My Deepest Dream Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Deepest Dream Synopsis
Wu Yu and Tan Jiao met on a boat trip. They fell in love at first sight.
After the trip, they both suffer from memory loss of varying degrees, with Wu Yu losing a few days after the trip and Tan Jiao losing nearly a year and a half.
Wu Yu is a well-rounded academic with a promising future, but his life is turned upside down after the trip when his only family members, his mother and sister, are killed.
He gives up his future to find out who is murderer and becomes a car mechanic. Tan Jiao reunites with him when she comes to fix her car. Then they would have a time-travel every half a month...
My Deepest Dream Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Tan Jiao contemplating the existence of parallel universes and whether countless versions of herself might be experiencing vastly different lives while she wonders if anything in her own life is truly unchanging. A novelist, Tan Jiao, announces her new work, "Dark Clouds Meet the Bright Moon," a romance that blends elements of the Titanic story with time travel.
To gather inspiration for her new novel, she decides to embark on a journey, beginning with a scuba diving excursion on a luxury cruise ship, the Diamond Star. She asks to register for the dive. While exploring the vibrant underwater world, Tan Jiao experiences a sudden unsettling sensation. She tries to ascend but finds herself paralyzed, her body uncontrollably descending deeper into the ocean.
As she sinks, she reflects on her career as a novelist, having penned countless love stories, yet never truly experiencing one for herself. She wondered if her destined partner was lost or trapped somewhere. Just as despair began to set in, a man in a diving suit appeared and rescued her, making her belief in a destined love clearer than ever. Tan Jiao abruptly awoke in her own room, disoriented. " Why did I fall asleep?
I thought I was on a cruise," she murmured to herself. Her mother called, urging her to come over for breakfast, mentioning that Zhuang Yu would be there soon. Tan Jiao, who was brushing her teeth, initially tried to claim she was already working, but her mother saw through the lie. After getting ready, Tan Jiao noticed strange changes: the climate felt extremely dry, everything in her room seemed parched, and even her plants were withered.
Outside, her car was covered in a thick layer of dust and leaves, prompting her to wonder if Dali had recently experienced a sandstorm. At her mother's shop, Tan Jiao found her good friend and fellow novelist, Zhuang Yu, waiting. Tan Jiao complimented Zhuang Yu's new hairstyle, only for Zhuang Yu to reveal she'd had it for a long time, teasing Tan Jiao about her slow perception.
Their conversation was interrupted by a news report featuring Shen Shiyan, a police officer Tan Jiao had previously gone on a blind date with, whom Zhuang Yu affectionately referred to as Staid Shen. Tan Jiao then confided in Zhuang Yu about dreaming of the man who saved her on the cruise.
Zhuang Yu playfully asked if she still longed for him after "so long," but Tan Jiao insisted it had only been a few days, perplexed by the vividness of the dream. She recalled the rescuer's comforting words, where he encouraged her not to be afraid of diving and miss out on beautiful scenery, and she had told him that she loved adventures and believed they led to beautiful accidental encounters. Later, Tan Jiao's car experienced a flat tire.
At the repair shop, she was astonished to see a man who looked exactly like her rescuer from the cruise. This man, introduced as Yu by the apprentice Hua, seemed to be a mechanic and gave off a cold demeanor, showing no recognition of Tan Jiao.
This starkly contrasted with her memory of the rescuer, Wu Yu, who was a charming PhD student in Astrophysics from Jinghai and had even playfully predicted their next meeting while explaining what a "passing shower" was. To confirm if this "Yu" was indeed "Wu Yu," she tried asking about a "passing shower," but he showed no sign of understanding. She then asked how long he had worked there, and he replied, "Less than one month."
To ensure he would be her designated mechanic, Tan Jiao accepted Hua's suggestion and purchased a 1,000-yuan prepaid card. She then re-introduced herself with her full name, "I'm Tan Jiao. Tan with a Yan, Jiao, as in shining moon," hoping for a sign of recognition, and attempted to exchange contact information. However, he merely directed her to contact Hua instead. Growing desperate, she even asked if he had any brothers.
After Tan Jiao left, Hua realized he might have forgotten to give her a receipt, but Yu calmly stated it had been given and was on the back seat. This sparked Hua's suspicion, who openly wondered if the two knew each other, to which Yu simply told him to get back to work.
Later, discussing the confusing encounter with Zhuang Yu, Tan Jiao mused on whether the cold "Yu" was the same "Wu Yu" and if his apparent lack of recognition stemmed from anger over a past incident. Zhuang Yu advised her that merely wondering was useless; she needed to investigate to find answers. Following her friend's advice, Tan Jiao decided to visit the travel agency through which she had booked her cruise, to search for information about Wu Yu.
During another visit to the repair shop, Tan Jiao accidentally injured her ankle. Yu immediately helped by applying ointment, prompting her to confess that he reminded her of the man who saved her from drowning. Feeling a strange mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity, she sought answers at the travel agency. The staff member informed her that the Diamond Star cruise had been decommissioned, which Tan Jiao found impossible, insisting she had only returned a few days ago.
Feigning interest in booking a trip for her parents, Tan Jiao managed to get the staff to leave and then accessed the computer, where she found "Wu Yu" on the Diamond Star passenger list. At that moment, Wu Yu himself appeared, recognizing her name. Tan Jiao directly confronted him, asking if he had been on the cruise three weeks prior, which had set sail on August 5th.
Wu Yu's response was shocking: he asked if she meant the Diamond Star that set sail on August 5th, 2021, stating that it was currently September 5th, 2022, meaning a whole year had passed since the cruise. Stunned, Tan Jiao checked her phone, confirming the date was indeed 2022. The revelation that a year had passed, not mere weeks, plunged Tan Jiao into a state of disbelief, as all the recent anomalies now made unsettling sense.
As she walked home, deep in thought, a masked figure on a rooftop dropped a piece of glass, narrowly missing her. Wu Yu swiftly pulled her out of harm's way, saving her once more. Shaken, Tan Jiao demanded to know who he truly was, but he remained silent. She fled home in a panic.
Upon checking her social media, she discovered that her Weibo posts and photos abruptly stopped in 2021, and her novel, which she believed was just started, also showed no updates for an entire year. Even her notes from the cruise were gone. It was as if she had simply ceased to exist for the past year.
She called her mother, asking if she had changed or done anything special over the past year, but her mother's replies offered no comfort, only reinforcing the idea that Tan Jiao had been living her usual, irregular life. Later, while tidying up, Tan Jiao found a mysterious black envelope.
Inside, a note instructed her: "If you wish to know what you've lost, head to Dali Garden, the intersection point between Baiyun Road and Shabin West Road, on September 6th, at 9 p. m. Tan Jiao, come and find me."
Episode 2 Recap
Wu Yu recalled a past encounter on a cruise ship where he was with his younger sister, Wu Miao, who was showing him a book she enjoyed. Wu Yu dismissed the book, written by the author Qizhu, calling it impractical and questioning the quality of modern writing. Tan Jiao, who was supposed to have dinner with Wu Yu, arrived and observed their seemingly intimate interaction. Upset by Wu Yu's harsh criticism of the book, she turned to leave.
Wu Yu quickly followed her, clarifying that the girl was his sister, Wu Miao. Though relieved about his relationship with Wu Miao, Tan Jiao lectured him on his insensitive critique, pointing out the book's popularity and the author's esteemed reputation. Mistaking Wu Miao for his girlfriend, she then advised him to cherish his partner, prompting Wu Yu to correct her again. In the present, Wu Yu heard a news report about a missing child named Zhu Zihan.
Meanwhile, Tan Jiao discovered a note tucked inside a book, instructing her to meet someone in a forest. She promptly left to keep the appointment. While on her way, Tan Jiao's friend, Zhou Xiaoyu, called her, referring to her by the pet name "Qizhu." Zhou Xiaoyu explained she had been involved in a minor traffic accident, rear-ending Shen Shiyan's car, and told Tan Jiao she would be delayed.
She cautioned Tan Jiao to be extremely careful, citing recent incidents of missing children and kidnappings, and urged her not to proceed alone until she arrived. When confronted by Shen Shiyan, Zhou Xiaoyu initially claimed her child was missing to get away from the accident scene, only to be caught by Shen Shiyan, who mockingly pointed out her "grown-up child" before threatening her with hit-and-run charges if she didn't cooperate.
In the eerie forest, where a crow cawed continuously, a figure in black began to follow Tan Jiao. Startled, she tried to flee but was caught. To her surprise, it was Wu Yu. She questioned his presence and whether he was the one who sent her the cryptic note, which he denied. Wu Yu, in turn, scolded her for being in such a dangerous place alone at night. He revealed he was there "to look for something."
Suddenly, Wu Yu spotted another shadowy figure and took off in pursuit, telling Tan Jiao to stay put. Ignoring his instruction, Tan Jiao followed, and together they cornered the culprit by the sea. Tan Jiao tried to reason with the kidnapper, but he violently threw the child to the ground and escaped. In her desperate attempt to save the child, Tan Jiao fell into the water.
Wu Yu immediately jumped in to rescue her, and as he did, their thoughts drifted back to their first meeting on the cruise ship, where Wu Yu had introduced himself to Tan Jiao. Tan Jiao regained consciousness in a hospital bed, relieved to learn that the kidnapped child had been rescued, though the perpetrator had escaped. Wu Yu, having brought her to the hospital, gently tucked her in and confirmed she was only suffering from a cold.
Tan Jiao, frustrated by his pretense, grabbed his hand and directly confronted him, asking, "You are Wu Yu. You were on that trip. You know me. Why do you refuse to admit that you are Wu Yu?" Just then, Shen Shiyan, the detective assigned to the child kidnapping case, entered the room to gather information. He questioned why they were in such a remote area late at night.
To avoid a complicated explanation, Wu Yu quickly claimed they were on a date, referring to Tan Jiao as his girlfriend. At that moment, Zhou Xiaoyu rushed in, distraught and oblivious to Shen Shiyan's presence, expressing worry for Tan Jiao. Shen Shiyan, recognizing Zhou Xiaoyu from their earlier traffic accident, could not resist taunting her about her earlier fabricated story of a missing child to evade responsibility for the accident.
During the formal interrogation, Shen Shiyan asked for their personal details. Tan Jiao, a 25-year-old novelist, found it ironic given her past blind date with him. Wu Yu, after some prompting from Tan Jiao to simply state his name, finally admitted to being Wu Yu. When asked to describe the kidnapper, Tan Jiao confessed she was too panicked to get a clear look.
However, Wu Yu provided a precise description, noting the man's black coat, larger knuckles, and a distinct mole beside his ear, a detail that greatly surprised Tan Jiao. They were then shown a photo, and Wu Yu confirmed it was the kidnapper. Zhou Xiaoyu, concerned about her mother finding out about her accident, asked Shen Shiyan to keep it a secret. Shen Shiyan then questioned her formally, learning she was a 25-year-old postgraduate student who wrote sci-fi and horror novels.
He listed her multiple offenses: talking on the phone while driving, attempting to run a red light, lying and attempting to flee after the accident, and intentionally misleading an officer. Panicked, Zhou Xiaoyu desperately pleaded for the most lenient punishment, even offering to feature an attractive male lead named "Shen Shiyan" in her next novel to improve his public image.
Shen Shiyan, while initially stern, cautioned her against bribing an officer, but ultimately let her go for the night after taking her phone number, promising to inform her of the outcome the next day. A subtle smile touched his lips as he saw her signature. On their way home, Tan Jiao expressed her belief that their reunion was fated, hoping he would help her understand what happened on the ship and recover her lost year.
She apologized for her previous misunderstanding regarding Wu Miao on the cruise. She pressed him, asking why he refused to acknowledge his identity as Wu Yu and what he was searching for in the forest. Wu Yu's demeanor abruptly shifted; he stated coldly, "I'm not the person you know," maintaining his denial despite Tan Jiao's insistence that he was indeed the man she remembered. Back in his room, Wu Yu lay awake, unable to sleep.
His mind was consumed with thoughts of Wu Miao. He held her hair tie, recalling cherished memories, including her excitement about choosing an outfit for the cruise and his use of her hair tie. He also remembered Tan Jiao's earlier words: "Cherish the one by your side. Or else, you'll lose her one day. And you'll regret it." Later that night, Zhou Xiaoyu visited Tan Jiao.
After scolding her for carelessly opening the door and advising her to place men's slippers outside to deter intruders, Zhou Xiaoyu expressed her suspicion that Wu Yu's continuous presence during recent unusual events was no mere coincidence, suggesting he might be connected to everything happening to Tan Jiao. Their conversation was interrupted by frantic knocking. Upon opening the door, they found Tan Jiao's younger brother, who had run away from home after their father cancelled a promised Disneyland birthday trip.
He pleaded with them not to inform their father. As he entered, a black bird silently perched on a nearby tree branch. Determined to uncover the truth behind her lost year, Tan Jiao sought out Wu Yu the following morning at his repair shop, the last person she remembered before her memory disappeared. Wu Yu invited her to share a meal, where he apologized for his cold demeanor the previous night.
He then tried to distance himself, explaining that both the person she knew from the cruise and his current self were merely "passing guests" in her life, and after their brief connection, they should both move forward. Tan Jiao, however, vehemently disagreed. She gripped his hand, passionately stating that he was not a mere passerby.
After being "gone from this world for a whole year," he was "the only person I remember before I lost my memories," and thus "my only connection to this world." She further illustrated her point by comparing herself to a watch with loose gears, seemingly free but lost without direction. As Tan Jiao walked away, disheartened, Wu Yu found her by the water, finally conceding. He firmly grasped her hand and declared, "I am Wu Yu.
Since I am your only connection to this world, I won't let go of you anymore." He then took her broken watch and expertly repaired it, explaining that its mechanism was similar to a car's: fixing problems within a system. He described the gear as the watch's "ring," which, though appearing to bind, actually gave the hands direction and prevented the watch from "floating around in another world."
Handing the restored timepiece back to her, he said, "After this, we'll have the same time." Tan Jiao inquired about the events on the ship. Wu Yu revealed that he too suffered from a partial memory loss, specifically about what happened after their initial misunderstanding on the cruise until they disembarked. He found it peculiar that he hadn't realized this memory gap for some time, just as Tan Jiao's mother and Zhou Xiaoyu hadn't noticed her missing year.
He further stated that several other tourists from the cruise experienced similar partial memory loss, making the ship's events an unsettling mystery. Wu Yu then showed Tan Jiao a series of photographs related to the recent child kidnapping cases. He pointed out the distinct presence of a Red-naped Tern in each photo, a bird species native only to the South Pacific, yet inexplicably appearing in Dali and at every crime scene.
Tan Jiao suddenly remembered seeing that very bird observing her younger brother the previous night. Realizing the potential danger, they immediately rushed to Huayuan Road 103, where her brother was staying.
Episode 3 Recap
As Wu Yu rode his motorcycle, his mind was plagued by flashbacks of his sister, Wu Miao. He vividly recalled her 20th birthday on November 5, 2021, and her excited question about a present. He also remembered Wu Miao pointing out a Red-naped tern on the cruise ship, asking what kind of bird it was, shortly before her tragic death.
Tan Jiao rushed home, relieved to find her brother, Hao, safe at her family's Spice and Fragrance shop, diligently peeling garlic. Hao reminded her that she was the one who had sent him there. Zhou Xiaoyu, a friend of Tan Jiao's, commented on Tan Jiao's mother's generosity for still babysitting for her ex-husband's new wife and even assigning Hao chores.
Tan Jiao quickly corrected her, explaining that her parents had an amicable divorce and her mother had no issues with Hao's mother, urging Zhou Xiaoyu not to view her mother with a "mundane mindset." After checking the area, Wu Yu confirmed that the Red-naped tern they had seen earlier had left and there was nothing suspicious. While at the shop, Hao innocently asked Wu Yu if he was Tan Jiao's boyfriend, interpreting Wu Yu's silence as confirmation.
Hao then playfully revealed some of Tan Jiao's personal habits, like grinding her teeth and snoring in her sleep, which greatly embarrassed her. Tan Jiao quickly sent Hao to the kitchen. Inside, Tan Jiao explained to Wu Yu and Zhou Xiaoyu that the Red-naped tern remained the only clue to her own disappearance for a year, and she suspected the note that lured her out the previous night was also connected to the bird's controller.
She wondered if Officer Shen Shiyan was investigating the case but doubted he would share information due to confidentiality. Zhou Xiaoyu suggested Tan Jiao try to get information from him, but Tan Jiao dismissed the idea, claiming she was just a "lowly writer" and couldn't handle it. At that moment, Shen Shiyan arrived, sent by his mother to deliver mushrooms and jelly ear to Tan Jiao's mother.
Wu Yu "accidentally" bumped into Shen Shiyan, leading to a lighthearted accusation of assaulting an officer, to which Wu Yu apologized. Tan Jiao informed Shen Shiyan her mother was out. Hao, still present, called Shen Shiyan "brother-in-law" and inadvertently revealed that Tan Jiao and Shen Shiyan had previously been on a blind date. Seizing the awkward moment, Wu Yu deliberately took Tan Jiao's hand, which further unsettled Shen Shiyan. Tan Jiao quickly tried to silence Hao.
As Shen Shiyan prepared to leave, Tan Jiao stopped him, stating she had new information. She recounted hearing the kidnapper say that "boys were troublesome, girls were better with less resistance," a significant detail as only boys had been reported missing. She also pointed out that the kidnapper's shoes had fresh coir peat, used for gardening, suggesting he might be a park gardener.
Shen Shiyan confirmed the police had noticed this detail and had investigated all gardeners in the east side of Dali without success. He concluded that ransom was likely not the motive, as the kidnapper had never contacted the families, and speculated that the kidnapper might be planning his next move soon. Wu Yu encouraged Tan Jiao to trust the police. Shen Shiyan thanked them and asked them to contact him with any further clues.
Just as Shen Shiyan was leaving, Tan Jiao's mother returned. She greeted him warmly and tried to insist he stay for a meal, but he politely declined. She then turned her attention to Wu Yu, welcoming him. However, Tan Jiao interjected, saying they had other plans. Her mother, understanding they needed their own space, allowed them to leave. Outside, Tan Jiao and Hao played on a swing. Hao innocently told Wu Yu that Tan Jiao had been staring at him.
Tan Jiao denied it and apologized for Hao's behavior. She then questioned Wu Yu about how he found her shop. Wu Yu simply replied, "I have superpowers," a statement Hao disbelieved. Wu Yu advised Tan Jiao to avoid going out alone and gave her his WeChat contact. Tan Jiao then asked why he seemed so different from when they met on the cruise ship. When Wu Yu remained silent, she didn't press further.
Recalling Wu Miao, Tan Jiao suggested they bring Wu Yu's sister along for their next meeting. Before she could finish, Wu Yu abruptly cut her off, stating, "We're here. I should get going," and left, leaving Tan Jiao puzzled. As Wu Yu rode his motorcycle back, he was again lost in flashbacks of Wu Miao's birthday. Meanwhile, Tan Jiao was secretly investigating Wu Yu online, wondering how a talented engineering doctorate holder could end up as a mechanic.
Her brother, Hao, teased her, suggesting she was in love with Wu Yu. Tan Jiao sent Hao to bed, warning him about bad guys. Online, she found someone named "Bald Hound" who knew Wu Yu and messaged him, pretending to need academic help from Wu Yu to subtly ask for his address. Elsewhere, Tan Jiao's friend, Zhou Xiaoyu, was at the auto repair shop where Wu Yu worked.
A mechanic there, referring to a damaged car, commented on its basic interior and the owner's "boring" taste. Zhou Xiaoyu, claiming to be an important "critic" for Wu Yu, requested the cheapest repair option, asking for it urgently without extra charge. As Tan Jiao continued her search, a Red-naped tern perched on a nearby branch, silently observing her room. The next morning, Tan Jiao woke up to find Hao missing. She immediately called her mother, who, preoccupied, quickly dismissed her.
Tan Jiao then noticed a black feather on her balcony. Recognizing it as a Red-naped tern feather, similar to the one connected to the kidnapping cases, she realized Hao might be in danger. She rushed to the repair shop to find Wu Yu, who looked up just as a Red-naped tern flew overhead. Without hesitation, Tan Jiao insisted on accompanying him, declaring, "But he is my brother." The two quickly set off on Wu Yu's motorcycle to search for Hao.
Following the direction the Red-naped tern had flown, they arrived at a wooden house in the forest. Using his heightened senses, Wu Yu detected a child's shoe about a kilometer away. He told Tan Jiao it was a yellow canvas shoe, which she instantly recognized as Hao's. Peering closer, they saw the kidnapper inside, the same man from the park, now holding a modified hunting rifle. Tan Jiao frantically asked about Hao, struggling to see clearly.
Wu Yu proposed going in, but Tan Jiao, wary of the armed kidnapper, urged him to call the police. Wu Yu, however, didn't wait. As he moved, Tan Jiao called Shen Shiyan. They watched as the kidnapper yelled at the children inside to "stay still" and "stop crying." After the kidnapper briefly stepped out, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao seized the opportunity to sneak into the house. Inside, they found several boys tied up.
Wu Yu noticed that Hao was not among them and speculated he might have escaped. Just as they were about to free the children, a Red-naped tern flew back, its cries alerting the kidnapper. The kidnapper stormed back in and engaged Wu Yu in a fierce struggle. Their fight spilled outside, where Wu Yu was caught in a chokehold. Thinking quickly, Tan Jiao threw one of her slippers, hitting the kidnapper and momentarily distracting him.
This allowed Wu Yu to break free, but he accidentally tumbled down a steep slope, losing consciousness. In his dream-like state, he relived the scene on the cruise ship, instinctively reaching out to protect Wu Miao, only to awaken in a fright, realizing no one was there. Wu Yu awoke in a hospital bed, injured, with Tan Jiao by his side.
She informed him that Hao was safe; it had been a false alarm that inadvertently led them to the kidnapper's hideout. She explained that Shen Shiyan's team had arrived promptly after his fall, rescuing her and the children, and were now pursuing the kidnapper. Deeply grateful, Wu Yu instinctively took Tan Jiao's hand to thank her, causing her heart to race.
Tan Jiao quickly composed herself, chastising him for being unconscious for half a day, though relieved it was just a scrape on his head. She tenderly helped him drink water, then playfully reminded him that her slipper "saved the day." Noting his hunger, a flustered Tan Jiao excused herself to find him some food. Outside, she scolded Hao for sneaking out to buy "Trendy Drumsticks" and messaged Zhuang Yu, asking her to bring some clothes to the hospital.
Tan Jiao returned with noodles and personally fed Wu Yu. When Tan Jiao's nose felt stuffy, Wu Yu surprisingly used a nasal spray on her, causing her to sneeze. As she was remarking how much better she felt, Zhuang Yu arrived. Peeking through the hospital curtain, Zhuang Yu initially thought she was interrupting an intimate moment. However, when she pulled the curtain fully open, she realized she had misjudged the situation, much to Tan Jiao's embarrassment.
Zhuang Yu jokingly teased Tan Jiao about the rapid progress of her "novel." Tan Jiao reassured her she was fine, and Zhuang Yu, after some playful banter, went to pay the bill. Shortly after, a Red-naped tern flew to Wu Yu's hospital window, delivering a note. As Wu Yu was reading it, Tan Jiao entered the room. He quickly pocketed the note. Tan Jiao remarked on their productive day and expressed optimism about solving the mystery.
Wu Yu, however, suddenly adopted a cold demeanor and firmly told her to stay away from the investigation. Confused and hurt, Tan Jiao questioned his abrupt change, accusing him of having a "split personality," especially after their effective collaboration. Wu Yu stated that her perception of them as friends was "wishful thinking" and that he would not drag her into the "unknown and dangerous dark hole" of his affairs.
He thanked her for her care and told her to stay out of his business. Distraught, Tan Jiao called out his name as he left. Wu Yu's internal thoughts revealed the true reason for his harshness: the note warned him to "stop investigating before you lose what's most precious." Having met Tan Jiao, she had become the most important person to him, and he refused to let her fall into danger. He acknowledged his fear of losing more. Later, some of Wu Yu's mechanic friends found some information they believed might be helpful to his investigation.
Episode 4 Recap
Upon returning home, Tan Jiao sternly chastised her younger brother, Hao, for wandering off on his own, ordering him to write a 100-word remorse letter. Observing her distressed mood, Hao sagely remarked that men, regardless of age, are "ingrates" and inquired if her partner, Wu Yu, had upset her again. He then offered advice, likening managing a boyfriend to flying a kite—a balance of tightening and loosening the string—before dutifully writing "Sorry, Tan Jiao" for his letter of self-criticism.
The next morning, Hao's father arrived to take him home. Tan Jiao cautioned her father about recent dangers and urged him to keep a close watch on Hao. She also gave Hao some of her favorite candy, playfully explaining it was to avoid getting fat. As Hao passed Wu Yu’s repair shop, he paused to give Wu Yu a piece of the candy, asking him to look out for Tan Jiao.
Wu Yu subtly smiled as he looked at the candy, a fleeting thought of Tan Jiao crossing his mind. Meanwhile, at the police station, officers discussed their frustration over a Red-naped tern that had distracted them, allowing kidnappers to escape with two children. Captain Shen Shiyan then met with Tan Jiao and Wu Yu, requesting their assistance in recalling further details from the previous day’s rescue.
Both independently mentioned the kidnapper’s drinking habit and his apparent reluctance to harm the children. When asked how they found the hideout, Wu Yu explained he followed a bird, and Shen Shiyan, surprisingly, revealed he was aware of this particular Red-naped tern, noting its consistent appearance at crime scenes. Tan Jiao corroborated, stating they followed the bird after suspecting Hao was in danger.
Wu Yu further detailed that one child was treated differently in the hideout—unbound and eating cake while the others were tied. He identified this child, Zhu Zihan, from a photo presented by Shen Shiyan. Shen Shiyan expressed his gratitude for their invaluable assistance. After the police departed, Wu Yu approached Tan Jiao, instructing her to direct any future police inquiries to him, as he wished for her to remain uninvolved in the dangerous affair.
Tan Jiao, misinterpreting his concern as him seeing her as a nuisance, retorted sharply about his erratic behavior and declared she would no longer "trouble" him, walking away in frustration. Soon after, Zhu Jirui, Zhu Zihan's aunt, along with Zihan's father, approached Tan Jiao, desperate for news of their missing nephew. Tan Jiao confirmed she had seen Zhu Zihan and that he was unharmed. Zhu Jirui left her business card, requesting any further information.
Tan Jiao did not notice a black feather subtly attached to Zhu Jirui's collar. Elsewhere, at the Zhu household, Zhu Fengxian, Zhu Jirui's father, expressed his furious blame towards Tan Jiao for her intervention, believing it jeopardized his grandson's rescue. He ominously vowed not to let Tan Jiao off if Zhu Zihan was not returned. Intriguingly, inside Zhu Jirui's home, a book specifically researching Red-naped terns lay open.
Back at the crime scene, Shen Shiyan's team found evidence of the cake, confirming Wu Yu’s account. Captain Feng then informed Shen Shiyan that the kidnapper had contacted Zhao Xinrui's family, demanding a three-million-yuan ransom to be paid within 48 hours. Seeking more information about Wu Yu, Tan Jiao called his former university and spoke with a classmate. The classmate revealed that Wu Yu had left Jinghai University before graduation and had been unreachable.
When Tan Jiao asked if something had happened to him, the classmate disclosed the tragic news: Wu Yu’s sister, Wu Miao, was one of the victims in the Jinghai Serial Murder case. This revelation brought a flood of poignant memories to Tan Jiao of Wu Miao’s vibrant personality and of her own innocent suggestion on the cruise that Wu Yu bring his sister along next time.
Simultaneously, a keychain holding Wu Miao’s hair tie slipped from Wu Yu’s hand, triggering a painful flashback to Wu Miao's 20th birthday. He remembered her excited voice anticipating a big surprise and their dinner plans, but his work had kept him busy, and his calls to her later that evening went unanswered. A chilling news report about the Jinghai serial murders, specifically targeting young women, followed, compounding his dread. He desperately called a friend, only to learn Miao was missing.
Overwhelmed by grief and self-blame, Wu Yu knelt in the rain, weeping. Tan Jiao found him and silently offered solace, shielding him from the rain with a red umbrella. She softly apologized for her past remarks. Wu Yu, wiping away his tears, stood and apologized in return, assuring her he never intended to cause her pain.
Tan Jiao promised not to burden him with her own troubles but reaffirmed her unwavering support, telling him, "If you ever need me, I'll be there." Leaving the red umbrella for Wu Yu, Tan Jiao hurried home and posted a cryptic message on her social media: "The dark cloud meets the bright moon." She was consumed by self-reproach, lamenting her insensitivity for repeatedly pressing Wu Yu about his sister despite his obvious discomfort.
Zhuang Yu arrived with a cake to cheer her up, trying to reassure her that Wu Yu’s past hardships were unchangeable and that her bluntness might even serve to "disinfect his wounds," ultimately forging a stronger person. As Tan Jiao ate the cake, a critical detail resurfaced: during the rescue at the wooden house, all the other children were tied, but Zhu Zihan was unbound and eating cake. Realizing the significance, Tan Jiao contacted Zhu Jirui to share this information.
Zhu Jirui expressed gratitude but then, intrigued, questioned how Tan Jiao had located such a remote hideout. Tan Jiao vaguely replied it was a "coincidence" during an excursion. After Zhu Jirui departed, a Red-naped tern mysteriously followed her, prompting a subtle smile from her. Tan Jiao, meanwhile, felt an uncanny familiarity with Zhu Jirui but couldn't place her. Later, while driving through a tunnel, Tan Jiao was suddenly swarmed by a flock of Red-naped terns, causing her to panic.
Wu Yu appeared just in time, pulling her into his car and driving her home. At her house, as Tan Jiao changed, she discovered a scratch on her arm from one of the birds. She then heard the distinct call of a Red-naped tern outside her window but saw nothing when she looked. A sudden, urgent knock revealed Wu Yu at her door. He calmly stated, "I need to live at your place for some time."
This unexpected request came while Zhu Jirui’s family agonized over the kidnapper's silence regarding Zhu Zihan, even as other families received ransom demands. Zhu Jirui, however, remained oddly confident, assuring her family that Zihan would be fine and that the kidnapper would not harm him.
Episode 5 Recap
Wu Yu explained to Tan Jiao that she had been targeted by the Red-naped tern, and it would be dangerous for her to be alone, which is why he decided to stay at her place. He assured her he would only occupy the living room and would not disrupt her daily life. Tan Jiao, flustered by the sudden arrangement, asked him to wait a minute so she could quickly tidy her messy room, shoving things haphazardly into a corner.
As she did, Wu Yu noticed a cut on her arm and insisted on treating it for her. For safety, he then proceeded to seal all the doors and windows in her home. Tan Jiao then asked how Wu Yu had managed to find her in the tunnel.
He honestly revealed that ever since they got off the cruise, his vision had become exceptionally keen, allowing him to see things clearly from as far as ten kilometers away, effectively a superpower. Tan Jiao, astonished, remarked that while she gained amnesia, he became a "Marvel superhero," finding it unfair. Wu Yu dismissed it as nothing special, adding that he couldn't see through closed curtains.
While looking for a book, Wu Yu discovered a paper crane tucked inside, which Tan Jiao quickly explained Hao had made. This reminded her that Wu Yu also liked origami, and his WeChat profile picture was an origami necklace. Wu Yu clarified that it was a Mobius strip and demonstrated how to fold it, describing it as a topological structure with only one side and one surface.
He mentioned that some believe the universe’s space has a Mobius strip structure, meaning one will always return to the starting point. He further added that the most amazing aspect of the Mobius strip is how two points, seemingly destined never to meet, can, through the intersection of time and space, converge on it—much like two people, fated to meet, repeatedly encounter each other across the boundaries of time and space.
Later that night, Tan Jiao, despite being tired, found herself unable to sleep. When Wu Yu told her to sleep early and he would guard her outside, she tried to insist he take the bed, but he refused. She then offered her blanket to him, concerned about the cold. He returned it, worried she might catch a cold.
Seeing she was still restless, Wu Yu played music for her, and she soon drifted off to sleep, with him eventually falling asleep on the sofa as well. The next morning, Tan Jiao woke to find Wu Yu already preparing breakfast. She eagerly took over, vowing to make him a nutritious meal. As she cooked, she noticed Wu Yu was staring at her from the window, which made her self-conscious.
She playfully urged him to go upstairs and explore her book collection, suggesting he might find something interesting. In the attic, Wu Yu found a book by Master Qizhu, which his sister Wu Miao used to enjoy. Even from upstairs, he could imagine the chaotic scene Tan Jiao was making in the kitchen. Sure enough, he came downstairs to find the kitchen smoky and disarrayed.
He offered to take over the cooking, and Tan Jiao, slightly embarrassed, handed him her apron. As Tan Jiao savored the meal Wu Yu prepared, she complimented his cooking, remarking that she wouldn't expect a science student to be such a good cook. She then wondered if he used to cook for his family. Wu Yu fell silent. Realizing her inadvertent mention of his family might have brought up painful memories of Wu Miao, Tan Jiao quickly apologized.
Wu Yu, however, told her there was no need for her to be so cautious around him in the future. Just then, Zhuang Yu burst in, excited to share a major discovery. She revealed that Zhu Jirui had also enrolled at the same overseas study agency as her. She also found out that Zhu Fengxian had three children: Zhu Zhongling, Zhu Zihan’s father; Zhu Shuyun, the second son; and Zhu Jirui, the youngest daughter.
Based on their names, Wu Yu deduced that the Zhu family named their children according to the traditional sequence of "Bo, Zhong, Shu, Ji." Since Zhu Zhongling was the eldest son, it implied a "Bo" (eldest) child was missing. Zhuang Yu praised Wu Yu’s intelligence. Wu Yu then recalled seeing Zhu Jirui’s name on the Diamond Star cruise passenger list, which made Tan Jiao realize why she had found Zhu Jirui so familiar.
They decided to visit the Zhu family to inquire if Zhu Jirui remembered anything about the cruise. When Wu Yu and Tan Jiao arrived at the Zhu residence, they found the main gate closed and curtains drawn, initially thinking no one was home. Sitting in their car, Tan Jiao commented on the family's absence. Wu Yu used his enhanced vision and saw the Zhu family inside, looking serious and discussing something.
Zhu Fengxian was holding a piece of paper, the contents of which were obscured. It was a ransom note from the kidnapper, demanding that all seven members of the Zhu family bring 500,000 yuan in cash to a warehouse at West Mountain Peak by 1 PM on September 11th to rescue Zhu Zihan. The note warned that Zihan would die if even one family member was missing, and strictly forbade calling the police.
The family argued, with Zhu Zhongling wanting to alert the police, but Zhu Fengxian, distraught, refused, prioritizing his grandson's life. Despite concerns that it was a trap, Zhu Fengxian declared that they would all go, trusting in their numbers and planning to act according to the circumstances. As the Zhu family departed in a minivan, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao followed discreetly.
Upon entering the desolate warehouse, the Zhu family members mysteriously collapsed, losing consciousness one by one due to a strange smell. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao entered shortly after, finding the kidnapper sitting on the steps, repeatedly hitting his head. Tan Jiao quickly called Shen Shiyan. As the Zhu family regained consciousness, they discovered Zhu Zihan lying unconscious on the steps. The kidnapper pointed a gun at Zihan, stating he didn’t want money but Zihan’s life.
He demanded Zhu Fengxian choose one person from the family to die in Zihan's place, as "a life for a life." He specified he only wanted a Zhu family member. The family exchanged uneasy glances, with some subtly gesturing towards Zhu Jirui’s fiancé, Yan Yuan. The kidnapper, however, rejected him, reiterating his demand for a "Zhu family member." Enraged, Zhu Fengxian accused the kidnapper of trying to torment him by killing his family.
The kidnapper, revealing himself as Zhu Boyan, angrily retorted that Zhu Fengxian was the one who harmed his family. He then addressed Zhu Fengxian as "Zhu Chunsheng," asking if he remembered Zhu Boyan, the son he abandoned in the park. Zhu Fengxian vehemently denied it, claiming his son Yan had died at five and that his other children were named "Zhong, Shu, Ji" to honor the memory of their elder brother, Zhu Boyan.
He accused the kidnapper of using his dead son's name to frame him. Amidst the chaos, Zhu Zhongling and Zhu Shuyun managed to break free from their restraints and subdued Zhu Boyan. However, Zhu Boyan blew a whistle, immediately summoning a swarm of Red-naped terns that attacked everyone present. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao rushed forward, lighting torches to ward off the birds and protect the family.
Just then, Shen Shiyan arrived with the police, securing the scene and ensuring everyone's rescue, with the kidnapper collapsing unconscious. Shen Shiyan later confirmed that the children were rescued, and the kidnapper’s true target was the Zhu family, with the other children merely a distraction. Zhu Boyan was in critical condition at the hospital, unable to be questioned. Shen Shiyan advised Wu Yu and Tan Jiao to return home and rest.
As Wu Yu carried an injured Tan Jiao home, she reflected on the deep wounds within the Zhu family, sensing that their trust might never be fully restored. She mused that some scars might heal, but others might last a lifetime. Wu Yu, still trying to connect the bird attacks to the cruise, mentioned that his investigation had found no record of Zhu Boyan on the passenger list.
Meanwhile, back at the Zhu villa, Yan Yuan brought a cup of warm milk to Zhu Fengxian, who was looking at a childhood photo of Zhu Boyan. Zhu Fengxian again expressed his sorrow, insisting he had never abandoned his son and that the kidnapper was exploiting the name of his deceased child to frame him. Yan Yuan's eyes briefly flashed with an inscrutable hatred, but he remained silent, placing the milk on the desk. The next morning, the milk glass was empty.
Episode 6 Recap
Tan Jiao and Wu Yu visited Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan to inquire about their experience on the Diamond Star cruise ship. Zhu Jirui confirmed that she and Yan Yuan met and became a couple on that ship. However, when pressed to recall specific events, Zhu Jirui struggled, noting that while her memories of being on the cruise felt vivid, she couldn't actually recall any details, leaving her mind blank.
She questioned why Tan Jiao and Wu Yu were asking and what truly happened on board, to which Tan Jiao responded that she, too, was a passenger and remembered nothing. Wu Yu then asked if they had any recollection of birds on the cruise, and Yan Yuan immediately replied with a firm "No." As they discussed the memory loss, Wu Yu noted that the clues to his own memory loss were now gone.
Tan Jiao, however, believed that the cruise ship's suspicious nature meant the problem could be solved. Wu Yu then announced he would no longer be staying with Tan Jiao. Before parting ways, he thanked her for breakfast and urged her to eat well alone, a sentiment she reciprocated.
Later, Tan Jiao found herself constantly wanting to connect with Wu Yu, but she deemed her ideas—like asking about a Mobius strip or faking an inability to open a jar—too obvious or "unrestrained" for a romance novelist. She resolved not to proactively approach him again. Despite this, she visited the auto shop under the pretense of a car wash, which Hua quickly completed without charge.
Hua, revealing himself as Wu Yu's junior high classmate, informed Tan Jiao that Wu Yu was not there and explained that Wu Yu had come to Dali to investigate Wu Miao's murder. He mentioned that a component from the killer's car was traced to a local manufacturer, but unfortunately, the entire batch of those parts had been destroyed due to quality issues, leaving Wu Yu's search fruitless. Tan Jiao discovered Wu Yu by the lake, deep in thought.
He shared that he used to come there as a child to clear his mind, but now, some things felt irreparable. Tan Jiao expressed her shared sorrow over Wu Miao's death and pleaded with him not to torment himself further. Wu Yu confessed that the enhanced eyesight he gained after the cruise, which allowed him to see clearly up to 10 kilometers, felt more like a curse.
He, who was the first to find Wu Miao, felt helpless and useless, unable to locate her killer despite his abilities. Tan Jiao then shared Zhuang Yu's theory of parallel universes, suggesting that numerous versions of themselves might exist, leading different lives—for instance, knowing each other in one universe but being strangers in another, or her being a novelist while another self is a soldier.
She theorized that in the depths of the universe, another happy "us" exists, whose joy we can sometimes feel, explaining sudden bouts of happiness. She concluded that the parallel universe's purpose might be to offer possibilities and happy endings for those we've lost or things we've missed in this world. Though Wu Yu found this way of thinking unfamiliar, he agreed to Tan Jiao's suggestion to close his eyes and imagine what his happy parallel self would tell him.
After a reflective moment, Wu Yu thanked Tan Jiao and promised to take her to see fireworks as a token of his gratitude, sealing it with a pinky swear. At the police station, Zhuang Yu, returning a car key, learned of the apprehended man's reported death from blood loss. Seeing a photo of the man, identified as Zhu Boyan, on the wall, she observed that he looked nothing like the rest of the Zhu family.
This detail prompted Shen Shiyan to investigate further, confirming from autopsy results that the man did not have the congenital heart disease Zhu Boyan was known to have. He then called Wu Yu to inform him that the apprehended person was not Zhu Boyan but Xu Zifeng, another child who had gone missing decades ago.
Wu Yu, recalling that only Yan Yuan and Zhu Jirui were unaffected by the attacking birds in the warehouse, and their suspiciously quick denial of seeing birds on the cruise, concluded that they were hiding something. He deduced that Yan Yuan was likely the real Zhu Boyan, and Xu Zifeng had been seeking justice on his behalf. At this moment, Red-naped terns flew overhead. Meanwhile, Zhu Fengxian, who had been tied up, awakened to find Yan Yuan before him.
Yan Yuan, revealing himself as the true Zhu Boyan, confronted Zhu Fengxian (whom he called Zhu Chunsheng) for not recognizing him. He recounted a harrowing childhood after being abandoned, taken by traffickers, and forced to steal. He survived an illness, then ran away from the traffickers to Chengdong Park, where he waited and eventually saw Zhu Fengxian again. However, Zhu Fengxian, having remarried into wealth and changed his name, abandoned him a second time after recognizing him.
Zhu Fengxian frantically denied this, claiming he was told Zhu Boyan was dead after the first abandonment and spent money searching for him. Yan Yuan explained that he met Xu Zifeng in an orphanage, and they became partners. He thought he had escaped Zhu Fengxian's influence until he met Zhu Jirui on the Diamond Star. They fell in love, only for Yan Yuan to tragically discover she was his half-sister.
Filled with pain, he blamed Zhu Fengxian for repeatedly ruining his life. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao urgently called Zhu Jirui, asking about Yan Yuan and her father. Zhu Jirui couldn't find her father but discovered a postcard from Yan Yuan in his room. The postcard depicted Chengdong Park and bore a chilling message: "This is my beginning and also my end. Rui, I wish you happiness." Realizing the grave implication, everyone rushed to Chengdong Park.
There, Yan Yuan confronted Zhu Fengxian, detailing how his bird-controlling abilities manifested after the cruise and how Xu Zifeng, upon learning Yan Yuan's story, had agreed to help him seek justice. Xu Zifeng's kidnapping of the other children was merely a ruse; Zhu Fengxian's grandson was the true target, aimed at testing his father's true nature. Yan Yuan confessed his only desire was an apology from Zhu Fengxian to Zhu Boyan, after which he would disappear.
Zhu Fengxian initially refused to acknowledge him, stating his son Yan died at age five and accusing Yan Yuan of fabrication. Enraged, Yan Yuan declared Zhu Fengxian had ruined his life, Zhu Jirui's, and caused Xu Zifeng's death. Zhu Jirui arrived and pleaded with Yan Yuan to calm down, reminding him that the police were coming and that he wasn't truly a bad person, emphasizing that an act of murder would be irreversible and all he truly sought was reconciliation.
Facing this, Zhu Fengxian finally admitted, "I'm sorry. It was my fault." Having heard the apology he longed for, Yan Yuan, his eyes filled with tears, said he had found the answer he wanted and no longer had any attachments. He expressed a hope that if another dimension existed, their paths would not tragically cross again, before taking his own life. As he fell, Red-naped terns soared overhead.
Yan Yuan was rushed to the hospital, but due to prolonged cerebral hypoxia, the doctor stated he might remain in a vegetative state. Zhu Jirui stayed by his bedside, distraught. Wu Yu later suggested to Tan Jiao that perhaps Yan Yuan was not truly unable to wake up but was too tired and unwilling to face the current reality, and even if he did, he might not be able to confront all that had happened.
The following day, Tan Jiao visited the auto shop for Wu Yu, but Hua informed her he had left early. Soon after, Tan Jiao received a message from Wu Yu inviting her to watch fireworks by the lake that evening. As they watched the display, Tan Jiao, captivated by their beauty, answered Wu Yu's question about why girls liked fireworks: "Because fireworks are fleeting, but in that one moment, they can be splendid and moving."
Wu Yu then expressed his gratitude, telling her he was truly happy to have met her. Tan Jiao sensed a farewell in his words, and Wu Yu confirmed he would be leaving Dali the next day. Tan Jiao offered to join him to search for the killer and recover his own memories, but Wu Yu gently refused.
He explained that he had lost too much in his year-long search for Wu Miao's killer and did not want her to be entangled in such dangers, urging her instead to live her own life and be a happy novelist. Tan Jiao, realizing his decision was firm, asked if they would ever meet again. As Wu Yu turned to leave, Tan Jiao called out, hoping he would say something more. He simply turned back, adjusted her collar, and then departed, wiping away a tear.
Episode 7 Recap
Tan Jiao was heartbroken by Wu Yu's departure, with tears silently falling. She tried to encourage herself, affirming that she was the best and shouldn't be sad if Wu Yu had to leave. Yet, her tears continued to stream down as memories of their encounters flooded her mind. She realized the most painful truth was that he was the dark cloud and she the bright moon; the cloud met the moon, but when the cloud dispersed, the moon knew nothing.
Months passed without any news from Wu Yu, and Tan Jiao continued to grieve. Her friend Zhuang Yu tried to comfort her, insisting that since the universe had brought them together repeatedly, there must be a strong, invisible attraction between them, like quantum entanglement. Zhuang Yu was confident they would meet again and suggested Tan Jiao write a new serialized novel about her feelings, believing that Wu Yu might return once she finished it.
Slowly, Tan Jiao started to smile, unaware that someone was watching them from a distance, also with a faint smile. Zhuang Yu then realized she had feelings for Shen Shiyan. She messaged Tan Jiao to confirm that their past connection was truly over. Tan Jiao dismissed Shen Shiyan as an "old cadre" whose cold jokes were like listening to a boring report. She declared that anyone who wanted him could have him, much to Zhuang Yu's delight.
The next day, Zhuang Yu went to a reunion, only to find that just one male classmate had invited her. As she was about to leave, she noticed Shen Shiyan on a blind date. She decided to sit down and eavesdrop. Shen Shiyan attempted to tell his date a "Mr. Ten Yuan" joke, but the woman interrupted, apologizing. She explained she already had a boyfriend whom her mother disapproved of, and she was forced into this blind date.
She asked Shen Shiyan to tell the middleman that he wasn't interested in her, to help her explain to her mother, and Shen Shiyan agreed. Zhuang Yu sent her classmate away to continue listening to Shen Shiyan's conversation. Suddenly, a man in the restaurant started assaulting a woman. Zhuang Yu stood up to defend the woman, but the man threatened her with a wine bottle. Her classmate, witnessing this, hid in fear.
Instead, Shen Shiyan intervened, apprehending the drunk man and taking him to the police station. Zhuang Yu proudly revealed Shen Shiyan's identity as a third-level superintendent of the Municipal Criminal Police Force and accompanied him to the station. Later, as Shen Shiyan left work, he found Zhuang Yu waiting outside, swatting mosquitoes. He smiled, and they decided to go for hotpot. Shen Shiyan asked Zhuang Yu about her ideal type of man.
She described a composed, rational, mature yet slightly childish man, adding that it would be even better if he wore a uniform. Shen Shiyan diligently took notes, then realized he was acting as if he were interrogating a suspect, and they both laughed. Meanwhile, Tan Jiao, engrossed in her writing, discovered she was out of candy. She went out to buy some, answering fan comments on her phone, oblivious to someone following her.
As the mysterious person closed in, Wu Yu suddenly appeared opposite her. The man lunged for Tan Jiao, but Wu Yu quickly pulled her into his embrace. Their inadvertent collision resulted in a kiss, and they both tumbled into the water below. When Tan Jiao awoke, she found herself back on August 5th, 2021, the day she first met Wu Yu on the cruise ship.
Rushing out of her room, she bumped into Yan Yuan, which confirmed her sense of time. She hurried to the deck, where she indeed saw Wu Yu. Unsure if she was dreaming, she was then called by Wu Yu, who specifically asked about their meeting in 2022, confirming that they had both returned to the ship together. They urgently knocked on Wu Miao's cabin door. Wu Yu, seeing Wu Miao, embraced her tightly, overcome with emotion and tears.
He desperately warned her to stay home on November 5th, 2021, even setting a reminder on her phone. Wu Miao, however, refused, insisting she had birthday plans with friends. Tan Jiao then revealed her identity as the famous online writer Qizhu. Wu Miao was thrilled to meet her idol and eagerly requested an autograph.
Tan Jiao seized the opportunity to make Wu Miao promise to listen to her brother and not go out that day, which Wu Miao readily agreed to. Wu Yu expressed his hope that Tan Jiao would continue to help persuade Wu Miao in the future, as Wu Miao seemed to listen to her. He then recounted meeting Zhu Jirui when he had been planning to leave. Zhu Jirui, despite having no memory of the ship incident, gave him a photo.
This photo showed several people on a small boat, including Tan Jiao, Yan Yuan, and Zhu Jirui. Wu Yu explained that everyone else in the photo was now dead, including Wu Miao, Professor Chen and his family, and a young boy named Zhu Yutong, who all died in accidents within a year of disembarking.
Realizing they were back on the ship, they believed they could change the future by preventing Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan from meeting, thereby averting the Zhu family's tragedy. Tan Jiao remembered that Zhu Jirui had said she and Yan Yuan met on the second day after the ship departed, which was tomorrow. They planned to meet early the next morning to stop them.
That evening, Wu Yu went to the cruise lobby, intending to prevent Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan from meeting. Instead, he unexpectedly saw his Professor, his mentor who had helped him greatly. Wu Yu embraced his Professor with tears in his eyes. Observing Wu Yu's somber mood, Mrs. Chen took their daughter to wander elsewhere, giving Wu Yu space to speak. Wu Yu then told his Professor that he had, through an unexplained circumstance, experienced the future and seen that his Professor's family would face a tragedy six months later.
Episode 8 Recap
Wu Yu tells his teacher that he has been to the future, where the teacher's family will encounter an accident in half a year. The teacher, though finding it absurd, chooses to believe Wu Yu and is willing to take precautions. Wu Yu is glad the teacher understands and tells him everything he knows. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao search the cruise ship for Zhu Jirui and find her with a man who is drugging her drink.
Wu Miao and Yan Yuan witness this. Wu Miao intervenes, pretending to be Zhu Jirui's classmate, and warns her about the drugging. The man blocks their escape. Zhu Yutong comes to Wu Miao's aid, and Wu Yu intervenes to drive the man away. Wu Yu recognizes Zhu Yutong as Wu Miao's future boyfriend, who later committed suicide after Wu Miao's death. Tan Jiao hopes to help Wu Miao survive this time and allow the lovers to be together.
Tan Jiao intentionally spills wine on Yan Yuan to delay him and takes him to clean up. A dance party is held on the cruise ship. Tan Jiao and Wu Yu attend and encounter Chen Ruying, the teacher's daughter, who likes Wu Yu, but he only sees her as a sister. Wu Yu tells Tan Jiao about the misfortune that will befall Chen's family, and Tan Jiao hopes to help Wu Yu change their fate.
Tan Jiao helps the drunk Chen Ruying back to her room. When Tan Jiao returns to the hall, everyone has left, but Wu Yu starts playing the piano. Wu Yu invites Tan Jiao to play and dance with him, and they gaze at each other. Tan Jiao waits for Wu Yu's kiss, but he only says the current time and hopes he will remember this moment. Finally, Wu Yu kisses Tan Jiao, and everything changes again.
Tan Jiao wakes up in her apartment and rushes to find Wu Yu, but Hua does not recognize her, and she has no WeChat contact with Wu Yu. Zhuang Yu arrives, and they realize that Tan Jiao has returned to a time before she met Wu Yu and before Zhuang Yu met Shen Shiyan. Tan Jiao searches online and finds that Wu Miao is only missing, not dead, indicating that the world has changed.
Episode 9 Recap
As a writer, Tan Jiao often found herself lost in fantasies of time travel. Now, having experienced it, her only true concern was whether she would ever meet Wu Yu again. Tan Jiao and Zhuang Yu went to find Zhu Jirui to see if she remembered Yan Yuan. To their dismay, not only did Zhu Jirui not remember Yan Yuan, but she also had a new boyfriend.
Zhuang Yu, drawing a timeline diagram, explained to Tan Jiao that their actions on the boat had altered the timeline, creating a "butterfly effect" where past acquaintances were now strangers. Tan Jiao worried that Wu Yu might have disappeared from her life as well. Consumed by sadness, Tan Jiao felt like the female lead in a tragic romance. Zhuang Yu tried to cheer her up, reminding her that at least she still had her.
One day, while walking by the beach, Tan Jiao, still hoping to encounter Wu Yu, heard a song he had once played for her. She looked up and saw him in the crowd, accompanied by Chen Ruying. Seizing a moment when Chen Ruying was distracted, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu recognized each other, both retaining their memories of the previous timeline. Wu Yu took Tan Jiao’s hand and shared what he had learned since returning.
In this new reality, Wu Miao was only missing, not dead, offering a glimmer of hope. However, Professor Chen, his wife Feng Yan, and their driver had died in an accidental fire at a clubhouse, which was previously a wedding hotel in another timeline. Chen Ruying survived because she hadn’t attended. Soon after, a distraught Chen Ruying found Wu Yu, holding a bottle of potassium cyanide.
She had found it while cleaning an apartment previously rented by Su Wan, whom Chen Ruying described as her mother's sidekick, not a vice president. She suspected Su Wan was responsible for her parents’ death, linking it to a past serial poisoning case. However, when she reported it, the police told her Su Wan had left for Dali six months ago and vanished.
Wu Yu suspected Su Wan was the same serial killer who had killed his sister in the previous timeline, and he worried that Professor Chen might have discovered something, leading to his death. As Wu Yu, Tan Jiao, and Chen Ruying were leaving a cafe, a car suddenly sped towards Chen Ruying. Wu Yu quickly pulled her out of the way. Chen Ruying immediately identified the masked driver as Su Wan.
Wu Yu tried to book a hotel room for Chen Ruying, but she insisted on staying with him, pleading for his protection since her parents were gone. Tan Jiao intervened, suggesting Chen Ruying stay at her home, promising she would still be "within Brother Yu's sight." Upon entering Tan Jiao's apartment, Chen Ruying criticized its small size and deemed Tan Jiao's book, "May Time Flies," boring without even reading it.
Tan Jiao was irritated, but Wu Yu subtly defended her book, calling its title beautiful. Later that night, despite having become engrossed in the novel and praising it, Chen Ruying continued to make disparaging remarks, suggesting Tan Jiao wasn't as good a writer as "Qizhu" and pestering her for romance plot ideas. She claimed that she and Wu Yu were the only ones who truly understood each other's pain, unlike Tan Jiao, a "single lady."
Chen Ruying then tried to take Tan Jiao’s bed, forcing Tan Jiao to sleep on the uncomfortable sofa. Tan Jiao, frustrated, eventually left the apartment to find a quiet place to write. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yu was on the phone, arranging a gift for Shen Shiyan. She accidentally rear-ended his car at a traffic light, damaging a garage kit on her dashboard.
Noticing an identical garage kit in Shen Shiyan's car, Zhuang Yu desperately tried to buy it, claiming it was a gift for her estranged boyfriend and that her love life was now in jeopardy. Shen Shiyan, touched by her fabricated story, gave her his garage kit for free, wishing her happiness and urging her to drive carefully. Later, at a restaurant, Shen Shiyan met with Tan Jiao and Wu Yu, agreeing to help reinvestigate Professor Chen's death.
Just then, Zhuang Yu arrived, bringing the garage kit to Tan Jiao, revealing her lie to Shen Shiyan. A drunken man then started a fight, verbally abusing women. Shen Shiyan swiftly intervened, identifying himself as a third-level superintendent from the Municipal Criminal Police Force, and subduing the man. Zhuang Yu was impressed, her heart stirring with admiration for Shen Shiyan. Chen Ruying, observing the scene, misinterpreted Tan Jiao's interaction with Shen Shiyan, believing Tan Jiao was actually interested in him.
She then warned Tan Jiao that Zhuang Yu was not a "kind person" because she also had feelings for Shen Shiyan. Tan Jiao dismissed Chen Ruying's accusations, but Chen Ruying persisted, making disparaging remarks about Tan Jiao's appearance and personality. Fed up, Tan Jiao told Chen Ruying she was "right" and left the apartment to find a quiet place to write.
The next day, as Tan Jiao, Wu Yu, and Chen Ruying were trying to find anyone who had seen Su Wan, Wu Yu noticed they were being followed by a man in black. Chen Ruying believed it to be Su Wan, and they chased him into a bar, only to discover it was Chen Xingjian, a civilian who had run out of fear because multiple people were chasing him.
The bar owner then invited them to a "party night" celebrating the bar's first anniversary, mentioning that Wu Miao's favorite band would be playing. Later, Wu Yu, looking at his timeline analysis, noted that their return date was August 19th, while the current date was September 1st, 2022. He theorized that time was consistently moving backward. Tan Jiao wondered how they could trigger another time jump to return to the boat and save Wu Miao.
Recalling that their previous time travel was triggered by a kiss, they decided to recreate the condition. As they leaned in, Tan Jiao expressed her fear of being separated if only one of them time-traveled. Wu Yu reassured her, promising to find her no matter where they ended up. Just as they were about to kiss, Chen Ruying walked in, catching them in the act. They awkwardly explained they were "doing an experiment."
Separately, Zhuang Yu returned Shen Shiyan’s repaired car. When Shen Shiyan suggested she get a driving instructor, Zhuang Yu jokingly called herself a "dangerous driver" and, in a phone call he overheard, implied that another accident might compel a man to help her. Shen Shiyan immediately agreed to be her instructor. As he adjusted her seat, they shared a moment of close proximity, their hearts racing.
During the lesson, Zhuang Yu noticed Shen Shiyan was secretly consulting a driving guideline on his phone and teased him for "learning as he teaches." Shen Shiyan, slightly embarrassed, told her to stay focused, emphasizing that he simply didn't want her to get into another accident. Zhuang Yu agreed.
Episode 10 Recap
Chen Ruying wept inconsolably after witnessing Tan Jiao and Wu Yu kiss, feeling abandoned by the world. Tan Jiao tried to comfort her, explaining that it was merely an experiment to see if a magnetic field change could trigger a return to their original timeline. Chen Ruying, however, dismissed this as an excuse to fool a child and insisted on performing the "experiment" with Wu Yu.
Both Tan Jiao and Wu Yu opposed the idea, with Tan Jiao firmly stating that Wu Yu could only do such an experiment with her. Unable to comprehend, Chen Ruying continued to cry loudly. Tan Jiao, unable to console her, stepped out, leaving Chen Ruying with Wu Yu. Once Tan Jiao was gone, Chen Ruying pouted and again asked Wu Yu to do the experiment, which he hastily declined.
Later, Tan Jiao and Zhuang Yu discussed the mechanics of their time travel, concluding that the cruise ship served as a pivot point. They observed that their returns to the ship were consistent in time and events, but subsequent events changed, possibly due to their actions. They also noticed that both of Tan Jiao's time travels involved individuals from the cruise, suggesting a connection between the ship and their ability to travel.
During their conversation, Zhuang Yu probed Tan Jiao about Chen Ruying's presence, asking if it caused her heartache. Tan Jiao responded that Chen Ruying only gave her headaches, not heartache, and she simply wished to "strangle her" regardless of Wu Yu. When Tan Jiao returned home that night, Chen Ruying confronted her. She declared that she had forgiven Tan Jiao but warned her not to "pester" her Brother Yu again, emphasizing her status as the "legitimate girlfriend."
As their argument escalated, Wu Yu called. Chen Ruying snatched the phone, insisting on speaking to Wu Yu herself. Wu Yu informed them that the police had a new lead and asked them to visit the police station. There, Shen Shiyan revealed that new forensic tests in Jinghai found cyanide in the hair follicles of Professor Chen and Madam Feng, confirming their deaths were not accidental. Chen Ruying immediately accused Su Wan.
Shen Shiyan also reported that the car involved in the incident where Chen Ruying was nearly hit had been found abandoned. Its license plate was forged, and the vehicle had undergone multiple modifications, making it difficult to trace its original owner. Further investigation showed this same car appeared at the dumping sites of two victims in the Jinghai Cyanide Serial Killing, strongly linking Su Wan to both cases.
Shen Shiyan assured them that police forces were being increased to locate Su Wan as quickly as possible. Later, at Tan Jiao's mother's restaurant, a visibly drunk Chen Ruying launched into accusations, claiming that because Zhuang Yu "stole" Shen Shiyan from Tan Jiao, it enabled Tan Jiao to "steal" her Brother Yu.
Zhuang Yu tried to explain her relationship with Shen Shiyan to Tan Jiao, but Tan Jiao interrupted, playfully revealing that Zhuang Yu and Shen Shiyan had a romantic connection in the previous timeline and encouraged Zhuang Yu to pursue him in the current one. This revelation delighted Zhuang Yu. After dinner, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao walked a tipsy Chen Ruying home.
Wu Yu apologized to Tan Jiao for Chen Ruying's behavior, but Tan Jiao expressed her happiness that he had come to find her in this timeline. After settling Chen Ruying, Tan Jiao received a text from her mother, praising Wu Yu and encouraging Tan Jiao's relationship with him. In the middle of the night, Chen Ruying woke up for water and sensed someone outside her door. As she peered down, she saw someone looking back, startling her.
A note was then slipped under the door, instructing her to go alone to Dongbei Road Number 22 if she wished to uncover the truth about the tragedy, where someone would be waiting for her. The next morning, when Wu Yu arrived with breakfast for Tan Jiao and Chen Ruying, he discovered Chen Ruying was not in her room and found the note on the floor.
Following the address on the note, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu arrived at Dongbei Road Number 22. Wu Yu quickly fought off a black-clad assailant. Inside, they found Chen Ruying unconscious. They rushed her to the hospital. While Tan Jiao brought supplies to Chen Ruying's hospital room, she paused at the door, seeing Chen Ruying embracing Wu Yu, distraught and fearing she would never see him again.
Chen Ruying confessed her romantic feelings for Wu Yu, differentiating them from a sibling bond. Wu Yu gently comforted her, saying he viewed her as a sister, much like his own sister Miao, and promised to care for her on behalf of her parents, hoping she would find her own happiness. Tan Jiao quietly left the items outside the room and departed. Once Chen Ruying's emotions had stabilized, Wu Yu asked her about what happened.
Chen Ruying recounted that she was electrocuted shortly after entering the designated location and remembered nothing until waking up in the hospital, expressing intense fear of Su Wan and surprise that he had spared her. Shortly after, Shen Shiyan arrived, reiterating that Su Wan remained the prime suspect. Wu Yu, noticing the items Tan Jiao had left at the door, knew she had been there. Concerned for her feelings, he went to find her.
Tan Jiao, believing Chen Ruying needed him more, initially resisted. However, Wu Yu pulled her into a hug, explaining his greater concern for her safety. He theorized that the note was actually intended for Tan Jiao but Chen Ruying had found it, meaning Su Wan was targeting Tan Jiao.
Wu Yu reassured her that Shen Shiyan was stepping up the investigation and urged Tan Jiao to take care of herself—not to starve, keep her phone on, lock her door at night, and call him if anything happened. He then prepared her favorite noodles. As Tan Jiao ate, she leaned into Wu Yu, expressing how good it felt to have him, and Wu Yu kissed her tenderly.
Suddenly, while Tan Jiao was eating her noodles, Shen Shiyan called her to announce that Su Wan had been found. But the phone call was abruptly cut off by static, and both her phone and the bowl of noodles began to float in the air, signaling another inexplicable shift in their reality.
Episode 11 Recap
Wu Yu and Tan Jiao unexpectedly found themselves back on the cruise ship during their piano duet. They realized that while only a moment had passed on the ship, two weeks had elapsed in the alternate universe they had just left. After analyzing their encounters and returns, they deduced a consistent 15-day cycle of time travel, where their timeline on the ship remained continuous.
Convinced they could alter the course of tragic events, they exchanged phone numbers, vowing to find each other in any dimension and to prevent future calamities. Soon after, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao encountered Wu Miao and Zhu Yutong, who were joyfully sharing an ice cream. Wu Yu simply advised his sister to return to her room early.
As the pair left, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu discussed their resolve to prevent Zhu Yutong's suicide this time, recalling how Chen Ruying had been saved in the previous timeline but Zhu Yutong had still succumbed. Later, Wu Yu met with Professor Chen and informed him about his recent time travel. Although some tragedies hadn't been entirely averted, Professor Chen was relieved to learn that Chen Ruying was alive.
Wu Yu also expressed his suspicion that Su Wan might be connected to a past wedding arson and vowed to investigate further after disembarking. Professor Chen entrusted Chen Ruying's well-being to Wu Yu, no matter what might happen. The following day, Professor Chen reiterated his wish for Wu Yu to marry Chen Ruying, believing it would ensure her future happiness if anything were to happen to him.
Wu Yu respectfully declined the marriage proposal but solemnly promised to protect Professor Chen, his wife, and Chen Ruying, dedicating himself to saving them. Meanwhile, Tan Jiao encountered Zhou Wei, a singer she had met during a previous time travel. They quickly discovered they were childhood friends from Dali's hilly area, recognizing each other by their old nicknames, "Little Cloddish" for Tan Jiao and "King Braggart" for Zhou Wei.
Zhou Wei, who dreamed of becoming a famous singer, invited Tan Jiao to his performance that evening. Observing their friendly interaction, Wu Yu quickly intervened to subtly assert his presence. Tan Jiao considered asking Zhou Wei for information about the ship, but Wu Yu dismissed him as merely a lounge singer, irrelevant to their investigation, though he agreed to accompany Tan Jiao to his performance. Separately, Wu Miao confessed her feelings for Zhu Yutong.
Though he initially hesitated, admitting he hadn't liked anyone in a long time, he ultimately reciprocated her affection, declaring his love and embracing her. That evening, at a ship-organized event, Zhou Wei dedicated his first song to a special girl, publicly professing his feelings for Tan Jiao. Before he could finish, Wu Yu put his arm around Tan Jiao, stating they would "appreciate" the song together.
An embarrassed Tan Jiao quickly made an excuse that they had other plans and pulled Wu Yu away, expressing her awkwardness and confusion about Zhou Wei's "nonsense." Later, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu inadvertently overheard an argument between Chen Ruying and her mother. Chen Ruying's mother was pressuring her to marry Su Wan, who had called several times, hoping he would take over the family business.
Chen Ruying vehemently opposed the idea, stating she disliked Su Wan and desired to marry someone she loved. Tan Jiao and Wu Yu, upon hearing the mother's aggressive tone, discussed the increasing complexity of the situation and the mounting mysteries surrounding them. Wu Yu took Tan Jiao to a viewing deck to admire the night sky, pointing out a rare moonbow and then the stars Altair and Vega, also known as the Cowherd and Weaver Maid stars.
He explained the profound connection between them, even across vast distances, referencing the theory that heavy atoms from the same star would always attract two people, ensuring they would never lose each other across time. Wu Yu then confessed his deep love for Tan Jiao, admitting he had previously held back because he felt unworthy of protecting her. He now recognized her as a strong and composed soulmate capable of fighting alongside him.
He proposed they be together and never separate again, sealing his heartfelt confession with a kiss. The following day, everyone enjoyed a yacht trip to Monument Valley, a small island. While most were happy, Chen Ruying appeared troubled. As Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were chatting, Tan Jiao suddenly spotted Chen Ruying on a cliff edge, seemingly preparing to jump. They rushed to stop her.
Chen Ruying, desperate for freedom, pleaded with Wu Yu to marry her, stating that a life without freedom held no meaning. Wu Yu, while gently declining her marriage proposal, promised to help her resolve her issues with her mother. Chen Ruying then abandoned her suicide attempt. Tan Jiao realized with a jolt that she had witnessed this exact scene during one of her earlier time travels.
As they journeyed back to the main ship on a yacht, Tan Jiao asked Wu Yu to take a photo of her. To their astonishment, the picture turned out to be identical to a photo Zhu Jirui had previously given Wu Yu. Tan Jiao experienced a strong sense of foreboding, recognizing this scene from her time travel. The sky grew dark with storm clouds, the sea became turbulent, and a massive whirlpool formed, threatening to engulf their yacht.
Episode 12 Recap
The small boat was caught in a massive vortex, and everyone fell into the sea. When Tan Jiao woke up again, she found herself back in her room, realizing she had time-traveled once more. Outside, a heavy snow was falling. Tan Jiao tried to call Wu Yu, but his phone was constantly busy. She also noticed that Hua's repair shop was not yet open.
Wu Yu sent her a text message, stating that he had run into something and would see her after he took care of it. Later, Tan Jiao's mother called, reminding her that it was Laba Festival and inviting her to come home for dinner. At dinner, Tan Jiao appeared preoccupied. She hypothetically asked her mother what to do if she suddenly lost contact with someone she was very close to.
Her mother, assuming Tan Jiao was talking about a boyfriend, was informed that Tan Jiao was just brainstorming for a novel plot. Tan Jiao’s mother then advised her that if she truly trusted that person, she should wait patiently, believing they would eventually come to her. However, if she knew where that person was, she should take the initiative to find them herself, emphasizing that there was nothing to be ashamed of in this era.
She then half-jokingly asked if Tan Jiao was dating online, which Tan Jiao quickly denied. Soon after, Tan Jiao received an anonymous text message instructing her to meet Wu Yu at Jinghai Hotel at 4 PM the following day. On her way to the hotel, she tried calling Wu Yu again, but his phone was still busy. Upon arriving, Tan Jiao unexpectedly stumbled upon Wu Yu and Chen Ruying's wedding rehearsal in the banquet hall.
As the officiant requested, Wu Yu placed a ring on Chen Ruying's finger. However, his gaze then met Tan Jiao’s. He immediately stopped the rehearsal, telling the officiant, "Let's stop for today." He then approached Tan Jiao but remained silent. Tan Jiao questioned if he shouldn't offer an explanation, to which Wu Yu simply replied, "You shouldn't have come." Chen Ruying quickly intervened, pulling Wu Yu away and advising Tan Jiao not to pester him.
Tan Jiao's friend, Zhuang Yu, arrived at the hotel and immediately began scolding Wu Yu, exclaiming, "This guy is unbelievable!" She asked Tan Jiao if she was okay, expressing her anger at such men, especially "those who appear innocent and studious" but "we never know how many girls they've cheated." Just then, Chen Ruying's mother, Ms. Feng, approached them, revealing that she was the one who had sent the anonymous text.
Ms. Feng, a straightforward person, informed Tan Jiao that Chen Ruying and Wu Yu's wedding was in two weeks, and she invited Tan Jiao to her home for dinner, suggesting she could speak with Wu Yu there. Tan Jiao asked for the exact date and was told it was January 25th. Tan Jiao agreed to stay at Ms. Feng's house for the night.
In their room, Zhuang Yu continued to vent her frustration, especially about Chen Ruying calling her "sturdy and fat." She declared her intention to "write about them in my novel" and "turn them into a series" to be "a part of literary history" so future generations could "study and criticize them." Tan Jiao then confided in Zhuang Yu, revealing that she had time-traveled, and "it's not the first time."
She explained that based on her previous experiences, they only stayed for 15 days, which meant they would travel back before January 25th. Furthermore, in this current timeline, Wu Miao was still missing, and her life was uncertain. Tan Jiao concluded that Wu Yu wouldn't genuinely marry under these circumstances and "something is definitely wrong here."
Ms. Feng then entered their room, reiterating her need for Tan Jiao's help to "stop Ying and Yu's wedding," stating she would "never allow Ying to marry a man who doesn't love her." She believed they shared the same goal and needed each other's assistance. Tan Jiao agreed to cooperate, saying, "Okay. I look forward to working with you." That evening, at the Chen family's dinner, Su Wan was also present.
Chen Ruying complained to her father about Tan Jiao, claiming she was "unreasonable and kept criticizing me" and that her mother even "defended her." She accused Tan Jiao of being there "to ruin my wedding with Wu Yu" and demanded her father to "chase them out." Her father tried to de-escalate, suggesting they "have dinner first" and talk later. During the meal, Chen Ruying took another jab at Tan Jiao, saying, "It's my family dinner.
You're pretty shameless to be here." Ms. Feng countered by emphasizing that "You're all guests" and proposed a toast. Su Wan arrived late and shared good news that their company would be listed soon. He offered Chen Ruying a gift, hoping she and Wu Yu would be happy, which Chen Ruying dismissed as "pretentious."
Wu Yu, during dinner, inquired if Su Wan was a graduate of Jinghai University's Faculty of Chemistry and mentioned his sister, Wu Miao, also attended the same university, implying Su Wan was her senior. Su Wan expressed regret about Wu Miao's situation and suggested exchanging contact information for future assistance. Chen Ruying, however, angrily warned Wu Yu to "ignore him" because "he's not a good person" and knocked his phone to the floor, disrupting the dinner.
Feeling ganged up on, Chen Ruying then exclaimed, "You're all picking on me! I'm leaving." Later, in the garden, Tan Jiao confronted Wu Yu, asking, "Tell me. Why are you marrying Chen Ruying?" Wu Yu revealed that after he had woken up in this timeline, he researched Su Wan and Wu Miao, confirming they were university classmates. He also overheard a conversation between Chen Ruying and her mother.
He explained that in the previous timeline, on January 22nd, a fire broke out during Chen Ruying and Su Wan's wedding. Su Wan disappeared afterward, and Chen Ruying later found potassium cyanide at his residence. Wu Yu approached Professor Chen, his mentor and Chen Ruying's father, to share these details, despite the Professor having lost some memories from the boat.
Wu Yu expressed his suspicion of Su Wan, and Professor Chen, trusting Wu Yu, agreed to help prevent the marriage between Su Wan and Chen Ruying. Wu Yu then received an anonymous text: "Wu Miao is in my hands. If you want to save her, marry Chen Ruying."
Wu Yu explained that he views Chen Ruying as a sister and would never marry her, but he agreed and postponed the wedding to January 25th, knowing that Tan Jiao and he would time-travel back before that date, thus preventing the incident on January 22nd. Tan Jiao, still upset, told him, "But no matter what, you should've told me." Wu Yu apologized, stating, "I didn't want you to get involved in this." He further explained that Tan Jiao had been attacked multiple times, leading him to suspect that the culprit was not only targeting Wu Miao but also her.
Episode 13 Recap
Wu Yu expressed his deep regret, telling Tan Jiao that he truly wished to keep her from getting involved. He explained that since she had been attacked multiple times, he suspected that the perpetrator was targeting not only Wu Miao but also Tan Jiao. Tan Jiao, however, argued that given their knowledge of the killer's interest in them and the information they possessed from other timelines, they should proactively confront the danger.
She emphasized that this was not just for her and Wu Miao, but for their shared future. Wu Yu promised that he would no longer conceal anything from her, and the two shared a kiss. To aid their investigation, they agreed to stage a public disagreement, hoping to collaborate from within. They established coded messages for their private understanding: "bad guy" would mean "I miss you," and "I've had enough of you" would signify "I care about you."
Later, Su Wan entered Chen Ruying's room, offering her milk. Chen Ruying angrily rejected him, stating her love for Wu Yu and calling Su Wan her mother's "dog" who was merely pretending affection to gain wealth. When she spilled the milk on him, Su Wan’s demeanor hardened. He admitted that he was indeed marrying into her family for money and was indifferent to her feelings for Wu Yu.
He warned her not to be so arrogant, asserting that her mother trusted him more than her own daughter, before leaving. To gather more information, Wu Yu, Tan Jiao, and Zhuang Yu divided their efforts. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao went to Su Wan's office to search for clues, while Zhuang Yu shadowed Su Wan, hoping to uncover any connection to Wu Miao's disappearance. Zhuang Yu observed Su Wan's contrasting public and private personas.
However, Su Wan eventually spotted Zhuang Yu following him and called the police. This led to Zhuang Yu's encounter with Officer Shen Shiyan at the police station. She attempted to explain her actions by claiming to be a writer conducting "practical experiments" for artistic creation, but Shen Shiyan remained unconvinced, though Su Wan ultimately decided not to press charges. During their interaction, Zhuang Yu recognized Shen Shiyan's name.
Meanwhile, in Su Wan's office, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao discovered a transfer order for potassium cyanide. Tan Jiao immediately called Zhuang Yu, who confirmed her situation at the police station. Wu Yu then went to speak with Professor Chen about the potassium cyanide, explaining that the killer in a previous timeline had used it.
Professor Chen, however, dismissed the transfer order as insufficient evidence, noting that potassium cyanide was a standard raw material for the factory, and Su Wan, as his wife's assistant, routinely handled such documents. Wu Yu, still suspicious, emphasized the potential danger if the substance was diverted for other uses. Later, Chen Ruying saw Wu Yu and Tan Jiao in an intimate moment, causing her to lash out, accusing Wu Yu of betraying her and her mother of undermining her happiness.
Her mother intervened, scolding Chen Ruying and pulling her away. That evening, Su Wan went to Tan Jiao's room, forcefully entering and adopting a menacing tone, which visibly frightened Tan Jiao. The next morning, both Tan Jiao and Chen Ruying were nowhere to be found. Wu Yu and Chen Ruying's mother were unable to contact them. Wu Yu learned that Su Wan had conveniently left for a business trip, further intensifying his suspicions.
Simultaneously, Zhuang Yu, also concerned, reported Tan Jiao missing to Shen Shiyan. Chen Ruying's mother received a disturbing video showing Tan Jiao tying up Chen Ruying and threatening her with a knife. Despite the video, Wu Yu, Zhuang Yu, and Professor Chen refused to believe Tan Jiao was capable of such an act, suggesting she was being coerced. Chen Ruying's mother, distraught, demanded an explanation, suspecting they were hiding crucial information.
Under pressure, Wu Yu revealed his time-traveling experiences and the tragic events that had befallen her family in previous timelines. However, Chen Ruying's mother struggled to accept Su Wan as the villain, and her attempts to contact him by phone were unsuccessful, deepening her confusion and anxiety. Meanwhile, captive and bound, Tan Jiao warned the masked kidnapper not to go too far, boasting about her "million fans" who would track him down.
This angered the masked man, who pressed a dagger to her throat, forcing Tan Jiao to quickly retract her threat and apologize. After the masked man left, Chen Ruying, still consumed by jealousy, blamed Tan Jiao for ruining her life. Tan Jiao retorted, calling Chen Ruying annoying and dismissively stating that characters like her wouldn't last three pages in her novels. Calming down, Tan Jiao then pressed Chen Ruying for details about her abduction.
Chen Ruying recalled seeing Su Wan downstairs late at night before suddenly being stunned unconscious. However, both women noted that the masked man's physique did not resemble Su Wan's. Shen Shiyan informed Chen Ruying's parents that a task force had been established, and they would operate undercover to avoid alarming the kidnappers and ensure Chen Ruying's safety.
Wu Yu urged Shen Shiyan to investigate Su Wan, stating his belief that Su Wan was not only responsible for kidnapping Tan Jiao and Chen Ruying but also for the serial killings in Jinghai City. He then stunned Shen Shiyan by listing the names of people who disappeared in connection with the murders. Shen Shiyan pulled Wu Yu aside, questioning how he knew this list of names, as it had never been made public.
Episode 14 Recap
When Captain Shen questioned Wu Yu about his knowledge of the confidential details of the Jinghai Serial Murder case, Wu Yu revealed that his sister, Wu Miao, was also a victim whose whereabouts remained unknown.
He explained that the most crucial lead in the Jinghai case was the use of potassium cyanide as the cause of death, and he believed this pointed to Su Wan, especially since he found enough cyanide in Su Wan's residence to commit the crime and both Tan Jiao and Su Wan had gone missing simultaneously.
Captain Shen, however, stated that he rarely trusted instinct and relied solely on evidence, promising to investigate Su Wan but demanding a full explanation from Wu Yu afterward. Just then, Su Wan arrived. Wu Yu confronted him, demanding to know Tan Jiao’s whereabouts, which Su Wan denied knowing. When questioned about the potassium cyanide transfer order, Su Wan explained it was a routine procedure for their factory to borrow materials from other factories, a practice Ms. Feng was aware of.
Ms. Feng confirmed Su Wan's explanation. Wu Yu then pressed Su Wan about attempting to run over Chen Ruying with a car, but Su Wan claimed he didn't know how to drive due to a thumb injury. Wu Yu confirmed this, stating Su Wan always took taxis or had a driver. Police investigators also confirmed that the car that nearly hit Chen Ruying was found abandoned and had been spotted at the dump sites of two previous Jinghai murder victims.
Considering Su Wan's inability to drive, Captain Shen concluded that Su Wan could not be the sole perpetrator of the Jinghai Serial Murder case. Su Wan, agitated, then accused Wu Yu of colluding with Tan Jiao to swindle money from the Chen family. Zhuang Yu stepped in, arguing with Su Wan, who then chastised her for stalking him.
The argument escalated until Ms. Feng intervened, telling Su Wan to leave her home and asking Zhuang Yu to go home and rest, despite Zhuang Yu’s protests. Later, Zhuang Yu sat outside the mansion, looking at photos of herself and Tan Jiao, weeping and praying for Tan Jiao’s safety. Captain Shen approached her and offered to drive her home.
He acknowledged that everyone should be grateful to her, as her timely report had prevented the situation for Tan Jiao and Chen Ruying from spiraling further out of control. Zhuang Yu, still distressed, asked Captain Shen if Tan Jiao would be safe. Captain Shen explained that since the kidnappers explicitly forbade involving the police, they had to maintain the illusion that authorities were not involved.
He asked Zhuang Yu to cooperate by temporarily leaving Chen's residence and acting as if she knew nothing, assuring her that they would work together to bring Tan Jiao back safely. Meanwhile, Tan Jiao managed to use a piece of broken glass to cut her restraints and Chen Ruying’s. She then used a hairpin to pick the door lock, preparing to escape. As they were about to leave, the masked man unexpectedly returned, forcing them to hide.
Just as they thought they had a chance to slip away, Chen Ruying deliberately shouted that someone was trying to escape. Tan Jiao realized that Chen Ruying had orchestrated the entire kidnapping, and the masked man was none other than Xu, the Chen family's butler. Chen Ruying confronted Tan Jiao, blaming her for disrupting her wedding. She admitted to intentionally forcing Tan Jiao to record the ransom video to mislead everyone into thinking Tan Jiao was the culprit.
Chen Ruying believed her mother’s biggest weakness was her, and that Ms. Feng would surely pay the ransom that night. Xu, who had been listening, displayed a sinister smile. Wu Yu and Captain Shen devised a counter-plan. They equipped Wu Yu with a watch containing a listening device and a camera, allowing the police to monitor communications and react to any changes.
Their strategy anticipated that the kidnappers, aware of police involvement, would change the drop-off location multiple times to evade surveillance or swap the money bag. Wu Yu was instructed to pretend to cooperate with the kidnappers' demands to gather information. Wu Yu set out with the ransom money. The kidnappers initially directed him to the Jinghai Road underground parking lot.
However, he received a call from a phone hidden under a car, redirecting him to the men's restroom on the fifth floor of Jinghai Building. There, he received a text message instructing him to swap the bag of money for garbage in the toilet's cleaning closet without informing the police, or the hostages would be harmed. Wu Yu followed these instructions as part of his secret plan with Captain Shen.
The kidnappers then changed the location again, demanding the money be left in a trash can at the north gate of the suburban forest park within two hours. Police had laid an ambush at the park. When a scavenger picked up the bag, the police moved in, only to find the bag contained garbage. After the failed exchange, the kidnappers sent another video.
In it, Chen Ruying's face was covered in what appeared to be blood, causing a distraught Ms. Feng to believe she had been abused. The video instructed Wu Yu to deliver the money alone to the Jinghai Stadium by noon the following day, warning against any tricks. Back at Chen's residence, Ms. Feng was furious that Chen Ruying hadn't been rescued and accused Wu Yu of failing. She grew suspicious, even suggesting there might be an insider within the family.
Wu Yu and Captain Shen soon realized that the kidnappers knew their every move because spy cameras had been secretly installed throughout Chen Ruying's house. Wu Yu had discerned this crucial information from a clue Tan Jiao left in the ransom video: a bloodstain on her shirt had obscured part of a logo, leaving the letters "CAM" visible, subtly signaling the presence of cameras. With the cameras discovered and removed, Xu and Chen Ruying grew nervous.
Chen Ruying wanted to end the "game," arguing it was just a prank she pulled because everyone was against her marrying Wu Yu. However, Xu, whose true motive was money, became enraged. He slapped Chen Ruying, asserting his control and declaring that she was not at home and couldn't decide when to stop. Chen Ruying realized Xu’s intentions were serious and that he had been lying about it being a prank.
Xu threatened to kill both her and Tan Jiao if they didn't continue with his plan. Under Xu’s coercion, Tan Jiao recorded another video. In the video, with a knife held to Chen Ruying, she announced that the previous day's planned transaction was canceled. She demanded the money be delivered within 24 hours to a location she would specify later, threatening that if it wasn't, Chen Ruying would be killed. The video concluded with Chen Ruying angrily calling Wu Yu a "heartless man" and screaming for her parents to save her.
Episode 15 Recap
Tan Jiao and Chen Ruying found themselves bound once more. Tan Jiao confronted a weeping Chen Ruying, who confessed she hadn't anticipated the situation escalating to this point, claiming her initial involvement was just a prank. Tan Jiao chastised her, pointing out their lives were now at stake, and demanded the truth about Wu Miao.
Chen Ruying revealed that an unknown person had sent a threatening photo of a captive Wu Miao to both her and Wu Yu, with a message demanding they marry to ensure Wu Miao's safety. Chen Ruying then explained how their driver, Xu Baotian, had manipulated her. After seeing Wu Yu and Tan Jiao together, Chen Ruying was distraught. Xu Baotian approached her, feigning sympathy, calling Tan Jiao a "jerk" and "naive," and promising to help her get revenge.
He proposed a plan to kidnap Tan Jiao and frame her for the crime, thereby making Wu Yu despise Tan Jiao and securing the wedding. As Chen Ruying recounted this, Tan Jiao warned her that Xu Baotian was merely using her, having harbored dark intentions for a long time despite working for her family for over a decade.
Tan Jiao again pressed Chen Ruying about who sent the Wu Miao photo, but Chen Ruying claimed ignorance, stating she had planned to investigate after her wedding. Tan Jiao accused Chen Ruying of selfishness, prioritizing her love for Wu Yu over Wu Miao’s safety. Despite this, Tan Jiao comforted a distraught Chen Ruying, assuring her that Wu Yu would surely find them. Xu Baotian then arrived, preparing to inject them with potassium cyanide.
He revealed his true intentions, stating he planned to burn the place down with them inside after receiving the ransom, summarily silencing them. Tan Jiao tried to reason with him, but Xu Baotian presented the poison as a merciful, less painful death than burning. Attempting to stall for time, Tan Jiao inquired if his original plan was to carry out the attack during Wu Yu and Chen Ruying's wedding and frame Su Wan.
Xu Baotian was surprised by her accurate guess. He confirmed his intention to set fire to the wedding venue and then plant potassium cyanide at Su Wan's house, hoping to use the Jinghai serial killer as a scapegoat. Chen Ruying confronted Xu Baotian, questioning his betrayal given her parents' kindness.
Xu Baotian scoffed, recounting how he had worked for the Chen family for over a decade, only for Chen Ruying's mother to refuse him a million yuan to cover his gambling debts and his own mother's medical expenses, claiming it was for his "own good." As he prepared to attack Tan Jiao first, Wu Yu burst in. Chen Ruying, surprised, asked how he found them.
Wu Yu explained he deduced that only someone with free access to the Chen residence could have planted the cameras, and since Professor Chen and Madam Feng were always under police escort, Xu Baotian was the only suspect. He had followed him to the warehouse. Simultaneously, Wu Yu was on a phone call with the police, relaying Xu Baotian's location. Xu Baotian mocked Wu Yu for arriving alone, but Wu Yu retorted, "Who says I came alone?"
Wu Yu attacked Xu Baotian, knocking him unconscious, and quickly untied Tan Jiao, urging her to free Chen Ruying and escape. However, Xu Baotian regained consciousness and chased them. Tan Jiao urged Chen Ruying to run and stayed to help Wu Yu. During the struggle, Wu Yu was stabbed. Wu Yu, in a desperate move, smashed the vial of potassium cyanide, warning Xu Baotian that the resulting hydrogen cyanide gas would be lethal within minutes.
Terrified by Wu Yu's detailed description of the symptoms, Xu Baotian panicked and fled. Wu Yu then admitted to Tan Jiao that he had bluffed; the amount of gas was not fatal, but they were still in danger. He led her to a dilapidated shed. Inside the shed, Tan Jiao tended to Wu Yu's wound. While searching for supplies, she discovered a first aid kit containing a mysterious note.
Dated January 24, 2022, the note warned her that "Brother Xu will trap you in a warehouse" and advised her to use the medicine in the box. Tan Jiao recognized the handwriting as identical to a previous note she had received in Dali. She then found a satellite phone in the kit, explaining to Wu Yu that it could transmit their location without a network signal.
Moments later, a distress signal from their location, the eastern warehouse, was detected by the police, who dispatched a rescue team. However, Xu Baotian returned and set their hiding place on fire. Inside, Tan Jiao cried out for help. Chen Ruying, who had already been rescued by the police, frantically informed them that Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were still inside the burning warehouse area. As Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were rushed to the hospital, Wu Yu fell unconscious.
Tan Jiao anxiously watched her watch, aware that only three minutes remained before their next time jump. As Wu Yu's vital signs began to fade, Tan Jiao desperately pleaded with the doctors not to give up, reminding Wu Yu of his promises. She tearfully confessed her love for him, kissing his lips and saying, "Wu Yu, I love you." In that instant, time warped, and Tan Jiao found herself washed ashore on a beach.
Nearby, she discovered an unconscious Wu Yu. She performed CPR, and to her relief, Wu Yu opened his eyes. Overjoyed, Tan Jiao checked him for injuries. Wu Yu confirmed he was unharmed in this new timeline, and she embraced him tightly. They then set out to find the others, locating Chen Ruying and several survivors near a rocky outcrop. They learned that Wu Miao and Professor Chen had been safely rescued by a passing cruise ship.
The group, however, found their boat's engine and communication equipment were damaged, leaving them stranded on the small island with no phone signal. Chen Ruying panicked, asking if they were destined to die there, but was quickly silenced.
Episode 16 Recap
After the tsunami, everyone gathered, focusing their combined resources and hoping for rescue. Wu Yu reassured the group, explaining that only about ten minutes had passed since the tsunami, and they were still within search and rescue range. Zhu Yutong managed to find several packages of food from the wreckage. As evening approached, they found a safe spot to set up camp.
With only one tent, it was allocated to the women, while the men prepared to spend the night outside by a bonfire, which they hoped would also serve as a signal for rescuers. Wu Yu also mentioned finding a stream with fresh water, promising to collect some the next day. Inside the tent, Tan Jiao, Chen Ruying, Zhu Jirui, and Chen Ruying's mother, Feng Yan, settled in.
Tan Jiao made pointed remarks about the discomfort of sharing close quarters with strangers, humorously mentioning potential habits like grinding teeth or snoring. Chen Ruying took offense, interpreting the comments as directed at her. Their brief exchange was cut short by Feng Yan, who told her daughter to sleep closer. Tan Jiao then invited Zhu Jirui to squeeze in next to her. Meanwhile, Wu Yu found Zhu Yutong by the bonfire, visibly upset and worried about Wu Miao.
Wu Yu comforted him, confirming that Wu Miao was safe on the Diamond Star and urged Zhu Yutong to conserve his energy and maintain a good appearance, so Wu Miao wouldn't see him looking dispirited upon their reunion. Unable to sleep, Tan Jiao eventually joined Wu Yu by the fire. She apologized for putting him in danger, but Wu Yu reassured her, emphasizing that they at least prevented a tragedy.
They discussed the real perpetrator behind the misleading photo given to Chen Ruying, ruling out Su Wan and Xu. Tan Jiao then revealed her recurring visions during time travel, which always come true. She mentioned seeing Chen Ruying wanting to marry Wu Yu, and recently, a vision of Zhou Wei saying, "I will not let you go." Wu Yu explained this as "quantum entanglement" from time travel, allowing her glimpses into "future quantum state events."
They shared a moment of intimacy, acknowledging the island's beauty and wishing to remain together. The next morning, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao went to gather firewood. Wu Yu observed that everyone they had encountered across different timelines seemed to be gathered on this island. Their conversation about Zhou Wei as a potential suspect was interrupted by Zhou Wei, Zhu Jirui, and Zhu Yutong returning with an abundance of freshly caught fish and crabs.
Zhou Wei proudly boasted of his fishing prowess, claiming no fish could escape his fork. Chen Ruying, who had woken late and was complaining about the cold and lack of food, found Tan Jiao and Wu Yu sitting intimately and promptly squeezed between them. Zhou Wei teased her, calling her a "savage of a deserted island," prompting Chen Ruying to retreat to the tent.
Later, Zhou Wei directly approached Tan Jiao and confessed his feelings for her, stating he wouldn't easily give up. Startled, Tan Jiao quickly moved towards Wu Yu. Zhou Wei followed and confronted Wu Yu, openly declaring his intention to pursue Tan Jiao. He warned Wu Yu to keep their rivalry between themselves and not to mistreat Tan Jiao, or he "will not let you go."
Tan Jiao immediately recognized this confrontation as the exact scene from her vision, leading both her and Wu Yu to conclude that Zhou Wei was not the killer, as his threat was a declaration of romantic pursuit, not a murderous intent. Meanwhile, Chen Ruying had an argument with her mother, Feng Yan, and stormed off. Elsewhere in the forest, Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan were foraging when they witnessed a snake attacking a Red-naped tern's nest.
Yan Yuan quickly intervened, scaring the snake away and carefully placing the nest, which contained an egg, back onto the tree. Zhu Jirui was touched by his compassionate act, looking at him with newfound admiration. As Tan Jiao and Wu Yu continued to search for food, Wu Yu thoughtfully crafted an insect repellent herb bracelet for Tan Jiao.
They shared a quiet, intimate moment, with Tan Jiao expressing how Wu Yu was her constant "coordinate," guiding her home in every timeline. Wu Yu reciprocated, affirming that she was his coordinate too. Zhou Wei, who happened to be nearby, witnessed their tenderness and quietly walked away, a look of sadness on his face, which Tan Jiao noticed. Tan Jiao later sought out Zhou Wei for a heartfelt conversation.
He explained that he admired her free-spirited nature, contrasting it with his own struggle to be a genuine rocker, often feeling constrained by others' expectations and even the necklaces he wore to project a certain image. In a symbolic gesture, Zhou Wei removed and discarded his necklace, declaring his resolve to start anew. He accepted Tan Jiao's relationship with Wu Yu, sincerely wished them happiness, and assured her that they would remain good friends.
A new wave of panic struck when Feng Yan and Yan Yuan realized that Chen Ruying and Zhu Jirui had suddenly disappeared. Yan Yuan recounted Zhu Jirui vanishing "in a flash" right behind him while they were talking. Wu Yu then found an empty food wrapper in the woods that did not belong to their supplies, leading him to suspect that another person was present on the island.
Following Wu Yu's instruction to remain concentrated and not separate, the group began to search the island. As they continued their search, a chilling realization dawned upon them: the previous island, which was only dozens of kilometers away, had completely disappeared. In a terrifying sequence, Zhu Yutong vanished before their very eyes. Wu Yu gripped Tan Jiao’s hand tightly, but as they tried to move forward, he too suddenly disappeared. Left alone and utterly terrified, Tan Jiao was confronted by a black-clad man who appeared behind her – the same individual they had once pursued into a bar.
Episode 17 Recap
Tan Jiao, engulfed by fear as she faced the black-clad man holding a dagger, suddenly time-traveled once more. During her journey, she witnessed the man's capture and heard him confess to killing Chen Ningmeng, Liu Xiaojiang, and Ye Xunyi. Yet, he defiantly challenged his captors, asking if they had any evidence. Upon waking, Tan Jiao found herself back home, realizing it was October 19th, 2021. This meant she had some time before Wu Miao's incident.
She anxiously tried to call Wu Yu, but he didn't answer. A call to the Department of Physics of Haijiang University confirmed he was not on campus, as he had gone to see "someone who's very important to him." Moments later, Wu Yu appeared before her, and they embraced. Tan Jiao recounted her latest time-travel experience, identifying the black-clad man as Chen Xingjian.
She explained that in her memory fragments, he admitted to being the murderer of five girls, but they still lacked information on his whereabouts. Wu Yu shared his own recent time-jump, describing it as stepping into "another universe." Back at Tan Jiao’s house, they realized that with time reversing, they were now at "negative one year" in their relationship, jokingly meaning Wu Yu "owed" her a year.
Wu Yu confessed that he had written the mysterious note that led Tan Jiao to him, a fact he only understood after finding it in the basement himself. He also revealed that he had placed the life-saving first aid box there. They agreed that once they reached Jinghai, they must find a way to place the box in the basement of an abandoned warehouse, emphasizing its critical importance.
Wu Yu noticed his reflection on Tan Jiao's phone screen, which also displayed a rainbow. Tan Jiao admitted her love for rainbows, and Wu Yu, understanding her, led her to a nearby fountain. As the sunlight hit the water, a beautiful rainbow formed, making Tan Jiao declare that with Wu Yu and the rainbow, she had everything. Their tender moment was interrupted by a call from Tan Jiao's mother, who insisted she come home for a homemade meal.
Tan Jiao reluctantly brought Wu Yu, who pretended to be a regular customer. Her mother teased Tan Jiao for her aversion to spicy food, fearing she would be too soft for a husband, unlike her mother who "managed" Tan Jiao's father, a comment Tan Jiao quickly pointed out led to their divorce.
Noticing Tan Jiao's glances at Wu Yu, her mother praised Tan Jiao's taste and urged her to take a dish of fish to him, instructing her not to return without getting his contact information. Tan Jiao quietly explained her mother's eccentricities to Wu Yu, who reassured her that he understood and would always listen to her, despite her inability to eat spicy food, and that she shouldn't feel burdened. Later, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu discussed their strategy for Jinghai.
Wu Yu explained that their knowledge of the future was their greatest weapon, as they were the only ones aware of the culprit's plan. Their immediate goal was to save Xu Jingmiao, the next victim, who was killed between October 24th and 27th. Xu Jingmiao worked late shifts at a 24-hour bar, and the last time she was seen on camera was on the 24th, her body later discovered on the 27th.
They planned to search for her at her school, starting the next day. For now, Wu Yu decided to go home, expecting Wu Miao to be there, while Tan Jiao opted to stay with Zhuang Yu to give the siblings privacy.
Tan Jiao entrusted the first aid box to Zhuang Yu, providing her with the address of a deserted warehouse and instructing her to place the box in its underground basement before January of the following year, reiterating that their lives depended on it. Zhuang Yu's curiosity was piqued, and she asked about Tan Jiao's boyfriend. Tan Jiao openly spoke about her relationship, making Zhuang Yu envious and determined to find a boyfriend with eight-pack abs.
Tan Jiao proudly confirmed that Wu Yu possessed such abs, playfully adding that she wouldn't know about Zhuang Yu's future boyfriend. Meanwhile, back home, Wu Yu found Wu Miao with Zhu Yutong and was displeased, expressing his anger at Wu Miao for wandering off. Zhu Yutong quickly left, sensing the tension. Wu Miao, noticing her brother's low spirits, mistakenly assumed he had broken up with Tan Jiao and immediately offered to stay by his side.
Seeing this as an opportunity to ensure Wu Miao's safety, Wu Yu feigned heartbreak. He then messaged Tan Jiao while continuing his act with Wu Miao. Wu Miao, in turn, cancelled her plans with Zhu Yutong, promising to accompany Wu Yu, even insisting he drive her to school. The following morning, Wu Yu arrived at Zhuang Yu's house with an array of breakfast options, explaining he bought everything as he didn't know her preferences.
Zhuang Yu, who had just woken up and gone to the door without makeup, initially mistook Wu Yu for a delivery person. Upon realizing he was "the male lead," she comically rushed off to freshen up. Wu Yu informed Tan Jiao that he had already visited Xu Jingmiao's school, but as a local student whose practical courses had concluded, she was not there. He suggested they check the bar where she worked.
Tan Jiao, concerned by his tired appearance, made him promise to rest. Wu Yu confided in her, feeling that life had finally given him a "sweet," and expressed his hope for a future filled with sweetness for them both. He then agreed to a short five-minute nap. Later, as Tan Jiao and Wu Yu walked down the street, Tan Jiao optimistically mused that fate might lead them to Xu Jingmiao. Coincidentally, they soon encountered a girl arguing with a boy.
After Wu Yu intervened, the boy left, and the girl introduced herself as Xu Jingmiao. Tan Jiao was overjoyed by this stroke of luck, believing they could now capture the culprit. Xu Jingmiao invited them to "Nineteen," the bar where she worked, promising them drinks. Tan Jiao eagerly accepted, telling Wu Yu that this time, they would surely catch the culprit.
Episode 18 Recap
As Zhuang Yu went to the designated basement to place a medical box, she was caught by a security guard who then took her to the police station. There, she encountered Shen Shiyan, dressed in plain clothes. Mistaking him for another detainee, she noticed he was reading her book, "Evolution of the Planets", which made her trust him slightly.
She told him that she was there to prevent a terrifying abduction that would occur in six months at that very location, an event in which two lives would be lost. She speculated that the police wouldn't believe her story about time travel, pondering whether to claim she was ghost hunting or on a scavenger hunt, before deciding that pretending to catch a cheating boyfriend would sound more believable.
Suddenly, a police officer addressed Shen Shiyan as "Captain Shen," revealing his true identity. Zhuang Yu was mortified, exclaiming, "You're a cop? How could you do that? You're a people's police. How could you do that?" The officer informed her that the warehouse owner reported nothing missing, implying she hadn't managed to steal anything. Zhuang Yu vehemently denied being a thief.
Shen Shiyan, after a brief conversation, vouched for her, instructing the other officer to simply lecture her and then release her since she hadn't committed a serious offense. Zhuang Yu thanked him for being so discerning and bid him goodbye. Meanwhile, Wu Miao, distressed by her brother Wu Yu's apparent heartbreak, decided she needed to help him reconcile with Tan Jiao. She confided in Zhu Yutong, who suggested she look for Tan Jiao's contact information in Wu Yu's phone.
Wu Miao, praising Zhu Yutong's cleverness, eagerly agreed. Back at Wu Yu's place, he and Tan Jiao were discussing plans for Xu Jingmiao when Wu Miao unexpectedly returned. Wu Yu quickly urged Tan Jiao to hide. Wu Miao, unaware of Tan Jiao's presence, began to console Wu Yu, asking why he and Tan Jiao broke up and if he still loved her. Wu Yu reluctantly admitted he "loved" her, while trying to divert the conversation.
Wu Miao then launched into a tirade, criticizing all of Wu Yu's past girlfriends, from Wang Nana to Fang Ting and Wang Xiaolu, declaring Tan Jiao to be the best and most deserving. Wu Yu, in a moment of panic and frustration, covered Wu Miao's mouth to silence her, while the hidden Tan Jiao felt a strong urge to "strangle" Wu Yu. Wu Miao then feigned hunger, asking Wu Yu to make her some noodles.
While he was in the kitchen, she secretly used his phone to call Tan Jiao, even trying "Honey" and "Jiaojiao" as contact names. Tan Jiao, hearing the phone ring from her hiding spot, quickly turned off her device, making Wu Miao conclude that "things are a little serious." When Wu Yu returned with the noodles, he praised Wu Miao's advice and declared his intention to win Tan Jiao back.
He then asked Wu Miao to fold 1,000 paper stars, instructing her to complete 200 that day, as a gesture of apology. This cleverly kept Wu Miao busy and allowed Tan Jiao to slip away. Tan Jiao then confronted Wu Yu about his "rich dating history," but agreed to postpone a serious conversation until after they had seen Xu Jingmiao.
Zhu Yutong later provided Wu Miao with more paper stars, adding to the ones Wu Miao had bought online, ensuring she had plenty to give Wu Yu. Later, at a bar, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were together when Wu Miao arrived with the stars. Seizing the opportunity, Tan Jiao pretended to be furious, scolding Wu Yu for pursuing her and dramatically announcing, "I'm sick of this!" She then stormed out.
Wu Miao, convinced by the act, chased after Tan Jiao, apologizing on Wu Yu's behalf and earnestly pleading for Tan Jiao to meet Wu Yu tomorrow at 12:00 p. m. at Central Mall, insisting she wouldn't take no for an answer. Tan Jiao, finding Wu Miao's adorable persistence hard to resist, agreed. At the same bar that night, Wu Yu observed Xu Jingmiao, concerned for her safety.
Shen Shiyan, on patrol, approached Wu Yu, finding him suspicious, and asked for his ID. Wu Yu, recognizing him, called him "Shen Shiyan," a name Shen Shiyan found unfamiliar. Xu Jingmiao, recognizing Wu Yu from earlier, intervened and explained that Wu Yu was a friend who had saved her that morning.
Before Shen Shiyan left, Wu Yu, with a knowing look, urged him that if he ever met a girl named Zhou Xiaoyu in the future, he must "seize his chance." The following day, Wu Miao, armed with fresh flowers and the folded paper stars, excitedly escorted Wu Yu to Central Mall to meet Tan Jiao. As planned, Wu Yu made a heartfelt plea for reconciliation.
Tan Jiao, playing along, teasingly asked for more sincerity, reminding him of the nice words Wu Miao had suggested. Wu Yu, promising he would "never let go," finally elicited a "Fine, I will forgive you for now" from Tan Jiao. Wu Miao was overjoyed, immediately texting Zhu Yutong that his stars were "working well." At Zhuang Yu's new book signing event at Xianfeng Bookstore, Shen Shiyan arrived and waited in line.
He observed a man rudely berating a waitress about an iced coffee, stepping in to tell him to "Know when to stop. Don't be unreasonable." When it was his turn, Zhuang Yu, seeing him, exclaimed, "It's you!" She playfully called him a "staid guy" and signed his book with "To the judicious and dumbstruck Officer Shen," then told him to look at the signing message only after he left.
Just as Shen Shiyan was about to exit, the same rude man from earlier got down on one knee and proposed to Zhuang Yu. Shen Shiyan, without hesitation, interjected, "No!" The man confronted Shen Shiyan for interfering, but Shen Shiyan simply stated it was a "personal grudge." Zhuang Yu, clearly delighted by Shen Shiyan's intervention, asked him if he didn't want her to say yes, to which he affirmed, "Yes."
She then happily told him, "I will wait for your call then." Shen Shiyan lingered outside the bookstore, explaining to Zhuang Yu that he was "worried that there are new bad guys in the venue." He then bravely asked her out to dinner, admitting it was his first time asking a girl out. Zhuang Yu teasingly asked if he meant she wasn't popular, which Shen Shiyan quickly denied.
To ease the awkwardness, he offered to tell her a cold joke about five yuan and ten yuan, which he confessed had previously caused a blind date to "blow him off." At that moment, his phone rang, and Zhuang Yu, seeing the caller ID, realized it was Tan Jiao, his previous blind date. She exclaimed, "This is such a small world," as she recognized Shen Shiyan as "Dali Criminal Investigation Department's Shen Shiyan."
Zhuang Yu quickly took the phone, telling Tan Jiao she would explain everything later and they would be right over. She then turned to Shen Shiyan, saying, "You will understand after you see her." They met Tan Jiao and Wu Yu at a restaurant. Tan Jiao introduced Wu Yu as her boyfriend, surprising Shen Shiyan.
Tan Jiao noted Zhuang Yu's sudden transformation from "queen to kitty," as Zhuang Yu enthusiastically ordered veal chops, belly meat, pork belly, ribs, and "crazy spicy chicken wings" for them. Zhuang Yu explained that she had no idea Shen Shiyan was Tan Jiao's blind date. Shen Shiyan then directly stated his feelings for Zhuang Yu, saying he "fell in love with your good friend Zhou Xiaoyu at first sight," and wanted to pursue her, asking Tan Jiao for her opinion.
Tan Jiao enthusiastically gave her blessing, even playfully telling Zhuang Yu that she and Shen Shiyan were "50 First Dates," leaving Shen Shiyan bewildered. Wu Yu then pointed to Zhuang Yu, telling Shen Shiyan that she was "the girl I told you to cherish." Shen Shiyan apologized to Wu Yu for his misunderstanding yesterday. Wu Yu then told Shen Shiyan that both the previous night's encounter at the bar and today's meeting were for a very important matter.
He explained that the murderer of Chen Ningmeng, Ye Xunyi, and Liu Xiaojiang was the same person and would continue to kill tomorrow night, asking for Shen Shiyan's help. Urging Shen Shiyan to believe that he and Tan Jiao were not talking nonsense, Wu Yu finished his explanation, and Shen Shiyan asked him to elaborate.
Episode 19 Recap
WWu Yu informs Shen Shiyan that the person who murdered Chen Ningmeng, Liu Xiaojiang, and Ye Xunyi will strike again, seeking Shen Shiyan’s assistance in apprehending the culprit. After hearing Wu Yu’s analysis, Shen Shiyan is skeptical due to the lack of evidence. Zhuang Yu gets upset and calls Shen Shiyan a blockhead in front of Tan Jiao. Wu Yu then reveals to Shen Shiyan that he and Tan Jiao are from the future, but Shen Shiyan remains unconvinced.
To prove his claim, Wu Yu accurately predicts the score of a televised soccer game. Despite his reservations, Shen Shiyan decides to help Wu Yu, stating that if someone is indeed committing crimes, he has a duty as a police officer to stop them. Zhuang Yu is overjoyed by Shen Shiyan’s decision. Wu Yu shares his plan with Shen Shiyan.
While waiting in the car, Shen Shiyan asks Wu Yu about their time travels and any new evidence they might have found. Wu Yu explains that his knowledge comes from the case files after his sister's death and that Zhuang Yu and Shen Shiyan are the only constants across timelines. Tan Jiao and Zhuang Yu secretly arrive at the scene, insisting on helping. Reluctantly, Wu Yu and Shen Shiyan agree to let them join.
Xu Jingmiao leaves work and receives a phone call warning her not to go home because someone is following her. As Xu Jingmiao flees, Wu Yu and Shen Shiyan give chase while instructing Tan Jiao and Zhuang Yu to stay in the car and call the police. Xu Jingmiao is attacked and knocked unconscious by a man in black. Wu Yu arrives and is shocked to see that the attacker resembles himself.
Concerned for Xu Jingmiao's safety, he chooses not to pursue the attacker. As the police arrive, Shen Shiyan identifies himself, orders a search of the area, and calls for the arrest of Chen Xingjian. Xu Jingmiao is taken to the hospital. Later, Zhuang Yu waits for Shen Shiyan and brings him a late-night snack. Wu Yu notices that the events surrounding Chen Xingjian’s capture differ from what he expected.
He and Tan Jiao attribute this to their decision to involve Shen Shiyan. To celebrate Wu Miao’s safety, they go to a bar. Elsewhere, Shen Shiyan confesses his feelings for Zhuang Yu and kisses her. Tan Jiao brings a drunk Wu Yu home. After settling Wu Yu in, Tan Jiao tells Wu Miao that her brother cares about her a lot. Wu Yu drunkenly calls out Tan Jiao’s name. Wu Miao discreetly leaves the room, giving them space.
As Tan Jiao tries to leave his bedside, Wu Yu pulls her into bed with him, and they fall asleep together. The next morning, Tan Jiao quietly returns home to find Zhuang Yu also just getting back. They both apologize for not returning home, with Zhuang Yu explaining she stayed out after Shen Shiyan kissed her.
Zhuang Yu then notices Tan Jiao is still in yesterday’s clothes and her bed is untouched, forcing Tan Jiao to admit she also spent the night with Wu Yu. Meanwhile, Shen Shiyan informs Wu Yu that Chen Xingjian admits to harassing Xu Jingmiao out of a one-sided love for her but denies the murders. Due to a lack of evidence, the police are forced to release Chen Xingjian.
At the police station, Chen Xingjian encounters Wu Yu and Tan Jiao, taunting Wu Yu to take good care of Tan Jiao. Shen Shiyan informs Wu Yu that he will keep an eye on Chen Xingjian for the next nine days before Wu Yu leaves this timeline. Wu Yu insists that Tan Jiao move in with him and Wu Miao, believing that history has changed since Chen Xingjian’s arrest, and he is unsure of what Chen Xingjian will do next.
Wu Miao warmly welcomes Tan Jiao. Wu Yu refuses to go out for a celebration dinner, fearing for their safety. Wu Yu installs alarms around the house. He insists that Tan Jiao stay within his sight at all times, even asking her to sit by the door while he showers. When Tan Jiao nearly slips in the bathroom, a concerned Wu Yu rushes out wrapped in a towel.
Later, Wu Yu offers Tan Jiao his room, planning to sleep on the sofa. Tan Jiao remarks that Wu Yu is a quiet sleeper, and recalling their night together, Wu Yu moves closer to her.
Episode 20 Recap
As morning broke, Tan Jiao, waking, watched Wu Yu still asleep. Recalling a previous night, she had remarked to him that she found his sleeping habits quiet. Wu Yu had responded with a smile, a teasing inquiry, and a gentle "Good night" before retreating to his own room, leaving Tan Jiao's heart racing. Later that night, the piercing shriek of an alarm jolted both Tan Jiao and Wu Yu from their sleep.
They emerged from their rooms to find no one. Initially, Tan Jiao thought the alarm was faulty, but Wu Yu then noticed a distinct handprint on the windowpane, a chilling sign that they were not alone. Meanwhile, Shen Shiyan, while on duty, received a visit from a colleague who noted his refined taste in food, enjoying sushi and matsutake soup—a meal packed by his girlfriend, Zhuang Yu.
Wu Yu contacted Shen Shiyan by phone, relaying the discovery of the palm print at his home and requesting a comparison with Chen Xingjian's prints. Shen Shiyan, however, maintained that Chen Xingjian had been under continuous surveillance and lacked an opportunity to commit the act. Despite this, he agreed to process the request and instructed an officer to continue following Chen Xingjian. At home, Wu Miao was deeply frustrated.
Her favorite band was in town for a concert, and she desperately wanted to go, but Wu Yu had forbidden her from leaving the house. She argued, calling his fears exaggerated and telling him to leave her alone, although he still reminded her to drink her milk. Tan Jiao, observing Wu Miao, noticed her frequent trips to the bathroom within a short period. Suddenly, the power went out.
Wu Yu and Tan Jiao rushed to investigate the power distribution box outside, finding its lock smashed. Hearing noises from inside, they hurried back into the house, discovering Wu Miao and her friend Zhu Yutong attempting to escape through a window. Wu Yu apprehended them both. Wu Miao confessed she was merely trying to attend the concert and apologized for her actions and for smashing the power box.
Tan Jiao intervened, emphasizing Wu Yu’s deep concern for Wu Miao and warning her against leaving the house before November 5th due to the escalating danger. Wu Yu, seeing Wu Miao’s disappointment, surprisingly changed his mind. He told her she had already put on her makeup and would be sad to miss the show.
Recognizing that they had all been cooped up for too long, he decided to take Wu Miao and Tan Jiao to the concert, and even called Shen Shiyan to join them. Before the concert, Shen Shiyan approached Tan Jiao for advice on planning a date with Zhuang Yu. He mentioned a new upscale restaurant called "Fall In Love" by the lake but lamented its month-long waiting list.
Tan Jiao, enthusiastic, described Zhuang Yu’s ideal date: the Railway Museum, filled with locomotives from the Age of Steam, complete with white roses and a bike, followed by a visit to an airport at sunset. Wu Yu remarked on the unusual nature of such a date. After the concert, Tan Jiao, narrating internally, reflected on how they had grown accustomed to a life of fear, clinging to fleeting moments of happiness.
She had mistakenly believed that their togetherness would prevent Chen Xingjian from acting, a belief she now knew to be tragically wrong. Returning home later with food, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao intended to check on Zhuang Yu. Tan Jiao knocked, but through the locked door, Zhuang Yu claimed she was with Shen Shiyan and couldn't open it, urging them to leave. Tan Jiao, annoyed by what she assumed were Shen Shiyan’s romantic initiatives, agreed to go.
However, as they were about to depart, they encountered Shen Shiyan downstairs, who had just arrived from a meeting. The three instantly realized something was terribly wrong. They raced upstairs, and Shen Shiyan kicked open the locked door, revealing Zhuang Yu's lifeless body on the bed. Tan Jiao broke down, crying out Zhuang Yu's name in anguish. The police quickly secured the crime scene and removed Zhuang Yu’s body.
They discovered her mobile phone deliberately placed on a table, as if the killer wanted it found. Tan Jiao unlocked it, revealing a message from the killer: "Your friend is very loyal to you. She'd rather die than trick you into coming inside. So, she had to die for you." A flashback revealed Zhuang Yu, held at knifepoint by the killer, being forced to lure Tan Jiao into the apartment.
Zhuang Yu bravely feigned being with Shen Shiyan, telling Tan Jiao she was busy, thereby protecting her best friend. As Tan Jiao walked away, Zhuang Yu called out a final message through the door: "Tan Jiao! You and Staid Shen are the two people I love the most in the world. I like you guys the most." She then turned to the killer and defiantly declared, "You won't hurt my best friend."
With her last ounce of strength, she managed to rip off the killer's mask, her eyes widening in shock at their identity before being fatally stabbed. At the police station, Chen Xingjian, questioned about the murder, admitted to making threats against Tan Jiao and her friends out of anger for being wrongly accused and losing his job.
He maintained that he was just an ordinary person and had an alibi, having been under surveillance at a bar during the time of the murder, a fact corroborated by witnesses. An enraged Tan Jiao accused Chen Xingjian of lying, insisting he was the murderer and that his witnesses were complicit. She passionately pleaded with Captain Ding, explaining that she was the killer’s real target, and Zhuang Yu had died in her place.
She further revealed that she and Wu Yu were from the future, having returned to prevent Chen Xingjian from carrying out his murder plans. She warned that Xu Jingmiao and Wu Miao would be the next victims if the police failed to act, with Wu Miao’s death scheduled for November 5th. Despite Tan Jiao’s desperate pleas and detailed foreknowledge, Captain Ding remained unconvinced, attributing her claims to grief and trauma.
As she was escorted out, Tan Jiao continued to beg the captain to arrest the killer, heartbroken over Zhuang Yu's sacrifice, and later cried to Wu Yu, wondering what they should do. Later, as Tan Jiao and Wu Yu reflected on Zhuang Yu's sacrifice, Wu Yu brought up the concept of quantum entanglement to explain their interconnectedness.
At Zhuang Yu's funeral, Shen Shiyan received a call from the "Fall In Love Restaurant," reminding him of a candlelight dinner reservation Zhuang Yu had made for them. Despite his profound grief, Shen Shiyan went to the restaurant. He was presented with a gift from Zhuang Yu: a book titled "A Guide to Love in Parallel Universe," her first and only love story, written about them.
As he listened to a voice recording of Zhuang Yu reading from the book, she recounted how she had fallen in love with him in countless moments across many timelines—from his “No” at Comic Con, to seeing him quietly reading her novel at the police station, and even earlier encounters. She expressed joy that in countless timelines, they had always fallen in love, emphasizing that these moments were not in the past, but in the future.
She spoke of future shared experiences: fixing cars, endless interrogations, collecting story-filled figures, and him telling the same dry joke a million times, making her laugh every time. She wished to write their story slowly, for him to listen, and for them to share their epic love with everyone when they were old. Her words were a testament to her eternal love for him.
Shen Shiyan was overcome with emotion, recalling cherished memories, like Zhuang Yu sharing her favorite chocolate cake with him, knowing he disliked sweets, and then kissing him sweetly. He also remembered a poignant moment when Zhuang Yu happily anticipated a Disneyland trip and a fireworks festival, only for him to be called away for a major smuggling case. Zhuang Yu, ever understanding, urged him to go, giving him a piece of cake so he wouldn't starve. Now, alone in the restaurant, Shen Shiyan, who typically disliked sweets, ate the chocolate cake, savoring the bittersweet taste that was irrevocably tied to Zhuang Yu and their love.
Episode 21 Recap
Wu Yu, after ensuring Tan Jiao was asleep, received a call from Shen Shiyan. He found Shen Shiyan distraught and drinking, tears in his eyes. Shen Shiyan, lamenting that human connections are fragile and most people are just passing by, expressed hope that Wu Yu would continue their time travel. He asked them to return to an earlier time, before Zhuang Yu's death, and bring her back alive.
He believed that if Chen Xingjian was caught, their timeline could still be corrected. Shen Shiyan vowed to help Wu Yu catch the killer. Awakening with new insights, Tan Jiao recalled Chen Xingjian and his appearance in surveillance footage from her notebook. She rushed to his home, forced open the locked door, and began searching. Unexpectedly, Chen Xingjian returned. He confronted her, asking what she was looking for and how she knew Xu Jingmiao would be in danger.
Tan Jiao accused him of murdering Zhuang Yu and several other victims, including Chen Ningmeng, Liu Xiaojiang, and Ye Xunyi, claiming she knew all his secrets and that he couldn't escape. Chen Xingjian arrogantly dismissed her accusations, stating the police wouldn't believe her. He then donned a pair of gloves and choked Tan Jiao, provocatively suggesting he had a secret space where he could kill. At that critical moment, Shen Shiyan and Wu Yu arrived and rescued Tan Jiao.
Chen Xingjian immediately accused Tan Jiao of trespassing and attempted robbery, demanding her arrest and asserting his status as a victim. Tan Jiao vehemently declared him Zhuang Yu’s killer. Chen Xingjian, however, smugly reminded them that Shen Shiyan's colleagues had closely monitored him during the time of Zhuang Yu's death, providing him with an alibi.
As Shen Shiyan and Wu Yu prepared to leave, Chen Xingjian callously confessed to killing Zhuang Yu, then retracted it as a joke, further mocking Shen Shiyan. Enraged, Shen Shiyan punched Chen Xingjian, knocking out a tooth. Shen Shiyan warned him that he was unworthy of speaking Zhuang Yu’s name and vowed that if Chen Xingjian was indeed the killer, he would face severe repercussions.
At the police station, Shen Shiyan took responsibility for his disciplinary breach, but his captain insisted he take his annual leave and recuse himself from the case due to protocol. Despite his desire to continue the investigation, Shen Shiyan was forced to comply. The captain ordered a thorough investigation into Chen Xingjian's social connections.
Deeply tormented by Zhuang Yu's death, which she felt was her fault, Tan Jiao secretly followed Chen Xingjian to an underground parking lot while Wu Yu was away. She confronted him, detailing his murder plans for Xu Jingmiao, including her abduction on October 24th, her murder, and the planned disposal of her body three days later in the third trash can of Forest Park.
Tan Jiao taunted him, declaring that as long as she was alive, she would thwart all his plans. Furious, Chen Xingjian put on his gloves and began to choke her, but then spotted a small recording device Tan Jiao had placed on top of a nearby car. He realized her ploy to provoke him into killing her on camera. Seeing his plan foiled, Chen Xingjian released Tan Jiao and mocked her "silly but cute" strategy.
Desperate, Tan Jiao refused to let him leave, drawing a hidden dagger and attempting to force Chen Xingjian to stab her to create undeniable evidence. Just then, Wu Yu, who had been alerted by Shen Shiyan about Chen Xingjian's audition at Room 23 and deduced Xu Jingmiao was in danger, rushed to the scene.
He disarmed Tan Jiao, who was distraught, crying that she was running out of time and that if Chen Xingjian wasn't caught, Wu Miao would still die in the future. She agonized over Zhuang Yu's death, feeling Zhuang Yu died in her place, and couldn't stop seeing images of Zhuang Yu lying cold. Wu Yu embraced her, urging her to calm down and reminding her that anger and hatred wouldn't solve anything.
He reassured her that they had been given repeated chances and would find a way to catch the killer and save those they loved, a lesson he said she had taught him. Back at their home, a delivery arrived—a USB drive from Chen Xingjian for Wu Yu. In the video, Chen Xingjian acknowledged Wu Yu’s cleverness in anticipating his attack on Xu Jingmiao.
He expressed anger that his "perfect plans" had been repeatedly foiled and declared his intention for a "fair and square" confrontation. He revealed he had abducted Xu Jingmiao and given her only "24 hours to live," challenging Wu Yu to find her. He cryptically added that he would be "where I should be." Tan Jiao, hearing Chen Xingjian's taunts, worried that her actions had jeopardized Wu Yu's chance to catch him.
Wu Yu reassured her that Chen Xingjian was merely trying to manipulate their emotions and that her defiance had provoked him into making a desperate move. He vowed that he and Shen Shiyan would catch Chen Xingjian and avenge Zhuang Yu. Tan Jiao and Wu Yu reported the new development to the police, playing Chen Xingjian's video message. They informed the police that only 20 hours remained.
Captain Ding questioned if Chen Xingjian was genuinely waiting or just playing games, but Wu Yu explained that the killer's motive was to defeat them and then kill Xu Jingmiao as a "trophy." Wu Yu and Tan Jiao analyzed Chen Xingjian's previous murder sites: Chen Ningmeng's body in a public restroom, Liu Xiaojiang's in a sewer, and Ye Xunyi's at a garbage disposal plant, with Xu Jingmiao's planned for a trash can.
Tan Jiao recalled Chen Xingjian spraying perfume in his room, suggesting he was trying to conceal a smell. They concluded that Chen Xingjian's motivation was revenge and humiliation, leading him to choose "extremely dirty and stinky" locations for his victims. This revelation, combining the physical locations with the psychological motive, led them to pinpoint the Western Suburban Landfill as Chen Xingjian's likely hideout.
The police swiftly organized a search party, accompanied by Tan Jiao and Wu Yu, and headed to the Western Suburban Landfill. Using a drone, they quickly located Xu Jingmiao. The drone footage showed Chen Xingjian preparing to inject Xu Jingmiao with potassium cyanide. Noticing the drone outside the window, Chen Xingjian realized he had been discovered and attempted to escape with Xu Jingmiao. Captain Ding immediately ordered all units to move in, swiftly surrounding Chen Xingjian.
Episode 22 Recap
Police surrounded Chen Xingjian, who defiantly declared he would take everyone down with him. Captain Zhao shot Chen Xingjian in the wrist, causing the potassium cyanide to fall. Officers immediately apprehended him. As Xu Jingmiao was being prepared for transfer to the hospital, she urgently called Tan Jiao over. She revealed that Chen Xingjian was not working alone; there was another perpetrator.
Xu Jingmiao, in her semi-conscious state, recalled hearing the other person's frightening voice during a loud argument, saying Chen Xingjian's mission was complete and that he would handle Tan Jiao himself. Before Tan Jiao could press for more details about the accomplice, Xu Jingmiao lost consciousness, and Tan Jiao unexpectedly transmigrated again. Tan Jiao found herself back in the forest on the island. Seeing Chen Xingjian with a knife, she immediately confronted him, accusing him of being the killer.
Chen Xingjian attempted to throw the knife, but Wu Yu and the others arrived and restrained him. Tan Jiao then noticed a snake on the ground, realizing Chen Xingjian had been aiming for the snake, not her. Annoyed by the accusations, Chen Xingjian defiantly admitted to killing two girls and kidnapping them. Zhou Wei recognized Chen Xingjian, explaining to Wu Yu that they were once bandmates.
Chen Xingjian, however, retorted by calling Zhou Wei a "traitor" who left their band for money. Wu Yu pressed Chen Xingjian about the missing girls. Chen Xingjian, in a fit of anger, reiterated that he captured them for fun and challenged them to do something about it. Tan Jiao questioned if he had actually intended to kill the snake, to which Chen Xingjian retorted that he had intended to kill her and merely hit the snake by accident.
Shortly after, Chen Ruying returned. As everyone attempted to find a way off the island, a discussion arose regarding the passage of time. Chen Ruying claimed she and Zhu Jirui had only been gone for half an hour, but the others had been searching for them for half a day. They discovered strange flowers that bloomed and withered almost instantly. Wu Yu, after experimentation, concluded that the island harbored a powerful magnetic field that distorted the flow of time.
He explained that Zhu Jirui and Chen Ruying’s perceived half-hour was equivalent to half a day for the rest of them. This time anomaly also accounted for the prolonged absence of any search and rescue teams. Panic set in as everyone worried about starvation. Chen Xingjian, claiming knowledge of where to find food, offered to lead them, but only if Tan Jiao would kiss him.
Infuriated, Tan Jiao held a dagger to his neck, warning him to show respect to her and her friends. Startled, Chen Xingjian quickly dismissed his demand as a joke and agreed to lead them. Wu Yu, understanding Tan Jiao's trauma, embraced her reassuringly. Chen Xingjian led the group to a cave, stating it felt like his own home and that they would never find anything without him.
Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were skeptical, noticing that this Chen Xingjian's demeanor was vastly different from the ruthless and meticulous one they knew from the future; this version was easily intimidated. Tan Jiao pondered what could cause such a drastic transformation in a person. Recalling Xu Jingmiao's revelation, Wu Yu suggested that the mastermind was someone else, prompting Tan Jiao to conclude that the future Chen Xingjian might merely be a "puppet" with a hidden orchestrator.
Elsewhere, Yan Yuan stayed with Zhu Jirui, performing magic tricks to lift her spirits. While looking at a family photo in her phone case, Yan Yuan caught sight of it. Upon seeing Zhu Fengxian in the picture, his expression changed dramatically, and he excused himself to check inventory. Meanwhile, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao inquired about Chen Xingjian from Zhou Wei.
Zhou Wei described Chen Xingjian as a good person, despite his occasional harsh words, and deeply passionate about music, even more talented than himself. Zhou Wei speculated that Chen Xingjian's earlier attack on Tan Jiao must have been a misunderstanding. Wu Yu approached Chen Xingjian, proposing a trade of one question for one answer. Wu Yu first asked if Chen Xingjian was alone when he woke up. Chen Xingjian confirmed he was, in that very cave.
It was then Chen Xingjian's turn to ask why Tan Jiao wanted to kill him so badly when he had saved her. Tan Jiao responded that it was because he had taken away the person most important to her. Chen Xingjian chuckled, misinterpreting her words to mean Wu Yu, and quickly clarified that he preferred women. Wu Yu pressed him further, asking why he, unlike the others, woke up in a cave instead of on the beach.
Chen Xingjian then clarified that he had woken up in a different cave, one "full of crystals," before jokingly attributing his presence there to "sleepwalking." This escalated an argument between him and Zhou Wei. Chen Xingjian disparaged Zhou Wei's music as "repetitive," and their heated exchange quickly turned physical. As Wu Yu tried to intervene, the cave began to collapse. Falling rocks separated Tan Jiao and Chen Xingjian from the others, trapping them in a different section.
Outside the collapsed section, the survivors were distraught. One of the men instructed Yan Yuan to stay and care for the women and manage the supplies, while he and Zhou Wei entered the unstable cave for rescue. Wu Yu, also separated from Tan Jiao, desperately searched for another path to reach her. Inside, Chen Xingjian, having shielded Tan Jiao from falling debris, lay unconscious and injured. Wu Yu eventually found Tan Jiao, relieved to see her unharmed.
Tan Jiao explained that Chen Xingjian had protected her, knocking himself out in the process. She confessed her deep internal conflict, struggling to reconcile this Chen Xingjian, who had now saved her twice, with the ruthless figure from the other timeline who had killed her best friend Zhuang Yu, Wu Yu's sister, and many other innocent girls. Wu Yu observed that Chen Xingjian's actions on the island seemed genuine, as he couldn't have orchestrated every unforeseen event.
Tan Jiao admitted she had bandaged Chen Xingjian's wound, feeling a profound uneasiness about helping someone destined to become a heinous murderer. She voiced her fear that they were implicitly condoning his future crimes. Suddenly, Chen Xingjian regained consciousness and asked, "So, is everything you said just now real?"
Episode 23 Recap
Chen Xingjian, confronting Wu Yu and Tan Jiao, declared his belief that he would never kill anyone, stating his deep love for music. He even proposed extreme measures to prevent the future murders they described, such as remaining isolated on the island until the dangerous dates passed, or intentionally getting arrested for drunk driving to ensure his confinement.
As the three prepared to leave the cave, Chen Xingjian reaffirmed his nature, admitting he could be annoying but asserting he was no killer. He asked them to prevent him from becoming such a person, and both Wu Yu and Tan Jiao expressed their trust in him. Chen Xingjian then happily stepped out of the cave, eager to show them his "righteous figure," only to be struck by an arrow and die instantly.
Tan Jiao and Wu Yu time-traveled once more, with Tan Jiao waking up in Wu Yu's bed. She realized the current date was October 4th, 2021, three days before the first murder was supposed to occur, and that she shouldn't be living at Wu Yu's house yet. She worried about how Chen Xingjian's death would affect the impending cases.
Wu Yu suggested that they were nearing the end of their journey, where reality, past, and future converged, and that the unknown force influencing them was now affecting others. Concerned for her friend, Zhuang Yu, Tan Jiao immediately tried calling her, but received no answer. Accompanied by Wu Yu, Tan Jiao rushed to Zhuang Yu's house. When Zhuang Yu opened the door, wearing a face mask, Tan Jiao tearfully embraced her, relieved to see her safe.
Upon learning Tan Jiao had a boyfriend, Zhuang Yu, conscious of her unmade-up appearance, quickly retreated to her room, much to Tan Jiao's delight. Tan Jiao expressed her hope for a perfect happy ending for everyone this time. Later, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu visited Xu Jingmiao, inquiring about Chen Xingjian.
Xu Jingmiao told them she hadn't seen him in a long time and heard he had gone traveling, which still left Tan Jiao uneasy, prompting her to warn Xu Jingmiao to be careful. Tan Jiao then called an introducer to arrange a meeting with Shen Shiyan, asking Wu Yu to accompany her on what she called a "blind date." Shen Shiyan, seeing Wu Yu, initially thought Tan Jiao was there to "intimidate" him by showing off her boyfriend.
Tan Jiao, however, explained that she and Wu Yu had a serious matter concerning lives to discuss. When Shen Shiyan expressed skepticism about their story of time travel and future events, Tan Jiao offered proof: she told him to go to Jinghai University gate in half an hour, where he would meet his "destined partner," a girl named Zhou Xiaoyu, with whom he had repeatedly fallen in love at first sight across numerous timelines.
Shen Shiyan, though disbelieving, found himself drawn to the university gate. There, he spotted Zhou Xiaoyu in the crowd and, upon seeing her, immediately knew she was the one. He introduced himself, and Zhou Xiaoyu returned the greeting. Later, Shen Shiyan met with Wu Yu and Tan Jiao, admitting that Zhou Xiaoyu had initiated contact by adding him on WeChat.
He also informed them that Chen Xingjian had been missing for two months, his family having reported his disappearance after he boarded the Diamond Star cruise and never returned. Shen Shiyan now believed their story about the murder case. Tan Jiao hypothesized that the accomplice Xu Jingmiao had mentioned, the true mastermind, had once again retreated into the shadows.
Zhou Xiaoyu and Shen Shiyan had another chance encounter at a coffee shop where Shen Shiyan was picking up coffee orders for his colleagues. Shen Shiyan offered to treat her to a coffee but realized his phone was dead and he had left his wallet in his car. Zhou Xiaoyu paid for their drinks, joking that their paths were destined to cross again and that he now owed her a meal.
She playfully questioned him, asking for details about his height, weight, age, and hobbies, for a story she was writing about a cop who, despite being popular, only loved one woman. She explained her story involved a missing person case, quantum entanglement, and repeated reunions leading to a happy ending, even mentioning her own published sci-fi novel, "Evolution of the Planets."
Shen Shiyan had to leave abruptly for an urgent team matter, but they exchanged WeChat contact information, ensuring their next meeting. With Chen Xingjian gone and the mastermind's identity still elusive, Tan Jiao decided to report to the police, despite Wu Yu's reservations about the lack of concrete evidence. The next morning, Wu Yu received a call from the police station and rushed there, assuming Tan Jiao was in real danger.
He found Tan Jiao at the police station, having filed a false report. She claimed to have been kidnapped by a man, escaping when he wasn't looking. She described a room with syringes and strange potions, and detailed finding a list of victims, including Chen Ningmeng, who was to be attacked the following night. She also mentioned the kidnapper referring to an accomplice named Chen Xingjian.
Captain Ding recorded her statement, while Shen Shiyan observed her, trying to ascertain the truth. After the police left the room, Tan Jiao confessed to Wu Yu that she had faked the kidnapping. She reasoned that a "survivor" would be the most convincing source of information for the police.
She was willing to bear the consequences for saving lives, felt safe with Wu Yu by her side, and reminded him that in thirteen days, they would return to the cave where everything would "converge and end." Wu Yu, however, was upset that she had taken such a dangerous action without consulting him, pointing out that she was putting herself directly in the path of the culprit.
Meanwhile, Wu Miao was excited to have found tickets for her favorite niche band's concert in Jinghai and enthusiastically told Zhu Yutong they needed to snap them up quickly for the show at the bar in the Old Town. By evening, Captain Ding, having cross-referenced some of Tan Jiao's details, concluded that her story, while detailed, was too perfect and coincidental. He determined she had filed a false report but, given the minor nature of the offense and the lack of severe consequences, merely ordered her to pay a fine.
Episode 24 Recap
Captain Ding expressed his disbelief in Tan Jiao's story, stating that he wouldn't risk his officers on what he perceived as a lie. However, Shen Shiyan argued that given the specific information provided by Tan Jiao, which concerned the safety of five innocent girls, they should at least investigate as a matter of responsibility. Captain Ding eventually conceded and gave the order for officers to prepare for an operation that night, deploying around the hotel where Chen Ningmeng worked.
He also commented to Shen Shiyan that he felt as if he had seen him before. Later that evening, the police operation commenced with Shen Shiyan and Wu Yu on a stakeout. During their watch, Zhuang Yu took Tan Jiao to dinner and confessed her feelings for Shen Shiyan. With Tan Jiao’s enthusiastic blessing, Zhuang Yu called Shen Shiyan, who was in the car with Wu Yu, and professed her feelings.
A delighted Shen Shiyan reciprocated immediately, much to the amusement of Wu Yu, who teased him. The stakeout team then observed Chen Ningmeng leaving work and followed her to Xinxin Home, where they maintained their watch overnight. Back at home, Wu Miao excitedly told Tan Jiao she had secured concert tickets for her favorite band.
Tan Jiao astonished Wu Miao by revealing she knew the band covered "Try to Remember" and that Wu Miao sang it beautifully—a memory from another timeline. Tan Jiao proposed they all attend the concert together once the danger passed. Despite the parallel events, the stakeout itself was uneventful; nothing suspicious occurred, and the police eventually retreated.
Shen Shiyan informed Wu Yu that the police had checked surveillance footage at the location Tan Jiao claimed she was kidnapped, and it showed no such incident. Wu Yu took full responsibility, explaining that the plan was his idea and Tan Jiao was not to blame. He reiterated that his information about the timeline was accurate and he had previously encountered the perpetrator at the crime scene, but for unknown reasons, things had changed this time.
Shen Shiyan promised to help him continue the investigation but warned him against such actions in the future. Tan Jiao later discussed with Wu Yu her feeling that everyone was regaining past memories due to the altered timeline, and that the culprit had changed his plan, costing them their only advantage. Wu Yu expressed deep fear and helplessness, worse than when Wu Miao's body was found in the previous timeline, worrying about when the bloodthirsty culprit would strike next.
Tan Jiao tried to reassure him that they would catch the perpetrator if they stayed vigilant. Concerned for Wu Miao's safety, Wu Yu considered taking her to the CID office for protection, believing the culprit wouldn't dare harm her there. Tan Jiao, however, argued against indefinitely restricting Wu Miao's freedom. She suggested that Wu Miao might be stronger and more capable than he gave her credit for, and that telling her the truth would empower her to protect herself.
Tan Jiao shared her own experience of fear when first learning the truth, and how Wu Yu's constant protection made her feel less alone and more resilient. She believed Wu Miao would feel the same with a supportive brother like him. Wu Yu decided to tell Wu Miao the truth. While singing "Try to Remember" to her, he broke the news. Wu Miao, already aware of the song's significance from Tan Jiao, tearfully asked if it was all true.
Tan Jiao confirmed the concert experience they had shared, but confessed they didn't know what happened beyond a certain date. Wu Miao cried, promising she would only cry this one time and then be strong, listening to her brother and not going anywhere. Wu Yu embraced her, affirming that he now wanted her as a teammate in their fight against the perpetrator.
Wu Miao agreed, confidently stating she wasn't afraid because their parents were watching over them from heaven, and she had her brother by her side. Wu Yu assured her that he and their parents would never let anyone hurt her. Wu Miao called Zhu Yutong, who, noticing her upset, offered to take her to an amusement park. Wu Miao declined, explaining her brother had told her it was dangerous and she couldn't leave the house.
Zhu Yutong immediately announced he was coming to her. He later arrived, comforting Wu Miao and promising to protect her. Wu Miao explained that her brother believed a murderer, who had killed five girls, was targeting her next. Zhu Yutong swore he would protect her with his life, even if it meant getting past him first. Wu Yu entrusted Wu Miao's safety to Zhu Yutong, asking him to remain by her side constantly for the next month.
Zhu Yutong, a former Taekwondo black belt, assured Wu Yu he would not leave Wu Miao's side. Soon after, Wu Yu received a phone call from a CID officer, requesting his immediate presence at the police station to verify some information that Captain Ding wished to discuss in person. As Wu Yu left, he noticed a suspicious vehicle at an intersection. Following his instincts, he turned his car around to pursue it, simultaneously notifying Shen Shiyan to bring reinforcements.
At home, Wu Miao was suddenly gripped by severe abdominal pain. With no painkillers in the house, Tan Jiao urged Zhu Yutong to go buy some. He hesitated, recalling Wu Yu's instruction to stay by Wu Miao's side, but Tan Jiao reassured him she would stay with Wu Miao. Zhu Yutong then left. As Tan Jiao comforted Wu Miao, Wu Miao insisted on going to the bathroom alone.
Moments later, Tan Jiao grew concerned, went to check on her, and found Wu Miao unconscious in the bathroom. Before Tan Jiao could react, a masked individual, who had been hiding behind the door, ambushed and knocked her out, then carried her away. Shen Shiyan and Wu Yu quickly located the suspicious vehicle that Wu Yu had been following. Inside, they found a bound individual, Chen Ningmeng.
However, the ease with which they found the hostage made them wary, sensing a trap. Wu Yu, fearing for Wu Miao, immediately called home. He learned that Wu Miao was safe but Tan Jiao had been kidnapped. Realizing it was a diversion, he called Zhuang Yu, instructing her to activate Tan Jiao's location tracking feature. Tan Jiao awoke in a hidden room, an IV drip attached to her arm.
She vaguely recalled being ambushed by the masked person in the bathroom after discovering Wu Miao unconscious. The masked individual, whose face was obscured, expressed his enjoyment of the "game" and proceeded to inject another drug into Tan Jiao's IV, causing her limbs to lose sensation. He spoke of having many different potions, each capable of killing her. Wu Yu, guided by Tan Jiao's phone location provided by Zhuang Yu, raced with Shen Shiyan to the location.
They initially followed a misleading drag mark but soon discovered subtle, genuine traces left by Tan Jiao, indicating the true path. Inside the room, the masked person held a dagger, using it to slice Tan Jiao's arm, intending to inflict a slow, agonizing death. Terrified and confused, Tan Jiao asked why he was doing this, as she didn't know him.
The masked person accused her and a man of constantly thwarting his plans, claiming her interference had forced him to kill Chen Xingjian, whom he called an "obedient puppet" that was difficult to find. Tan Jiao denied knowing Chen Xingjian or understanding his accusations, attempting to warn him that she had a camera on her and the police were closing in.
Enraged by her threats, the masked person declared his intention to kill her, then the man, and finally all the other girls, proclaiming that none of them would escape. He then presented Tan Jiao with various potions, each fatal, explaining some offered a swift death while others promised a prolonged, agonizing end. He prepared a syringe. Despite her terror, Tan Jiao desperately reminded herself that she was the protagonist and would be saved at the last minute.
The masked person selected a potion, promising her a quick and painless death. As he moved to inject her, Tan Jiao, in her mind, cried out Wu Yu's name and mentally bade him farewell.
Episode 25 Recap
As the syringe was about to pierce Tan Jiao, she whispered a tearful farewell to Wu Yu. Just then, Wu Yu and Shen Shiyan arrived, with Shen Shiyan calling out Tan Jiao's name. Wu Yu immediately went to Tan Jiao while Shen Shiyan engaged the masked assailant. During their struggle, Zhuang Yu, using a stick, struck the masked man from behind, knocking him unconscious. She angrily chastised him for daring to harm her person.
Shen Shiyan, observing Zhuang Yu's spirited action, subtly smiled. After securing the scene and instructing an officer to record details, Shen Shiyan brought the masked man, Zhou Wei, to the police station. He then found Zhuang Yu and embraced her tightly, admitting he felt a sense of finding a lost treasure whenever he saw her. Zhuang Yu, fearing her aggressive display might have been unappealing, offered to change her behavior.
However, Shen Shiyan reassured her, stating that her actions were "perfect" and she shouldn't change. Tan Jiao was then transported to the hospital, with Wu Yu by her side. Tan Jiao awoke in the hospital, Wu Yu by her side. He informed her that the masked assailant had injected her with a drug that triggers neuritis, but she was recovering. Tan Jiao, still dazed, commented that the scene felt familiar, echoing a past experience.
Wu Yu expressed that he would rather suffer in her place, but Tan Jiao wished for neither of them to be hurt. She then asked about the assailant, and Wu Yu revealed it was Zhou Wei, a person they knew. Tan Jiao was shocked but recognized his eyes from behind the mask. Accompanied by Wu Yu and Shen Shiyan, Tan Jiao confronted Zhou Wei in the interrogation room, demanding to know why he had targeted her and other girls.
Zhou Wei, taunting her about her supposed understanding of human nature, made a grab for her hair as she approached, but Shen Shiyan and Wu Yu quickly restrained him. Afterward, Tan Jiao told Wu Yu that the Zhou Wei she saw in the interrogation room was not the same person she knew from the island, noting a profound difference in his eyes and behavior.
She likened it to Chen Xingjian, who also seemed to be a completely different person both on and off the island, finding the whole situation "weird." During the interrogation, Captain Ding pressed Zhou Wei on his crimes, specifically asking about the kidnapping of Tan Jiao and Chen Ningmeng, and his intent to murder Chen Ningmeng, Liu Xiaojiang, Ye Xunyi, and Xu Jingmiao.
Zhou Wei, showing no remorse, declared that they "deserved to die" and "should've died earlier," condemning them as "murderers who killed someone with their keyboard in the dark" for taking Ren Jie's life without punishment. He then recounted his story, revealing that Ren Jie, a still model and his first love, was a fellow netizen he met on an ACG forum. Their online chats quickly led to a real-life meeting, and they bonded over shared interests.
He vividly remembered June 4th, 2019, when Ren Jie tearfully confessed that malicious photos from an event had been posted online, leading to her company being targeted and constant abusive calls from a girl. Zhou Wei had attempted to help her, confronting Xu Jingmiao, who posted the photos, to have them removed. Xu Jingmiao refused, citing that she didn't take the photos and that others would spread them anyway.
Next, they approached Chen Ningmeng, the photographer, who claimed she hadn't intentionally taken indecent photos and that many images online were retouched, making it difficult to distinguish real from fake. The situation escalated, with Liu Xiaojiang exposing Ren Jie's personal information, and Ye Xunyi harassing her because her boyfriend had Ren Jie's pictures, believing she was seducing him. Ultimately, the relentless bullying and public shaming led to Ren Jie's suicide, which Zhou Wei witnessed firsthand.
He concluded his confession by asserting that every person involved, despite claiming innocence, had "blood on their hands" and "must pay for it." When asked about Tan Jiao, Zhou Wei explained that he had targeted her because she and Wu Yu had continuously interfered with his plans, forcing him to kill her to avenge Ren Jie. Captain Ding informed him that with Chen Ningmeng rescued, his revenge plan could not proceed.
Zhou Wei became highly agitated, insisting that "all of them must die," repeating the names of his intended victims as his heart rate dangerously accelerated. A doctor intervened, asking everyone to leave due to the patient's emotional instability. Outside, Wu Yu confirmed to Tan Jiao that Shen Shiyan had verified Zhou Wei's account of Ren Jie's tragedy, and the other three girls had confirmed their roles.
Wu Yu observed how trivial actions by individuals online could escalate into tragedy, turning words into deadly weapons. Tan Jiao expressed both sympathy and disgust for Zhou Wei, noting his complete manipulation by hatred and his descent into madness. Despite Zhou Wei's confession, Wu Yu felt uneasy.
He pointed out that while Zhou Wei's changed tactics—targeting them first due to his past timeline memories—made sense, Wu Miao's inclusion as a target remained a baffling anomaly, as she had no connection to Ren Jie's case and wasn't on Zhou Wei's original list. Furthermore, Zhou Wei claimed to have killed Chen Xingjian because of their interference and that Chen Xingjian was his "puppet."
However, this contradicted Chen Xingjian's earlier statement on the island that he and Zhou Wei were not on good terms and hadn't been in contact for a long time. Wu Yu confessed that despite Zhou Wei's capture, he felt more confused than ever, urging Tan Jiao to trust the police to uncover the full truth.
Wu Yu checked on Tan Jiao, who, though still shaken, asserted her determination, crediting her belief that Wu Yu would save her for preventing her from breaking down earlier. She playfully chided him for not arriving "a bit earlier" for a cooler rescue. Shortly after, Tan Jiao received a call from her mother, who joyfully announced her arrival in Jinghai and was already in a taxi heading to Zhuang Yu's apartment, expecting to cook for them.
Panicked, Tan Jiao confided in Wu Yu about her forehead injury, wondering if her mother would believe a story about her falling. She reluctantly sent Zhuang Yu's address. When Tan Jiao's mother arrived, Zhuang Yu tried to discreetly cover up Wu Yu's presence by explaining Tan Jiao's excessive tidiness regarding bedding and claiming Tan Jiao's toothbrush was broken. However, Tan Jiao's mother grew suspicious and directly asked Zhuang Yu why Tan Jiao was in Jinghai.
Before Zhuang Yu could answer, Tan Jiao rushed in and, seeing her mother's concern over her bandaged forehead, quickly fabricated a story. She claimed to be in Jinghai for cosmetic surgery, specifically a Botox injection to remove nonexistent forehead wrinkles, fearing that admitting to an injury would cause her mother endless worry, while a cosmetic procedure would only lead to temporary scolding. Her mother, though still finding it ridiculous, seemed to accept the explanation and went to prepare food.
During dinner, Tan Jiao's mother reminisced about Tan Jiao's lack of a dating life since she turned eighteen and suggested she reconnect with Shen Shiyan, whom she found to be a good match. Zhuang Yu, seizing the opportunity, painted a hypothetical picture of a tall, handsome, well-educated scientist with a doctorate who cares deeply for Tan Jiao, asking if her mother would approve.
Tan Jiao's mother, thrilled by the description, enthusiastically declared she would be overjoyed and would "have no argument." As they walked out, Tan Jiao cautiously confirmed her mother's stance on such a partner before calling Wu Yu over to introduce him. However, upon seeing Wu Yu, Tan Jiao's mother's demeanor completely shifted. She became enraged, accusing Wu Yu of making Tan Jiao get plastic surgery or cause her injury so early in their relationship.
She declared that while her son-in-law didn't need to be tall, handsome, highly educated, or wealthy, he "must" cherish Tan Jiao wholeheartedly. With that, she dismissed Wu Yu and stormed off to catch a taxi to her hotel, leaving Tan Jiao and Wu Yu behind. At the hotel, Tan Jiao confronted her mother about her disapproval of Wu Yu.
Her mother initially reiterated her belief that Wu Yu hadn't protected Tan Jiao adequately, but then confessed she was just "tricking" her. After careful thought, she realized that given Tan Jiao's personality, she would likely be in a much worse condition if not for Wu Yu's protection. Tan Jiao affirmed that Wu Yu was the person who treated her best, aside from her mother, and that they had been through a lot together, confirming he was "the one."
Her mother, touched, expressed playful exasperation about how she would face Wu Yu after her earlier outburst, but ultimately accepted him. Wu Yu received good news: Liu Xiaojiang was safe, and the other potential victims had been alerted and were on high guard, making it difficult for any plan to proceed. Ren Jie's photos had also been found on the internet, confirming the veracity of Zhou Wei's story.
Wu Yu shared this with Tan Jiao, both marveling that they had managed to "change their destiny" and confirming that Wu Miao was now safe. Relieved and joyful, they embraced and kissed passionately, with Wu Yu expressing his desire to be with Tan Jiao "in every second and every breath," and Tan Jiao reciprocating his love. The next morning, Tan Jiao woke up feeling shy after the previous night's intimacy.
She quietly left the room and found Wu Miao in the living room. Upon asking about Wu Yu's whereabouts, Wu Miao, initially evasive, eventually let slip that Wu Yu was preparing a surprise for Tan Jiao. Tan Jiao, relieved that he hadn't disappeared, then met up with Zhuang Yu for coffee. As Zhuang Yu joked about Wu Yu's predictable taste in romantic surprises, mentioning "gas balloons," Tan Jiao noticed a child holding a balloon.
On the balloon, a message read: "Tan Jiao, I'm waiting for you at the usual place. I don't just want you to be my brilliant moon; I want to be by your side forever and have you be my sun." Realizing Wu Yu's romantic gesture, Tan Jiao's heart swelled.
Episode 26 Recap
Tan Jiao and Zhuang Yu were discussing Wu Yu when a child approached with a gas balloon bearing Tan Jiao's name, inviting her to meet at "the usual spot." Tan Jiao hurried to meet Wu Yu, who directed her gaze to the sky, filled with numerous sky lanterns resembling countless stars. Wu Yu prompted Tan Jiao to write her wishes on a sky lantern.
Tan Jiao filled one side with wishes for her parents' safety, Zhuang Yu and Shen Shiyan's happiness, and Wu Miao's good health. Wu Yu then wrote his own wish, expressing his desire for Tan Jiao to be his "sun" and to stay by her side forever, not just his "bright moon." He then turned the lantern to reveal a marriage proposal: "Tan Jiao, marry me."
With a smile, Tan Jiao playfully agreed to consider it, adding that the wedding would need a large diamond ring, a beautiful wedding dress, and both friends, family, and a band. The couple then released their lanterns, watching them ascend and merge into the celestial sea of lights. At that moment, Shen Shiyan called Wu Yu, informing him that Zhou Wei had retracted his confession.
Shen Shiyan added that Zhou Wei's health had been deteriorating, and a highly radioactive unidentified object was found in his body during a CT scan the previous week. After its surgical removal earlier that day, Zhou Wei had completely transformed; he was now lucid and seemed like a normal person, vehemently claiming they had arrested the wrong person and demanding to re-record his statement. Tan Jiao and Wu Yu immediately rushed to the hospital.
Inside, Zhou Wei urgently called out to them, asserting that he couldn't be the kind of person described. He declared that he was controlled by someone, and everything he did was at that person's command. He denied any connection to cyberbullying or a former girlfriend, stating he wasn't even in Jinghai in 2019 due to a tour. Suddenly, Zhou Wei appeared to remember something and frantically requested a pen and paper.
As his heart rate surged, he struggled to draw something before losing consciousness. Captain Ding noted that the drawing was incomprehensible. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao later examined the object removed from Zhou Wei, which an expert identified as cesium, a highly radioactive metallic element. They learned that cesium could affect magnetic fields, and human brainwaves were essentially electromagnetic waves.
This led them to hypothesize that the perpetrator might have used this stone to control Zhou Wei's mind, making him a "puppet on a string." Wu Yu wondered if the stone was from the island. They concluded that if their theory was true, their opponent was extremely powerful. Tan Jiao advised Shen Shiyan to store the cesium in a strong magnetic shielding device and prevent anyone from holding it for long periods. Later, Shen Shiyan drove Zhuang Yu home.
During their ride, Shen Shiyan asked Zhuang Yu about her preferred proposal style, wondering if she liked something elaborate, like hiding a ring in cake or roses, or having the police choir sing a love song. Zhuang Yu, however, firmly requested a simple proposal without ostentatious displays. Shen Shiyan reassured her that she was the only woman in his mind since the day they met. Upon returning home, Wu Yu and Tan Jiao found Wu Miao asleep on the sofa.
Wu Yu gently carried his sister to her bed. The next morning, Zhu Yutong, Wu Miao's boyfriend, arrived agitated, as Wu Miao had failed to show up for their 8 AM meeting and wasn't answering her phone. Wu Yu searched Wu Miao's room, only to find her gone. He frantically called her, and Wu Miao answered, crying, "Brother, I can't escape," and "Goodbye."
This immediately triggered Wu Yu's memories of an alternate timeline where Wu Miao's lifeless body lay in the rain. Wu Yu and Tan Jiao speculated that, after their latest timeline shift, the culprit's target had changed, likely because their previous plans had been repeatedly disrupted, leading to intense hatred from the perpetrator. A knock at the door startled them, but no one was there. Tan Jiao found a note on the ground.
It read, "Only we know what each other wants. I will take her away before the last sunset." Shen Shiyan arrived after receiving the alert. He sent the note for urgent authentication and observed that the culprit exhibited antisocial personality traits, risking exposure to torment Wu Yu and Tan Jiao. He pressed them to recall anyone else Wu Miao had contacted.
Tan Jiao confirmed that besides herself and Wu Yu, only Zhu Yutong had been in recent contact with Wu Miao. Despite Wu Yu's attempts to defend Zhu Yutong, Shen Shiyan considered him a suspect, emphasizing that "no reason doesn't mean no suspicion." During the routine questioning, Zhu Yutong was visibly distraught, blaming himself for agreeing to meet Wu Miao, which he believed led to her disappearance. He mentioned he was reading "Phantom" by Jo Nesbø while waiting for Wu Miao.
Shen Shiyan found his answers suspiciously quick, as if rehearsed, but a police investigation confirmed Zhu Yutong's alibi, placing him at a bookstore during Wu Miao's disappearance. Back home, Tan Jiao questioned Wu Yu about any updates, but he only shook his head. While preparing dinner, Wu Yu served Tan Jiao a meal, insisting she eat every grain of rice for the "tough battle ahead." He secretly added sleeping pills to her soup, urging her to drink it all.
Tan Jiao, still hoping for a peaceful future, asked if their lives would return to normal. Wu Yu promised they would, but only if she lived a safe and happy life. After Tan Jiao finished the soup and drifted to sleep, Wu Yu gently kissed her, apologizing softly, "I just can't put you in danger again." Wu Yu then left the house, where Shen Shiyan was waiting for him downstairs.
Wu Yu revealed he had received a second note explicitly demanding an exchange: "Wu Yu, let's trade Tan Jiao for Wu Miao. I'm waiting for you at No. 11 Jianhua Road." The two men set off for the specified location. Meanwhile, Zhuang Yu arrived to keep Tan Jiao company. Tan Jiao soon awoke, confused about how she fell asleep. Realizing Wu Yu was gone, she pressed Zhuang Yu, who reluctantly revealed that Wu Yu had gone to meet the culprit. Wu Yu, filled with resolve, swore to himself that Tan Jiao must survive, no matter what happened.
Episode 27 Recap
Tan Jiao woke up, realizing Wu Yu had secretly administered sleeping pills to her. She immediately understood that he had done so to protect her, fearing she might be hurt. However, she also logically concluded that if she could figure out Wu Yu's protective motive, the culprit could too, meaning Wu Yu was undoubtedly walking into a trap. Anxious to find him, but unaware of his location, Tan Jiao noticed Zhou Wei's seemingly random drawings.
She recognized the pattern as an anime background, confirming Zhou Wei had not lied and that the drawings represented the culprit's memories. Following this clue, Tan Jiao went to visit Chen Ningmeng in the hospital. Filled with remorse, Chen Ningmeng recounted her involvement in the anime event. She had been taking photos, and another cosplayer, Xu Jingmiao, felt overlooked compared to Ren Jie. Xu Jingmiao later discovered compromising photos of Ren Jie that Chen Ningmeng had inadvertently captured.
Xu Jingmiao paid Chen Ningmeng for these photos and published them online. Although Chen Ningmeng deleted her copies when Ren Jie later pleaded with her, Xu Jingmiao did not remove the online posts, which ultimately led to Ren Jie's suicide. Chen Ningmeng expressed deep remorse for her momentary lapse in judgment and the catastrophic consequences.
She also confirmed that the anime event took place at the theatre in the west of the city and that Ren Jie had come to her alone, without any male companion, to ask for the photos to be deleted. Tan Jiao, now aware of the theatre's significance, tried to warn Wu Yu that his confrontation with the culprit might be a trap. Before she could send her message, she received a call from an unknown number.
Meanwhile, Wu Yu and a female police officer, disguised as Tan Jiao, arrived at a designated warehouse. The masked culprit, watching via video surveillance, observed as the female officer triggered a bomb inside. The warehouse exploded, but Wu Yu quickly confirmed to Shen Shiyan that they were unharmed. Shortly after the explosion, Wu Yu received another message from the culprit stating, "The real game has just started. Come here alone."
The message specified that the culprit intended for Wu Yu to witness Tan Jiao's death, to experience the pain of losing a loved one. Wu Yu, realizing Tan Jiao was now in direct danger, immediately sought Shen Shiyan's assistance. Tan Jiao awoke in the theatre, bound to a chair. The masked man revealed his twisted plan to make Wu Yu watch her die. Tan Jiao, however, launched into a tirade, debunking his fabricated romance.
She accused him of being a pathetic, self-absorbed coward who had unrequited feelings for Ren Jie, daring only to interact with her through the anonymity of the internet. She asserted he was no lover but an accomplice in Ren Jie's death, no different from the online trolls who despised her.
Tan Jiao provocatively stated that Ren Jie might not have even committed suicide but was killed by him, and that he, hiding behind the keyboard, was utterly undeserving of avenging her. Enraged, the masked man lunged at Tan Jiao, but then abruptly paused, realizing her intention was to provoke him into killing her, thereby saving Wu Yu from risking his life. The masked man calmed, affirming his constant thoughts of Ren Jie and denying any intent to harm her.
He revealed that the repeated changes in the experiences of Yan Yuan and Professor Chen's family had led him to understand that someone, presumably Tan Jiao and Wu Yu, possessed knowledge of his future actions and was altering history. He declared his resolve to prevent them from thwarting his plans. He also stated that Wu Miao, like Ren Jie, was pure, and he aimed to "save" them from a corrupt world.
He then unbound Tan Jiao and, in a fit of madness, briefly danced with the empty chair. Tan Jiao attempted to escape but stopped when she saw Wu Miao, unconscious and tied to a chair in the audience. She obediently returned to her seat as the culprit motioned. When Wu Yu finally arrived at the theatre, he found the auditorium filled with masked figures, making it impossible to identify the true culprit.
Tan Jiao and Wu Miao were tied to chairs on opposite ends of the stage. Wu Yu wore a device to communicate with Shen Shiyan, who, along with the police, had surrounded the building. The theatre doors, however, were sealed with encrypted mechanical locks, requiring time for the police to break through. The masked culprit then unveiled the devices around Tan Jiao and Wu Miao's necks: thin bands equipped with small motors, precise compound gears, and steel wires.
He explained that once activated, these devices would relentlessly tighten until they decapitated the victims, and no one could stop them. Shen Shiyan, receiving this information, immediately requested expert assistance to understand and disarm the devices. Meanwhile, the cybercrime unit successfully identified the culprit as Duan Yunying, known online as Captain Jack Sparrow. The culprit presented Wu Yu with a harrowing choice: he had one key and a limited countdown.
He could use the key to save either Tan Jiao or Wu Miao, but saving one would instantly activate the device on the other. If he chose to do nothing, both devices would activate simultaneously. He mocked Wu Yu, telling him that even powerful hydraulic scissors would take ten minutes to cut through the devices, rendering them useless. Wu Yu rushed onto the stage and tore the tape from Tan Jiao's mouth.
Tan Jiao, despite her own peril, implored him to save Wu Miao, reminding him that their entire journey through time was to protect his sister. She reassured him, claiming she had foreseen their future, where all three of them were safe, and promised to wait for him on "the island." Wu Yu was torn. With only thirty seconds remaining, he shared a tender kiss with Tan Jiao, a flood of their shared memories passing through his mind.
Ultimately, he chose to save Wu Miao. After successfully saving his sister, Wu Yu immediately ran back to Tan Jiao, whose device was rapidly tightening. He desperately tried to pry open the contracting mechanism with his bare hands, his fingers bleeding from the strain. At that moment, Shen Shiyan and the police burst into the theatre, rushing to their aid.
Episode 28 Recap
As Shen Shiyan and the police arrived at the theater, they swiftly used an NdFeB magnet to disable the device that was tightening around Tan Jiao's neck, preventing the trap from activating. The masked figures in the audience turned out to be mere mannequins, and the true culprit was nowhere to be found in person. Wu Yu embraced his sister, Wu Miao, and Tan Jiao.
On a large screen, the culprit's image appeared, taunting them and acknowledging his defeat this time, but promising to send them to hell next. Wu Yu declared that no matter the universe, they now knew his true identity and would relentlessly pursue him. At that precise moment, time abruptly froze, and Tan Jiao and Wu Yu were once again thrust into a new timeline, waking up in tents on an island.
Chen Xingjian was already dead, and Zhou Wei was nowhere to be found. The group on the island believed Chen Xingjian's death was a calculated move by the culprit, implying that the trap was meant for Wu Yu, who usually led the way. Everyone was accounted for except Zhou Wei, leading Wu Miao to suspect him.
However, Tan Jiao insisted that Zhou Wei was not the killer, stating her certainty that the real culprit, Duan Yunying, was a man still lurking on the island. After reviewing their options, Tan Jiao speculated about various suspects but ultimately concluded that the true Duan Yunying might be hiding, similar to how Chen Xingjian had previously. Wu Yu agreed, deciding that finding Zhou Wei was their immediate priority.
Soon after, they learned from Chen Ruying that Zhou Wei had threatened her with a dagger and destroyed their supplies of food and water. Chen Ruying believed he was hiding in the cave, the only place left to search. Despite concerns about the risk, Wu Yu, asserting that they couldn't allow the culprit to pick them off one by one, led the group into the cave.
Inside, the group began disappearing one by one due to spacetime fluctuations, which Wu Yu explained as an inherent instability of the island that caused "space-time folding," teleporting individuals to random locations. He reassured Tan Jiao that as long as they held hands, they would be transported together. Eventually, only Tan Jiao and Wu Yu remained. They soon spotted Zhou Wei and pursued him.
Tan Jiao urged Zhou Wei to stop, assuring him they were there to help, knowing he was being controlled rather than acting on his own will. In a brief moment of clarity, Zhou Wei warned them of his danger and pleaded for them to leave. Before they could react, his eyes hardened, and he lunged at Wu Yu with a dagger. During their struggle, Wu Yu mysteriously vanished, leaving only Tan Jiao and a now malevolent Zhou Wei.
Wu Yu, having reappeared in another part of the cave, quickly found Chen Ruying and Wu Miao and led them to Tan Jiao's location. By the time they arrived, Zhou Wei was strangling Tan Jiao. Tan Jiao desperately appealed to Zhou Wei to regain control, reminding him of his wish to be free.
Zhou Wei briefly showed signs of lucidity, muttering that he "didn't mean it," but when Tan Jiao pressed him to reveal who was controlling him, he could only respond with "I don't know" before stabbing her in the chest with the dagger. As Tan Jiao collapsed, Zhu Yutong appeared, congratulating Zhou Wei with a "Well done," and then instructed the dazed Zhou Wei to complete his "final play."
When Wu Yu, Chen Ruying, and Wu Miao rushed in, they found Zhou Wei seemingly strangling Zhu Yutong. To Wu Miao's astonishment, Wu Yu quickly moved to restrain Zhu Yutong. Tan Jiao then rose unharmed, revealing that her injury was faked as part of their plan to expose the true culprit, Zhu Yutong, who was also Duan Yunying. Wu Yu confronted Zhu Yutong, revealing a necklace taken from Zhou Wei and identifying it as the device used to control others.
Zhu Yutong, surprised, questioned how they knew. Tan Jiao explained that they had already suspected the necklace, but a previous attempt to remove it resulted in spacetime folding. With Zhou Wei unable to identify the mastermind, they created this trap. Zhu Yutong, recalling his initial feelings of treating Wu Yu and Tan Jiao as family, disclosed that he had gained future memories after touching a crystal in the cave.
This foreknowledge showed him their repeated attempts to rescue the four girls he targeted, compelling him to eliminate them. Tan Jiao and Wu Yu confirmed that he, Ren Jie's friend, had killed the four girls for revenge, using Zhou Wei as a scapegoat. Zhu Yutong affirmed this, adding that he had ordered Zhou Wei to kill Chen Xingjian only after Chen Xingjian unexpectedly rushed ahead; Tan Jiao had always been his true target.
Wu Yu called Zhu Yutong a lunatic, while Tan Jiao challenged his twisted justifications for murdering, asking how Wu Miao could ever forgive him. Zhu Yutong, in turn, angrily blamed Tan Jiao for ruining his plans, asserting that she deserved to die. Zhu Yutong recounted his plan to shed his identity as Duan Yunying, destroy Ren Jie's photos, and start a new life as Zhu Yutong with Wu Miao.
However, Tan Jiao's unexpected cancellation of her book signing led Wu Miao to visit him early, where she discovered photos of his victims and the mask he used. Devastated, Wu Miao realized the man she loved was a serial killer and fled. Zhu Yutong was heartbroken, but Wu Miao later returned to their meeting place. Despite the truth, she professed her love and vowed to stay by his side, urging him to surrender.
Zhu Yutong embraced her, subtly asking if she had told anyone and if she would truly stay with him forever. After her tearful affirmation, Zhu Yutong, in a final act of madness, killed Wu Miao in his arms. He then took his own life, convinced that Tan Jiao was responsible for this tragedy. This tragic sequence of events was why Wu Yu never suspected Zhu Yutong, believing his love for Wu Miao was genuine.
Wu Yu deduced Zhu Yutong's method of control: using the crystal's high-frequency magnetic fields to transmit intracranial messages and alter brainwave frequencies. Before his death, Zhu Yutong had implanted a final command in Chen Xingjian: to kill Tan Jiao. This explains why Chen Xingjian, even after Zhu Yutong's death, relentlessly pursued Tan Jiao across different timelines. Zhu Yutong dismissed Chen Xingjian as "trash" for failing to kill Tan Jiao despite multiple opportunities, stating his death was deserved. Wu Yu, furious, demanded to know why Wu Miao disappeared in subsequent timelines. Zhu Yutong responded with a triumphant laugh, leaving Wu Miao's ultimate fate an unsettling mystery.
Episode 29 Recap
Zhu Yutong told the group that he and Wu Miao would be living well in a future timeline. This enraged Wu Yu, who tried to attack Zhu Yutong, but was restrained by the others. The group condemned Zhu Yutong, believing his love for Wu Miao was a twisted obsession and that he was the last straw that led to Jie's death. Zhou Wei, recounting memories he saw while under Zhu Yutong's control, confirmed this.
He revealed that when Jie was about to jump from the rooftop, Zhu Yutong approached her, but his words were not comforting. Instead, he told her that the online trolls were right and that she deserved her suffering. Zhou Wei explained that Zhu Yutong's words were the final blow that crushed Jie's spirit. A flashback showed Zhu Yutong confronting Jie on the rooftop. He urged her not to jump, claiming he liked and loved her, no matter what.
Jie recognized him as "Captain Jack Sparrow," the online persona to whom she had sent a long goodbye email, believing he was the only one who understood her. Zhu Yutong assured her he would never look down on her, but Jie questioned if he, too, believed she was at fault. Zhu Yutong tried to explain he meant she should protect herself by not wearing revealing clothes or going to certain places.
Jie angrily rejected his pity, insisting the world was to blame, not her. While Zhu Yutong agreed that others were at fault, he again questioned if she would have been targeted if she hadn't dressed in a certain way, implying she had given "bad guys a chance." Jie was disgusted by his words, realizing he was no different from anyone else. Zhu Yutong, growing frantic, reiterated his love, saying he would love her even if she were "rotten or wretched."
Jie rebuffed his "perverted love" and told him to stay away. In a fit of desperation to embrace her and express his love, Zhu Yutong accidentally pushed Jie off the building. He confessed he had only wanted to save her, but she fell. He admitted he was responsible for her death, and to escape his overwhelming guilt, he began his revenge plan. He claimed his life had already ended when hers did.
Back in the present, with his actions exposed, Zhu Yutong knelt and begged for mercy, insisting his love for Wu Miao was genuine and expressing remorse for her death. He pleaded for a second chance, promising to forget everything and harm no one if allowed to leave the island. Seizing an opportunity when Wu Yu and Tan Jiao were momentarily distracted, Zhu Yutong lunged at Tan Jiao, aiming to take her with him.
Wu Yu quickly pulled Tan Jiao out of the way, causing Zhu Yutong to crash into a rock wall. The impact dislodged large rocks from the cave ceiling, which fell and crushed him. In his dying breaths, Zhu Yutong cursed Wu Yu and Tan Jiao, declaring their love "destined to be unfortunate." The others reflected on Zhu Yutong's extreme actions, attributing them to his inability to face himself.
With Zhu Yutong dead, they acknowledged Wu Miao was finally safe, but worried about their destroyed food supplies. Wu Yu reassured them there was freshwater and fish on the island, and they would return to the camp to rest before exploring the island further the next day to find a way out.
That night, as Tan Jiao and Wu Yu sat outside the cave, Tan Jiao remarked on how the island's unique magnetic field seemed to grant special abilities and alter people. Suddenly, Tan Jiao heard her own voice calling Wu Yu from days earlier, despite not having spoken. Wu Yu attributed this to the island's distorted temporal field.
He speculated that the island's magnetic field not only caused time travel but also warped space itself, effectively making the island a Klein bottle where its interior and exterior were on the same plane. This, he explained, was why Chen Xingjian had woken up in the cave, as the sea could effectively appear there. Wu Yu believed the pool of water in their cave was the gateway to the outside world.
To illustrate, he drew a diagram, explaining that while the beach (point A) was an inescapable part of the warped space, the pond (point B) served as a conduit to external reality. Despite his theory being a hypothesis, Wu Yu decided to investigate the underwater passage. Zhou Wei volunteered to accompany him, providing support. As they ventured into the water, they passed through a gravity field curvature that formed an Oppenheimer chasm.
There, they encountered a future version of Wu Yu, who had been waiting for them. The future Wu Yu explained that the shipwreck had coincided with Mercury's perihelion, causing extreme space-time curvature and a "perturbed expansion" of the island's magnetic field, creating a singularity in time that trapped them.
He elaborated that Tan Jiao and Wu Yu's constant jumps through different timelines were due to their position at the singularity's center, where the island's time existed in a quantum state, leading to temporal dilation and teleportation phenomena. The future Wu Yu then revealed that at sunrise the next day, another Mercury perihelion would occur, again altering the island's magnetic field.
This event would create a "quantum gap" between the crystal cave and the Oppenheimer chasm, forming a dimensional bridge through which they could leave. However, this quantum gap was unstable and could only sustain six "particle" crossings (people) before its energy was depleted and it potentially closed. Given there were seven of them, one person would have to remain, which was why the future Wu Yu was still trapped there.
He also warned that anyone who left the island would lose all memories of their time there. Returning to the camp, Wu Yu and Zhou Wei shared the news that they could leave the following morning. Wu Yu instructed everyone to prepare for departure and to celebrate their final night. As they set about their tasks, Zhou Wei perceived Wu Yu's intention to stay behind and offered to sacrifice himself instead, eager to be a hero.
Wu Yu gently refused, explaining that only he possessed the knowledge and ability to accurately calculate the precise departure times for each individual, making his remaining on the island a necessity. He then asked Zhou Wei to keep his decision a secret from everyone, especially Tan Jiao, and requested one final favor. With Zhou Wei's help, Wu Yu decorated the camp with numerous shimmering crystal rocks from the cave, creating a breathtaking display of "stars."
As Tan Jiao approached, enchanted by the sparkling lights, Wu Yu met her, holding a bouquet of flowers. He knelt and proposed to Tan Jiao. He expressed how she had "rebooted" his life, showing him the world's miracles and becoming his sole connection across all timelines, vowing to always find her.
Acknowledging her dream of a grand wedding with a diamond ring, a beautiful gown, and celebrations with loved ones, he offered only the simple ring he held and his enduring love, asking her to "enter his heart." Surrounded by their friends, Zhou Wei asked Tan Jiao if she would accept Wu Yu as her husband, promising to love, respect, protect, and accompany him through life's ups and downs.
Tearfully, Tan Jiao declared it the "best wedding" she could ever imagine and said, "I do." Wu Yu placed the ring on her finger and kissed her as their friends celebrated, showering them with flower petals and dancing around a bonfire. Later, by the seashore, Tan Jiao shared her dreams for their future. She desired two grand weddings once they returned home, one in Dali and another in Jinghai, inviting all their friends and family.
She envisioned a house for them, with a garden for her flowers and a dog with a little bell on its collar, its tinkling a constant happy sound in their home. She imagined her writing while he taught at the university, and evenings spent by the window, embracing and watching the moon, with him softly singing to her. Her ultimate dream was for their home to become livelier with their own children, and then their children's children.
Wu Yu listened with a wistful smile, gently comforting her as she drifted off to sleep. The next morning, everyone gathered by the water in the cave. As the first rays of sunlight entered, a massive, swirling vortex appeared on the water's surface. Wu Yu confirmed it was the space-time path they needed to take. He instructed everyone to follow him carefully, for their exit lay ahead.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
At the dimension crack, which Wu Yu explained was formed by intertwining dimensions where time exists in a quantum state, everyone prepared to return to reality by moving forward through it. Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan were the first to go, followed by Wu Miao, who promised Wu Yu a celebratory meal upon their return. Zhou Wei was the last to leave before Tan Jiao and Wu Yu.
Before they departed, Tan Jiao asked Wu Yu what he wished to do once they were back, teasingly reminding him that he still owed her a wedding ring. She then requested his watch as a keepsake, the one she had repaired, which she felt had "restarted the gears of destiny." She desired it to remember every moment they had shared, both then and in the countless moments to come. Wu Yu gave her the watch.
When he told her it was time to go, expressing his hope for her future happiness, Tan Jiao unexpectedly revealed that she had visions of the future every time she traveled through time. She knew from the very beginning that Wu Yu intended to stay behind, as she had seen him pushing her through the portal. She asserted that while he had always saved her, it was now her turn to change his destiny, a task she had accomplished.
She professed her love for the ring he gave her, the wedding he had planned, and every aspect of their time together. She told him that he might forget her in the future, but she would always remember him. With a final declaration of love, Tan Jiao pushed Wu Yu through the dimension crack.
As the portal closed, she bid him goodbye, reflecting that she had ultimately guided herself to meet him, and that meeting him was the happiest event of her life. One year later, Wu Yu was working as a university lecturer, teaching students about gravitational redshift, time reversal, and the instability of space. He stressed the importance of not fearing mistakes in experiments, as each error helps to uncover truth and create a bright future.
After class, his professor praised his first lecture, playfully suggesting that Wu Yu should take over his classes soon so he and his wife could retire. Wu Yu, however, declined an invitation to dinner, explaining he had plans with Chen Ruying. As he checked his watch, which had stopped, a series of images flashed through his mind. Wu Yu met Chen Ruying, who congratulated him on becoming a lecturer and mentioned she had sent him a congratulatory gift.
She then revealed that she had received a full scholarship to study topology at the University of Leipzig and was going abroad, a decision she had kept secret. Wu Yu congratulated her. Chen Ruying then confessed that while she had once liked him, she had moved on, realizing that his heart already belonged to someone else. She sensed that this person was deeply important to him, someone he had likely met on the cruise ship last year.
She advised him to trust a girl's intuition, declared their chapter closed, and asked for his best wishes. She then playfully reminded him, as a new "wage earner," to treat her to a nice meal. Later, Wu Yu, still seemingly distracted, passed a closed bookstore with Wu Miao, who explained that the owner had disappeared. At home, Wu Miao excitedly showed him a heavy package that had arrived for him, revealing it was a telescope.
She deduced it was an expensive gift from someone who must truly love him and know him very well, teasing him about a secret relationship. Wu Yu, however, had no idea who sent it. Wu Miao then enthusiastically showed him a live concert of Zhou Wei, who had become a popular independent musician. Zhou Wei dedicated a song to those who had forgotten important people and lost memories, hoping for their reunion, and also to his former bandmates.
Wu Miao noticed Wu Yu's watch was still stopped and offered to buy him a new one, but he refused, insisting he could fix it. She remarked on his unusual attachment to the watch, which he had worn constantly since the cruise, even when it stopped, and speculated it was from a girl he met there, which he denied. Wu Miao then questioned why he had started painting.
He explained that images of places he had never been kept flashing in his mind, and he subconsciously drew them as if they were calling him. Wu Miao immediately recognized the drawing of Dali from the writings of "Qizhu," a web author she admired who had disappeared before completing her novel "The Cloud and The Moon." Wu Yu thoughtfully repeated "Qizhu" and "Dali." In Dali, Wu Yu observed Zhu Jirui and Yan Yuan saying their goodbyes.
Yan Yuan promised to return when he had made his peace and asked Zhu Jirui to care for his father. Meanwhile, Wu Miao called Wu Yu, questioning a package he had received. She told him that a gift she was sending him had only shipped that day, yet he had confirmed receiving a package two days prior. Around the same time, Wu Yu's friend, Hua, spotted him and invited him to his car repair shop nearby.
At the shop, while Hua went to get him some water, Wu Yu took off his watch and examined it. Suddenly, all his memories of Tan Jiao flooded back. He remembered his earlier vow that he would never let go, being her only connection to the world. He recalled the specific date and time, August 6, 2021, 23:25, and that Tan Jiao had been with him then.
He realized that if history could be changed, it had been changed at that very moment. He remembered Tan Jiao's words about the watch witnessing their many moments, and a scientific concept about how heavy atoms originating from the same star would attract individuals, preventing them from losing their way across time.
He remembered a moment when he closed his eyes to feel his happy future self, and the realization that he had lost her from the very beginning, only to meet, know, and love her, with their love being the only true memory of her. He recalled his vow to bring her back from the "eye of time," the cavern at the bottom of the sea, by waiting for an identical moment.
With these memories rushing back, Wu Yu immediately ran out to find Tan Jiao. Wu Yu sped across the ocean on a yacht, arriving at the location of the whirlpool. Tan Jiao stood alone where she had last sent him through. The time gate opened, and Wu Yu returned, embracing her tightly. Tan Jiao, initially wondering if she was dreaming, was overwhelmed, having thought he might forget her.
She expressed that the time apart felt both incredibly long and yet like an instant. Wu Yu explained that his watch, her gift, had reminded him that he was her only connection. Having found her, he vowed never to let go. As they prepared to leave, Tan Jiao expressed fear of losing their memories again and being sent to different times.
Wu Yu reassured her that he would always find her and never forget her, wherever she might be, stating, "The cloud and the moon. We're destined to meet again." After returning, Tan Jiao and Wu Yu experienced several encounters where they crossed paths but did not recognize each other. On August 5, 2021, Wu Yu registered on a cruise ship, followed shortly by Tan Jiao. Tan Jiao later attempted to sign up for scuba diving, but registration was full.
While enjoying Turkish ice cream at a bustling night market, she unknowingly passed Wu Yu, who was taking photos of the vibrant scene from behind her. Eventually, Tan Jiao stood by the sea, watching the sunset. Wu Yu, also taking photographs, captured her silhouette, radiant in the afterglow. Both felt a strong sense of déjà vu as their eyes met, and they slowly walked towards each other.
Tan Jiao extended her hand, introducing herself as "Tan Jiao," explaining the characters of her name. Wu Yu introduced himself as "Wu Yu," explaining his name to mean "we are destined to meet." Their story concluded with the narration that "the cloud has finally met the moon. She has finally met her cloud. He has finally found his moon." In a postscript, Zhuang Yu, still disheartened by Tan Jiao's absence, stopped by a fortune-telling stall.
The old man encouraged her to draw a divination stick for good luck. She drew one for Tan Jiao, then another for herself, seeking a connection or fate. Her first stick read, "The moon is obscured, and the cloud is unaware." Her second, for her own fate, said, "The fish sinks, the goose falls, a tribulation of three lifetimes." She initially misinterpreted it as a compliment about her beauty, which the old man confirmed. Suddenly, someone shouted about a thief.
Zhuang Yu immediately gave chase. She caught up to the thief, who was apprehended by Shen Shiyan, also in pursuit. Shen Shiyan swiftly recovered the stolen bag for an elderly man. Shen Shiyan checked if Zhuang Yu was alright. The grateful fortune teller praised Shen Shiyan and gave him a divination stick. Shen Shiyan's stick read, "The fish and the bird meet today." The old man exclaimed that both their sticks formed a perfect match, "Brilliant." Zhuang Yu then recognized Shen Shiyan.
