My Love, Enlighten Me Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Love, Enlighten Me Synopsis
22-year-old Liu Nuannuan was forced to leave the girl group and started from zero. After stumbling into society, she encountered Han Che, a talented young visual artist with “hypermnesia”.
In order to fulfill his grandmother’s last wish, Han Che returned from abroad to undertake the “Recreating Dunhuang” project.
Han Che has no choice but to take in the unkempt and embarrassed Nuannuan.
With her unique aesthetic talent and hardworking, Nuannuan soon became the best clerk in the clothes store and was promoted to the head office.
Liu NuanNuan encountered various tests but was accepted into the design department. Learning along the way made her grow quickly and gradually found a new direction in life.
She also used her accumulated dressing experience to develop a treasure trove of civilian dressing. She was determined to make more ordinary people become beautiful and confident.
Han Che accompanied Nuannuan all the way. Although their relationship experienced a lot of misunderstandings and challenges, there were also warmth and sweetness.
They worked together to combine trendy clothes with Dunhuang culture, showing the cultural treasures to the world in a splendid modern form.
In the end, Han Che held Nuannuan’s hand and sayid: Nuan Nuan, Enlighten Me!
My Love, Enlighten Me Recap
Episode 1 Recap
A chaotic scene unfolds backstage where dreams of success or failure can reverse in an instant. Lin Jiayi and Han Xue are embroiled in a heated confrontation. Han Xue slaps Lin Jiayi, accusing her of making them look like fools. Lin Jiayi retorts that the slap makes them even, but Han Xue threatens to slap her again before Nuannuan steps in, urging them to calm down. Earlier, the backstage was just as noisy.
Nuannuan frantically searches for a makeup spot, only for Tong Meng to claim it, insisting it's her "lucky place." Han Xue confronts Tong Meng, accusing her of being too old to compete with younger "fairies" for a debut spot and sarcastically commenting after Tong Meng stumbles. Nuannuan worries about their own poor makeup skills. Han Xue and another trainee attempt to help Nuannuan with her makeup, but only make it worse.
The three express their immense pressure, acknowledging this might be their last chance to perform together and that they may either succeed or be forced to leave. Despite their predicament, they defiantly declare they will succeed and plan a hotpot celebration. Desperate, they chase their stylist into the bathroom, where Nuannuan's compact powder accidentally spills all over Lin Jiayi. Panicked, Nuannuan devises a quick plan and rushes off to the waiting area.
Meanwhile, Han Che, the visual director, is initially denied entry backstage by a skeptical staff member, but his identity is confirmed by his colleague, King, who apologizes for the mix-up. As they walk, a critical stage light malfunctions. Han Che impressively identifies the faulty light and immediately proposes a complex solution involving three other lights to compensate, astonishing King with his photographic memory.
Han Che then overhears a conversation between a Mr. Xu and King, revealing the show's cynical strategy: to sacrifice many trainees to elevate only Lin Jiayi, viewing it as a "legendary" rise to stardom. Moments later, he spots Nuannuan, who is frantically tearing a white garment. Mistaking him for a staff member, she quickly apologizes and runs off. Han Che follows her, only to find himself accidentally locked in a storage room.
He calls out, assuring her he can recognize her distinct running rhythm, breathing, and voice, and even subtle facial features like her slightly raised right eyebrow and nearsightedness, without needing to see her face clearly. Unaware of Han Che's predicament, Nuannuan later reassures Han Xue and Lin Jiayi that the man couldn't have recognized her due to her heavy stage makeup.
Around this time, Fang Hanchen encounters a distressed Nuannuan and offers comforting words, assuring her she will be the most beautiful girl on stage. Backstage, Nuannuan informs Han Xue and Lin Jiayi that she has given the storage room key to a staff member. The trio gives each other a pep talk, promising not to falter during their performance.
As their group is introduced, the staff member opens the storage room, releasing Han Che, who immediately takes command of the lighting board, manually directing intricate light changes to save the show. Mid-performance, Lin Jiayi, unexpectedly lifted by wires in a flowing white gown, begins a solo act. Han Xue and Nuannuan are left standing on stage, stunned, their faces mirroring a mixture of confusion and heartbreak.
After the performance, Fang Hanchen confronts Mr. Liu, the director, questioning the sudden changes and the unfair sacrifice of the other girls' efforts. Mr. Liu coldly dismisses his concerns, attributing the outcome to "fate" and claiming that "the audience is God." The seven lucky trainees who made their debut are then announced: Tang Shixuan, Zhao Linlin, Huang Yingyin, Tong Meng, Bai Lu, Chen Chen, and Lin Jiayi, who takes the coveted center position.
Watching from the side, Han Che murmurs to himself that he has finally repaid what he owed Lin Jiayi. Later, Nuannuan is asked to speak on behalf of the eliminated trainees. She shares a poignant story about her mother's dream of her speaking on stage, which turned out to be only "half right." She thanks the company and fans, apologizing for disappointing them, and performs a heartfelt song.
As Han Che listens to the familiar melody, a look of recognition crosses his face. The scene shifts back to the immediate aftermath of the performance. Han Xue confronts Lin Jiayi backstage, demanding to know why the live show deviated drastically from their rehearsals and why their trio became Lin Jiayi's solo. Lin Jiayi feigns innocence, claiming she was also confused on stage.
Han Xue, however, points out the impossibility of Lin Jiayi's flawless execution without prior knowledge, especially with the synchronized lighting and wire work. She accuses Lin Jiayi of making fools of them all. Lin Jiayi then defensively retorts, questioning if Han Xue and Nuannuan would have achieved their current popularity without her. Nuannuan steps in, acknowledging Lin Jiayi's past contributions but clarifying that her loyalty was to her "good friend Linlin," not to the "center-position debutant Lin Jiayi."
Just then, the company boss intervenes. Han Xue defiantly declares her resignation, accusing the company of exploiting young girls, and challenges them to calculate her breach of contract fees. The boss immediately orders security to fire and forcibly remove both Han Xue and Nuannuan. Nuannuan, with composure, insists on walking out herself, offering Lin Jiayi a final "Good luck to you!" as she reflects on the four years of rigorous training they had shared.
Days later, Han Che receives a call from Dr. Xu Jingsong, who will be overseeing his follow-up treatments. Meanwhile, Han Xue and Nuannuan sit together, tearfully eating the celebratory hotpot they had once dreamed of sharing as a successful trio. Amidst their shared grief and anger, they declare their resolve to find new paths. Later, at a KTV, Nuannuan laments that she has lost her job, dream, and friends, feeling unemployed at an age when others are graduating.
Han Xue consoles her, reminding her that she still has her. Back at their dorm, they pack their belongings, recalling their first meeting as they say goodbye to four years of shared history. As Nuannuan leaves with her luggage, Fang Hanchen stops her, offering to help. She informs him she is staying at a property belonging to Han Che's family, a place Han Xue refers to as a "shabby house."
Nuannuan admits she wants to find an "ordinary job" instead of seeking another agency, pondering that dreams don't have to be realized only on a stage. Fang Hanchen encourages her, calling her a "unique flower." At a company meeting, Han Che presents his ambitious "Fulfilling the Dunhuang Dream" project, proposing to restore the grandeur of the Thousand-Buddha Caves through creative reinterpretation, even suggesting to "lift the statues up" since viewers cannot kneel. His bold proposal garners applause.
Later, Han Che calls his sister, Han Xue, who complains about his vast villa. Han Che expresses his disapproval of Han Xue's career in entertainment, but she counters that it's her dream. He also inquires about the girl with Han Xue, remembering her name is Nuannuan. He admits he feels guilty about her situation and vows to make it up to her.
The conversation touches upon his hyperthymesia, and he reflects on his late grandmother's wisdom, who taught him that his condition is a gift, not a burden. He quietly states, "I'm back at last." The episode concludes with a drowsy Nuannuan, living in the same family property, unexpectedly colliding with Han Che. Startled, both mistake the other for an intruder and separately call emergency services to report a burglary.
Episode 2 Recap
Following Han Che and Nuannuan's misunderstanding which led them to call the police on each other, Nuannuan introduces herself as Han Xue's close friend. She explains that Han Xue arranged for her to stay at his place because she currently has nowhere else to live. Han Che, ending his call, dismisses the need for police dispatch. He then points out a burst water pipe in the kitchen, revealing a pool of water on the floor.
After shutting off the water, Han Che becomes furious when he discovers Nuannuan threw away items from a table. He demands that she be more mindful as a guest and not treat his house as her own. Nuannuan apologizes and offers to help him find the items at the garbage station, but Han Che ignores her, and she leaves dejectedly with her luggage. Lin Jiayi arrives at Han Che’s house, looking for Nuannuan.
She introduces herself as Han Xue’s friend, and Han Che confirms that he remembers her. He informs her that Nuannuan has moved out and that the house is too messy to invite her in. Before Lin Jiayi departs, Han Che returns a white hairpin to her, calling it a return to its original owner. Meanwhile, Nuannuan faces a series of discouraging job interviews.
At one company, she applies for a planner position but is told they are only hiring online streamers. The interviewer implies her past as a trainee is a disadvantage, leaving her disheartened after multiple rejections. Han Xue unexpectedly returns home and is surprised to find Han Che there. She immediately asks about Nuannuan and becomes enraged upon learning she moved out, accusing Han Che of forcing her away.
She reminds him of their grandmother’s emphasis on "being kind to others" and criticizes him for not contacting her. Han Xue highlights Nuannuan's financial struggles as a trainee and her lack of other relatives in the area. She then storms out to find her, encountering Gu Li outside. She enthusiastically pulls him along to help, remarking on how handsome he has become, while he awkwardly asks her not to pet him like a dog.
A sudden downpour forces Nuannuan into a clothing store. An elderly customer mistakes her for a staff member and asks for styling advice for a dress for her daughter’s birthday. After seeing a photo of the daughter, Nuannuan helps the customer select an outfit that is met with immense satisfaction. The store manager, observing Nuannuan's talent, offers her a job and gives her a business card.
As Nuannuan leaves the store, she sees a large advertisement featuring Lin Jiayi, causing her to stumble and fall in the rain. Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen defends Nuannuan at his company, criticizing their impersonal treatment of artists, which results in all his upcoming activities being cancelled. Old Liu then calls Nuannuan, feigning sympathy and offering her an assistant position.
Lost in the rain, Nuannuan has a flashback of Han Xue bringing her favorite Oreo cookies, then hallucinates seeing both Han Xue and Lin Jiayi cheering her on. Suddenly, an umbrella appears over her head, held by Han Che, who takes her back to his house. There, he presents her with a detailed list of "Temporary Stay Rules." Nuannuan later calls Han Xue, who describes Han Che's strict nature, listing rules about noise, guests, air conditioning, and cooking.
Later that night, Han Che quietly observes Nuannuan sleeping at the table, deep in thought. The next morning, Han Che admonishes Nuannuan for cooking and using the air conditioner. Nuannuan argues back, but Han Che firmly asserts the importance of boundaries, warning her that she has already violated the rules twice and a third infraction will lead to her eviction. Annoyed, Nuannuan takes out the clothing store manager's business card and decides to accept the job.
At the same time, Old Liu tells Lin Jiayi that her upcoming 22nd birthday should be a grand media event. Lin Jiayi insists on inviting Nuannuan and Han Xue, despite Old Liu's hesitation. At the clothing store, Nuannuan rearranges a mannequin display based on her own style ideas, only to be sharply criticized by the manager for violating company rules. Later, Nuannuan accepts a dinner invitation from Lin Jiayi. Their meeting is tense.
Nuannuan declares she is "tired of acting" out their friendship. When Lin Jiayi asks if Nuannuan would have made a different choice in her position, Nuannuan firmly asserts that she would never use a friend as a stepping stone to achieve her dreams. Lin Jiayi invites Nuannuan to her birthday party, to which Nuannuan ambiguously replies, "We'll see."
Nuannuan later reflects that she was too proud to reveal her modest job as a sales associate, believing Lin Jiayi was only seeking to ease her own guilt. As Nuannuan walks despondently, Han Che calls and orders her to accompany him shopping, stating he will pay while she provides the labor for their "public goods." During their outing, Nuannuan is falsely accused of shoplifting.
Using his hyperthymesia, Han Che identifies two young women who were filming them and deduces the "stolen" item was part of a prank involving tinfoil to bypass scanners. He points out the real culprits, two young men, who then attempt to escape on a motorcycle. As they flee, one of them tries to attack Han Che with a knife. Han Che shields Nuannuan, but a small kitten is struck by the motorcycle.
He immediately provides first aid to the bleeding kitten, instructing Nuannuan to find a wooden plank for a splint and calmly noting the attackers' license plate number. They rush the kitten to a vet, who praises Han Che's precise first-aid measures. At the hospital, as Nuannuan opens her wallet to pay, Han Che glimpses a photo inside, which draws his attention to the familiar white hairpin she is wearing. After she confirms it is hers, he falls into deep contemplation.
Later, Han Che is in a therapy session. He describes his mission of "repaying kindness" as being "precise and efficient, like a project." He admits to a recent incident where "someone's appearance damaged an important part of my memory," causing him to "lose control" and throw her out. The therapist explains that Han Che suffers from hyperthymesia, a rare condition that grants him a powerful memory but also burdens his brain, causing physical symptoms. She advises him to relax and not repress his emotions, suggesting they might be beneficial. She also informs him that a customized treatment plan is being developed in Beijing.
Episode 3 Recap
Gu Li informed Han Che that Lin Jiayi's company had invited their studio to her birthday party. Gu Li urged Han Che to go and reveal himself as "King," the genius who helped Lin Jiayi win her debut, even joking that while his sister Han Xue might be furious, he would win the "goddess'" heart. Han Che dismissed the idea of Lin Jiayi being his "goddess," admitting he might have mistaken the person he was indebted to.
Shocked, Gu Li reminded Han Che of his hyperthymesia. Han Che explained that during his high fever, he was in a coma and only heard a name being called but never clearly saw the person. He decided they must attend the birthday party to uncover the truth.
Gu Li revealed he had already prepared for every contingency with multiple gifts: a selection for Lin Jiayi, apology gifts for Han Xue, and another set for the true "destined girl" in case Han Che was right. He also presented Han Che with several formal outfits for the occasion, though Han Che seemed unappreciative and walked away. Meanwhile, at the clothing store, a senior colleague, Xiaoli, teased Nuannuan about her past as a trainee.
When Nuannuan humbly asked for sales tips, Xiaoli condescendingly advised a "personalized service" approach: follow customers relentlessly and praise them excessively in the fitting room. Her demonstration, which involved fawning over a customer in an ill-fitting coat, made Nuannuan uncomfortable. When Nuannuan quietly noted the coat was too tight, Xiaoli accused her of sabotaging her sale and being ungrateful. Later, Han Xue asked Nuannuan to go to Lin Jiayi's birthday party.
Nuannuan initially refused, but her mind changed when Han Xue revealed her plan was to crash the party and make Lin Jiayi miserable. Nuannuan eagerly agreed, and the two began searching for the perfect outfits to make a statement. Annoyed by strange noises from upstairs, Han Che confronted Nuannuan, sternly reminding her of his rule against having overnight guests of the opposite sex. After she denied it, he entered her room and discovered a cat, which she had named Hotpot.
He informed her she had violated the rule prohibiting furry animals and had used up all three of her chances. He gave her three days to move out, offering to pay a year's rent for her. Unwilling to concede, Nuannuan challenged him to a memory contest. If she won, she and Hotpot could stay. Han Che accepted, granting her three days to prepare.
At Lin Jiayi’s lavish birthday party, she greeted Han Che as "King," the renowned visual director who helped her in the finals. Han Che presented her with a gift, remarking that a certain hairpin held precious memories. Opening the box, Lin Jiayi was touched to find a pair of flat shoes. Han Che explained he knew performing in high heels was tiring and wanted her to be comfortable offstage.
Shortly after, Han Xue and Nuannuan made a dramatic entrance in their old performance outfits, immediately drawing stares. They greeted Lin Jiayi with sarcastic remarks, undercutting her friendly welcome. Han Xue then cornered Gu Li and, noticing his nervous habit of touching his nose, correctly deduced he was hiding something. He confessed that Han Che was "King," the one who had helped Lin Jiayi. Enraged, Han Xue accused them of conspiracy.
Gu Li managed to calm her down by reminding her that causing a scene would likely get Nuannuan kicked out of Han Che's house. Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen checked in on Nuannuan, who put on a brave face about her new job. Moments later, their former manager, Liu, revealed to Nuannuan that Fang Hanchen had been punished by their company—his projects all canceled—for confronting their boss on her behalf, leaving Nuannuan stunned and guilt-ridden.
During her speech, Lin Jiayi invited Han Xue and Nuannuan on stage to cut the cake with her, speaking of their shared, unforgettable past. However, the pair used the opportunity to deliver a series of passive-aggressive "toasts," sarcastically thanking Lin Jiayi for ending their dreams and forcing them onto a new path. As an executive tried to smooth things over, Han Xue and Nuannuan defiantly made a single, sharp cut through the cake, which Han Xue called "a good omen."
Reading harsh online comments calling them "fame-hungry," Han Xue's anger boiled over. Lin Jiayi approached, insisting her apology was sincere and she had invited the media to show their solidarity and stop the online attacks. Skeptical, Han Xue dared her to prove her sincerity by jumping from a high diving board into the pool below. Despite her fear of heights, Lin Jiayi accepted the challenge and jumped. Without hesitation, Han Che plunged in to rescue her.
After Han Che pulled an unconscious Lin Jiayi from the pool, Gu Li assured everyone she was stable. Nuannuan gently dried Lin Jiayi's hair, and a regretful Han Xue admitted her dare was foolish. She then casually mentioned to Han Che that during the night their grandmother passed away, when he had a high fever, it was Nuannuan who stayed up all night caring for him. Han Che’s expression shifted, a flicker of realization on his face.
Elsewhere, Nuannuan confronted Fang Hanchen about his canceled projects. He tried to downplay the situation, but his nonchalance only deepened her guilt. Han Che, who had overheard their conversation, watched her walk away, looking conflicted. When Lin Jiayi regained consciousness, the three women tearfully reconciled, acknowledging their deep sisterly bond. Later, Han Che found Nuannuan and returned the hairpin he had recovered from the pool.
Misunderstanding, Nuannuan asked if he wanted her to return it to Lin Jiayi for him, exasperating Han Che. Frustrated, he went to play basketball with Gu Li, who bluntly analyzed his anger, suggesting it stemmed from realizing he had mistaken his benefactor. Gu Li advised him to start repaying the right person, pointing out that his frustration was rooted in the fact that he liked Nuannuan. The observation only seemed to vex Han Che further.
The store manager gave Nuannuan an ultimatum: make a sale within three days or be fired. Her subsequent sales attempt failed, leaving her disheartened. Back home, she initiated the memory challenge with Han Che. In the first round, she rearranged items in the refrigerator, but he instantly restored them perfectly. For the second and third rounds, she hid his belongings, but he located them effortlessly, leaving her to marvel at his "photographic memory" and lament her defeat.
The next day, the customer from the previous day returned with several friends, all asking for Nuannuan. She confidently assisted them, even helping one customer who was distressed over a breakup by reminding her of her own beauty and encouraging her to smile. From a distance, Han Che observed her genuine warmth and kindness.
He had an epiphany, realizing she had never changed; she had always been that same gentle person, and it was he who had failed to see it. Later, Nuannuan challenged Han Che to a final memory game she named "Hotpot." They would each choose a challenge and answer questions, with the highest cumulative score winning. Han Che chose astrophysics, correctly identifying that Halley's Comet reappears every 76 years. Nuannuan countered with a lyric recall challenge from famous songs.
With his perfect memory, Han Che recited every line flawlessly. Conceding defeat, Nuannuan declared him the winner. Han Che accepted, stating that he and Hotpot would cherish the opportunity to stay. As Nuannuan thanked him, he humorously attempted to sing one of the song lyrics, proving his memory was far better than his voice.
Episode 4 Recap
Nuannuan quickly tried to hide Hotpot after the cat scattered litter everywhere, but Han Che caught her in the act, startling her so much that she also dropped the cat food. Han Che was visibly upset about the mess, prompting Nuannuan to explain that it was new, highly fragrant cat litter. Just as Nuannuan left for work, a colleague called her back to the store, urgently asking for help because a "drama queen" was causing a scene.
This "drama queen" turned out to be Nuannuan's mother, Ms. Su, a woman famous for her beauty in Jiangcheng twenty years prior and a former artistic activist who had won a municipal dancing competition. Nuannuan’s mother began scolding her for working such a "lowly" job serving customers, asking what her fans would think. Nuannuan revealed she had blocked her mother on social media, but her mother claimed big data revealed everything.
Ms. Su also questioned Nuannuan about disappearing after the finals, prompting Nuannuan to firmly state that she had quit and given up her dream of becoming a star, urging her mother to accept this reality. Meanwhile, Gu Li once again made a seemingly coincidental visit to Han Xue, bringing her favorite glutinous rice balls for breakfast.
Han Xue playfully noted that Gu Li’s home was over 20 kilometers away, yet he "happened to drop by" every day, realizing her "silly boy" had finally grown up and learned to cherish her. Learning that Han Xue was still visiting sets daily since she had not signed with any company, Gu Li playfully begged her not to become "too famous" and to "leave a way out for the women who look like internet celebrities."
Han Xue, playing a trendy avatar game to create a good omen, expressed confidence in becoming famous. Later, Han Xue was seen at a drama production trying out for a role. Nuannuan cautiously texted Han Che, asking if her mother could stay in her room for a few days. She promised they would be quiet and respectful of his routine. In the car, Nuannuan’s mother was shocked to learn her daughter was living with a man.
Nuannuan clarified that he was Han Xue’s younger brother, a quirky individual who had studied at an American university, and that it was common for people to rent separate rooms in the same house. Upon arriving, Han Che politely greeted Nuannuan’s mother, much to Nuannuan’s surprise. Ms. Su complimented Han Che’s good looks and invited him and Han Xue to dinner as a token of gratitude, which Han Che accepted.
At the dinner table, Ms. Su thanked them, expressing how they were like family to Nuannuan. Suddenly, the television displayed news of Lin Jiayi’s new web drama, "My Genius Boyfriend." Gu Li quickly turned off the TV and skillfully defused the awkwardness by praising the women present, calling Lin Jiayi’s beauty "vulgar" while complimenting Han Xue as a "high-end beauty" and Ms. Su as a "classic beauty."
Later that night, Nuannuan’s mother sat by her sleeping daughter, gently advising her that life is a long journey where every decision matters. She lamented how her own life might have been different if her grandmother hadn't prevented her from attending art school. Acknowledging Nuannuan’s recent setback, she reassured her that hardships were temporary and expressed her firm belief that Nuannuan would become a superstar. She then chuckled, noticing Nuannuan had fallen asleep with her face mask still on.
The next day, Gu Li introduced Han Che, also known as King, to the new members of the Dunhuang project team. The team included Naomi, the lead for digital image processing; Ouyang Xun, responsible for 3D modeling; and Jiguang, whose family had a long history with Dunhuang research. Han Che briefly addressed the team, expressing that Dunhuang was a long-standing passion and dream. He acknowledged the project’s difficulties but affirmed that with everyone’s help, they would succeed.
Concurrently, Mr. Liu informed Fang Hanchen that his contract would not be renewed at the year's end by their boss, Mr. Xu. Mr. Liu criticized Fang Hanchen for his past actions, specifically for avoiding Mr. Xu at Lin Jiayi’s birthday party instead of offering a toast and an apology. When Fang Hanchen voiced his concern over his half-completed personal album, Mr. Liu admonished him, stating he should have considered the consequences of his actions earlier.
Back at the apparel company, Ms. Su arrived asking to see Mr. Liu. Her eyes sharpened when she spotted Nuannuan in a group photo on the wall. Soon after, Nuannuan received an urgent call that her mother was causing a scene at the company. Upon arrival, Nuannuan found her mother arguing with Mr. Liu about the termination of her contract and demanding compensation.
Mr. Liu explained that for four years, the company had incurred significant costs for Nuannuan’s training and expenses without her generating any income, implying she lacked the necessary talent. Ms. Su became emotional, reminding Mr. Liu of his past promises when he first recruited Nuannuan. As she pleaded tearfully, Nuannuan intervened and confronted her mother about her disruptive behavior. Returning home, Han Che overheard a heated argument between Nuannuan and her mother.
Ms. Su accused her daughter of being unambitious and unable to endure hardship, just like her father. Nuannuan retorted, accusing her mother of being vain and not understanding her struggles. The argument escalated until Nuannuan, overwhelmed, stormed out without her phone or money. A frantic Ms. Su pleaded with Han Che to find Nuannuan, giving him her daughter’s phone and revealing that the password was her own birthday.
Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen met with Han Xue, who confirmed she knew that King (Han Che) was the one who helped Lin Jiayi win the finals, having learned it at the birthday party. She explained that it was a huge, embarrassing mistake and that Nuannuan was still unaware. Han Xue worried Nuannuan would move out if she found out, so she asked Fang Hanchen not to reveal the truth yet, insisting her brother owed Nuannuan an explanation and would compensate her.
Han Che unlocked Nuannuan’s phone and soon stumbled upon videos of her practicing. Seeing her dazzling presence on stage, a wave of guilt washed over him as he realized he was the one who had propelled Lin Jiayi to stardom while destroying Nuannuan’s dream. He felt a sharp pang in his chest, struggling with the emotional weight of his actions. Remembering only Fang Hanchen’s phone number, Nuannuan called him for help.
He arrived and comforted her, admitting her fears that her mother might be right about her not being dedicated enough. Fang Hanchen reassured her of her hard work. Just as he was comforting her, Han Che arrived but silently left upon seeing them together. Later, Nuannuan returned home, where her mother acted concerned, offering her fruit.
Ms. Su took responsibility for the scene at the company, claiming it was her job to "beg people" and that Nuannuan only needed to focus on her work. The next day, a re-energized Nuannuan attended training at the HOCO headquarters. Back at her store, she enthusiastically proposed installing two doors at the entrance, labeled "not beautiful" and "beautiful," to boost customer confidence. Her colleagues dismissed the idea as unrealistic and expensive.
Later, noticing the summer heat made customers reluctant to try on clothes, Nuannuan stayed up all night researching. The following day, she presented a detailed concept to her manager for a virtual fitting screen and a coffee lounge. The manager, while praising her creativity, pointed out the ideas were too advanced and costly, reminding her that their job was simply to sell clothes.
Disheartened, Nuannuan returned home and showed her design drawings to Han Che, who confirmed her ideas were feasible but would cost an astronomical sum. Later, her mother found the sketchbook and chuckled at her "quirky ideas." The next morning, Ms. Su spoke with Han Che, calling Nuannuan "useless" and "unambitious." Han Che, however, defended Nuannuan, stating that she was "quite good."
Episode 5 Recap
Gu Li, captivated, watched Han Xue's period drama on his phone, repeatedly exclaiming how adorable she was. He then answered a call, surprised to learn about an upcoming decoration project. During a meeting with his visual design team, a subordinate objected to the project—a promotion for a small clothing store—deeming it a waste of their world-class talent and numerous awards. However, their boss, Han Che, disagreed, asserting it was not beneath them and abruptly ended the meeting.
Nuannuan was delighted by the renovated layout of the clothing store, discovering that Gu Li was behind the impressive new look, which perfectly aligned with her vision. After arranging for makeup artists, Nuannuan confidently took full responsibility for any potential issues, inspiring the staff with renewed enthusiasm. As the store opened, it was instantly bustling with customers.
Nuannuan's warm assistance reignited a college senior's passion for her dream of studying film in Paris, particularly after the store's new virtual dressing screen displayed the Eiffel Tower. Meanwhile, at the head office, the company was struggling with poor sales performance. The CEO, Mr. Fu, was deep in thought when he received news of the Xicheng Branch Store's overwhelming success, observing the long queues outside.
After closing, the Xicheng Branch Store staff gathered to celebrate their achievement, which saw their store rank first nationally in sales. Everyone praised Nuannuan's innovative ideas, though she humbly deflected the compliments, attributing the success to team effort. Xiaoli, their top seller, challenged Nuannuan to a sales competition, leaving Nuannuan feeling the pressure. Returning home, Nuannuan was overcome with emotion upon reading a letter from her mother, who expressed regret for past misunderstandings and pride in Nuannuan's new job.
Nuannuan then thanked Han Che, expecting him to acknowledge his team's contribution to the store's success. Instead, Han Che confessed that he owed her, implying he had hurt her when she needed help the most by destroying her dream. Nuannuan, misunderstanding his true meaning, believed he was referring to an incident where he had previously told her to leave her living arrangement.
She assured him it was in the past and even thanked him, crediting that experience with her personal growth and newfound determination. Han Che was deeply impressed by her magnanimity. Gu Li later expressed similar admiration for Nuannuan's forgiving nature. Han Xue, however, realized during a phone call with Nuannuan that Nuannuan had completely misunderstood Han Che's apology, prompting a helpless chuckle from Han Xue.
Nuannuan arrived at the store the next morning, excited for the day, only to be informed by the store manager that she would be accompanying her to the company's national new product ordering meeting. Xiaoli's visibly disgruntled expression made the situation awkward for Nuannuan. Despite initial skepticism from his subordinates about the Xicheng Branch Store's unusual participation, Mr. Fu emphasized the importance of clear rewards and punishments, specifically naming Nuannuan as a required attendee.
Han Xue, upon hearing Nuannuan's good news, felt a pang of despair, contrasting Nuannuan's success with her own struggle as an untrained actress competing against two professionally trained individuals for a role. Gu Li arrived with bubble tea to comfort her. During her subsequent audition for the role of Xiaojing, Han Xue endured inappropriate advances from a leering director who demanded she remove her makeup and then her jacket to assess her figure.
Hearing her distress, Gu Li rushed in, angrily declaring the director was unworthy of even looking at her and pulling her away from the uncomfortable situation. Observing Gu Li's indignant expression afterward, Han Xue tried to calm him, assuring him she could handle herself and that he mustn't tell Han Che, who already disapproved of her career choice. Moments later, a call confirmed that Han Xue had secured the role, filling both her and Gu Li with immense joy.
The group decided to celebrate their good news by having a hotpot dinner at home. After deciding to invite Lin Jiayi and Fang Hanchen, Nuannuan pulled Han Che along to buy groceries. She tried to discern why he seemed unhappy by analyzing his body language, which made him visibly uncomfortable. He retaliated by offering a deal: if she didn't buy coriander, which he detested, he would reveal a store with the cheapest and freshest groceries.
Though initially skeptical, Nuannuan followed his advice, successfully bargaining for a bounty of fresh ingredients. Meanwhile, as Han Xue attempted to hang decorative lights, she slipped. Fortunately, Gu Li caught her in a warm embrace. After recovering from her shyness, she asked him to remove the tangled lights from her head, but he deliberately prolonged the embrace, cherishing the moment. Upon Fang Hanchen's arrival, Nuannuan formally introduced him to Han Che, who maintained a distant demeanor.
When the others became distracted, Fang Hanchen found a moment alone with Nuannuan in the kitchen. He inquired about her well-being, and she vented her frustrations about Han Che's eccentric habits. Their conversation was interrupted by the cat, Hotpot. As Han Che returned, he accidentally slipped and tumbled to the floor, landing in an awkward embrace with Nuannuan. Just then, Han Xue and Lin Jiayi walked in.
Han Che and Nuannuan quickly scrambled to hide beside the bed, where they overheard the two women discussing their desire to set up Lin Jiayi and Han Che. Nuannuan stifled giggles, while Han Che appeared utterly exasperated. Only after Han Xue and Lin Jiayi departed did they cautiously emerge. As dinner began, Han Che refused to join them at the main table.
Lin Jiayi then offered to join him at his separate table, but he politely declined, stating he preferred not to share a hotpot with others. Han Xue presented the liqueur that Fang Hanchen had brought, jokingly teasing Nuannuan about accepting Fang Hanchen's affections, which visibly annoyed Han Che. The group then shared their recent good news: Nuannuan's success in the fashion industry, Han Xue's secured acting role, and Fang Hanchen's song nomination for the Golden Melody Award.
They raised their cups in celebration of these "triple happy events." During a subsequent game, a question about their hiding place inadvertently revealed that Han Che and Nuannuan had been hiding by the bed, leading to a moment of widespread awkwardness and a quick denial from the pair.
Episode 6 Recap
While watching a program featuring Fang Hanchen, Nuannuan heard her colleagues mocking his choice of clothes. She defended him, stating that he would look handsome in anything. Her colleagues then questioned if she was his fan. Before she could say more, the manager intervened, sending everyone away except Nuannuan.
The manager asked Nuannuan to wear a new arrival, specifically an item ordered by a client, to the next day's national ordering meeting, explaining it was a common practice in their industry to enhance the store's image. Nuannuan politely declined, stating she already had an outfit. That night, Nuannuan diligently studied ordering strategies, realizing that intuition and a sharp eye were crucial for success.
The next day, Nuannuan asked Han Che to feed her cat, Hotpot, as she would be away overnight for the ordering meeting. Han Che readily agreed, much to Nuannuan's delight. At the meeting, the manager encouraged Nuannuan to trust her instincts. Feeling confident, Nuannuan's selections, particularly an antique-colored lace top and a green vintage velvet suit, immediately attracted significant attention. The brand's designer, Director Li, was surprised by the soaring order quantities for these items.
Nuannuan explained her choices, noting that vintage styles were in vogue. She suggested ordering only a few pieces of the expensive velvet suit: one for display as a store treasure and the others for VIP clients, assuring the manager it would not become dead stock. Later, back at the hotel, Nuannuan found her manager drunk. He profusely praised her, crediting her for the store winning the sales championship and calling her his "mascot."
He promised to make her a regular employee, leaving Nuannuan both pleased and embarrassed. Meanwhile, Han Che and Gu Li met with a master artisan to discuss the Dunhuang project. The master, while unable to commit due to other projects, was impressed by their passion and recalled working with Han Che's grandparents, Han Zonglin and Zhou Lanzhi, in Dunhuang. Han Che expressed that Dunhuang was a three-generation family legacy for him.
The master encouraged them to proceed, confident in their abilities. As they left, they encountered Lin Jiayi, who was trying to avoid a man named Mr. Xu at a dinner party. Feeling unwell, she was waiting for her company car. Han Che stayed with her for safety until it arrived.
She asked if he would look down on her for being in such situations, but he reassured her that he respected her and that one should not be defined by external opinions. After the ordering meeting, Fang Hanchen picked Nuannuan up. She congratulated him on his new single's award nomination but expressed sadness that his company didn't seem to value him. He, in turn, told her that being with her made him happy.
As Fang Hanchen drove Nuannuan home, they saw Han Che returning with Hotpot, who had slipped out of the apartment earlier. Nuannuan was immediately upset and questioned Han Che. Fang Hanchen tried to de-escalate the situation by apologizing for Nuannuan's behavior, which clearly annoyed Han Che. Nuannuan persisted, angrily asking Han Che if he had forgotten to feed Hotpot and let it become a stray.
Han Che retorted that Hotpot was a stray to begin with and criticized her lack of politeness, sarcastically questioning her industry after her earlier praise for Fang Hanchen. Offended, Nuannuan stormed off. The next morning, Nuannuan was late for work and was admonished by her colleague Xiaoli. While taking inventory, Nuannuan noticed a discrepancy, realizing that two pieces of an item she had ordered were missing.
Later, other staff members quietly warned Nuannuan to be careful of Xiaoli, whose ambition to become a top seller and bad mood over missing the ordering meeting made her resentful. Later, Gu Li was teaching an unskilled Han Xue how to play darts, guiding her to a successful throw, much to her delight. When Nuannuan arrived, Han Xue, who was anxious about an upcoming audition, asked for fashion advice. Nuannuan offered to go to Han Xue's home to help.
Seeing them leave, Han Che was briefly worried until Gu Li clarified that Nuannuan was just staying overnight at Han Xue's. At her home, Nuannuan advised Han Xue to dress simply, like a "blank canvas," to allow the director more imaginative space. Later, Han Xue asked Nuannuan about "hidden rules" in their industry. Nuannuan offered a simple standard: an action is acceptable only if the memory of it brings a good feeling afterward.
Nuannuan then received a distressed call from Fang Hanchen's assistant, Guo'er, who explained that the company had provided an awful outfit for a major event, jeopardizing his career. Recalling the velvet suit, Nuannuan decided to lend it to him despite store rules. Stuck in heavy traffic, she paid the driver and ran the rest of the way, arriving just in time to help Fang Hanchen with the suit. She instructed Guo'er to return it by 5 PM.
Back at the store, as the deadline approached, the suit had not been returned, making Nuannuan anxious. A "super VIP," Mr. Wei, entered and spotted the velvet suit on a mannequin. He loved it and asked to buy it in a larger size. Nuannuan couldn't find the piece, as it was the one she had lent out. She desperately called Guo'er, who said Fang Hanchen was still being interviewed.
Mr. Wei grew furious, threatening to file a complaint if the suit wasn't ready when he returned from his meal. As Nuannuan panicked, Xiaoli confronted her, reminding her she was responsible for the inventory and chillingly suggested calling the police to investigate the "thief," causing Nuannuan to freeze in terror.
Elsewhere, on a film set, Han Xue struggled through rehearsals, messing up her lines and confusing the term for a script stand-in with a kissing double, earning a sarcastic remark from another actor. During the meal break, she diligently practiced her lines. Simultaneously, Han Che's team was struggling with their project. Han Che proposed a new, powerful angle: focusing on the "obscure artisans" of Dunhuang, an idea that invigorated the team.
Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen, wearing the velvet suit, won the Best New Artist Award. The suit was trending online, and his assistant insisted he keep it on, reassuring him that Nuannuan would handle the situation at the store.
Episode 7 Recap
At work, Liu Nuannuan was cornered by her colleague, Xiaoli, who accused her of losing a suit under her care. Citing company rules about double compensation for lost items and a recent internal theft incident, Xiaoli threatened to call the police. The manager's attempt to mediate was unsuccessful. Just as Nuannuan offered to pay for the suit herself, Han Che arrived and resolved the crisis by stating he had purchased the suit.
Meanwhile, Gu Li diligently assisted Han Xue on set, providing her with snacks and a fan, which earned him the nickname "Doraemon." When he offered to run lines with her, they rehearsed a scene where his character confesses his long-held feelings for a servant girl, dismissing his arranged marriage as meaningless. Impressed by his emotional performance, Han Xue praised his natural acting talent.
After his event, Fang Hanchen was stopped by his manager, Mr. Liu, who was ecstatic about his sudden surge in popularity and the flood of work offers. A tired Fang Hanchen politely excused himself, but not before buying a cake to take to Nuannuan. He found Han Che at home, sweating from an intense solo basketball session. Han Che informed him that Nuannuan was out and the suit was no longer an issue.
Sensing Han Che knew more, Fang Hanchen pressed him about the risks Nuannuan had taken. Han Che feigned ignorance and accused Fang Hanchen of exploiting Nuannuan, bringing up how he had helped Lin Jiayi win, which in turn ruined Nuannuan's debut stage. Fang Hanchen vehemently denied the hurtful accusation. Nuannuan returned to find the two in a heated argument. As Fang Hanchen thanked her and left, a frustrated Han Che turned his anger on her.
He harshly criticized her for borrowing the suit without following procedures, calling it a sign of poor character and lack of principles. Deeply hurt, Nuannuan admitted her mistake, explaining she only wanted to help Fang Hanchen and couldn't afford the expensive suit. She tearfully questioned how he could be so cruel if they were even acquaintances. Later, she reflected on his words, sadly admitting to herself that his painful assessment was correct.
That night, both lay in bed, lost in their thoughts. The next day, the manager informed Nuannuan she had to "resign voluntarily." An anonymous letter, complete with specific surveillance footage, had been sent to headquarters, which wanted to handle the matter quietly to avoid a scandal. The manager, expressing his admiration for her talent, advised that resigning would be better for her future job prospects.
Nuannuan agreed and gave a heartfelt farewell to her colleagues, specifically thanking Xiaoli for teaching her so much. Afterwards, she crouched by the side of the road, hiding her tears and feeling completely lost. At Han Che's company, the product department, caught off guard by the suit's sell-out, launched an investigation into who recommended it to Fang Hanchen.
Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen met with Mr. Liu, but hesitated to renew his contract, citing past rumors that the company planned to drop him. Mr. Liu quickly assured him of the company's support, and Fang Hanchen stated his one condition: no interference in his personal life. When Mr. Liu rejected this, Fang Hanchen proposed a deal: he would sign the contract if Mr. Liu did him a favor.
Later, Han Che found Nuannuan eating hotpot alone, a rare sight given her usual aversion to it. She told him she had been forced to resign and confessed her simple dream: to visit an amusement park, watch the fireworks, and ride a Ferris wheel. Their conversation was interrupted by Mr. Liu, who offered Nuannuan a job and accommodation, revealing it was the favor Fang Hanchen had asked for in exchange for renewing his contract.
Conflicted, Nuannuan sought advice from Han Xue, who teased her about her relationship with Fang Hanchen, recalling a time they were broke but he spent his last coins to buy her a hotpot meal. Unsure of her feelings, Nuannuan's dilemma was interrupted by a call from Helen at HOCO, inviting her for an interview. That night, Han Che was plagued by memories of Nuannuan and couldn't sleep. He tried various remedies—reading, adjusting the lights and temperature, aromatherapy—to no avail.
He finally sought professional help, confessing to his therapist that Nuannuan constantly affected his emotions and that he felt an unfamiliar disgust for the man close to her. He decided to avoid confronting these feelings, opting for "active isolation," as Nuannuan was moving out and he was leaving for a business trip. The next day, Nuannuan met with Mr. Fu at HOCO. Recognizing her from a previous event, he offered her a position in the marketing department.
Nuannuan honestly confessed about the suit incident and her resignation. Impressed by her integrity, Mr. Fu offered her the job, promising to take the blame for the incident by telling HR he had authorized the loan. Deeply grateful, Nuannuan accepted. She returned home, excited to share the news with Han Che, but he was gone. Elsewhere, Han Che was confiding in Gu Li, wondering aloud why Nuannuan was moving out and asking if he was truly that difficult to be around.
Episode 8 Recap
Following a successful Dunhuang project, the exhausted team members yearned to return home, but Han Che unexpectedly arrived, declaring he would sleep at the office. His colleagues remarked on his intense dedication, labeling him a "demon king." Gu Li approached him, acknowledging the project's profound significance to Han Che and reassuring him of the team's reliability. Han Che, however, seemed distracted and questioned why Nuannuan had moved out, asking Gu Li if he was truly difficult to get along with.
After a humorous response, a playful squabble ensued over who would sleep on the bed versus the sofa. The next day, Nuannuan began her internship at a new company. She met fellow Marketing Department intern Qiao Lexin, also known as Alison, and they playfully rated each other's outfits. Moments later, Nuannuan collided with another new intern, Gao Ming, scattering his collection of silk panties across the floor. Gao Ming, a textile engineering major, quickly explained he was not a pervert.
Their supervisor, Helen, then assigned all three interns the task of hand-washing the fragile silk garments before the morning meeting. Later, during a company meeting, the head of the department, Mr. Fu, introduced the three new interns. Gao Ming spoke of his textile engineering background, Alison highlighted her French education in luxury management, and Nuannuan mentioned her previous work at the Xicheng Branch Store, where her idea had been used for a successful event.
Mr. Fu outlined the Marketing Department's goals and starkly informed them that only one of the three interns would secure a full-time position. Helen then detailed their first major task: securing 1. 5 million Weibo forwards for a partnership with the show "The Singing God," with each intern responsible for 20,000. She suggested Nuannuan contact Lin Jiayi, a popular idol, given Nuannuan's past as a trainee.
Before Nuannuan could respond, her stomach audibly growled, prompting Mr. Fu to kindly suggest an early lunch. Observing her highly skilled colleagues, Nuannuan reflected on the intensity of the professional world. Helen encouraged her to focus on securing Lin Jiayi's help. Nuannuan contacted Lin Jiayi, who explained that her Weibo account was managed by her company and required their approval.
Nuannuan and Gao Ming then visited the company's Mr. Liu, who explained that commercial forwards for a star like Lin Jiayi incurred significant costs, quoting a price of 50,000, which was far beyond their non-existent budget. Just then, Fang Hanchen arrived and called Nuannuan out. As she tidied his clothing, she explained the budget issue, and he offered to forward their post for free.
Meanwhile, Gao Ming, staying behind, ingeniously proposed a "resource exchange" to Mr. Liu and another manager, Mr. Xu, offering their company's clothes for a new girl group to wear. This strategy secured 20,000 forwards, though it still fell significantly short of their 1. 5 million target. In the subsequent meeting, Nuannuan reported that Lin Jiayi's company required a budget but that Fang Hanchen had personally agreed to provide 13,000 free forwards.
Gao Ming then detailed his resource exchange deal, explaining how he had exchanged some of the company's otherwise unused clothing for tangible online engagement. Mr. Fu commended Gao Ming's flexible thinking but expressed disappointment that Lin Jiayi herself had not been secured. At that moment, Helen excitedly announced that Lin Jiayi had just forwarded their Weibo post, and the number of forwards was rapidly increasing.
When questioned, Alison revealed that Lin Jiayi's boss, Mr. Xu, was a friend of her father's, who had intervened with a phone call. Nuannuan felt a pang of disappointment as she observed Alison's triumphant demeanor. Following this, Mr. Fu assigned the interns a new task: to ensure ten HOCO outfits were featured in each episode of "The Singing God," with a particular focus on getting the star Gao Yingna to wear their designs, as her outfits consistently became trending topics.
The trio went backstage, but Gao Yingna's assistant only allowed one person to enter the dressing room for three minutes. Alison went in but quickly returned, claiming she was dismissed after a brief greeting. As Alison left to complain to management, Nuannuan convinced Gao Ming to stay and wait for another chance. Seizing an opportunity, Nuannuan pulled Gao Ming into the dressing room.
Gao Ming's attempt to flatter Gao Yingna failed when he suggested her high-fashion outfit made her look less youthful. Nuannuan quickly interjected, complimenting the dress as a "battle suit" but astutely pointing out that other contestants were also wearing black. She suggested a white, high-waisted HOCO jumpsuit would make Gao Yingna's legs stand out and perfectly complement her song "White Moonlight." Convinced, Gao Yingna agreed to wear the HOCO outfit.
Later, Gao Yingna personally praised Nuannuan to the show's director, who then called Mr. Fu to commend Nuannuan's exceptional skills. Meanwhile, Han Che explained his "Fulfilling the Dunhuang Dream" project, detailing his preference for a challenging outdoor holographic projection. Later, he encountered Lin Jiayi, who invited him to dinner. He chose a highly visible location, which soon led to Lin Jiayi being mobbed by fans. As she spoke about her work, Han Che seemed uninterested, frequently mentioning Nuannuan.
He scoffed at the idea of Nuannuan being a "smiling angel," calling her a "troublemaker," yet immediately recounted a story of her selflessly practicing dance in the dark to avoid disturbing her roommates, an act he still chided as "foolish." He then declined Lin Jiayi's invitation for tea and left, abandoning her to the fans. Later that night, Han Che found himself restless and unable to sleep.
He realized he was unaccustomed to Nuannuan's absence, identifying her as his "white noise." Suddenly, a drunken Gu Li returned home, bursting with declarations of love for Han Xue. He passionately described love as an all-consuming feeling—the inability to eat or sleep, the constant worry, and the irresistible urge to care for the person, even when they cause frustration. Listening intently, Han Che had a profound realization as he looked at a photo of Nuannuan.
He finally understood: this was love, and he was in love with Nuannuan. In an amusing extra scene, Han Che woke up sneezing, wondering if he was catching a cold. Nuannuan playfully suggested that someone must be thinking about him, to which he cheekily asked her to stop thinking about him so frequently.
Episode 9 Recap
Nuannuan was feeding her cat, Hotpot, and lamenting Han Che's prolonged absence. Scrolling through Gu Li's social media, she discovered Han Che was on a business trip, which annoyed her as he hadn't informed her. Later that night, she received a message from Han Che asking if she was asleep. She replied that she was playing a popular mobile game. Han Che, intrigued, downloaded the game himself.
After reaching her level, he advised her to go to sleep, leaving Nuannuan secretly delighted as she looked at his game character on her screen. The next day, Helen assigned the interns the task of visiting various stores to assess the impact of new catalogs. Nuannuan willingly took on the five most distant stores. She traveled by bus, meticulously investigating each location. Upon her arrival at one of the stores, the staff welcomed her warmly.
The manager praised her, noting she was the first person from their store to be transferred to the headquarters. Nuannuan modestly clarified that she was merely an intern. The manager then excused herself for a meeting, leaving Nuannuan to learn from other staff that her former colleague, Xiaoli, had quit the day after Nuannuan’s transfer. Nuannuan took the opportunity to gather detailed feedback, particularly noting issues with the limited stock of popular plus-size clothing.
Later, while having a quick dinner at a convenience store, Nuannuan observed passersby admiring Fang Hanchen. She mused that he would become even more popular, but then Han Che's image unexpectedly flashed through her mind, unsettling her. Meanwhile, Han Che overheard his team discussing how to handle a pet that ignores them for days and runs away. They spoke of enticing it back with its favorite food and locations, and even hugging it tightly despite potential scratches.
Han Che, puzzled, interjected to ask what they were talking about. His team members clarified that they were simply discussing cats, which left Han Che feeling awkward. Back at the office, Jason Wang had responded positively to their crossover design collaboration. Mr. Fu tasked Linda and Qiao Lexin with preparing a detailed proposal. Noticing Helen's reluctance about the new interns, Mr. Fu pressed her for an explanation.
Helen expressed her satisfaction with Nuannuan, praising her diligence, talent, and ability to exceed expectations. Mr. Fu, however, felt it was too soon to draw a conclusion and stated the need for further observation. He then emphasized that no one should ask for leave for that evening's dinner party with important clients. Helen attempted to decline due to a family health issue, but Mr. Fu insisted everyone attend.
At the hotel, Qiao Lexin discreetly informed Nuannuan that her driver would soon deliver gifts for the clients. Qiao Lexin then confidently mingled with influential guests like Mr. Hu and Mr. Liu, remarking how one's social circle determined their position in life. As Nuannuan was being ushered into a private room, Han Che passed by and, upon hearing her name mentioned in a phone call, began to scan the area for her. Elsewhere, Director Huang personally summoned Han Xue.
Revealing he was an old friend of her father's, Director Huang admitted he gave her the acting opportunity out of respect for him. However, he candidly told Han Xue that she wasn't suited for acting, explaining that while skills could be learned, true talent was innate. He even pointed out another actress as an example of someone with a natural on-screen presence, advising Han Xue not to waste her youth in a demanding industry.
That night, a devastated Han Xue sought solace in a bar, drinking heavily. Worried, Gu Li rushed to her side. He found a heavily intoxicated Han Xue and, at her insistence, finished all her remaining alcohol. Han Xue tearfully poured out her frustrations, lamenting her failures and perceived stupidity. Gu Li comforted her, telling her that she had misjudged both herself and him, and that in his eyes, she "always shines." They then ran wildly through the streets.
Upon arriving at a hotel, Han Xue, still under the influence, forcibly kissed Gu Li. He questioned her, asking "Who am I?" to which she clearly responded, "Gu Li." Recognizing that she knew exactly who he was, Gu Li passionately reciprocated, and they spent the night together. Back at the banquet, Qiao Lexin departed early, explaining that her father had called her home. Mr. Fu, acknowledging her father's influence, did not object.
Soon after, Mr. Hu noticed Nuannuan and inquired if she could sing. Gao Ming quickly interjected, revealing that Nuannuan had once debuted as a member of a girl group, so Mr. Hu immediately insisted she sing. Mr. Fu attempted to deflect the request, but Nuannuan, feeling cornered, reluctantly agreed to perform her debut song, "Chase Your Dreams." Her powerful rendition captivated everyone, earning her applause.
Han Che, having located her, watched her performance with an expression of anger before storming back into a private room. Mr. Hu continued to pressure Nuannuan to drink, but she, unable to hold her liquor, rushed to the restroom and vomited. As she emerged, Mr. Hu's driver informed her that Mr. Hu's car was waiting downstairs and she should wait inside.
Realizing the sinister implications, Nuannuan confronted Mr. Hu directly, asking if he would subject his own daughter to such treatment. Enraged, Mr. Hu raised his hand to strike her. Just then, Han Che appeared, dragged Mr. Hu into an adjacent room, and beat him before leading Nuannuan away. Outside, Han Che angrily demanded to know why she was engaging in such activities.
Nuannuan clarified that she was working as an intern at a fashion company and had not moved out of their shared home. When he told her to quit, she defiantly asked if he would support her, prompting him to retort by asking if she was willing to do "anything." Overwhelmed, Nuannuan tearfully admitted her profound struggles and fears, explaining how she gritted her teeth and persisted through various jobs.
She expressed her envy for Han Xue and Linlin, who knew their life paths, while she felt lost after her dreams were "slapped by reality." Han Che embraced her, offering comfort and reassuring her that she would eventually find her own path. The following morning, a regretful Han Xue woke up and found Gu Li preparing breakfast. Faced with his cheerful demeanor, she quickly warned him not to disclose their encounter to Han Che or her parents.
She tried to downplay the night, claiming she had blacked out. To illustrate how drunk she was, Gu Li reminded her of an incident at a convenience store, but she feigned no memory of it. She pleaded with Gu Li not to drink with her like that again. Gu Li, hurt by her obvious attempt to avoid acknowledging what had transpired between them, could not hide his anguish.
Episode 10 Recap
Following the incident with Mr. Hu, Liu Nuannuan prepares to resign, believing it's the only way to avoid causing more trouble for Mr. Fu. However, Mr. Fu points out that resigning would be an admission of guilt. Nuannuan firmly states that while others might criticize her, she believes she did nothing wrong and would react the same way again. Impressed, Mr. Fu takes responsibility for failing to protect her and praises her for upholding her principles.
Later, colleagues gossip about Mr. Fu's protective behavior toward Nuannuan. Qiao Lexin approaches Nuannuan, expressing admiration for how she handled the lecherous Mr. Hu. She acknowledges Nuannuan's strong character and states a preference for her over Gao Ming, challenging her to compete for the permanent position in a "final battle" the next day. Soon after, Han Xue invites them for a get-together, which both Nuannuan and Qiao Lexin accept.
At Han Xue's home, she brings up a personal dilemma under the guise of a friend's story, describing an intimate situation with a younger man she considers a "brother." The conversation then shifts to Nuannuan's budding relationship with Fang Hanchen and later to Han Xue's own brother, Han Che. Nuannuan defends Han Che, saying that despite his cold exterior, he is warm-hearted and helped her greatly the previous night.
Back at Han Che's home, Nuannuan is overjoyed to find that his cat, Hotpot, has given birth to three kittens. Initially sad at the thought of them being given away, she is relieved when Han Che promises to keep them. In her excitement, she hugs him, causing him to blush. He then reminds her that her internship ends this week, which sobers her mood. At the office, Nuannuan, Alison, and Gao Ming prepare their final internship reports.
Han Che calls to ask Nuannuan home for dinner, but she has to work overtime. Struggling with her report, Nuannuan gets advice from a senior colleague, Helen, who explains that the report should focus on work experience rather than being a grand statement. Nuannuan then learns from Amy that interns cannot access company data but gets a tip to approach "Old Wang" in the Data Department, a fan of "One Piece," who helps her get the information.
That evening, Nuannuan is touched when Han Che not only prepares dinner but also makes her ginger tea, having researched online that it helps during a woman's period. During the final presentations, Alison argues that the company's brand is "outdated" and needs updating by comparing it to foreign brands. Gao Ming follows with a speech full of flattery for Mr. Fu and the company, praising HOCO as the "Chinese Louis Vuitton" and focusing on his personal growth.
Nuannuan then presents her idea for "plus-size girls' fashion," inspired by her store visits where larger sizes sold out quickly. She proposes adjusting the sizing so plus-size girls could feel more confident wearing a "medium" size. However, a supervisor, Amy, dismisses the idea as a sales issue irrelevant to design. After the presentations, Gao Ming, realizing he wasn't selected, quits in anger. Qiao Lexin stops Nuannuan from comforting him, explaining he wouldn't want their pity.
She then confirms that she and Nuannuan have both secured permanent positions and invites Nuannuan to celebrate. At Lin Jiayi's invitation, Nuannuan visits a company and encounters Fang Hanchen. While they play guitar together, he performs a new song for her, and they are secretly photographed. Later, at Han Che’s home, he has cooked a celebratory meal for Nuannuan. The pleasant atmosphere is broken when Fang Hanchen arrives with a late-night snack of crawfish for her.
Han Che, visibly jealous, criticizes the food as unhealthy. As tensions rise, Han Xue rushes in with news of a scandal: an online article titled "Best New Actor's Love Affair," featuring a blurry photo of Fang Hanchen and an unidentified woman. Nuannuan realizes it's her. Meanwhile, Fang Hanchen's manager, Mr. Xu, furiously scolds him, warning that a single scandal can ruin a career.
Acknowledging the crisis, Fang Hanchen calls Nuannuan, reassuring her his company will handle it but explaining they cannot contact each other for a while to avoid suspicion. Nuannuan understands. Afterward, Han Che mocks her apparent lack of concern, to which she coolly replies that while crawfish can get cold, Fang Hanchen will be fine. Mr. Fu assigns the Marketing Department a new project: a promotional plan for the "Deconstruction collection," a younger and trendier line.
Kevin is appointed to lead, with Alison and Nuannuan assisting. Kevin dismissively tells them to review the materials and email their ideas. Nuannuan insists on interviewing the designer to understand their philosophy, but Qiao Lexin disagrees, arguing they should each develop their own plans. Nuannuan gets the phone number of the Design Director, Li Lie, and texts her. She learns from a colleague that Li Lie was inspired by artist Georgia O'Keeffe.
Li Lie eventually calls back, and they have an insightful conversation about O'Keeffe's art, its themes of life and death, and how it influenced the collection's spirit of independence and fearlessness. At the next day's project meeting, Nuannuan is startled to see Han Che, whom Mr. Fu introduces as an internationally acclaimed visual arts master joining their team.
During the presentations, Alison pitches two concepts inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's life and art; Nuannuan is shocked to recognize them as her own ideas, which Kevin then publicly praises Alison for. Mr. Fu assigns Kevin to lead the project, Qiao Lexin to handle clothing, and Nuannuan to manage accessories. After the meeting, Nuannuan tries to leave quietly, but Han Che stops her and asks her to refill his water.
A colleague asks Han Che about his cat, and he launches into detailed advice on cat care, explaining that cats cannot be tamed, need constant affection, and get jealous easily. When the colleague marvels at his memory, attributing it to hyperthymesia, Han Che simply agrees, adding that he has a "little wild cat" of his own.
Episode 11 Recap
After her movie wrapped, Han Xue sincerely thanked the director for giving her the opportunity and for speaking bluntly, which helped her see the truth. She admitted that having always been praised, she had never heard such harsh honesty, but realized it was more important than flattery. Deciding the entertainment industry wasn't for her, she resolved to find a new path.
When Gu Li found her, he initially thought she was just discouraged, but Han Xue declared she was quitting acting for good. After some playful teasing, he understood she was serious. She confessed her acting ambitions stemmed not from a love for the craft, but from a desire for fame and to regain the pride she lost in her girl group days. She compared her motivations to Nuannuan's genuine passion for her work, which she now admired.
Hearing the pain behind her words, Gu Li felt a deep sympathy for her. Noticing Nuannuan being ordered around by various colleagues, Han Che called her into his office. Though confused, she dutifully worked beside him in silence. After work, he fabricated an excuse about visiting a photo studio to take her out for dinner. As she happily ate, he asked why she didn't fight for the role she truly wanted.
Nuannuan explained that workplace etiquette mattered, and it was undignified to squabble over assignments; she vowed instead to perfectly complete any task given to her. Seeing her earnest determination, especially after she accidentally burned her tongue, Han Che couldn't help but smile, finding her incredibly endearing. Back home, Nuannuan vented to her cat, Hotpot, about her difficult colleagues who only feigned kindness to get information about Han Che.
Just then, Han Che appeared and handed her a stack of books, demanding she read them by morning for a test, leaving her overwhelmed. Shortly after, Gu Li called for a work-related discussion. While on the phone, he heard Nuannuan’s jubilant cheers from her room; having absorbed the books' content, she was ecstatic, and her joy brightened his mood. Nuannuan woke before dawn to pick up flowers she had ordered, then rushed to the studio for the photoshoot.
She found herself captivated by Han Che's intense focus and professionalism. During the shoot, Han Che felt the set needed more "layers," prompting Qiao Lexin to use Nuannuan's flowers for her own segment. Nuannuan was disheartened to see her props used for someone else's work, especially as her own shooting time was dwindling. Thinking fast, she proposed extending the studio rental time.
Han Che playfully questioned if she could afford his overtime rate but readily agreed, praising her clever idea to use dried flowers to create a contrasting theme of life and decay. The shoot went perfectly, as he intuitively understood and executed her vision. Afterward, Gu Li arrived to pick them up, and an exhausted Nuannuan babbled about how brilliant Han Che was before falling asleep on Gu Li's shoulder.
Just as Fang Hanchen was about to leave to see Nuannuan, he was stopped by his manager, Mr. Liu. Mr. Liu reminded him that as an idol, his personal life was not his own and that he was in no position to offer Nuannuan happiness. Understanding the reality of his situation, Fang Hanchen decided against seeing her. The next day, Mr. Fu and Helen reviewed the sample photos, with a decision on who to retain already in mind.
During the lunch break, Nuannuan and her colleagues ran into Han Che with Qiao Lexin. After the others directed some sarcastic remarks at Nuannuan, Han Che invited himself along to the restaurant she had mentioned, expressing interest in trying the boiled fish. At the meal, while everyone else fawned over Han Che, he created an awkward silence. When Nuannuan suggested packing the leftovers for home, he bluntly revealed that they lived together.
He then clarified that he was her landlord, though he admitted he’d never collected rent, doing so as a favor to his sister. At a board meeting, Ms. Lie, the Design Department director, complained about needing an assistant, noting that HR had been unresponsive for two months. Afterward, the company's CEO privately instructed Mr. Fu to retain Qiao Lexin, revealing he had received a call from her influential father.
Furious about the lunch incident, Nuannuan messaged Han Che, rebuking him for letting everyone misunderstand their relationship and telling him not to appear at her company again. Han Che, however, simply smiled as he reviewed a new contract. Later, while delivering documents, Nuannuan was unexpectedly roped into serving as a fitting model for Ms. Lie when the original model had an accident. She was deeply impressed by Ms. Lie's commanding professional aura.
That evening, she asked Han Che about learning design, and he encouraged her, advising that the most important step is daring to make the first mark. Nuannuan proactively approached Mr. Fu to request a transfer to the Design Department as an assistant, admitting she had overheard his conversation with HR and wanted to pursue her passion. Impressed by her initiative, Mr. Fu agreed, reminding her she was "his soldier" and must not bring shame to the Marketing Department.
Meanwhile, Han Che told his psychologist he had adopted a pet cat—a metaphor for Nuannuan. The psychologist noted his condition had significantly improved, acknowledging the therapeutic effect of a pet. Back home, seeing Nuannuan in the kitchen and the cat in the yard, Han Che felt it truly resembled a home. Their playful bickering soon resumed, however.
Nuannuan offered him a cake she baked for her new colleagues, admitting she was terrified of her new boss, Ms. Lie, who was secretly nicknamed "Li Mochou" (a cruel villainess from a novel) and "the demon." At the same time, her new colleagues in the Design Department were already placing bets on how long the inexperienced "rookie" would last, with guesses ranging from three days to two weeks.
Episode 12 Recap
Following her successful transfer to the design department, Liu Nuannuan arrives for her first day, bringing a homemade cake to introduce herself. Her new boss, Ms. Liee, dismisses the gesture, stating her department has no time for such things. Upon learning that Nuannuan is a "zero-foundation" newcomer with a secretarial background, Ms. Liee deems her unqualified and immediately dispatches her to a factory to oversee a large order, instructing her not to return until she understands the basics.
After a two-hour journey, Nuannuan meets the workshop director, who is surprised to see a newcomer alone. He gives her a tour, explaining the fabric processing, before having her check and sign off on an order form for a batch of red dresses. Upon returning to the company, Nuannuan is confronted by an enraged Ms. Liee. A critical detail—golden buttons—was missing from the accessory description on the form Nuannuan signed, a blunder Ms. Liee warns will not be tolerated again.
The factory refuses responsibility, forcing Nuannuan to personally remove all 800 buttons from the finished dresses. As she works, a distressed Han Xue calls, but Nuannuan, overwhelmed, hangs up to meet her deadline. Han Xue is left staring at a positive pregnancy test, deeply troubled. After a sleepless night, Ms. Liee immediately sends the exhausted Nuannuan to the market to find ten specific types of mother-of-pearl buttons. After a painstaking search, she finds them all.
Grateful for Han Che's past help, she considers buying him custom cufflinks but is shocked by the 2,300 yuan price tag. Back at the office, she discovers most of the buttons were already in the company's storeroom, a frustrating realization slightly eased when she learns one type was genuinely hard to find. Ms. Liee then concludes by criticizing Nuannuan's casual attire as unsuitable for the design department. Meanwhile, Han Che's project team discusses their slow progress.
Gu Li explains their disagreement over using an open versus a confined space for their visual presentation. The team prefers the "open space" for its potential to create a "visual marvel," but Gu Li worries about unpredictable factors like weather and light. Han Che dismisses these concerns, pushing for the more ambitious option and stating he hired them to create miracles, not to repeat themselves. The team notes Gu Li's uncharacteristic emotional instability during the tense exchange.
That evening, Nuannuan arrives home to find Gu Li and Han Che playfully arguing over who will be the godfather to her cats, Chitterlings, Beef Tripe, and Duck Blood. During dinner, Han Xue lashes out at Gu Li with uncharacteristic harshness, causing him to leave, hurt and confused. Shortly after, Lin Jiayi arrives. Han Xue reveals her pregnancy to a shocked Lin Jiayi.
Gu Li returns and knocks, asking what he did wrong, but Han Xue angrily tells him to leave, accusing him of presuming to understand her. Later, Lin Jiayi accidentally knocks over the box containing the cufflinks Nuannuan bought. Mistaking the initials, she murmurs "Hanchen," leading Han Che to believe the gift is for Fang Hanchen. Visibly disappointed, he makes an excuse and leaves. After he's gone, Lin Jiayi realizes Nuannuan's feelings are actually for Han Che.
Nuannuan later finds Han Xue, who confides she plans to have an abortion. Nuannuan urges her to tell Gu Li, but Han Xue struggles with the idea, uncomfortable with having feelings for her brother's friend. The next day, Nuannuan suggests using Suzhou Ming k'o-ssu as an alternative for a key runway piece, as the rare Nantong original k'o-ssu is unavailable from suppliers and not used for commercial projects.
Ms. Liee explodes with fury, meticulously detailing the technical differences between the two fabrics. She berates Nuannuan for her "nearly good enough" attitude, declaring it intolerable and telling her that if her solutions are "nearly good enough," then she can "nearly good enough" leave the company. Devastated, Nuannuan goes home and cries.
When Han Che, still upset about the cufflinks, finds her, he shows no sympathy, stating that "nearly good enough" is an attitude problem and he would have fired her too. Feeling utterly misunderstood, Nuannuan accuses the "genius" Han Che of not comprehending the struggles of ordinary people and resolves to find the original k'o-ssu herself. She packs a bag, leaves a note asking Han Che to care for the cats, and sets off for Nantong.
As she travels, her phone loses signal. A man claiming to be from Gu Village offers her a ride, explaining the bus route has changed. Nuannuan gratefully accepts. Meanwhile, Han Che grows worried when he can't reach her. His assistant calls, reporting that Nuannuan sent a three-word text ("Call me") to Han Xue before her phone went dead. Furnished with her last known location near Gu Village, Han Che immediately cancels his meetings and races to find her.
In the car, Nuannuan realizes the driver has deviated from the navigation route. Thinking fast, she photographs him, bluffing that she has sent her live location to the police and five contacts. She fabricates a story about managing a major economic development project involving the village's heritage k'o-ssu, claiming the village director is expecting her with a large order and that the entire village will search for her if she disappears. Unnerved, the driver abandons her on the roadside. As a torrential downpour begins, Nuannuan slips and falls into a roadside ditch, losing consciousness while Han Che drives frantically toward her location.
Episode 13 Recap
Han Che anxiously drove towards Gu village, deeply concerned for Nuannuan, whose phone remained off. Despite the heavy downpour that obscured visibility, the villagers he questioned had not seen her. Meanwhile, covered in mud and crying out Han Che's name, Nuannuan struggled uphill, feeling utterly desperate until Han Che appeared, pulling her to safety and bringing her back to his car.
As he gently wiped her wet face, she trembled, confessing that she thought she would never see him again, and they embraced in a moment of profound relief. Observing her bloodied leg, Han Che commended her quick thinking after she explained how she had escaped from a driver who turned out to be dangerous. During this time, Fang Hanchen was also informed of Nuannuan's safety. Nuannuan then realized she had lost her bag when she fell.
Han Che retrieved it, and upon finding a gift box inside, his expression initially darkened, assuming it was for Fang Hanchen. However, Nuannuan quickly clarified that the surprise gift was intended for him. His demeanor immediately softened, and he turned and kissed her. He then gently asked her for the gift, smiling warmly and assuring her, "You can count on me," promising they would reach Gu village.
Upon arriving at Gu village, Han Che and Nuannuan were initially turned away from the wrong house. As they continued to search, the Village Director noticed their disheveled appearance and kindly invited them into his home to change and rest, assuring them he would help. He explained that Mr. Gu was the sole master of original k'o-ssu in the village but was known for his eccentric temperament, making him difficult to approach.
The Director also offered them a place to stay for the night if Mr. Gu refused them. Later, the Director personally escorted Han Che and Nuannuan to Mr. Gu’s residence. Despite the Director’s attempts to introduce them, Mr. Gu, suspicious of their intentions, initially rebuffed them. When Nuannuan tried to explain their purpose, mentioning his expertise in original k'o-ssu, he abruptly cut her off, declaring, "No. Besides, I don't have such a thing at my house."
He firmly dismissed them, asserting that the k'o-ssu belonged to his family, was unrelated to the village, and accused them of having ulterior motives. Unfazed, Han Che calmly stated they would be staying the night. When Mr. Gu questioned why he should host them, Han Che skillfully drew his attention to a "Flying Apsaras k'o-ssu" hanging in the living room, identifying it as the black Apsaras from Cave 320 of the Mogao Caves.
He then explained his studio’s project to restore the true colors of Dunhuang murals using high-tech methods. Intrigued, Mr. Gu invited them inside. Although he initially warned them not to mention k'o-ssu, Mr. Gu and Han Che quickly bonded over their shared passion for Dunhuang murals. Mr. Gu confided that he hadn't had anyone to discuss the murals with since his wife passed away.
Han Che revealed his grandmother was a restorer of Dunhuang murals, while Mr. Gu shared that he and his wife once visited Dunhuang for inspiration. Elsewhere, Gu Li sought out Han Xue, determined to clarify the events of the night they spent together. He revealed he remembered everything, including their intimacy. Han Xue confirmed she too remembered, then revealed she was pregnant. Gu Li, overwhelmed, immediately offered to take her to the hospital.
Shortly after, Nuannuan called Han Xue to check on her. Upon learning that Gu Li intended to take Han Xue for an abortion, Nuannuan expressed her strong disapproval and insisted she would accompany Han Xue when she returned, emphasizing that Han Xue shouldn't face such a situation alone. Later, Nuannuan received a call from Guoguo, relaying Fang Hanchen’s deep concern for her safety. Nuannuan promised to call him back the next day.
Han Che overheard this, and a flicker of jealousy crossed his face. That night, Han Che instructed Nuannuan to stay awake and absorb extensive knowledge about k'o-ssu, including its history, types, techniques, and distinctions. He stressed the importance of thorough preparation if they hoped to win over Mr. Gu, prompting Nuannuan to declare her unwavering determination to make Mr. Gu personally ask them to stay.
The next day, Han Che and Nuannuan overheard Mr. Gu arguing loudly with a villager, frustrated that he could not obtain loach, which he needed as an offering for his late wife's death anniversary. Realizing the significance of the loach, Han Che expressed his desire to help, mentioning how comforting it would be to have someone remember and prepare his favorite dish after his passing. They sought assistance from the Village Director, who directed them to his own paddy fields.
There, the Director revealed the reason for Mr. Gu’s secrecy: two years prior, a group posing as a cultural exchange team took many precious k'o-ssu pieces abroad and never returned, leading to Mrs. Gu’s severe illness and subsequent death. This revelation helped Han Che and Nuannuan understand Mr. Gu’s deep mistrust. As they joyfully caught loaches in the muddy fields, their connection deepened amidst laughter and splashes.
That evening, while admiring the stars, Han Che confided in Nuannuan about his hyperthymesia. He explained that it was not a blessing, as the overwhelming information caused fevers, insomnia, and the painful experience of being called a "monster." The most agonizing part, he revealed, was that all his sad memories were perpetually present.
He recounted the traumatic memory of his grandmother’s critical illness and his profound regret for not returning in time, a decision influenced by a past argument with his father and his refusal to answer a phone call, knowing his grandmother murmured his name before she died. Gu Li accompanied Han Xue to the hospital. On the way, she mentioned she wanted chocolate, and he immediately went to buy some for her.
While he was gone, a little girl approached Han Xue, repeatedly calling her "Mom," an interaction that visibly touched her. At the hospital, Gu Li returned and revealed his financial plans to support them, detailing his savings, stock market investments, a potential project bonus, and even plans to sell his hometown house to buy one near the hospital. He then earnestly asked Han Xue to be with him and the baby, which he called "a gift from God."
Han Xue, however, countered his earnestness by asking if they were there for an abortion, to which he replied he thought it was a prenatal check-up. The test results confirmed that Han Xue had a false pregnancy. Upon receiving the news, Han Xue expressed profound relief. Back at his home, Gu Li was distraught.
He received numerous deliveries of baby essentials he had ordered, ignored calls from his worried mother, and finally collapsed on the floor amidst the scattered items, crying tears of devastation. Meanwhile, Han Xue, seemingly unburdened, looked at the stack of chocolates Gu Li bought her, lost in thought. The following day, Nuannuan meticulously prepared the offerings for Mrs. Gu’s memorial, insisting on doing it herself to convey her sincerity.
Mr. Gu observed her, his initial reaction one of suspicion, accusing her of being solely interested in his family’s k'o-ssu, similar to those who had betrayed him before. Nuannuan humbly apologized for overstepping but asserted that she was genuinely sincere. As Mr. Gu knelt before his wife’s memorial, he expressed his regret for not personally preparing her favorite loach dish.
He observed the sweet cake and wild flowers Nuannuan had prepared, noting they were also his wife’s favorites, and apologized to her for his earlier aggressive behavior. He then silently asked his wife if he could trust Nuannuan and Han Che. Later, seeing that the pair was still present, Mr. Gu led them into an inner room. He tested Nuannuan's knowledge of k'o-ssu tools and pieces, which she passed. Nuannuan then noticed his k'o-ssu machine was unfinished.
Mr. Gu sadly explained he stopped working on it after his wife’s passing. Nuannuan gently countered, suggesting that their shared passion could serve as an enduring connection to his late wife. Moved by her words, Mr. Gu agreed to cooperate with them, presenting them with a box of k'o-ssu samples he personally selected.
Episode 14 Recap
Having successfully secured the k'o-ssu artisan's cooperation, Liu Nuannuan informed her company of the good news before joining Han Che for lunch. During their meal, Han Che displayed his fastidious nature, meticulously wiping the table to avoid an upset stomach. Nuannuan playfully teased him about his sudden preference for meat, reminding him that cats are carnivores.
Afterward, they visited a clothing store where Han Che, having forgotten to bring a change of clothes, was convinced to try on a white shirt. Nuannuan gently helped him with a misplaced button, their eyes meeting in a sweet moment. They playfully bickered about his inability to button a shirt and her choice of a simple T-shirt. As they left, they passed a photo studio.
Initially hesitant, they were persuaded by the photographer to take a picture, with Nuannuan leaning on Han Che's shoulder and him struggling to smile naturally. On the drive back, Han Che spoke earnestly about his Dunhuang project, recalling cherished childhood memories of visiting the Dunhuang exhibition. Nuannuan, captivated, shared her own imaginative vision of Dunhuang as a mysterious cave where celestial maidens and golden lotuses appear. Han Che smiled, affirming that her description was exactly what he envisioned.
Observing his profile, Nuannuan's heart settled, finally understanding that her past uncertainties about liking someone had vanished; she now clearly knew her feelings for him. Nuannuan presented the k'o-ssu sample to Ms. Lie, who was highly impressed. Ms. Lie not only approved of Nuannuan's work but also immediately registered her fingerprints and issued her a door card, promoting her from intern to a full member of the design team.
She further instructed Nuannuan to attend an upcoming conference with the Market Department regarding new co-design products and to prepare a list of alternative celebrity recommendations. Later, Nuannuan met Fang Hanchen, who expressed his deep anxiety from when he couldn't reach her. He confessed his desire for an "identity" that would allow him to always be by her side. Nuannuan gently declined, revealing she had feelings for Han Che.
Upon learning that her feelings for Han Che were not yet confirmed, Fang Hanchen insisted he still had a chance and would wait for her. After she left, he confided in a friend, admitting his overconfidence. He had always felt he and Nuannuan were just one step away from being together, but lamented that Han Che had taken that final step instead of him.
That evening, Nuannuan met with Han Xue, who confirmed that her pregnancy scare was a false alarm. Nuannuan, wanting to share her feelings about Han Che, hesitated when Han Xue suddenly began discussing Lin Jiayi's crush on him. Han Xue noted Lin Jiayi's unusual attentiveness towards her but quickly dismissed her chances, describing her as just a pretty face lacking the intellect and academic background her mother sought in a daughter-in-law.
Listening to Han Xue's harsh assessment, Nuannuan lost her appetite and decided against sharing her own affections for Han Che. At the next day's meeting for the celebrity co-design project, Nuannuan recommended Fang Hanchen. Han Che, feeling a pang of jealousy, countered by putting forward Lin Jiayi, arguing that her "blank slate" personality would allow the costume design greater prominence.
When Ms. Lie prompted Nuannuan for her opinion on Lin Jiayi's supposed lack of personality, Nuannuan defended her, stating her sweet style was merely commercial packaging and that she was a smart, ambitious individual. Ultimately, Ms. Lie, trusting Han Che's judgment, approved Lin Jiayi. Han Che then specifically requested the same production crew as before to ensure Nuannuan's involvement, assigning her as the liaison with Lin Jiayi, citing their friendship.
Later, in the tea room, the two exchanged subtle barbs, mutually accusing each other of being overly familiar with Fang Hanchen and Lin Jiayi, revealing their underlying jealousy. At the filming location, Liu Gang introduced Lin Jiayi to Ms. Lie. While Lin Jiayi praised Ms. Lie's designs, Ms. Lie made it clear that Lin Jiayi was expected to actively participate in the design process.
Liu Gang casually remarked that "close enough" would suffice, a phrase Ms. Lie notoriously disliked, which left her unimpressed. In the elevator, Lin Jiayi expressed her determination to try designing to live up to Han Che's recommendation. Inspired by her resolve, Nuannuan decided she would also try her hand at designing, but struggled to find inspiration. Feeling the pressure, Nuannuan and Lin Jiayi sought Han Che's guidance at his studio.
He explained that design isn't solely about beauty but about capturing and conveying emotion, using elements from the Forbidden City and Dunhuang murals as examples. Nuannuan grasped the idea of soaking in experiences and waiting for enlightenment. Meanwhile, Han Xue, prompted by Gu Li's recent social media activity, visited the studio. She found Gu Li distant and engrossed in a holography project with his team.
Her disappointment grew when the team ordered healthy food instead of fried chicken, and she nearly disrupted Gu Li's work. Seeing him so absorbed with others and giving her little attention, Han Xue grew visibly frustrated. During a holographic test, Lin Jiayi asked Nuannuan about Fang Hanchen. Nuannuan explicitly stated, "I can now say for sure that I don't like him," explaining that simply spending time together doesn't guarantee affection.
Han Che, who was nearby, overheard only the emphatic "I don't like him" and mistakenly assumed she was referring to him. He left abruptly, visibly upset. Unbeknownst to them, after Nuannuan left the studio, Lin Jiayi stayed behind to thank Han Che privately, a moment that was secretly photographed by paparazzi. That evening, Nuannuan returned home to discover her room beautifully illuminated by colorful lights, a surprise from Han Che.
The vibrant display sparked a flood of inspiration, and she picked up her drawing tools, her heart filled with gratitude and her growing feelings for him. The next morning, buoyed by her newfound inspiration, Nuannuan tried to thank Han Che for the light display. However, still reeling from the misunderstanding, he was cold and dismissive, telling her to "suit yourself" before angrily throwing down his chopsticks and walking away, leaving Nuannuan utterly bewildered.
Later, during a design review, Nuannuan hesitated to present her work. Her resolve crumbled when she overheard colleagues gossiping about an online scandal: Lin Jiayi had been photographed secretly meeting Han Che. Shocked, Nuannuan was approached by Liu Gang, who explained that Ms. Lie was furious.
He implored Nuannuan to help by posing for photos with Han Che, arguing that since she and Lin Jiayi had similar body types, a scandal involving her would cause minimal financial damage compared to one with a celebrity like Lin Jiayi, thus making her the "solution" to the crisis.
Episode 15 Recap
Lin Jiayi, concerned about the recent rumors, arrived disguised to speak with Han Che. He assured her he would issue a public statement to clarify the situation. She apologized for involving him and causing trouble, but insisted she was okay with the rumors, stating that as long as it concerned him, she was not afraid, even if it cost her fans or job opportunities.
Han Che, however, stressed that it was a matter of reputation that needed to be handled properly, and she thanked him for his consideration. Meanwhile, Helen explained to Mr. Fu the intense reaction of Lin Jiayi’s fans to the scandal, noting that nearly 200,000 fans had unfollowed her and were boycotting all products she endorsed. As others proposed terminating the partnership, Nuannuan requested a moment to find a solution.
She then approached Han Che, asking for an explanation, but grew disappointed by his seemingly indifferent attitude. During a photoshoot, the photographer, Liu, urged them to pose intimately. At his direction, Han Che pulled Nuannuan close, a gesture that made her uncomfortable as she imagined he had held Lin Jiayi in the same way. Han Che, frustrated by her reaction, remarked that she knew nothing. The photoshoot ended with both Nuannuan and Han Che feeling hurt, their misunderstanding unresolved.
Lin Jiayi, seeing the photos of Han Che and Nuannuan, became visibly jealous. After expressing her anger at Liu, who enthusiastically explained how he guided the pose, she confronted Fang Hanchen. He revealed that he had long known both Nuannuan and Han Che had feelings for each other, even before they realized it themselves. Though shocked, Lin Jiayi refused to give up, declaring that as long as they remained unmarried, she still had a chance.
The two then decided to work together toward a common goal. Naomi decided to help Gu Li. They met at a cafe, where Naomi spoke loudly about their time together in the US, making Han Xue, who was passing by, visibly uncomfortable. Later that night, Han Xue, unable to sleep, saw Gu Li's social media post with Naomi. Feeling conflicted, she deliberately posted an update about having a fever.
Gu Li, anxious after seeing her post, wanted to go to her, but Naomi advised him to stay put, suggesting Han Xue was testing him and that he needed to make her realize what his absence felt like. Despite Naomi's counsel, Gu Li went to Han Xue's place, only to find she was not actually sick. Relieved, he called Naomi, expressing his happiness that Han Xue cared about him. Nuannuan saw the news that Lin Jiayi’s scandal had been clarified.
She lamented that no one seemed to care about her, a "has-been" artist, when her mother called, showing concern. At the company, everyone noted that the scandal had surprisingly increased Lin Jiayi's popularity. Ms. Lie found Lin Jiayi's submitted design proposal to be in poor taste but was impressed by Nuannuan's design. Mr. Fu decided to use Nuannuan's design as Lin Jiayi's. Ms. Lie, curious about Nuannuan’s quiet satisfaction, asked her about it.
Nuannuan replied that she was simply happy that her design would be made into clothing, sold, and worn by others. Han Xue called two colleagues from Gu Li's studio, inquiring about Gu Li and Naomi. Learning that they had become very close, she asked if the studio was hiring. Discovering they needed a receptionist, she soon appeared at the studio, announcing her intention to work there.
Gu Li was surprised to see her, and Han Xue grew jealous watching his interactions with Naomi. While stacking packages, Han Xue accidentally twisted her ankle, but Gu Li swiftly caught her, preventing her from falling. In that moment, Han Xue found him quite handsome. Later, when Han Xue began to clean his room, Gu Li, fearing she would see baby products he had purchased, rushed to stop her, warning her not to enter his room without permission again.
Angered, she left. Liu arrived to remind Nuannuan that Han Che and Lin Jiayi could not be photographed in the same frame. However, upon seeing them, Liu showered Lin Jiayi with effusive praise, much to Nuannuan's frustration. Lin Jiayi thanked Nuannuan for the design, but Nuannuan clarified that she would never truly give away something she genuinely cherished. Nuannuan was later pulled by staff to test equipment, running on a track until exhausted.
Han Che noticed and questioned the staff, who quickly shifted blame. Reminded by Liu of the "no co-framing" rule, Nuannuan intervened, telling Han Che to relay any messages through her. As the shoot began, Nuannuan acted as an intermediary. She suggested they video call, but Lin Jiayi refused, citing past issues with being photographed together. Lin Jiayi then asked Nuannuan to tell Han Che to stay hydrated.
Reluctantly, Nuannuan gave Han Che a water bottle, and Han Che found her pouting expression amusing. Despite her fear of heights, Lin Jiayi agreed to climb onto the rooftop for the shoot. When her mood seemed to falter, Han Che offered to go up with her to help. Nuannuan also tried to follow, wanting to hear what they were discussing.
Episode 16 Recap
On a film set, as Han Che demonstrated a scene for Lin Jiayi, their close proximity prompted a crew member to question why they were together in a shot, as it was supposed to be avoided. Nuannuan arrived just in time to witness their near-kiss. Upset, she later got into Han Che's car and pulled him into a fierce, intense kiss.
Afterward, Lin Jiayi’s manager, Liu, chastised her for her indiscretion on the rooftop, but Lin Jiayi was unconcerned, admitting she liked Han Che and was happy that Nuannuan had seen them together. Later, at the wrap party, toasts were made to thank the cast and crew. Liu toasted Nuannuan, apologizing for not realizing she worked for HOCO. The conversation turned to an online charity auction for Lin Jiayi's collaborative item.
When Han Che stepped away, Fang Hanchen revealed to his companions that he intended to bid on the item because Nuannuan, not Lin Jiayi, was its true designer. The auction began, and the price quickly doubled due to bids from Lin Jiayi's fans. Fang Hanchen ultimately won the item for a record-breaking thirty thousand yuan. The next day, Lin Jiayi urgently called Nuannuan, advising her to turn off her phone.
Soon after, Nuannuan was ambushed by a reporter and learned that a controversy had erupted: the public had discovered she was the ghost-designer for the "collaborative item." To manage the crisis, the company had Nuannuan record a video statement clarifying that the collection was solely Lin Jiayi's work and apologizing for the misunderstanding. Following the video's release, Nuannuan faced a storm of online criticism and ridicule from her colleagues. Distraught, she returned home and began tearing up her design drafts.
Han Che appeared, holding the shining dress she had designed, which he had purchased at the auction. He comforted her, telling her he had already seen her potential and that he believed in her no matter what. Inspired by Han Che's encouragement, Nuannuan woke up with renewed determination. In the bathroom, she and Han Che playfully bickered about their recent intense kiss. At breakfast, he used a cold spoon to reduce her eye swelling, and she teased him for nagging.
On their way to work, Han Che carried her across the street, reminding her that with only one month left until the spring-summer fashion show, everyone needed to remain focused. At the office, preparations for the show were in full swing. The director, Ms. Lie, rejected Biqi’s designs for lacking innovation. While Nuannuan was working overtime, Han Che surprised her with a visit.
Biqi arrived and made sarcastic remarks, suggesting Nuannuan’s design was only used because of Han Che's support for Lin Jiayi. Nuannuan calmly retorted that luck is also a form of ability. After Biqi left, Han Che playfully lifted Nuannuan to cheer her up. That night, while watching an interview in which Lin Jiayi described herself as confident and not one to dwell on the past, Nuannuan felt insecure.
She confessed her jealousy over Han Che's past interactions with Lin Jiayi, including their rooftop kiss. Han Che then demonstrated how a stage kiss works, leaning in close before pulling away, leaving her flustered. The next day, the company was in chaos. Identical versions of HOCO’s new designs had been released by a competitor, indicating a leak.
The HR manager immediately suspected a traitor in the Design Department, but Ms. Lie argued that other departments, like Marketing, also had access to core areas. Mr. Fu, the boss, demanded solutions, and Ms. Lie took full responsibility, promising to deliver a completely new collection in just half a month. Pressed for new ideas, the design team was silent.
Encouraged by Han Che not to limit herself to being an assistant, Nuannuan bravely presented Ms. Lie with her unused sketches inspired by the Dunhuang desert, murals, and flying Apsaras. Ms. Lie was impressed and approved the concept. Biqi confronted Ms. Lie, questioning the decision, but Ms. Lie explained that while Biqi's work was mature, it lacked the creativity and innate talent she saw in Nuannuan. Later, Ms. Lie encouraged Nuannuan to seize every opportunity to pursue her dream.
That night, Han Che cooked noodles to celebrate Nuannuan's progress. She informed him that a male celebrity needed to be added to the fashion show lineup and that she was handling the arrangements. Han Che immediately guessed it was Fang Hanchen. As Nuannuan called Fang Hanchen to discuss the collaboration, Han Che's presence and comments flustered her, leading to a comically awkward conversation that made her fear she had just lost her job.
Episode 17 Recap
Three days before the fashion show, Ms. Lie meticulously directed the rehearsal with Nuannuan's assistance, instructing Lin Jiayi on her movements and accessories to ensure a graceful presentation. She also guided Fang Hanchen on his stage cues with Lin Jiayi. Ms. Lie's attention to detail extended to the lighting for "Master King" during the show. Soon, Mr. Liu arrived, praising Lin Jiayi for perfectly embodying HOCO’s seasonal style and commending Fang Hanchen, whose songs were popular with his daughter.
He also acknowledged Han Che as a young and accomplished professional. Mr. Liu concluded by thanking everyone for their hard work and significant contributions to the HOCO fashion show, singling out Ms. Lie as the company's backbone for launching a new plan in less than half a month. Following the rehearsal, Han Che revealed to Nuannuan that he knew she was the one who bought his collaborative item at the auction.
When Lin Jiayi brought up the topic in front of everyone, Fang Hanchen quickly interjected, feigning concern that Nuannuan was running a fever and attempting to take her away. Though Nuannuan protested, Fang Hanchen later admitted he just wanted to see Han Che’s frustrated reaction. He then pressed Nuannuan about her relationship with Han Che, asking why they hadn’t made it public. Nuannuan confessed that she was the one who didn't want to go public yet, fearing office gossip.
Han Che, having followed them, overheard and challenged her, demanding to make their relationship official immediately. He insisted he wouldn't be her "underground lover" and declared his love for her. Later, Mr. Fu summoned Nuannuan, expressing his regret that her talent was now benefiting the Design Department. Nuannuan reassured him that she considered herself his "soldier" no matter where she worked.
She then showed him the special handmade, feather-adorned shoes she had to pick up for the show from an independent workshop. As she was leaving, Han Che unexpectedly arrived to pick her up. Nuannuan also met with Han Xue, who was feeling lost because Gu Li had become cold and distant towards her after a past misunderstanding.
Han Xue questioned if Nuannuan was only working at the company to spy on Gu Li, and Nuannuan admitted she was trying to understand him, confessing her own uncertainty about her feelings and the emptiness she felt without him. The day before the fashion show, amidst frantic preparations, Ms. Lie shared a personal moment with Nuannuan. She spoke of the industry's cruelty and the passion that fueled her designs, reiterating that every show felt like a battle.
Nuannuan tearfully thanked Ms. Lie for the opportunity and guidance. Ms. Lie then presented Nuannuan with a black outfit, explaining that black is the perfect color for a designer's solo curtain call and expressing her hope that Nuannuan would wear it for hers one day. The next morning, Han Che joined Nuannuan, applying lipstick for her and reaffirming their plans for a victory celebration at home that night.
With only ten hours left, chaos erupted during the final rehearsal when all the models' shoes unexpectedly broke, leaving no spare pairs. While the director was furious and Ms. Lie suspected foul play, Nuannuan proposed a bold new plan. She called Han Che, asking for his help to completely change the visual plan and music to create a passionate, unrestrained Hawaiian theme. Han Che agreed, playfully demanding a kiss as payment. With Ms. Lie's trust, Nuannuan rallied the team.
She instructed the models to walk barefoot, and despite initial hesitation, Fang Hanchen and Ms. Lie’s swift support inspired the others to follow. The team repurposed materials like silk and flowers, transforming the original elegant style into a vibrant, Dunhuang-inspired aesthetic. As she helped Lin Jiayi prepare, Lin Jiayi expressed her gratitude to Nuannuan for always helping her when it mattered most.
The fashion show was a resounding success, and afterwards, the show’s visual director—the renowned "King"—praised Nuannuan for her composure and ingenuity. After the show, Nuannuan excused herself from the team celebration, eager to share her joy with Han Che. As she approached, she overheard a distressing conversation between him and Lin Jiayi. Lin Jiayi confronted Han Che, questioning his inconsistent behavior and revealing that he had helped her win the finals. She then called him "King," her secret hero.
Shocked and heartbroken, Nuannuan interjected, accusing Han Che of being the "King" who had helped Lin Jiayi while harming her and Han Xue. Han Che confirmed he was King and apologized for not telling her. He then tried to explain to Lin Jiayi that his actions were a "payback" or "compensation," as he had mistakenly believed she was the person from his memory, confessing he never loved her.
Before Han Che could explain further to Nuannuan, Fang Hanchen intervened and took the distraught Nuannuan away. Han Che pursued them, only to be confronted by Fang Hanchen, who fiercely declared that Nuannuan was his unwavering motivation and he would not allow Han Che to hurt her. Fang Hanchen then drove Nuannuan away. Still deeply distressed, Nuannuan asked Fang Hanchen to drop her off at the company, insisting on being alone.
Upon entering her office, Nuannuan frantically searched for a pair of shoes before confronting Han Xue, demanding to know if everyone had been aware of Han Che’s identity as "King" and had kept it from her. Han Xue tearfully apologized and tried to reassure Nuannuan that Han Che genuinely loved her.
However, Nuannuan, feeling as though a knife had been plunged into her heart, was devastated by the thought that everything Han Che did for her might have been mere compensation. Meanwhile, Lin Jiayi returned to confront Han Che again, demanding a full explanation. Han Che reiterated that his sole intention had always been to help Nuannuan and that he had mistaken Lin Jiayi for her because of a hairpin.
He apologized for the misunderstanding, stating explicitly that he was never her "hero" and had not loved her, not even for a second. Lin Jiayi tearfully accepted the painful truth, confessing that she had fallen for him—her first love—because of his mistake. Acknowledging her affections were misplaced, she said a final, sorrowful goodbye and walked away.
Episode 18 Recap
Waking up at her office desk, Nuannuan discovered all the broken shoes were missing, which she found odd. She then overheard Marketing Department staff discussing the incident, revealing that the shoe supplier was Ms. Lie's former schoolmate and implying a deeper conspiracy, possibly someone setting up Ms. Lie to aid Mr. Fu's promotion. Upon learning that Ms. Lie had resigned, Nuannuan rushed to her office.
Mr. Fu attempted to persuade Ms. Lie to stay, but she was firm in her decision to leave, assuring him that HOCO's design style could be managed by the Marketing Department and that any new design director would be a better fit. She expressed gratitude to her team for their consistent efforts and support.
Despite Nuannuan's apologies, Ms. Lie explained her resignation was not merely due to the fashion show incident but to avoid getting further entangled in a "boring power struggle." She believed her departure would resolve the show's issues. Ms. Lie then advised Nuannuan to use her time at HOCO to discover what truly matters to her and to tell Li Biqi that a designer's talent is the only thing that should be exploited.
Soon after, Han Che arrived at the company looking for Nuannuan. He encountered Li Biqi, who informed him that the Design Department was in chaos following Ms. Lie's resignation and that Nuannuan was likely facing joint liability. Concerned, Han Che found Nuannuan and took her home. Once there, Nuannuan declared her intention to move out. Han Che was taken aback, assuming she had moved past the issue.
However, Nuannuan found his assumption absurd, asserting that he had shattered her dreams and caused her immense suffering, from the humiliation of watching Lin Jiayi rise on stage to the hardship of being jobless and homeless. He apologized, pledging to dedicate his life to compensating her. Nuannuan dismissed his words, bitterly remarking that their relationship had become one solely of compensation. She then left with Fang Hanchen, leaving Han Che to grapple with his remorse.
Fang Hanchen took Nuannuan to a new apartment he had purchased, offering it to her. Nuannuan expressed reservations, particularly about rent. Fang Hanchen recounted how she had once delivered an outfit for him, drenched in sweat, after being fired from a job because of him. He explained that his current efforts were driven by a desire to be able to tell her, "It's okay, I'm here for you," whenever she needed him.
Feeling he had already done too much for her, Nuannuan insisted he take her to a hotel instead. After dropping her off, Fang Hanchen discovered she had left her house key in his car. Back at their apartment, Han Che gazed at the empty rooms, reflecting on the lively atmosphere they once shared, now alone with his sorrow. Han Xue angrily questioned Gu Li about Han Che's whereabouts.
Gu Li explained Han Che’s tendency to avoid explanations, then turned the conversation to their own unresolved issues, telling Han Xue to think things through before they spoke further. Meanwhile, Han Che remembered a suspicious individual at the fashion show and reviewed surveillance footage from the underground parking lot. He found the relevant clip but failed to message it to Nuannuan, as she had blocked him. Just then, Fang Hanchen called, asking to meet to return the apartment key.
When Han Che asked why Nuannuan didn't return it herself, Fang Hanchen informed him they had broken up. Han Che then asked Fang Hanchen to add him as a contact, explaining he had something important for Nuannuan. Nuannuan received the surveillance image from Fang Hanchen, which confirmed her suspicion that someone had tried to destroy evidence. She rushed to a garbage disposal area to search for the shoes.
With the help of a cleaning lady, she located the bag of broken shoes in a surveillance blind spot. The woman also pointed out a permanently parked car, which Nuannuan realized might have a dashboard camera. While Nuannuan went to the management office to find the owner, her boss, Director Liu, called Fang Hanchen to reprimand him for missing an important meeting. Nuannuan successfully obtained the dashboard camera footage, which served as crucial evidence. However, Director Liu was dismissive.
He deleted the video, which implicated Li Biqi, and offered Nuannuan a scholarship to study in Italy. Nuannuan declined, and recalling Ms. Lie's advice that a designer's true value is their talent, she sent a copy of the video to the Marketing Department, exposing Li Biqi. Having resigned from HOCO, Nuannuan visited Ms. Lie, finding her at home with her child. Ms. Lie explained that she keeps her work and personal life separate, emphasizing that work isn't everything.
She asked if Nuannuan had found her new focus, but Nuannuan admitted she hadn't decided yet. Elsewhere, Gu Li grew concerned about Han Che's deteriorating state and frequent headaches. Han Che suddenly collapsed. At the hospital, a doctor stressed the urgency of surgery and instructed him to avoid any emotional triggers beforehand. Meanwhile, Han Xue discovered a stash of baby supplies Gu Li had bought.
Reflecting on his kindness, she confessed her feelings, apologized for her past behavior, and asked how they could return to how they were. Gu Li calmly replied that they had both matured and going back was no longer possible, leaving her confused. Han Xue confided in Nuannuan, who realized Gu Li no longer wanted to be her "little brother" but her boyfriend.
Gu Li, in turn, sought advice from Naomi, who suggested he just give in if it was too difficult, leaving him conflicted. Fang Hanchen met with Nuannuan and revealed he had been invited to participate in a reality show called "Falling in Love." The show required him to sever all romantic ties, and he asked for her opinion. Nuannuan enthusiastically encouraged him, believing his gentle and considerate nature would make him popular.
He then invited her to be the stylist for him and his female partner on the show. Seeing it as a new opportunity, Nuannuan accepted. As she prepared to leave, a distressed Fang Hanchen stopped her, asking if she wasn't curious about his on-screen partner. When he revealed it was Lin Jiayi, Nuannuan’s relaxed expression left him deeply disappointed. He then told her that it was Han Che who had found the video evidence for her.
Nuannuan admitted she had guessed as much and asked him not to mention Han Che again. Later, Fang Hanchen told Han Che that he would now help Nuannuan fulfill her dream. Realizing he could no longer remain passive, Han Che sought out Han Xue and pleaded for her help to win Nuannuan back.
Episode 19 Recap
Picking up from his decision to win Nuannuan back, Han Che visits his sister, Han Xue, for the first time since returning to the country. He startles her by calling her "sister," something he never does, and asks for her help. Meanwhile, Nuannuan meets with Lin Jiayi, who will be styling her and Fang Hanchen for the dating show they are on together. Lin Jiayi stresses that her work always comes first and their professional relationship is paramount.
She apologizes for the incident during their debut performance but asserts she did nothing wrong by falling for Han Che. She adds that she is glad it was Nuannuan who found happiness with him, as she couldn't. Later, Nuannuan and Han Xue drink together. Han Xue expresses concern over Nuannuan taking an unstable stylist job and advises her not to push Han Che away, explaining that some people are simply clumsy at expressing their feelings.
Drunk, they arrive at Han Che’s house where Nuannuan clings to him, begging him not to leave. He carries her to bed, gently kisses her cheek, and promises to stay by her side. The next morning, Nuannuan wakes up horrified to find Han Che watching over her, and she blames Han Xue for the situation.
A memory of her drunken antics is triggered by the sight of Han Che's dog, and she turns to leave, only to be embraced by Han Che. He apologizes profusely for causing her pain. Nuannuan dismisses his feelings as compensation born from guilt. Han Che admits that might have been true at first but struggles to articulate his true feelings now. Disappointed by his inability to explain himself, Nuannuan leaves.
Han Xue later scolds her brother for his foolishness but is heartened when Nuannuan suggests they both just need time to think, seeing it as a sign of hope. This prompts Han Xue to propose a bet with Nuannuan: who will succeed first, Han Che winning back Nuannuan, or Han Xue winning over Gu Li. Nuannuan begins her new job, moving costumes into a hotel with Fang Hanchen. The show’s lead stylist, Zong Ying, introduces herself, appearing friendly.
While Nuannuan is impressed by her professional reputation, she remains uncertain about her personality. In a moment of conflict, Nuannuan suggests a different color for Fang Hanchen’s outfit, which prompts a sarcastic response from Zong Ying, who tells Nuannuan to take full responsibility for his styling if she knows him so well. Nuannuan quickly apologizes, and Zong Ying advises her to always have a backup plan ready. Meanwhile, Gu Li is dejected, believing Han Xue has forgotten his birthday.
His mood lifts when she bursts in dressed as Sailor Moon with a matcha cake. However, he shows more excitement for a gift from Naomi, a new computer accessory. Later, Naomi privately urges Gu Li to confess his true feelings to Han Xue, as she can no longer keep up their pretense. On the first day of filming, the director publicly berates Nuannuan for dressing Fang Hanchen in a black jacket against a dark background.
When she offers to run back to the hotel for a backup, he becomes enraged. Fang Hanchen saves the day by offering to shoot in just his shirt. Afterward, a humbled Nuannuan asks Zong Ying for advice on coordinating outfits with filming locations and diligently takes notes. That evening, Fang Hanchen takes Nuannuan out for hotpot. They reminisce about their difficult but memorable days as trainees.
He expresses a wish to return to the past, but Nuannuan insists their best days are still ahead. They toast to Fang Hanchen’s future stardom and her "brand-new life." Unbeknownst to them, a photo of their dinner reaches Han Che, leaving him shocked and contemplative.
Episode 20 Recap
Han Che informed Gu Li he was on a business trip—a pretext to go see Nuannuan—and asked him to look after his sister while he was away. Meanwhile, at the film set, Nuannuan presented a costume plan to the director. Though he initially approved the proposal for Lin Jiayi and Fang Hanchen, Nuannuan suggested that white shirts were impractical for a hotpot scene due to potential stains.
She proposed an alternative: matching hoodies in greyish pink and dark grey to make the actors look more like a couple and evoke nostalgia. The director praised her thoughtful approach, and Nuannuan credited her superior, Zong Ying, for the guidance. Impressed, the director's assistant asked Nuannuan to prepare another costume plan for the next day. Later, Zong Ying asked Nuannuan to retrieve a forgotten bag of clothes from the hotpot restaurant.
After getting the bag, Nuannuan missed her ride and was caught in a sudden downpour, forcing her to run through the rain to the next location. Gu Li invited Han Xue to dinner, claiming he had something important to discuss. Though she feigned indifference, Han Xue accepted, dressing up for the "battlefield." At the restaurant, Naomi unexpectedly appeared, claiming she and Gu Li were dating and wanted Han Xue's opinion on their compatibility.
As Naomi listed Gu Li's supposed flaws—his immaturity, impulsiveness, lack of ambition, and obsession with cartoons—Han Xue passionately defended him on every point, to Gu Li's secret delight. However, after excusing herself to the restroom, Han Xue realized she had been set up. Angered by the trick, she returned to the table and publicly agreed with all of Naomi's criticisms, sarcastically declaring that Gu Li was indeed immature and childish.
She encouraged them to stay together, joking they would be "doing the world a favor," before pulling Naomi away and leaving a devastated Gu Li behind. Later, Naomi apologized, confessing it was Gu Li's desperate attempt to test her feelings. Furious, Han Xue vowed to make him pay. Nuannuan arrived on set drenched and was immediately chastised by Zong Ying for being late.
An assistant director noticed Nuannuan's flushed face and, realizing she had a fever, urged her to go to the hospital. After the day's shoot, Fang Hanchen couldn't reach Nuannuan. He learned from Zong Ying that she had been hospitalized, but as he prepared to leave, Lin Jiayi stopped him. She stressed the show's critical importance to her career and, with producer Liu adding pressure, insisted he finish filming first. Reluctantly, Fang Hanchen complied.
Once filming wrapped, he and Lin Jiayi rushed to the hospital, only to find Han Che cradling a sleeping Nuannuan. Defeated, Lin Jiayi told Fang Hanchen he was "too late," and they both turned and left. The next day, Nuannuan awoke to find Han Che by her side and realized his presence was not a dream. He embraced her tightly, and when she said she was hungry, he immediately left to buy her porridge.
Overwhelmed, Nuannuan told him to leave, but Han Che steadfastly refused, reassuring her that "home is where I am." Later, a nurse's comment that Han Che had stayed by her bedside for two consecutive nights touched Nuannuan, and she finally relaxed. When Han Che returned and found her sleeping, he gently kissed her forehead, a warm smile on his face.
Having not seen Han Xue at the studio for days, a worried Gu Li sought out Naomi, who, now a loyal fan of Han Xue, refused to betray her confidence. Gu Li then messaged Han Xue, asking to meet at their usual bar. Later, at his apartment, Han Xue discovered a collection of items he had saved over the years, including a water bottle she had lost and an entire box of mementos.
Dropping all pretenses, Gu Li confessed his deep love, admitting that everything he had done since his teens was for her. He told her he wanted to be her husband and the father of her children, even revealing he had already picked out baby names. Moved by his heartfelt declaration, Han Xue called him a "big fool" and embraced him. The next morning, she announced their relationship on social media.
Her mother called, feigning disapproval before happily accepting the news, revealing she had long suspected their relationship. Han Che woke to find Nuannuan had already left for the set. A nurse informed him she had left her laptop behind, so he decided to take it to her. Back on set, Nuannuan presented her costume ideas, but Zong Ying repeatedly criticized them.
Han Che arrived and intervened, defending Nuannuan by arguing that emotional connection and audience immersion were more important than high fashion. When the director asked for a concept for the final "confession" scene, Nuannuan proposed simplicity: the stars in ordinary clothes to symbolize a return to real life and authentic love. The director loved the idea, praising its alignment with the show's message, and adopted her plan. Overjoyed, Nuannuan excitedly grabbed Han Che's hand.
That evening, the director treated the crew to a karaoke party. Han Che protected Nuannuan, who had a cold, by drinking on her behalf. At one point, Fang Hanchen pulled Nuannuan aside to sing with him. Annoyed, Han Che left the room. Nuannuan tried to follow, but Fang Hanchen stopped her, confessing his feelings and regretting not telling her sooner. He lamented that he was only ever her "senior brother."
Nuannuan gently explained that she was now with Han Che and that their relationship would always be that of a junior and senior. Just then, Han Che reappeared and led her away, leaving a saddened Fang Hanchen to watch them go.
Episode 21 Recap
Following their emotional confrontation, Han Che, seemingly drunk and declaring his inability to leave Nuannuan, tried to pull her back to the hotel. Nuannuan, initially thinking he was just intoxicated, hailed a taxi to send him home. However, Han Che held her tightly, confessing his deep feelings. He admitted he hated his sober self for failing to keep her by his side and vowed to never let anyone take her from him again, asserting that she was his home.
Though Nuannuan found his words cheesy, she was visibly moved. In the taxi, he leaned close, whispering more endearments about how he couldn't live without her, which further swayed her. After a passionate kiss, she struggled to get him back to the hotel, where his childish demands for specific water temperatures and late-night porridge left her both exasperated and endeared.
When she commented on their reversed roles, he playfully retorted it was because she loved him, and then insisted she feed him. The next morning, Nuannuan woke to find Han Che had prepared a lavish breakfast. He tried to feed her a piece of steak and affectionately wiped cream from her lips, stirring her heart. As she tried to work, he clung to her, feigning a stomachache to get her attention.
When she had to leave for the film set, he dramatically climbed into a suitcase, pleading to be taken along, and she reluctantly agreed. Upon arrival at the set, Han Che introduced himself as Nuannuan's assistant, surprising the crew who knew Gu Li usually handled his affairs. When Nuannuan teased him about his suitability for the role, Han Che confidently declared he would obey all his boss's decisions, proving it by kissing her immediately when she playfully commanded him to.
He later offered to help Fang Hanchen change, who politely declined. Han Che also gave styling advice to Lin Jiayi, suggesting she wear earrings and apply blush to achieve a "girlish" shyness for her scene. Nuannuan was also cast in the scene as Lin Jiayi's best friend. When a scheduled actor's flight was cancelled, the director furiously demanded a replacement. Han Che immediately volunteered, insisting on playing the part opposite Nuannuan, as he didn't trust anyone else in the role.
During a basketball scene, both Fang Hanchen and Han Che played with intense dedication. Lin Jiayi correctly predicted Han Che's victory, but he didn't gloat, instead extending a hand to help Fang Hanchen up. Afterwards, over a meal, the four played a game guessing who cooked which dish. Han Che correctly identified Nuannuan's tofu balls because she had intentionally left out the ginger, knowing he dislikes it. The four then reminisced about their first meetings.
Lin Jiayi recalled seeing Fang Hanchen training late at the rehearsal hall, while he remembered being impressed by her popularity at the company. Han Che teasingly described his first impression of a younger Nuannuan as "dark-skinned, short, and plump" in a gaudy pink outfit, which she playfully denied. Despite the awkward first encounter, Han Che expressed a deep sentiment: "Anything that concerns you, whether it starts good or bad, will always turn out good in the end."
During a breathtaking fireworks display that concluded the shoot, Han Che suddenly felt unwell, experiencing dizziness. He fought through the pain, telling himself to endure while asking Nuannuan to focus only on him. He then reflected on how he might have ruined her dream of stardom, but emphasized that what they had now was more precious. As the fireworks peaked, Nuannuan, who felt cold and was trembling, shared a sweet, lingering kiss with him.
Two weeks later, Han Xue visited a dance studio and her impressive skills earned her a teaching position. Shortly after, Gu Li and Han Xue joined Nuannuan and Han Che for a hotpot meal. The atmosphere was lively, with Han Che affectionately calling Gu Li "brother-in-law," much to Gu Li's delight. Han Xue watched in amazement as Han Che doted on Nuannuan, marveling at the power of love.
Nuannuan returned to Han Che's old house to live with him again and was overjoyed to find he had renovated her room exactly to her liking. Later that night, while Nuannuan was on the phone with her mother, Han Che was struck by a splitting headache. He quietly went into his room and closed the door to take a call from Doctor Xu, hiding his pain from her.
Doctor Xu revealed that the surgery for his brain tumor could no longer be delayed. Han Che’s greatest fear was losing his memories of Nuannuan due to complications, but Doctor Xu gravely reminded him, "Only by living can you have memories." The next morning, Han Che prepared a grand breakfast and surprised Nuannuan by inviting her on their first official date. Ecstatic, she hurried to get ready. As she left the room, Han Che watched her with a heavy heart, his joy overshadowed by deep worry about his impending surgery and uncertain future.
Episode 22 Recap
Han Xue expressed her deep anger to Gu Li that Han Che had concealed his serious illness, which she had only just learned about from Doctor Xu. She noted that even Nuannuan remained unaware. Gu Li tried to reassure her, explaining that Han Che was typically resolute, making it difficult for anyone to influence his choices. Despite Gu Li's words, Han Xue confessed that she had never been so scared, fearing the worst.
Gu Li hugged her, urging her to remain composed and assured her that he would handle everything in Haicheng while she accompanied Han Che. Meanwhile, Han Che and Nuannuan enjoyed a sweet date. When Nuannuan's shoelaces came undone, Han Che gently knelt to tie them for her. He also bought her a plush toy she liked, and they took photos together. Han Che then brought her to a dress shop, where Nuannuan excitedly commented on various formal dresses.
She noted a mermaid-style dress would suit Han Xue and admired a deep V-neck ball gown wedding dress. When Han Che asked what kind of wedding dress she would prefer, she described a lace design with a large skirt. He began to say something about their future but was interrupted by a shop assistant, leading Nuannuan to pull him away in embarrassment. Later, at a hotpot restaurant, Nuannuan encouraged Han Che to try the hotpot, feeding him directly.
Afterward, Nuannuan received many congratulatory messages about her show's success, including one from her friend Cindy. Overjoyed, Nuannuan shared her dreams with Han Che, hoping for continued success for their show, for Fang Hanchen and Lin Jiayi, and for her own career in promoting Chinese culture. Han Che listened intently, wishing for her to always remain so happy.
Han Che informed his team that he could no longer participate in the Dunhuang project, expressing regret for the trouble his absence would cause. His colleagues dismissed his concerns, emphasizing that his health was paramount and that they would ensure the project's successful completion. On the set of their show's finale, Lin Jiayi symbolically placed a photo of her and Fang Hanchen into a box and released it into the water, signifying a farewell.
She explained to her manager, Liu, that maintaining her "national dream girl" image was crucial, and constant romance rumors were detrimental. Fang Hanchen also explained his actions to Nuannuan, reflecting on their past and stating that he refused to fake a relationship for hype. He and Nuannuan agreed they must look forward and would remain good friends forever. Han Che casually told Nuannuan he had an unexpected business trip to Beijing that would last a few weeks.
However, Nuannuan soon discovered a medical document recommending immediate major brain surgery with a recovery time of at least two months. She confronted him, hurt that he would keep such a serious matter from her. Han Che insisted he was trying to spare her from worry, believing her to be fragile. Nuannuan countered that she wasn't fragile and wanted to be there for him, threatening to break up with him if he didn't allow her to come.
Han Che remained firm in his decision. Later, while she was asleep, he gently laid her on the bed and left for Beijing. The next day, Gu Li scolded Han Che over the phone, arguing that his actions would only cause Nuannuan more distress. Han Che explained that having experienced the pain of losing a loved one, he didn't want Nuannuan to endure such suffering and wanted to maintain his strong image in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Nuannuan woke to an empty house. In his room, she found a personal album filled with photos and notes detailing their memories together, from their first meeting to his observations of her dreams and habits. He confessed that although he never prayed, he had started praying that he could return to her and be part of her future.
Before leaving for Beijing, Han Che said goodbye to Han Xue, entrusting the studio to her, but she dismissed his somber tone, reminding him it was just a surgery from which he would recover. Gu Li also affirmed their deep friendship, promising to await his return so they could work together on the many plans and dreams they shared.
Upon arriving in Beijing, Han Che and Han Xue were met by a doctor who chastised them for delaying the surgery, insisting it had to be performed the next day. The doctor revealed the success rate was only 60 percent, with risks including memory loss and paralysis, and asked them to sign a consent form. Nuannuan, who had secretly followed them, was scolded by Han Xue for coming.
Nuannuan defended her decision, asking Han Xue if she would have stayed home if Gu Li were the one having surgery, to which Han Xue admitted she wouldn't have. Han Xue confessed her hands trembled as she signed the consent form. As Han Che was wheeled into the operating room, Nuannuan only caught a brief glimpse of him. The surgery was expected to last six hours, but after eight hours, both women grew anxious.
During their wait, Han Che's attorney called Nuannuan to read a letter of intent: Han Che was bequeathing his old house, along with all his art and its copyrights, to establish a dream fund for her career. Overwhelmed, Nuannuan dropped her phone, crying out that she only wanted him to live. Finally, the doctor emerged, announcing that the surgery was a great success, bringing immense relief and tears of joy to both women.
In the days following the surgery, Nuannuan provided tireless post-operative care, constantly preparing nourishing soups for Han Che. Despite her devotion, a subtle tension remained, as she insisted to others she was merely his "landlord" repaying a debt. Later, as Han Che and Nuannuan sat together in the hospital corridor, a content creator approached them to record a short video. She asked Han Che if he would appease his girlfriend after a quarrel, and he said yes.
When asked what he would do if she were at fault, he jokingly replied that he would have to be the one to change, quietly, by himself, and that he'd see her again in thirty years.
Episode 23 Recap
Following Han Che's operation, his doctor confirmed that all his health indicators were normal and he could be discharged. While this news brought joy to his companions, the doctor also cautioned them about potential severe sequelae. These could range from mild symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and sleeplessness to more significant memory impairments, including memory loss, confusion, and fragmented memories.
The doctor stated that the duration of these effects was uncertain and advised immediate medical attention if any issues arose, a warning that greatly worried Nuannuan. Back at the old house, Nuannuan intended to leave, feeling that the breakup was final. Han Xue tried to stop her, but Nuannuan remained firm. Gu Li intervened, successfully tempting her to stay for a hotpot meal he had prepared with her favorite duck blood, beef tripe, and chitterlings.
During dinner, Gu Li continued to mediate, even offering to drink on Han Che's behalf as an apology. Nuannuan, however, was resolute, stating that the matter concerned only Han Che. Han Che then apologized for worrying her but maintained that, if faced with the same situation again, he would still choose not to disclose his condition to shield her from distress.
Seeing Nuannuan’s resolve, Han Xue and Gu Li staged a transparently fake argument over who was too busy to care for Han Che. After Nuannuan called out their poor acting, Han Che stepped in, using a fabricated "temporary stay notice" with a clause stating that a tenant moving out early would owe six months' rent. He challenged Nuannuan, suggesting she couldn’t endure three more months.
Provoked, Nuannuan agreed to stay for the stipulated period, earning a discreet cheer from Gu Li and Han Xue. A month later, Nuannuan prepared to return home for her father’s birthday. When Han Che proposed accompanying her, she flatly refused, asking who he thought he was to her, leaving him speechless as she left.
Later, while on the phone with her, Han Che overheard Nuannuan's mother urging her to go on a blind date, prompting him to rush to her house. During the journey, he listened intently to Han Xue’s detailed instructions on how to impress Nuannuan’s parents, which included bringing expensive gifts and avoiding his usual stubbornness. The blind date was an awkward affair, with the man's mother disparaging Nuannuan’s career as a freelance stylist.
Han Che arrived just in time, introducing himself as Nuannuan’s boyfriend—a claim Nuannuan quickly corrected to "friend"—and presenting her parents with a cashmere shawl for her mother and a bottle of fine wine for her father. His timely appearance and thoughtful gifts pleased Nuannuan’s mother and angered the blind date and his mother, who abruptly left.
As Han Che introduced himself, a neighbor recognized him from TV as a photographer and asked him to take photos for their "old people square dancing art troupe," and he readily agreed. That evening, Nuannuan’s mother invited Han Che to stay at their home. Nuannuan, concerned about his finicky nature, initially suggested he wouldn't be comfortable. Her father, however, felt it was inappropriate for a first visit and proposed a hotel instead, which Han Che accepted.
Nuannuan insisted on accompanying him. On the way, she questioned his sudden appearance, and he confessed he was more afraid of her ignoring him than of making a bad impression. She then playfully feigned reluctance while describing her parents’ quirky personalities, including her father’s disciplined morning runs and her mother's stubbornness, secretly providing him with useful insights. Over the next few weeks, Han Che systematically won over Nuannuan's parents.
He joined her father for morning runs, bought breakfast for the family, and brought a thoughtful gift of sportswear for her father. By Nuannuan’s father’s fifteenth-day birthday banquet, he had gained their approval. He charmed numerous relatives by remembering all their names and expressed his fondness for the large family atmosphere.
After the meal, her parents encouraged the couple to go for a walk, and they strolled to Nuannuan’s old school, where Han Che impressed her with a slam dunk on the basketball court. By the eighteenth day, Nuannuan found Han Che skillfully playing chess with her father and neighbors, drawing praise for his ingenious moves.
On the twentieth day, he joined Nuannuan and her mother for grocery shopping, where his memory issues became apparent when he bought chicken legs and pork belly instead of the requested pig's feet. Later, watching Han Che and her father cook for her, Nuannuan felt a profound sense of happiness. Her mother, observing Han Che’s caring nature, advised Nuannuan to "hold him tight."
Later, Nuannuan secretly filmed Han Che directing the square-dancing troupe's photoshoot, a video that highly amused Han Xue and Gu Li. At a family dinner, Nuannuan’s parents expressed their high regard for Han Che. However, the mood shifted when Han Che revealed that he had undergone a craniotomy months prior to remove a benign brain tumor.
He explained that while it was not inheritable, he was experiencing sequelae, specifically memory issues where he could recall distant memories but occasionally forgot recent events. This revelation shocked and angered Nuannuan’s parents, who questioned why she hadn't told them sooner. Han Che then delivered a heartfelt confession of his love for Nuannuan, pledging to cherish her for life and asking for their blessing.
Despite his sincere plea, Nuannuan’s mother firmly refused, calling his condition a "time bomb" and stating that good health was paramount. Her father also expressed his disapproval, suggesting they remain friends. Furious, Nuannuan declared that Han Che was her chosen partner for life. To de-escalate the tension and preserve Nuannuan’s relationship with her parents, Han Che apologized and chose to leave, hoping to earn their acceptance in the future. Back at their home, Han Che's sporadic memory lapses continued.
When Nuannuan jokingly asked if his "hyperthymesia" was failing after he couldn't find an item, he confessed that his mind was filled entirely with her. One morning, he woke her by feigning a foot cramp, then playfully bit her leg. Amused, Nuannuan remarked that she would have to buy him calcium tablets, affectionately calling him her "medicine."
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Han Che sat alone in a dark room, overcome with sorrow about his memory loss. Nuannuan came in to comfort him, assuring him that his condition was merely a temporary sequela. Han Che, however, revealed that the doctor was unsure, stating his memory might worsen permanently and affect his normal life. He feared forgetting Nuannuan and almost suggested ending their relationship. Nuannuan firmly refused, questioning why he would give up on her when he hadn't given up on his work.
Han Che confessed his fear of forgetting her entirely. Nuannuan then promised to be his memory, showing him a scrapbook filled with their shared moments and playing a video she had recorded for his future self. In the video, she reminded him of their life together, their four cats, and their first meeting, vowing to make him fall in love with her again, no matter how many times he forgot.
Deeply moved, Han Che decided to face his condition with her. Nuannuan later received a package of supplements from her parents. On the phone, her mother explained that after much discussion, they had come to accept her relationship with Han Che, praising Nuannuan for being a loyal and kind child. Her father apologized for their past opposition and urged her to share any significant news immediately, promising their unwavering support.
The following day, Nuannuan officially joined Han Che’s project team as his assistant. Han Che was impressed by her meticulous organization of research materials from the Dunhuang Research Academy. Nuannuan also detailed his daily schedule, including his medication and bedtime. When she playfully suggested a goodnight kiss, their moment was interrupted by their colleague Gu Li. After a brief tease, Gu Li discussed work with Han Che, who criticized deviations in the lighting team's plans.
During a break, other colleagues marveled at Han Che’s enduring genius despite his intermittent memory loss. In a lighter moment, Han Xue playfully fended off Gu Li, who tried to snatch her crayfish, as their friends lamented the couple's constant public displays of affection. Han Xue later questioned Nuannuan's decision to decline an opportunity to work with top stylist Gao Yingna, asking about her long-term career if she remained Han Che's assistant.
Nuannuan explained her priority was to be by Han Che's side, especially given his condition. She revealed that working with him had inspired her to develop a style-related app to empower everyone to discover their own beauty. Soon after, Nuannuan's parents excitedly called her after seeing a news report that Han Che's immersive "Fulfilling the Dunhuang Dream" project had won a gold award and was slated for international exhibitions.
Nuannuan eagerly shared the news with Han Che, who calmly stated her excitement was enough for both of them. At the celebration for the award, Nuannuan expressed her envy for Han Che's successful career and team. To her surprise, Han Che revealed his next project was for her: he had assembled a team to help her build her dream app. He offered to be her technologist, with Gu Li and Han Xue also joining in support.
Overjoyed, Nuannuan declared herself the happiest person in the world. Subsequently, Nuannuan successfully established her own studio and developed her app, "Beautiful You." A venture capitalist, Ms. Lie, joined the project, praising Nuannuan's vision of allowing every user to become their own designer. Nuannuan also secured an endorsement for the app from Gao Yingna. One year later, Nuannuan was a successful businesswoman.
While catching up with Fang Hanchen and Lin Jiayi, she learned his new song had climbed to the top three. Fang Hanchen thanked Lin Jiayi for her support and playfully offered to endorse Nuannuan's app for a profit share. Soon after, Nuannuan was introduced as the founder of "Beautiful You" to a group of new trainees.
In the same practice room where she had trained for four years, she delivered an inspiring speech, sharing practical advice and speaking candidly about the industry's harsh realities. She redefined their "original aspiration" not as a specific dream, but as staying true to one's passion and self. She encouraged the trainees to persist with love, assuring them they could forge a new life even if their initial dreams changed.
Later, Han Che picked Nuannuan up, and they went to the supermarket, where an auntie who once thought Han Che was the landlord congratulated them on their relationship and advised them to marry soon. Meanwhile, Han Xue brought Gu Li to a baby store. Gu Li immediately assumed Han Xue was pregnant and excitedly began suggesting names. Han Xue clarified she was just browsing to distract him from his video game, much to Gu Li's frustration.
They then playfully argued over his proposed names, ending in a bet over who would get to name their future children. The friends gathered at Han Che and Nuannuan’s home for dinner. Earlier, Fang Hanchen had thanked Lin Jiayi for her pivotal role in his now-burgeoning career. She noted his growing confidence and suggested they continue pursuing their dreams, carrying the aspirations of their friends with them.
At the house, the group prepared the meal, and Gu Li surprised a touched Han Xue with a decorative light piece he had crafted from her favorite Besheen Liqueur bottles. After Fang Hanchen and Lin Jiayi finalized their app endorsement deal with Nuannuan, the friends eagerly questioned their relationship status. Hearing they were letting things happen naturally, Gu Li humorously declared he had lost the naming-rights bet to Han Xue.
He then complained about Han Che spending too much time at Nuannuan's studio, to which Nuannuan countered that Han Che could be a stay-at-home dad. That night, as they sat outside admiring the stars, Han Che reminisced about a specific photo, suddenly recalling the exact date and time it was taken. He realized his memory had completely recovered. A thrilled Nuannuan started to call for a doctor, but Han Che stopped her, insisting something more important needed to be done.
He presented her with a "Flying Apsaras" art piece, symbolizing her unique world. He then delivered a heartfelt confession of his unwavering love, culminating in a sincere marriage proposal. Overwhelmed with emotion, Nuannuan playfully confirmed he would ask countless times if she refused. Delighted, she requested to hear the proposal again tomorrow, giving her implicit assent. They shared a tender kiss and embrace. The next day, Nuannuan playfully badgered Han Che to propose again, and he obliged multiple times. When she asked where they were going, Han Che revealed he was taking her to register their marriage, their loving banter signaling the happy beginning of their new life together.
