanted to challenge them. To issue a challenge, one first needed to obtain a Joker card, which was given if F4 deemed the challenger worthy.

Each challenge required a pre-agreed, often bizarre, wager, such as cleaning the campus for a semester, squatting in the campus pool all day, spending a night in a biology lab with human specimens, or even eating a pair of slippers. Undeterred by the daunting challenge, Shancai, fueled by anger over her broken phone, resolved to confront F4.

Accompanied by Chen Qinghe and Li Zhen, she went to the Bridge Club, loudly demanding an apology and compensation from the 'green crocodile shoes' who stepped on her phone. Just as they were about to leave, F4 appeared. Shancai immediately recognized Daoming Si as the culprit and held up her broken phone. However, Daoming Si and his friends walked away without acknowledging her.

Later, in her 'Introduction to Nutrition' class, Professor Ma emphasized the importance of willpower over limited ability and assigned students to form groups for team reports. Meanwhile, Shancai prepared a low-fat birthday cake for Li Zhen, who was touched by the gesture. While trying to take a photo with the cake, Li Zhen stumbled, and the cake flew out of her hands, landing directly on Daoming Si's head.

Enraged, Daoming Si shoved Li Zhen aside, prompting Shancai to defend her friend by verbally lashing out at him, calling him an arrogant "pineapple head" and a "jerk" for his disrespectful behavior. Daoming Si, furious, departed, but Huaze Lei, with a gentler demeanor, picked up a card from the cake and handed it to Shancai before leaving. Soon after, Shancai discovered a Joker card in her locker, confirming F4's challenge.

Frustrated, she went to the rooftop and began shouting her curses at F4, wishing them various misfortunes, from alien-intercepted phone signals to growing nose hair. Huaze Lei, who was already on the rooftop, emerged and calmly listened, asking her if she was happy after her rant. He assured her he had no intention of 'messing with' her, explaining that while he was part of F4, he wasn't interested in others' affairs.

Later, on the basketball court, a classmate asked Shancai to covertly film Daoming Si, who, upon noticing, angrily snatched her phone. Shancai's mother then tasked her with a delivery of twenty takeout meals. To Shancai's dismay, the customer was none other than Daoming Si, who had deliberately ordered from her family's restaurant. He meticulously inspected the meals, making disparaging remarks about the food, clearly aiming to provoke her.

Shancai, furious at his disrespect for her mother's hard work, called him a 'social parasite.' In response, Daoming Si threw a bento box at her face. Humiliated, Shancai retreated to a nearby water trough to clean herself, where she was accosted by two thugs. Just as she was in distress, Huaze Lei appeared and drove them away. Overwhelmed, Shancai burst into tears.

Huaze Lei, with his gentle nature, comforted her and taught her his secret method for suppressing tears: standing on her head. Inspired by her professor's words on infinite willpower and determined to no longer be bullied, Shancai confronted Daoming Si at school. With a powerful flying kick, she sent him sprawling, throwing the Joker card onto his chest and asserting that she was not to be trifled with.

Daoming Si was knocked unconscious, much to the amusement of Meizuo and Ximen, who filmed the 'mummy' incident. When Daoming Si eventually regained consciousness, Huaze Lei revealed that Shancai had been nearly assaulted after delivering his order. Though initially dismissive, Daoming Si showed a flicker of remorse. Shancai's actions, however, made her an enemy to many girls, including her classmate Xinhui, who was a big fan of Daoming Si.

Xinhui accused Shancai of seeking attention by attacking a VIP and the school's most famous senior. Shancai, uninterested in their opinions, clarified that Daoming Si had deliberately instigated the conflict by issuing the Joker card, which she now disavowed. Shancai later found Huaze Lei in the music room, intending to return his handkerchief. However, he coldly refused to take it back, stating he didn't retrieve things he had given away, and simply wished her 'good luck' with the Joker card.

When Shancai asked if she could meet him on the rooftop again, he replied that he would no longer go there. Soon after, two men accosted Shancai outside the school, claiming Daoming Si wished to apologize and compensate her. Despite her protests, they forcibly dragged her into a car. She was taken to Daoming Si’s opulent mansion, where a team of stylists immediately subjected her to a complete makeover, transforming her appearance.

Daoming Si eventually appeared and bluntly asked Shancai if she liked Huaze Lei, warning her that such feelings were unacceptable. He then offered her a position as 'his woman,' detailing the numerous exclusive privileges she would enjoy, from standing a meter behind him at all times to receiving treats, academic help, and lavish gifts.

Shancai, however, scorned his offer, throwing the expensive high heels back at him and declaring that she was something he could not buy with the 'whole world,' before storming out of his house. Reflecting on the day's events, Shancai realized that her true concern wasn't Daoming Si's challenge but the aloof Huaze Lei, whom she would indeed exchange for the whole world.

Meanwhile, Daoming Si, convinced Shancai was secretly infatuated with him, sought advice from his friends on how to further 'attract' her. Meizuo and Ximen, however, understood that it was Daoming Si who was infatuated with Shancai, and repeatedly shot down his childish suggestions, such as dressing up as ghosts in the women's restroom or putting fake cockroaches or onions in her backpack, as lacking creativity or being too embarrassing.

Later, while working at the milk tea shop with Xiaoyou, Shancai's mood inexplicably brightened when Huaze Lei and Ximen entered to buy drinks. She was visibly flustered by Huaze Lei's presence, prompting Xiaoyou to tease her about her blushing face and whether Huaze Lei had come specifically to see her. After work, Shancai returned to the rooftop, hoping to see Huaze Lei again. She found him there, and they engaged in a brief, abstract conversation about time differences between Shanghai and Paris, during which Huaze Lei commented that she was a 'strange girl.'

Two female classmates, seeing Shancai and Huaze Lei smiling together as they descended from the rooftop, felt a surge of jealousy. They teased Shancai about quickly getting close to Huaze Lei, implying she had a crush on him. They then informed her that Huaze Lei had had a special girl in his heart for over a decade: the beautiful school senior Teng Tangjing, who was about to return from her studies in France. Shancai felt a pang of sadness.

Later that evening, walking home alone, she unexpectedly encountered Huaze Lei. He gently cupped her face, kissed her, and told her she looked "so cute today," instantly lifting her spirits despite her confusion about his actions. The following day, Shancai bumped into Daoming Si, who sported a new haircut. Shancai playfully asked about his former "pineapple haircut."

Daoming Si, clearly sensitive about her previous teasing but unwilling to admit it, insisted he changed his hairstyle purely because he wanted to, not due to her comments. He boasted that with his "handsome face," he would be "charming" regardless of his hairstyle. Shancai scoffed, retorting that he was "not charming from head to toe." Their usual bickering was cut short by the arrival of the entire F4, who were excitedly waiting. Teng Tangjing had returned.

Daoming Si immediately abandoned Shancai to greet her, while Huaze Lei's face also lit up with visible joy. Observing the elegant and beautiful Teng Tangjing, Shancai felt like an "ugly duckling," realizing that this was the girl Huaze Lei loved and that they belonged to completely different worlds. That night, F4 gathered with Teng Tangjing for dinner. While everyone else was cheerful, Huaze Lei appeared unusually quiet.

When prompted, he confronted Teng Tangjing about a series of "vulgar photos" she had taken, clearly expressing his disapproval. Teng Tangjing, however, found the photos quite appealing. Huaze Lei insisted he disliked them, stating she was "different from those vulgar women." Pleased by his concern, Teng Tangjing embraced him. Shancai, reflecting on the day's events, resolved to stop fantasizing about men like Huaze Lei and to distance herself from F4.

Daoming Si attempted to talk to Shancai, but she ignored him, choosing instead to cheerfully study and joke with Chen Qinghe, even sharing a bento box her mother had prepared. Shancai told Daoming Si that the happiness she shared with Chen Qinghe was "priceless" and something he "wouldn't understand." Annoyed by their closeness, Daoming Si sent a Joker card not only to Shancai again but also to Chen Qinghe.

Outraged that he would involve her friend, Shancai confronted Daoming Si, but he remained unrepentant. Chen Qinghe, surprisingly, was thrilled, believing it was a sign of F4's respect and an invitation to friendship. He eagerly anticipated challenging Daoming Si, despite Shancai's warnings about the inherent dangers. When Shancai and Chen Qinghe hesitated to accept the challenge, Daoming Si publicly branded them "cowards."

In the cafeteria, Daoming Si orchestrated an incident where a student deliberately bumped into Shancai, causing her to spill food all over herself and fall. Daoming Si then taunted her, expressing his immense pleasure at seeing her in such a "sorry and pitiful state." Unable to bear the sight, Huaze Lei intervened, taking Shancai's hand to lead her away. However, Daoming Si also grabbed Shancai, resulting in a painful tug-of-war.

Shancai cried out in pain, prompting Daoming Si to finally release her, allowing Huaze Lei to escort her out. Daoming Si threatened Huaze Lei, stating that if he took Shancai away, he should never speak to him again. Teng Tangjing gently led the disheveled Shancai to the restroom to clean up. She offered Shancai a clean set of her own clothes and shoes, emphasizing that girls should always strive to be "clean and beautiful."

As Shancai changed, she gazed at Teng Tangjing, feeling only admiration for her beauty and kindness. She thought to herself that anyone would love such a beautiful, kind, and elegant girl, finally understanding why Huaze Lei was so fond of her. Teng Tangjing mentioned that this was the first time she had seen Huaze Lei so emotional, suggesting that Shancai must be very important to him.

Shancai, however, dismissed the idea, stating that Huaze Lei liked Teng Tangjing, and asked if Teng Tangjing liked him in return. Later, Shancai and Chen Qinghe were walking home when Shancai suddenly fainted, revealing she was unwell. She took a few days off school to recover. To her surprise, Daoming Si visited her at home, bearing gifts. Her parents were immediately charmed by his handsome looks and polite demeanor, enthusiastically welcoming him and inviting him to stay for dinner.

Shancai was utterly bewildered by his uncharacteristic calm and politeness. During dinner, Shancai tried to subtly dissuade him by mentioning their simple home-cooked food and her mother's supposedly "fierce" personality. However, Daoming Si remained unperturbed, even complimenting her mother's cooking, particularly the "fried eel fillets with soy sauce," and diligently finished his meal. Her parents, oblivious to Shancai's attempts, dismissed her comments as fever-induced ramblings or shyness. After dinner, compelled by her parents, Shancai escorted Daoming Si outside.

She fully expected him to drop his polite facade, assuming he had an ulterior motive for his visit. However, Daoming Si genuinely checked her temperature before surprising her with an invitation to Hawaii for the upcoming seven-day National Day holiday. Shancai quickly refused, citing her lack of funds and her pre-existing plans with Chen Qinghe to visit his family's luxurious seaside villa in Sanya, where they could enjoy surfing, diving, and fresh seafood.

Daoming Si was visibly displeased by her refusal, but a sudden idea sparked in his mind as he departed. Upon returning home, Daoming Si overheard his butler mentioning his scheduled trip to Hawaii. He abruptly canceled his Hawaii plans, having decided to travel to Sanya instead.

Meanwhile, Shancai and Chen Qinghe arrived in Sanya, where Chen Qinghe proudly showed her his family's impressive villa, pointing out a "golden chandelier" that he claimed was identical to one owned by a famous entrepreneur. He also mentioned that the villa was rented out as a homestay on a rental app when not in use. Later, they went to the docks, where Chen Qinghe showed her his family's small yacht.

They decided to take it out for a spin, but to their dismay, the engine wouldn't start. Just then, a much larger, luxurious yacht approached, carrying Daoming Si and the rest of F4. Chen Qinghe enthusiastically waved at them, while Shancai tried to make a discreet exit, but Daoming Si quickly intercepted them. He mocked Chen Qinghe's small boat, sarcastically calling it a "fishing boat."

Teng Tangjing then intervened, inviting both Shancai and Chen Qinghe to their evening party, assuring Shancai that with her presence, Daoming Si "wouldn't make trouble." As Teng Tangjing helped Shancai prepare for the party, Shancai couldn't help but admire her beauty, feeling no envy, only genuine admiration, believing that Teng Tangjing was truly deserving of Huaze Lei's affection. She cautiously asked Teng Tangjing if Daoming Si and Huaze Lei had reconciled.

Teng Tangjing replied that they hadn't yet, but she was confident that their long-standing friendship and personalities would ensure their reconciliation would not take long. She then gave Shancai a small gift and reiterated her invitation to her birthday party the following week, again assuring Shancai that she was welcome to bring any friends along.

Tengtang Jing meticulously applied makeup to Shancai, transforming her appearance to be exceptionally beautiful. Jing then extended an invitation for Shancai to attend her birthday party the following week, an offer that left Shancai deeply flattered by Jing's unexpected kindness. While F4 members discussed Daoming Si's ongoing cold war with Huaze Lei, Feng Meizuo explained that Daoming Si's temper flared and subsided quickly, while Huaze Lei was generally calm and unlikely to hold grudges.

Jing presented Shancai with a small gift, reassuring her that her birthday celebration would be an intimate gathering, unlike typical school events, and encouraged her to bring her friends along. Jing expressed her desire to dress Shancai up to surprise everyone. At Jing's grand party, the atmosphere was lively and boisterous. Daoming Si was observed drinking, his gaze fixed as Jing led Shancai, adorned in a white gown with her hair styled like a princess, into the room.

Her transformation captivated F4, who showered her with compliments, though Daoming Si, despite being visibly stunned, stubbornly refused to acknowledge her beauty. Shancai's attention primarily remained on Huaze Lei, while Daoming Si's never left Shancai. During a party game, the host announced a ten-second blackout where guests could kiss anyone they wished. As the lights dimmed, Shancai was accidentally bumped, causing her to stumble and fall into Daoming Si's arms, leading to an unexpected kiss.

When the lights returned, Daoming Si, attempting to maintain his composure, jokingly accused Shancai of pouncing on him and almost knocking out his teeth. He then teased her, asking if that had been her first kiss. Mortified that her first kiss was with the "annoying pineapple head," Shancai fled the party in anger, leaving Daoming Si secretly delighted.

Back in her room, Shancai was plagued by unsettling dreams, envisioning her wedding to Huaze Lei, only for him to transform into Daoming Si at the altar. In the dream, she refused to marry him, and he retaliated by pushing her into the sea, jolting her awake. The next morning, Shancai was still disoriented and gloomy. On the beach, Qinghe noticed her unusual demeanor. Soon, F4 appeared and began teasing Shancai, mockingly calling her "First Kiss Shancai."

Daoming Si, with a smirk, boasted that Shancai had been "proactive" in offering him her first kiss, claiming she had been waiting for that moment. Shancai attempted to explain to Huaze Lei that the kiss was an accident due to the dark, but he curtly interrupted, stating that her private affairs were "none of his business," further humiliating and disheartening her.

Witnessing Shancai's distress, Qinghe angrily confronted Daoming Si, storming his door and calling him a "thief" and a "loser" for stealing Shancai's first kiss. He challenged Daoming Si to a duel. Daoming Si, after initially mocking Qinghe as an "ugly freak," agreed to a competition, clarifying that the Joker Card he sent implies a bridge game, though Qinghe was determined to compete regardless.

Qinghe proposed the stakes: if he won, Daoming Si would not be allowed to stand next to Shancai; if Daoming Si won, Qinghe would not be allowed to stand next to him. Daoming Si agreed. Qinghe led Daoming Si to his family's small boat for a fishing contest. Daoming Si scoffed at the boat's modest size, to which Qinghe retorted it was "energy conservation." Daoming Si continued to insult Shancai, calling her "rude, hot-tempered, rustic, and stupid."

Qinghe fiercely defended her, recounting a high school incident where Shancai bravely stood up to a teacher who unfairly accused students of stealing class funds. Qinghe, inspired by Shancai's integrity, joined her in protest, and from that day, he vowed to protect her from any harm. Daoming Si dismissed the story as stolen from a movie plot.

Qinghe then tried to assert his closeness to Shancai by mentioning their high "intimacy" as "married" characters in a mobile game, prompting Daoming Si to call him an "idiot." During the fishing, Daoming Si sampled Qinghe's spicy peas and surprisingly found them delicious. Qinghe ultimately won the fishing challenge with a bucket full of cuttlefish, while Daoming Si only caught one.

Despite his loss, Daoming Si later childishly invoked the bet on the beach, telling Qinghe to stay away, to which Qinghe retorted that it was Daoming Si who was standing next to him. Shancai went to Jing's house to return the dress, only to find Jing and Huaze Lei together.

Jing, sensing something different in Huaze Lei's behavior towards Shancai, directly asked him if he liked Shancai, admitting she felt "a little jealous" that he was no longer "exclusive" to her. Huaze Lei, feeling misunderstood by Jing, rejected her notion of Shancai being a match for him. Jing accused him of being "hypocritical" and uncaring about those hurt by his "caprice," declaring she wouldn't be "played" anymore.

Huaze Lei, asserting his true feelings, gently pushed Jing onto a sofa and kissed her, stating, "The one I care about is you." Shancai, witnessing this, quietly departed, trying to convince herself there was "nothing to be sad about," as Jing and Huaze Lei were a perfect match. Despite her efforts, tears flowed as she sat alone on the beach. She remembered Huaze Lei's advice to do a handstand when sad, but her tears continued.

Qinghe and Daoming Si, returning from their fishing trip, discovered her. Qinghe inquired about her red eyes, to which Shancai attributed it to sand. Qinghe recounted his victory over Daoming Si in the fishing challenge, causing Daoming Si to blush when Qinghe pointed out he was thinking about their kiss. Qinghe playfully attacked Daoming Si, and their ensuing scuffle helped pull Shancai back from her melancholic thoughts.

Later that evening, Daoming Si, having roasted the cuttlefish caught by Qinghe, enthusiastically woke up Meizuo and Ximen to share the meal. He even tried to offer some to a sleeping Jing. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei sought out Shancai, asking if she had witnessed his interaction with Jing. Shancai apologized, claiming she had merely been returning the dress, and tentatively asked if he disliked her.

Huaze Lei, entering a room with a piano, assured her that she was "an important, very important friend," questioning, "If I hate you, would I save you over and over again?" He then began playing the piano. Encouraged by Meizuo and Ximen, Daoming Si took some grilled cuttlefish to Huaze Lei, initiating a reconciliation between them. With the holiday over, it was back to school.

The news of Shancai and Daoming Si's kiss had spread throughout the campus, making Shancai an outcast. As she searched for her missing sneakers, Daoming Si appeared, proudly wearing them himself, revealing he had ruined them. Shancai, infuriated by his childish behavior, stormed off. Daoming Si, amused by her reaction, confessed to Meizuo and Ximen that this was merely the "first step of his revenge plan" – to lure Shancai, make her fall in love, and then cruelly abandon her.

His friends teased him, suggesting he might be the one to fall first, which he vehemently denied. Shancai sought refuge on the rooftop, where she found Huaze Lei sketching on an old blackboard. She correctly guessed he was drawing Jing. Noticing chalk dust in his hair, Shancai gently brushed it away, finding a moment of peace in his presence. Unbeknownst to them, Li Xinhui and other girls from their class secretly filmed their interaction.

They then approached Daoming Si, presenting the video and fabricating stories, claiming Shancai and Huaze Lei had been "secretly meeting on the rooftop for a while" and that Shancai was "fawning over" him, despite his affections for Jing, and two-timing him after their kiss. Enraged, Daoming Si yelled at them to "shut up" and "get away." Later, Shancai invited Li Zhen to Jing's birthday party, and Li Zhen happily accepted, hoping to see celebrities there.

Shancai then realized she had left her notebook on the rooftop and went to retrieve it, only to find Daoming Si waiting there. Having seen the video and heard the girls' gossip, Daoming Si misinterpreted Shancai's presence on the rooftop as confirmation of the rumors, believing she was playing him. He violently pushed her against a wall, demanding to know why she dared to "play" him. Shancai, confused by his sudden rage and erratic behavior, called him "crazy."

When she tried to flee, he angrily slammed his hand against the wall, terrifying her. She stumbled and fell, desperately pleading with him to stop as he advanced towards her. Daoming Si grabbed her, declaring, "It's all your fault," and attempted to forcibly kiss her. However, Shancai's tearful pleas seemed to break through his anger. He released her, holding her close, and gently promised, "I won't hurt you again."

Shancai later returned home, her parents noticing blood on her arm, though she claimed it was just from a fall. Her father, concerned, offered to confront anyone who had bullied her, but her mother dismissed it as Shancai's usual "bitter face." Meanwhile, Meizuo questioned Daoming Si about his injured hand, speculating if he had hit Shancai or a wall, concluding he likely hit both.

Shancai confided in Xiaoyou about Daoming Si's recent aggressive behavior, admitting she was genuinely frightened and actively avoiding him. Meanwhile, F4 members Meizuo and Ximen noticed Daoming Si's injured hand and questioned him about it, wondering if he had fought with Shancai or hit a wall. Daoming Si offered no explanation and simply left for class.

Later, Ximen asked Huaze Lei about his relationship with Shancai, but Huaze Lei seemed oblivious, his mind focused on how to confess his feelings to Tengtang Jing. As the weekend arrived for Tengtang Jing's birthday ball, Shancai and Xiaoyou got dressed up. Shancai even used the Moist Code CC cream that Jing had recommended in Sanya. Xiaoyou eagerly asked if Ximen would be attending.

Chen Qinghe drove them to the venue in his car, which he proudly called "Qinghe No. 2." Upon arrival, they felt somewhat out of place amidst the many elegantly dressed guests. Soon after, Daoming Si, Meizuo, and Ximen entered. Xiaoyou, excited to see Ximen, eagerly watched, while Shancai quickly hid to avoid Daoming Si. Qinghe jokingly pointed out Daoming Si, recounting a past squid fishing contest where Daoming Si had lost badly.

Eventually, Shancai and Daoming Si came face to face, and he complimented her appearance, calling her cute. However, a girl quickly intercepted Daoming Si, chatting about fashion week and his sister, inadvertently helping Shancai escape an awkward encounter. Meanwhile, Li Zhen, having bought an expensive dress on her credit card, arrived at the party. However, she was denied entry because Shancai, who was already inside, had her invitation.

Li Zhen frantically tried to call Shancai, but Shancai's phone had unfortunately frozen and crashed. Li Zhen, unable to reach her friend and facing the strict security, eventually left, feeling deeply disappointed. Inside, Xiaoyou accidentally spilled a drink on a man's suit. The man became aggressive, demanding she clean his expensive suit. Just then, Ximen appeared, intervening to protect Xiaoyou. He dismissed the man's claims about his suit's quality and sent him away, further endearing himself to Xiaoyou.

Shancai, seeing Xiaoyou with Ximen, worried he might be a womanizer like Daoming Si and might take advantage of her friend, so she pulled Xiaoyou away. She then borrowed Xiaoyou's phone and called Li Zhen, who, trying to hide her sadness, falsely claimed she couldn't make it due to a sudden family emergency. The main event of the ball began with Tengtang Jing's stunning entrance in a black gown.

Huaze Lei, looking handsome in a white suit, met her, and they shared the first waltz, captivating everyone present. Ximen explained to Shancai that Huaze Lei had been mildly autistic as a child, and it was Jing's unwavering presence and support that helped him overcome it and become the person he was today. Shancai realized that despite their long history, Lei and Jing were not yet officially a couple.

After their dance, Huaze Lei attempted to confess his feelings to Jing, but she gently stopped him, stating she already knew what he wanted to say. Jing then took the stage and announced her decision to relinquish her inheritance from the Tengtang Group. She declared her intention to become an international aid lawyer, flying back to Paris in a few days and not returning for a long time.

To signify her resolve, she dramatically cut off her long, carefully tended hair. Huaze Lei was heartbroken and stormed out of the ballroom. Jing followed him, apologizing and explaining that while she understood his feelings, she couldn't accept them. Feeling dejected, Shancai left the party, having had too much to drink. Lost in the grand mansion, she stumbled upon Daoming Si. Drunken Shancai, losing her usual fear, confronted Daoming Si, accusing him of using his family's power to intimidate others.

Suddenly, feeling nauseous, Shancai pulled open Daoming Si's suit jacket and vomited into it. The next morning, Shancai woke up with a headache. Her mother cheerfully informed her that Daoming Si had carried her home, praising him profusely and expressing her desire for such a handsome and well-mannered son-in-law. Later that day, Shancai and Qinghe met Li Zhen for lunch. Li Zhen appeared unwell and ate very little.

Shancai, unaware of Li Zhen's true struggles, enthusiastically recounted how Jing had renounced her inheritance and cut her hair to pursue her dreams in Paris. Li Zhen feigned interest but quickly left, citing her discomfort. Shancai then encountered Daoming Si at school. He cornered her, demanding a "thank you" for carrying her home. Shancai reluctantly complied.

Daoming Si then challenged her, asking if she was so happy last night because Jing was leaving for Paris, and if she thought that meant she could finally be with Huaze Lei. Shancai was left speechless, as Daoming Si had, to some extent, guessed her true thoughts. Disturbed, Shancai went to the rooftop and found Huaze Lei, who was visibly upset but trying to appear unconcerned.

She urged him to try and make Jing stay, confessing that while she had initially felt a flicker of selfish hope when she heard Jing was leaving, seeing Lei's profound sadness made her compassion outweigh any personal feelings. However, Huaze Lei insisted that Jing's decisions were unchangeable. Determined to help, Shancai secretly met Jing, imploring her not to go to Paris. She emphasized Huaze Lei's deep feelings and how much he needed her.

Jing, however, firmly refused, reiterating that love was not the most important thing to her and she would not compromise her dreams for anyone, including Huaze Lei. She thanked Shancai for her concern and left. Huaze Lei, who had witnessed their conversation, was furious. He confronted Shancai, angrily accusing her of meddling and questioning her right to interfere in his affairs, telling her to "get out." Shancai left in tears, confused and hurt by his sudden outburst, questioning if she had done something wrong by trying to help.

Having confronted Teng Tangjing, Shancai inquired if she truly didn't like Huaze Lei. Teng Tangjing clarified that she wouldn't change her decision for anyone, regardless of being called capricious or selfish. She emphasized that love isn't the most important thing to her; instead, she prioritizes pursuing her own dreams and avoiding regret. After thanking Shancai for her concern, Teng Tangjing departed. Shortly after, Huaze Lei appeared and angrily questioned Shancai about going behind his back to beg Teng Tangjing.

He explained that both he and Jing were proud people, and he didn't want his deep, private feelings for her to be made a spectacle of. Shancai explained she believed she could persuade Teng Tangjing, but Huaze Lei accused her of meddling and dismissed her. Shancai, tearfully, tried to argue that he might never see Teng Tangjing again and she didn't want to see him suffer, but Huaze Lei harshly told her to mind her own business and get out.

Deeply hurt, Shancai later reflected on Huaze Lei's words, wondering if she had been wrong and embarrassed him with her self-righteous intentions. The next day, everyone gathered at the airport for Teng Tangjing's departure to Paris, except for Huaze Lei, who was nowhere to be found, much to everyone's disappointment. Daoming Si, Meizuo, and Ximen attempted to call him but couldn't get through. Daoming Si showed off a gag gift he had for Teng Tangjing.

Chen Qinghe, also present, joked that if Huaze Lei had half of Daoming Si's thick skin, he wouldn't be in such pain. Daoming Si then teased Shancai about her gloomy face. Shancai asked Daoming Si if he had someone he liked, sharing her view that true love means being happy for the other person, even if it means silently suppressing one's own feelings. Daoming Si strongly disagreed, calling such a notion foolish.

He argued that unexpressed love is meaningless and would lead to lifelong regret, stating that one shouldn't expect the other person to read their mind. Shancai was surprised by the simple truth in Daoming Si's words, which addressed a problem that had troubled her and Huaze Lei. After her final goodbyes, Teng Tangjing hugged Shancai, assuring her she would be happy, and asked everyone to tell Huaze Lei to take care of himself.

She also warned F4 not to bully Shancai anymore, a sentiment Daoming Si scoffed at, and gave Shancai a small gift. As everyone turned to leave, a cheerful-looking Huaze Lei appeared. He admitted he had been at the airport for an hour, hiding behind a pillar. An exasperated Shancai confronted him, questioning why he would hide and watch Teng Tangjing leave.

She criticized him for not knowing how to fight for what he wants, unlike Teng Tangjing who bravely pursued her dreams. Huaze Lei, however, smiled and revealed his own ticket and passport, announcing that he would take the next flight to Paris. He confessed that his anger the previous day wasn't at Shancai but stemmed from his own cowardice. He had spent the night reflecting and decided to bravely pursue his feelings.

He thanked Shancai by kissing her forehead and then headed for his gate. Meizuo and Ximen were impressed by Huaze Lei's newfound determination and Shancai's unexpected influence, speculating it must be the "power of love." After Huaze Lei departed, Daoming Si suddenly asked Shancai out, but the roar of a taking-off plane drowned out his words. Shancai asked him to repeat, but Daoming Si refused, calling her an "idiot" for not hearing him.

Later, Daoming Si was looking for dating tips online, even considering a "limited edition Love Aroma" perfume, which Meizuo and Ximen teased him about. They offered to be his "love experts," starting with a detailed "love simulation": arrive early, choose a romantic restaurant, present a red rose with a heartfelt card, maintain eye contact, offer compliments, avoid discussing past relationships, and console her if she cries by saying, "It's okay. He left you so that I could meet you."

The date, they concluded, should end with a waltz, leaving an unforgettable impression. Daoming Si found these suggestions "cheesy" and asked for something simpler. Ximen then suggested "playing hard to get," which Daoming Si comically misunderstood as the name of a person. The next day, Daoming Si announced on the school's information wall that F4 would face Chen Qinghe and Dong Shancai in a bridge duel.

Chen Qinghe was thrilled, boasting about a previous time in Sanya where Daoming Si lost to him in squid fishing and fantasizing about making F4 dance "four little swans" or Daoming Si shave his head. Shancai, however, was terrified, knowing she couldn't play bridge. At the match, Shancai complained about the unfairness, prompting Daoming Si to allow her and Chen Qinghe to set the rules, while he would set the stakes.

Chen Qinghe proposed "compare sizes," a simple card game where the highest card wins, to which Daoming Si agreed. F4 easily won, as Meizuo demonstrated his incredible skill by naming cards without looking, even revealing that Chen Qinghe had tried to cheat by hiding a Spade Ace in his pocket. Accepting defeat, Shancai braced herself for Daoming Si's punishment. To her surprise, Daoming Si only asked her to treat him to dinner at Jiangwan Stadium Square on Sunday noon.

Shancai, still suspicious of a trick, reluctantly agreed but resolved not to go. Chen Qinghe called her later, worried about Daoming Si's revenge, and Shancai confirmed her intention to stand him up, complaining about her broken phone. On Sunday, as Shancai was shopping with her mother, heavy rain began. Worried that Daoming Si might actually be waiting, she rushed out of the mall, still wearing a new coat her mother had made her try on.

At Jiangwan Stadium Square, she found Daoming Si drenched, having waited for four hours. He embraced her tightly, scolding her for being late but not genuinely angry. He explained that his calls to her had failed, and he feared she wouldn't find him or that something had happened, so he dared not seek shelter from the rain. Touched by his sincerity, Shancai agreed to treat him to dinner.

They searched for a restaurant, with Shancai proposing a cheap buffet, which Daoming Si found appalling. After several attempts to find an open eatery, they boarded an elevator, which promptly got stuck between floors. The lights went out, and there was no phone signal. Meanwhile, Shancai's worried parents were frantically calling the police and Li Zhen, unable to reach their daughter. Trapped in the dark elevator, Daoming Si suddenly collapsed, weak with fever from waiting in the rain.

Feeling guilty, Shancai laid him on her lap and covered him with her new coat to keep him warm, hoping for rescue. Later that night, Daoming Si awoke, and they began to bicker. When Shancai mentioned his mother, Daoming Si's demeanor changed.

He revealed he hadn't seen his mother in two years, as his father had passed away when he was in middle school, and his mother was always busy with business in London, leaving him with only her assistants to answer his calls. Shancai realized his deep loneliness, a stark contrast to her own family, who, despite their arguments, always cared for her. Feeling sympathy, Shancai offered to compensate him for his suffering.

Daoming Si then leaned in for a kiss, but just as their lips were about to meet, the elevator door suddenly opened, revealing a repairman who calmly remarked on Daoming Si's "boldness." Startled and embarrassed, Shancai quickly covered her face with an umbrella and fled. Returning home, Shancai found her parents frantic with worry.

Her mother, initially angry about her staying out all night, was quickly appeased when Shancai showed her broken phone and explained she had been trapped in the elevator. Overwhelmed with relief, her parents fussed over her, offering her their phone and warm porridge. Shancai felt a wave of warmth from their love, realizing it was something Daoming Si yearned for. The next day at school, both Shancai and Daoming Si appeared haggard, Daoming Si suffering from a severe cold.

Other students, including Xin Hui, gossiped, assuming Daoming Si had tormented Shancai after she lost the card game, while Chen Qinghe vowed to protect her. Shancai tried to reassure her friends that Daoming Si hadn't bullied her. Just then, Daoming Si approached Shancai, handed her jacket back, and casually mentioned she had "forgotten it this morning." This seemingly innocent gesture, however, fueled rumors among the student body that Shancai and Daoming Si had spent the night together.

Meizuo and Ximen, after hearing Daoming Si's account of being trapped in the elevator and almost kissing Shancai before being interrupted by the repairman, were both excited by the "exciting" situation and disappointed that nothing more had transpired.

The next day, Daoming Si, still clearly unwell, approached Shancai at school. He handed her a coat, telling her it wasn't a gift but her own, which she had forgotten that morning. When Shancai hesitated, Daoming Si took it upon himself to put the coat on her. This public display fueled existing rumors about Shancai and Daoming Si dating, which quickly spread on QQ Space. Other students, envious of Shancai, whispered about her.

Xin Hui openly stated her strong dislike for Shancai but paradoxically expressed her intention to become friends with her, specifically because of Shancai's connection to F4. Despite Shancai's protests that she wasn't dating Daoming Si, Xin Hui, along with Baihe, extended an invitation for Shancai and Li Zhen to attend a "Lady's Night" party that evening, subtly pressuring Shancai to accept. Meanwhile, Meizuo and Ximen teased Daoming Si about his apparent declaration of ownership over Shancai.

Daoming Si, with a sense of pride, responded that he needed to announce his affection to the world to ensure no one else would try to win her over. That night, Shancai and Li Zhen went to the bar. Feeling uncomfortable with the wild atmosphere, they chose to simply drink juice. Xin Hui and Baihe soon joined them, aggressively questioning Shancai about her relationship with Daoming Si.

When Shancai denied they were dating, Xin Hui pointed to the widespread rumors on QQ Space and challenged her to introduce Daoming Si to them if he wasn't her boyfriend. Shancai, who found her fruit juice particularly tasty, soon began to feel unusually hot and dizzy. Heading to the restroom, she stumbled upon a pianist named Thomas. In her disoriented state, she mistook him for Huaze Lei, sat beside him, confessed, "I like you," and fell asleep on his shoulder.

Unbeknownst to Shancai, Xin Hui and Baihe were observing and took photos, commenting on Shancai's "active flirting." The next morning, Shancai woke up in a strange hotel room. She found a note with a phone number from Thomas, who had written that she was drunk and should call him after waking. Confused, Shancai wondered aloud, "Who is Thomas?"

She pieced together fragmented memories of the previous night, including Baihe and Xin Hui taking selfies with Thomas, and her dancing with him, leading her to worry about what might have transpired. Later at school, Shancai called Thomas, who informed her he was already on campus, having gotten lost while trying to find her. She quickly arranged to meet him at the campus restaurant.

Moments later, Daoming Si confronted Shancai about her lateness to class, having been informed of her schedule by Ximen. He then presented her with a new, warm coat, telling her it was getting cold and showing his continued care. At the restaurant, Shancai encountered Daoming Si, Meizuo, and Ximen. Daoming Si insisted she join them for lunch, ordering an excessive amount of food and playfully threatening to "fatten her up." As they ate, Thomas contacted her, announcing his imminent arrival.

Panicked, Shancai hastily told him not to enter the restaurant and rushed out to meet him, leaving Daoming Si to suspect she was seeing another man, for which he issued a stern warning. Outside, Shancai confronted Thomas, asking if he had done anything to her. Thomas calmly explained that after she vomited, he cleaned her up and, at her friends' request, took her to a hotel as he didn't know her address, leaving her to rest alone.

He then referenced her drunken "I like you" confession, asking if it was sincere and if she would be his girlfriend. Shancai quickly dismissed it as a mistake, stating she had mistaken him for someone else. Just then, Daoming Si appeared. Shancai fabricated a story that Thomas was merely asking for directions, and Thomas, understanding her predicament, cleverly played along.

Daoming Si, however, fluent in French, sternly told Thomas in his own language to get lost and stay away from Shancai, whom he declared "my woman." Thomas, visibly disappointed, left. Daoming Si then proudly told Shancai what he had said, but she angrily rebuked him, asserting they were not in a relationship. Daoming Si was deeply hurt by her words, asking in disbelief, "Aren't we in a relationship?"

Shortly after, compromising photos of Shancai and Thomas, depicting them dancing and in close proximity at the bar, were plastered across the school's online forums. Students eagerly shared the images, and malicious gossip about Shancai spending the night with Thomas spread rapidly. While Li Zhen expressed disbelief, other students presented photographic evidence to validate their claims. When Shancai tried to confront Xin Hui and Baihe, they vehemently denied posting the photos, deflecting blame.

Chen Qinghe tried to urge Shancai to publicly clarify the situation, but Shancai remained silent. Determined to find answers, Shancai went back to the bar, only to be told by a staff member that Thomas was merely a substitute and his whereabouts were unknown. Meanwhile, Meizuo and Ximen grew concerned by Daoming Si's unusually prolonged and vigorous swimming, recognizing it as a sign of his deep distress.

When they saw the damning photos online, they immediately pushed Daoming Si into the pool to prevent him from seeing the images and claimed his phone was still being repaired. They then sought out Shancai, who tearfully confessed that she had been very drunk, had danced with Thomas, but insisted that nothing had happened.

After some investigation, Meizuo and Ximen concluded that Thomas was not a permanent Shanghai resident and had likely left the country, suggesting that Shancai had been deliberately framed. Shancai, devastated by the online vitriol, resolved to clear her name and not be a coward. The next day at school was brutal; students openly shunned and insulted her, calling her "shameless" and "a disgrace to Mingde."

In class, she was targeted with sarcastic remarks about her English skills, implying she was too close to "foreign teachers." Two art students then "accidentally" spilled paint on her, further humiliating her. Meanwhile, Daoming Si, having discovered the photos of Shancai and Thomas on Meizuo and Ximen's computer, became enraged. He found Shancai and confronted her, demanding to know why she had lied about Thomas merely asking for directions.

Shancai tearfully admitted that she had lied about his identity but vehemently maintained her innocence, asserting that nothing had happened and the photos were a misunderstanding. She pleaded with Daoming Si, telling him that she didn't care if the entire world misunderstood her, as long as he believed her. However, Daoming Si, heartbroken and feeling betrayed, walked away. Later that day, a distraught Daoming Si was found drinking alone by the river.

Meizuo and Ximen, concerned he might do something reckless, stayed by his side, complaining about the mosquitoes as they watched over him. They even half-jokingly discussed knocking him out to get him home. Despite their efforts, Daoming Si managed to slip away into the pouring rain. Standing alone, he was lost in thought, remembering his previous rainy date with Shancai. As the rain continued, Li Zhen, passing by, saw him and showed her concern with an umbrella. In his drunken haze, Daoming Si mistook Li Zhen for Shancai, pulling her into a tight embrace and kissing her.

Meizuo and Ximen were sitting by the river, irritated by mosquitoes, as Daoming Si sat nearby, absorbed in his thoughts and anger over the rumors surrounding Shancai. They pondered whether to get him drunk or knock him out to take him home, but he disappeared before they could act. Li Zhen discovered a distraught Daoming Si sitting alone in the heavy rain.

In his intoxicated state, Daoming Si mistook her for Shancai, accusing her of lying and deceiving him before kissing her. The next morning, Daoming Si woke up in Li Zhen's home, disoriented. Li Zhen explained he was drunk and she brought him there. He immediately tried to leave, declining her offer of breakfast. Hurt and frustrated, Li Zhen confronted him, demanding to know why he detested her and what made Shancai so special compared to their similar backgrounds.

Daoming Si curtly replied he didn't hate her because he simply didn't care. Enraged, Li Zhen accused Shancai of feigning innocence while secretly being promiscuous and then tried to embrace Daoming Si. He forcefully pushed her away, asserting that she was unworthy of comparison to Shancai, who would never act against her true feelings. As he stormed out, Daoming Si regretted his earlier distrust of Shancai and decided he needed to find her to make amends.

As Shancai walked home from her part-time job, she was ambushed by the two thugs who had previously harassed her. They dragged her into a dark alley, intending to assault her. Daoming Si, searching for Shancai, heard her cries and intervened, fighting off the thugs. He apologized for his delay and asked if she would now believe him. He then carried the injured Shancai to his home.

While gently applying medicine to her wounds, Shancai playfully scolded him for visiting her family and telling her mother she would spend the night. Daoming Si retorted that she should be grateful he saved her. He then pressed her about Thomas, and after Shancai, calling him an "idiot," vehemently denied anything happened and asserted she would never casually be intimate with a stranger, Daoming Si's trust in her was restored.

He confessed his intense jealousy, admitting he was so furious he wanted to kill Thomas. Overcome with his emotions, he leaned in and kissed Shancai, explicitly telling her, "Because I like you." Shancai was stunned by the kiss and confession, realizing she hadn't resisted and wondering about her own feelings. Daoming Si then directed her to a guest room, asking her to seriously consider his heartfelt confession.

Having uncovered the truth, Daoming Si brought Shancai and his friends to Li Zhen's home for a confrontation. Li Zhen initially feigned innocence and welcomed them, but Ximen immediately confronted her, hinting that she was hiding something. Shancai, still in disbelief that her friend could betray her, questioned if there was a misunderstanding. Ximen then revealed their investigation confirmed that Li Zhen's Weibo account was responsible for spreading the damaging photos.

Faced with the threat of legal action, Li Zhen confessed. She admitted that on the night Shancai got drunk, she deliberately left Shancai with Thomas, instructing him to send a photo for "safety," which became the scandalous image. The next morning, seeing Shancai and Daoming Si in a seemingly intimate moment at school, her long-simmering anger and jealousy exploded, leading her to post the photos. Shancai was heartbroken, unable to comprehend her friend's actions.

Li Zhen then articulated the depth of her envy, recounting how Shancai's effortless integration into F4's world—like the unplanned trip to Sanya with Qinghe and F4—and her own humiliation at Jing's birthday party, where she was stuck outside despite a costly dress while Shancai was inside, had profoundly wounded her pride and fueled her resentment. Daoming Si interjected, reminding Li Zhen that she was not worthy of comparison to Shancai.

Shancai, though deeply hurt and angry, expressed profound disappointment, telling Li Zhen she didn't deserve to be her friend. Li Zhen, in turn, declared she didn't need Shancai's friendship. The news of Li Zhen's actions spread rapidly through the school, leading to her severe isolation and verbal abuse from fellow students.

During a class discussion about a group research report, a student named Xinhui voiced the collective sentiment, openly refusing to work with Li Zhen and demanding a re-grouping due to the scandal. When the professor asked Shancai to explain the situation, Shancai, despite her profound hurt, chose to protect Li Zhen.

She publicly fabricated a story, claiming Li Zhen had accidentally posted the photo online, and that her previous silence was due to being upset with Shancai for neglecting her at Jing's birthday party. Shancai then sincerely apologized to Li Zhen for her own carelessness that night, admitting she should have been more attentive to Li Zhen's feelings.

Moved by Shancai's unexpected act of kindness and understanding, Li Zhen finally let go of her resentment and reconciled with Shancai, realizing the profound difference in their characters. Moments later, Daoming Si arrived, presenting Shancai with a new phone to replace her damaged one. Shancai initially resisted, but Daoming Si insisted, threatening to smash her current phone (which she had borrowed from her mother) if she didn't accept it.

He explained he needed her to be reachable at all times, having even exchanged contact information with her mother. As they playfully bickered, Ximen and Meizuo appeared, introducing Huaze Lei, who had just returned from Paris. Daoming Si, noticing Shancai's admiring gaze toward Huaze Lei, promptly declared Shancai as his girlfriend, which Shancai quickly denied. Shancai returned home to find her house overflowing with brand-new appliances, all gifts from Daoming Si.

When she called him to complain about the unsolicited items making her home unlivable, he dismissively suggested she sleep on them and then unilaterally declared he was sending a driver to pick her up for a gathering, asserting that if they couldn't talk over the phone, they should meet in person. At the restaurant, Daoming Si, Meizuo, and Ximen discussed Huaze Lei, noting his significant change since returning from Paris, wondering if it was related to Jing.

Huaze Lei then arrived with a heavily made-up woman named Qiqi, whose overly familiar and affectionate behavior, including open displays of affection, surprised everyone, especially Shancai. Shancai felt a sense of melancholy, observing Huaze Lei's transformation and pondering the undisclosed events between him and Jing. Later, Shancai found Huaze Lei alone on the rooftop, seemingly as melancholic as ever. He abruptly asked if she was dating Daoming Si.

When Shancai denied it, explaining she hadn't agreed to anything, Huaze Lei's demeanor shifted. He enthusiastically proposed, "Then be my girlfriend!" Shancai was stunned, finding his forwardness completely uncharacteristic. Huaze Lei quickly dismissed it as a joke, stating he would never compete with Daoming Si, his brother. Yet, he then provocatively suggested, "Are you disappointed? How about we date secretly? Wouldn't that be exciting?" Shancai was taken aback by his unsettling remarks, which he again brushed off as a joke.

Disregarding Shancai's protests about work and lack of preparation, Daoming Si forcefully took her to the airport for a vacation, having meticulously arranged everything from her parents' consent to leave from her part-time job. To Shancai's surprise, the rest of F4, including Huaze Lei and Qiqi, were also joining them. On the plane, Daoming Si playfully warned Shancai not to run around on the island by herself, calling her a "bomb" that might inadvertently cause trouble.

At the luxurious hotel, Daoming Si proudly showed Shancai their spacious sea-view suite, which they would be sharing. Shancai was initially apprehensive about being alone with him, but Daoming Si, reading her discomfort, reassured her that despite his feelings, he would not make any advances until she reciprocated and agreed to be his girlfriend, as he desired genuine affection, not a forced one. Later that night, unable to sleep, Shancai went to the beach.

There, she found a melancholic Huaze Lei sitting alone. She approached him, observing his continued changed demeanor and asking what was bothering him, suspecting it involved Jing. Huaze Lei, without a word, leaned his head on her shoulder, asking her to hold him tightly. He confessed that while he managed during the day, the nights overwhelmed him with loneliness, and he craved warmth.

He rejected Shancai's suggestion to seek comfort from Qiqi, stating he didn't want a stranger to hold him. Witnessing Huaze Lei's profound vulnerability for the first time, Shancai realized she had never truly let go of her feelings for him. Huaze Lei then murmured that Jing no longer needed him and that he was still navigating the complexities of love, stumbling through his own journey.

Shancai asked Huaze Lei what was bothering him, noticing he had changed significantly since returning from Paris. Lei, leaning his head on her shoulder, admitted he was fine during the day but felt overwhelmingly lonely at night, asking her to hold him tightly for warmth. Shancai, seeing him so vulnerable for the first time, realized she still hadn't let go of her feelings for him. Lei explained that Jing didn't need him anymore.

He recounted their happy beginnings in Paris, which quickly faded as Jing became increasingly busy with her studies and law firm internship, leaving him alone and feeling like the same withdrawn child she once pulled from the shadows. He felt he couldn't do anything for the one he loved and eventually couldn't bear it any longer. He expressed regret for burdening Shancai with his feelings but thanked her for listening. Meanwhile, Daoming Si awoke in a panic, finding Shancai gone.

He rushed to Ximen and Meizuo, dragging them along to search for her. Shancai soon returned, explaining she couldn't sleep and went for a walk on the beach, forgetting her phone. Ximen teased Daoming Si for his dramatic reaction, but they all went back to sleep. The next day, Daoming Si learned that Huaze Lei had also been at the beach all night, overlapping with Shancai's presence.

News then broke online that Jing was to marry the son of the mayor of Paris within the year. While others were surprised, Lei remained calm, revealing he had known about it since he was in Paris. Shancai understood then that this news was the reason for Lei's transformation, and she felt even more sympathy for him. That night, after she thought Daoming Si was asleep, Shancai secretly returned to the beach where she found Huaze Lei.

She struggled to find the right words to comfort him, feeling awkward in her attempts. Overwhelmed by sorrow for him, Shancai began to cry, wondering why such a good person couldn't find happiness. Lei, touched by her tears and showing compassion for her, leaned in and kissed her, wiping away her tears. At that moment, Daoming Si appeared, having followed Shancai after realizing she had left. Without a word, he punched Lei.

Shancai tried to explain, but Daoming Si was too enraged to listen. He broke off his relationship with Shancai, accusing her of not being wholeheartedly devoted to him, and declared that he no longer considered Lei his friend. The following day, Daoming Si abruptly left the island. Shancai returned home in a melancholic mood. Her parents, unaware of the recent events, excitedly asked about her trip with Daoming Si and their potential romantic progress.

Shancai, however, cut them off, stating it was impossible for her and Daoming Si and asking them not to mention him again. Later, looking through Daoming Si's messages and voice notes on her phone, she felt a pang of guilt for hurting him, thinking he might have already blocked her. She rationalized that perhaps it was for the best, as they were fundamentally different people.

Elsewhere, Daoming Si vented his anger and frustration by furiously playing sports, much to the concern of Uncle Liu. Meizuo and Ximen heard whispers about Huaze Lei and Shancai, leading them to believe this was the source of Daoming Si's anger. During class, they approached Lei, questioning him about the rumors and expressing their disapproval of him pursuing Shancai, knowing Daoming Si's feelings. Lei offered no explanations, further fueling their frustration.

Daoming Si then arrived and reaffirmed his decision to cut ties with Lei, accusing him of betraying their friendship. Later, Shancai found Lei on the rooftop, where he had drawn a portrait of an angry Daoming Si on the blackboard. Shancai added to the drawing, remarking on how vividly she remembered Daoming Si's angry expression. She apologized to Lei, feeling responsible for the rift between the two friends.

Lei, however, took responsibility for the kiss, stating he acted on his desire to kiss her. He then surprisingly asked her to go on a date with him on Sunday. On Sunday, Shancai dressed up for her date with Huaze Lei. Her parents were overjoyed when Lei came to pick her up, praising his good looks. As Lei and Shancai left, her parents enthusiastically discussed their daughter's popularity. The date itself was awkward, with long silences.

Shancai attempted to initiate conversation by mentioning Jing, inadvertently striking a nerve and upsetting Lei. They decided to go to a Thai restaurant. Shancai, in her nervousness, ordered several spicy dishes, only to realize Lei didn't like spicy food. Later, she mistakenly drank from the finger bowl, which Lei found amusing. The date concluded somewhat abruptly when Shancai left for work. Shancai later confided in Xiaoyou about the awkwardness of the date. Xiaoyou inquired about her experiences with Daoming Si.

Shancai reflected, admitting that despite their frequent arguments and Daoming Si's self-righteousness, she felt more at ease with him. In contrast, with Lei, she felt a constant pressure to present her best side, leading to nervousness and an inability to relax. She pondered whether compatibility and comfort were more important in a relationship than initial sparks of attraction. The next morning, Shancai intervened when an old lady was nearly hit by a cyclist.

A short-haired woman in white clothing swiftly appeared, chastising the cyclist and insisting he take the old lady to the hospital. Noticing Shancai's injured hand, the woman insisted on taking her to her home to treat the wound. Shancai was initially reluctant, but the woman, who introduced herself as Dao Ming Zhuang, Daoming Si's older sister, was insistent. Shancai realized she was being taken to Daoming Si's house and tried to escape, fearing an encounter with him.

However, Dao Ming Zhuang, asserting her authority, prevented her from leaving and directed Uncle Liu to attend to Shancai's wound and also summon Daoming Si. While trying to find another way out, Shancai unexpectedly ran into Daoming Si, who misinterpreted her presence as an act of flaunting a new relationship.

Shancai, attempting to avoid Daoming Si, unexpectedly encountered him at his house. Mistaking her presence as an act to flaunt a new relationship, Daoming Si aggressively grabbed Shancai, accidentally hurting her existing wound. Just then, Zhuang, Daoming Si’s sister, intervened forcefully, kicking Daoming Si away. She then solicitously tended to Shancai’s injury and insisted that she stay for dinner. Daoming Si, embarrassed, initially tried to leave the house to avoid the awkward situation.

After some wine, Shancai, believing Daoming Si was out, confessed her feelings of guilt to Zhuang. She lamented causing Daoming Si pain and driving a wedge between him and Huaze Lei, admitting that his anger was justified and that it was all her fault. Unknown to her, Daoming Si had returned and overheard her entire confession from the doorway. He then joined them at the dining table, pretending indifference while playfully complaining to his sister about Shancai.

Recognizing the underlying affection, Zhuang cleverly created an opportunity for them to be alone, instructing Daoming Si to carry the intoxicated Shancai to a guest room to rest. As he carried her, Daoming Si grumbled about her weight and her ability to sleep so soundly, but his frustration masked his true feelings. Later that evening, Zhuang sought out Shancai, having gathered information about her and Daoming Si.

She encouraged Shancai to seriously consider Daoming Si, emphasizing that she could see his genuine affection. Zhuang explained that despite their wealthy background, both she and Daoming Si had lacked parental guidance and companionship, leading to their often overbearing personalities. She revealed that Daoming Si, despite his bravado, was a kind-hearted boy who struggled to express his true emotions, craving attention and friendship beyond his immediate F4 circle.

Zhuang expressed her hope that Shancai, who she believed wasn't completely indifferent to Daoming Si, would reconsider her feelings for him. The next day at school, as Shancai and Huaze Lei walked together, they encountered Daoming Si and the other F4 members. Daoming Si was still seething with resentment. Meizuo and Ximen, concerned about the potential dissolution of F4, urged him to stop being stubborn.

Daoming Si, in a show of defiance, declared his intention to make Huaze Lei and Shancai miserable. He then announced that Chen Qinghe would be joining F4, on the condition that Chen Qinghe no longer speak to Shancai or Huaze Lei. This act only heightened the tension. Shancai, feeling the escalating animosity, bravely confronted Daoming Si and apologized for everything, taking full responsibility.

However, her apology only fueled his anger, as he believed she was only doing it for Huaze Lei’s sake. Huaze Lei then stepped forward, offering to bear the consequences alone. Daoming Si then challenged Huaze Lei to a bridge match, a fair bet, to resolve their conflict. News of the rift between Huaze Lei and Daoming Si quickly spread throughout the school. Shancai, deeply troubled, sought out Zhuang for help, hoping she could mediate.

Zhuang, however, understood that Shancai was at the heart of the problem and was the only one who could truly influence Daoming Si. She advised Shancai to use her heart to resolve the impasse. Taking Zhuang's words to heart, Shancai immediately sought out Huaze Lei to learn bridge, only to find Daoming Si waiting for her. Shancai confronted Daoming Si, declaring her intention to team up with Huaze Lei to challenge him in bridge, despite her inexperience.

Daoming Si, listening in silence, suddenly embraced her and offered to cancel the bet if she would just say she liked him. His plea turned into a demand, but Shancai, struggling in his arms, found herself unable to utter the words. Disappointed, Daoming Si released her, vowing to show no mercy in the upcoming bridge match. Shancai, equally stubborn, asserted that she would never give up. Huaze Lei began teaching Shancai the intricacies of bridge, emphasizing the importance of deception.

To test her ability to bluff, he asked her if she liked Daoming Si. Shancai's immediate response was to deny it, indicating her underlying conflict. When he then asked if she liked him, Shancai paused before definitively saying no, a response Huaze Lei perceived as genuine. He then asked if she truly wanted him to stay, and Shancai nodded. Huaze Lei promised to remain by her side and protect her.

Meanwhile, Chen Qinghe confronted Daoming Si, arguing that true affection doesn't demand reciprocation and that Daoming Si should prioritize Shancai's happiness. Ximen, impressed by Chen Qinghe's "manly" words, suggested he start practicing bridge as a potential F4 substitute. The bridge match commenced. Shancai, no longer feeling disheartened after Huaze Lei’s encouragement, stated her stake: if she won, Daoming Si would forgive her. Huaze Lei added that if Daoming Si won, he would agree to never see Shancai again.

Despite Shancai’s initial inexperience, she played surprisingly well under Huaze Lei's guidance. Daoming Si, however, seemed distracted, his attention fixed more on Huaze Lei and Shancai than the cards. In the final round, although Daoming Si held the winning card, he threw it down in a feigned fit of pique, declaring he was "not playing anymore." Shancai was overjoyed, believing she and Huaze Lei had won. However, Huaze Lei and Meizuo revealed that Daoming Si had deliberately forfeited the game.

His true intention was not to have anyone leave Mingde as a consequence of the bet, and thus he chose to give up his winning hand. That evening, Zhuang hosted a celebratory dinner. Shancai was still preoccupied with the consequences of the bet, but Zhuang reassured her, explaining that many rumors about F4 and the Joker card were exaggerated stories perpetuated by jealous challengers who couldn't accept defeat.

Meizuo and Ximen chimed in, confirming that the high stakes were a deterrent against constant, frivolous challenges. The atmosphere lightened as they shared amusing childhood anecdotes, including how Daoming Si used to wear open-crotch pants and wet his bed, and how Huaze Lei once got his head stuck in a toilet. The evening concluded with everyone in good spirits, celebrating their camaraderie and newfound understanding.

At Daoming Si's house, F4 and Shancai gathered for a celebratory dinner with Zhuang. Shancai admitted her anxiety over the bridge game against Daoming Si, but the others clarified that the intimidating "Joker card" rumors were simply fabricated by challengers who couldn't accept defeat.

With the mood lightened, Zhuang delighted in sharing embarrassing childhood stories of F4, revealing how Ximen and Meizuo used to bite each other's toes and demand pacifiers, and how Huaze Lei once got his head stuck in a toilet while washing his hair. Despite the F4 boys' protests, the lighthearted reminiscing continued. Meanwhile, Daoming Si wandered the streets alone. He bumped into a drunk man who complained about being "tired."

Misinterpreting the word "tired" (lèi) as Huaze Lei's name (Lei), Daoming Si angrily confronted the man, almost assaulting him. He then muttered to himself, declaring that he, Daoming Si, could not be dejected over a mere girl. Back at the house, Ximen and Meizuo were jokingly competing to recall their ex-girlfriends' phone numbers. Zhuang then turned to Shancai and Huaze Lei, inquiring about the progress of their relationship. Shancai bashfully admitted they had been on a date.

Seeing they had made little progress, Zhuang playfully chided them for being too slow, suggesting their lack of progress had allowed Daoming Si to interfere. She proposed that Shancai and Huaze Lei spend the night alone together to foster their relationship. Huaze Lei readily agreed, expressing a desire for a private conversation with Shancai. Alone in the room, Shancai, feeling awkward, tried to initiate a conversation about high school graduation trips, sharing fond memories of Chongming Island.

Huaze Lei, however, remained mostly silent, only briefly mentioning "Prague" when asked about his own trip. He then stared at Shancai, jokingly calling her an "ugly freak" before admitting that while she appeared ordinary at first glance, he found her charming and captivating when she was seriously playing cards. He confessed that he finally understood Daoming Si's intense fixation on her.

Huaze Lei then admitted his own uncertainty about his feelings for Shancai, suggesting it might be an emotional rebound after being hurt by Jing. Shancai, with empathy, assured Huaze Lei that she understood his deep feelings for Jing and how special Jing was to him. Huaze Lei recalled that only Jing had appreciated his childhood drawings, a testament to her unique place in his heart.

He then somberly admitted he wasn't sure if he "can love someone else" and clarified that his feelings for Shancai, while strong, were "not love." Shancai graciously accepted this, reassuring him that it was perfectly fine. Huaze Lei apologized, feeling that if he hadn't returned, Shancai might have ended up with Daoming Si.

Shancai quickly countered, saying she had no desire to be with Daoming Si and was, in fact, grateful for the turn of events, as it allowed her to see the "current" Huaze Lei, who had shed his previous distant and cold demeanor. She declared her affection for this transformed Huaze Lei and vowed to remain his good friend forever, keeping her deeper feelings hidden. Touched by her understanding, Huaze Lei kissed her forehead in gratitude.

When Daoming Si returned home, he overheard Ximen, Meizuo, and Zhuang discussing him. They criticized his difficult temper, with Zhuang remarking that only she could truly manage him. Zhuang added that their family inherited a "difficult, troublesome, hard to get along with" trait. They then shifted their conversation to Shancai and Huaze Lei, musing about what they might be doing together in the room.

Zhuang, without hesitation, informed Daoming Si that Shancai and Huaze Lei were in the room, challenging him, as a "real man," to sincerely wish them well. Though Daoming Si's demeanor remained outwardly calm, his inner rage seethed. He coolly commented on Huaze Lei's newfound "ways" and abruptly demanded food, masking his intense emotional turmoil. Daoming Si spent a restless night. The next morning, he confided in Ximen, recalling a childhood incident where he had taken Huaze Lei's favorite toy.

He felt a lingering guilt, believing it was time to atone for his past actions. Ximen, understanding his underlying meaning, correctly guessed that Daoming Si was referring to Shancai. Daoming Si confirmed his decision: he would no longer torment Shancai and would, instead, let her go. Meanwhile, Shancai returned home to an unexpected announcement from her parents: they were moving. Her father had secured a new position at an investment consultant company, a firm he optimistically described as guaranteeing profits.

While excited about his new venture, her parents expressed sadness about leaving their home of over ten years. They also mentioned the new house was smaller, which concerned her mother who planned to start a home cook and food delivery business. They urged Shancai to pack quickly, as the move was scheduled for the next day. Despite the smaller size, the family was happy that their new home was much closer to Mingde University. At school, Shancai encountered Daoming Si.

He returned a textbook she had left at his house, his attitude cold yet unusually normal. He chided her for her forgetfulness, reminding her to thank him for personally delivering it. Shancai found his behavior perplexing. Soon after, she spotted an advertisement for a kitchen helper at a French Restaurant near her school. She applied and was immediately hired.

She witnessed another candidate, a top cooking school student, being rejected for lateness, with the chef emphasizing that attitude was more important than experience, which secured Shancai's position despite her lack of professional cooking experience. Later, Daoming Si, Ximen, and Meizuo were playing pool. Daoming Si boasted that he was completely over Shancai, callously stating that anyone who liked such a "rude woman" could have her, and he'd even "tie a bow" on her for Huaze Lei.

Just then, Huaze Lei arrived. Daoming Si's earlier pretense crumbled; his anger reignited, and he threw his pool cue, storming out. Ximen and Meizuo questioned Huaze Lei about his night with Shancai. Huaze Lei explained that he would not do anything to Shancai because he would never betray his friendship with Daoming Si. He believed that if Daoming Si learned to cherish what he had and understood that not everything could be obtained, then the recent events would be worthwhile.

Until then, he intended to keep his distance from Shancai but decided not to inform Daoming Si yet. Back at home, Zhuang informed Daoming Si that their mother wanted him to accompany her to London, but Zhuang had already declined on his behalf. To Zhuang's surprise, Daoming Si declared his intention to go, saying, "the sooner the better," and asked his sister to handle the necessary paperwork.

Zhuang, believing he was merely fleeing his feelings for Shancai, called him out for being so easily defeated and "not like a Daoming." Shancai learned from other students about Daoming Si's impending departure for London. She rushed to confront him at school, where he was with the other F4 members. She demanded to know why he hadn't told her.

Daoming Si, deliberately trying to hurt her, retorted that his absence would simply clear the way for her and Huaze Lei to "cultivate feelings." He added that he would find a "blonde girl" in London and lead a romantic life along the Thames. Enraged, Shancai fired back that she would be "happier without seeing him" and "live better without him," declaring they should never see each other again.

At the French Restaurant, Shancai, still reeling from the confrontation, became distracted and accidentally burned her hand. Tian Ye, a kind colleague, immediately helped her with first aid. Shortly after, Daoming Si arrived at the restaurant. He created a scene, claiming the food was "not fresh" and demanded to see Shancai. Tian Ye intervened, defending the restaurant's reputation and politely telling Daoming Si that Shancai was working. Daoming Si rudely dismissed Tian Ye.

When Shancai emerged, Daoming Si noticed her bandaged hand and angrily chastised her for her carelessness. Shancai, equally furious, snapped that it was none of his business. Tian Ye stepped in again, demanding Daoming Si show respect. Daoming Si arrogantly dismissed Tian Ye as "unworthy" to speak to him. Shancai, fed up with his disrespect, firmly told him to leave. Daoming Si, clearly hurt, retorted that he had come to say goodbye, but now it was "unnecessary."

He declared he would "never come back again" and bid her a final "goodbye." Shancai was visibly distraught. When Tian Ye later asked if Daoming Si was her boyfriend, Shancai emphatically denied it, stating she would have nothing to do with him in the future.

Daoming Si left abruptly for London, leaving Shancai feeling uneasy. Though she initially thought this might be the best way for them to part, she couldn't shake off her concern about his departure. On the day of Daoming Si's flight, discussions buzzed among students at school. Shancai was troubled but chose not to go to the airport.

Li Zhen, understanding the bond between them, urged Shancai to see him off, recounting how Daoming Si, when drunk, had once told her he preferred Shancai because she wouldn't betray her true feelings. Meanwhile, at the airport, Daoming Si and his sister, Zhuang, were being seen off by Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo. Zhuang, furious that Daoming Si hadn't bid farewell to Shancai, twisted his ear and admonished him.

As Daoming Si prepared to board, Huaze Lei pulled him aside and whispered something to him, leaving Daoming Si with a grim and distracted expression. Once on the plane, as it was about to take off, Daoming Si suddenly demanded to get off. Zhuang, unable to reason with him, slapped him unconscious to ensure he went to London.

Despite not seeing him off, Shancai couldn't stop thinking about Daoming Si, realizing that even though they were always quarreling, his absence left a void in her heart. In London, Zhuang ensured Daoming Si settled into their sprawling family estate. Their mother was away on a business trip in New York, which Daoming Si tried to use as an excuse to return to Shanghai.

Zhuang, however, refused, explaining that she couldn't answer to their formidable mother, who tightly controlled Daoming Si's life. He felt trapped by his mother's influence and rebelled against her plans for his future. Despite the luxury of his London mansion, Daoming Si found no joy. His mind replayed Huaze Lei’s whispered words from the airport: that nothing had happened between Huaze Lei and Shancai that night, and that Shancai's true affection lay with Daoming Si.

Disturbed by this revelation, Daoming Si yearned to return to Shancai. He impulsively called the French restaurant, pretending to be Shancai's father. When Shancai answered, calling out "Dad," Daoming Si secretly rejoiced. He then spoke to her in Shanghai dialect, asking about her well-being and if she had enough money. Confused, Shancai assumed it was a wrong number and promptly hung up. Feeling bored in London, Daoming Si visited Fengshui Xuan, a restaurant he frequented.

Sister Yue, the owner and an old friend, was delighted to see him and prepared a feast of his favorite dishes, including sweet and sour spare ribs. Eating them, he was reminded of Shancai, as it was her signature dish. Meanwhile, Shancai continued her part-time job at the French restaurant. Tian Ye was meticulously preparing Thermidorian lobster for an upcoming head chef assessment, which would be judged by the renowned Chef Uncle Qian the next day.

The most challenging part of the dish was its soup base, requiring hours of simmering with over a dozen rare ingredients. Tian Ye had mentioned a shortcut using Shenwei leaf, though it would result in a slightly inferior taste. The next morning, Shancai arrived to find her colleagues in despair; Tian Ye had ruined the soup base by overcooking it while he slept. With only two hours until the assessment, there wasn't enough time to restart.

Remembering Tian Ye's words about Shenwei leaf, Shancai urged him not to give up and rushed out to find the ingredient. Shancai located Shenwei leaf at a place called Shennong Manor. She bought the very last plant and hurried back to the restaurant. Time was running out, but disaster struck when she collided with a scooter. The Shenwei leaf flew from her grasp and was crushed by other vehicles. She knelt, cradling the ruined plant and weeping.

An old woman, whom Shancai had once helped, unexpectedly appeared. Recognizing Shancai, and as a gesture of goodwill, she gave Shancai another Shenwei leaf. Shancai quickly returned to the restaurant, delivering the leaf to Tian Ye just in time. Using the Shenwei leaf, Tian Ye successfully recreated the sauce, and his Thermidorian lobster was met with high praise from Uncle Qian.

This triumph secured Tian Ye's promotion to head chef, and he expressed his deep gratitude to Shancai, acknowledging that her help had been indispensable. Later, while purchasing spices at Shennong Manor, Tian Ye discovered Shancai's ID card. He learned from the old woman who worked there that Shancai had pawned her ID because she didn't have enough money to buy the Shenwei leaf, and had even been in a scooter accident in her rush to help him.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Tian Ye redeemed her ID and invited Shancai to dinner to express his thanks. Shancai was overjoyed. During their conversation, Shancai learned that Tian Ye's mother had passed away when he was young, and his father disapproved of his culinary ambitions. Despite this, Tian Ye vowed not to give up on his passion, a determination Shancai greatly admired.

Tian Ye felt a strong connection with Shancai, finding her hardworking and optimistic nature endearing, and began to develop feelings for her. After dinner, Tian Ye walked Shancai home. At her doorstep, he awkwardly began to confess his feelings, but a confused Shancai didn't quite grasp his meaning. Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared – Daoming Si. Daoming Si rudely interrupted, immediately branding Tian Ye a liar who had deceived Shancai.

He revealed that Tian Ye was, in fact, the heir to Tian's Chinese Medicine, not the struggling part-time student he pretended to be. Shancai, feeling betrayed by the deceit she despised most, turned away from Tian Ye. Daoming Si stubbornly followed Shancai into her home, where they continued to bicker in the living room. Suddenly, Shancai's mother burst out, overjoyed to see Daoming Si, whom she adored.

She insisted he stay the night, and with no guest room available, a makeshift bed was set up for Daoming Si beside Shancai’s bed. In the quiet of the night, Daoming Si and Shancai lay on their separate beds. He playfully questioned her about her week without him, wondering if she felt free or lonely, but quickly dismissed her feelings.

Daoming Si lay awake next to Shancai, unable to sleep. He quietly got up and watched her, playfully poking her cheek, a satisfied smile on his face. The next morning, as Shancai was changing in the bathroom, Daoming Si suddenly burst in shirtless. Shancai gasped, quickly covering herself with a towel, but Daoming Si shamelessly tried to show off his abs.

During their playful tussle, Shancai’s mother walked in, momentarily embarrassed but also secretly pleased by the scene, and quickly excused herself. Shancai then pushed Daoming Si out of the bathroom, telling him to close the door. Later, as Daoming Si and Shancai walked to school, they encountered Chen Qinghe and Li Zhen. Daoming Si leaned in to Chen Qinghe, excitedly revealing that he had slept with Shancai.

Chen Qinghe reacted with surprise and disappointment, mistakenly believing that Shancai's mother had approved their relationship. Shancai quickly clarified that her mother had simply insisted that Daoming Si stay overnight. Feeling down, Chen Qinghe later confided in Li Zhen, lamenting why he couldn't compare to Daoming Si and feeling like a "power bank without electricity." Li Zhen retorted that his gloomy demeanor was precisely why he couldn't measure up.

Daoming Si went to the F4's usual spot, the bridge room, only to find it empty. He called Ximen, who, along with Meizuo, teasingly claimed they had all moved to London to be with him and even enrolled in school there. Ximen then added that they wouldn't return unless Daoming Si spoke to Huaze Lei. Exasperated, Daoming Si insisted he had a lot to say to Huaze Lei and demanded they come back.

Just then, Huaze Lei appeared from within the bridge room, questioning what Daoming Si wanted to say. Realizing he had been tricked, Daoming Si finally apologized to Huaze Lei for a past incident involving a Spider-Man toy and for driving him away from the group. His friends playfully recorded the rare moment of Daoming Si bowing in apology. A video call from Daoming Zhuang interrupted their reunion.

Daoming Si quickly passed his phone to Meizuo, who tried to deflect his sister's questions. However, Daoming Zhuang was persistent, even threatening to sing until Daoming Si took the call. The F4 members quickly made their excuses and left, leaving Daoming Si to face his sister. Daoming Zhuang, still abroad, scolded Daoming Si for secretly returning to Shanghai, but then expressed her concern for him.

She informed him that their mother would be returning to Shanghai for his birthday and reminded him that his mother would not approve of Shancai. Daoming Zhuang described the ideal woman their mother would like: someone elegant, talented, able to shine in public, yet gentle and polite at home.

Daoming Si then began to research ways to "transform" Shancai, explaining to Ximen that he wanted Shancai to be a woman who could be his equal, though Ximen believed they were already a perfect match. Meanwhile, Tian Ye found Shancai and sincerely apologized for his deception, admitting that Tian's Chinese Pharmaceutical was indeed his family's business.

He explained that he had kept it a secret because he wanted to be treated like everyone else at work and make friends naturally, without any special treatment. Shancai accepted his apology, acknowledging that she had overreacted. Later, Shancai returned home to find her family in disarray. Her mother was crying, and her father, Dong Da Nian, was distraught.

He confessed to losing a million yuan in a bad investment of company funds and, out of guilt, offered to divorce Shancai's mother. Shancai's mother initially reacted with anger, feeling unappreciated, stating that she loved him for his kindness and sincerity, not for wealth. However, she eventually expressed her unwavering love, asserting that she wouldn't leave him and they would face the hardship together if he promised not to repeat his mistakes. Just then, Daoming Si arrived at their home.

Upon learning of their predicament, he immediately offered them a bank card containing one million yuan, with a password of six zeros, for their emergency. Shancai, reluctant to accept charity, tried to refuse the money, but Daoming Si insisted it was his own earnings from financial trading and that her father could face legal consequences if the money wasn't repaid quickly. Shancai eventually accepted. She asked how she could repay him.

Daoming Si asked her to come to his house the next day. There, he revealed his plan: she should participate in the "Chinese Cuisine Campus Cooking Competition," which offered a grand prize of one million yuan. Shancai was initially daunted by the challenge, but after Daoming Si's playful provocation, she agreed to try her best. As a "loan interest" payment, Daoming Si requested a kiss on the cheek, which Shancai shyly gave before rushing out in embarrassment.

Daoming Si had arranged for Shancai to participate in the competition, which was sponsored by his mother, with the dual aim of enhancing Shancai's abilities and having his mother recognize her. He called Daoming Zhuang back from London to train Shancai, despite the short half-month timeframe before the competition. When Daoming Zhuang met Shancai, she asked about her cooking repertoire, to which Shancai listed common home-style dishes like sweet and sour spare ribs and Kung Pao chicken.

Daoming Zhuang dismissed these as too ordinary for an international competition. She emphasized that the most crucial element to win was to "touch people's hearts" through cooking.

She recounted her own experience winning a past competition with a pumpkin cake, which she had given a dramatically elaborate name (dǒng xiǎowǎn zhī shénzī yàn fā yǎo tiǎo chánjuān, guàn xiāng dǒng táng jīn sè xiāngtián yòuhuò), revealing it was her way of punishing Daoming Si, who hated pumpkin, and jokingly stating that she now gets rashes from the sight of pumpkins.

Daoming Zhuang stressed that culinary excellence for such a competition required not just skill, but also cultural depth, which she gained from extensive reading of Chinese history. She handed Shancai a copy of "The Book of Songs" and told her to read it to gain a deeper understanding and elevate her cooking to another level. Daoming Si remained confident in Shancai's tenacious spirit. Under Daoming Zhuang's rigorous guidance, Shancai began her training.

Daoming Zhuang started by emphasizing that "attitude decides everything" in cooking, and reiterated the importance of blending "The Book of Songs" with cuisine to create dishes with cultural charm. She demonstrated various knife skills and cooking techniques, from blanching to stir-frying and intricate plating styles. During a lesson on "Hibiscus Chicken," Daoming Zhuang had Shancai massage the chicken while she herself performed yoga, recording her instructions for Shancai to practice later. She stressed constant effort and practice for continuous improvement in culinary skills, warning Shancai not to slack off.

Chef Zhuang delivered a voiceover, emphasizing that while side dishes are not the main food, they enhance the main dish, making it unforgettable. She stressed that mastering the essence of cooking would lead to success in the culinary world, but only through diligent, continuous practice. She promised to record her lifetime's knowledge for Shancai to learn from, but strictly forbade slacking off. The next morning, Shancai prepared several dishes, giving them elegant names inspired by Tang poetry.

Daoming Si was the first to taste them, declaring all of them delicious. However, Chef Zhuang pressed him for constructive criticism, prompting him to reluctantly suggest improvements for the "Shepherd Boy Points to Apricot Flower Village" and "The Moon Sets and Crows Caw, Frost Fills the Sky" dishes. Daoming Si particularly praised a chicken dish called "Familiar Swallow Returning," which Chef Zhuang also noted as having a very high standard.

Chef Zhuang then cautioned Shancai against becoming complacent, urging her to remain diligent and cautious in her culinary pursuits. Later, Shancai brought sesame balls to school for Li Zhen and Chen Qinghe. Her newly acquired "ladylike demeanor," meticulously taught by Chef Zhuang, startled her friends. Shancai spoke in a formal, poetic manner, even giving the simple sesame balls an elaborate name, "Dong Xiaowan's Round and Smooth and in Her Prime, The Fragrance of Youth is Overwhelming."

Her friends found her stiff and robotic, suggesting she was overdoing it. Shancai explained that Chef Zhuang insisted on consistent ladylike conduct, both in life and during the competition, to ensure natural elegance. Tian Ye approached Shancai, questioning her participation in the Chinese Cuisine Campus Cooking Competition. He revealed that Zhou Caina, a formidable contestant and the daughter of the Zhou Group's real estate magnate, was his father's choice for his fiancée.

Tian Ye described Caina as beautiful, elegant, and highly accomplished, having been shortlisted for the French Le Cordon Bleu competition. He advised Shancai to withdraw, believing Caina would undoubtedly win and that Shancai would only embarrass herself. He admitted Caina entered the competition to prove their shared interest in cooking, but confessed he didn't like Caina and that Shancai was the one he liked. Overwhelmed by Caina's impressive background, Shancai contemplated withdrawing from the competition.

She attempted to secretly leave the Daoming residence with her luggage, only to find Daoming Si waiting at the door. He immediately saw through her attempt to escape and expressed his disappointment, calling her a coward and stating this wasn't the Shancai he knew. Shancai retorted, feeling misunderstood, reminding him that he wouldn't understand the immense pressure she was under, having always had an easy life, and that she merely wished to avoid disappointing everyone. Daoming Si's demeanor softened.

He urged her not to concern herself with others' opinions and to trust in her own abilities, assuring her there was always a chance to win. He led her to his room, suggesting she rest to alleviate her stress and prevent overthinking. In his room, Shancai's initial nervousness dissipated as they began playing cards. She playfully accused him of cheating when he won, but ultimately accepted her loss, allowing him to draw a pig on her face as a forfeit.

Shancai expressed frustration at his consistent wins, prompting Daoming Si to ask why she was so competitive in games but lacked the same fighting spirit for the cooking competition. He then reassured her that he believed in her, urging her to believe in herself as well. They continued playing games until late, eventually falling asleep together.

Daoming Si awoke first and, seeing the drawings on Shancai's face, couldn't resist taking numerous photos before developing and displaying them on his wall, finding her utterly adorable. Meanwhile, a butler, finding Shancai's suitcase in the hallway and unable to locate her, reported her missing to Chef Zhuang, who then discovered Shancai sleeping peacefully in Daoming Si's room. Later, F4 discussed Shancai's progress. Daoming Si confidently declared Shancai superior to Caina, dismissing his friends' admiration for Caina's beauty.

Chef Zhuang admitted to concerns about Shancai mastering the profound depths of Chinese cuisine so quickly. However, she also acknowledged Shancai's increased drive and significant improvement since Daoming Si's encouragement. Shancai presented a new take on her chicken dish, now called "Swallows Return," featuring both sweet and sour and orange flavors. Chef Zhuang was thoroughly impressed, noting Shancai’s innovative approach and the delicious result, declaring her ready for the competition.

Shancai explained her inspiration came from her mother's sweet and sour ribs and the healthy aspects of oranges. Tian Ye met Shancai again to apologize for discouraging her from competing. He confessed his ongoing feelings for her, acknowledging that Daoming Si was now in her life. He wished her happiness as a friend. Shancai, in turn, acknowledged Daoming Si's unique and supportive presence, admitting that his energy gave her courage even when she wanted to escape.

Shancai returned home to share the news about the cooking competition with her parents. They enthusiastically supported her, boosting her confidence. Her mother proudly declared her home cooking to be the best, jokingly adding that Chef Zhuang's professional skills couldn't compare. The Chinese Cuisine Campus Cooking Competition officially commenced, broadcast live on Tencent NOW Live. Esteemed judges, including Ms. Xiaowen, Mr. Zhang Jinbao, Mr. Wu Lihua, and Ms. Tang Jingmei, were introduced.

Ten finalists, including Zhou Caina from the University of California, Xu Meixin from Sun Yat-sen University, and Li Fangru from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, were vying for a million-yuan prize. Shancai's introduction was a bit awkward, but her parents and F4, especially Daoming Si, loudly cheered for her from the audience. Backstage, some contestants murmured about Shancai being "rustic." Zhou Caina approached Shancai, introduced herself, and mentioned Tian Ye.

She stated her preference for unique opponents like Shancai over "show-offs." Daoming Si, watching from the audience, remained confident in Shancai, despite his friends admiring Caina. The first round tasked contestants with preparing a slow-stewed dish and a quick-fried dish within two hours, with four eliminations. Contestants quickly began their precise knife work. Zhou Caina prepared "Fire-Eye Divine Duck," a health-preserving duck dish, while Shancai prepared braised lion head meatballs. As their slow-stewed dishes simmered, they moved on to quick-frying.

Shancai created "Crystal Shrimp," and Zhou Caina prepared a spicy fried crab. After the judges tasted all the dishes, Dai Jingjing, Gao Xinting, Zhao Xiaoyang, and Lin Wenjiao were eliminated. Shancai successfully advanced. Her friends celebrated her advancement, marveling at her transformation into a skilled chef. The second round was a dim sum challenge, requiring contestants to choose a flower as a central element for a visually appealing and delicious creation within one hour, leading to two more eliminations.

Zhou Caina presented her "Lotus Pastry," which garnered unanimous praise from the judges for its delicate, flower-like appearance, crispy texture, and sweet taste. She humbly attributed the pastry's fragrance to the natural scent of lotus. Shancai, in contrast, presented "Dong Tang," a dish whose plain appearance was criticized by a judge as "dull gray" or "murky yellow," despite its excellent taste.

In her explanation, Shancai eloquently renamed her dish and shared the poignant love story behind it: it was created by Dong Xiaowan, a famous ancient cook, for her ailing husband, Mao Pijiang, symbolizing enduring love and care. The judges were deeply moved by the story and impressed by Shancai's profound knowledge of culinary history, especially for such a rarely made dish. The host then announced that Zhou Caina, Rosy, and Lingxi had advanced to the final "Sino-Western Showdown," with the last finalist to be announced, hinting at a surprising choice.

The second round of the Chinese Culinary Campus Cooking Competition concluded with the announcement of the four finalists. Following a brief discussion by the judges, Zhou Caina, Luo Qini, and Ling Chenxi were named. To everyone's surprise, Dong Shancai was the final contestant to qualify, causing Daoming Si to erupt in cheers, shouting her name and praising her. Meizuo also cheered loudly, acknowledging Shancai's success with the "Dong Tang" dessert.

Backstage during the break, some eliminated contestants complained about Shancai, questioning if she had bribed the judges. Zhou Caina stepped in to defend her, stating that putting others down would not elevate their own status. Shortly after, F4 arrived to show their support. Meizuo offered Zhou Caina a hot drink and introduced himself. Daoming Si was encouraged by his friends to speak to Shancai, but despite his earlier excitement, he became visibly nervous.

He awkwardly mumbled some encouragement, telling her she had done well and should strive for more achievements, much to the amusement of F4. Shancai, however, smiled in response. The final round commenced with a challenging task: contestants had 45 minutes to prepare a signature hometown dish. Zhuang expressed concern, knowing the complex dishes Shancai had learned would take far longer.

Backstage, Meizuo also voiced doubts, seeing how unsettled Shancai looked as she struggled to choose ingredients, her basket remaining empty while others swiftly began cooking. From the audience, Daoming Si shouted encouragement, urging Shancai to act. Huaze Lei, however, warned him that his impulsiveness might only make her more anxious. Ignoring the advice, Daoming Si rushed towards the backstage area, but security guards blocked his entry. Undeterred, he wrote "100" on an advertising board and held it up.

Shancai misunderstood, thinking he was reminding her of the one-million-yuan debt her family owed. With her mind still blank, Daoming Si then yelled through the glass, urging her to find her fighting spirit. This resonated with Shancai, who declared her determination to win. Inspired, she finally selected two pineapples as her main ingredients. Meanwhile, Zhou Caina confidently created a Wenchang chicken dish.

The judges were highly impressed, particularly by her ability to prepare a dish that typically requires three hours in just 45 minutes, which she achieved by making a fast-cooked broth with chicken parts and vegetables. They also lauded her exceptional knife skills, which Caina attributed to her practice making dishes like Kung Pao Chicken from leftover chicken frames during her studies abroad. For her dish, Shancai presented "Eight Treasure Spicy Sauce Noodles."

The audience reacted with surprise, finding the dish too common for a prestigious competition. When asked by the judges about her choice, Shancai, who identified as a Shanghai native, explained that the dish brought her comfort and appetite, especially when she was ill. Despite other contestants creating complex "grand dishes," she believed that any dish, whether simple or elaborate, could withstand scrutiny if it possessed good taste and unique characteristics.

A judge then inquired about a special flavor, leading Shancai to confirm she had added pineapple. When pressed for her inspiration, Shancai vaguely replied, "life experience." However, her friends in F4 quickly deduced that Daoming Si's "pineapple head" hairstyle was the true muse. Daoming Si jokingly boasted about his ability to inspire her, a remark that earned him teasing from Meizuo and Huaze Lei, who acknowledged the power of "true love." The judges then announced the final results.

Zhou Caina was declared the champion for her "flawless" Wenchang chicken, a decision Daoming Si sullenly protested. Caina delivered a confident acceptance speech, expressing her belief that dreams come true with sufficient effort. Unexpectedly, the judges announced a special award, including a 500,000 yuan prize, for a contestant who demonstrated perseverance and outstanding performance. This award went to Dong Shancai, much to the delight of Daoming Si and F4, who erupted in cheers.

During her acceptance speech, an emotional Shancai thanked her mentors, her friends, and particularly one person who had "always encouraged, supported, and silently contributed" to her journey. She looked directly at Daoming Si as she expressed her gratitude, acknowledging that without him, she would not have had the confidence to embrace the challenge.

Back home, Shancai's parents celebrated, eagerly answering phone calls from people wanting to order the now-famous "Dong Shancai Chinese Cuisine Campus Special Award Eight Treasure Spicy Sauce Noodles," which they declared their new signature dish. That evening, Zhuang hosted a celebration at her home for Shancai's success. Shancai prepared her special Eight Treasure Spicy Sauce Noodles for everyone.

Daoming Si, initially hesitant despite being the inspiration, tasted the noodles and was pleasantly surprised, remarking that they were "a little spicy but really good" and paired perfectly with red wine. His friends also praised the dish, noting how the pineapple perfectly balanced the flavors. As Shancai raised a toast, thanking everyone for their support and the experience, she couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves under Daoming Si's intense gaze.

Daoming Si then attempted to pull Shancai aside, but when F4 and Zhuang offered to leave them, he insisted on speaking in front of everyone. He boldly asked Shancai to spend the upcoming festival with him the next day. Embarrassed, Shancai tried to make it a group outing, but Meizuo, Ximen, and Huaze Lei quickly manufactured elaborate excuses about prior engagements with people like Ella, Serena, and Hebe.

Daoming Si, relishing the moment, pointed out that he was the only one available, leaving Shancai no choice but to agree. To alleviate her awkwardness, Shancai quickly drank her glass of wine, despite Zhuang's warning about its potency, and soon passed out. Shancai woke up the next morning to find herself at home, with her parents excitedly showing her the new packaging for their family restaurant, "Dong's Private Kitchen," featuring her prize-winning Eight Treasure Spicy Sauce Noodles.

They even included a rather "ugly" photo of Shancai as an anti-counterfeiting mark. Her parents then enlisted her to film a humorous, exaggerated advertisement for the dish, claiming it could boost appetite, memory, and even academic performance. Just as Shancai was leaving for her date with Daoming Si, she literally bumped into a young boy named Xiaolong.

He handed her a note from his mother, Mrs. Wang, explaining that she had to work overtime and asking Shancai's mother to look after him. Since Shancai's parents were busy, Shancai reluctantly brought Xiaolong along. Daoming Si was immediately annoyed, complaining about Shancai's tardiness and calling Xiaolong a "little brat." Xiaolong, however, boldly criticized Daoming Si's "ungentlemanly" behavior and introduced himself. Shancai defended Xiaolong and suggested they take him to the zoo, recalling his desire to visit.

Despite Daoming Si's initial reluctance and complaints about the distance, he found himself gradually warming up to Xiaolong as they explored the zoo, eventually joining in their childish excitement over monkeys and even sharing facts about goats.

Shancai was on a date with Daoming Si, but it was interrupted when Mrs. Wang next door asked Shancai's mother to look after her son, Long, for the day. Since Shancai's parents were away buying goods in Hangzhou, Shancai had no choice but to bring the adorable little boy, Long, along. Daoming Si was furious that Shancai was late and brought a child on their date, transforming it into a trip to the zoo.

He complained loudly, but Long, in turn, scolded Daoming Si for yelling at a woman, calling him ungentlemanly. Daoming Si snapped back, calling Long a brat, but Shancai defended the child, insisting they bring him along since he was alone. As they walked through the zoo, Long exclaimed that Daoming Si was uglier than a monkey, prompting Daoming Si to angrily declare himself more handsome. Shancai patiently explained to Long about goats, their milk, and the dangers of riding them.

Daoming Si eventually warmed up to the fun, even putting Long on his shoulders so the boy could get a better view of a tiger. Long, delighted, commented on the tiger's majesty, to which Shancai explained that felines purr when happy. Long, however, turned to Daoming Si and playfully declared him a "canine" for not knowing.

By the end of the day, Long fell asleep on Daoming Si's back, who then took the opportunity to hold Shancai's hand, a gesture she didn't refuse. Their tender moment was shattered when Long suddenly wet his pants, staining Daoming Si's clothes. Already annoyed from an argument, Daoming Si’s temper flared, and he impulsively dropped Long, ending their second date on a sour note. Shancai, angry at Daoming Si's irrational behavior, took Long home.

Long was deeply embarrassed and cried, thinking he could never face Shancai again. Shancai comforted him with a strawberry cake. Long, however, surprised her by remarking that Daoming Si was "not bad" and reminded him of his own father when he carried him. Shancai conceded that Daoming Si had his good moments, being simple and impulsive like a child, but confessed she couldn't help but argue with him.

When Long's mother picked him up, Long made Shancai promise not to tell about his accident, but Shancai accidentally blurted it out. Long was initially furious but then declared he would get "revenge" on Daoming Si after mastering a game, prompting Shancai to reflect on Daoming Si's earlier, seemingly unprovoked, words. Meanwhile, Zhou Caina visited the restaurant where Tian Ye worked.

She observed him meticulously preparing dishes, describing their signature "Hot Lobster" and "Steak" with unique sauces that require precise timing. Witnessing his dedication to his craft, Zhou Caina realized that his desired life as a chef was not the sophisticated life she envisioned for herself. She promptly called her father, explaining that Tian Ye was not the man she wanted, as their lifestyles and aspirations were incompatible, and she canceled their engagement.

As she left, she dropped a glove, which Meizuo picked up. He playfully refused to return it, insisting she buy him a drink. After some teasing banter about their respective "greed" and "stinginess" – with Meizuo complimenting her cooking competition crab dish and expressing admiration for her victory – Zhou Caina agreed to treat him to a drink. At the bar, Meizuo's friend, the bartender, was tasked with creating unique drinks based on their wishes.

Zhou Caina requested a drink that would prevent her from encountering people who demand favors after returning lost items. Meizuo, in turn, requested a drink that would lead him to encounter more "cute but proud women." Meizuo, finding his drink bitter, remarked that loving a cute and proud woman would be equally bitter. Later, while playing bridge, Ximen and Meizuo joked about their holidays. Huaze Lei mentioned he spent his vacation sleeping and playing games.

When asked about his date with Shancai, Daoming Si's agitated reaction revealed they had argued again. The F4 members (excluding Daoming Si) concluded that Daoming Si lacked the ability to navigate a relationship and would end up lonely if they didn't intervene. They decided to help him. They visited the milk tea shop where Shancai and Xiaoyou worked. The girls were worried about poor sales due to the cold weather, fearing they wouldn't receive their bonuses.

Seeing their plight, Ximen, Meizuo, and Huaze Lei stepped outside to promote the shop, using their charm to attract a crowd of customers. Their efforts were wildly successful, leading to record sales, and the owner happily gave Shancai and Xiaoyou their overdue bonuses. Grateful, Shancai offered to treat them to dinner. Instead, Ximen proposed a New Year's trip to Daoming Si's beautiful wooden villa in Canada, which Meizuo confirmed had all food and lodging covered.

Xiaoyou was thrilled, having never traveled abroad, but Shancai hesitated, still awkward after her intense fight with Daoming Si. Despite Shancai's indecision, Ximen preemptively called her parents, who were overjoyed at the prospect of her traveling and gaining new experiences, reminding her to bring back smoked salmon and maple syrup. Shancai's parents assured her not to worry about family matters or work, encouraging her to enjoy her time with friends. Xiaoyou eagerly supported the trip.

While Shancai was still contemplating, Daoming Si called, demanding to know if she was going to Canada. He sternly forbade her from going, arguing she was afraid of the cold, couldn't ski, and wouldn't enjoy herself. His forceful tone, however, only solidified Shancai's resolve; she defiantly declared she would go, happily, just to spite him. Daoming Si childishly retorted that if she went, he wouldn't, and threatened to leave her alone to face wild animals.

Shancai shot back that she'd rather face a beast than him and bid him a final goodbye. The other F4 members, observing Daoming Si's predictable bluff, knew he'd eventually follow. To further irritate Daoming Si, Shancai and Xiaoyou took celebratory photos and posted them on QQ Space. Daoming Si, seeing their post, furiously smashed his phone. Meanwhile, jealous classmates Xinhui and Baihe saw Shancai's post.

Interpreting a vague comment on her social media as a dig at them, they confronted Shancai and subtly manipulated her into inviting them along to Canada. Unbeknownst to the others, Daoming Si had already flown to Canada ahead of the group, seemingly to spite Shancai. Days later, the group arrived in Canada, a beautiful snow-covered landscape. They headed to Daoming Si's luxurious wooden villa in the mountains.

Shancai eagerly rushed inside, only to find Daoming Si already there, sitting by the fireplace, nonchalantly enjoying ice cream and confirming his earlier bluff. Meizuo and Huaze Lei playfully teased Daoming Si for arriving before them. Daoming Si and Shancai immediately resumed their bickering, with Daoming Si calling her a "stupid girl" for coming, and Shancai accusing him of being unreliable. Huaze Lei tried to mediate, urging them to get along.

Outside, Shancai and Xiaoyou, excited about their first overseas trip, happily played in the snow, building a snowman and engaging in a snowball fight. Daoming Si watched them through the window, a smile creeping onto his face as their joyful antics seemed to lighten his mood. As Shancai re-entered the villa, Daoming Si playfully blocked her path, causing her to stumble and fall.

He laughed at her, calling her a fool, which only further enraged Shancai, though Huaze Lei observed their constant fighting with growing concern for their relationship. That evening, after her shower, Shancai messaged Xiaoyou to return for hers. While waiting, she chatted on the phone with her father, who admired the snowy Canadian scenery she had sent and reminded her to bring back smoked salmon and maple syrup. As time passed and Xiaoyou didn't return, Shancai grew increasingly worried.

Daoming Si, playing a game on his phone, noticed Shancai had left and angrily muttered about his "stupid teammate" abandoning the game. Shancai searched the villa for Xiaoyou, asking Huaze Lei, who hadn't seen her. She then approached Xinhui and Baihe, asking if they knew where Xiaoyou was. After a moment's hesitation, Xinhui and Baihe lied, claiming Xiaoyou had gone out alone to see the night view and might get lost in the heavy snow.

Alarmed by the severe weather and Xiaoyou's unfamiliarity with the area, Shancai immediately donned her coat and rushed outside to search for her. Huaze Lei, concerned, quickly followed Shancai into the snowy night. Baihe expressed worry that Shancai had actually gone out, but Xinhui dismissed it, confident Huaze Lei would handle the situation. Unbeknownst to them, Xiaoyou was happily in the villa's wine cellar with Ximen and Meizuo, tasting various wines.

Ximen taught her about different types, like Merlot, smoked wine, brandy (Meizuo's favorite), and pure malt whiskey (Daoming Si's favorite), explaining how tastes and aging varied. Xiaoyou, delighted, sampled some, though she found one "really astringent" and "a bit sour," preferring the sweeter Merlot. As dinner time approached, they decided to bring two bottles upstairs.

Daoming Si, frustrated by Shancai's absence from the game, was searching for her when Huaze Lei returned, having not found Shancai, and informed Daoming Si that Shancai had gone looking for Xiaoyou, who was supposedly out night-viewing. Just then, Xiaoyou, Ximen, and Meizuo emerged from the wine cellar. The truth dawned on Daoming Si: Xinhui and Baihe had lied, and Shancai was now alone and in grave danger in the blizzard. He immediately rushed out into the snow to find her.

Shancai found herself lost and alone in the dense forest, searching for Xiaoyou. The heavy wind and snow severely limited her visibility, and she couldn't find her way back. As time passed, her body weakened, and she eventually collapsed in the snow. Her consciousness began to fade, but she was filled with an intense reluctance to freeze to death in a foreign land, with so many unfulfilled dreams.

She had vague visions of her future, seeing herself walking down the aisle at her wedding, but the groom's face was indistinct against the light. Back at the villa, Xin Hui and Baihe were attempting to shirk responsibility for Shancai's disappearance. Huaze Lei, uncharacteristically furious, splashed a glass of red wine on Xin Hui's face, startling both girls into silence.

He confirmed that Xiaoyou had been with Ximen and Meizuo in the wine cellar the whole time, making it clear that Xin Hui and Baihe had intentionally misled Shancai into the blizzard. Huaze Lei then called a rescue team, but the severe weather made it impossible for them to reach the mountain immediately. Meanwhile, Daoming Si, upon learning of Shancai's peril, rushed out without hesitation to search for her. He found her barely conscious, almost completely covered by snow.

Shancai, still worried about Xiaoyou, only relaxed when Daoming Si assured her that Xiaoyou was safe. As she drifted towards sleep, Daoming Si frantically urged her to stay awake, knowing that falling asleep in the freezing cold could be fatal. He called her name repeatedly as he carried her on his back to a small, isolated hut. Inside, he removed his own coat and placed it on her for warmth.

Since they couldn't return to the villa until morning due to the blizzard, Daoming Si gathered firewood and started a small fire, but Shancai continued to shiver and her consciousness waned. As the fire's warmth slowly revived her, Shancai realized that Daoming Si had braved the snowstorm to save her. In that moment, her fear of not surviving the night dissipated; being with Daoming Si made her heart feel warm and happy.

Daoming Si managed to boil some hot water for her, and after drinking it, Shancai regained enough strength to speak, though her body still felt numb. She explained that her clothes were soaked from the snow, and staying in them would lead to frostbite or death. Daoming Si then proposed an old but effective method: using their bodies to generate warmth. He immediately stripped off his clothes.

Hesitant but understanding the gravity of the situation, Shancai also removed her wet clothes, and they lay together by the fire, covered by their garments. Shancai felt a mix of resistance and comfort, imagining Daoming Si as a large, warm dog to ease her embarrassment, hoping to get through the night. The next morning, the rescue team arrived at the hut to find them. The snow had stopped, and the sun was rising.

Shancai's strength had not fully returned, so Daoming Si carried her on his back all the way back to the villa, engaging in their usual playful banter along the way. Upon their return, Xiaoyou was overcome with relief. Daoming Si immediately confronted Xin Hui and Baihe, calling them treacherous and ordering them out of the villa. The two girls desperately begged Shancai for help. Shancai, with her kind heart, couldn't bear to see them abandoned in the freezing cold.

She intervened, suggesting that she would punish them herself, assigning them the task of cleaning the house. Daoming Si, unable to refuse Shancai, relented. Later, F4, guessing how Daoming Si and Shancai must have spent the night, playfully teased Daoming Si about them "hugging each other naked to keep warm," which made both Shancai and Daoming Si blush. Shancai excused herself to shower.

Xiaoyou joined her in the bathroom, revealing that Daoming Si had rushed out to save her the moment he heard she was in trouble. She also shared how Huaze Lei, enraged by Xin Hui and Baihe's deception, had splashed red wine on them, an uncharacteristic act for the gentle Huaze Lei, indicating his deep concern for Shancai. Shancai was touched by this revelation and later thanked Huaze Lei.

He downplayed his actions, stating he couldn't stand their irresponsibility, but his concern for Shancai was evident. Shancai felt a wave of warmth from their friendship, even in the cold foreign land. That evening, Shancai was on the balcony looking at the night sky when Daoming Si joined her. He tentatively asked if she had anything she wanted to tell him.

Shancai, oblivious to his true intentions, simply thanked him profusely for saving her life in the snowstorm and for lending her family money. Daoming Si was disappointed by her misunderstanding. Just then, fireworks lit up the city sky for the New Year. Against this romantic backdrop, Daoming Si mustered his courage and confessed, "I like you." However, his words were drowned out by the noise of the fireworks and the New Year's bells.

Shancai, not hearing his confession, simply wished him "Happy New Year." The enjoyable holiday soon ended. Back home, Shancai tried to keep her near-death experience a secret, but her parents kept inquiring about her "progress" with Daoming Si. Her vague answers led them to believe she had spent the night with him, and they became enraged, fearing she had been taken advantage of. Meanwhile, F4 also pressed Daoming Si for details about his night with Shancai. He recounted the events truthfully, but they remained skeptical, playfully teasing him about whether he had "said what he should say" or "done what he should do."

Daoming Si reminisced about New Year's Eve when he made his third confession to Shancai, a memory that brought a smile to his face. Meanwhile, Shancai and Xiaoyou were enjoying a walk, sharing photos from their trip to Canada. Xiaoyou noted that Qinghe seemed a bit upset about not joining them. They then received a message about their high school reunion, and both eagerly anticipated seeing their old classmates, especially Yan Zibu, a lively character from their past.

At the same time, Daoming Si and Huaze Lei were playing video games when Jing video-called Huaze Lei. Feeling awkward about their past, Huaze Lei let Daoming Si speak to her. Daoming Si, seizing the opportunity, asked Jing about her engagement to the French mayor. Jing revealed that the engagement had been canceled due to her commitment to her career and dreams.

Daoming Si was overjoyed, and even Huaze Lei felt a glimmer of hope that he might have another chance with Jing now that she was single again. Later, the F4 members gathered, discussing their Canada trip. Meizuo and Ximen complained about being bombarded by girls regarding the trip, and also about Qinghe's grumbling. While checking social media, Ximen stumbled upon photos posted by Xiaoyou, showing Shancai at her high school reunion.

Upon seeing Shancai surrounded by other male classmates, Daoming Si, overcome with possessiveness, immediately abandoned his friends and rushed to the restaurant where the reunion was taking place. At the reunion, the classmates were playing a game where the loser had to drink a foul-tasting concoction. Shancai, unfortunately, lost and was chosen. Before she could drink it, Yan Zibu stepped in, offering to drink it on her behalf. Just then, Daoming Si burst into the restaurant.

Without a word, he snatched the drink and boldly announced to everyone that he was her boyfriend. Shancai, however, quickly clarified that he was just a senior from her university, causing Daoming Si some embarrassment. Yan Zibu, clearly provoked, put his arm around Shancai in a challenging gesture, which only fueled Daoming Si's anger. Daoming Si then disparaged the gathering as a "low-quality party" with "low-quality friends," insisting that Shancai leave with him to avoid losing her "class."

Enraged by his insults, Shancai turned away from him. Yan Zibu escalated the tension by telling Daoming Si to get lost, leading to a heated brawl between the two men. Yan Zibu was injured in the fight, and the reunion abruptly ended. Despite the chaos he caused, Daoming Si stubbornly refused to admit any wrongdoing, maintaining that he had merely rescued Shancai from her "trash friends." This unrepentant attitude pushed Shancai to her limit.

She slapped him and declared that she hated him, leaving Daoming Si alone in the now-empty restaurant. Shancai was deeply distraught, her anticipated reunion ruined by Daoming Si. She visited Yan Zibu in the hospital to check on him and apologize for the incident. There, she met his half-brother, Shunping, a polite and mild-mannered freshman at Mingde University, studying Mining.

Shunping initially spoke negatively about his brother, implying Yan Zibu's injury was due to his own troublemaking, but Shancai defended Yan Zibu's character, explaining his kindness in high school. Impressed by Shancai, Shunping asked to be her friend. Meanwhile, Daoming Si, though regretting his impulsive behavior, struggled to genuinely apologize. His F4 friends tried to coach him through an apology, but he found the words too sentimental and was still convinced he was in the right.

They warned him that if they were Shancai, they would never forgive him. The next day at school, Daoming Si waited for Shancai outside her class, hoping to apologize. He tried to engage Qinghe, who was still annoyed at Daoming Si for ruining the reunion. When Shancai arrived, she deliberately ignored Daoming Si and walked into class with Qinghe, further infuriating Daoming Si, who perceived her actions as rude. Later, Shancai encountered Shunping in the library.

They chatted, and Shunping continued to lament his brother's injury, suggesting it was from a fight rather than a fall. Shancai again defended Yan Zibu, praising his helpful nature during high school. Shunping, touched by her kindness, expressed his admiration and desire to be friends, a sentiment Shancai reciprocated, playfully calling him "her brother." As they were leaving the library, they overheard F4 still trying to persuade Daoming Si to apologize.

Daoming Si, in his stubbornness, lashed out, mocking Shancai, calling her "fierce," "unfeminine," "short-thighed," and comparing her to a "frog." Overhearing these insults, Shunping impulsively shouted, "Daoming Si, you big idiot!" Shancai, fearing Daoming Si's reaction, quickly dragged Shunping away. They ran until they felt safe, both feeling a sense of catharsis. Shunping confessed that he wished he had met Shancai when he first came to Mingde, and complimented her cycling and cooking skills, offering to cook for her sometime.

As they bought roasted corn, a treat Shancai remembered from high school, Shunping offered to accompany her whenever she wanted to go for a stroll or eat corn. He then playfully snatched her corn and called them "besties," prompting Shancai to remind him he was a boy. Shunping, however, insisted on calling her "bro," and promised to protect her from Daoming Si. Just then, Daoming Si appeared. Seeing Shancai and Shunping together, Daoming Si demanded to know who Shunping was.

Shunping, seizing the opportunity to provoke him, declared Shancai was his girlfriend and taunted Daoming Si, calling him an "unweaned child" who couldn't function without Shancai and implied she was happier with him. Daoming Si, enraged, grabbed Shunping by the neck. Shancai, at her breaking point, screamed for him to stop, expressing that she felt suffocated by his constant outbursts. Shunping pulled Shancai away from the escalating situation.

As they walked away, Daoming Si, his voice filled with desperation, shouted a passionate confession: he liked her, he was inexplicably obsessed with her, he saw only her, and he would chase her no matter how far she ran, even to Mars. The next day, Shunping sought out Shancai and, under the guise of friendship, apologized for calling her his girlfriend to spite Daoming Si.

He then advised her to end her relationship with Daoming Si, asserting that Daoming Si was "not a good man" and "too extreme." Shancai, while acknowledging Daoming Si's volatile temper, quietly believed that he wasn't truly bad. Shunping then mentioned that some of his friends, who knew Daoming Si from before, wanted to speak with her. He left to buy drinks, leaving Shancai alone by the lake.

Shunping, after apologizing for pretending Shancai was his girlfriend to upset Daoming Si, advised Shancai to break up with Daoming Si, claiming he wasn't a good man. When Shancai admitted that while Daoming Si could be excessive, she also saw good in him and felt on edge around him, Shunping suggested she meet some friends of his who knew Daoming Si from before. He then offered to get her a drink, leaving her alone.

While waiting, Shancai was suddenly kidnapped by two strangers. Meanwhile, Qinghe noticed Shancai was absent from class and not answering her phone, which was uncharacteristic of her. He informed Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo, who grew concerned as Shancai remained missing all afternoon. Ximen checked with the academic office and discovered that Shunping had already withdrawn from Mingde College, raising alarms among the group.

Since Daoming Si was in a bad mood and uncontactable, not picking up anyone's calls, Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo went to his home to inform him of Shancai's disappearance. Daoming Si's butler mentioned he had been holed up in his study, either trading stocks, reading, playing video games, or sleeping, avoiding all communication. Shancai was tied to a chair with her mouth taped shut in an old warehouse. Her captors slapped her and took photos of her distressed state.

Shunping then arrived, and Shancai initially thought he was there to rescue her. To her shock, Shunping was allied with the kidnappers. He revealed that after leaving school, he fell in with a gang led by a man whose leg Daoming Si had injured in the past. The gang leader, seeking revenge, had manipulated Shunping into befriending Shancai and luring her out.

Shunping confessed that while he only agreed to part of the plan, he hadn't anticipated Shancai becoming a pawn and asked to speak with her alone. Feeling betrayed, Shancai demanded to know why he lied. Shunping explained that the gang leader had helped him significantly in the past, so he felt he couldn't stop the leader's revenge. He recounted how he despised school and his brother, Yan Zhibu, leading him to odd jobs where he encountered trouble.

The gang leader had rescued him, only to have his leg broken by Daoming Si during a chaotic confrontation at a bar. Shancai condemned Shunping's actions as illegal and hypocritical, asserting that Daoming Si, though domineering, wasn't the "scumbag" Shunping claimed. Shunping, however, retorted that being connected to Daoming Si always brought misfortune. Daoming Si soon received photos of Shancai tied up, with instructions to come alone, and he immediately rushed out.

Shancai, realizing she was bait, silently prayed for Daoming Si not to come, knowing the gang was well-prepared to ambush him. She defiantly called her captors "despicable" and "cowards," infuriating the gang leader, who slapped her repeatedly. Just then, Daoming Si arrived. Shancai was distraught, yelling at him for being foolish and blaming herself. The gang members attacked Daoming Si with sticks. He endured the beating without fighting back, aiming to intimidate them with his stoic resolve.

After taking numerous blows and spitting blood, Daoming Si collapsed. In her daze, Shancai saw him walking alone towards the sea. Shancai woke up in a hospital bed; she and Daoming Si had been rescued by the police. She realized with relief that her vision of him walking into the sea had just been a nightmare. Despite her injuries, Shancai frantically searched for Daoming Si.

She entered his room to find Ximen and Meizuo looking somber, claiming "Asi passed away peacefully," while Daoming Si lay covered by a white sheet, his face bruised. Believing he was dead and blaming herself, Shancai burst into tears. Suddenly, Daoming Si, who was merely pretending, began to laugh, joined by his friends. They had orchestrated the prank to tease her. After F4 left, Shancai and Daoming Si were alone.

Daoming Si, seeking her attention, began to scold her, but Shancai remained unusually quiet, recalling her terrifying dream. She expressed her relief that he was alive and well, acknowledging his foolish bravery in coming to save her. Shunping then arrived at the hospital. Daoming Si immediately became defensive, shielding Shancai. However, Shunping simply bowed deeply to both of them, apologizing for his actions, and announced his decision to turn himself in.

He expressed regret that they couldn't be true friends, stating that if she hadn't been the person Daoming Si liked, he would have wanted to be genuine friends with her. While recovering at the hospital, Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo seized the opportunity to praise Daoming Si to Shancai, hoping to bring them together. They recounted how Daoming Si had transformed from a troublesome, lazy student into a dedicated one, emphasizing his loyalty and protective nature.

Overwhelmed, Shancai could only blurt out that Daoming Si was "like a puppy" before fleeing the room, much to Huaze Lei's amusement and Daoming Si's exasperation. Days later, Shancai and Daoming Si were discharged. Daoming Si remained sullen, still fixated on Shancai's "puppy" comment, feeling unappreciated despite his heroic efforts to protect her.

Following their recent rescue, Daoming Si was still upset that Shancai had called him a "puppy." Meizuo and Ximen observed Shancai's seemingly indifferent attitude, finding her too stubborn despite Daoming Si's persistent efforts to win her affection. They mused that Shancai, being a simple person, held unrealistic romantic ideals and resolved to subtly encourage her towards Daoming Si. The next day, Shancai went to school even though her injuries were not fully healed.

Huaze Lei noticed her unwrapped wound and gently applied a band-aid. Shancai felt a familiar warmth from Huaze Lei, but her heart no longer fluttered for him, as she believed he and Jing had resolved their issues. As they talked, Daoming Si arrived, clearly annoyed by their closeness. He snapped at Huaze Lei for interfering and then sarcastically referred to his own "dog-like" recovery. Huaze Lei excused himself, leaving Daoming Si and Shancai alone.

Daoming Si then informed Shancai that his birthday was on the 31st and demanded she attend his party at his house with a gift, announcing he would introduce her to his mother. Shancai was taken aback by this sudden development, feeling she wasn't even his girlfriend. Shancai confided in Xiao You about her dilemma regarding a gift. Xiao You reminded her of her success in the Chinese Cuisine Campus Cooking Competition and suggested making a homemade snack.

Shancai initially hesitated, thinking her simple food wouldn't compare to the gourmet meals in the Daoming household, but ultimately decided on making small snacks. On the day of the party, Shancai dressed in her nicest skirt, but upon seeing Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen in formal attire, she felt out of place.

The three explained that Daoming Si's birthday wasn't a casual celebration but a major event where politicians and business magnates vied for favor with Daoming Feng, Daoming Si's formidable mother and the true power behind the Daoming Group. They cautioned Shancai that Daoming Feng would scrutinize her as Daoming Si’s first invited guest, viewing her as a potential fiancée.

To help her navigate the evening, they quickly adorned her with jewelry and styled her, urging her to temporarily act like a noble lady for Daoming Si's sake. The lavish birthday banquet was filled with high-profile guests, making Shancai feel like an outsider. Daoming Si spotted her looking uneasy and went to her side, complimenting her "elegant" appearance and saying she looked like a noble lady. Shancai jokingly called herself a "fake" one.

Their conversation was cut short as Daoming Si was called away to greet guests who presented rare and expensive gifts, such as the 1907 "Silent Ship" champagne and nine-eye jade beads from Bhutan. Shancai learned that these gifts were not for Daoming Si to keep but would be donated to a charity auction, a common practice among the wealthy to gain both connections and a reputation for philanthropy. She felt embarrassed about her own simple gift.

Later, Daoming Si tried to lead a reluctant Shancai to meet his mother. Shancai, overwhelmed by fear, resisted, stumbling and knocking over a table. At that moment, Daoming Feng appeared, elegant but stern. She coldly asked who Shancai was and ordered Daoming Si to have her "escorted out." Daoming Si refused, declaring that Dong Shancai was a "very important person" to him and he wanted his mother to accept her. Daoming Feng's demeanor grew even colder.

She interrogated Shancai about her father's profession. Huaze Lei quickly intervened, fabricating a story that Shancai's father was the vice president of the Huangpu Chamber of Commerce's overseas branch, handling business in North Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Meizuo added that his company was soon to be listed. When Daoming Feng inquired about Shancai's talents, Ximen claimed she could play the piano and violin. Daoming Feng then demanded Shancai perform a piano piece for the charity auction.

Despite the F3's attempts to make excuses, Daoming Feng was unyielding. Shancai, with no choice, sat at the piano. After playing the only piece she knew, she bravely addressed Daoming Feng, quoting Tagore to emphasize that human value lies not in class or social status, but in integrity, kindness, and courage, and that true emotions are lost when one is blinded by superficial comparisons.

She openly admitted she was not the noble lady they imagined and only knew one song, but declared her conscience was clear. Daoming Feng, unimpressed, sarcastically remarked on Shancai's "interesting" family education and vowed to visit her "president father." She then admonished Daoming Si for being infatuated with an "unmannered" girl, reminding him he was the family's sole heir. Daoming Si defiantly stated he loved Shancai and would not accept anyone else.

When Daoming Feng threatened him with severe consequences if he left, Daoming Si, overcoming his usual fear of his mother, took Shancai's hand. Ximen showed his support by tossing Daoming Si car keys, and the two left the party. Daoming Si drove Shancai to a vacant club owned by his family, overlooking the Huangpu River. Shancai apologized for causing the scene and the argument with his mother.

Daoming Si dismissed her apology, explaining that he and his mother had always been emotionally distant due to her constant focus on work. He asserted that he would decide his own life. As they stood by the window, admiring the city lights and stars, they briefly forgot their troubles. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen were still shaken by Daoming Feng's intimidating presence, fearing her punishment for their involvement.

They recalled an incident from high school when she severely reprimanded them for skipping class. They worried about the repercussions for Daoming Si and Shancai, especially after Shancai's direct confrontation. Huaze Lei mentioned he had taught Shancai piano only once, implying she had practiced diligently on her own. Back at the club, Daoming Si embraced Shancai and pressed her about her feelings for him. Shancai, feeling ordinary compared to him, questioned why he liked her.

Daoming Si playfully suggested he must be "blind." Shancai then presented him with her birthday gift: handmade cookies she had baked, each shaped to depict his various expressions—laughing, angry, sleeping, and "brain fart." She sheepishly apologized for their imperfections, but Daoming Si, deeply touched, declared them the best gift he had ever received and kissed her cheek, his resolve to be with her firm. The next morning, Daoming Si excitedly woke Huaze Lei to show off Shancai's cookies.

To his dismay, Huaze Lei ate one, much to Daoming Si's extreme annoyance. Unbeknownst to them, Daoming Feng had already launched a thorough investigation into Shancai. Her assistant reported that Shancai was not a president's daughter; her father was a phone sales representative for Li Nisheng Investment Consultant, and her mother ran an online catering service called Dong's Private Kitchen.

The report also highlighted Shancai's average academic record, a past incident where she attacked a school guest speaker, and how Daoming Si had used the family's influence to help her win a special award in the cooking competition. Daoming Feng concluded that Shancai was a clever and capable woman attempting to leverage the Daoming family's prestige for her own advancement, dismissing her efforts as a "joke." Accompanied by her assistant, Daoming Feng then arrived at Shancai's home.

Shancai's parents, unaware of the visit's true purpose, enthusiastically greeted her. Shancai's father tried to pitch an investment opportunity, while her mother praised Shancai's cooking award. Daoming Feng cut them short and, through her assistant, presented a five-million check, unequivocally demanding that Shancai leave Daoming Si.

Shancai's parents were surprised by an unannounced visit from Daoming Feng, Daoming Si's mother. Initially trying to be polite, Shancai's mother proudly spoke about Shancai's achievements, including winning a special award in a cooking competition. She even tried to pitch a financial investment opportunity to Daoming Feng. However, Daoming Feng quickly got to the point, stating that while Shancai was ambitious and dedicated to her son, she would not let her "give up for nothing."

She then presented a check for five million yuan, explicitly telling Shancai's family to have Shancai stay away from Daoming Si. Daoming Feng elaborated that Daoming Si was destined to manage the entire Daoming Group, and Shancai, with her humble background running a small business, was an "obstacle" in his path. She warned that if Shancai continued to "cling" to him, she would be the one to get hurt.

Infuriated by this humiliation, Shancai's mother, declaring she wouldn't allow anyone to insult her daughter, poured a bowl of flour over Daoming Feng's head. Shancai's father also made a show of threatening to splash water. Daoming Feng and her assistant, covered in flour, left in a huff, retrieving the rejected check. Shancai, witnessing her parents' fierce defense of her dignity, was overjoyed, feeling invincible with such a "strong role model" of a mother.

Her mother, however, playfully admitted that for "five hundred million," she might reconsider, quickly adding that a son-in-law as handsome and loving as Daoming Si couldn't be bought for any price. Meanwhile, Daoming Si was blissfully admiring the cookies Shancai had made for him, finding them precious even though they were "ugly" and abstract. He showed them to his friends, Meizuo and Ximen, proudly pointing out how each one resembled him.

The friends teased him about his relationship with Shancai, questioning if he was truly a man for only having "porridge"—meaning they only watched stars and kissed—with her after all this time. Daoming Si defended their progress, emphasizing his affection. Elsewhere, Daoming Feng, vexed by Shancai's family's unyielding stance, decided it was time to accelerate her plan to arrange Daoming Si's marriage. She instructed her assistant to immediately contact the other family.

At her part-time job in a bubble tea shop, Shancai was venting to her friend Xiaoyou about Daoming Feng's outrageous offer. Suddenly, Daoming Feng's assistant arrived, handing Shancai an invitation to meet Daoming Feng at a VIP room in the Maple Hotel that afternoon. Shancai, suspecting foul play but determined to face it, bravely accepted the summons, mentally preparing herself for whatever Daoming Feng had in store.

At the hotel, Daoming Feng had orchestrated a blind date for Daoming Si with a young woman named Xiaozizi, the daughter of a wealthy family in the oil and mineral resources business. Both Daoming Si and Xiaozizi had been tricked into attending; Daoming Si was told his sister was returning, and Xiaozizi was simply dragged there without her phone. They immediately began bickering, each expressing their disdain for the setup and the other person. Shancai then entered the room.

Daoming Feng, with a triumphant air, announced that Shancai was there to "witness" Daoming Si and Xiaozizi's future marriage, then proceeded to praise Xiaozizi's beauty, talent, and suitability for Daoming Si, asking Shancai if she agreed they were a perfect match. Hurt and overwhelmed, Shancai numbly affirmed her agreement, stating she was happy for Daoming Si. Angered by Shancai's words and his mother's manipulation, Daoming Si declared he would never marry Xiaozizi.

He tried to pull Shancai away from the room, but in his haste, he mistakenly grabbed Xiaozizi's hand instead. Daoming Feng reprimanded them for their childish behavior. As Daoming Si pulled Xiaozizi out, her shoe fell off. Realizing his mistake, Daoming Si tried to abandon Xiaozizi, but she clung to him, barefoot and without money or phone. She demanded he either give her money or take her home.

Daoming Si called her a "monkey" for climbing on him, but she retaliated by biting his ear. His face turning red, Daoming Si fled, leaving Xiaozizi alone but intrigued by his reaction. Left alone, Shancai felt a wave of sadness, believing Daoming Si genuinely liked Xiaozizi. Daoming Si tried calling her all night to explain, but Shancai, upset, ignored his calls and even threw her phone into the refrigerator.

The next day at school, a visibly dejected Daoming Si was asked by his friends if he had quarreled with Shancai again. Shancai then approached him, sarcastically congratulating him on his engagement. Daoming Si insisted he had pulled the wrong person, mistaking Xiaozizi for her in the moment. Shancai, however, dismissed his explanation, pointing out their clear physical differences and accusing him of liking "tall, slim, beautiful girls." She stormed off, feeling foolish for getting involved.

Later, F4 discussed Daoming Si's somber mood and the "Xiaozizi" situation. Daoming Si described Xiaozizi as a "monkey" who bites ears, confirming his red face from the previous day. While walking around campus, still fuming, Shancai unexpectedly ran into Xiaozizi. Xiaozizi, who was there specifically to "get revenge" on Daoming Si for abandoning her barefoot the day before, recognized Shancai from the hotel.

Unaware of Shancai's true feelings or her connection to Daoming Si, Xiaozizi poured out her grievances, wondering if Daoming Si might even like men. As F4 approached, Xiaozizi boldly confronted Daoming Si, declaring her intention to "train" him as his fiancée, playfully referencing his blushing from her ear bite. Feeling a pang of jealousy, Shancai tried to distance herself, but Xiaozizi followed, insisting on becoming friends.

Over coffee, Xiaozizi confessed her loneliness as an only child and her initial impression of Daoming Si: irritable but "cute." She admitted she was genuinely interested in marrying him. She probed Shancai about her past crushes, to which Shancai vaguely described Huaze Lei as "silly, doesn't talk much, likes to sleep." Then, Xiaozizi directly asked if Daoming Si had ever liked Shancai, and more pointedly, if he had ever said he "only" liked her.

Shancai's hesitation fueled Xiaozizi's conviction that Daoming Si might be a "playboy." Seizing the opportunity, Xiaozizi proposed a "cooperation": Shancai would help her pursue Daoming Si. If Daoming Si remained indifferent to Xiaozizi, it would prove his unwavering love for Shancai. If he fell for Xiaozizi, it would confirm he was a "playboy," and they would both abandon him. Shancai, despite feeling overwhelmed by Daoming Feng's influence, reluctantly agreed to the plan.

Later, Shancai sought solace on the school rooftop, feeling a deep sadness and the immense pressure from Daoming Feng. Huaze Lei found her there, noting her unusual despair. He gently reminded her of the depth of Daoming Si's feelings for her and their shared past, urging her to have confidence in herself and their relationship. Shancai, however, expressed her feeling of powerlessness against Daoming Feng.

That evening, Shancai returned home to find Daoming Si waiting for her, having been there all afternoon. He angrily demanded to know where she had been and why she hadn't answered his calls. Shancai coldly informed him that she had spent the afternoon with his fiancée, Xiaozizi. She then praised Xiaozizi, describing her as cute, simple, thoughtful, with a good figure and manners, and concluded that Xiaozizi was a much better match for him.

Tearfully, Shancai advised Daoming Si to follow his mother's wishes and be with Xiaozizi, stating it would make "everyone happier." Daoming Si was utterly devastated by her words, feeling deeply betrayed. He had believed their love could overcome the differences in their backgrounds and his mother's opposition, but Shancai's pronouncement left him heartbroken. Soaked in the rain, he returned home and furiously punched his punching bag, releasing his intense anger and disappointment.

Witnessing Daoming Si's profound despair, Meizuo and Ximen decided they needed to intervene. They planned to "handle" Xiaozizi to prevent her from further complicating things for Daoming Si and Shancai, hoping to clear the path for the couple. Huaze Lei, however, expressed reservations, believing their interference might only make things more complicated. Undeterred, Meizuo and Ximen proceeded to engage Xiaozizi.

She proved to be a handful, making Ximen try to win a non-existent "Lord Durian" doll from a claw machine and demanding a "laughing durian" doll, while Meizuo was tasked with buying all the C-cup bras in a store, only for Xiaozizi to demand limited-edition ones and insist he try them on.

Frustrated but desperate, Meizuo and Ximen tried to keep her distracted, but Xiaozizi soon grew bored and threatened to seek out Daoming Si, forcing them to continue their antics. Meanwhile, Shancai was struggling at her cafe job, still wrestling with her emotions, telling herself she should be happy for Daoming Si and Xiaozizi. She had another encounter with Xiaozizi, who was still pursuing Daoming Si and again questioned if he still liked Shancai, expressing her insecurity about Daoming Si's emotional distance.

Shancai felt distracted at work in the milk tea shop, her heart aching as she tried to convince herself that Xiaozizi and Daoming Si were a more suitable match, believing it would be a good outcome for everyone. Soon after, Xiaozizi arrived at the shop with an exhausted Ximen and Meizuo, laden with shopping bags. Shancai was surprised to see them, but Xiaozizi merely smiled, revealing she knew Ximen and Meizuo’s true intention: to prevent her from seeing Daoming Si.

She then left them, drained and frustrated, with Shancai. After Xiaozizi departed, Ximen and Meizuo complained that Xiaozizi had treated them like monkeys. They questioned why Shancai was so disheartened when they were trying so hard to help her. Shancai finally confided in them, explaining that Daoming Feng had humiliated and threatened her at home with a five-million-dollar check, demanding she break up with Daoming Si. She felt helpless because Daoming Feng was his mother.

Ximen and Meizuo were surprised and angered by this revelation. They urged Shancai to tell Daoming Si, but she insisted there was nothing she could do. Understanding her predicament, they acknowledged her pain and raised a toast to her resilience. Meanwhile, Daoming Feng summoned Huaze Lei for a private conversation. She expressed knowledge of Shancai’s past feelings for him and the news that Tengtang Jing had no plans to return.

Daoming Feng then tried to assert that Shancai only turned to Daoming Si because her feelings for Huaze Lei were unrequited. Huaze Lei corrected her, stating that Shancai genuinely loved Daoming Si. He then expressed concern that Daoming Si might treat Shancai like a childhood toy he would quickly discard, causing Shancai pain.

Daoming Feng dismissed his concern but then attempted to manipulate Huaze Lei by citing that his family's business was facing financial difficulties and offering assistance if he and Shancai "started over." Huaze Lei remained unmoved. He criticized Daoming Feng's "improper" methods and declared that he would always protect Shancai as a friend, ensuring she would never be harmed.

He also advised Daoming Feng that her attempts to separate Daoming Si and Shancai would only strengthen their bond and could damage her relationship with her son. Later that night, as Shancai returned home, she found Xiaozizi waiting for her, tearfully embracing her. Shancai initially thought Daoming Si had hurt her, but Xiaozizi excitedly announced that Daoming Si had asked her to be his girlfriend and she had accepted.

She explained that Daoming Si had suddenly approached her that afternoon, proposing they be together, and the overwhelming happiness had brought her to tears. Xiaozizi, still emotional, asked Shancai if she was happy for her and if she would be angry, to which Shancai feigned a happy agreement, despite feeling a deep pain in her heart. The news of Daoming Si and Xiaozizi's relationship quickly spread among their friends, surprising everyone.

Meizuo mentioned Daoming Si had actively initiated the relationship, while Shancai continued to put on a brave face. Qinghe, noticing Shancai's somber mood, brought her a banana rice ball made by his grandma, but Daoming Si, still distant, rudely rebuffed Qinghe. Daoming Si's first date with Xiaozizi was awkward and unpleasant for him. Xiaozizi complained about Daoming Si’s hurried pace, his lack of attention, and his silence, which made her feel their outing was hardly a date.

She tried to make him participate by requesting him to match her pace, smile, and talk to her, which Daoming Si found irritating. Despite his reluctance, Xiaozizi persisted, happily recalling his promise to "try to like her" and wondering how long that "trying" period would last. Meanwhile, Daoming Feng's assistant reported on the couple's frequent meetings and Xiaozizi's habit of sharing details with Shancai, prompting Daoming Feng to suspect Shancai was still manipulating Daoming Si through Xiaozizi.

That evening, Xiaozizi unexpectedly visited Shancai's home during dinner. Shancai’s parents warmly welcomed her, offering her food. Xiaozizi, seemingly oblivious to Shancai's feelings, recounted her date with Daoming Si. She described her efforts to impress him, from her outfit to her new lip color, only for him to not notice. She lamented that he hadn't even kissed her during a romantic park stroll, leaving her confused about his feelings. Shancai listened, feeling burdened by Xiaozizi’s endless complaints.

Xiaozizi then directly asked Shancai if she and Daoming Si had ever kissed, and if Daoming Si still liked her, quickly dismissing Shancai's hesitant denials. She confessed her inexperience with relationships and her profound confusion about Daoming Si’s true feelings. The next day, Shancai sought out Huaze Lei, pleading with him to talk to Daoming Si and urge him to treat Xiaozizi better, as she was tired of listening to Xiaozizi's daily complaints. Huaze Lei, however, refused to intervene.

He advised Shancai to maintain her distance, emphasizing that it was Daoming Si’s personal matter and that outsiders interfering would only complicate things further and invite suspicion about their own motives. As Shancai and Huaze Lei prepared to leave, they encountered Daoming Si and Xiaozizi. Xiaozizi confronted Daoming Si, expressing her frustration with his emotional distance and lack of engagement.

She accused him of still harboring feelings for Shancai and demanded he prove his indifference by kissing her then and there. Daoming Si, after a moment of hesitation, told her to close her eyes and then kissed her deeply. Shancai, witnessing this, struggled to maintain a façade of indifference, forcing a smile through her tears. Huaze Lei observed her obvious distress, noting how she rambled about exaggerated happiness to conceal her pain. Later, Qinghe found Shancai looking dejected and upset.

Shancai expressed regret for being naive and easily deceived. Qinghe comforted her, reminding her of her kind nature and how she had forgiven others in the past. Feeling a flicker of hope, Shancai resolved to move on and return to her former life, letting go of all the worries. Qinghe assured her she wasn't alone and would always be there for her, though he was disappointed when Shancai affectionately called him her "best brother."

Shancai’s mother later inquired about her relationship with Daoming Si, and Shancai reluctantly told her about Xiaozizi. Her mother initially dismissed Xiaozizi as having an "unknown background," but Shancai corrected her, stating Xiaozizi was from a noble family, and ironically, it was she herself who was considered to have an "unknown background." Shancai later met Huaze Lei at a coffee shop. While they were chatting, Xiaozizi and Daoming Si coincidentally arrived.

Xiaozizi insisted they join Shancai and Huaze Lei, even though Daoming Si was visibly annoyed and jealous. Xiaozizi cheerfully introduced herself to Huaze Lei as Daoming Si's fiancée, then expressed her delight at the four of them "dating like two couples." Daoming Si remained sullen, but Xiaozizi, still oblivious, invited them to her family’s hot spring resort hotel. Shancai tried to decline, but Huaze Lei unexpectedly accepted the invitation.

Daoming Feng, upon hearing that Huaze Lei and Shancai were also going to the hot springs with Daoming Si and Xiaozizi, believed Shancai was now trying to "cling" to Huaze Lei, having given up on Daoming Si. She hoped that seeing Daoming Si and Xiaozizi together would finally make Shancai give up entirely. At the hotpot dinner, Xiaozizi again tried to matchmake Shancai and Huaze Lei, oblivious to the underlying tension. Daoming Si drank heavily in silence.

Huaze Lei eventually excused himself to the hot springs. Xiaozizi, after subtly probing Shancai about Huaze Lei, decided to join Shancai for a session in the sauna. Inside the humid room, Xiaozizi happily envisioned her "dream life" with Shancai, casually insisting that Shancai be her bridesmaid when she married Daoming Si. As Xiaozizi shared anecdotes about her relationship with Daoming Si, Shancai found herself suffocating, her past memories with Daoming Si resurfacing.

She felt trapped, realizing that instead of escaping, she was being drawn deeper into a painful situation. Overwhelmed, Shancai fainted. Xiaozizi, startled, rushed out to find Daoming Si. Daoming Si immediately ran towards the sauna but stopped abruptly at the entrance, seeing Huaze Lei carrying an unconscious Shancai out of the room. Later, Shancai woke up in her hotel room, feeling disoriented. Huaze Lei explained she had fainted from staying too long in the sauna and reassured her.

Shancai was mortified to learn that Huaze Lei had carried her out and even helped her dress, feeling exposed and embarrassed. Huaze Lei calmly explained he had no other option but to help her. Shancai, still upset, asked why he didn't call Xiaozizi for help. Huaze Lei suggested it was best not to interfere with Daoming Si and Xiaozizi's "good times" and even offered to help Shancai "stop them" if she wished, acknowledging her hidden sadness.

Huaze Lei was pleased to see a faint smile on Shancai's face, a rare sight since she had been gloomy for days, indicating she was starting to regain her old self. Shancai, reflecting on their predicament, wondered why they had even come to the resort, feeling that confronting the situation face-to-face only made things more complicated. Meanwhile, in their own room, Xiaozizi continued to happily talk about their future, discussing plans to move in together and marry after graduate school.

Daoming Si, however, remained distant and cold. Xiaozizi questioned his unwavering obedience to his parents and if he found such a life boring. She reminded him of his promise to "try to like" her, growing frustrated by his lack of emotional response. She then attempted to get intimate with him. Daoming Si firmly rejected her advances, reiterating that he was truly sorry but couldn't be with her because his mind was completely preoccupied with Shancai.

A commotion from their room caused Shancai to worry, and she rushed over, only to inadvertently witness Xiaozizi's aggressive attempts to force intimacy on a resistant Daoming Si. Feeling deeply awkward and upset, Shancai quickly retreated, having seen something she wished she hadn't.

Daoming Si telling Xiaozizi that despite her playful demeanor, he's serious about not having feelings for her. Xiaozizi, in a bathrobe, suggests he might prefer something more "subtle" or a different style. When Daoming Si tries to explain that his mind is full of Shancai, Xiaozizi covers her ears, refusing to listen. He then clearly states his regret and inability to be with her, despite his promise to try.

Meanwhile, Shancai, who had heard noises and worried that Daoming Si might be forcing himself on Xiaozizi, opens the door to their room and sees Daoming Si and Xiaozizi embracing. Shancai quickly apologizes for disturbing them and flees, upset that she saw something she shouldn't have. Daoming Si, having gently rejected Xiaozizi, tells her she can beat him until her anger subsides.

Xiaozizi tearfully expresses how much she wants to hit him, to make him remember her with pain, but ultimately admits she can't bring herself to hurt him. She cries that she's no longer herself since falling in love with him. Daoming Si apologizes again for not being able to be with her. Shancai, unable to sleep, cries in the hallway, expressing her distress over seeing Daoming Si and Xiaozizi together and feeling like she ruined their moment.

Huaze Lei finds her and notes that her strong reaction is because the person involved is Daoming Si. Shancai denies caring, pretending it's good they are happy, but Huaze Lei encourages her to cry if she needs to. Shancai then leans on his back. The next morning, Daoming Si finds Shancai by the pool and tells her he's heading home, asking her to inform Huaze Lei. Shancai struggles to look at him, realizing their previously combative relationship has become awkward.

She notes her ease with Huaze Lei contrasts sharply with her discomfort around Daoming Si. After Daoming Si leaves, Shancai bids farewell to Xiaozizi, who, trying to save face, implies Daoming Si left because he was shy after "last night." This deeply pains Shancai, who assumes the worst. Alone, Xiaozizi recalls Daoming Si's unambiguous rejection, where he confessed his heart was entirely focused on Shancai, confirming her realization that he would never love her.

Upon returning home, Shancai discovers her parents packing their belongings. Her mother explains that her father's boss absconded with company funds, plunging their family into financial crisis. To cope, her parents plan to temporarily move to a fishing village to care for Shancai's sick uncle. He is out of danger but requires long-term attention, and Shancai's aunt cannot fish and care for him simultaneously.

Shancai, wishing to accompany them, is told she must stay to continue her studies at Mingde University, as it's part of their family's dream for "Dong's Private Kitchen." They promise to call frequently and return once her uncle recovers and they save enough money. Shancai, though saddened by their departure, assures them she will be strong and take care of herself.

Later that night, after carefully securing her house on her first night alone, Shancai is startled by a knock at the door. It's Xiaozizi, who comments on the darkness outside. Shancai, presuming Xiaozizi is there to confide in her about Daoming Si, tries to ward her off, explaining she'll be too busy living alone to offer advice or engage in others' problems. Xiaozizi, understanding Shancai's situation, insists on speaking.

She confesses that she lied about what happened with Daoming Si; in reality, nothing intimate occurred, and he broke up with her, explicitly stating his thoughts were solely of Shancai. Xiaozizi admits her initial confidence that Daoming Si would choose her proved misguided, as he remained indifferent. She has now decided to stop pursuing someone who doesn't love her. Expressing gratitude for meeting Shancai through Daoming Si, Xiaozizi asks if they can remain good friends, which Shancai readily accepts.

Xiaozizi then sincerely urges Shancai to pursue a relationship with Daoming Si without hesitation and to be true to her own feelings, before departing. Daoming Si calls his mother, Daoming Feng, interrupting her conversation. He firmly tells her that a relationship with Xiaozizi is impossible, as he has made it clear he doesn't love her and will not marry her. Daoming Feng, outraged, orders him to apologize to Xiaozizi immediately, but Daoming Si refuses, asserting he did nothing wrong.

He declares his love for Shancai and vows not to marry anyone else. Daoming Feng, in turn, adamantly states that Shancai will never marry into their family, neither in this lifetime nor the next. Daoming Si challenges the purpose of corporate marriages, asking if it's fair to Xiaozizi if he's unhappy. Daoming Feng dismisses his views as youthful ignorance of life and love, insisting he must obey her because she gave birth to him.

Daoming Si retorts that while he can follow her in most things, he cannot in this, adding that he would rather not be her son or even be Daoming Si. He then walks away as his mother demands he stop. Later, Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen visit Shancai, advising her to install a more secure lock given she lives alone. Suddenly, Daoming Feng arrives unannounced, her demeanor haughty.

She directly accuses Shancai of using "despicable means" to sabotage Daoming Si's relationship with Xiaozizi. Huaze Lei attempts to intervene, suggesting a misunderstanding, but Daoming Feng silences him. She continues her tirade, declaring Shancai and Daoming Si belong to different worlds due to their contrasting backgrounds and lifestyles. She implies Shancai would be humiliated at high-society events and accuses her of clinging to Daoming Si purely for social climbing.

Daoming Feng then refers to Shancai's parents returning to the fishing village, suggesting Shancai should have taken the money offered to her previously. She further insinuates that Shancai brought Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen to her house as a tactic. Shancai, no longer able to tolerate the insults, defiantly calls Daoming Feng an "old hag." Daoming Feng is taken aback and demands Shancai repeat herself.

Shancai reiterates the insult and tells her to put a dog leash on Daoming Si and tie him to her waist if she cherishes him so much. Daoming Feng, trying to maintain her composure, states that Shancai clearly lacks proper upbringing. Shancai retorts that Daoming Feng has no right to judge her and that while Daoming Feng might see her as mere "weed," Shancai prides herself on her integrity.

She then declares her utter contempt for Daoming Feng, calling her the worst person she's ever met, someone who only cares about herself and her son, and disregards everyone else. Shancai then firmly orders Daoming Feng to leave. Daoming Feng, rendered speechless, eventually departs. Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen are amazed by Shancai's courage, applauding her for standing up to Daoming Feng, something even they wouldn't dare to do.

The F3 members then caution her about Daoming Feng's immense power as the "superwoman" of Asia's chain hotels and the "Empress of Daoming Group," capable of crushing Shancai effortlessly. Shancai becomes anxious, questioning their mixed signals of support and intimidation. They explain they are analyzing the situation to find solutions. Meizuo suggests Shancai date Daoming Si and directly tell his mother of their serious intentions. Shancai dismisses the idea, stating she has no plans to be with Daoming Si.

Ximen jokingly adds that having a child would secure her victory, but Huaze Lei sarcastically notes that Daoming Si's mother would likely throw the baby off a bridge. Shancai expresses her exasperation and wonders if she can retract her "big words," but Ximen informs her that words, once spoken, cannot be unsaid. Huaze Lei reassures her that a conflict with Daoming Feng was unavoidable, and they will stand by her.

Shancai finds herself contemplating the immense challenge of confronting Daoming Si's mother and the difficult life path intertwined with Daoming Si. At school, Shancai watches Huaze Lei play the violin. She recalls her initial admiration for him when they first met, acknowledging that he is now her most important friend. She reflects that watching him play brings a sense of calm, making her feel that no problem is insurmountable. That evening, Shancai returns to her empty home.

While eating instant noodles, she listens to a voice message from her mother, who misses her and apologizes for not being able to send money. Her father is struggling with seasickness while trying to learn fishing to help her uncle, resulting in little income. Her mother urges Shancai to be strong and take care of herself.

Shancai, tearfully, records a reply, assuring her parents she knows, misses them and her father, and tells them not to worry, as everything will get better. Late at night, Shancai's landlord, Uncle Wang, unexpectedly visits. He apologetically informs her that he needs to reclaim the house as his daughter's mother-in-law requires urgent surgery, and he needs to sell the property to cover the medical expenses.

He offers to refund Shancai's rent and provide an additional 500 yuan as compensation, pleading with her to find temporary lodging with relatives or friends. Shancai is left in a difficult position, with nowhere to go.

Late at night, Shancai packed her bags and moved out of her rented apartment. Her landlord, Uncle Wang, had to sell the house urgently because his daughter's mother-in-law needed money for surgery. He apologized profusely and offered to refund her rent plus 500 yuan in compensation. Although Shancai initially hesitated, she understood his plight and accepted. She considered telling her parents, who were in a fishing village, but decided against it, not wanting to worry them.

Her mother had recently sent a voice message, mentioning her father's severe seasickness and their financial struggles, urging Shancai to be strong and take care of herself. Shancai, now homeless, found herself on the street with nowhere to go. Meanwhile, Daoming Si's friends told him that Shancai had bravely confronted his mother, Daoming Feng, for him.

Overjoyed, Daoming Si immediately rushed to find Shancai, despite Huaze Lei and the others urging him to come up with a plan to deal with his mother first. Daoming Si insisted he had to go to her, especially since Shancai would never reveal her own grievances. He found Shancai sitting on the curb with her luggage and, mistaking her situation for an attempt to flee from him, pulled her into a tight embrace.

He expressed his happiness that she saw his mother as no obstacle and vowed to protect her, never letting her go. Shancai then clarified that she wasn't running away; her landlord had kicked her out. Learning of her predicament, Daoming Si insisted Shancai move into his mansion. Shancai was reluctant, feeling it would undermine her stance against Daoming Feng and make her appear dependent. Daoming Si, however, saw it as an opportunity to challenge his mother.

As they argued, an elderly woman with a powerful aura, Ms. Yu, emerged. She introduced herself as Daoming Feng's trusted housekeeper, left in charge to "rectify the family" while Daoming Feng was in London. Despite Daoming Si's objections, Ms. Yu declared that Shancai could stay, but only if she worked as a maid to earn her keep. Shancai, eager to maintain her dignity and not be seen as someone who "lived for free," agreed, much to Daoming Si's fury.

He stormed off, frustrated that Shancai would rather clean his house than accept his help. Ms. Yu, however, was pleased and warned Shancai to be prepared for her strictness. The next morning, Ms. Yu woke Shancai at seven and began her rigorous inspections. Despite Shancai's efforts, Ms. Yu found fault in everything, from uneven curtain pleats to visible trash bags, dismissing Shancai's complaints about making the house "lifeless." She then ordered Shancai to wake Daoming Si.

Entering his room, Shancai found him seemingly fast asleep, bare-chested. As she observed him, he suddenly grabbed her and pulled her onto the bed, revealing he had been pretending to sleep. They talked briefly about Daoming Feng and Xiaozizi, with Daoming Si expressing regret for hurting Xiaozizi but admitting he couldn't control his feelings for Shancai.

He then pressed Shancai about her previous vow to fight his mother "for us," hinting that he might not have dated Xiaozizi if he had known her true feelings. Before Shancai could fully explain, Ms. Yu entered without knocking, scolding them for their intimacy. Daoming Si tried to retort, but Ms. Yu silenced him by bringing up embarrassing childhood memories of him wetting the bed, leaving him utterly mortified. Ms. Yu then sent Shancai off to continue her duties.

Later, while eating, Daoming Si ordered Shancai to eat with him, overriding her protests about Ms. Yu's rules. He then told her to meet him on the rooftop at midnight. Shancai grew anxious, fearing what he might have planned. She considered pretending to be asleep or escaping to Xiaoyou's house for the night, but decided against it, knowing Daoming Si would likely cause a scene. Ultimately, she chose to face him.

At midnight, Daoming Si caught Shancai just as she was trying to leave her room. He took her to the rooftop, where he had an astronomical telescope set up. After some fumbling and Shancai's impatient comments, he finally found the meteors. Shancai was captivated, exclaiming how beautiful they were, like "tens of thousands of diamonds falling from the sky," and wished she could see such a sight every day.

Daoming Si then told her to close her eyes and make a wish. As she did, he slipped a sparkling necklace around her neck. Shancai protested, saying it was too precious, but Daoming Si insisted she accept it. He explained its special meaning, saying, "Because you are the person I'm willing to exchange all the meteors in the sky for." He then asked her to officially be his girlfriend.

Shancai was deeply moved by his declaration but confessed her fear that her feelings for him were only "one-tenth" of his, and she worried about not being able to love him back as deeply. Daoming Si dismissed her concerns, confidently stating he would "make up the other nine-tenths." He proposed a one-month trial period, promising to stop bothering her if she still didn't have feelings for him by then, and asked for her answer by seven the next morning.

The following morning, Shancai went to Daoming Si's room. After some hesitation, she told him she would accept the one-month trial, not as a trial for him, but for herself. She wanted to seriously pursue a relationship with him, adding that if she couldn't love him wholeheartedly, she would be the one to leave. Daoming Si was ecstatic, jumping around with joy. The new couple went to school together, much to the delight of their friends.

While chatting with Ximen and Meizuo, Daoming Si revealed he planned to stay for graduate studies to wait for Shancai so they could graduate together. Later, at the school cafeteria, Daoming Si openly displayed his affection for Shancai, making her the center of attention and leaving her feeling uncomfortable, like a "freak in a medical lab."

She confessed her discomfort to Xiaoyou, explaining that her ideal relationship involved simple activities like studying in the library, strolling, watching movies, and eating at popular restaurants—things she didn't think Daoming Si would enjoy. Xiaoyou encouraged Shancai to propose these activities to him, suggesting it would be a good test of his sincerity during their one-month trial. Xiaoyou also revealed she had a new boyfriend and proposed they all go on a double date that weekend.

That evening, Shancai found Daoming Si studying with Ximen and Meizuo and asked him to join the double date. At the restaurant, however, the date quickly soured. Xiaoyou's boyfriend immediately began to mock Daoming Si, commenting on his stiff handshake and his choice of a children's meal. Daoming Si, annoyed, quietly questioned Shancai why her friend was dating "such a weirdo."

The situation escalated when Xiaoyou's boyfriend boasted about getting two women's numbers and making plans to meet them at a bar that night, brazenly inviting Daoming Si to join. Enraged, Daoming Si punched him. The date ended in disaster, with a furious Xiaoyou declaring she would never go on a date like this again. Shancai, equally angry, called Daoming Si a "bastard" and vowed to stop talking to him. Observing the fallout, Ximen and Meizuo lamented how quickly things had turned, remarking that the couple's blissful period had lasted a mere four days.

Dong Shancai took the initiative and asked Daoming Si out on a date, much to his delight. However, her excitement waned when she revealed that it was a four-person date with her best friend, You, and You's boyfriend, Xiao Qi. Daoming Si was unimpressed and refused. Feeling rejected, Shan Cai declared she wouldn't ask him out again. Despite his initial reluctance, Daoming Si showed up at the amusement park on Sunday.

Shan Cai, who was making excuses for his absence, was amused when he awkwardly greeted Xiao Qi. During lunch, Xiao Qi made fun of Daoming Si for ordering a kid's meal and mispronounced his name, which annoyed Daoming Si, and Shan Cai defended him. While You and Xiao Qi rode the pirate ship, Shan Cai, feigning fear, convinced Daoming Si to accompany her to a haunted house.

Inside, a "ghost" startled Daoming Si, and he instinctively performed a shoulder throw, knocking the actor unconscious. Shan Cai found his reaction hilarious, while tourists gossiped that Daoming Si would go viral. Xiao Qi's behavior escalated. He boasted to Shan Cai and You about other girls he met and invited Daoming Si to a bar, suggesting they ditch Shan Cai and You. He then insulted Shan Cai by falsely claiming she enjoyed his touch.

Daoming Si lost his temper and punched Xiao Qi, telling You not to "pick up boyfriends from the trash," before leaving. You and Shan Cai were shocked. Later that night, Shan Cai confronted Daoming Si, demanding an apology for hitting Xiao Qi. Daoming Si refused, claiming Xiao Qi deserved it and that he was teaching him a lesson. He even said that it would be great if You and Xiao Qi broke up.

Furious, Shan Cai called him a "bastard" and ended their four-day relationship. The next day at school, You was worried that Xiao Qi was absent and unreachable. She told Shan Cai that she had been ignoring Xiao Qi's flaws, which led Shan Cai to encourage You to stay with Daoming Si. They then witnessed Xiao Qi flirting with another girl, mocking You for being "boring" and for not letting him kiss her.

Enraged, Shan Cai punched Xiao Qi and warned him to stay away from You. Simon found You crying and took her to his home, where he offered her lavender tea and comforted her. After learning about Xiao Qi's actions, Simon decided to help You get revenge, not with violence, but by targeting Xiao Qi's pride. You informed Simon that Xiao Qi often went to "Guinness 288" bar.

Simon then called Daoming Si to inform him of their plan, and Shan Cai was informed by You and headed to the bar as well. At the bar, Simon charmed Xiao Qi's date, convincing her to leave with him. He then introduced You as his girlfriend, which enraged Xiao Qi. Xiao Qi insulted Daoming Si and F4. Daoming Si and Shan Cai arrived to hear the insults, and Daoming Si and Simon beat Xiao Qi.

Afterward, You thanked Simon and Daoming Si. Shan Cai apologized to Daoming Si for misunderstanding him. Daoming Si then brought up the "one-month" promise, expressing his anxiety that Shan Cai hadn't given him a definite answer. Seeing Daoming Si's disappointment, Shan Cai realized her feelings and hugged him from behind, declaring, "Let's officially be in a relationship!" However, their friends reminded them of Daoming Si's mother and the potential problems ahead, given Shan Cai's past insults towards her.

Shancai embraced Daoming Si, confessing her feelings and asking him to officially be her boyfriend. His world immediately brightened, knowing his love was finally reciprocated. With their commitment established, Shancai's earlier shyness melted away, allowing her to openly embrace and give love. Meizuo orchestrated a "chance" meeting with Zhou Caina at a piano concert given by his old friend, the pianist Li Quan.

After Caina apologized for her initial skepticism about his connection to Li Quan, she asked Meizuo to take her backstage. There, Meizuo introduced Caina to Li Quan as his girlfriend, and they took a group photo. Caina, pleased to meet her idol, didn't object to the label in the moment but later clarified to Meizuo that she saw him only as a younger brother. Meizuo charmingly tried to persuade her to consider him as a boyfriend, listing his appealing qualities.

Caina playfully suggested that if they were truly destined, they would meet again by chance. Meizuo then asked her to buy him a drink as a reward for the concert access. At the bar, Caina confided that she tends to get "crazy" and forgetful when drunk, but Meizuo promised to be a responsible gentleman and escort her home safely. As they drank more, Caina became heavily intoxicated.

Unexpectedly, Terence, a man Caina had a one-night romance with during a trip, appeared. A heated argument erupted between Meizuo and Terence over who would take the drunken Caina home, resulting in her being knocked to the ground twice during their struggle. The next morning, a restless Caina woke up with unexplained bruises and no memory of the previous night. She called Meizuo to piece together the events.

He explained that she had gotten drunk and revealed details about her past with Terence. He also admitted that the fight between him and Terence over who would take her home led to her falling and getting bruised. Amused to learn she didn't even remember Terence's name, Meizuo felt pleased. Caina, relieved she hadn't done anything more foolish, asked him to remind her never to drink again. Meanwhile, Shancai continued her work at the Daoming residence.

Her kindness was on display when she offered to cover for a sick colleague, earning the silent approval of the stern head of staff, Ms. Yu. Daoming Si, now in a relationship, was noticeably happier and more agreeable. He even actively participated in a class discussion, earning praise from his professor. Later, Shancai was confronted by Xinhui and Baihe, who jealously pointed out Daoming Si’s public social media post announcing their stable relationship.

Shancai, who preferred privacy, was angered by his oversharing and confronted him. He, however, defiantly defended his joy and the positive impact their relationship had on his life, including his improved academic performance. Their playful argument ended with Daoming Si inviting her on a date. By the riverside, Shancai asked about his post-graduation plans. He initially teased her by saying he’d return to London, observing her sadness.

He then happily revealed he had applied for graduate studies to stay at the university and graduate with her. Shancai was deeply touched and overjoyed. Later, Caina found Terence waiting for her at her doorstep. To evade him, she claimed she had a date with Meizuo. Unfazed, Terence insisted on driving her. Desperate, Caina secretly called Meizuo, who was at a gathering at Daoming Si’s house, and he immediately left his friends to rescue her.

At the bar, Caina instructed Meizuo to pretend to be her boyfriend. A palpable tension arose between the two men. Meizuo, seeking to disarm Terence, ordered a potent "Red Bomb" cocktail for him. However, Terence deftly tricked Caina into drinking it. Unaware of its strength, Caina then ordered two more "Red Bombs," one for each man. To avoid the powerful drinks, they started talking again.

Terence eventually circled back to his main question: why Caina had vanished without a word after their night together. To avoid responding, Caina quickly drank her cocktail, rendering herself completely unconscious. The scene devolved into another struggle between Meizuo and Terence to take her home, with Caina once again enduring more falls and bruises.

The next day, Shancai was organizing old clothes to sell on the second-hand trading website zhuanzhuan when she received news that Daoming Si’s formidable mother, Daoming Feng, was unexpectedly returning. Panic-stricken, Shancai tried to make a quick exit but was caught by Daoming Feng's arrival, forcing her to hide under a table. Daoming Feng immediately began asserting her authority, reprimanding staff for using their phones during work hours.

Daoming Feng unexpectedly returned home, causing Shancai to quickly pack her belongings to leave the Daoming residence. However, she still ran into Daoming Feng at the entrance. Frightened, Shancai hid under a table, but her phone's ringing drew Daoming Feng's attention. Daoming Feng slowly approached Shancai, her expression growing increasingly stern. Shancai nervously stood before her as Daoming Feng questioned Ms. Yu about her presence.

Ms. Yu truthfully praised Shancai, stating that she was hardworking and diligent, never slacking off, and perfectly capable of the job. She insisted that Shancai stay. Shancai, not wanting Ms. Yu to clash with Daoming Feng on her behalf, tried to leave, but Ms. Yu stopped her. Ms. Yu fervently argued that since Shancai's arrival, Daoming Si's temper had improved, and he had become more studious.

Having raised both Daoming Zhuang and Daoming Si, Ms. Yu revealed that she had witnessed Daoming Feng destroy Daoming Zhuang's happiness once, and she vowed not to let her ruin Daoming Si's life this time. She strongly desired Shancai to remain in the household. Daoming Feng, asserting her role as the mistress of the house, attempted to dismiss Ms. Yu's pleas, declaring that she would never allow a woman of such low status to date her son.

Ms. Yu countered by invoking Daoming Si’s late grandfather's dying wish, which entrusted the care of the family to her as long as she lived. She defiantly stated that if Daoming Feng insisted on expelling Shancai, she would have to collect Ms. Yu's body first. Moved by Ms. Yu’s unwavering support, Shancai cried, admitting she had initially perceived Ms. Yu as a strict and heartless old lady but was now incredibly grateful for her kindness.

Ms. Yu then shared her life story: she was rescued by Daoming Si's grandfather at the age of nineteen, burdened by debt, and had dedicated her life to the Daoming family ever since. She recounted how Daoming Si's father, a brilliant and dedicated man, had passed away prematurely from liver cancer due to overwork when Daoming Si was in middle school. After his death, Daoming Feng took over the Daoming Group, and the once lively home grew desolate.

Daoming Si became rebellious and often came home with injuries from fights. Despite her worries, Daoming Feng was too busy with work to properly guide him. Ms. Yu gratefully noted that Shancai's presence had transformed Daoming Si, making him happier and more approachable.

Emphasizing Shancai's indispensable role, Ms. Yu vowed to protect her with her life and then unveiled an outrageous plan: a "get pregnant and then get married" scheme, or as she put it, "act first and report later, cook the rice before anyone can stop you." Shancai was utterly bewildered and tried to escape, but Ms. Yu threatened her with consequences if she left.

Meanwhile, Daoming Si, who was staying at Huaze Lei's house, called Ms. Yu, anxious about Shancai and his mother's return. Ms. Yu assured him that Shancai was safe in her room and strongly advised him not to come back, stating he would only complicate matters further. She abruptly hung up, leaving Daoming Si frustrated and restless.

His constant fidgeting prevented Huaze Lei from sleeping, and they spent a long night arguing over a comfortable sleeping position on the same bed, much to Lei's annoyance. The next morning, Shancai was still grappling with Ms. Yu's bizarre scheme. At school, she was approached by Li Zhen and Chen Qinghe, who inquired about her well-being. Chen Qinghe expressed concern that Shancai wasn't happy with Daoming Si, leading to an argument with Li Zhen.

Just then, Daoming Si arrived and intervened, pulling Shancai away. He took her to Rabbit's Nest, her favorite dessert shop, to cheer her up. Although Shancai enjoyed the cakes, she deflected Daoming Si's questions about what happened the previous night, determined not to reveal the humiliation from his mother or Ms. Yu's audacious plan, fearing it would only lead to more problems.

Daoming Si, sensing her distress, proposed moving out of his family home, believing it was the only way to truly protect her, despite the many challenges of living independently. Shancai tried to dissuade him by pointing out his inexperience with mundane tasks like managing utilities or cooking, but Daoming Si was resolute, arguing he couldn't protect her while living under his mother's roof.

To distract him from his impulsive decision to leave home and seek a real estate agent immediately, Shancai took him to a mall arcade. Daoming Si, with his childish temperament, momentarily forgot his worries, and they had a fun time playing games. Shancai noted how long Daoming Si had been repressing his emotions. Later, as they walked and talked, Shancai found herself increasingly drawn to Daoming Si, realizing her growing affection despite his feigned indifference.

Daoming Si reiterated his desire to move out to shield her from further harm. However, Shancai firmly declined, explaining that she didn't want to become overly reliant on him and was capable of standing on her own. Seeing his worried expression, Shancai impulsively pulled his tie and kissed him, a spontaneous expression of her feelings. Daoming Si was utterly stunned, remaining speechless for a long moment, replaying the kiss in his mind even after they returned to school.

Back at school, Daoming Si wore an uncontrollable, dreamy smile, much like Meizuo, who was also smitten after falling for Zhou Caina. Ximen and Huaze Lei exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why their friends had suddenly become so "foolish." Daoming Si, with newfound seriousness, advised them to stop fooling around and find serious love, declaring that day the happiest of his life. Unbeknownst to them, Daoming Feng had already begun to move against Shancai by targeting those around her.

Daoming Zhuang warned Daoming Si that their mother would attack his friends to weaken his resolve. Her warning proved true when Shancai's friend, Chen Qinghe, suddenly faced legal issues with his father's company due to a contract flaw. In a confrontation with her son, Daoming Feng reaffirmed her refusal to allow Shancai to marry into the family, either in this lifetime or the next, before giving instructions for guests to be welcomed, signaling further plans were in motion. Shancai, who had just found the courage to embrace her relationship with Daoming Si, felt as though she was now being pushed down a contradictory path.

Meizuo, inspired by Daoming Si's recent happiness, tells the rest of F4 that he is serious about pursuing a relationship with Zhou Caina, the champion of the school cooking competition. He identifies Terence as his main rival, describing him as an "obstacle" and representing "the past tense of a bad ending" for Caina. Meizuo explains his plan to subtly deal with Terence and make him back off without upsetting Caina.

When Xi Men suggests simply beating Terence up, Meizuo rejects violence. Huaze Lei then proposes a strategy: praise Terence in front of Caina, an approach he calls "the highest strategy in adult love philosophy," to show Meizuo as generous and polite. Later, Meizuo calls Caina to invite her to a violin concert, but she declines, explaining over the phone that her house is leaking. Moments later, Terence calls Caina.

Mistaking him for Meizuo, she mentions the leak, prompting Terence to immediately rush to her home to help. After fixing a few pipes, Uncle Lu asks Terence to check Caina's bedroom ceiling for leaks. Caina nervously tries to stop him and rushes upstairs to hide a memento. Terence goes into her room, spots a special coconut, but pretends not to notice it.

Caina, believing he has forgotten their past, asks him if he saw anything, and upon his denial, tells him he can leave. As Terence is leaving, Meizuo arrives. Caina introduces Meizuo as her boyfriend, causing Meizuo to beam with happiness. However, Meizuo quickly becomes openly hostile towards Terence, sarcastically thanking "the plumber" and suggesting he shouldn't "ask for favors in the future," which makes Terence leave. Afterward, Caina is visibly upset.

Meizuo presses her about Terence's true intentions, saying, "Only men can see through men. . . He has different intentions for you." Caina insists Terence has no such intentions. Meizuo then asks if her earlier declaration of him being her boyfriend was serious. When Caina tries to explain it away, Meizuo interrupts her, declaring he believes her regardless and is confident he will make her fall in love with him, promising to always bring a smile to her face.

The morning after sharing her first kiss with Daoming Si, Shancai is seen talking to herself, feeling awkward about her impulsive act and trying to dismiss it as a mere "greeting." Huaze Lei appears, having overheard her, and playfully teases her about the kiss, even asking for one himself. Shancai refuses, making Lei comment that her "Mid-Autumn Festival gift" is not for everyone. His demeanor then turns serious as he warns Shancai about Daoming Feng.

He reveals that Daoming Feng has likely already begun to target her friends, explaining that as a powerful figure "at the top of the business food chain," she can achieve in fifteen minutes what takes others years. He elaborates that Daoming Feng, knowing Daoming Si's rebellious nature, will attack Shancai's most cherished friends to control her, especially since Shancai's own family now has "nothing to attack."

Lei stresses that choosing to be with Daoming Si means Shancai "must learn to let go, even if it's something very important to you," noting that Xiaoyou's and Qinghe's parents' business ties with the Daoming Group make them vulnerable. Shancai, horrified, asks why her friends are being dragged into this. She rushes to find Qinghe, learning from someone that he left due to a "family emergency."

She then receives a distressing call from Xiaoyou, who tells her, "I may never see you again." Immediately after, Shancai finds Qinghe, who explains that his father is being sued due to "loopholes in the contract" and has to hurry home. Shancai tearfully apologizes, recognizing her indirect role in their misfortunes. She then rushes to Xiaoyou's house, where Xiaoyou tearfully reveals that her father has been "transferred to Qinghai."

Shancai tells Xiaoyou's family not to pack and promises that she will make sure Xiaoyou's father "will definitely stay." Shancai acknowledges to herself that Daoming Feng's "danger has already permeated every corner of my life" and that she is being forced to move in the opposite direction of her blossoming relationship with Daoming Si. Determined, Shancai rushes to the Daoming residence.

Daoming Feng, who was just informed that her instructions regarding Shancai's friends had been successfully carried out, calmly offers Shancai tea. Shancai refuses, stating she will leave after saying what she needs to say. She immediately declares that she will agree to any terms Daoming Feng sets, on the condition that she "immediately stop messing with my friends' lives." With a slight smile, Daoming Feng makes a phone call to her lawyer, canceling all her previous orders.

She then asks Shancai what her conditions are. Shancai responds that she "will leave immediately and have nothing to do with Daoming Si," asking if Daoming Feng is "satisfied." As Daoming Feng prompts her to leave, Shancai, no longer intimidated, unleashes a torrent of anger.

She calls Daoming Feng a successful and rich person but condemns her for using "power as a shield, exploiting others as tools to achieve your goals, trampling on those precious things," declaring her "even worse than a criminal in prison." Daoming Feng dismisses Shancai as a "kid" wasting her time, boasting she could make more money in their brief conversation than Shancai's family could in "three generations."

Shancai retaliates, asserting that "no matter how delicate the makeup is, it can't cover up your ugly face." She warns Daoming Feng that "no matter how you hurt me, I will always get back up. But if you dare to hurt my friends again, I won't be nice to you," before turning to leave. Ms. Yu, noticing Shancai's hurried departure and Daoming Feng's unexpected trip to London, senses that something is amiss.

She finds a letter from Shancai, in which Shancai falsely claims she is returning to her parents in the countryside and must leave immediately. Shancai expresses her feigned excitement to reunite with her family and thanks Ms. Yu for treating her "like my own grandma," apologizing for being "selfish." As heavy rain pours down, Daoming Si returns home and finds Shancai drenched outside. He tenderly tries to pull her inside, but Shancai pulls away.

She tells him, "I can't be with you anymore," and that she will move out of his house that night. Daoming Si is bewildered, reminding her of their recent intimate conversation about an "equal relationship" and asking if she has "forgotten all of this." Shancai assures him she hasn't forgotten and that her feelings were sincere, including her desire for a "peaceful relationship."

She then tearfully reveals the truth: "Your mother said if I continue to date you, she'll make Qinghe and Xiaoyou's dads lose their jobs." When Daoming Si immediately moves to confront his mother, Shancai stops him, declaring, "I've made up my mind. I won't be involved with the Daoming family anymore. I've decided to cut all ties with you."

She confesses that she once "naively thought I could let go of everything and just be with you," but realized she couldn't. Daoming Si presses her, asking if she ever truly saw him "as an ordinary man" and loved him. Shancai, in a moment of internal conflict, recalls various sweet memories where he protected her and was "a domineering, naive, kind and gentle man."

However, to make him let go, she heartbreakingly lies, saying, "If I really liked you, I wouldn't have left you." She then turns and runs into the rain, forcing herself "not to stop or look back," knowing that any hesitation would lead her back into his arms and undo all her sacrifices. She feels "almost numb," experiencing nothing "except for the pain of my heart being torn." Daoming Si is left standing frozen in the rain, devastated.

That same stormy night, Caina's old house experiences more pipe issues, causing a water cut-off. Uncle Lu informs her that Terence is outside in the heavy rain, attempting to fix the problem. Caina rushes out, finding Terence completely drenched. She urges him to come inside, and once he agrees, she makes him some ginger tea, which he praises, accurately guessing the unique ingredients, including sesame. Terence mentions his heart feels "warmed."

Caina tries to clarify her actions, stating she is merely showing "compassion" because he helped her and got soaked in the process. As Terence leans in, trying to confess something, Meizuo calls Caina. Startled, Caina accidentally drops the teacup, spilling hot ginger tea all over Terence. She profusely apologizes and suggests he "take a shower." Meizuo, still on the phone, overhears the commotion and asks if someone else is there.

Caina truthfully tells him it's Terence, leading Meizuo to immediately assume Terence is "taking a shower" at her house. Caina frantically tries to deny this, becoming flustered and unable to explain, eventually hanging up on Meizuo. Terence then bids Caina good night and leaves. The next day at school, Daoming Si has completely reverted to his former arrogant and sullen self, ignoring everyone.

Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Xi Men confront him about Shancai's disappearance, asking why she's gone and if he made her angry. Huaze Lei suggests that Shancai "sacrificed herself in front of your mother" to protect their friends. Qinghe and Xiaoyou, now aware of their families' recent troubles, also confront Daoming Si, directly asking if his mother was behind their misfortunes and why he allowed her to hurt them and Shancai.

Daoming Si, with a dark expression, repeatedly snaps at them to "shut up!" Huaze Lei observes Daoming Si's cold stare, noting that "the old Si is back." Meanwhile, Qinghe and Xiaoyou later piece together the timeline, realizing that their family problems were resolved immediately after Shancai's disappearance. They confirm their suspicion that Daoming Feng did it and used them to pressure Shancai.

They feel guilt and concern, lamenting that Shancai "didn't say a word" about her sacrifice, always "carrying so much burden but never complaining." They are furious at Daoming Si for his apparent indifference, with Qinghe calling him a "jerk" and asserting that he himself is "the one who likes her the most in the world." They express deep worry about Shancai's whereabouts and well-being, hoping she contacts them soon.

Shancai, overwhelmed by recent events, tearfully departed Mingde University for a quiet fishing village. Her friends, Li Zhen and Qinghe, realized she had left due to the pressure exerted by Daoming Si's mother, who had targeted their families. Li Zhen recounted how her father's lawsuit was mysteriously dropped and Qinghe's father's transfer to Qinghai was canceled after Shancai disappeared, concluding that Daoming Si's mother was using them to manipulate Shancai.

Qinghe was furious at Daoming Si's indifference, noting that he neither sought Shancai nor allowed them to. He questioned whether he was more suitable for Shancai than Daoming Si, to which Li Zhen confirmed his genuine affection for her. The friends worried about Shancai's well-being, speculating on her current circumstances. Meanwhile, Shancai found herself thinking of Daoming Si's harsh words and wrote "I'm sorry" on the floor.

Her mother discovered the meteor necklace from Daoming Si while packing and questioned her. Shancai admitted they had broken up, claiming it was her decision and an inevitable outcome, and that she was there for a school field investigation. Her mother expressed sadness, having grown fond of Daoming Si. Simultaneously, Zhou Caina faced pressure from her father to return to California to work for their family company or marry.

She expressed her desire to remain in Shanghai, suggesting she could arrange for a top designer to renovate their nearly century-old villa, despite her father's skepticism. Caina then sought out the renowned architect, Mr. Ye Mingchuan, at his design institute. Initially, his assistant, Ding Qi, rudely dismissed Caina, mistaking her for a typical client. To Caina's astonishment, Terence, whom she previously knew as a simple repairman, arrived and was revealed to be Mr. Ye Mingchuan himself.

While Mr. Ye took a call, Ding Qi reiterated that he would not undertake ordinary residential projects. As a disheartened Caina prepared to leave, Ye Mingchuan stopped her and, upon hearing her desire for a master to achieve the seemingly impossible, agreed to take on the renovation. He did so on the strict condition that he would have complete control over the design, construction, and budget.

Impressed by his extensive accolades, including a PhD from UPC and multiple international architecture awards, Caina readily accepted, relieved she could now remain in Shanghai and feeling embarrassed by her initial impression of him. Meizuo, determined to pursue Caina, informed Huaze Lei that he was adopting a more strategic and gentle approach. However, he declared he would escalate his efforts now that Ye Mingchuan was actively involved.

Meizuo then invited Caina to a romantic dinner, where she openly shared her life story, including her childhood struggles with spring allergies. Meizuo captivated her with charming compliments, weaving a poetic narrative around her experiences. Later, he surprised her with a grand gesture: a building-sized light projection professing his love. As Meizuo drove Caina home, she mentioned that Ye Mingchuan was the designer for her old house. Upon arriving, they found him already there.

Meizuo, now aware of Terence's true identity, engaged him in a playful yet territorial verbal exchange, hinting at Ye Mingchuan's past romantic escapades while emphasizing the unique nature of his own feelings for Caina. Ye Mingchuan responded with veiled references to F4's reputation before shifting the conversation to discuss the design proposals with Caina. Since Shancai's departure, Daoming Si had retreated into a brooding silence, ignoring calls and messages.

His temper grew more volatile and cruel, highlighted by an incident at school where he smashed a cake into the face of a girl attempting to confess her feelings to him. Concerned by his withdrawn and aggressive behavior, Ximen and Meizuo worried about the future of F4. They, along with Qinghe, Li Zhen, and Daoming Si's ex-fiancée Xiaozizi, decided to gather and try to cheer him up.

Xiaozizi attempted to lighten the mood by recounting her shared history with F4, but their efforts were futile. Despite an agreement not to mention Shancai, Daoming Si remained sullen, eventually dismissing their attempts at friendship as "boring" and "disgusting." Ximen followed him outside, angrily confronting Daoming Si for taking out his frustrations on his friends and blaming his volatile temper for Shancai's departure. Enraged, Daoming Si punched Ximen, initiating a physical altercation.

Yu Sao later expressed her worry to the friends, urging them to continue reaching out to Daoming Si. Eventually, Ximen informed Daoming Si that Shancai was in a fishing village near Shanghai. However, Daoming Si adamantly refused to go after her, claiming she was the one who left him and he saw no reason to pursue her.

The episode begins with the aftermath of Daoming Si and Ximen's fight. Daoming Si, enraged, storms out, leaving Ximen fuming and declaring he's done with Daoming Si forever. Meizuo, witnessing Ximen's childish outburst, tries to mediate by jokingly suggesting F4 should disband. Ximen, despite his anger, hesitates, revealing how much he cherishes their friendship. Meanwhile, Daoming Si, walking alone, also reflects on his own impulsive actions. Earlier, Xiaozizi had arrived at their gathering, much to Ximen's annoyance.

Xiaozizi reminded everyone of her significant past with F4, including her engagement to Daoming Si and her friendship with Shancai. Meizuo had tried to steer the conversation, emphasizing their goal was to cheer up Daoming Si and avoid mentioning Shancai. However, when Daoming Si finally arrived, he remained sullen, calling their efforts to lighten his mood "boring" and their display of friendship "disgusting," which ultimately provoked Ximen into confronting him.

Zhou Caina, seeking to renovate her old villa, visited the design institute. She was there to sign a contract and discuss initial design concepts with the renowned architect Ye Mingchuan, also known as Terence. Ye Mingchuan, who typically specialized in grand architectural projects and not residential interiors, had made a rare exception for Caina.

He expressed his wish for her to stop avoiding him, a sentiment Caina understood, admitting she felt unable to address his unspoken questions from "that night" and preferred to avoid thinking about them. Ye Mingchuan kindly suggested they start anew, treating him simply as her decorator and a new friend, promising not to bring up their past.

As he offered to drive her home, Meizuo called, and upon learning Caina was with Ye Mingchuan, he hung up in a fit of jealousy. Meizuo then vented his frustrations to Ximen and Huaze Lei, convinced that Ye Mingchuan was actively pursuing Caina. Huaze Lei, however, was preoccupied with his own concerns, constantly messaging Shancai, who remained out of reach. Unbeknownst to them, Shancai was living a tranquil life in a remote fishing village with her parents.

Her father was still struggling with seasickness, but the family found joy in their simple existence, even inventing a delicious "Eight Treasure Roasted Squid" with a secret sauce. Their new dish proved incredibly popular, attracting long queues and even prompting their landlord to propose a franchise. Shancai's mother was initially reluctant to share the secret sauce, but Shancai cleverly suggested developing multiple flavors, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership with the landlord. Back in Shanghai, Meizuo continued to fret over Caina.

He confessed to Ximen and Huaze Lei that Caina was drawn to his youthful energy and often expressed a desire to revisit her own youth. This sparked an idea in Huaze Lei: for F4 to join Caina in reliving their younger days. Huaze Lei then visited Daoming Si, who had become withdrawn and moody since Shancai's departure. Ms. Yu, Daoming Si's housekeeper, warmly welcomed Huaze Lei and implored him to cheer up Daoming Si.

Finding him in his room, Daoming Si remained indifferent, but Huaze Lei reminded him of F4's pact of unwavering companionship, emphasizing that sometimes they must act for the sake of those they care about. Despite Daoming Si's "boring" dismissal, he eventually agreed. The F4 boys, dressed in high school uniforms, then went to Caina's house and convinced her to join them for a spring outing. As they enjoyed the sunshine, flying kites and reminiscing, Daoming Si remained somewhat detached.

Zhou Caina approached him, recalling his past encouragement for Shancai during a cooking competition. Learning of Daoming Si's breakup with Shancai, Caina gently advised him to give Shancai ample space to process her feelings, suggesting that girls often need significant time to think. Daoming Si then candidly asked Caina if she liked Meizuo, to which she replied that she, too, needed time to reflect. Meizuo was elated after the outing, convinced he and Caina had grown closer.

He excitedly recounted Caina's compliments to Ximen and Huaze Lei, who, though annoyed by his constant boasting, eventually humored him. Meizuo then received a call from Caina, who arranged a concert date for the weekend, fueling his preparations for a "perfect date."

Simultaneously, Caina was at Ye Mingchuan's office to discuss her house design when she learned he was preparing to leave the country indefinitely to join a team building earthquake-resistant houses globally, a project led by the esteemed seismologist Mr. Brown from Cambridge. Caina initially feigned indifference, but her distress was evident. Ye Mingchuan, sensing her true feelings, pressed her about a coconut she kept at home, revealing he had seen it.

He then confessed that his encounter with her had transformed him; he no longer wished to wander alone but dreamt of traveling the world with her. He asked her to join him, granting her a few days to consider his heartfelt proposal. Back home, her butler, Mr. Lv, accidentally retrieved the coconut from under her bed.

As Caina held it, she recalled their first meeting during a rain shower, and how Ye Mingchuan had carved a smiley face on it to cheer her up. This poignant memory solidified her decision. She then messaged Meizuo, arranging to meet him at the old bar, intending to share something significant. However, Caina's joy turned to heartbreak as she arrived at Ye Mingchuan's office, only to witness him embracing Ding Qi and crying.

Feeling utterly betrayed, Caina believed Ye Mingchuan was merely a philanderer. She slapped him fiercely, refusing to listen to his attempts at explanation, and declared she never wanted to see him again. Distraught, Caina met Meizuo at the old bar that night. She praised him as a "good man," yet her bittersweet words hinted at her pain over Ye Mingchuan. She quickly drank herself into a stupor, desperately seeking oblivion.

Meizuo, concerned, took her home, where she continued to sob uncontrollably by the roadside. Once home, Caina, still intoxicated, spotted the symbolic coconut and, in a fit of rage, demanded Mr. Lv throw it away. Meizuo, observing her distraught state, gently questioned why she wanted to discard it. Caina tearfully revealed the coconut bore Ye Mingchuan's carved smiley face, and she no longer wished to be reminded of that "annoying person."

The following morning, Caina awoke, hazy from the previous night, to find Meizuo still there, having stayed to care for her. Mr. Lv recounted Caina's drunken outbursts, including her insistence on throwing away the coconut. Upon hearing that it had been tossed into the outdoor trash, Caina panicked and frantically rushed outside to retrieve it.

Witnessing her desperate search, Meizuo watched silently, a somber realization dawning on him about the deep and enduring feelings Caina still harbored for Ye Mingchuan, a bond she couldn't easily sever.

Cai Na woke up that morning and asked Meizuo if he had returned home the previous night. Her maid informed her that she had been very drunk, and Meizuo had taken care of her all night. The maid added that Cai Na had been rambling, insisting on throwing out the coconut and claiming she wasn't drunk. Alarmed, Cai Na pressed the maid about where the coconut was, and the maid confirmed it had been tossed into the outdoor trash.

Cai Na rushed out and found the coconut she had kept, holding it like a treasure. Later, she explained her frustration to Meizuo, stating she didn't want to see the coconut because it had Ye Mingchuan's smiling face carved on it, and she wished to never see that annoying person again. Meizuo remained silent, realizing that in Cai Na's heart, he could never compare to Ye Mingchuan.

Shancai's grilled squid stall quickly became famous, even attracting a food blogger, Miss Fang, who highlighted "Dong's Squid King" on a live broadcast. Huaze Lei stumbled upon this video online, seeing Shancai in a cute hat, grilling squid with flair, which had turned Fisherman's Street into a popular spot. Concerned, he immediately called Daoming Si, informing him that Shancai was in a fishing village near Shanghai, working hard, sweating and choking on smoke, yet still full of creativity.

Huaze Lei urged Daoming Si to bring her back. However, Daoming Si refused, stating that Shancai had left him, and they no longer had a relationship. He believed that as her friend, Huaze Lei should go alone, declaring he had no reason to intervene and Huaze Lei did not need his permission. Daoming Si, despite his words, couldn't stop watching Shancai's videos online, his longing for her growing immensely.

On the weekend, Meizuo kept his promise and accompanied Cai Na to a piano concert. The melancholic music moved Cai Na deeply, and she leaned on Meizuo, crying. Meizuo, too, shed tears, recognizing they were for himself. After the performance, Cai Na, with smudged makeup and swollen eyes, found Meizuo’s comment that she looked "especially cute" today to be teasing, but he insisted he was serious.

She then asked why he was so kind to her, to which he replied, "Because you deserve it." Meizuo proposed taking her to a jazz concert next time, asking for her favorite song. Cai Na mentioned "Casablanca," recalling the story of Rick sending his beloved and his rival away, a poignant foreshadowing of Meizuo’s own upcoming sacrifice.

A few days later, Meizuo went to the design institute, identifying himself as Cai Na's boyfriend and insisting on meeting Ye Mingchuan to "end the rivalry" between them. He warned he would wait until closing time if necessary. Upon meeting, Meizuo confronted Ye Mingchuan, asking what he had done to Cai Na to make her so unhappy. Ye Mingchuan dismissively told Meizuo to ask Cai Na herself.

Meizuo retorted that he cared deeply about Cai Na's feelings and always strove to make her happy, making her laugh every day and giving her thoughtful gifts. He accused Ye Mingchuan of "playing with her feelings, then leaving her irresponsibly," causing her continuous sadness. This struck a nerve with Ye Mingchuan, who conceded that he always saw "unease in her eyes."

He then explained the misunderstanding: Cai Na had previously accused him of having an affair after seeing him with his assistant, Ding Qi. He admitted that despite his efforts, he couldn't make her happy, only sad. He then decided to accept a job abroad and leave in a few days, reasoning that if Cai Na believed him to be a playboy, she could "get over it quickly and find happiness again."

He asked Meizuo to deliver a special design to Cai Na, expressing hope that Meizuo could make her happy. Huaze Lei traveled to the fishing village to find Shancai, who was serving customers from her popular stall, selling "Eight Treasure Squid King." Her parents warmly welcomed Huaze Lei, inviting him to stay for a meal. During dinner, Huaze Lei gently inquired about Shancai's return to school, mentioning her seafood survey homework, implying she could return once it was complete.

Shancai's parents, proud of her academic record, agreed. Later, talking by the sea, Shancai asked how Huaze Lei found her, to which he replied he saw her in a popular online video. She then subtly asked about Daoming Si. Huaze Lei encouraged her to return to school to see him. Shancai admitted that she couldn't tell Daoming Si the real reason for their breakup, explaining, "It's because I like him that I can't tell him."

She promised Huaze Lei she would return to school as soon as possible. The next day, Shancai packed up to leave with Huaze Lei. While searching for an apartment on "Pig Short Rent," Huaze Lei surprised her, revealing he and their friends had already found a place. They took her to her original apartment, which had been beautifully redecorated by her friends: Qinghe, Xiaoyou, Li Zhen, Ximen, and Xiaozi.

Qinghe proudly showed her the new sofa he bought, Xiaoyou the stool she acquired, and Li Zhen a knife from her home. He also highlighted a beautiful table he found on "Zhuanzhuan Second-hand Trading Website" at a significant discount, explaining he was careful about price and quality. More furniture was on its way, delivered by a "Zhuanzhuan bear" mascot, who even gave Shancai a plush toy, calling her "so cute."

Shancai was touched by their efforts, particularly Qinghe's gesture of giving her a pillow, telling her it was like hugging him. Xiaozi remarked on Shancai’s good fortune in having so many caring friends. The friends then toasted to her return. Shancai, overwhelmed by their friendship, posted a photo online, thanking Huaze Lei for bringing her back to Shanghai and helping her rent her "little house," and thanking her friends for the wonderful surprise. She declared, "I'm back!"

Daoming Si saw her post, experiencing a complex mix of happiness and pain. Cai Na, still troubled by the misunderstanding, met Meizuo at a bar. She felt foolish for believing in Ye Mingchuan, recalling his past declaration about not settling down and her seeing him with his assistant. She mused about discarding the coconut, admitting she was "crazy."

Meizuo ordered two special drinks from Wei Xun, the bartender, called "Goodbye, old place," specifying they should embody all "sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy" flavors. He announced that this would be their last time at the bar and that he intended to formally "start her happiness." Cai Na found the drink awful, to which Meizuo replied that sometimes not knowing the outcome beforehand provides the courage to begin.

Meizuo noted it was the first time she hadn't gotten drunk after one drink, asserting he needed to face her clearly as they would no longer frequent their "old place." Leaving the bar, Meizuo led Cai Na to her backyard, promising her a gift. Cai Na hesitated, expressing fear of hurting him because she didn't love him enough, despite being touched by his care. Meizuo reassured her, promising to ensure her happiness every day. He then unveiled a stunning treehouse.

Meizuo explained that it was Ye Mingchuan's gift, designed specifically for her birthday. He clarified that Ye Mingchuan knew she desired a dream, not just a house, and had been working with Ding Qi to create this surprise. He emphasized that Cai Na had always held the most important place in Ye Mingchuan's heart. Cai Na broke down, calling herself "a fool who doesn't understand love" and admitting to her insecurities.

Meizuo urged her to "honestly face her heart," asserting that she had "always loved Ye Mingchuan." Cai Na acknowledged her lack of confidence and security. She then asked Meizuo why he was telling her this, especially since he disliked Ye Mingchuan. Meizuo confessed that while he disliked Ye Mingchuan, he "liked her." He explained that he once believed love was about making someone laugh, but through her, he learned that true love makes one cry unconsciously.

He assured her not to worry about his feelings, stating that young people "say love and love, say let go and let go." He then pressed her to chase after Ye Mingchuan, warning that his flight would soon depart, and she might never see her "Coconut Uncle" again. Cai Na tearfully thanked Meizuo and ran off.

She rushed to the design institute, only to be told by an employee that the boss, Ye Mingchuan, had already left for a job in America. The treehouse, a long-held dream of Cai Na's, stood as a testament to Ye Mingchuan's love, having been prepared by him for a long time, meticulously designed with two egg-shaped rooms, a living room, a bedroom, and a large floor-to-ceiling window, just as she had once described her ideal fairytale home.

After seeing Caina off, Meizuo, heartbroken, reflects on his unrequited love. He recalls Caina’s dream of a treehouse; she disliked "cage-like rooms" and had always wanted one. He had meticulously designed an elaborate, two-part, egg-shaped treehouse with connected living and bedrooms, even showing the detailed plans. Despite his efforts, he ultimately decided he couldn't be the one to give it to her, hoping it would still bring her happiness.

Caina rushes to the airport, distraught, only to learn that Ye Mingchuan has already accepted a new job and left for the United States. She cries, believing she has missed him, but then turns to find Ye Mingchuan standing behind her, smiling. She playfully chides him for leaving her, lamenting that their house renovation isn't even complete. Ye Mingchuan calmly presents an airline ticket, explaining he was waiting for her, hoping she would join him.

He admits he didn't know for sure that she would appear, just as he once thought his initial feelings for her had vanished. He asserts he was doing everything he could and the rest was "just waiting." Caina asks when he would stop waiting, and he replies, "Until you feel happy being with me." Convinced, they embrace and kiss. For seven days after Caina and Ye Mingchuan get together, Meizuo remains consumed by his heartbreak.

When Ximen tries to cheer him up by explaining the psychological stages of a breakup, Meizuo retorts that he is more shocked, conflicted, and angry than ever, questioning why he should accept the situation. He accuses Ximen of lacking sympathy. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei is also in a somber mood, still worried about Daoming Si and Shancai. He feels Daoming Si should be asking about Shancai, not the other way around.

Daoming Si enters the classroom with his usual stone-cold expression, showing a much stronger reaction to his breakup than Meizuo. Elsewhere, Shancai struggles with her feelings. She finds herself constantly avoiding Daoming Si at school, admitting to Li Zhen that she isn't ready to face him. Li Zhen advises her that if she truly wants to cut ties, she should do so directly instead of hiding, which only makes things more complicated.

Shancai, who has been back for two weeks and caught up on her studies, declares that she has "nothing to do with him" anymore. She recalls telling Xiaoyou about a past conversation where she had to tell Daoming Si she couldn't continue their relationship because his mother had threatened Qinghe and Xiaoyou's fathers' jobs. She had decided then to sever all ties with the Daoming family, a decision Daoming Si couldn't accept.

Back in the present, Shancai claims to be fine, eating well and sleeping soundly, but Xiaoyou sees her distraction and urges her not to give up on Daoming Si. Shancai insists it isn't that simple, admitting she feels "tired" of the constant turmoil in their relationship.

She resolves to return to her original feelings of dislike for Daoming Si, convincing herself that she "didn't like him at all" when they first met, and that everything should go "back to the beginning," as if nothing had ever happened. Huaze Lei decides he cannot stand by and watch. He confronts Daoming Si on the rooftop, demanding to know his true feelings for Shancai and if he still wants to be with her.

Daoming Si vehemently insists they have "no relationship" and he will no longer care about her. Lei reminds him of his promise not to interfere unless Daoming Si and Shancai were truly over. Lei then formally declares his intention to pursue Shancai, demanding Daoming Si's blessing, just as he had blessed Daoming Si in the past. Daoming Si, visibly annoyed, dismisses it as a threat or a challenge, saying Lei doesn't need to inform him of his actions.

Lei, however, stresses the importance of their F4 friendship and reiterates his request for a blessing, even offering to settle it with a fight. Daoming Si remains dismissive, telling Lei to "do whatever you want" and that there is no need to tell him anything. As Daoming Si walks away, Lei calls out, "Leave Shancai to me." The next day, Daoming Si abruptly confronts Shancai by the campus lake.

He accuses her of making being with him painful, of disappearing to the fishing village to sell squid without a word, and of constantly making excuses instead of being honest about her feelings. Shancai tries to defend herself, saying she enjoyed the simple life in the fishing village and had only left because Qinghe and Xiaoyou were in trouble. Daoming Si, however, refuses to listen, calling her reasons "excuses" and expressing how "stupid" he felt for tolerating her evasiveness.

As Shancai starts to cry and tries to express her true feelings, Daoming Si coldly cuts her off, telling her not to cry because he will "not do anything for you anymore." He declares that they should be "strangers" and that she no longer needs to hide from him at school. He formally breaks up with her. As Daoming Si turns to leave, Shancai calls his name and hands him the meteor necklace he had given her.

After a moment, Daoming Si angrily throws the precious necklace into the lake and walks away. Overwhelmed, Shancai immediately jumps into the cold water, desperately searching for it. Internally, she cries out, "Daoming Si, I like you!" She realizes she had almost confessed her love earlier, almost sacrificing her friends' families and her own pride. Huaze Lei arrives and, seeing her distress, helps her find the necklace.

Holding it, Shancai weeps, understanding the profound pain of loving someone, a pain that is almost unbearable. Huaze Lei comforts her with a warm embrace. Later, Daoming Si drowns his sorrows with Ximen and Meizuo, feigning happiness and loudly "celebrating" Huaze Lei and Shancai's new relationship. He claims to be sober and clearer than ever, but his friends know he is merely trying to escape his pain.

Ximen and Meizuo warn him that if he truly gives up Shancai now, especially to Lei, he might lose both love and friendship. Daoming Si maintains his indifference. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei takes Shancai to the rooftop, believing she needs to release her suppressed emotions to face reality and make clear choices. Though Shancai initially resists, calling herself "Weed Shancai," Lei encourages her to vent her sadness, grievances, and pain into the open sky. She eventually does, shouting out her frustrations.

Lei then comforts her, telling her to relax, rest, and "just be yourself," promising to always be by her side. Back at school, Ximen and Meizuo confront Huaze Lei. Ximen questions why Lei, who usually avoids trouble, has gotten involved, accusing him of using Shancai as a substitute for Tengtang Jing. Meizuo initially defends Lei, but Ximen presses the point.

Lei refutes the accusation, asserting that Shancai is not a substitute and no one can be replaced, as they are "two complete individuals." He then tells Ximen and Meizuo to stop arguing with him and instead remind Daoming Si not to "avoid reality and himself." That evening, Ms. Yu, missing Shancai's help and company, calls her and playfully scolds her for not visiting since returning from the fishing village. She demands Shancai meet her for dinner at Suzhehui Restaurant.

During their meal, Ms. Yu teases Shancai but eventually asks about her relationship with Daoming Si. Shancai tearfully confesses that they have "officially broken up" and have "no relationship" anymore. Ms. Yu is surprised, asking if Shancai has given up. Shancai explains that she cannot win against Daoming Si's mother, feeling "powerless," and believes she wouldn't bring Daoming Si happiness. Rationally, she feels she should stay away from him.

Ms. Yu initially calls her "a loser" and "irresponsible" but quickly changes her tone, acknowledging the immense difficulty of Shancai's choices. She praises Shancai for her maturity in prioritizing others' happiness and tells her she has done her best. Ms. Yu comforts Shancai, urging her not to be disappointed or blame herself, reminding her, "You owe no one an apology." After dinner, as Ms. Yu is leaving in a taxi, Shancai unexpectedly chases after it, stopping the car.

She wants to tell Ms. Yu her true feelings, hoping at least one person can understand her heart. Shancai confesses that she "really, really likes Daoming Si" and will "never forget everything he did for me." However, she explains that she cannot allow her "selfish love" to "hurt everyone around me." She concludes that she cannot continue the cycle of breaking up and getting back together and has decided to "end all this." Left alone, Shancai silently wishes Daoming Si well, acknowledging their different worlds, and resolving to return to being friends with a normal heart.

After a night of emotional turmoil, Shancai resolved to end her tumultuous on-again, off-again relationship with Daoming Si to avoid further hurting those around them. She confided her painful decision to Mrs. Yu, expressing her deep affection for Daoming Si and acknowledging all he had done for her, but ultimately deciding to let go and treat him as just a friend. The next day, at school, Shancai encountered F4 and greeted them with forced cheerfulness.

Ximen and Meizuo noticed her strained smile and abnormal behavior, concluding she was pretending to be fine. Daoming Si, watching her walk away, silently mused that if Shancai had shown even a hint of love or reluctance to leave him, he would have fought for her against his mother or eloped, but since she never did, he felt he had to let the relationship go. Later, Xiaozizi, carrying a gift for Shancai, asked Meizuo and Ximen about her.

They informed Xiaozizi that Shancai had been spending a lot of time with Huaze Lei, and Daoming Si had declared his relationship with Shancai was over, stating that everything about her no longer concerned him. Ximen added that Huaze Lei intended to "start over" with Shancai. Xiaozizi was surprised and felt a hint of delight, spitefully remarking that Daoming Si deserved his heartbreak. She then found Daoming Si and followed him around, trying to engage him despite his sullen mood.

When she accidentally tripped and fell, Daoming Si, to her surprise, helped her up. She recalled how he had left her with bare feet the first time they met, recognizing Shancai’s positive influence on him. Xiaozizi suggested that Shancai might have had "her reasons" for her actions, which provoked Daoming Si's anger. He lashed out, frustrated with the common "excuse" that allowed people to justify their indecision. Xiaozizi then embraced him, reminding him that she was there for him.

When he didn't respond, she quickly played it off as a joke and limped away, feeling remorseful toward Shancai for her selfish actions but unable to suppress her feelings for Daoming Si. She inwardly apologized to Shancai, admitting she couldn't bear to see Daoming Si in such pain. As F4 prepared for graduation, Xiaozizi approached Huaze Lei.

She directly asked if he truly loved Shancai and then revealed her plan: if he genuinely liked Shancai, she wanted him to help Daoming Si give up on her, hoping this would create an opportunity for Daoming Si to accept Xiaozizi. Huaze Lei was cautious, initially refusing and saying that if Daoming Si gave up, a part of F4 would die. However, Xiaozizi's tearful pleas about Daoming Si's suffering eventually convinced him, and he agreed to help.

Shortly after, Xiaozizi called Shancai, asking her to meet at the teaching building square. When Shancai arrived, she didn't find Xiaozizi, but instead, Huaze Lei began playing his violin. He announced that it was the last song he would play for her at Mingde University. As the music filled the air, Shancai reflected on the passage of time and the many events that had transpired, realizing F4 would soon graduate.

After the song, Huaze Lei embraced Shancai and asked her not to pull away, requesting a moment before he left. They shared a long hug, witnessed by many students. Girls watched with envy, while Daoming Si observed the scene with a sharp, angry gaze. Later, Shancai confronted Xiaozizi, having correctly guessed her involvement in Huaze Lei's public serenade. Xiaozizi admitted to her scheme, confirming that Huaze Lei's performance and hug were a public declaration of love.

She asked Shancai if she would accept his feelings, reminding her of her past affections for him. Shancai explained that while she used to feel a nervous attraction to Huaze Lei, she now felt a sense of calm and reliability around him. She gently stated that her heart currently had no room for another romantic relationship. Xiaozizi then probed, asking if Shancai would mind if someone else helped Daoming Si heal his pain.

Understanding the implication, Shancai, with a tinge of sadness, replied that she would be genuinely happy if such a person brought Daoming Si happiness, acknowledging that he had suffered greatly too. Xiaozizi then feigned an appointment, urging Shancai to leave for work. As Shancai departed, she saw Daoming Si entering the same restaurant, realizing Xiaozizi's "appointment" was with him, which saddened her.

Inside the restaurant, Daoming Si definitively told Xiaozizi that they could not be together and encouraged her to find a good man, confessing that Shancai was still the only woman on his mind. Xiaozizi, feigning relief, accepted his decision and promised to remain his friend, though inwardly, she yearned to be the woman he loved. Daoming Si then declared his renewed resolve to pursue Shancai, regardless of her feelings, Huaze Lei's interference, or any other obstacles.

Believing Daoming Si had chosen Xiaozizi, Shancai left the area heartbroken. Huaze Lei met Shancai at her part-time job at a milk tea shop. Shancai, misinterpreting his intentions, attempted to gently decline what she thought would be another confession, expressing gratitude for his unwavering support and kindness. Huaze Lei clarified that he simply wished to be kind to her, reassuring her that she shouldn't feel burdened.

As he walked her home, he shared his regrets about his past relationship with Jing, lamenting that his indecisiveness had caused her pain. He advised Shancai to "hold on a little longer" and not to easily give up on Daoming Si, reminding her of Daoming Si's steadfast love and remarkable resilience. Inspired by a newfound determination, Daoming Si, now looking confident and handsome, went straight to Huaze Lei's home.

He woke Huaze Lei and boldly declared that he would compete for Shancai's affection. Huaze Lei accepted the challenge. Daoming Si emphatically stated that Shancai was his, and he would never abandon her, no matter if his mother, Huaze Lei, or the entire world tried to make him. He vowed to find her wherever she might hide. Huaze Lei calmly responded, stating that Shancai should ultimately make her own choice.

Daoming Si, having regained his usual spirit, confidently told his housekeeper that he was about to do the "stupidest thing" in his life for love. He then went to Huaze Lei's home to declare his intentions. Daoming Si informed Lei that Shancai was his and accepted Lei's challenge for fair competition. Lei smiled, but Daoming Si, unwavering, stated that he would never give up on Shancai, even if his mother, Lei, or the entire world told him to.

He was determined to win her heart. Lei responded by saying that Shancai should be the one to make her own choice. After Daoming Si left, Huaze Lei called Shancai and asked her to turn off her phone for forty-eight hours, explaining it was to avoid "unnecessary harassment." Though initially hesitant, Shancai complied, trusting Lei. Lei then separately called Xiaoyou, asking her to keep Shancai occupied for as long as possible, without revealing his true motive.

Meanwhile, Daoming Si frantically searched for Shancai. He tried calling her, but her phone was off. He went to her school, only to find she was absent, and then to her workplace, where he was told she had already gone home. Growing desperate, he searched her neighborhood and eventually waited outside her house late into the night. He even confronted Qinghe about Shancai's whereabouts, proclaiming he would find her no matter where she hid.

Unaware of Daoming Si's frantic search, Shancai spent the day with Xiaoyou, helping her find a venue for a tea party. At Xiaoyou's home, Shancai reflected on seeing Xiaoyou's happy family and questioned whether living only for oneself was truly meaningful if it caused pain to others. Xiaoyou later mentioned Lei's strange request to keep Shancai busy, but Shancai couldn't understand his reasons. The next day, Daoming Si learned Shancai was at Xiaoyou's house.

He rushed there, but Xiaoyou's mother informed him that another boy, Huaze Lei, had already picked Shancai up. Daoming Si and Shancai once again missed each other. As Shancai walked with Huaze Lei, she asked him why he made her turn off her phone. Lei told her that Daoming Si intended to pursue her again and asked her what she thought.

Shancai replied that she had made her decision to let go of the relationship, acknowledging it was difficult but believing there was no point in blindly holding on when the outcome was already clear. Lei reflected on his own past regret of not holding onto his feelings for Jing, emphasizing that "just holding on a little longer" can change outcomes and prevent lifelong regrets. He reminded Shancai that Daoming Si’s love for her, though sometimes childish, was sincere and persistent.

Later, at a bus stop, Daoming Si finally caught up with Shancai and Huaze Lei as Shancai was heading to work. Daoming Si pleaded with Shancai not to leave him, confessing he couldn't live without her. He told her he thought of her constantly, even in his dreams, and begged her to tell him what he needed to do to continue loving her.

Huaze Lei interrupted, questioning if Daoming Si could truly bring Shancai happiness if his love only brought her trouble. Daoming Si insisted he would make her happy. Shancai, her heart aching, silently boarded the bus with Lei, despite Daoming Si's desperate cries of her name as he chased the bus down the street. Lei advised Shancai not to give Daoming Si false hope if she was truly decided.

However, Shancai abruptly asked the bus driver to stop, realizing she wanted to try. She quickly got off the bus and ran back towards Daoming Si. But before they could properly talk, police officers appeared and took Shancai away. At the police station, they learned that Daoming Si, in his frantic search for her, had filed a false report claiming his "meteor pattern necklace," which Shancai possessed, had been stolen.

Daoming Si immediately clarified the misunderstanding, apologizing to the police, who let them go with a warning. Outside the station, Shancai scolded Daoming Si for his reckless action, which almost gave her a criminal record. Daoming Si retorted that he had been driven to desperation because her phone was off and she was nowhere to be found. Touched by his persistence, Shancai decided she wanted to "hold on to the happiness of the moment," despite the possibility of future regrets.

They went to a ramen shop, where Daoming Si held her hand tightly, fearing she might disappear again. He then abruptly suggested they go to London together to confront his mother. Shancai was taken aback and made excuses about not wanting to travel to a strange country where she had no friends, her poor English, and disliking Western food.

Frustrated by her reluctance, Daoming Si questioned why she had gotten off the bus for him if she didn't want to go. Shancai struggled to articulate her true feelings, only managing to say she "just wanted to get off." Disappointed, Daoming Si left, and Shancai, unable to express herself, could only utter a soft "Good night." She later reflected on the difficulty of expressing her emotions directly and realized she needed to be clearer with him.

Daoming Si then went to confront Huaze Lei again, telling him that Shancai was his girlfriend and Lei should stop bothering her. Lei, however, revealed that his recent actions of pursuing Shancai were a deliberate "play" orchestrated to push Daoming Si to face his true feelings and fight for her. He admitted he was worried about Daoming Si's hesitation and wanted them to understand each other better, assuring Daoming Si that he cared deeply for both him and Shancai.

With their friendship reaffirmed, Lei instructed Daoming Si to take good care of Shancai, hinting at his imminent departure. Daoming Si, realizing Lei's good intentions, agreed to continue their brotherhood. Later that evening, Huaze Lei had dinner with Ximen and Meizuo. He informed them that he was returning to Taiwan the following afternoon due to family matters and requested that they not come to the airport to see him off.

Just before his flight, Lei sent a voice message to Shancai, explaining that his pursuit of her had been a pretense to make Daoming Si confront his love. He apologized for any trouble he caused but assured her that his concern for her was always genuine. He then said goodbye, stating he wouldn't be back for a while.

Upon hearing the message, Shancai rushed to the rooftop, looking at an airplane in the sky as she tearfully said her farewells to Lei, thanking him for everything he had done for her. Shancai returned home, feeling a sense of loss over Lei's departure and once again grappling with her inability to clearly express her feelings to Daoming Si. She wondered if he truly understood her intentions, fearing their continued misunderstandings. At the same time, Daoming Si also found himself troubled, contemplating his own complicated emotions regarding Shancai.

Shancai spent a night contemplating her unspoken feelings for Daoming Si, realizing that he wouldn't understand unless she directly expressed them. Meanwhile, Daoming Si was in a gloomy mood, frustrated by his inability to grasp Shancai's intentions. Ximen and Meizuo, observing Daoming Si's emotional turmoil, tried to offer advice. Meizuo humorously noted the complexities of women, while Ximen pressed Daoming Si about his progress with Shancai.

Daoming Si’s vague and contradictory responses—a mix of happiness, frustration, and confusion—led Ximen to joke about his "layered" communication style. Daoming Si dismissed their attempts to intervene, claiming some matters were beyond their comprehension. Ximen, styling himself as a "love expert," offered an elaborate metaphor comparing women to violins requiring precise handling, but Meizuo found it unhelpful, especially as Daoming Si had already walked away, uninterested in their theories. Shancai found Daoming Si and led him to the rooftop.

Despite her resolve to confess her love and formally begin their relationship, the words caught in her throat. Daoming Si, impatient and hungry, criticized her hesitation, while she, in turn, blamed his loud and aggressive demeanor for making her timid. To shift the mood, Shancai offered him a homemade bento, expressing uncertainty if her home-cooked meal would suit his refined palate. Daoming Si accepted and ate, even inquiring about the "jellyfish-like" enoki mushroom bacon roll.

Shancai then mentioned seeing him and Xiaozizi laughing at a cafe, admitting she thought he would start dating Xiaozizi. Daoming Si quickly dismissed the idea, stating emphatically that he would never date someone he didn't genuinely like, implicitly confirming his deep affection for Shancai. Emboldened, Shancai directly asked if he would date her. Daoming Si was startled by her straightforwardness, almost choking on his food, but Shancai insisted she was serious.

Overjoyed by her proposal, Daoming Si was then surprised when Shancai requested they keep their relationship a secret for the time being, even from Ximen and Meizuo. She explained her fear that his mother, Daoming Feng, would interfere and cause another painful separation, recalling their past breakup. Daoming Si, preferring an open relationship, was frustrated by her demand but eventually agreed, declaring his willingness to abandon his family name and everything for her if necessary.

Shancai, touched, reassured him he didn't need to make such sacrifices and suggested they would deal with any consequences if their relationship was discovered. Alone on the rooftop, Daoming Si attempted to kiss Shancai, but she nervously pushed him away, citing her rapidly beating heart and overwhelming emotions, which he found endearing. Seeing Daoming Si and Shancai's seemingly stalled romance, Ximen and Meizuo concluded that the pair were "like elementary students in love" and needed intervention.

They decided to take matters into their own hands to foster their relationship. Ximen went to the milk tea shop where Xiaoyou worked. Her boss, appreciative of Ximen's past help with a promotion, allowed Xiaoyou to leave early with him. Meanwhile, Shancai was walking home from school when she sensed she was being followed. Her intuition proved correct as several men in black suits pursued her.

She managed to escape and coincidentally ran into Meizuo, who helped her evade the pursuers. Meizuo identified the men as Daoming Si's bodyguards, likely sent by Daoming Feng. Shancai expressed concern about telling Daoming Si, fearing it would provoke a conflict between him and his mother. Meizuo agreed, noting that Daoming Si tended to act impulsively when it came to Shancai.

Deciding it was unsafe to go home, Shancai opted to stay at Xiaoyou's, only for Meizuo to reluctantly inform her that Xiaoyou was currently at Ximen's house for "tea." Alarmed by Ximen's playboy reputation and Xiaoyou's naivety, Shancai immediately called Xiaoyou, urging her not to enter Ximen's home. However, Xiaoyou replied that she had just arrived and quickly hung up. Panicked, Shancai demanded that Meizuo take her to Ximen's house at once.

At Ximen's house, Xiaoyou was brought in on his and Meizuo's plan: to use her to lure Shancai over and trap her with Daoming Si to fix their relationship. When Ximen expressed concern that Daoming Feng might retaliate against Xiaoyou's family once Daoming Si and Shancai officially reconciled, Xiaoyou, appearing much stronger and more confident, dismissed these worries.

She declared herself an adult capable of supporting her family through any hardship, just as Shancai had done, and credited Ximen with helping her become stronger, no longer the "little You who cried by the roadside." However, as Xiaoyou's words hinted at deeper feelings, Ximen subtly created distance by having another woman join them, reiterating his gratitude for Xiaoyou's help and promising assistance for her family, before leaving with the other woman, making it clear their relationship was strictly platonic.

Meanwhile, a frantic Shancai arrived at Ximen’s house and was directed by Meizuo towards a dark room. She rushed in, calling out for Xiaoyou, only to find Daoming Si tied to a chair. He explained that Ximen and Meizuo had bound him. Realizing Xiaoyou was not there, Shancai shouted for Ximen and Meizuo to open the locked door, but Daoming Si informed her that she had been tricked and that Xiaoyou was part of the elaborate scheme.

Trapped, Shancai frantically searched for another exit, but Daoming Si calmly noted the door was the only way out. He seemed content with their predicament, simply happy to be with her. Despite Shancai's initial anxiety, Daoming Si was amused by the situation, glad for the alone time. He affectionately kissed her, and she reciprocated. He teased her about her height during their kisses, while she playfully retorted about his "giraffe-like" stature.

Shancai reflected on how their love story was far from ordinary. She then shared a vulnerable memory from Canada, recalling how she got lost in a heavy snowstorm while searching for Xiaoyou, almost getting eaten by a wolf, and how Daoming Si had miraculously appeared to save her. He gently promised he would always come to her rescue because of his deep love for her.

Despite this heartwarming exchange, Shancai still felt their happiness was fragile, like "standing on a piece of ice floating on the sea." While they were talking, Daoming Feng received an investigation report from Shanghai, confirming that Daoming Si and Shancai were together. Subsequently, Shancai revealed to Daoming Si that she had been followed by his family's bodyguards earlier that day. He was shocked and scolded her for not telling him immediately, asserting that such matters should be faced together.

Shancai countered that telling him would only complicate things and hasten his mother's intervention. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a phone call to Daoming Si, informing him that his bodyguards were looking for him and had been let into the building. Panicked, Daoming Si immediately extinguished the lights. He declared that he knew his mother best and was the only one who could protect Shancai, urging her to escape with him to London.

Shancai, however, refused to abandon her friends, especially Xiaoyou and Qinghe. With the bodyguards pounding on the door, Daoming Si remembered a window in the bathroom and helped Shancai escape through it. When the bodyguards finally broke into the room, they found Daoming Si fully clothed in the bathtub, nonchalantly pretending to wash his hair. He rudely rebuffed their questions, labeling them as his mother's "informants" and threatening severe consequences if they dared to interfere with him again. Upon returning home, Daoming Si remained furious about the day's events.

Daoming Si returned home in a fit of rage, smashing a glass. He felt his mother, Daoming Feng, treated him like a fugitive and was constantly monitoring Shancai, which he found intolerable. Ms. Yu, hearing his complaints, explained that this was Daoming Feng's usual tactic, one she had previously used against Daoming Si's sister, Zhuang.

Ms. Yu recounted how she had once secretly helped a heartbroken Zhuang escape confinement to meet her boyfriend, only for the boyfriend to abandon Zhuang due to Daoming Feng's threats and coercion. He even informed Daoming Feng of their meeting spot, leading to Zhuang's forced return home and a subsequent loveless marriage. Daoming Si was disgusted by the boyfriend's cowardice but also became fearful; if even strong-willed Zhuang succumbed to their mother's pressure, what fate awaited him and Shancai?

He worried Shancai might eventually give up on him. Ms. Yu, however, urged him not to be so disheartened, reminding him that Shancai's confidence in their relationship would largely stem from his own unwavering determination. He needed to be Shancai's steadfast support for their love to be indestructible. Meanwhile, Shancai limped home, her hands and feet grazed from evading Daoming Si's bodyguards. Daoming Si sent her a voice message, anxious to know if she was safe.

To spare him worry, she briefly replied, falsely claiming to be unharmed. Unsatisfied by the lack of her voice, Daoming Si sent another message, threatening to come find her if she didn't send a voice reply. Shancai quickly recorded a message, reassuring him she was home and uninjured. The next day, at her part-time job at the milk tea shop, You sincerely apologized to Shancai for colluding with Ximen and Meizuo to trick her.

Shancai, no longer angry, was then shocked to discover that You had developed deep and earnest feelings for Ximen. Shancai worried that Ximen, known as a carefree playboy, would inevitably hurt You. You, however, confessed that she was aware of Ximen's nature and his probable disinterest in her, yet she couldn't control her emotions and wanted to get closer to him despite the risk of heartbreak.

Later, as Shancai was about to leave work, Daoming Si appeared, wearing a rather conspicuous "disguise." He claimed he was returning her shoes, but quickly admitted it was merely an excuse to see her. Seeing him, Shancai's heart soared, and she realized the irresistible force of love, understanding You's feelings more deeply. The two sought a quieter place to talk. Daoming Si confessed his love explicitly and pressed Shancai for a clear response.

He expressed his insecurity, noting that despite their relationship, she had never directly said "I like you," making him feel like she could leave him at any moment. Shancai understood his need for clarity but struggled to utter the words. Their conversation was interrupted by a call from Ximen, inviting them and You to a "Republic-era tea party" at his home. Shancai agreed, insisting they arrive separately to maintain their relationship's secrecy.

At Ximen's house, where Xiaozizi and Meizuo were already present, Xiaozizi encouraged Shancai to change into a cheongsam. As Shancai entered the dressing room, she overheard You say "I can't," and upon seeing Ximen's close proximity to You, she stormed in, fearing Ximen was up to no good. It turned out Ximen was simply helping You button her cheongsam, skillfully demonstrating his expertise in wearing and adjusting the traditional dress.

Shancai, after being fitted into a beautiful pink cheongsam that pleased Daoming Si, engaged in lighthearted banter with Ximen, who playfully teased her about her "thick" waist and compared Daoming Si's cheongsam to that of a "waiter in Hengdian." The party began, and as the friends ate, drank, and played games, Shancai found herself increasingly inebriated. Filled with guilt about hiding her relationship from her caring friends, she contemplated confessing her feelings to Daoming Si.

However, before she could, You bravely declared her love for Ximen. Ximen, maintaining his playboy facade, rejected You, telling her he was not a "good man" and she should find someone who could protect her. You, unconvinced by his act, resolved to continue pursuing him. Shancai expressed confusion over Ximen's harsh rejection, but Daoming Si defended him, arguing that it was honest and decisive to end a relationship that he knew was impossible, saving You from further pain.

This ignited another argument between Daoming Si and Shancai regarding their relationship's public status. Shancai, still terrified of Daoming Feng's interference, feared that revealing their love would harm their friends, including You and Qinghe. Daoming Si, frustrated by her continued hesitation, angrily declared he was going home. As everyone looked on in confusion, Shancai, gathering all her courage, finally shouted, "Daoming Si, I like you!"

She then announced to everyone that she and Daoming Si had been dating for some time, apologizing for keeping it a secret. Overjoyed, Daoming Si embraced her, as their friends cheered and applauded. The next day, Shancai went to the milk tea shop to find You, who, overwhelmed with emotion, cried tears of joy for Shancai and Daoming Si, imploring Shancai never to disappear alone again, regardless of future difficulties. That evening, You waited outside Ximen's house until late.

When he finally arrived, she apologized for the scene at the party, but Ximen, seeing her continued hope, reiterated that a relationship between them was impossible, citing the complications of dating someone so close to F4. Undeterred, You boldly reminded him of his previous playful remarks about dating, hugging, and kissing, suggesting he honor his words. She then turned and ran off, leaving Ximen stunned by her newfound assertiveness. A few days later, Huaze Lei returned, reuniting F4.

They celebrated his return with red wine, and a proud Daoming Si, eager to share his happiness, playfully pestered Huaze Lei to ask about his recent well-being, hinting at his successful relationship with Shancai.

Huaze Lei intentionally teased Daoming Si, who was eager for Lei to ask about his relationship with Shancai. Daoming Si pressed Lei, insisting he ask how he was doing, even though Lei already knew from Ximen, Meizuo, and Xiaozizi. Lei finally relented, asking Daoming Si about his situation with Shancai. Daoming Si happily announced that he and Shancai were officially together. The F4 friends then raised their glasses, toasting to Daoming Si's new relationship status.

Later, Shancai found Huaze Lei on the rooftop. She asked him when he returned to Shanghai and how his family was, expressing happiness that he was back and would continue preparing for his concert. Lei acknowledged that he was doing well. He then asked Shancai about her relationship with Daoming Si, admitting his feelings were complex. He felt a mix of happiness and loneliness, describing Shancai as having a special meaning to him, like a pet.

He quickly corrected himself, saying they should all be happy, and that as she was his best friend's girlfriend, they could be friends forever. As Lei left to practice the violin, Shancai confessed that she used to like him, realizing her first love had ended and transformed into friendship. Meanwhile, Meizuo and Ximen were at a bar. Meizuo asked Ximen about his work, noting that Ximen had been solely managing the tea ceremony events since his father stepped down.

Meizuo also expressed his own increased stress from managing entire projects, with demanding details. He then brought up Xiaoyou, acknowledging her courage but questioning Ximen's intentions towards her. Ximen denied any interest, stating he didn't want to provoke Shancai's temper and receive her "flying kick." Meizuo observed Ximen's recent reserved behavior and fewer dates, comparing Xiaoyou to a potent "fruit wine with a strong aftertaste."

Meizuo, having learned about "sacrifice" in love from his own experience with Sister Caina, tried to convey the importance of responsibility in a relationship, which Ximen found amusing and noted he'd never heard Meizuo speak of "sacrifice" before. Meizuo then left for his own date. A woman approached Ximen, but he politely declined her offer to drink, stating he had something to do. Alone in her apartment that night, Shancai found herself thinking of Daoming Si.

She then heard strange noises. Growing alert, she called Daoming Si, but only managed a scream before checking the living room. Daoming Si, hearing her scream, immediately rushed to her apartment. The police arrived, informing Shancai that although the thief hadn't succeeded, they might return, advising her to lock her doors and windows and call 110 if anything suspicious occurred. After the police left, Shancai, still shaken, heard knocking at the door.

Believing the thief had returned, she grabbed a frying pan, only to find Daoming Si standing there. He pulled her into a hug, expressing immense worry. Daoming Si suggested she move to a safer, better apartment or even stay at his place. Shancai, however, insisted on staying in her own home, though she appreciated his concern. As it was late, Daoming Si could not stay the night.

Shancai asked him to go home, and he reluctantly left, but instead of returning home, he stood guard in an alleyway near her building. The next day, Shancai recounted the events to Xiaoyou at the tea shop. Xiaoyou, showing a surprising change in demeanor, asked Shancai if she and Daoming Si had been intimate. Xiaoyou explained that she believed liking someone naturally led to wanting to give everything for them.

Shancai was taken aback by Xiaoyou's newfound boldness, jokingly wondering if Ximen had enchanted her. Just then, Ximen called Xiaoyou, inviting her out. Excited, Xiaoyou immediately agreed, asking Shancai to cover for her at work and hastily applying a "catch men color" lipstick. Shancai observed Xiaoyou's radiant happiness, noticing a faint pink glow around her, as if she was about to float. Ximen and Xiaoyou met at a Western restaurant.

Their conversation initially revolved around Daoming Si and Shancai, before moving to themselves. Ximen presented Xiaoyou with a specially customized dessert titled "You Are the Most Beautiful Tonight," featuring the numbers "1573." Xiaoyou, touched, initially thought it symbolized "deep affection," but Ximen clarified that it was his hotel room number. Later that night, Shancai returned home to find lights on in the previously unoccupied apartment next door.

Curious about her new neighbor, she approached and noticed a key left in the door. She called out, but no one answered. As she turned to leave, Daoming Si emerged from the apartment, revealing that he had rented it to be her neighbor. He explained it was a "secret mission" to protect a "national treasure pig" (referring to Shancai) from potential attacks.

Shancai expressed concern about him, a spoiled young master, living in such a humble, damp place, but he insisted it was to be there for her immediately if she was in danger, claiming he charmed the landlord with his good looks. Shancai was deeply moved by his dedication. Both of them found themselves sleepless that night.

Shancai was touched by Daoming Si's feelings, while Daoming Si, uncomfortable with the poor living conditions, gained a deeper understanding of the environment Shancai grew up in, and her tenacious personality. Daoming Si contemplated going to Shancai's apartment but decided against it, fearing she might misunderstand his intentions. Shancai, also wanting to express her gratitude, hesitated to knock on his door, worried she might appear too casual. Meanwhile, Ximen and Xiaoyou were in Ximen's hotel room. Xiaoyou was visibly trembling.

Ximen, noticing her fear, told her not to force herself, stating he wasn't interested in a shaking girl. Xiaoyou, however, asserted that she was there because she cherished their connection and was willing to cooperate in any way that made him happy, asking for patience for her initial nervousness and promising to do better next time. Ximen was surprised that his attempt to scare her off had failed, noting her unexpected resilience.

He then cautioned her not to believe in love, calling it regret. After paying for the room, he abruptly left, telling her she was free to stay or leave. Xiaoyou was left alone, grappling with why loved ones couldn't always be together. Later, Shancai and Daoming Si both coincidentally stepped out of their apartments into the small courtyard, claiming they were just getting some fresh air. Their faces, however, betrayed their surprise and delight at seeing each other.

Daoming Si asked for a hug before he went back. He then revealed that he had been secretly visiting her from 1 AM to 5 AM every night, but his family's bodyguards had discovered his movements. Just then, Shancai received a call from Daoming Si's sister, Zhuang, who warned her that Daoming Si was being closely monitored by bodyguards sent by their mother, and that some of them were now at Shancai's doorstep.

Shancai relayed this information to Daoming Si, telling him to meet her in the corridor. Together, he and Shancai devised a plan: Daoming Si would distract the bodyguard captain at his own residence while Shancai would sneak into his house through a back door, the location of which was known only to the F4 members. They felt as if they were embarking on a secret military operation.

Shancai, fearing the lingering awkwardness, planned to return to her room, but Dao Ming Si called out to her, asking for a hug before she left. She didn't refuse, finding his embrace a warm comfort in the deep night. Later, in an internal monologue, Shancai admitted she couldn't sleep all night after their hug, a new feeling compared to when she worked as a cleaner at his house. The next morning, Shancai instinctively prepared two portions of breakfast, wondering why.

She decided to take one to Dao Ming Si, internally fretting over his "foolish" and childlike need for care. Upon reaching his place, she found the door open and he was nowhere to be seen, having already left for school. At school, Meizuo and Ximen were astonished to learn Dao Ming Si had moved into such a rundown place for Shancai.

Dao Ming Si, however, dismissed their concerns, claiming he enjoyed "fighting with cockroaches" and that all hardships were a form of happiness when it came to Shancai, whom he affectionately called his "little white pig." After Dao Ming Si left to catch up on sleep, Shancai, who had been listening from nearby, was deeply moved by his sacrifice and felt a pang of guilt.

Her relief quickly turned to shock when she overheard Ximen casually telling Meizuo that he had taken Xiaoyou to a hotel. Shancai immediately confronted Ximen, sternly warning him to stop if he was merely toying with Xiaoyou's feelings. Ximen, unfazed, used Qinghe's unrequited love for Shancai as a counter-example, suggesting that just as Shancai wouldn't return Qinghe's affections, he didn't reciprocate Xiaoyou's. He claimed Xiaoyou was "just a friend" to him and assured Shancai not to worry.

When Shancai pressed him for a promise not to hurt Xiaoyou, Ximen declared she had no right to demand one, but ambiguously stated he "won't do anything." His evasive answer left Shancai confused and deeply worried for her friend. That night, on a rainy evening, Shancai found herself consumed by a strange mix of longing and worry for Dao Ming Si, unable to stop thinking about him. She checked his door, and not finding him, she became restless.

Later, hearing a noise, she cautiously investigated, only to find Dao Ming Si sitting outside his room, bothered by buzzing insects. She scolded him for enduring such discomfort in the old house, reminding him they came from different worlds and their relationship might not end well. She confessed that her feelings for him were deepening, making her increasingly uneasy, and called both herself and him "fools" for their predicament.

Dao Ming Si then revealed his secret: he had been sneaking out of his own home every night at 1 AM and returning at 5 AM, taking taxis to avoid his bodyguards and mother, all just to protect her. He downplayed his efforts as minor hardship, but his unwavering dedication brought tears to Shancai's eyes, and she felt deeply embarrassed by her earlier outburst.

Realizing his restlessness, Shancai offered to let him sleep in her bed, reassuring him she would only stay until he fell asleep. Dao Ming Si was initially shocked but eventually agreed. As they lay in bed, Shancai playfully urged him to imagine her as his mother and even attempted to sing him a lullaby. Dao Ming Si, however, pulled her into a tight hug, refusing to let go when she protested.

In her heart, Shancai silently thanked him for his efforts to bridge their different worlds, confessing her inner turmoil and fear about the many challenges ahead, even as she had resolved to overcome them for him. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep. Dao Ming Si, watching her, was filled with joy and affectionately called her a "silly girl" for sleeping so easily, while privately admitting his struggle to control himself.

Dao Ming Zhuang returned home to find it swarming with bodyguards. Ms. Yu informed her that their mother, Dao Ming Feng, had sent them to monitor Dao Ming Si, who had been sneaking out every night to see Shancai. Enraged that her mother was repeating her past tactics to separate lovers, Dao Ming Zhuang rushed upstairs to confront Dao Ming Si, but found he had already escaped through his window.

Realizing the situation, she and Ms. Yu cleverly conspired to fool the bodyguards, loudly pretending Dao Ming Si was still in his room. Meanwhile, Shancai returned from school to find Dao Ming Si's bodyguards staking out her apartment. She quickly hid and called Dao Ming Si, warning him. They met in a nearby alley.

Unable to go to their friends' houses, which were likely also monitored, Shancai suggested a hotel, but Dao Ming Si dismissed the idea due to ID requirements that would expose them. Instead, he led Shancai to his family mansion, explaining that "the most dangerous place is the safest place." He instructed her to sneak in through a back door, accessible only by a secret F4 key, while he distracted the bodyguards.

Shancai likened the plan to "infiltrating a military base," and their coordinated efforts allowed her to successfully enter the heavily guarded house. Inside his room, after Shancai had changed into his oversized clothes, Dao Ming Si gently pulled her onto the bed, asking if she was having second thoughts about their relationship due to the secrecy and difficulties.

Shancai admitted to feeling overwhelmed and like a fugitive but confessed that his unwavering persistence and "foolishness" had deeply touched her, solidifying her resolve to face any challenges from his mother, Dao Ming Feng. As Dao Ming Si, moved by her words, leaned in to kiss her, Dao Ming Zhuang suddenly burst into the room. Misinterpreting the scene, she angrily accused Dao Ming Si of forcing Shancai.

Shancai quickly clarified the misunderstanding, leading Dao Ming Zhuang to an overjoyed realization of their rapid romantic progress. After offering her blessings and a stern warning to Dao Ming Si about cherishing Shancai, she declared she would handle the bodyguards and playfully told them to "continue." After Dao Ming Zhuang left, Dao Ming Si eagerly asked Shancai about their future intimacy.

Shancai cheekily suggested "five years," initially shocking him, but he quickly agreed to wait, professing his lifelong commitment to her. Shancai reflected on his multifaceted personality and resolved to love every aspect of him. The next day, while working at a milk tea shop, Shancai carefully asked Xiaoyou about her night with Ximen, specifically whether anything "happened" at the hotel. Xiaoyou insisted nothing did, but remarked she thought love naturally meant giving everything.

Shancai, relieved but still concerned, advised Xiaoyou to be friends with Ximen but not pursue a relationship, warning that he's a playboy who won't commit and will only hurt her. Xiaoyou, however, rebuffed Shancai's warnings, questioning her understanding of Ximen and even retorting with Ximen's own words about privacy. Shancai apologized, clarifying she only wanted to protect her friend.

Xiaoyou, however, remained resolute, declaring she had "decided" on her path with Ximen, even suggesting Shancai shouldn't be surprised if Ximen treats her as a stranger one day. That night, Xiaoyou went to a bar and watched Ximen flirting with another girl. She herself was approached by a man who insisted on buying her a Long Island Iced Tea, claiming he noticed her the moment she walked in and assumed she was looking for company.

Xiaoyou, having never been to a bar before, was slightly overwhelmed but accepted his company and the drink. While Ximen continued to feign indifference with his date, his eyes repeatedly drifted towards Xiaoyou. When Xiaoyou, seemingly intoxicated, agreed to leave with the stranger after one more drink, Ximen could no longer contain himself. He abruptly intervened, pushing the man aside, and quickly downed the drink meant for Xiaoyou, declaring that it was none of the stranger's business.

The previous night, Ximen had taken Xiaoyou to a bar where she drank heavily with an unwelcome man. Meizuo noticed Xiaoyou's excessive drinking and growing vulnerability, but Ximen, initially appearing unconcerned and flirting with other women, finally intervened when the man began to act inappropriately with a drunken Xiaoyou. The man insisted Xiaoyou finish one last drink before he took her home, but Ximen stepped in, drank the glass himself, and angrily drove the man away.

Ximen then confronted Xiaoyou, frustrated by her reckless behavior. Xiaoyou, however, was defiant, declared her unwavering determination to be with him, and even tried to order more drinks. Ximen expressed his discomfort, telling her not to waste her feelings on him as he wasn't interested in a serious relationship. Xiaoyou, recalling Ximen’s previous remark that love is always regretful, asked him to share his own story of a past regretful love.

She promised that if he revealed everything, she would leave him alone. After a moment's hesitation, Ximen agreed. Ximen began to recount his past with Xiaogeng, his childhood friend and next-door neighbor. They spent countless hours together, studying and playing cards, and her presence became an intrinsic part of his life, as natural as breathing.

However, Ximen’s family life was fraught with tension; his parents' marriage was a façade, filled with pretense, which instilled in him a fear of deep emotional attachments. Xiaogeng became his sanctuary, a "switch" that allowed him to relax and escape the "lies of this world." He cherished their uncomplicated bond and wished their relationship would never change. Yet, Xiaogeng wasn't content to remain static; she yearned for a deeper connection and bravely tried to bridge the emotional distance.

She once dressed up more femininely and asked Ximen to take her out. Ximen, however, reacted harshly, telling her she looked strange and even scared him, advising her not to change. He deliberately maintained his distance, believing it was the only way to protect himself from the potential pain of love. This caused Xiaogeng immense sadness and eventually led her to stop visiting him for tea.

After finishing his narrative, Ximen reminded Xiaoyou to honor her promise and leave him alone. Meanwhile, Sister Zhuang returned to London, but not before ensuring Daoming Si's freedom from his mother's strict surveillance. She discreetly compensated the family bodyguards, instructing them to turn a blind eye to Daoming Si and Shancai's activities. Now free, Daoming Si eagerly met Shancai at school, informing her that his sister had "dealt with" the bodyguards, earning Shancai's admiration for Zhuang's resourcefulness.

During their conversation, Daoming Si excitedly revealed that he was her anonymous gaming partner, "I Have the Final Say," and the reigning champion of the "X9 League" in "Fantasy Westward Journey". He proudly presented her with his championship medal, which Shancai held like a cherished treasure. Xiaoyou kept her promise to leave Ximen, but she was convinced that Ximen's story about Xiaogeng was incomplete.

Driven by a burning desire to understand the depth of Xiaogeng's impact on Ximen, Xiaoyou embarked on a solitary and relentless search through numerous buildings across Shanghai, determined to uncover the full truth. Her mother confronted her about her late-night excursions, finding lists of buildings Xiaoyou had surveyed. Xiaoyou pleaded for her mother’s understanding, explaining that this quest was currently the most important thing in her life. Ximen remained sullen, and his friends assumed his mood was related to Xiaoyou.

Shancai, deeply concerned about Xiaoyou, tried to get answers, but Xiaoyou remained guarded, insisting it was a private matter she would resolve herself, believing it was her responsibility to conclude what she had started. Still worried, Shancai confronted Daoming Si, demanding he take her to Ximen, even threatening to end their relationship if he refused. They found Ximen at a bar, flirting with other women. Shancai immediately confronted him, accusing him of being irresponsible and causing Xiaoyou's despondency.

She demanded to know what had happened between them. Ximen, dismissive, stated that nothing significant occurred and that Xiaoyou simply needed to grow up. He callously declared he was not a good man and would never be with her, which further inflamed Shancai, leading her to also scold an innocent Meizuo. Later, Xiaoyou was angered by Shancai's interference, reiterating that she wanted to find out what Xiaogeng had done for Ximen, insisting that this knowledge was profoundly meaningful to her.

Ximen then reflected on the final moments of his relationship with Xiaogeng. Xiaogeng had messaged him, proposing a meeting at a specific address at five in the morning, where she wanted to show him something important. Fearing a deeper commitment, Ximen deliberately chose not to go. He reasoned that if they never truly "started" a romantic relationship, it could never "end," thus preserving their established dynamic.

He deleted the message with the address, not wanting to know what she intended to reveal. Later, when Xiaogeng asked if he had received her message, he lied, claiming he had been out with friends all night and implying that a 5 AM meeting was too early. He clung to the belief that Xiaogeng would simply reappear the next day, smiling as if nothing had happened, because he desperately didn't want to lose her.

However, Xiaogeng, deeply hurt, recorded a tearful voice message expressing her disappointment, her decision to leave, and her willingness to sacrifice her dignity for him, but acknowledged that he was hurting himself. She confessed her deep love for him but knew she had to leave. Ximen admitted that to this day, he can't help but wonder what their lives would be like if he had run to her and embraced her before she left crying.

In the present, Daoming Si and Shancai discovered that Daoming Si's mother had cut off his financial resources, rendering his mobile payment and credit cards unusable. Soon after, new bodyguards, sent by his mother, located them. Despite the escalating pressure, Shancai affirmed her unwavering commitment to Daoming Si, vowing to cherish their time together regardless of his mother's tactics.

Daoming Si, in turn, agreed to go with the bodyguards but issued a fierce warning: if they dared to harm Shancai in any way, he would ensure they suffered severe consequences.

Xiaoyou diligently continued her search for the item Xiaogeng intended to show Ximen, meticulously combing through nearly every building in Lujiazui. She focused on structures that offered a view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and allowed rooftop access at 5 AM. Finally, she believed she found it. Overjoyed, she immediately messaged Ximen, emphasizing the urgency of their meeting and asking him to meet her at Metro Station 3 in Lujiazui.

Meanwhile, Shancai returned home to unexpected noise, initially fearing a thief or Daoming Si’s bodyguards. To her surprise, it was her mother, who had returned because their "Squid King" business was thriving, and life was looking up. Their reunion was joyful until Shancai’s mother learned her daughter sometimes stayed at Daoming Si’s house. She instantly became excited, thinking they were about to formalize their relationship.

Shancai clarified that they were dating in secret, as Daoming Si’s mother, Daoming Feng, wouldn't approve. Shancai's mother, disgusted by Daoming Feng's "crazy" behavior, vowed to confront her if she were in Shanghai. Shancai also gave her mother some skincare products, noting the fine lines around her eyes, which made her mother happy, seeing her daughter had grown up and cared for her.

Back at Metro Station 3, Xiaoyou waited anxiously for Ximen, but he was nowhere to be found, and his phone was unreachable. She called Shancai, who noticed Xiaoyou's distressed voice and expressed concern that Xiaoyou had been keeping many things from her since falling for Ximen. Xiaoyou assured Shancai she knew what she was doing and this was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" she didn't want to miss. She promised not to get hurt.

Reluctantly, Shancai agreed to help and suggested they meet near an art square in Shanghai, where Daoming Si had mentioned F4 might be attending a symposium. Shancai, along with Daoming Si, Meizuo, and Lei, met Xiaoyou at a cafe. They questioned why Xiaoyou insisted on seeing Ximen that very night. Xiaoyou explained that a cold wave was approaching, and if the weather turned bad, the sight Xiaogeng wanted to show Ximen might become impossible to see.

Meizuo tried to lighten the mood with a joke, but Xiaoyou remained tense. Despite her offer to wait alone, the group decided to stay with her. As time passed, Ximen still didn't arrive, and his phone remained off. Daoming Si, annoyed, left a series of exasperated voice messages for Ximen, threatening dire consequences if he didn’t show up, including joking that Shancai would "kill" them all. Unbeknownst to them, Ximen was engaged in a tea ceremony with his old teacher.

The teacher, sensing Ximen’s troubled mind, offered subtle wisdom, reminding him that life's challenges are essential for growth. After the session, Ximen checked his phone and saw the barrage of messages and calls from his friends and Xiaoyou. He hesitated, contemplating his next move. Back at the cafe, the group waited until late into the night. Everyone was exhausted, and Shancai suggested they give up and search for Ximen tomorrow.

Xiaoyou, feeling guilty for keeping them up, was on the verge of agreeing when Ximen finally walked in. Daoming Si, infuriated, started scolding Ximen for making them wait all night, but Shancai quickly intervened, urging him to let Xiaoyou speak. Xiaoyou then pleaded with Ximen, asking for one chance to show him what Xiaogeng had wanted him to see, even if he were to treat her as a stranger afterward.

Ximen silently consented, and Xiaoyou took his hand, leading him out. They arrived at a towering building, but it was late, and the elevators were closed. They had no choice but to climb the stairs to the top floor. Xiaoyou, physically weaker, began to struggle halfway up, suggesting Ximen go on without her. But Ximen, without a second thought, took her hand and helped her continue. Finally, they reached the rooftop. Xiaoyou pointed across the way to another skyscraper.

As the first rays of sunrise refracted off the building, a portion of its illuminated sign temporarily disappeared, revealing a hidden message: "Ximen, my dearest." Ximen was stunned. He realized the depth of Xiaogeng's long-lost feelings and regretted his past dismissive behavior, feeling both heartbroken for Xiaogeng's efforts and empathy for Xiaoyou's persistence. He called Xiaogeng "silly" for going to such lengths to express herself. Shancai and Daoming Si remained at the cafe, awaiting news.

Daoming Si, frustrated by Shancai's preoccupation with her friend, initiated a serious conversation about their own future. He presented two airline tickets to London, proposing they move there to openly date and face his formidable mother, Daoming Feng, together. Shancai was hesitant, citing her poor English and general fear of London. Daoming Si, however, was determined to confront his mother and convince her to accept their relationship, believing she would eventually understand if he was honest.

He gave Shancai until the next day to decide. The next day, Xiaoyou arrived at the milk tea shop with a newly cut short hairstyle. Shancai, surprised, wondered if Xiaoyou was heartbroken. However, Xiaoyou appeared cheerful and expressed a desire to find a new, "super happy" love. She told Shancai that she had tried her best in her previous pursuit and now felt satisfied.

Xiaoyou’s newfound courage and determination deeply inspired Shancai, making her reflect on her own timidity in her relationship with Daoming Si. Shancai decided to embrace bravery, trust Daoming Si, and join him in London to confront their future together. Shancai and Daoming Si went shopping, buying matching "Rabbit Smart Jewelry" bracelets, which allowed them to feel each other's thoughts through subtle flashes and vibrations, regardless of distance.

Shancai was delighted, feeling more relaxed and happy than ever before in their relationship. Later, they enjoyed a steak dinner. When it came time to pay, Daoming Si found all his payment methods, including mobile pay and credit cards, were mysteriously frozen. He instantly knew his mother, Daoming Feng, had started to retaliate by cutting off his financial resources.

Seeing his distress, Shancai, contrary to her usual timid self, reassured him, affirming her commitment and declaring that she would not be swayed by Daoming Feng this time. Despite the looming challenges, they quickly cast their worries aside and continued to enjoy their time together at the mall. Meanwhile, Daoming Feng received reports that her son had indeed rented a room next to Shancai's and that his financial sources had been severed. She immediately ordered her people to locate them.

After a joyful day of playing together, Daoming Si walked Shancai home. As they reluctantly parted ways, their feelings for each other seemed to deepen significantly. They made plans to meet in the bridge room the following day at noon. Just as Shancai was about to leave, Daoming Si asked her to kiss him goodbye.

Shancai hesitated, suggesting "next time," but Daoming Si, with an unsettling premonition, replied that "there is no next time for many things," emphasizing his desire to cherish every moment with her as he anticipated the inevitable conflict with his mother, Daoming Feng. Shancai, startled by his words, gave him a kiss. As Daoming Si walked away from Shancai's home, he sensed he was being followed and confronted his pursuers. He realized these were not his usual bodyguards.

He discreetly made a phone call to Huaze Lei, putting his phone on speaker so that Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo could overhear his conversation with the bodyguards. They heard the bodyguards state, "Please go with us. This is the order from your mother." Daoming Si agreed to go, but sternly warned them, "But if you dare to hurt Dong Shancai, I'll make you pay double." This alerted F4 that Daoming Si had been taken away.

The next morning, Shancai lovingly prepared a braised squid lunch for Daoming Si and went to the bridge room, but he never appeared. Unable to reach him by phone, she grew increasingly anxious. As she left, disappointed, she ran into Ximen, who led her to the rooftop where Huaze Lei and Meizuo were waiting. They informed a stunned Shancai that Daoming Si had left Mingde.

Huaze Lei recounted Daoming Si's strange phone call, and how they immediately went to his house, only to be told by the servants that he had returned to London. Ximen suggested that Daoming Feng must have discovered Daoming Si's relationship with Shancai. Shancai was heartbroken and confused, questioning how Daoming Si could leave so suddenly after they had been so happy just yesterday.

When Ximen asked about her plans, Shancai, holding back tears, declared that she would no longer passively wait for Daoming Si to protect her. Inspired to take action, she announced her decision to go to London and confront Daoming Feng alongside him, stating, "I'll do anything to see Dao Mingsi." Although concerned about the formidable power of Daoming Feng, Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo supported Shancai's resolve, promising to look after her friends You and Qinghe's families in her absence.

As Shancai left for the airport, she recalled Daoming Si's playful declaration that he would chase her even to Mars. Now, it was her turn, and she prayed to find him in London. Upon arriving in London, Shancai felt a sense of trepidation in the bustling, unfamiliar city. Huaze Lei called her, and she reassured him that she had arrived safely and was heading to her Xiaozhu Guesthouse, assuring him that her passport and wallet were secure.

Shortly after, two street performers approached her, inviting her to sing with them. Despite her initial reluctance, they pulled her into their performance. Unbeknownst to Shancai, one of them covertly stole her wallet during the song. She realized her wallet was missing only after they had already left, prompting a frantic but ultimately futile chase through the streets. Lost, without money, a phone, or her passport, Shancai wandered despondently into Chinatown.

She entered a Chinese restaurant, hoping for a glass of water. The kind owner, Sister Yue, recognized Shancai's name, having heard it many times from Daoming Si, and also noted its connection to a popular TV show character. After offering Shancai a glass of water, Shancai confided that she was in London to find her boyfriend, admitting she sometimes felt she wasn't good enough for him. Sister Yue reassured her, saying she deserved happiness.

When Shancai admired the restaurant's signature Babao spicy sauce noodles, Sister Yue offered her some, but Shancai, embarrassed by her lack of funds, couldn't respond. Just then, Thomas, an acquaintance, spotted Shancai and kindly paid for her meal.

After Shancai revealed she was searching for Daoming Si, and explained her predicament of being robbed, Thomas, recognizing Daoming Si's family name as prominent in London, offered to help her find him and invited her to stay at his place for the night. Thomas led Shancai to his messy warehouse apartment.

Shancai eagerly asked to use his computer to contact Huaze Lei through QQ, only for Thomas to realize he had forgotten to pay his internet bill, leaving Shancai feeling completely isolated. Her spirits sank further when Thomas's roommates, Ross and Paul, arrived. To Shancai's shock, she recognized them as the street performers who had stolen her wallet. She angrily confronted them, demanding her belongings back.

Ross and Paul confessed to selling her phone and bracelet to buy beer and barbecue, returning her wallet with only a small amount of money left. Though deeply disappointed, Shancai couldn't report Thomas's friends to the police. As she slumped onto the sofa in despair, Ross and Paul, feeling remorseful, apologized and promised to compensate her and cease their thieving ways.

Huaze Lei grew increasingly concerned about Shancai, unable to reach her by phone after she arrived in London. He felt a foreboding sense of dread, fearing that both Shancai and Daoming Si would suffer. In Shanghai, Ximen and Meizuo joked that Shancai must have met Daoming Si, but Huaze Lei, worried, called the hostel only to find Shancai hadn't checked in yet. Meanwhile, in London, Shancai was staying in Thomas's messy, warehouse-like home, which he shared with other street musicians.

She asked to borrow his computer to contact her friends on QQ, but he admitted he hadn't paid the internet bill, leaving her feeling completely cut off. Soon after, Thomas's roommates, Ross and Paul, returned. Shancai immediately recognized them as the ones who had stolen her belongings earlier. She confronted them angrily, and they confessed to selling her phone and bracelet for food and beer, showing her the meager remaining cash in her wallet.

They apologized profusely, promising to make it up to her. Later, Thomas accompanied Shancai to the grand Daoming family estate. Shancai chose to enter alone, feeling an unusual calm. As she approached the door, Ms. Yu stepped out. Overjoyed, Shancai hugged her tightly. Ms. Yu's expression, however, was peculiar; she agreed to take Shancai to Daoming Si but sternly advised her to be strong, no matter what happened. Shancai, bewildered, nodded. Ms. Yu led Shancai to Daoming Si's bedroom.

He sat on the bed, facing away, showing no surprise or happiness at her presence. Coldly, he told her to leave, stating that he should never have gotten involved with her. Shancai, believing his mother, Daoming Feng, was behind his words, pressed him, but Daoming Si remained unusually firm. He avoided her gaze and said they should just consider their time together as a pleasant memory.

With tears welling, Shancai urged him to look her in the eyes and repeat his words, refusing to believe he would give up. Daoming Si slowly turned, met her gaze, and uttered "I'm sorry." He explained that the Daoming family was facing serious issues, and as a Daoming, he had to confront them. He admitted his past immaturity, declaring that he couldn't abandon his family for love.

Heartbroken, Shancai wiped her tears and left, while Daoming Si closed his eyes, unable to watch her go. Outside, Shancai wandered aimlessly, feeling lost. She had bravely pursued their love, but Daoming Si had retreated. Perhaps they were truly destined not to be together. Back on the street, Thomas saw her tears and tried to speak, but Shancai was too overwhelmed. Soon, Huaze Lei, who had flown to London out of deep concern, found her.

Shancai, crying, recounted Daoming Si's words to him. Unbeknownst to Shancai, Daoming Feng had orchestrated everything. The Daoming Group was in deep financial trouble, facing malicious corporate takeovers, and desperately needed help from Xiaozizi's father. Daoming Feng was pushing for an arranged marriage between Daoming Si and Xiaozizi to secure a business alliance.

Daoming Si was aware of the family's dire situation and had argued fiercely with his mother in London, disgusted by her using his relationship for the family's gain. Yet, faced with the potential collapse of his family's legacy, he felt he could not stand by idly.

He later confronted his mother, accusing her of making him sick with her manipulations, but she coldly told him that his love for Shancai was a sacrifice for the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Daoming Group employees. Huaze Lei stayed by Shancai's side, comforting her. As he played music, Shancai drifted to sleep, dreaming of Daoming Si, who, with a warm smile, promised never to leave her. They embraced amidst beautiful scenery, but upon waking, the dream vanished.

Huaze Lei had prepared a meal, including a self-heating pot he brought for her, and presented her with a new phone, urging her not to disappear again. Shancai was deeply touched, feeling that amidst the strangeness of London, only Huaze Lei offered familiar warmth. Still somber, she wondered why her relationship couldn't be like a normal couple's, lamenting that Daoming Si didn't even chase after her.

Huaze Lei suggested Daoming Si's erratic behavior might stem from the Daoming Group's corporate struggles. Meanwhile, Daoming Si himself was desolate in his mansion, lying in bed, haunted by thoughts of Shancai. He regretted sending her away after she traveled so far from Shanghai to see him, knowing how heartbroken she must be. He wished he wasn't "Daoming Si," a name that now felt like a burden. Back in Shanghai, friends worried about Shancai.

Xiao You sought out Ximen for news, relieved to hear Huaze Lei was with her. Ximen, seeing Xiao You for the first time in days, admired her new short haircut and thanked her for her past help, acknowledging her role in helping him resolve his internal struggles. Before leaving London, Shancai wanted to express her gratitude to Thomas and his friends. Huaze Lei arranged a dinner, offering to accompany her.

At the restaurant, Thomas, with Ross and Paul joining, teasingly brought up Shancai's earlier mistake of thinking he played the piano and suggested that since Daoming Si had left, she should be with Huaze Lei. Suddenly, Huaze Lei discovered his wallet was missing. With no one having enough money to cover the extravagant meal, Huaze Lei spotted a piano in the corner. He proposed that he, Thomas, Ross, and Paul perform a song to pay for their dinner.

They played the classic "Can't Help Falling in Love," captivating the restaurant and earning enough tips to settle most of their bill. Just as they finished, Xiaozizi called Shancai, who revealed that Daoming Si had broken up with her.

After Daoming Si broke up with Shancai, Xiaozizi, Meizuo, and Ximen were stunned. Xiaozizi immediately suspected that Daoming Si's mother was behind it, believing that she was eager to finalize a corporate marriage between the Daoming and He families. Meizuo and Ximen agreed, suggesting that Xiaozizi should go to London to understand the situation and potentially thwart Daoming Feng's plans. Meanwhile, after finishing their meal, Huaze Lei and Shancai continued their walk.

Huaze Lei remarked that the one pound left after paying for their meal was the first money he'd ever earned from his music, and he wanted to commemorate it specially. He then used the pound to buy a single red rose for Shancai, which finally brought a sweet smile to her face. Daoming Feng relentlessly pressured Daoming Si, who was on the verge of a breakdown. Ms. Yu urged Daoming Si to answer a video call from Xiaozizi.

Xiaozizi, in her usual assertive manner, scolded him for driving Shancai away. She questioned why he would abandon his relationship over a family business crisis, especially when it involved her own parents. Xiaozizi offered to help him resolve the corporate issues, but Daoming Si insisted that things were more complicated than she thought and told her not to interfere.

Unfazed, Xiaozizi pressed on, arguing that even if a breakup was inevitable, Daoming Si should at least apologize and explain everything to Shancai, as the family crisis had nothing to do with her. Xiaozizi's words struck a chord with Daoming Si, making him reconsider. Having barely eaten for days, Daoming Si’s appetite was piqued when Ms. Yu asked what he wanted to eat.

He suddenly craved the eight-spice hot sauce noodles, which held many cherished memories of him and Shancai, and decided to go to Sister Yue's restaurant to eat them himself. At the villa, Shancai was packing her luggage, preparing to leave London. Huaze Lei, reluctant to see her go, suggested she meet Daoming Si one last time, hoping there might still be a chance to reconcile. However, Shancai’s heart was too bruised, fearing another rejection.

She tearfully thanked Huaze Lei for being by her side during these difficult days. Huaze Lei embraced her tenderly, wanting her to feel some warmth. Just then, Daoming Si arrived and saw the two holding each other tightly on the terrace. As Huaze Lei and Shancai walked out of the villa and encountered Daoming Si, Huaze Lei confronted him, stating that he would take Shancai back to Shanghai because Daoming Si was unworthy of her love.

Enraged, Daoming Si grabbed Huaze Lei’s collar, almost coming to blows, but Shancai remained silent, quietly following Huaze Lei toward the car. Just as Shancai was about to get into the car, Daoming Si called out to her, asking if she remembered their agreement to have hotpot together. Huaze Lei interjected, warning Daoming Si not to offer false hope if he couldn't make a commitment. Shancai, touched by Daoming Si's words, hesitated.

In a decisive moment, she stepped out of the car, choosing to honor their final agreement. Daoming Si tightly clasped her hand, both of them understanding that this might be their last date. They resolved to spend the day enjoying themselves in London without any arguments. They spent the day happily exploring London. Daoming Si shed his arrogant demeanor, and Shancai was very understanding. They seemed to forget all their recent unhappiness.

As they stood by the London Eye, delicate snowflakes began to fall, turning the city into a magical, fairytale scene. They shared an umbrella, running through the snowy streets of London. During their outing, Shancai apologized to Daoming Si for losing the bracelet he had given her, explaining it was stolen on her first day in London.

Daoming Si dismissed it, telling her that everything he had ever given her belonged to her and she was not to return any of it. He then took her phone and, referring to himself in the third person as "that guy who has the final say," installed a special gift he had prepared: a "Meteor Garden" app. That evening, Daoming Si brought Shancai to Sister Yue's restaurant for their hotpot meal.

Sister Yue joyfully recognized Shancai, realizing she was the girl who had come looking for her boyfriend – Daoming Si. She recounted Shancai’s previous visit, remembering how tired and helpless Shancai had looked, but also how her eyes had shone with the power of love when she spoke of her boyfriend. Moved, Sister Yue prepared a special, lavish hotpot to celebrate their reunion.

Shancai, to mask her sadness about their impending breakup, focused on enjoying the delicious food, and Daoming Si followed her lead, determined to make their last gathering a happy one. Daoming Si reflected on his past, admitting how much he now cared for Shancai, a stark contrast to his indifferent self before meeting her. Shancai, close to tears, asked him to revert to his old, arrogant, and self-important self.

Daoming Si agreed, and they playfully bickered, but their feigned arguments soon gave way to shared tears. Finally, Daoming Si asked Shancai to make eight-spice hot sauce noodles for him and Sister Yue, as the dish held precious memories of their relationship. After tasting it, Sister Yue noted its unique blend of sweet, spicy, sour, and bitter flavors, wondering if Shancai had added pineapple. Shancai simply attributed it to "life experience."

Daoming Si then asked Sister Yue never to sell the noodles again, confessing that even hearing its name would cause him unbearable pain, because starting tomorrow, he would have to leave Shancai. Later, as they walked in the cold, Shancai commented on how quickly the day had passed, feeling both like a blink and a lifetime. She wished they could spend every day together like this. Daoming Si, holding her close, proposed they make a pact to live every day of their next lives just as they had today.

The day was drawing to a close, and Daoming Si and Shancai faced an imminent farewell on a bridge. Daoming Si was the first to suggest they break up. Shancai, with a stiff smile, urged him to take good care of himself, a sentiment he wished to reciprocate. Unable to bear her sadness, Daoming Si told her to leave first, wanting to watch her walk away before turning to leave himself.

However, Shancai hadn't gone far before she turned back, calling his name. In that moment, their suppressed emotions overflowed, and they ran towards each other, embracing tightly, unwilling to part. Just then, a person in black passed by and electrocuted Daoming Si, rendering him unconscious. Shancai woke up on a beach, finding Daoming Si unconscious nearby. Fearing he was dead, she screamed. Thankfully, Daoming Si soon regained consciousness, though both of their phones were missing.

They were unsure of their location or how to seek help, and found themselves without food. Daoming Si discovered a bag containing a fishing rod, a flashlight, a lighter, and a bottle of water – simple items that were exactly what they needed. Meanwhile, in London, Daoming Feng was furious with Ms. Yu for allowing Daoming Si to leave the house, especially since he hadn't returned all night.

Ms. Yu, however, stood her ground, asserting that Daoming Si and Zhuang were Daoming Feng’s children, not pawns to be manipulated for the family business. As Daoming Feng dismissed Ms. Yu, she received a call that instantly changed her expression, informing her that Daoming Si had been kidnapped. Soon after, a text message from the kidnapper arrived, asking, "How much do you think your son's life is worth?" The usually composed businesswoman was left distraught.

Back on the deserted island, with the fishing rod, Shancai and Daoming Si managed to catch and grill fish, solving their immediate hunger problem. Sitting together, admiring the clear blue sea, Shancai confessed that she felt a strange sense of gratitude towards their kidnapper. If not for him, they would have already parted ways, but now they could sit side by side, watching the sunset.

As night fell, Daoming Si fashioned a makeshift bed from wood and weeds, calling it a "sea view and night view suite," a gift Shancai treasured. He insisted she sleep while he kept watch by the fire, warning of wild animals. Soon, the howls of wolves echoed through the night, startling Shancai into Daoming Si's arms. For safety, he asked her to stay by the fire while he ventured into the dark forest to investigate.

Growing increasingly scared by the incessant wolf howls, Shancai eventually gathered her courage and followed him. In the pitch-black woods, Daoming Si startled her by placing a hand on her shoulder. He smiled tenderly, and Shancai buried her head in his chest, pleading with him never to leave her again. Daoming Si promised he would never leave her. They returned to the warmth of the fire, and Shancai, leaning against his shoulder, finally drifted off to sleep.

While Daoming Si and Shancai enjoyed their unexpected private world, Daoming Feng was frantic. Interpol reported they had no leads on the kidnappers since the surveillance cameras had a blind spot and no ransom calls had been made. Daoming Feng, desperate, declared she would pay any price for her son's safe return. The next morning, Daoming Si caught an octopus and excitedly brought it back for Shancai to cook.

As they grilled it, they reminisced about Shancai's time in the fishing village after their previous breakup. Daoming Si reflected that Huaze Lei had likely been by her side during that period, making him feel he hadn't done enough for her. He then hugged Shancai, vowing never to let go, no matter what happened. After their meal, they decided to traverse a small, thorny hill in search of a path.

Shancai stumbled and injured herself, which Daoming Si quickly bandaged before helping her continue. As they walked, they heard voices. Approaching, they discovered two tents on the beach, where Xi Men, Meizuo, and Xiaozizi were relaxing. Realizing it was all a prank, Daoming Si angrily confronted Xi Men and Meizuo, grabbing and hitting them.

Xiaozizi intervened, explaining that it was her elaborate plan: to "kidnap" Daoming Si and then strand him and Shancai on the island to nurture their relationship, while simultaneously scaring Daoming Feng. She admitted her bodyguard was the one who electrocuted Daoming Si. Xiaozizi then boldly suggested that Shancai and Daoming Si get married right there on the island. This idea ignited Daoming Si's resolve.

Taking Shancai's hand, he declared to the open sea and sky that he would love only Shancai for the rest of his life. He also affirmed that he would not abandon the Daoming Group but would return to London to shoulder all his responsibilities. He would not give up on either Shancai or his family. Xi Men and Meizuo voiced their full support.

Meanwhile, Daoming Feng received a call from Interpol, informing her that the kidnapper had been identified as Mike, Xiaozizi's bodyguard, and that the entire incident was Xiaozizi’s prank. International news also broke the story of Daoming Si and Xiaozizi's disappearance. Although initially furious, Daoming Feng felt immense relief. She instructed Nishida to immediately contact the public relations department to suppress negative media reports about the Daoming Group's successor and book flights for them to return to Shanghai the following day.

After Daoming Si was tased on a bridge and later woke up on a deserted island with Shancai, it was revealed that the entire "kidnapping" was a prank orchestrated by Xiaozizi, the He family's heiress, to scare Daoming Feng and bring Daoming Si and Shancai closer.

Upon learning this, Daoming Feng, while initially relieved that Daoming Si was safe and under Interpol protection on his way back to Shanghai, quickly ordered Nishida to manage public relations and suppress any negative news that could damage the Daoming Group's successor's image. She also booked a flight back to Shanghai. When Daoming Si and Shancai arrived at the Shanghai airport, they were swarmed by reporters. Meizuo expressed frustration, worried they would be labeled as accomplices due to Xiaozizi's prank.

Huaze Lei suggested Daoming Si and Shancai take separate exits to prevent Daoming Feng from seeing their reunion in the news, knowing her disdain for Shancai. However, Daoming Si boldly declared he wanted his mother and the entire world to know that Shancai was the person he loved most, effectively "declaring war" on Daoming Feng.

Huaze Lei, despite calling Daoming Si foolish and handsome, agreed to help, devising a plan for Ximen and Meizuo to distract the media while he, Daoming Si, and Shancai walked together. Amidst the chaos of the crowd and reporters, a black-clad assailant lunged at Daoming Si from behind, stabbing him. Daoming Si collapsed, his consciousness fading. Shancai and F4 rushed Daoming Si to the hospital. Shancai was terrified, seeing the severe bleeding, and worried he might not survive.

Huaze Lei tried to comfort her, telling her this ordeal was not a punishment but a test that, if overcome, would lead to happiness. Police arrived to investigate, informing F4 that the two assailants were former employees of a now-bankrupt Daoming Group hotel, seeking revenge.

They also confirmed that the island incident was Xiaozizi's prank, to which F4 explained they were invited to a party and only realized it was a prank after arriving, unable to contact police due to lack of signal. F4 agreed to give their statements at the Criminal Investigation Bureau, asking the police to allow Shancai time to recover from her shock. Later, the doctor emerged from surgery, announcing its success and that Daoming Si was out of danger.

However, he cautioned that the severe impact to Daoming Si's head could lead to blood vessel blockage or nerve compression, requiring further observation for potential sequelae. Xiaozizi then arrived, bringing food and clothes for Shancai, and tearfully apologized for her prank causing such serious trouble for Daoming Si. Shancai reassured her that it wasn't her fault and invited her to stay for support, stating that Xiaozizi's presence would give her more courage and confidence.

Daoming Feng soon arrived, dismissively ignoring Shancai and going straight to Daoming Si's bedside. After confirming his stable condition, she immediately instructed Nishida to book the next direct flight back to London (England). Xiaozizi confronted Daoming Feng, accusing her of negligence in managing employee issues, which indirectly led to Daoming Si's injury, and defending Shancai. Daoming Feng, in turn, rebuked Xiaozizi for playing childish games with Shancai and warned her not to betray her affection.

She then coldly told Shancai that the Daoming family's world did not welcome her and demanded she stay away from Daoming Si. Shancai, however, bravely retorted that her world could not exist without Daoming Si, and she would remain by his side until he woke up. She vowed that if Daoming Si truly wanted her to leave, he would have to tell her himself. Daoming Feng ominously replied that Shancai would hear those words soon enough.

After Daoming Feng left, Ms. Yu allowed everyone into the ward to wait. After some time, Daoming Si finally regained consciousness. Looking around, he appeared disoriented and, to everyone's shock, pointed at Shancai and asked, "Who is she?" He recognized Ximen, Meizuo, and even Huaze Lei, teasingly asking him if he was joking. He even remembered Xiaozizi, calling her a "monkey, a monster," but claimed to have no memory of Shancai, mocking her name as "too old-fashioned."

Encouraged by Meizuo, Shancai tearfully recounted their shared history: from their initial encounter where he accidentally crushed her "green crocodile leather" phone, to watching a meteor shower and him gifting her a meteor necklace, promising he'd trade "all the meteors in the sky" for her. Daoming Si feigned ignorance, asking why he should remember such things. Huaze Lei intervened, reminding Daoming Si that Shancai was his true love and he was hers.

When Daoming Si questioned this, Shancai, with tears in her eyes, confessed her deep love for him, recalling their London promise to be happy in the next life, but declaring she wanted to love him in this life. She vowed to make him fall in love with her again, even if he had truly forgotten her. After hearing Shancai's heartfelt confession, Daoming Si broke into a sly smile, admitting he had been faking amnesia to hear her true feelings.

Shancai, infuriated, tried to punch him, but he playfully caught her hand. Seeing them bickering and realizing Daoming Si was back to his old self, F4 and Ms. Yu left them alone. Shancai then tearfully confessed her overwhelming fear when he was injured, admitting she even questioned if God was punishing her for being too greedy by making him forget her.

Daoming Si held her close, assuring her he could never forget her, comparing their bond to "Velcro, sticking together no matter what." Meanwhile, Ximen, Meizuo, and Huaze Lei reflected on Daoming Si and Shancai's relationship. Meizuo believed that only love that "can withstand the test" truly leads to happiness. Ximen agreed but admitted he wouldn't wish such an ordeal on himself.

Huaze Lei offered a different perspective on love, describing his relationship with Teng Tangjing as having evolved into a "more intimate" connection beyond romance—one of loving each other eternally without possession, always remembering their most beautiful selves. Ximen and Meizuo found this ideal admirable but challenging to achieve. After several days at Daoming Si's side, Shancai finally returned home to find her parents, who had rushed back from the fishing village after seeing the news.

They were heartbroken by her exhausted appearance. Shancai reassured them that Daoming Si was recovering well. After Shancai fell asleep, her mother confided in her father, expressing her concern about the vast disparity between their families and the hardships Shancai faced because of Daoming Si. She resolved to gently guide Shancai towards viewing Daoming Si merely as a "common friend." The next day, as Shancai left for school, she was once again mobbed by reporters eager to question her about her relationship with Daoming Si.

As Dong Shancai arrived at school, a throng of reporters swarmed her, bombarding her with questions about her relationship with Daoming Si, wanting to know if she was indeed the girl who protected the Daoming Group successor at the risk of her life and if they were lovers. After struggling to get away, she was stopped by Baihe and Xin Hui at her classroom door.

They praised her bravery, saying that the era of "tender little flowers" was over and her strong spirit was admirable. Chen Qinghe and Li Zhen then joined them, expressing relief that Shancai and Daoming Si were safe. Li Zhen mentioned they had wanted to visit Daoming Si in the hospital, but Ximen had advised them against it. Shancai humbly said she didn't think much at the time, only rushing to help Daoming Si.

Qinghe, after teasingly asking if she would save him too and being playfully called a "flatterer" by Li Zhen, formally blessed Shancai and Daoming Si's relationship, wishing them eternal happiness. He dramatically announced his withdrawal from pursuing Shancai, unless circumstances drastically changed. Meanwhile, Daoming Si, tired of recuperating at the hospital, left against Yu Sao's wishes, arguing his wound might get infected if he stayed longer.

He decided to stay at Huaze Lei's house to avoid his mother, Daoming Feng, who was busy in London. Huaze Lei was surprised to see him. Daoming Si then revealed his desire to marry Shancai. While Huaze Lei had no objection, he raised concerns about Daoming Feng's strong opposition, fearing Shancai wouldn't want to cause a rift between mother and son.

Daoming Si confidently stated he could support himself, recalling his early success in stock trading, and then unveiled his secret plan: he would marry Shancai first, then reveal his long-planned strategy to transform the Daoming Group into a new concept hotel empire. He refused to elaborate further on the "secret plan." Shancai had been busy working alone at the bubble tea shop because Xiaoyou was attending a tea ceremony class.

Xiaoyou aimed to learn new tea products for the shop, as it was part of her dream to open a branch of the Tea Master. At the tea club, Xiaoyou met an older student, Xiaogeng (also known as Geng Yifen), who made cute dolls. The two bonded over their short hair and shared a liking for men who understood the way of tea, quickly becoming friends.

Later, as Shancai walked Xiaoyou home, Xiaoyou expressed her worries about Ximen, revealing he had been cold to her when she tried to reach out while Shancai was in London. Shancai, seeing Xiaoyou’s sadness, advised her to let go of the relationship if it wasn't meant to be. That evening, F4 hosted a party to celebrate Daoming Si's recovery, playfully calling him an "immortal devil" whom even the King of Hell had rejected.

When Meizuo insisted Daoming Si prove his health by downing a drink, Shancai intervened, reminding them of his unhealed injury and calling them "hooligans." She bravely offered to drink on his behalf, but the bitter, spicy, and salty taste made her choke. Daoming Si then took the glass from her, calling her an "idiot" for trying to be a hero, and drank it himself. Shancai warned him against causing more trouble, while Daoming Si playfully reminded her of "boyfriend etiquette."

During the party, Xiaoyou sat by herself looking lonely until Ximen approached her, and they talked. Shancai, watching them from afar, felt a mix of curiosity and concern about the future of Ximen and Xiaoyou's relationship. Seeing Shancai's slightly downcast mood, Daoming Si pulled Shancai away from the party, saying he only wanted to be with her and proposing they go somewhere just for the two of them.

Outside, he held her close, telling her that his arms were her "Girlfriend's exclusive spot" and that she shouldn't bear difficulties alone. Shancai, feeling his heartbeat and the warmth of his embrace, realized how deeply she loved him. She confessed she felt like the "universe's super duper idiot" for only fully realizing her love when he was close to death, vowing never to lose him again.

Daoming Si, calling her a "little idiot" in comparison to his own self-proclaimed title, teased her when she playfully hit his chest, saying she would cause his wound to reopen if she kept touching him. He then asked her to be serious and let him hold her quietly. Later, Ximen, feeling he owed Xiaoyou for her efforts in climbing buildings to help him find answers, offered to do anything for her.

Xiaoyou, joking about "full service," asked him to come teach a tea ceremony class at her club. Ximen agreed and went with her, but they found the club empty. Ximen joked about teaching only her, but then, Xiaogeng and the other club members returned. Upon seeing Xiaogeng, Ximen was stunned, and they exchanged an emotional "Long time no see," tears welling in their eyes. The other club members quickly realized that "Yifen senior" was Ximen's first love, Xiaogeng.

Ximen then gave his tea lesson, but Xiaoyou was too distressed to pay attention, realizing she had inadvertently reunited Ximen with his past love. Xiaogeng, too, struggled to maintain composure, excusing herself to the restroom where she tried to convince herself to let go of someone who didn't love her, but found herself admitting that after all these years, she still liked Ximen. As the lesson ended, Ximen asked Xiaogeng to talk. Xiaogeng suggested Xiaoyou join them, but Ximen hesitated.

Xiaoyou, sensing she was unwelcome, politely excused herself, claiming she had another class. Ximen and Xiaogeng walked down a familiar path, reminiscing about their childhood and teasing each other about old fears and the time Ximen fell from a rooftop while picking fruit. Xiaogeng confessed her regret for insisting he go to the rooftop, realizing he was protecting her, and admitted her fear and cowardice in facing his answer.

Ximen apologized in return, saying if he had gone to the rooftop that day, their relationship might not have ended. He then asked Xiaogeng for another chance to make amends, suggesting they revisit that rooftop to "start over." Earlier, Xiaogeng had sought out Xiaoyou and informed her that Ximen had invited her to meet on the rooftop of the building the following morning.

Xiaogeng, realizing Xiaoyou's feelings for Ximen, felt it was necessary to tell her this, and expressed her intention to make amends for her past with Ximen. Heartbroken by this news, Xiaoyou later confessed to Shancai that she had helped Ximen find his first love and reconcile with her, comparing her situation to a "brow of an eight" that made her look sad even when she was happy. Shancai, concerned, took Xiaoyou to a KTV, where Daoming Si also joined them.

Xiaoyou, acting as a "song hog," sang the same melancholic song repeatedly, channeling her heartbreak into the music. Shancai and Daoming Si tried to comfort her, telling her to vent until she was exhausted, assuring her that the "darkness would pass" and "her dawn would surely come." The next morning, Ximen and Xiaogeng met at the building for their planned visit. Xiaoyou was also seen climbing the building alone, exhausted, wondering if Ximen and Xiaogeng had already met.

Shancai asked if she regretted helping them, but Xiaoyou denied it, saying only that her heart hurt and she didn't know when it would stop. Shancai advised her not to dwell on the unknown, stating that the pain was proof she was alive. At the top of the building, Ximen looked tired, admitting he hadn't slept well. Xiaogeng reminisced about his childhood, noting his playful but reckless nature despite poor stamina.

Ximen thanked her, telling her that her "innocence and cuteness saved him" during his loneliest times. Xiaogeng then looked at him and asked, "Ximen, do you know I've always liked you?"

Ximen and Xiaogeng stood together on the rooftop of a high-rise building. Xiaogeng confessed that she had always liked him, a fact Ximen admitted he already knew, finding her easy to read. However, he found her own feelings harder to decipher. Xiaogeng observed that since their reunion, all their conversations revolved around the past, implying that they had missed their chance and that nothing truly waits forever; words disappear, and people change.

Ximen then expressed his regret, apologizing that he had missed his chance. He confessed that his past self had liked her deeply, and that the current her was more important than anything to him. Xiaogeng reciprocated, admitting she too had liked the "old him" intensely. Her intuition told her that they no longer liked each other in the present, thus accepting their definitive separation. Meanwhile, a tired Xiaoyou finished her singing performance at 8 AM.

She received a call from Xiaogeng, asking her to come to the rooftop. Perplexed, as she expected Xiaogeng to be with Ximen, Xiaoyou nevertheless agreed to go alone despite Shancai and Daoming Si offering a ride. Upon arrival, Xiaoyou found only Ximen on the rooftop. She noticed that the signboard on the opposite building that was once there was gone and asked about Xiaogeng's whereabouts.

Ximen solemnly informed her that Xiaogeng had left, and their relationship had ended, just like the missing signboard symbolizing a past that has vanished. Ximen then opened up to Xiaoyou, admitting that his past self was not brave and often avoided facing the people he liked, wondering if such a person deserved affection. Xiaoyou, however, passionately declared that she loved the current Ximen, flaws and all, just as she accepted her own imperfections.

She embraced him, unwilling to let him slip away, and they shared a profound kiss. Later, back at the tea ceremony club, Ximen gave Xiaoyou a gift from Xiaogeng: a self-made doll resembling Ximen, along with a letter. In the letter, Xiaogeng thanked Xiaoyou for bringing her closer to Ximen again, which helped her understand her true desires. Xiaogeng wrote that the doll was originally made for Ximen out of longing, but now it rightfully belonged to Xiaoyou.

Xiaoyou, reflecting on the gift and letter, felt it embodied a broad-minded perspective on life where one cherishes encounters but also accepts when things are missed. Elsewhere, Daoming Si and Dong Shancai were having wontons.

Despite an earlier playful argument where Daoming Si teased Shancai about Ximen causing them exhaustion from comforting Xiaoyou, Daoming Si suddenly proposed to Shancai in front of the entire restaurant, declaring his desire to share three meals a day with her for the rest of their lives.

A flustered Shancai didn't outright refuse, so Daoming Si stood up and announced to all the customers that Dong Shancai had agreed to marry him, asking them to bear witness and offering to treat everyone to their meal. Back home, Shancai was still buzzing with excitement, pinching herself to confirm the proposal wasn't a dream. Soon after, 520 roses arrived, sent by Daoming Si to symbolize his feelings. Shancai, ever curious, counted them but repeatedly found only 519.

Just as she called Daoming Si to playfully complain, he appeared at her door, holding the final, 520th rose. Shancai then shared her happy news with Xiaoyou, who was overjoyed and envious. Xiaoyou, in turn, revealed that she and Ximen had formally started dating after her rooftop visit. Shancai was surprised but immensely happy for her friend, noting Xiaoyou's radiant smile and her new Tencent Social QQ Space avatar, which she had changed that very day.

Meanwhile, at school, Shancai heard a beautiful violin melody and followed it to find Huaze Lei playing. He explained that he was going abroad soon and wanted to play one last time in the music classroom, a place filled with his memories. Noticing Shancai's slight hesitation about marrying Daoming Si, he asked if she was still worried. Shancai admitted to her fears of future obstacles, given their tumultuous past.

Huaze Lei, however, reassured her, stating that they had overcome every challenge together, and nothing could defeat them now. A few days later, Daoming Si and Shancai traveled to the fishing village to seek her parents' blessing for their marriage. Daoming Si presented them with a "plant doctor Dendrobium orchid spirit" as a gift. Shancai's mother, however, strongly opposed the hasty marriage.

While she acknowledged Daoming Si's polite and well-educated character and his kindness to Shancai, her main concern was how Shancai would manage her relationship with Daoming Feng if they married without Daoming Feng's explicit approval. Shancai admitted that they were trying to avoid confronting Daoming Feng. Realizing the validity of Shancai's mother's concern, Daoming Si immediately decided to video call his mother, Daoming Feng, who was abroad.

He declared his intention to marry Shancai and sought her consent, with both sets of parents present virtually. Daoming Feng, though reluctant, stated that a Daoming family marriage required careful planning. Daoming Si firmly reiterated his unwavering resolve to marry Shancai soon, having no other woman in his heart. Seeing his determination, Daoming Feng softened her stance, instructing him to discuss wedding arrangements upon his return.

Everyone present interpreted this as her tacit agreement, much to Daoming Si and Shancai's elation. Shancai’s parents expressed relief and planned to return to Shanghai to await Daoming Feng's official proposal. While staying in the fishing village, Daoming Si enthusiastically helped out at the Dong family's "Dong's Squid King" stall, donning an apron, much to Shancai's amusement. He addressed Shancai's mother as "Mom," which deeply touched her.

That night, due to limited accommodation, Daoming Si shared a room with Shancai's father. Shancai's father, initially concerned about Daoming Si's background and his daughter's welfare, offered extensive advice, cautioning him against gambling or being swayed by other women. Daoming Si patiently listened, assuring him that he would not be interested in other women and praising Shancai's strong personality, worldview, and values, which he attributed to her parents' excellent upbringing. He solemnly promised not to let Shancai down, ultimately earning her father's trust and relief.

Mingde University held its graduation ceremony, and the F4, as distinguished alumni, returned to participate. Ximen delivered a speech, reflecting on the school's excellence and the unique challenges of learning, particularly the importance of friendship. He fondly recounted the "eat slipper" incident, where a confident freshman challenged them at a bridge game, vowing to eat his shoes if he lost. They discovered he wore slippers, but F4 did not make him follow through, instead playfully calling him "Eat Slippers."

Ximen emphasized that despite their ups and downs, his three closest friends have always been there for him, their bond deeper than siblings, understanding each other more than themselves, and always guiding each other with light and reason. After the ceremony, female students surrounded F4, eager for autographs and photos, a scene that reminded Shancai of her first encounter with Daoming Si.

Huaze Lei proposed a bachelor party for Daoming Si, to be held the following night as a pre-wedding celebration. He made it clear that Shancai was not invited. After the plans were set, Shancai and Daoming Si left together. Shancai stumbled and broke her shoe, prompting Daoming Si to carry her on his back to a shoe store. He remarked that he would have to take care of her for the rest of his life.

At Shancai's favorite shoe store, which she had frequented since elementary school, Daoming Si insisted on buying her the best pair. Following their shoe shopping, they went to the Daoming residence where Ms. Yu, excited to see Shancai, warmly welcomed her. Ms. Yu took Shancai's measurements for a wedding dress, promising to make her the "brightest focus" of her engagement and wedding.

She expressed her desire for Shancai to quickly join the Daoming family, believing only Shancai could "discipline" Daoming Si, and insisted that Shancai stay the night, much to Shancai's bashful surprise. Daoming Si then whisked Shancai away, joking about their collusion. Later, Daoming Si surprised Shancai in a room adorned with many red roses and twinkling lights, reminiscent of a meteor shower.

He told her the romantic gesture had a special meaning, as she was the one he would exchange all the stars in the sky for. Shancai, deeply touched, called him a "bad guy" for creating such an unforgettable memory. Daoming Si confirmed his lifelong commitment, stating that the only condition for his unwavering devotion was that she remain "tied to him for the rest of her life." They shared a passionate embrace.

Meanwhile, Ximen prepared for his first date with Xiaoyou. He tried to enlist Meizuo and Huaze Lei for a special surprise, but they both claimed to be busy. He then asked Chen Qinghe for help. Xiaoyou brought Ximen a cake as a gift, hoping to share it. Ximen made a passing comment about his ex, Xiaogeng, also liking sweets. Xiaoyou, though momentarily disheartened, asserted that she was happy to be sharing the moment with him now.

She then playfully asked if he had a gift for her, to which he replied he did not, causing her brief disappointment. As they walked through the city streets after dinner, Ximen planned to surprise Xiaoyou with a light display on a building, arranged by Chen Qinghe. However, when he checked his phone and saw no activity, his expression changed, and he excused himself to make a call.

He furiously called Chen Qinghe, chastising him for messing up the complex light pattern instructions for the building and ruining his date. Unexpectedly, the building lit up, displaying a flashing red heart, which Xiaoyou excitedly pointed out, believing it to be a romantic gesture from another man. Ximen was frustrated, but Xiaoyou, delighted, suggested they "share the good luck" and take a photo. When Ximen hesitated, Xiaoyou leaned in and kissed him, which he passionately returned.

At the same time, Chen Qinghe and Li Zhen, captivated by the unexpected light display, also shared a kiss. Shancai and Xiaoyou's "Tea Master Shop" grew in popularity, leading the owner to promote Xiaoyou to manager. To celebrate her first day, Ximen rallied F4 to visit the shop, promising to break sales records. That evening, Xiaoyou treated everyone to special milk teas, challenging them to identify the unique tea leaves.

Huaze Lei correctly identified his drink as Matcha, and Meizuo identified his as Dongding Kiwifruit. Daoming Si, however, struggled to guess, leading Shancai to taste his drink and correctly name it as Momo. The F4 praised Shancai, noting her increasing beauty and her success in taming Daoming Si. Huaze Lei then playfully said he wanted to kiss Shancai before she went abroad and actually kissed her forehead.

A jealous Daoming Si immediately became enraged, threatening to fight Huaze Lei and even kiss Xiaoyou in retaliation, leading to a playful skirmish among the six friends. The next day, Shancai's parents excitedly prepared for Daoming Si and Daoming Feng's official visit to propose. Shancai's mother, emotional about her daughter marrying and potentially moving to London, fretted about missing her.

Shancai reassured her, promising to stay in Shanghai until graduation and even suggesting to Daoming Si that they live with her parents. She confidently stated that Daoming Si was "wrapped around her finger" and would listen to her, even joking about kicking him away if he ever bullied her. However, as noon approached, Daoming Si and his mother had still not arrived. Shancai called Daoming Si, but Daoming Feng answered.

Daoming Feng bluntly revealed that her previous "agreement" to the marriage was a ruse, a tactical compromise because Daoming Si was "in their hands." She claimed she had since convinced Daoming Si to abandon the marriage, and he had decided to return to London with her permanently, instructing Shancai to "give up on Asi." Shancai was devastated. Her parents, furious at the deception and humiliation, prepared to confront Daoming Feng, but Shancai stopped them.

She apologized to her parents for their distress and declared that from that day forward, she would face her relationship with Daoming Si alone, determined not to let her family suffer any further disrespect from Daoming Feng. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei, Meizuo, and Ximen were dressed in silly dog hats for Daoming Si's "goodbye to the single dog party," joking about how Daoming Si was surprisingly the first among them to marry.

Shancai arrived, looking distraught, and informed them that Daoming Si would not be coming, as Daoming Feng had intervened once more. Ximen immediately called Daoming Si, but Ms. Yu answered the phone with an uncharacteristically cold and distant tone, stating that Daoming Si was "busy" with family matters and unable to speak, instructing them not to call again. Daoming Feng was then heard instructing Ms. Yu to deny any knowledge of Daoming Si's whereabouts to anyone who called.

Huaze Lei suspected that Ms. Yu's unusual demeanor and Daoming Feng's actions were a "delaying tactic." To ascertain Daoming Si's situation, the three friends decided to sneak into the Daoming residence through the back door, leaving Shancai behind as it was too risky for her.

Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo drove to the Daoming family mansion. After discussing their plan, they decided to enter through the back door. They were immediately discovered by Ms. Yu, who expressed her relief at their arrival and scolded them for being late. She then informed them that Daoming Si was locked up and pointed them towards his room. Bursting into the room, they found Daoming Si lying in bed with Daoming Feng beside him.

Daoming Feng harshly criticized F4, calling them "petty thieves" and questioning Daoming Si's choice of friends. Huaze Lei retorted that unlike her, they wouldn't hurt their own family. Daoming Feng maintained her position, stating she would never allow someone like Shancai, who she deemed inferior in every aspect, to be with Daoming Si, affirming that Xiaozizi was the correct choice. Meanwhile, Xiaozizi was reluctantly trying on wedding dresses under pressure from her mother.

She voiced her distress, explaining that Daoming Si loved Shancai, not her, and she didn't want a loveless marriage. Her mother revealed the critical financial state of the Daoming Group. Daoming Feng's hotel businesses were struggling, and she desperately needed Xiaozizi’s father's support, who in turn sought to acquire Daoming Group’s resources. This alliance, her mother insisted, was essential for the greatest benefit of both families.

Xiaozizi questioned why a simple business cooperation wasn't sufficient, but her mother explained that Daoming Feng’s untrustworthy nature, tough business style, and aggressive business practices which led to many enemies, necessitated a marital bond to secure the deal and make Daoming Si an insider. Her mother then starkly warned Xiaozizi that if she refused the marriage, the Daoming Group could collapse, leaving Daoming Si with absolutely nothing.

Outside Daoming Si's room, Meizuo expressed disbelief at the situation, wondering if Daoming Feng had gone crazy over money. Huaze Lei speculated that Daoming Feng might indeed be desperate and driven to madness, suggesting the Daoming Group could be on the verge of ruin.

Ximen recalled a previous incident where a disgruntled employee who tried to harm Daoming Si cited the hotel's poor management as a motive for revenge, leading them to conclude that the company's problems were far more severe than they had imagined. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the F4 decided their most urgent task was to prevent Daoming Si from making a tragic mistake, and the only person who could help was Shancai.

F4, accompanied by Xiaozizi, went to see Shancai. Shancai, anticipating bad news, urged them to speak plainly, stating she was mentally prepared. Ximen delivered the news that, according to Daoming Feng's plan, Xiaozizi and Daoming Si were soon to be married. Xiaozizi apologized to Shancai, stating she didn't mean for this to happen, and tearfully begged her to give up Daoming Si.

She explained that he had been on a hunger strike since learning of the forced marriage, and his health was rapidly deteriorating. She implored Shancai to at least persuade him to eat, believing he would listen only to her, as he refused to listen to anyone else. She added that if Shancai agreed to give up, Daoming Feng would permit them to meet.

Huaze Lei echoed Xiaozizi’s plea, emphasizing Daoming Si's stubborn personality and that once he set his mind, he would go all the way, even fighting Daoming Feng to the end, which his body couldn't withstand. He urged Shancai to consider it a selfless act to save Daoming Si's life, not to reclaim her love. Heartbroken, Shancai reluctantly agreed, making Xiaozizi promise not to ask for her blessing at the wedding, stating she had already relinquished Daoming Si to her.

Shancai felt a surge of strength, knowing she was not alone and had the support and encouragement of her friends. Shancai then went to the Daoming mansion with Xiaozizi. Daoming Feng was visibly displeased and immediately admonished Xiaozizi for associating with Shancai, whom she considered "undignified," and warned her not to let it affect her demeanor. Shancai stood her ground, asserting she was there to see Daoming Si.

Daoming Feng initially refused, but Xiaozizi intervened, explaining that Shancai had agreed to give up and would clarify everything to Daoming Si. Xiaozizi pressed the issue further, arguing that for her own peace of mind before marrying Daoming Si next week, she needed assurance that he and Shancai had truly broken ties. Daoming Feng eventually conceded, allowing Shancai to speak to Daoming Si through the door, but insisted Xiaozizi remain present.

Shancai, however, requested to speak to Daoming Si alone from outside his door, and Xiaozizi agreed. Shancai stood by Daoming Si's bedroom door and called out to him. Weak from fasting, Daoming Si struggled to get out of bed and collapsed against the door, listening intently. Fighting back tears, Shancai urged him to accept his family's arrangement and marry Xiaozizi, whom she claimed truly loved him.

She falsely confessed that she had never genuinely loved him, only valuing the honor and prestige of being with him, and that the "troubles" had become too much for her to bear, admitting she couldn't continue anymore. Daoming Si, however, saw through her lies. He told her she was adorably foolish, recalling their shared journey through difficulties and his unwavering commitment.

He declared his profound happiness with her, stating that her seemingly harsh words, born of concern, only strengthened his resolve, as only the Shancai who loved him to his core and worried about him disappearing would say such nonsense. Daoming Si revealed that despite his extreme weakness, her voice filled him with boundless strength, affirming that only her accompaniment, his foolish Shancai, could make him feel such power. Listening to him, Shancai’s resolve solidified.

She tearfully promised to never betray her own heart again, to always stand by him, and to accompany him through anything, just as he had promised to chase her to the ends of the earth, even if she fled to Mars. When Shancai emerged from the room, Xiaozizi anxiously asked if Daoming Si had agreed to end his hunger strike and eat. Daoming Feng, hearing no positive news, tried to dismiss Shancai immediately. Xiaozizi apologized to Shancai for the ill-treatment.

Shancai, with newfound clarity and courage, declared that she understood Daoming Si’s reasons and would stand in solidarity with him. She announced that she would join his hunger strike and wait outside the mansion until he came out. Daoming Feng, unmoved, stated that Shancai's actions would not garner her sympathy. Shancai, however, bravely retorted that the one truly deserving of pity was Daoming Feng herself. Shancai then walked out of the mansion and stood resolute outside.

As heavy rain began to fall, Huaze Lei arrived with an umbrella, urging Shancai to eat or drink something, but she steadfastly refused, determined to endure the hardship alongside Daoming Si, promising to accompany him to the ends of the earth, through heaven and hell. As night fell, Shancai remained at the mansion's gates, gazing at the single light illuminating Daoming Si's bedroom window.

The next day, Daoming Zhuang rushed back to confront her mother, Daoming Feng. She questioned Daoming Feng’s cruelty, highlighting that both Daoming Si and Shancai were on a hunger strike, refusing to eat or drink. Daoming Feng, however, retorted by recalling Daoming Zhuang's past failed elopement, suggesting that she had saved her from a weak man and prevented her from making a mistake.

Daoming Zhuang firmly stated that Shancai was braver than she was, and that Shancai and Daoming Si would find greater happiness. She insisted that Daoming Feng was not seeing Daoming Si's true path, but rather the path of her own company, and provocatively asked why she didn't have more children to "sell" when the company faced crises.

Daoming Feng, exhausted, maintained that her role extended beyond being just a mother and that her decisions were for the company's and Daoming Si's well-being. Daoming Zhuang then went to see Daoming Si, who was weak and bedridden but still determined to continue his hunger strike. He told his sister that he was doing this to demonstrate his serious commitment to Shancai and their love to their mother.

Daoming Si expressed joy that Shancai was standing with him in this fight, and Daoming Zhuang shared his happiness, acknowledging that he had found someone to make him truly happy. Meanwhile, Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo had been investigating the Daoming Group's financial situation. They discovered that years of rapid expansion had led to significant losses, pushing the company into a severe crisis.

They realized that Daoming Feng’s desperate attempt to arrange a marriage between Daoming Si and Xiaozizi was a last resort, hoping to merge with Xiaozizi's family company to save the Daoming Group from collapse. Huaze Lei, recalling Daoming Si's past brilliance in business, believed that Daoming Si possessed a secret plan that could turn the company around. He suggested they check Daoming Si's email for clues.

After obtaining his email address, they guessed the password was Shancai’s birthday, revealing Daoming Si’s simple nature and deep affection. Witnessing the ongoing struggle, Xiaozizi made a definitive decision. She told Meizuo that she would stand with Shancai, unwilling to be a pawn in Daoming Feng’s schemes. Shancai, still enduring the elements outside the Daoming mansion, drew strength from within, reminding herself that she must persist for Daoming Si, the man who loved her with his life.

Daoming Zhuang made one last plea to Daoming Feng, urging her to yield before both Daoming Si and Shancai suffered irreversible harm. However, Daoming Feng remained unyielding, stating that their disobedience was the cause of their suffering, and dramatically claimed that she too was dying from her ungrateful children's actions. Just then, F4 and Xiaozizi entered.

Xiaozizi bravely informed Daoming Feng that she would absolutely not marry Daoming Si, a decision her parents fully supported, with her father prepared to call Daoming Feng to confirm. Huaze Lei then handed Daoming Feng an important document: Daoming Si’s hidden business plan. Upon reading the plan, Daoming Feng was shocked and finally conceded. She abandoned her insistence on the arranged marriage and agreed to give Daoming Si a chance to prove himself.

Ms. Yu and Xiaozizi immediately went to inform Shancai that the ordeal was over. Shancai, barely able to stand, made her way towards Daoming Si's room. As she entered, Daoming Si, equally frail, reached out to her. Before she could respond, Shancai fainted, experiencing vivid flashbacks of all their shared moments – the laughter, tears, joy, and pain – deeply etched in her memory. Daoming Si, seeing her unconscious, was heartbroken.

Earlier, a simple question from Shancai about Schumpeter's creative destruction theory, coupled with her look of admiration, had ignited a new vision in Daoming Si. He realized that merely knowing a theory was different from truly understanding and implementing it. This inspiration, combined with his desire to earn Shancai's continued admiration, pushed him to become truly exceptional beyond his family's wealth. He decided to launch a "business incubation platform," which he called the "Dream Hug Plan."

This ambitious plan aimed to revitalize the Daoming Group by fostering innovation across diverse sectors, from artificial intelligence to everyday products like sauces, to help individuals bravely embrace their dreams and create market miracles. He had confidence in the plan and his trustworthy brothers to help him achieve it. Daoming Feng was overjoyed by Daoming Si's ingenuity and maturity. Overwhelmed with pride and exhaustion, she fainted and slept for seven continuous days.

Upon waking, Daoming Zhuang reassured her that she could now finally rest, as Daoming Si was capable of handling the company. True to its promise, Daoming Si's "Dream Hug Plan" quickly gained immense traction, attracting support and investment from numerous financial giants. The Shenzhen Tencent Technology Platform even offered the Baoyi Building as a future incubation hub for entrepreneurs, successfully rescuing the Daoming Group from its crisis.

Some time later, Shancai remembered her promise to see Huaze Lei off before he went abroad. She arrived at the designated location only to find it closed. Confused, she called Ximen, who informed her that she was a day late; Huaze Lei and Daoming Si had already departed for London. Ximen then startlingly claimed that Shancai had suffered amnesia, that she had rejected Daoming Si, and that he had subsequently married Xiaozizi and left for London with her.

Distraught and refusing to believe it, Shancai turned to rush to the airport, but as she did, she was suddenly knocked unconscious. Shancai awoke to find herself in a white wedding dress. Daoming Si approached her, repeating his initial, arrogant declaration from when they first met, offering her a privileged life if she would be his woman. Shancai, frustrated by his familiar haughtiness, rejected his proposition, calling him a conceited jerk with a ridiculous pineapple head.

Daoming Si, in turn, threatened her with regret if she left him, calling her troublesome. As he turned to walk away, Shancai desperately called out to him not to leave. The scene then shifted into a dreamlike montage of their tumultuous relationship, filled with intense arguments, tears, and moments of fierce devotion. Daoming Zhuang and Xiaozizi, wearing uniforms, then appeared and performed a lively dance. Afterwards, Daoming Zhuang offered to summon Daoming Si for Shancai, but instead, F3—Ximen, Meizuo, and Huaze Lei—appeared, leaving Shancai to choose one as her lifelong partner.

Shancai seemingly trying to summon Daoming Si, but only Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo appear. Daoming Zhuang, who is orchestrating this, playfully tells Shancai that her sincerity must not be enough if she can only summon F3, and suggests she choose one of them as her lifelong partner. Meizuo steps forward, boasting about being the F4 member with the longest legs, smallest face, and the most humor. He promises never to call her stupid or short.

Shancai, however, reminds him of his preference for older women, noting she is younger than him. Meizuo concedes that older women are more sensible and less clingy, and agrees to continue liking older girls. Next, Ximen approaches, claiming to be the F4 member who best understands women, able to discern their thoughts and desires from a single gesture. He assures her she would be happy with him and that he would cherish her every tear.

Shancai quickly rejects him, reminding him that he already has Xiaoyou and warns him not to hurt her. Ximen, a little flustered, insists he was just kidding and affirms his deep love for Xiaoyou. Finally, Huaze Lei steps forward, implying that no words are needed between them as Shancai already understands his feelings. Shancai acknowledges his outwardly indifferent but inwardly passionate nature and his unwavering loyalty to friends, always being there to support her.

She confesses that the thought of him going abroad to study music makes her incredibly sad, fearing she might never see him again. Huaze Lei, with a knowing smile, recognizes that despite everything, Daoming Si is still her choice. Shancai confirms her unwavering love for Daoming Si, having genuinely loved him through all their shared experiences, good or bad. Huaze Lei then smiles and says they will all help her summon Daoming Si.

As Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo step aside, a path opens up before Shancai, revealing Daoming Si, handsome in a black suit, walking towards her with a bouquet of flowers, bathed in a soft light. Behind him, a crowd of their friends, including Xiaoyou, Qinghe, and Thomas, watch on. Daoming Si kneels, offering the flowers and asking Shancai to marry him. Overwhelmed, Shancai questions if this beautiful moment is real or just a dream.

Her friends laugh good-naturedly, teasing her for being as gullible as ever, before showering the couple with blessings and warm wishes for their happiness. Daoming Zhuang, impatient with Daoming Si's lingering theatrics, urges him to proceed with the wedding. After Daoming Si and Shancai exchange vows, Daoming Zhuang proudly declares them husband and wife, marking the end of their long and challenging journey.

Daoming Si, overcome with emotion, casts aside the bouquet and pulls Shancai into a tight embrace, kissing her passionately. After the wedding, Shancai settles into the Daoming family home. Daoming Feng, much to everyone's surprise, stays with them for a period. She has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding her former domineering businesswoman persona. Now, she strives to enjoy life, dedicating more attention to her children rather than just her career.

One morning, Shancai and Daoming Si are surprised to discover a burning smell in the kitchen and find Daoming Feng attempting to make breakfast. Shancai asks why she didn't call for help, to which Daoming Feng sadly admits that for years, despite her business prowess, she couldn't even care for herself. Shancai reassures her, praising her vision, capability, and unmatched elegance, downplaying the burnt toast and fish.

Daoming Feng then reveals her intention to leave for a while, to live independently and discover what she truly wants from life. She plans to travel alone, learn basic life skills like cooking and taking the subway, and connect with people outside of business. Daoming Si and Shancai are astonished by her newfound desire for personal growth and self-discovery. Daoming Feng bids them farewell, leaving the household in their care, and embarks on her journey of self-reinvention.

Shancai reflects that her mother's independent spirit is admirable, though she herself, a more ordinary person, is content with the beautiful life she now has. With Daoming Feng gone, Daoming Si and Shancai enjoy a playful and carefree life together. The Chinese plot also notes that single Huaze Lei often accompanies the couple, emphasizing the deep bond between the three of them. Three months into their marriage, Daoming Si suggests cooking a special dinner to celebrate.

Shancai expresses doubt about his culinary skills, but he insists, promising a big surprise. In a playful attempt to scare her, Daoming Si fakes cutting his finger, but Shancai quickly sees through his prank. Their days are filled with happiness and lighthearted banter, including playful teasing and drawing on each other's faces.

One day, they are seen reading a comic book titled "My Quarter Boyfriend," with Daoming Si commenting on how the characters resemble F4, though he insists none are as handsome as him. Later, on New Year's Eve, Daoming Si, Shancai, and Huaze Lei are together. Ximen has a date with Xiaoyou. Meizuo is alone at work but finds solace in thoughts of his beloved.

Meanwhile, Xiaozu encounters Thomas when his bag zipper accidentally snags her scarf, and they share a smile, hinting at a new romance. As Huaze Lei plays the piano, a magnificent meteor shower lights up the night sky. Shancai excitedly rushes outside, and Daoming Si quickly follows, draping his coat over her shoulders to keep her warm.

They make wishes together, as do Qinghe, who wishes for his family's banana business to go global and for him to become handsome and find an invincible beauty, and other friends who make wishes for world peace and no air pollution. One day, Daoming Si and Shancai encounter a street musician named Xiaoha, who is singing "Can't Help Falling in Love." They are drawn to his performance and stop to listen.

Daoming Si and Xiaoha jokingly argue about who is more established on the street, and Xiaoha, recognizing their names, playfully asks for payment before continuing his song. Shancai and Daoming Si begin to sing along, and soon, Huaze Lei, Ximen, and Meizuo arrive and join them, adding to the impromptu street performance. Their voices blend together, celebrating the culmination of their unique fairy tale of pure love.