Nothing But Thirty Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Nothing But Thirty Synopsis
Gu Jia's life is envied by many people. She has turned her husband from a fireworks programmer into "Mr Xu" and herself into a housewife. But when faced with a family crisis, she chooses to face it head on.
Wang Manni is a maverick "rebel", convinced that she deserves better with her good appearance and wisdom, but she also has her own troubles.
Zhong Xiaoqin is the ordinary one, married to a husband with an steable career, keeping an ordinary job for herself as an ordinary wife.
The couple's economic and social status is reversed overnight, and the marriage between a strong woman and a weak man is instantly thrown off balance, leaving Zhong Xiaoqin with a choice.
Nothing But Thirty Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Early in the morning, Zhong Xiaoqin woke up, realizing she had forgotten to change the cat litter once again. She often described her marriage with Chen Yu, a stable government employee, by saying, "I have a cat, and he has a fish." She prepared breakfast for Chen Yu, who was preoccupied with his phone.
He informed her he would be going on a business trip the next day, assuming she would return to her parents' home and insisting she take the cat with her, claiming she couldn't care for it properly. Meanwhile, Wang Manni began her day, characterizing her eight years in Shanghai as that of an independent woman who sticks to her routine, buying breakfast from the same booth and taking the same subway.
She likened herself to Pac-Man, needing to constantly move forward and "devour" to survive in the city. As a top-performing sales associate selling luxury bags and shoes, her success often sparked jealousy among colleagues. At a morning meeting, the store manager praised Wang Manni's exceptional sales of a newly arrived "Dragon collection" bag. Wang Manni had gone to extra lengths to secure a prime parking spot for her client, Miss Wang, by "bribing" the security guard with scallion pancakes.
This act prompted a jealous remark from a colleague, Linda, about Wang Manni "not sparing the security." Wang Manni retorted that she didn't spare anyone, leading the manager to assign Linda to bag sales the following day. At her property management company, Zhong Xiaoqin was her usual helpful self, assisting colleagues with various tasks. While retrieving a nutcracker, she accidentally bumped into a new male employee who was looking for Director Xu's office.
He introduced himself as Zhong Xiaoyang, and the remarkable similarity of his name to Zhong Xiaoqin's, differing by only one character, became a point of amused conversation among colleagues. Their supervisor, noting the coincidence, assigned Zhong Xiaoqin to help Zhong Xiaoyang get acquainted with his new role. This was also the day Gu Jia, her husband Xu Huanshan, and their son Xu Ziyan were moving into their new home.
Gu Jia reflected on how she, a full-time mother, had successfully transformed Xu Huanshan from a fireworks programmer into "Director Xu," always striving for excellence. The property management staff, including Xiao Zhang and Xiao Song, greeted them, having recognized Xu Ziyan from detailed documents Gu Jia had provided. Gu Jia, in turn, offered them homemade desserts. Inside their new home, Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan performed a geomancy ritual for good fortune.
Soon after, Xu Huanshan received a distressing phone call: a major client, Director Wan, was deferring payment and demanding lower prices, threatening the company's capital chain. Xu Huanshan, agitated, refused to negotiate, but Gu Jia stepped in. She called Director Wan directly, assuring him she would personally oversee their orders for the second half of the year and address cost concerns, successfully securing the deal, though the payment terms remained unchanged.
Xu Huanshan complained about Director Wan's constant cost-cutting efforts and offered Gu Jia a sweet tangerine, mentioning his secretary had given it to him for its Vitamin C. Gu Jia subtly noted this detail. Later, she visited a supermarket to buy a bag of tangerines and, passing Wang Manni's store, admired a display of men's clothing. Wang Manni warmly invited her to bring her husband back to try them on.
Back at Wang Manni's store, a plainly dressed woman, Miss Chen, entered, carrying vegetables. Other sales associates initially dismissed her, but Wang Manni greeted her sincerely. Miss Chen inquired if the store had anything "more expensive," leading Wang Manni to introduce their advanced customized jewelry series, which cost over a million yuan. To Wang Manni's surprise, Miss Chen immediately expressed interest, choosing a diamond set from the "Countless Dream Series" catalog.
She was unfazed by the million-dollar price, the five-month production period, or the full payment requirement. While Wang Manni excitedly informed the manager, Linda attempted to take over the client, but the manager insisted Wang Manni retain the sale. Miss Chen politely declined the manager's request to add her on WeChat, insisting on only adding Wang Manni, explaining she didn't have enough money on her card that day but would return in a few days to pay in full.
As Wang Manni's colleagues distracted her by examining her phone, Linda secretly added Miss Chen's WeChat contact to her own phone. That evening, Gu Jia's family celebrated their new home over dinner. Gu Jia felt a touch of guilt, wondering if her desire for a larger house had put too much pressure on Xu Huanshan. He reassured her, affirming it was his decision and expressing a desire for a more comfortable life.
However, they disagreed on their son's education; Gu Jia wanted him to attend a top-tier kindergarten, while Xu Huanshan preferred a more ordinary approach, cautioning against excessive expectations. Gu Jia, resolute, emphasized the importance of their efforts in shaping their son's future and reminded Xu Huanshan to prepare for the kindergarten interview. During dinner, Gu Jia received a congratulatory call from her father. Xu Huanshan, still enjoying the tangerines, asked their helper where they came from.
When he learned Gu Jia had specifically bought them because he liked them, he praised her thoughtfulness. At home, Zhong Xiaoqin expressed frustration with Chen Yu, who was preoccupied with a new fish for his tank. She found the fish unattractive and boring, but he defended its rare qualities and high maintenance, suggesting she was "bored" herself.
They argued about their leisure habits; she complained about the finale of her TV show, and he accused her of watching too much television. She asked him to "play with her," but he cited his upcoming business trip and unfinished tasks. Later, when she discovered one of his new fish floating upside down, she urgently called him to look, but he dismissed her complaint as typical. Exasperated, Zhong Xiaoqin declared he should sleep with his fish.
Meanwhile, at Wang Manni's store, the staff discovered a pair of pants worth eighteen thousand yuan was missing. Despite standing all day, they were exhausted but forced to search every corner, including the storage room. The manager announced that if the pants weren't found by morning, everyone would have to evenly split the loss, causing widespread dismay among the staff.
Later that night, on their rooftop, Xu Huanshan showed Gu Jia a video of a fireworks performance, expressing his deep gratitude for her unwavering encouragement that led him to start his own business. He acknowledged her as the driving force behind their family's success. Inspired, he shared his vision for a unique fireworks artwork called "Blue Dream," describing magnificent blue bursts in the vast night sky, evoking the glittering life of the ocean.
Gu Jia, ever practical, immediately questioned the potential cost of such an elaborate design. As the store employees finished their exhaustive search, they prepared to leave, still without the missing pants, anticipating the shared financial burden.
Episode 2 Recap
Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan took their son, Xu Ziyan, for an interview at a kindergarten. Gu Jia introduced herself to the interviewer, mentioning her graduation from Shanghai International Studies University and co-founding Firework Company with her husband, a business that sells fireworks for commercial shows. She explained she became a full-time housewife after Xu Ziyan's birth. Xu Ziyan stated he was four years old.
When asked about his favorite book, Xu Ziyan replied "The Little Prince," and Gu Jia added that his father, Xu Huanshan, had drawn the picture book for him. She highlighted the efforts she put into his learning and how Xu Huanshan also spent a lot of time teaching their son, including creating such picture books. She even offered Xu Huanshan's assistance in making more for the kindergarten if Xu Ziyan was enrolled.
Xu Ziyan correctly answered a math problem about sharing strawberries, confidently declaring, "Everyone gets two. I'm treating!" However, the interview took a turn when the interviewer asked, "Where is the capital?" Misunderstanding "capital" (shoudu) for "hand" (shou), Xu Ziyan repeatedly insisted, "It's on the arm." Despite Xu Huanshan's attempt to prompt "Beijing," Xu Ziyan stuck to his answer and then bit the interviewer's arm. Gu Jia immediately apologized.
Later, at home, Gu Jia was comforting a distressed Xu Ziyan, assuring him he hadn't done anything wrong and had performed very well. She gently explained that biting was wrong and only puppies bite. Xu Ziyan agreed he wasn't a puppy, and Gu Jia made him pinky promise not to bite people in the future and to apologize to the teacher.
Wang Manni received a phone call from her mother, who informed her that she had received the money Wang Manni sent. Her mother urged her to come home, revealing that she and Wang Manni's father had saved all the money she had sent over the years, along with their own contributions, amounting to a total of one hundred thousand yuan.
Her mother suggested they could use this sum to help Wang Manni find a good job back home or redecorate her room, which she hadn't lived in for seven or eight years. Wang Manni was taken aback, asking when she had ever expressed a desire to return. Her mother reminded her of a conversation three years prior, where Wang Manni had promised to return by the age of thirty if she hadn't bought a house or gotten married in Shanghai.
With only a few months left until her thirtieth birthday, her mother advised her to accept her fate and not insist on staying in the big city, where her 15,000 yuan monthly income left her with empty hands after paying rent and sending money home. Emotional, Wang Manni excused herself, claiming she was hungry, and said she would "accept fate" only once she was full.
She then reflected on her financial stress, realizing that saving ten yuan on a bento box was insignificant compared to the three thousand yuan she and her colleagues each had to pay for a lost pair of pants. Gu Jia, still worried about the kindergarten admission, asked Zhong Xiaoqin for help. She believed that being asked to wait for notification, rather than receiving an immediate rejection, meant there was still a chance.
Gu Jia pointed out that their house's ownership was a significant advantage, as many children from their building attended that specific kindergarten. Recalling that Zhong Xiaoqin's marketing department had contact with the building's owners, she asked if Zhong Xiaoqin could find someone to write a recommendation letter. Zhong Xiaoqin suggested approaching Madam Wang, the influential chairman of the owner's committee, but admitted she could only arrange an introduction. Gu Jia remained determined, confident she could forge a connection.
She stressed the importance of this, revealing she had taken out significant loans for their house specifically to give their son a better starting point. Later, while tidying Xu Huanshan's study, Gu Jia explained he was under a lot of pressure from a demanding client and had gone straight to work after the interview, so she didn't want him burdened with kindergarten worries. Zhong Xiaoqin reassured her that she would always be there to help.
Wang Manni excitedly informed her Assistant Manager that Miss Chen, a major client, was scheduled to come in for payment. Shortly after, Wang Manni’s mouth became swollen with red rashes. Prioritizing Miss Chen’s order, Wang Manni was reluctant to leave, but the Assistant Manager insisted she go to the hospital. While Wang Manni was away, her colleague Linda informed the Assistant Store Manager that Miss Chen had also added her on WeChat.
At the hospital, Wang Manni was diagnosed with a peach allergy. After receiving an injection, she noticed a distinct peach scent on her lipstick, realizing she had been sabotaged. She immediately messaged Miss Chen to reschedule. Upon returning to the store, Wang Manni confronted Linda, splashing a glass of water on her and declaring that despite her tricks, Miss Chen had still specifically requested her.
Wang Manni warned Linda not to harbor such "crooked thoughts," stating that while she wouldn't expose her this time, any future attempts would result in her being permanently removed from the store. While her husband Chen Yu was away on a business trip, Zhong Xiaoqin moved back to her parents' house, bringing her cat with her after Chen Yu, annoyed by the cat scaring his fish and peeing on the sofa, declared he no longer wanted to keep it.
Her mother brought up the topic of pregnancy, warning about the risks after thirty, but Zhong Xiaoqin dismissed her concerns, stating she and Chen Yu had agreed not to have children for the first few years of marriage. During dinner, Zhong Xiaoqin suddenly realized it was the fifteenth of the month and her period hadn't arrived. She later bought a pregnancy test, which showed two lines.
Distressed, she sent a text to Chen Yu reading, "Husband, I'm pregnant," but hesitated to send another expressing her mixed feelings. Meanwhile, Gu Jia, through Zhong Xiaoqin's introduction, went to meet Madam Wang, the chairperson of the owner's committee. She was surprised to find Madam Wang's residence was a luxurious, three-story duplex. She found Madam Wang preoccupied with a professional telescope. Gu Jia presented a homemade, low-calorie cake, which Madam Wang, a connoisseur, praised.
Madam Wang explained that her husband was the Honorary Chairman of the kindergarten, which was why she could help children from the building get in. She inquired about Gu Jia's background, noting she lived on a "lower floor" and asking about her husband's income from his firework company. During their conversation, Zhong Xiaoqin called Gu Jia, distressed, to inform her about the positive pregnancy test. Soon after, Madam Wang's newly purchased "art piece" arrived.
Gu Jia was astonished to see what Madam Wang confidently declared to be "Van Gogh's 'Water Lilies'," boasting that visitors would now surely not underestimate her. After this display, Madam Wang told Gu Jia she would "reconsider" her request and dismissed her. Back home, Xu Huanshan asked Gu Jia if Madam Wang had declined to help. Gu Jia instead asked him if he had seen Monet's "Water Lilies," reminiscing about seeing it in Paris.
She expressed shock that someone who couldn't differentiate between Van Gogh and Monet could afford such a painting and live in such a grand house. Gu Jia admitted she felt "triggered" by Madam Wang, who, at forty, lived such a life, making Gu Jia, at thirty, question their own trajectory.
She concluded that if such a person could achieve that success, then she and Xu Huanshan could do so as well through hard work, and she encouraged him to focus on his design proposal. At Wang Manni's store, the Assistant Manager secured her one of the three quarterly meeting spots with the Store Manager, a chance to make a good impression for future promotions. During the meeting, Wang Manni introduced herself, noting her three years as a senior sales associate.
She observed the declining luxury market and how competition had intensified. She openly stated her ambition to be promoted to supervisor before her thirtieth birthday as a gift to herself. The Store Manager, noting her limited time, emphasized that "being the highlight is more effective than sales performances." Wang Manni affirmed her understanding. After the meeting, she experienced a sharp back pain.
She admitted to a colleague that she avoided drinking water during work to minimize bathroom breaks and ensure constant availability for customers. The building's elevators broke down, and Zhong Xiaoqin and her new colleague, Zhong Xiaoyang, were assigned by property management to help deliver packages. Learning from Gu Jia that Madam Wang attended a "Madame's Gathering" on Fridays, Gu Jia saw an opportunity.
In the lobby, Zhong Xiaoyang took an easier package for the 9th floor, leaving Zhong Xiaoqin with one for the 15th. Finding herself with only eight yuan and unable to reach Chen Yu for a transfer, Zhong Xiaoqin urgently called Gu Jia, who promptly sent her money. Meanwhile, Gu Jia strategically waited in slippers for Madam Wang on her floor.
When Madam Wang appeared, frustrated by the broken elevators and her uncomfortable high heels, Gu Jia feigned retrieving a plate and offered her new slippers to wear. Madam Wang accepted. Gu Jia then exchanged her slippers for Madam Wang's high heels and, carrying them, walked barefoot down the stairs alongside her. Touched, Madam Wang finally agreed to let Gu Jia visit the next day to adjust the telescope and discuss her son's admission.
On the stairs, Zhong Xiaoqin met Wang Manni, who was returning clothes to a customer. Zhong Xiaoqin recognized her from a store event and, urgently needing money, asked to borrow 200 yuan, which Wang Manni immediately transferred. Back at her office, after a long day, Zhong Xiaoqin decided to pay Zhong Xiaoyang 200 yuan to make her remaining deliveries.
She explained to an amused Zhong Xiaoyang that paying for the physically demanding work saved her from exhaustion and expenses, a pragmatic approach to make everyone "happy." Gu Jia, overjoyed, called Zhong Xiaoqin to share the good news. Zhong Xiaoqin, having witnessed Gu Jia's barefoot descent, felt guilty for not being more help. Gu Jia reassured her, calling it her "spiritual practice as a mother" and gently chided her emotional response, attributing it to pregnancy hormones.
After a day of relentless work, Wang Manni was on the phone with her mother, who noticed the weakness in her voice and urged her not to "endure everything yourself." Before her mother could say more, Wang Manni, utterly exhausted, fainted.
Episode 3 Recap
Wang Manni awoke in the hospital to discover she had acute nephritis, a condition the doctor explained was not yet severe but could have worsened due to her habit of holding her urine at work. She was advised to rest for a week. Her mother called, relieved she was awake, and explained she had called the ambulance.
Concerned, her mother said she was packing to come to Shanghai, but Wang Manni assured her it wasn't serious and she would recover with medication, urging her not to come. Still, her mother, a former nurse, insisted Wang Manni send her a photo of her IV drip to check the medication. Gu Jia retrieved an old telescope from storage, deeming it a pity to discard.
She intended to learn how to use it, prompting a playful exchange with Xu Huanshan and their son about her intellect. Later, Wang Manni's mother called again, worried about the IV drip running out and reminding her to call the nurse, citing her own experience as a nurse. Wang Manni reassured her that a nurse was present and she still had two more bottles, trying to gently end the call so her mother could rest.
She reflected that people often show a brave face to outsiders, saving their deepest anxieties for those closest to them. Zhong Xiaoqin confided in Gu Jia that she was pregnant, a development that troubled her greatly as she and Chen Yu had agreed not to have children for the first five years of their marriage, with two years still remaining.
Gu Jia reminded Zhong Xiaoqin that a child is a gift of fate and that the decision should be hers alone, not Chen Yu's. She admonished Zhong Xiaoqin for her tendency to let others make decisions for her, stressing that this was a choice she had to make for herself and her child. However, Zhong Xiaoqin remained conflicted and unsure.
When Chen Yu returned from his business trip, he saw a lavish meal prepared, immediately knowing Zhong Xiaoqin's mother had been there. He complained to Zhong Xiaoqin, saying he didn't want his mother-in-law acting like a maid, cleaning and cooking when they weren't home.
Zhong Xiaoqin tried to explain that her mother was just concerned about their health, but Chen Yu accused her of being immature at thirty and still relying on her parents, remarking that she had never truly left home. Zhong Xiaoqin defended her mother, leading to an argument. During dinner, Zhong Xiaoqin showed Chen Yu her pregnancy test report. When asked if she wanted the child, she retorted, "What do "you" want?"
Chen Yu, recalling their pre-marital agreement not to have children for five years, suggested they shouldn't have it now. Visibly disappointed, Zhong Xiaoqin agreed to have the surgery the next day, sarcastically questioning her maturity to be a mother. Chen Yu tried to placate her with a lucky cat he bought on his trip, but she ignored his attempts and retreated to their bedroom.
While Gu Jia was demonstrating the telescope, Mrs. Wang expressed a desire to "buy" an asteroid, wanting to name three after her son as a coming-of-age gift, offering to help Gu Jia's son get into kindergarten if Gu Jia facilitated the purchase. Gu Jia explained that only naming rights were possible, not ownership.
Reflecting on her own struggles with her son's kindergarten admission, Gu Jia declined, telling Mrs. Wang that money couldn't solve everything and correcting her misconception about a Monet painting she owned. Tearfully, Mrs. Wang confided that she didn't genuinely care for astronomy but sought to connect with her son, who had once expressed jealousy over a classmate with an asteroid named after him by his scientist parents.
Mrs. Wang had impulsively offered to buy him many asteroids, earning a look of disgust and comments identical to Gu Jia's. Mrs. Wang then observed that while she had thought Gu Jia was similar to her on a previous occasion when Gu Jia went barefoot for her son, Gu Jia seemed less able to let go of things. Wang Manni received a photo from her father showing her mother asleep on the sofa, exhausted from worry.
To reassure her parents about her well-being while living alone, Wang Manni decided to reconsider her mother's earlier suggestion of a blind date. She messaged her mother, asking for the contact details of the man. Her mother enthusiastically provided the WeChat ID for Song Dong Hu, praising his financial acumen and cultural background. Initially, Wang Manni was skeptical, noting he resembled their real estate agent, but she agreed to contact him.
The next day at the hospital for her abortion, Chen Yu reminded Zhong Xiaoqin that she had agreed to the surgery, highlighting that while it carried some risks, pregnancy and motherhood also had their own difficulties. During her pre-operative examination, Zhong Xiaoqin learned the surgery would involve anesthesia and was not insignificant, causing her evident distress. Once out of the examination room, she lied to Chen Yu, claiming an urgent work event required her presence, and left the hospital.
She then called Gu Jia, seeking an honest assessment of the true costs and challenges of having a child, questioning if she could afford them. Wang Manni met her blind date, Song Dong Hu, in the hotel lobby. He immediately introduced himself as a Managing Director at Hai Shang Securities and complimented her appearance, but Wang Manni soon realized his calculating nature.
He admitted to meeting her in the lobby as a test: if she was presentable, he'd take her to an investment banking luncheon upstairs; otherwise, he'd feign being busy. At the luncheon, he boasted about his team, high salary, and two houses, indicating he sought a partner who would prioritize family over a demanding career. He then had Wang Manni act as his "girlfriend" and photographer, taking pictures of him with various "Directors" he barely knew.
Afterward, Wang Manni told a colleague she had deleted him because he was a pretentious and calculating man, treating her like a "free maid" at the luncheon. Her colleague advised her not to be too picky at thirty, but Wang Manni firmly stated she would rather wait for a truly suitable partner than settle for someone she didn't like. In a conversation with Zhong Xiaoqin, Gu Jia candidly shared the harsh realities of motherhood.
She described it as a "terrible thing," causing profound frustration where a woman often feels her former self dies, replaced by "Xu Zi Yan's mom." Gu Jia admitted to longing for her son to grow up quickly so she could regain her personal freedom, yet acknowledged an unbreakable bond. Paradoxically, she explained that mothers become both incredibly soft-hearted, hoping for the world's tolerance towards their child, and fiercely strong, willing to fight to protect them.
She also noted how mothers fear illness and death more intensely and work harder due to the immense financial demands of raising a child. Overwhelmed, Zhong Xiaoqin confessed she felt incapable of embodying any of these maternal qualities, prompting Gu Jia to ask why she had left the hospital before her surgery. Swallowing her pride for her son's sake, Gu Jia visited Mrs. Wang again.
She informed Mrs. Wang that she had found a foreign forum offering asteroid naming rights transfers and requested Mrs. Wang's son's details, explaining that if approved, he could receive an official naming rights certificate. Mrs. Wang was surprised by Gu Jia's change of heart, to which Gu Jia simply stated, "I'm just like you. It's for my son." Miss Chen, the demanding customer from a previous encounter, arrived to complete her purchase.
The store manager informed Wang Manni that successfully closing this significant order would lead to her promotion to sales manager. Wang Manni meticulously went over the sales and order receipts, including the no-return policy and insurance guidelines. Miss Chen then revealed that the funds for the expensive jewelry came from her divorce settlement. She recounted how she and her ex-husband started from poverty, built their wealth through hard work selling lamb skewers, establishing a taxi company, and cultivating an orchard.
They achieved financial freedom after receiving substantial land compensation for a high-speed rail project. However, on that very day, her husband brought his mistress home, a woman dressed in designer brands, and demanded a divorce. Feeling humiliated and foolish, Miss Chen admitted she had walked into the store that day simply wanting to spend money, and she chose Wang Manni because she was the only salesperson who had shown genuine enthusiasm and patience.
Wang Manni felt an urge to advise Miss Chen against an impulsive purchase, but the store manager's presence reminded her of the impending promotion, and she suppressed her thoughts, confirming "No problem" to the manager. Xu Huanshan worked late, and his secretary, Li Ke, brought him homemade dinner, having sent another assistant home.
She claimed a sensitive stomach prevented her from eating takeout and began to cry, expressing fear of disappointing him due to her perceived inability to keep up with work. Xu Huanshan comforted her, and she pledged to work harder. Upon returning home, Xu Huanshan told Gu Jia that their son's kindergarten issue was likely resolved, thanks to Mrs. Wang agreeing to help after Gu Jia assisted her with the asteroid naming rights.
He then mentioned Li Ke's homemade dinner, praising her cooking and noting she had cried due to work pressure, suggesting she was a dedicated employee. This piqued Gu Jia's suspicion. The next day, Gu Jia arrived at the company with several boxes of oranges, distributing them to staff. She specifically addressed Li Ke, mentioning Li Ke had recommended the expensive oranges.
Gu Jia then pointedly asked Li Ke her monthly salary (six thousand yuan) and questioned how she could afford twenty-five-yuan oranges on such a wage, advising her to focus her energy on work to increase her salary, effectively conveying a warning.
Episode 4 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin visited Gu Jia's new home, where Chen Yu presented them with a fish tank as a housewarming gift, noting that Xu Huanshan had previously felt the house lacked vitality. Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan tried to persuade Chen Yu about having a child. Xu Huanshan praised Chen Yu's patience, especially how he interacted with Xu Zi Yan around the fish tanks, remarking that he looked like a father.
Gu Jia then revealed that Zhong Xiaoqin was pregnant, prompting Xu Zi Yan to eagerly express his desire for a little brother. Gu Jia further elaborated on Zhong Xiaoqin's pregnancy symptoms, such as craving sour foods.
While Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan were hanging laundry together, Gu Jia advised Zhong Xiaoqin against lifting heavy items to avoid pressuring the fetus and offered to take her to a bookstore to buy pregnancy-related books, also cautioning her about consuming too many sweet desserts. Observing Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan's effortless teamwork, Zhong Xiaoqin reflected on her own marriage, where she and Chen Yu washed their clothes separately.
Later, as Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin were leaving, Chen Yu's mood darkened. He accused Zhong Xiaoqin of using the housewarming as a pretense to team up with Gu Jia to pressure him into keeping the baby. Zhong Xiaoqin vehemently declared that she intended to keep the baby. Chen Yu firmly disagreed, stating that parenting involved immense responsibility and required economic stability, psychological readiness, and the capability to care for a child, none of which he believed they possessed.
He stressed that raising a child was far more challenging than giving birth. Zhong Xiaoqin, feeling hurt and envious of Gu Jia's family life, expressed her longing for a lively home, believing a child could bring that to their house. Chen Yu conceded that they could continue discussing the matter but insisted that the decision must be made by both of them.
A few days later, Song Donghu, the man Wang Manni had gone on a blind date with and subsequently blocked on WeChat, arrived at Mishil, the luxury store where she worked, with another woman. He intentionally embarrassed Wang Manni by having her serve his new girlfriend, remarking that she had missed her chance to be "Mrs. Song."
Unfazed, Wang Manni maintained her professional demeanor and skillfully persuaded his girlfriend to purchase a significant amount of items, totaling forty to fifty thousand yuan. As they left, Wang Manni subtly scoffed at Song Donghu, stating she was "too expensive" for him. Later, while having dinner with colleagues, Wang Manni's mother called, pressing her about her dating life.
Wang Manni reiterated her refusal to settle, explaining that she was willing to wait for a partner who was rich, interesting, and handsome. Her colleagues expressed their admiration for her professional resilience and also voiced their anxieties about the future in their physically demanding sales job. Chen Xu, who was driving for Xu Huanshan's company thanks to a job Zhong Xiaoqin helped him secure, overheard a conversation between Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan in the car.
Gu Jia mentioned that Chen Yu was being stubborn about the pregnancy, and Chen Xu excitedly realized that his sister-in-law was pregnant. He quickly called his mother to share the good news. Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan then met with Mrs. Wang, who was helping them with Xu Zi Yan's kindergarten application. Gu Jia cautioned Xu Huanshan not to get angry, regardless of what Mrs. Wang said.
Mrs. Wang explained that the kindergarten valued parental "strength" over interviews and instructed them to write "an annual firework show" in the "What can the parent provide" section of the enrollment form, emphasizing that it was a display of their capability. After Mrs. Wang left, Xu Huanshan expressed his disdain for the kindergarten's materialistic nature, causing an argument with Gu Jia. Gu Jia pacified him, reminding him that this was a rare opportunity for their son's education.
Reassured by Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan agreed to fill out the form. On Xu Zi Yan's first day of kindergarten, Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan accompanied him. The teacher introduced Gu Jia to Mu Zi's mom, the class council president. Mu Zi's mom initially expressed annoyance that Gu Jia came "empty-handed," mentioning a "legend" where new students' mothers must personally bake cupcakes with the children's names on them. Gu Jia apologized, explaining she was unaware.
Upon learning that Gu Jia resided in the affluent Jun Yue residence, Mu Zi's mom's demeanor instantly shifted to friendliness. She added Gu Jia on WeChat and invited her to join the parent group. Gu Jia quickly prepared personalized cupcakes with the kindergarten logo for all the children. At a parent gathering, where Gu Jia had brought her beautifully made cakes, a child named Nan Nan suddenly suffered an epileptic seizure. The sight shocked many children and parents.
That evening, Gu Jia discussed the incident with Xu Huanshan, explaining that Mu Zi's mom had quickly created a new WeChat group without the teacher or Nan Nan's parents, advocating for Nan Nan's expulsion. Xu Huanshan agreed that epilepsy was not contagious and supported Nan Nan remaining in school.
When Gu Jia checked on Xu Zi Yan, who was scared, she comforted him by explaining that Nan Nan had a "superpower" and his fainting was like a temporary power outage, assuring him that Nan Nan would not hurt him. Inspired, Xu Zi Yan expressed his willingness to help Nan Nan. Following this, Gu Jia publicly posted a statement in the parent WeChat group, representing her family in support of Nan Nan remaining in the kindergarten.
She argued that epilepsy was not contagious and that depriving a child of a normal education due to fear instilled discrimination. She concluded by stating that if Nan Nan were forced to transfer, her family would withdraw Xu Zi Yan. Her statement gained support from other parents. Chen Xu soon visited Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin, bringing two bottles of vinegar he claimed their mother sent.
Chen Yu, infuriated that Chen Xu had told their mother about the pregnancy, confronted him. He accused Chen Xu of using the news to get money from their mother and threw the vinegar into the trash. Chen Xu admitted their mother had given him ten thousand yuan for the baby's expenses. Chen Yu scolded him, as they weren't planning on keeping the child.
Chen Xu argued that they should have the baby, but Chen Yu angrily retorted that he didn't want the child. Later, the principal convened a meeting with Mu Zi's mom and Gu Jia to discuss Nan Nan's situation. Gu Jia reiterated her stance, which had ultimately influenced most parents to support Nan Nan's continued enrollment.
Mu Zi's mom reluctantly agreed but warned Gu Jia to consult her before speaking out in the group in the future, implying that Gu Jia, as a housewife, might not understand the complexities of social interactions and that her actions could negatively impact her child. Mu Zi's mom later confronted Gu Jia privately, accusing her of trying to usurp her position on the Parent Committee.
Gu Jia denied this, stating her only desire was for her son to receive a good education without encountering discrimination. Mu Zi's mom responded with a veiled threat. Meanwhile, Wang Manni was promoted to Marketing Supervisor and awarded a European cruise for securing the large order. Her colleagues praised her, acknowledging she deserved the promotion.
Soon after, a wealthy male customer, attracted to Wang Manni, made extravagant purchases and attempted to ask her out for dinner, offering her his purchase receipt for points. Wang Manni politely declined, pointing out that he had left his wedding ring in his pocket while trying on clothes, subtly implying that she was aware of his marital status and would not accept his advances.
Episode 5 Recap
Gu Jia's son had only been enrolled in kindergarten for a few days when she unintentionally got into a disagreement with another parent, Mu Zi's mother. Mrs. Wang noticed the tension and called Gu Jia over, questioning how she had already offended someone so quickly. Gu Jia explained that Mu Zi's mother had strong objections to her regarding the parent committee. Mrs. Wang then invited Gu Jia to a spa.
During their session, Mrs. Wang enlightened Gu Jia about the true importance of the committee president, explaining that everything from trips abroad during breaks to various classes and their sign-up counts were closely tied to the president's influence. Recommending more participants reflected the president's capabilities. Gu Jia was surprised such things existed in kindergartens, to which Mrs. Wang responded that it wasn't easy for others to maintain their positions.
Gu Jia clarified that she never intended to replace Mu Zi's mother, but Mrs. Wang asserted that whether Gu Jia wanted to or not, she was perceived as threatening Mu Zi's mother's benefits. Mrs. Wang expressed her admiration for Gu Jia, noting that she didn't have a narrow mindset, knew what she wanted, and pursued it effectively.
Later, Gu Jia called Zhong Xiaoqin, urging her to stop being sulky and giving the silent treatment to Chen Yu, and instead address their issues like adults. Zhong Xiaoqin and Chen Yu went to a ball game, where Zhong Xiaoqin lamented their lack of couple's amusement, noting they were always on their phones or couldn't even sigh loudly. Chen Yu told her to stop complaining, suggesting the game was better than her watching shows on her iPad.
When she claimed she hadn't watched her iPad in a while, he pointed out her stutter, indicating she was lying. Zhong Xiaoqin then pressed him for a decision on the child that day, but Chen Yu remained firm: she wanted to give birth, he did not, and it was a matter of who would compromise. She suggested they let "God decide" based on the game's outcome, each picking a team and agreeing to follow the winner's choice.
Chen Yu questioned making such a significant decision so hastily, to which Zhong Xiaoqin replied that neither of them was willing to compromise. After they made their picks, Chen Yu received an urgent call from work about a district government matter and had to leave for a meeting immediately. He apologized and told Zhong Xiaoqin to take a cab home if she didn't want to stay.
Later, Zhong Xiaoqin found herself locked out of their apartment again, unable to reach Chen Yu by phone, so she waited on the stairs. When Chen Yu finally returned, she complained about him leaving her and the persistent issue with the lock. He easily opened the door and explained she needed to use a specific technique, lifting it while turning the key, promising to adjust it or call a locksmith if it remained difficult for her.
Too tired to argue further, Zhong Xiaoqin lay on the bed. Chen Yu asked who won the game, and she revealed that her chosen team had dropped out. She then seriously asked if he truly didn't want the child. After a long silence, Chen Yu confessed that he didn't dare to have a child, fearing that one day the child would feel unlucky to have him as a father.
He opened up about his childhood, where his father was often absent, leaving him to constantly cover for his younger brother's mistakes and bear the consequences. This upbringing made him worry he would be an irresponsible father like his own. Understanding his hidden struggles, Zhong Xiaoqin comforted him, assuring him that he was different from his father and that their situation wouldn't be like his relationship with his younger brother.
She then mentioned she was hungry, and Chen Yu offered to cook for her. The next morning, Zhong Xiaoqin's mother arrived unexpectedly, having learned about the pregnancy from Chen Yu's mother. Overjoyed, she announced she hadn't slept all night from excitement and insisted they immediately go to the hospital for a check-up, instructing Zhong Xiaoqin to grab her medicare card.
At the hospital, the doctor explained that it was only 9 weeks, so they couldn't create a profile yet but could return after 10 weeks for an early pregnancy check-up. However, the doctor did allow them to listen to the baby's heartbeat. Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply moved, exclaiming to Chen Yu that it was the "best sound I've heard."
Back home, her mother congratulated Chen Yu on becoming a father, while Zhong Xiaoqin and her mother excitedly started browsing online for baby clothes, discussing brands Gu Jia had recommended for Xu Zi Yan. Zhong Xiaoqin also wanted to buy a crib. Chen Yu initially tried to temper their enthusiasm, pointing out their apartment wasn't big enough for a crib. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly suggested they could keep it at her mother's house, a suggestion her mother readily agreed to.
Later that night, Chen Yu was seen secretly looking up crib dimensions online, evidently planning to build one himself. A serious issue arose at Wang Manni's store concerning a saleswoman privately redeeming customer points using a sales receipt and transferring them to her own membership card. The amount involved was significant, equivalent to about 11,000 yuan in vouchers. The mall's property management considered this a major taboo in the industry, an act that could ruin a sales professional's career.
Wang Manni was identified as the saleswoman responsible. She admitted that the VIP card and sales history were hers but vehemently denied exchanging the points herself. She explained that a male customer, whom she had previously served, had tried to make advances towards her and, upon her rejection, had thrown away his receipt. She speculated that this receipt was then used to redeem points onto her card.
Her colleague, Fu Dian, tried to defend her, pointing out that Wang Manni had just received a promotion and wouldn't jeopardize her reputation for 11,000 yuan. However, Director Xu, Wang Manni's superior, was firm, stating that such actions severely harmed the mall's reputation and would be severely punished, referencing a similar past incident where the implicated salesperson was fired.
Wang Manni pleaded for one day to prove her innocence by having the customer testify that she had not taken the receipt. Wang Manni tracked down the male customer, who not only refused to help but also suggested she might have secretly picked up the receipt after he left and redeemed the points. He dismissed her pleas, claiming she was putting him in an awkward position, especially if his coworkers or wife saw her begging him.
Despite her desperate appeals, emphasizing that her job was on the line, he remained unyielding. Later, distraught, Wang Manni called Fu Dian, assuring him of her innocence and begging for his protection. Fu Dian, however, explained that the matter had escalated to store management and headquarters, putting it beyond his ability to control. In a moment of frustration, Wang Manni threatened to take her twelve A+ clients, who had followed her for years, with her if she were fired.
Fu Dian sharply rebuked her, reminding her that customers were loyal to the brand, not the salesperson, and that outside of her uniform, she had no leverage. He advised her to calm down and go home. Gu Jia received a call from Chen Xu, one of Xu Huanshan's subordinates, informing her that Xu Huanshan had gotten drunk at a dinner.
The next morning, Gu Jia visited the company and discreetly gathered information, confirming with Xiao Sun that a designer named Li Ke had also been present at the dinner. Gu Jia later spoke with Chen Xu, whom she considered a clever and trustworthy employee, advising him to be cautious and reminding him that "less is more" when it came to sensitive matters.
Shortly after, Gu Jia received another call detailing that Xu Huanshan had argued with Mr. Wan, throwing documents at him and driving him away, effectively sabotaging a crucial deal. Upon arriving at the office, Gu Jia found it in disarray. She sent the staff to lunch and confronted Xu Huanshan, who was still fuming. He ranted about Mr. Wan's disregard for art, explaining that Mr. Wan constantly pushed down costs, questioned their environment-friendly materials, and even suggested using expired fireworks.
Xu Huanshan felt his dedicated designs were wasted on such a client, likening it to "making dumplings to feed pigs." He expressed disillusionment, questioning if the company was truly fulfilling his artistic dreams or merely trapping him in endless discussions about costs and benefits, finding it "boring through the roof."
Gu Jia proposed she could try to negotiate with Mr. Wan, but Xu Huanshan flatly refused, declaring he would not compromise this time and asserting his authority as the company's decision-maker, giving up on the deal entirely. Gu Jia attempted to reason with Xu Huanshan, acknowledging Mr. Wan's difficult nature but emphasizing that his orders constituted 50% of their annual profit, making him a crucial "big client."
Xu Huanshan, however, felt his artistic work was being devalued by purely financial considerations. Gu Jia warned him that without Mr. Wan's collaboration, the company's finances would collapse the following month. Despite his refusal, Gu Jia took matters into her own hands and called Mr. Wan, apologizing and requesting a personal meeting to explain. Mr. Wan agreed, and Gu Jia dressed formally for the occasion.
Upon meeting Mr. Wan, he made a comment about her being late and the awkward early dinner time, subtly hinting at a "round two" of activities, though he assured her he had already ordered food and alcohol. Gu Jia apologized, citing her responsibilities as a wife and mother and her child waiting at home. Mr. Wan questioned why he should always be understanding, especially when she was there to apologize.
Gu Jia, on behalf of Xu Huanshan, expressed profound gratitude for Mr. Wan's support over the past two years, admitting his orders were vital for the company's operations and their family's well-being. To sweeten the deal, she offered him 20% of the company's profits, assuring him she had the authority to make such a decision.
Mr. Wan recalled Xu Huanshan's defiant words about rather starving than taking his orders, but Gu Jia dismissed them as angry remarks from an artist, not to be taken seriously. Mr. Wan then took her hand, praising her family's fireworks but stating they were "not as good as you." He expressed envy for Xu Huanshan's luck and hinted at his desire for her, reassuring her that whatever transpired would remain their secret.
Gu Jia questioned if this was the condition for continued collaboration, to which Mr. Wan responded with a suggestive "There's only one solution to this. You understand." Gu Jia attempted to deflect by offering to arrange younger colleagues for entertainment at a bar or nightclub, but Mr. Wan rejected the idea, bluntly stating, "I want you," adding that she seemed like the "perfect wife."
Disgusted, Gu Jia pushed his hand away and quoted Xu Huanshan's earlier defiant words: "Even if we have to light up the factory, we won't take your order." She then abruptly left the meeting. Later, her subordinate, Chen Xu, called, worried that she hadn't picked up, and brought her water and midnight snacks at the office. Gu Jia instructed him not to tell Xu Huanshan what had transpired, preferring to "treat it like nothing happened today."
Returning home, Gu Jia learned from her nanny that her son, Xu Zi Yan, had been picked up by Mu Zi's mother to attend a classmate's birthday party. The nanny mentioned the event had been announced in the parents' group chat, which Gu Jia realized she hadn't checked.
Gu Jia immediately went to Mu Zi's house, where Mu Zi's mother, who appeared to be intoxicated, vaguely answered when Gu Jia asked for Xu Zi Yan, saying he was just playing with the other children. Suddenly, Xu Zi Yan's distressed cries were heard from a locked bedroom. Gu Jia frantically demanded Mu Zi's mother open the door.
Mu Zi's mother tried to deflect, claiming the room locked automatically and that Xu Zi Yan "did as he pleased" and had "no respect," even maliciously suggesting he had "autism" because he didn't play with other children. Gu Jia finally got her son out, finding him covered in sweat and crying, saying he never wanted to play with them or go to kindergarten again.
After comforting Xu Zi Yan and telling him to wait outside, Gu Jia calmly removed her watch and high heels, then forcefully pushed Mu Zi's mother into the bedroom, locking her inside, intent on retaliating for the harm inflicted on her son. Mu Zi's mother, still locked in the room, screamed that she would assess her injuries and call the police to have Gu Jia expelled from the kindergarten.
Gu Jia, however, coolly countered that she was the one who should call the police, as taking her son without his mother's consent constituted kidnapping, a criminal offense. She then threatened to expose Mu Zi's mother's past misdeeds of receiving kickbacks and engaging in selfish acts within the parents' group chat if she continued her theatrics. With her point made, Gu Jia calmly put on her high heels and left with her son.
She reflected that at thirty years old, it was her first time resorting to physical violence, but she did so because "compared to dignity, there's something more valuable, the people I want to protect." Later that evening, Gu Jia discussed the company's dire financial situation with Xu Huanshan. She proposed a drastic measure: using their large house as a corporate asset to pledge to the bank for a loan.
This, she explained, would temporarily alleviate the pressure from the company's impending cash flow crisis, as they only had enough funds for one month of employee expenses and urgently needed new clients. Xu Huanshan expressed apprehension about mortgaging their home, fearing the bank could seize it if the company failed. Gu Jia, however, reassured him, suggesting that danger could also be a turning point.
She believed that being too comfortable might lead to complacency, and this crisis could prompt the company to find new breakthroughs and turn things around. Xu Huanshan, trusting her judgment, agreed to her plan, and they vowed to overcome the challenges together.
Episode 6 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin sat with her colleagues, lost in thought as she read aloud wedding vows she had penned. Her vision of a transformed marriage involved daily dinners, no phones at the table, shared TV time, and no more pets because, as the vows declared, "no cat or fish or dog is as cute as you." The promises continued: no arguments carried to bed, and a husband who would help her with necklaces and never lose contact.
Her colleagues were deeply moved by her words, lamenting that her talent was wasted on writing reports. They then launched into a discussion about marriage, with some stating that giving birth to a child was like "fighting monsters and leveling up," transforming a relationship into an "unbreakable comrade relationship" and curing any "literary youth" tendencies. One colleague shared how her daily step count shot up to 20,000 at home, chasing her child.
Later that evening, after her colleagues' gathering, Zhong Xiaoqin called Chen Yu, asking him to pick her up. He curtly told her he was busy, tending to his fish, and instructed her to take a cab before hanging up. Despite her disappointment, upon returning home, she discovered motion-sensor nightlights Chen Yu had installed along the hallway. Feeling a flicker of hope that he might be changing, she woke him, claiming pregnancy nausea and a craving for sour plum soup.
Chen Yu, annoyed, mumbled that she should just order it through a phone app, crushing her renewed hope. At work, Wang Manni was awaiting disciplinary action for allegedly privatizing customer points. Zhong Xiaoqin, upon hearing the news, rushed into the manager's meeting. She explained that she had seen a different woman using Wang Manni's name to deposit points the previous day around 3:30 p. m. and urged them to check the surveillance footage.
The footage revealed a woman who was indeed not Wang Manni. While Wang Manni didn't recognize her, she found the face familiar. A quick check of her WeChat Moments confirmed the woman was Linda's friend. Linda, driven by jealousy over Wang Manni's recent big sale and a promotion she had long coveted, had orchestrated the scheme. Linda vehemently defended her actions, claiming Wang Manni had "stolen her spot."
However, Wang Manni insisted on company rules: Linda should be dealt with in the same way Wang Manni would have been punished, leading to Linda's termination. To express her gratitude, Wang Manni invited Zhong Xiaoqin to her apartment for dinner. Zhong Xiaoqin noticed a large stock of shampoo, which Wang Manni explained she bought in bulk during an online discount, as they would eventually be used.
Wang Manni also shared that her apartment's rent was 7,000 yuan a month, a significant portion of her income, but she loved the balcony view, which made her feel as if she belonged in Shanghai. Zhong Xiaoqin remarked that she had never lived alone, having even attended college in the same city. Wang Manni reflected on her eight years in Shanghai, admitting she still lacked a sense of belonging and was uncertain about her future.
She told Zhong Xiaoqin that if she ever needed help, she shouldn't hesitate to ask, as Wang Manni also disliked owing people favors. Back home, Zhong Xiaoqin recounted the day's events to Chen Yu, mentioning she might have offended her manager. Chen Yu was indifferent, reminding her that she insisted on having the baby and that if she lost her job due to pregnancy, he couldn't afford to support both of them.
Zhong Xiaoqin playfully hit him with a pillow, claiming the baby wanted dumplings. Despite his initial grumbling, Chen Yu went to the fridge to cook them, asking for the baby's preference. Meanwhile, Gu Jia spoke with Chen Xu, learning that Li Ke had not only crashed the client dinner but also encouraged Xu Huanshan to throw files at Mr. Wan.
Confronting Li Ke, Gu Jia stated that the company was a joint effort between her and Xu Huanshan before she became a full-time housewife. Gu Jia criticized Li Ke for focusing on charming male superiors rather than developing professional skills, using her "gender advantage to receive more favor and care," which ultimately caused a loss for the company. Gu Jia had a resignation letter prepared, asking Li Ke to sign it and "leave with dignity."
Xu Huanshan felt Gu Jia was overreacting by firing Li Ke, but Gu Jia insisted it was for their peace of mind, especially for a fireworks company where fanning flames could be deadly. Given their significant financial risk after mortgaging their new home for a company loan, Gu Jia emphasized they could not afford any more risks. Xu Huanshan eventually agreed.
Gu Jia reassured him, believing they could overcome this challenge as they had others over their ten years together, and promised to find a solution for their financial woes. At work, Zhong Xiaoqin's manager, Manager Xu, called her into the office. Zhong Xiaoqin, fearing she was about to be fired for contradicting her, started to apologize. Manager Xu clarified that she was offering Zhong Xiaoqin a promotion and a three-month transfer to the Operations Department for market research.
Manager Xu passionately urged Zhong Xiaoqin to seize this opportunity, emphasizing the significance of "standing at thirty" and being alert to all opportunities in work, love, and life. However, Zhong Xiaoqin, citing undisclosed "personal reasons," repeatedly declined the transfer, feeling she would be "completely drained." Later, Mrs. Wang took Gu Jia to a gathering of wealthy wives.
Gu Jia noticed their designer handbags were all limited edition luxury items, while her own branded bag felt out of place, causing her to hide it behind her when sitting. The other wives, particularly Mrs. Liu, were condescending, mocking Mrs. Wang and Gu Jia. Gu Jia observed Mrs. Yu, a former actress who married a much older man, proudly asserting her husband's wealth.
Though initially dismissive, Gu Jia’s ears perked up when she learned Mrs. Yu's husband operated the top three amusement parks in the country—a potential client for Xu Huanshan’s fireworks company. Gu Jia immediately added Mrs. Yu on WeChat. After the event, Gu Jia discovered she had been cropped out of the group photo posted on social media. Realizing she needed to bridge the social gap, Gu Jia decided to purchase a luxury bag similar to the other wives'. She reached out to Zhong Xiaoqin for help finding a specific brand, as many stores were out of stock. Zhong Xiaoqin suggested asking Wang Manni, who worked in luxury sales.
Episode 7 Recap
Wang Manni was invited by Zhong Xiaoqin to Gu Jia’s house. Upon entering the upscale building, Wang Manni remarked to Zhong Xiaoqin that it was her first time entering a client's house, as her job usually restricted her to waiting at the door when delivering goods. Zhong Xiaoqin reassured her not to treat Gu Jia as a client, but as her best friend. Wang Manni and Gu Jia then recognized each other.
Gu Jia apologized for spilling coffee on Wang Manni previously, and Wang Manni confirmed her clothes were cleaned. Zhong Xiaoqin was surprised they already knew each other. Zhong Xiaoqin explained that Gu Jia had an urgent request to buy a particular purse. Gu Jia mentioned that the salesperson had told her there would be a long wait for this specific item, which she needed as a "stepping stone" to resolve a recent problem.
Wang Manni immediately offered to help, explaining that she knew a former colleague, Sister Ling, who had transferred to that brand. Wang Manni called Sister Ling, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the request for her friend. To secure the bag quickly, Wang Manni offered to transfer all her annual sales credits to Sister Ling. After the call, Wang Manni reassured Gu Jia that Sister Ling would find a way.
Gu Jia expressed her gratitude, offering to help Wang Manni with her sales if needed, but Wang Manni insisted it was her pleasure to help Zhong Xiaoqin's friend. At work, Chen Yu was criticized by his superior during a review meeting for a news report he edited about a mother and her two children.
Although the report had successfully raised 200,000 yuan for the family, his superior admonished him for not confirming the subjects' identities and for acting on his own initiative while she was on vacation. She warned that any future unauthorized actions would not be tolerated. Chen Yu expressed frustration, feeling unable to do his work. Later, at home, Chen Yu arrived in a bad mood and refused to eat with Zhong Xiaoqin.
He dismissed her questions, saying she wouldn't understand the complexities of TV station operations. He simply stated he might lose his job one day. Zhong Xiaoqin then brought up her recent decision to reject a promotion due to the impending child.
Chen Yu retorted that the child hadn't come at the right time and questioned their readiness, remarking that some children are "the icing on the cake" while others "add insult to injury," implying their child would be the latter due to their financial instability. Gu Jia found herself short on funds for the purchase. Xu Huanshan was dismayed, questioning why she needed such an expensive purse when they had already mortgaged their house and were under significant financial pressure.
Gu Jia explained that this particular purse was essential for her to be included in the wealthy women's group photo. She revealed her strategy: these women possessed valuable resources. She specifically mentioned Mrs. Yu, whose family owned three amusement parks, hoping to secure a fireworks supply contract that would solve their financial troubles.
Xu Huanshan found the idea exaggerated, but Gu Jia argued that the purse was a "weapon" to open a door of opportunity, a necessary "burning the boats" move. Seeing her conviction, Xu Huanshan reluctantly agreed to help her gather the remaining funds. Knowing Gu Jia's goal was to enter the elite circle, Wang Manni gave her crucial advice: to spend more to get a limited-edition version, which would be far more effective than a common design.
Gu Jia agreed and secured the funds. She picked up the rare bag from Manni late at night and, to show her gratitude, also bought other items from the store to help with Manni's sales figures. The strategy was a success, helping Gu Jia finally get into the wealthy women's social circle. The three friends gathered, their bond strengthened by Gu Jia's successful bag purchase. Gu Jia treated Wang Manni to dessert.
During their conversation, Zhong Xiaoqin shared her nervousness about her upcoming hospital visit for pregnancy registration, asking her friends to keep her pregnancy a secret at work. Wang Manni then inquired about Gu Jia's experience with cruise travel, as her company had rewarded her with a European cruise.
Gu Jia explained the significant difference between a regular cabin and a stateroom, strongly recommending upgrading to a stateroom to gain access to exclusive areas and events like the Captain's Banquet for a more upscale experience. She also suggested bringing elegant dresses for such occasions. That evening, Wang Manni decided to upgrade her cruise ticket to a stateroom, paying the extra cost herself as it might be her only chance for such an experience.
Gu Jia called her and encouraged her to dress up beautifully for the trip. Inspired, Wang Manni went shoe shopping. She decided on a classic, expensive pair, explaining that in her thirties, she valued quality over quantity. She then received a package from Gu Jia, who had sent her two dresses suitable for the captain's dinners. Wang Manni also called her bank to temporarily adjust her credit limit for use in Europe and inquired about installment payment offers.
Chen Yu drove Zhong Xiaoqin for her prenatal check-up. On the way, they discussed baby names; Zhong Xiaoqin suggested "You Zi" (Grapefruit) while Chen Yu enthusiastically proposed "Xiao Dao." Upon arriving at the hospital, Zhong Xiaoqin emerged from her appointment in tears, informing Chen Yu that the fetus had died due to poor development, with no detectable heartbeat. The doctor confirmed the fetal demise, explaining that the embryo had failed to develop properly, and advised an immediate uterus clearing surgery.
Chen Yu, prioritizing her health, went to arrange the surgery, only to find the operating rooms fully booked. He quickly called a contact to secure an earlier appointment, successfully arranging it for two days later. However, Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply hurt by Chen Yu's efficient, seemingly emotionless approach. She tearfully accused him of being more relieved than sad and that he acted as if the lost child wasn't his, believing the child knew he didn't want it.
Mrs. Wang hosted a gathering for the wealthy women at her home and had asked Gu Jia to prepare desserts. Upon Gu Jia's arrival, Mrs. Wang urged her to start. While Gu Jia presented the desserts, she observed the other women engaging in conversations about French desserts and private art collections, making her feel like hired help rather than a guest. After the guests departed, Mrs. Wang told Gu Jia to clean up.
Gu Jia, however, confronted Mrs. Wang, pointing out her blunder: hosting an afternoon tea at a high-top table. Gu Jia explained the historical context, distinguishing between "high tea" for servants and "low tea" for the true leisure class at low tables. She then offered Mrs. Wang a partnership, suggesting her unique strengths could help Mrs. Wang elevate her position within the elite circle. Wang Manni embarked on her cruise. After seeing her small cabin, she inquired about upgrading.
A staff member showed her a Yacht-class suite, but the upgrade cost an additional 18,000 yuan. Wang Manni ultimately decided against it, finding the cost too high. Instead, she chose to pay separately to dine at one of the more upscale restaurants on board, though she couldn't secure a window seat without a reservation and was informed of a 15% service charge. Gu Jia received a call from Chen Yu and immediately rushed to Zhong Xiaoqin's home.
Chen Yu explained that Zhong Xiaoqin had locked herself in the bathroom after returning from the hospital. Standing outside the bathroom door, Gu Jia patiently spoke to Zhong Xiaoqin, offering comfort. She dismissed the upcoming procedure as a minor surgery and promised to accompany her to the hospital on the day of the operation.
Episode 8 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin wept in Gu Jia's arms, unable to comprehend why her baby was suddenly gone when she had been so ready to welcome it. Gu Jia comforted her, explaining a story from Xu Zi Yan's favorite picture book: babies choose their mothers in the sky, and if a baby senses danger, it quietly leaves to protect its mother. Gu Jia urged Zhong Xiaoqin to take care of her body and wait for the baby to return.
Zhong Xiaoqin then expressed her anger at Chen Yu’s apparent lack of reaction to the loss. Gu Jia defended him, saying men and women express grief differently and that Chen Yu must also feel terrible inside, but as a man, he cannot cry like she can. She advised Zhong Xiaoqin not to overthink things due to her heartbreak and to prioritize her health.
Meanwhile, Wang Manni wore the dress Gu Jia had given her to the executive cabin to taste wine. She found the Japanese wine unappealing. A well-groomed man, Liang Zhengxian, approached her and offered her a glass of Japanese whiskey, claiming it was better for a first-time whiskey drinker.
As he spoke about the wine and shared a story about a Greek island tradition, Wang Manni quickly realized he was an experienced charmer, noting that the story would likely be the same regardless of the drink. After a few drinks, Liang Zhengxian boldly remarked that she didn't seem to belong in that cabin.
When Wang Manni asked how he could tell, he pointed to her high heels, explaining that women in this cabin typically wouldn't have gel protectors on the soles of their shoes. Wang Manni simply smiled. As the wind picked up on the cruise deck, Liang Zhengxian offered her his coat. He also mentioned that he had noticed her dining alone in the paid restaurant earlier.
Wang Manni clarified that the prices weren't unreasonably high for her and that she wasn't someone who couldn't afford such a meal but rather someone who sought out good things. Liang Zhengxian offered to upgrade her cabin, but she declined, stating that she did not accept such "extra ways of paying" and could afford it herself.
Gu Jia received a call from her friend Shen Jie, who had heard that two core technical employees had resigned from Xu Huanshan's company, indicating their difficult situation. Gu Jia confirmed that Xu Huanshan was feeling terrible. Shen Jie mentioned a rival company had even offered Xu Huanshan a chief designer position if his company collapsed, which he found insulting, emphasizing that their years of hard work would be wasted.
Gu Jia admitted they were delaying employee salaries and bank loans wouldn't last much longer, stressing the need for a stable client. Shen Jie then offered to help financially, providing 60,000 to 70,000 yuan from a recent order, encouraging them to persist. Gu Jia thanked him, and Shen Jie spoke about understanding the hardships of starting a business. Gu Jia relayed the offer to Xu Huanshan, who felt uneasy accepting it.
Gu Jia reassured him, promising that she would secure Mrs. Yu's business. To get closer to Mrs. Yu, Gu Jia sold her recently purchased luxury items, including a rare bracelet, at a low price to enroll Xu Zi Yan in horse riding lessons. At the equestrian club, Gu Jia is stunned when Mrs. Yu proudly shows off a new bracelet—the very one Gu Jia had just sold.
She also learns from Mrs. Wang that Mrs. Yu's life isn't as perfect as it seems, as she is a stepmother raising her husband's child from a previous marriage. Later, Gu Jia discussed with Xu Huanshan how these activities, along with robotics and golf, were "bonus items" essential for Zi Yan's future education and studying abroad. After undergoing her D&C procedure, Zhong Xiaoqin returned home.
A nurse had previously asked if they wanted to save a sample for genetic testing to investigate the cause of the fetal demise, to which Zhong Xiaoqin had agreed. At the hospital, she insisted on keeping her wedding ring in her clothes pocket rather than placing it in a bag. Upon her arrival home, her mother had already rushed over, prepared warm water, and was cooking soup, fussing over Xiaoqin's cold hands.
Chen Yu noticed his mother-in-law's suitcase and her plan to stay, even bringing a camping cot for herself to sleep in the fish room. He expressed his displeasure at her presence, especially after she brought their cat, Pika, into the house. Chen Yu attempted to remove the cat, but Zhong Xiaoqin quickly intervened, declaring that Pika would stay.
Despite having requested a week off to care for Zhong Xiaoqin, Chen Yu received a call and promptly left for work, citing an emergency. The next morning, Wang Manni woke up in the executive cabin, greeted by the vast ocean and refreshing breeze. She felt the 18,000 yuan charged to her credit card for the upgrade was well worth it for such a view. That evening, Liang Zhengxian invited her to dinner at a window-side table.
Wang Manni realized that such desirable seats weren't reserved by booking but by "American Dollars." He explained that the biggest drawback of cruise ships was the monotonous food, but experienced travelers knew that with enough tips, the chef and servers would cater to special requests. He presented a meal made with local, distinctive seafood and expensive ingredients.
Dissatisfied with the rich meal, Wang Manni asked to enter the kitchen to make fried eggs for Liang Zhengxian, explaining that it suited her "Chinese stomach" more. She successfully fried an egg, which she found delicious, proclaiming it even better than the chef's, and wishing she had a bowl of white rice to go with it.
Liang Zhengxian then gave her a bracelet, saying it was the one she had admired in a jewelry shop, and insisted she accept it, as he would be sad if she refused. She accepted, and he personally helped her put it on. Back home, Zhong Xiaoqin woke up to find Chen Yu gone, her mother informing her he had gone to work due to an urgent call from the station.
Zhong Xiaoqin was upset, complaining that the baby's loss seemed to have no effect on Chen Yu, and that his promise of a week off to care for her was empty words. She noted his continued unresponsiveness to her WeChat messages. Her mother defended Chen Yu, saying he had left in a bad mood, undoubtedly due to the baby, and was under work pressure.
She also expressed her disapproval of Zhong Xiaoqin's complaints, calling her "poisoned by the internet" for questioning marriage and speaking highly of Chen Yu's self-motivation and career achievements. Chen Yu, at work, was dealing with a crisis: an intern's interview footage was completely out of focus and unusable for the 6:30 PM live broadcast of a summit.
His boss, Sister Ru, was furious, threatening severe consequences if the issue wasn't resolved, and later canceled all team members' leaves for a month, demanding they be on-call. Chen Yu desperately tried to get usable footage from media friends but couldn't get through. When Chen Yu returned home, Zhong Xiaoqin immediately confronted him about canceling his leave.
He explained the crisis at the station and added that since her mother was there to care for her, he had canceled his annual leave. Zhong Xiaoqin was very angry. Chen Yu then noticed several of his prized fish had died in the tank. He flew into a rage, demanding to know why it had been unplugged, despite his repeated warnings not to touch it.
Zhong Xiaoqin's mother quickly apologized, explaining she had unplugged the oxygen pump to save electricity and then forgotten. Ignoring his mother-in-law, Chen Yu shouted about the immense effort it took to transport those fish and kicked the cat that was at his feet. Zhong Xiaoqin's mother, feeling her daughter's injustice, retorted that she had not seen him this angry even when their child was lost.
Later, at dinner, Zhong Xiaoqin's mother served a fish dish, pointedly stating it was not from Chen Yu's tank. Chen Yu, seeing the dish, abruptly left the table and slammed the bedroom door shut. Zhong Xiaoqin, infuriated, confronted his closed door, accusing him of hiding in his room when he was unhappy, refusing to communicate or solve problems, and resorting to "cold violence." Chen Yu then opened the door and walked out of the house without a word, with Zhong Xiaoqin chasing after him.
Episode 9 Recap
Chen Yu found himself in the yard, silently burying his dead fish. Zhong Xiaoqin followed him, asking why he was so quiet and what he was doing. She pressed him, saying her mother was right—he didn't seem sad or solemn about their baby's passing, only concerned with his fish. Chen Yu retorted that he was simply burying them so her cat wouldn't dig them up and eat them, warning her not to take her anger out on his cat.
Zhong Xiaoqin, who had just undergone surgery and felt weak, expressed her disappointment that he hadn't even taken a day off for her, yet still found time to care for his fish. Chen Yu then explained his reluctance to be home, admitting he'd rather work at the station than face a direct conflict with her mother.
He accused her mother of intentionally causing trouble by serving fish immediately after his died and even implied she was responsible for their death by unplugging the fish tank's filter to save electricity. Zhong Xiaoqin, defending her mother, was shocked by his accusations. His harsh words left Zhong Xiaoqin heartbroken. She cried and rushed to Gu Jia's home, so distressed that she forgot her cab fare.
Gu Jia quickly paid the driver, then noticed how cold Zhong Xiaoqin's hands were, urging her to avoid catching a cold, especially in her current state. Gu Jia brought her warm water to soak her feet, explaining that a full bath wasn't advisable. When asked what happened, Zhong Xiaoqin tearfully confessed that Chen Yu had also driven her mother away, leaving her feeling wronged and unable to articulate her feelings.
Gu Jia embraced her, reassuring her that she could sleep there for the night. That evening, Wang Manni joined Liang Zhengxian for the captain's VIP dinner. During the drawing of wishes, Liang Zhengxian's table was chosen as the lucky winner. His wish was for Wang Manni to sing a song for him. Despite feeling unprepared and a bit embarrassed, Wang Manni bravely took the stage and sang "What a Wonderful World."
Afterwards, on the deck, she confessed to Liang Zhengxian that she felt everyone was laughing at her. He quickly reassured her, saying they were thanking her, and praised her courage, calling the song unforgettable. He looked at her with undisguised admiration, implying his wish was granted by God so he could openly express his feelings. Overwhelmed, Wang Manni excused herself, feigning seasickness, and returned to her room.
The next morning, Chen Yu arrived at Gu Jia's to pick up Zhong Xiaoqin. Gu Jia urged him to take Zhong Xiaoqin out for a good breakfast and comfort her. Chen Yu claimed this was difficult, as Zhong Xiaoqin now got angry after just a few words. Gu Jia reprimanded him, emphasizing that the child was not "optional" for Zhong Xiaoqin, who had wholeheartedly prepared for motherhood and was deeply hurt despite her outwardly careless demeanor.
Gu Jia told him that if he thought she didn't care, he was "being mean." She elaborated on marital life, stating that while 80% is mundane, the 20% of challenges, if navigated well, can redeem the ordinary, but if handled poorly, can irreparably damage the relationship. Chen Yu seemed to take her words to heart. Gu Jia then told Zhong Xiaoqin that Chen Yu had come early to fetch her, and she should go with him.
Chen Yu, in turn, offered to take Zhong Xiaoqin for breakfast. At breakfast, Chen Yu apologized for his behavior the previous day, admitting he was wrong for speaking ill of her mother and for not taking leave after her surgery. He confessed that the rapid succession of events—discovering and then losing the child—had left them "dumbstruck" and stubborn. He speculated that the child's loss wasn't the root problem but merely exposed existing issues.
Zhong Xiaoqin calmly stated that their problem was a "lack of communication" and shared goals. She reflected on her own life, admitting she had no clear future plans, was content with her current job and salary, and hadn't truly strived for anything she deeply desired. She then asked if he had any goals, noting he had never shared them.
She reminisced about their courtship, when they would sit side-by-side, holding hands under the table, contrasting it with their current habit of sitting across from each other and rushing through meals. Chen Yu defensively argued that her memories were biased, explaining past instances that led to their current habits, such as a crowded restaurant or him accidentally ruining her silk shirts. Exasperated by his justifications, Zhong Xiaoqin, losing her appetite, wished she hadn't said anything at all.
Meanwhile, Gu Jia took her son to an equestrian class, where she witnessed Mrs. Yu fall after her stepson deliberately startled her horse. Gu Jia quickly helped Mrs. Yu up, gently noting her broken, second-hand bracelet, and expressing sympathy for the difficulties of being a stepmother. Mrs. Yu, distraught, confessed that her stepson treated her like an enemy, and her position in the household was worse than that of a nanny.
She recounted sacrificing her acting career and resorting to buying second-hand luxury items to maintain appearances in social circles, only for her husband to criticize her as immature. Gu Jia advised Mrs. Yu not to try to replace the child's biological mother, explaining that children are perceptive and attempting to usurp that role would only make them an adversary. Instead, she suggested Mrs. Yu try to be a friend.
When Mrs. Yu questioned Gu Jia's sudden kindness, Gu Jia candidly revealed her intention: she hoped Mrs. Yu's husband would consider her company for the fireworks tender at his amusement park. On the final night of the cruise, Liang Zhengxian visited Wang Manni. She opened her door but stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind her. He invited her to Iceland to see the northern lights, mentioning he had all the arrangements ready.
Wang Manni politely but firmly declined, stating she had to return to her regular life and work. She reminded him of his earlier comment that she didn't truly belong in his cabin, revealing that she had paid for her upgrade with credit card installments. She explained that her time on the cruise was a "dream" that must end when the ship docked, and she needed to "wake up" and return to her own reality.
Liang Zhengxian pressed her, suggesting she might regret not seizing the opportunity for a different life. He remarked that she seemed different that day, to which she replied this was her "normal" self, reaffirming she didn't belong in his world. When he then asked for her WeChat contact, Wang Manni refused, citing the captain's saying that "what happens on the ship should not be taken off the ship."
She added that since she couldn't take any of it with her, she preferred to leave it all behind. Liang Zhengxian admitted he was a little hurt but found her response memorable, then bid her farewell. Upon her return from vacation, Wang Manni was met by her landlord, who announced she was selling the apartment because her daughter was getting married and needed a larger home. Wang Manni, having just paid rent, was informed she would be refunded.
The landlord introduced a real estate agent, "Xiao Xu," requesting Wang Manni's cooperation for apartment showings. During this discussion, Gu Jia called Wang Manni to inform her that Zhong Xiaoqin had lost her baby due to "embryo demise" and had undergone surgery. Despite Gu Jia's suggestion to rest first, Wang Manni immediately asked for the address, determined to go see Zhong Xiaoqin. To lift Zhong Xiaoqin's spirits, Wang Manni and Gu Jia brought gifts, but Zhong Xiaoqin remained listless.
Gu Jia then suggested they go out, and after some unenthusiastic ideas, she proposed a unique outing. They visited their alma mater, sitting in the back of a university classroom. There, they overheard younger students discussing their anxieties about aging; one worried about turning 22, another casually referred to 30-year-olds as "aunties," while a third romanticized becoming a full-time housewife or fretted about losing game time after graduation.
Gu Jia and Wang Manni quietly exchanged amused glances, with Gu Jia debunking the idealistic portrayal of a full-time housewife's life. The professor eventually noticed the three women in the back, seemingly out of place. Afterwards, Zhong Xiaoqin reflected on her youthful aspirations for her thirties, realizing that novels often depict a fictionalized reality.
She concluded that life's essence is a continuous series of challenges, but found a sense of acceptance, declaring that being thirty "is not a big deal anyways!" Later, Wang Manni returned home to find the real estate agent, Xiao Xu, waiting outside. He explained he had appointments to show the apartment but couldn't because she wasn't home, emphasizing the landlord's urgency to sell.
He tried to ingratiate himself, offering an extra month's rent for her cooperation and appealing to their shared experience as renters, claiming those without property are "weak." After she confirmed his age, Wang Manni, while appearing sympathetic to his predicament, firmly stated her available days—next Tuesday and Saturday, once a day—and insisted she not be bothered at other times. She also declined the fruit he offered as a gesture of goodwill.
Zhong Xiaoqin accompanied Chen Yu to a medical appointment to understand the cause of their baby's loss. The doctor explained that "chromosomal abnormalities" were the cause, a common occurrence and a form of "natural selection." When asked whose fault it was, the doctor clarified that many factors, including sperm or egg quality, could contribute, making it impossible to pinpoint a single source.
The doctor confirmed they could have children again but strongly recommended a pre-pregnancy check-up, specifically suggesting a semen analysis for Chen Yu. Chen Yu visibly hesitated, believing he had no issues and expressing discomfort about the test. Zhong Xiaoqin, however, pressed him, recounting her feelings of being "alone and helpless" during her surgery. She told him she could accept never having children, but she desperately wanted to understand why if it happened again. Moved by her heartfelt plea, Chen Yu eventually agreed to undergo the test.
Episode 10 Recap
After Zhong Xiaoqin and Chen Yu underwent a prenatal examination, Zhong Xiaoqin secretly photographed Chen Yu's sperm quality analysis report on her phone and sent it to her mother. Chen Yu, discovering her actions, confronted her angrily, feeling his privacy was violated. Zhong Xiaoqin tried to justify it by saying her mother wasn't at ease otherwise, but Chen Yu retorted that while her mother might be at ease, he felt betrayed.
Later that evening, Zhong Xiaoqin attempted to reconcile by offering Chen Yu tangerines, but he brushed her off, saying his hands weren't clean. He then showed her his newly acquired Tiger Skin fish, using them as a metaphor for their fading relationship. He explained that young, vibrant fish eventually lose their patterns and colors, becoming old and hunched, just like people.
He concluded that their marriage wasn't losing its color, but rather they, as individuals, were becoming dulled by trivial matters, making their days more boring. Zhong Xiaoqin’s mother later called her, confirming with relief that Chen Yu’s sperm survival rate was 95%, so there was no problem with his health. Meanwhile, a real estate agent, introduced by Wang Manni's landlord who planned to sell the apartment, found a new place for Wang Manni.
It was located in a more remote district, farther from the city center, but offered a spacious, clean environment at a lower rent. Wang Manni, recalling her cruise experience where she saw the stark differences between economy and business class, decided to take it, embracing the idea of having her own living room, bathroom, and kitchen. She believed a smaller living space would limit her perspective, and the rent savings could fund an annual long-term vacation.
Zhong Xiaoqin came to help Wang Manni pack, expressing her envy for Wang Manni and Gu Jia, who always seemed to have plans for everything, unlike herself, who felt constantly confused. Inspired by Wang Manni's decisiveness, Zhong Xiaoqin resolved to cancel her vacation and return to work. In the dead of night, Gu Jia was startled awake by a nightmare in which her father suffered a heart attack with no one around to help.
She frantically called his cell phone, but it was continuously busy. Panicked, she prepared to rush home, but Xu Huanshan calmly suggested she try calling the landline. Her father soon answered, seemingly well and asleep, which finally allowed Gu Jia to breathe a sigh of relief. The next morning, Gu Jia visited her father, bringing him many gifts, and discovered expired salted vegetables and ham in his refrigerator.
She offered him three options: install a security camera, hire a housemaid, or move in with her. Her father rejected all three, stating he didn't want to be monitored, have a stranger in his house, or live under his daughter's roof, believing distance was better for their relationship. Gu Jia explained her nightmare and worries, emphasizing her need for peace of mind.
Her father then revealed his intention to move into a nursing home, having already researched some and finding them quite satisfactory. He felt it was a good opportunity to experience new things while in good health, without burdening his daughter. Unable to persuade each other, they agreed to visit a few nursing homes together. At work, Chen Yu’s recent proposals were repeatedly rejected.
He sought out his superior, Sister Lu, who chastised him for lacking energy and having his mind elsewhere, sarcastically suggesting he use his annual leave to clear his head. Frustrated, Chen Yu took his leave. Simultaneously, Zhong Xiaoqin returned to her office. She learned that Zhong Xiaoyang’s department rotation was over, and he was now permanently assigned to her department.
He was delighted to see her back and offered his assistance, reminding her not to constantly rely on doing menial tasks to prove her worth. Later, in the parking garage, Zhong Xiaoyang swiftly pulled Zhong Xiaoqin out of the path of a speeding car, cursing the driver and ensuring she was unharmed. Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan, and Gu Jia’s father visited several nursing homes.
While Gu Dad found them all satisfactory, praising their meals and activities, Gu Jia was disappointed with the limited menu and lack of nutritional balance. Xu Huanshan sided with Gu Jia, suggesting there were better options. Gu Dad tried to discreetly convince Xu Huanshan to settle for one of the places, but Xu Huanshan instead tried to persuade him to move in with them. Gu Dad remained steadfast, not wanting to be a burden on his daughter.
During a visit to a high-end nursing home, Gu Dad’s expression changed dramatically upon learning the monthly cost was twenty-seven thousand yuan, in addition to a two-million-yuan membership deposit. Despite this, he reiterated his desire to live in a nursing home but insisted that he would have the final say in choosing which one, especially after his grandson, Zi Yan, gave him a GPS-enabled watch, asking him to wear it so his mother could sleep soundly.
Gu Dad declared that after sixty years of never troubling others, he would not start now by making his four-year-old grandson worry. Gu Jia's improved relationship with Mrs. Yu bore fruit when Mrs. Yu praised her to her husband. The next day, Mr. Yu invited Xu Huanshan to play golf. During their game, Mr. Yu, without reviewing any designs, promptly offered Xu Huanshan his company’s fireworks business for a new park in Beijing, asking only for their company's license.
Xu Huanshan was astonished by the ease with which the significant order was secured. That evening, as they celebrated, Xu Huanshan suggested Gu Jia return to the company, but she declined. She announced her intention to focus on the "madames' circle," believing it could lead to more business opportunities. Xu Huanshan expressed concern, deeming her approach dangerous and highlighting the superficiality he observed, noting how Mr. Yu cheated at golf.
Gu Jia, however, was resolute, explaining that she understood the vast difference between herself and them. She cited being cropped out of their group photo as proof she wasn't truly in their circle and felt that the huge disparity would prevent her from being negatively influenced. She planned to leverage their afternoon tea parties, which served as a valuable intelligence exchange.
During her move, Wang Manni endured a difficult mover who tried to overcharge her and cynically remarked that people moving away from the city center always look miserable. Later, while working at the department store, Wang Manni unexpectedly encountered Liang Zhengxian. Initially, she tried to ignore him, but Liang Zhengxian made his intentions clear, stating that he came to Shanghai specifically to see her.
He confessed that after the cruise, he had traveled to many places but always felt he was missing her. He revealed he had tracked her down through the cruise ship company. Noticing she was still wearing the bracelet he had given her, Liang Zhengxian admitted he simply couldn't forget her and slipped her a card with his hotel room number. Unable to suppress her feelings, Wang Manni requested leave that afternoon and went to his hotel. Upon opening the door, she embraced him passionately, and they spent the night together.
Episode 11 Recap
After spending the night together, Wang Manni couldn't help but glance at Liang Zhengxian's ring finger. As he woke, he assured her, "There's no ring and I'm not married either. I'm single." Wang Manni mused that it seemed a bit late for him to consider this. As Liang Zhengxian got dressed, Wang Manni noticed several unopened shopping bags from her store on the floor.
Feeling flustered, she quickly apologized, clarifying that she had never had a relationship with customers from her workplace. Liang Zhengxian gently dismissed her explanation, saying she was overthinking as he wasn't her customer and they hadn't met at her shop. He explained that he had come in a rush and needed clothes, reassuring her that he respected her and wouldn't visit her workplace in the future if she felt uncomfortable.
He then asked her why she had rejected him on the cruise ship. Wang Manni admitted that she disliked one-night stands and was not that casual. When he pressed her on why she had sought him out now, she explained that his sudden appearance in her familiar environment felt more real than the surreal Northern Lights. At her age, she preferred things she could "watch closely and things I can grab."
Gu Jia had found a nursing home for her father and personally made his bed. Her father initially questioned the spacious room, suggesting a single room would suffice, but Gu Jia explained that after living in an 80-ping home, they couldn't settle for less. While making the bed, her father recalled making her bed when she went to high school. Gu Jia mentioned she was sixteen then, and clarified she was fourteen when her mother passed away.
Gu Jia confessed that her determination to attend boarding school for high school stemmed from the awkwardness they experienced after her mother's death. She revealed a painful memory from eighth grade when she got her first period, and though she suffered intensely and even vomited on her way to school, she couldn't bring herself to tell him. Her father admitted he had guessed at the time.
Gu Jia realized that they both had many things they couldn't or wouldn't tell each other over the years. Understanding that her father insisted on moving to the nursing home to avoid becoming her burden, Gu Jia reconciled herself by seeing other residents his age there. She hoped he would find someone to confide in about things he couldn't tell his daughter, comparing it to sending him to a boarding school.
Xu Huanshan was overjoyed that the order with Mr. Yu was nearing completion. He declared it a huge order that would allow him to finally relax after two stressful months, acknowledging Gu Jia's significant contribution. Gu Jia, ever practical, immediately thought about the initial payment, planning to use it to pay their employees' two months of overdue salaries and repay Shen Jie. Xu Huanshan wanted to reward her, asking what gift she desired.
Gu Jia playfully brushed him off, saying she'd ask for a big gift in six months when the company's profits were more stable. But when Xu Huanshan insisted, she revealed her true wish: to redeem all the shares of their insurance policy. Her insurance agent warned her that this would mean losing both interest and some principal, and repurchasing it later would be difficult.
Gu Jia, however, explained that she needed the money urgently, and the agent agreed to process it as soon as possible. Zhong Xiaoyang diligently helped Zhong Xiaoqin complete difficult work tasks, much to the surprise of their colleagues who doubted he could handle them. Zhong Xiaoqin observed him charming clients, repeatedly calling them "Sister" during his calls.
After he successfully settled five challenging shops, Zhong Xiaoqin confronted him, accusing him of specifically choosing those shops because the people in charge were female. She remarked sarcastically that she always thought only women used their looks in the workplace, and she felt foolish for gathering detailed information for him when he only needed "to flash a smile to get the contracts signed."
Zhong Xiaoyang was confused by her sudden anger, but she continued, asking if he called everyone "Sister" and instructing him not to call her "Sister" anymore, stating she wasn't as casual as he was. She declared that ever since they delivered packages together, she had realized they were not the same kind of people. During a weekend gathering, Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin learned about Wang Manni's recent intimacy with Liang Zhengxian.
Gu Jia teasingly remarked that Wang Manni was "no longer single," but Wang Manni clarified they hadn't formally confirmed their relationship. Gu Jia pressed, asking if she truly liked him and wanted to pursue the relationship. Wang Manni admitted she did, drawn by his qualities of being single, rich, and interesting, yet found it "too good that it isn't realistic."
Gu Jia then voiced her concern that someone with such excellent qualifications might not actually be single or could have been married before. Wang Manni asked if there was a way to investigate him, and Gu Jia suggested she take a photo of the first page of his passport during their next meeting so she could have someone look into it.
Later, Gu Jia consulted her friends about her plan to take over a small shop that was closing that weekend to open a dessert shop. Her intention was to create a fixed venue for their "madames afternoon teas." While she couldn't provide news herself, she could offer a space for information exchange, expecting the madames to flock there.
When asked about the cost, Gu Jia explained the place was small and wouldn't be expensive, but as she couldn't ask Xu Huanshan for more money, she had redeemed her own insurance policy. Her friends praised her boldness and offered their help. That evening, Liang Zhengxian invited Wang Manni to dinner.
Wang Manni asked about his settled residence, to which he confirmed it was Hong Kong but then launched into a detailed monologue about a fishing experience, seemingly avoiding the direct question. Although distracted by him, Wang Manni assured him she had heard his story about the fish. Liang Zhengxian then formally introduced himself: Liang Zhengxian, thirty-seven years old, an American-Chinese who returned to Hong Kong many years ago to start a business and settled there.
He declared he was currently single, had no bad habits, and no criminal record, asking if she was "more clear now." He then informed her he was returning to Hong Kong the next day and invited her to join him in Vanuatu next month to explore shipwrecks and taste the fish he would catch. Wang Manni reacted with a surprised "Vanuatu?" but gave no immediate answer.
Wang Manni later called Gu Jia, eager to know the results of the background check. Gu Jia informed her that Mrs. Wang's Hong Kong lawyer had confirmed Liang Zhengxian was indeed single and had never been married. Hearing this, Wang Manni felt a wave of relief. A physical examination revealed Xu Huanshan had a fatty liver, much to his surprise given his exercise habits.
To help him recover, Gu Jia decided he would only drink vegetable juice for dinner, a method she learned was a popular and healthy fasting trend. Xu Huanshan complained he couldn't get full from just the juice, but Gu Jia insisted, emphasizing the importance of health when caring for both aging parents and young children. She declared she would fast for dinner with him to keep him company, planning a re-evaluation after three months.
That night, however, a famished Xu Huanshan secretly sought out snacks from his son, who shared his hidden stash under a blanket, cementing a secret pact between them. At a department dinner, Zhong Xiaoyang took over the grilling from Zhong Xiaoqin, playfully challenging her colleagues. Later, outside, he offered her a fruit juice, observing that she looked tired from the smoke.
He then confessed that he had intentionally chosen the five challenging accounts with female owners to help share her burden, acknowledging that his "gender advantage" was his only strength. Zhong Xiaoqin countered that his only advantage was his candor. Zhong Xiaoyang tried to explain that she was the only one he called "Sister" and that he found her "quite fun," not just work, but she misunderstood, feeling she was merely an "amusement" to him.
Suddenly, Zhong Xiaoqin clutched her stomach in pain, wondering if the mango juice was the cause. Zhong Xiaoyang rushed her to the hospital where a doctor diagnosed acute gastroenteritis and noted that her recent miscarriage surgery had lowered her immunity, requiring her to be more careful. Zhong Xiaoyang discreetly went to pay the fees, having overheard the doctor. Zhong Xiaoqin called Chen Yu, asking him to pick her up.
Chen Yu, however, claimed to be at a fish-lover friend's place, far away, and urged her to take a taxi home, dismissing her argument about knowing her company's usual dinner locations. Feeling rejected, Zhong Xiaoqin ended the call. Zhong Xiaoyang, seeing her distress, insisted on sending her home, but she had already called a taxi. As she left, Zhong Xiaoyang, still concerned for her safety, subtly photographed the taxi's license plate.
Xu Huanshan complained to his friend Shen Jie about Gu Jia's strict diet, jokingly remarking on how women can be relentless. He also expressed concerns about their recent large order, feeling it was a shortcut achieved through connections rather than his design talent, thereby devaluing his work. Shen Jie acknowledged his frustration but also pointed out Gu Jia's indispensable role in their family's major issues.
Xu Huanshan then voiced his own worry about Gu Jia venturing into the madam circle by opening a bakery. Later, Xu Huanshan and Shen Jie got into a heated argument with a group of college students over a soccer field, which escalated into a brawl. Gu Jia received a call and immediately rushed to the police station with Chen Xu to bail them out. Witnessing Xu Huanshan's battered face, she felt a pang of anger and worry.
Once home, as she treated his wounds, Gu Jia chastised him for playing soccer, especially with an important client meeting in Beijing the next day. Xu Huanshan admitted he had forgotten but quickly grew defensive, complaining about his loss of freedom. He argued that clients valued his firework designs, not his appearance, and sarcastically suggested he would soon have to call her "Mrs. Xu" instead of "wife," implying she was becoming too dominant.
Gu Jia realized he resented her attempts to climb the social ladder through the madam circle. She countered, reminding him of their company's vulnerable nature and the importance of having good connections to navigate potential crises. After a tense silence, Gu Jia apologized for her harsh tone, explaining her anxiety for their family's hard-won stability and her concern over his injuries. She reminded him that the fireworks order was not yet fully secured, so they couldn't afford to be complacent.
Xu Huanshan agreed that he shouldn't have fought. Liang Zhengxian took Wang Manni on a diving trip to Vanuatu, explaining that scuba diving was a unique way to build deep trust, as partners rely on each other for survival in the deep, dark ocean. He asked if she trusted him, suggesting that after this trip, she would trust him the most. Wang Manni was thrilled to experience the deep sea, witnessing large sea turtles and colorful fish.
During their dive, a strong current caused a minor accident, sweeping away Liang Zhengxian's mask and regulator. Wang Manni, despite being a novice, remained remarkably calm and helped him retrieve his mask, effectively saving his life. Afterwards, Liang Zhengxian recounted the event to his friends, praising Wang Manni's composure and highlighting how fatal such incidents could be if one panicked. Wang Manni, feeling only intense hunger after the ordeal, declared she could "eat a whale."
Liang Zhengxian then left to buy food, leaving Wang Manni with his friends. From them, Wang Manni learned that spots on such exclusive diving trips had to be reserved at least a year, or at minimum half a year, in advance. This revelation left her stunned, realizing something was amiss about how she was able to join the trip so spontaneously.
Episode 12 Recap
Liang Zhengxian hosted a dinner with Wang Manni and his friends to celebrate his narrow escape from the diving incident. During the meal, Wang Manni overheard one of Liang Zhengxian's friends mention that booking a diving trip requires at least six months' advance notice. This made Wang Manni suspicious, and she directly asked Liang Zhengxian when he had purchased the diving boat tickets.
Liang Zhengxian admitted he bought them half a year ago for his ex-girlfriend, with whom he was still together at the time. He explained that he loved diving, but they broke up after he bought the tickets. He claimed he didn't tell Wang Manni because he thought she would mind, and then added that there had never been anyone like her, especially after their recent near-death experience. Feeling like a replacement, Wang Manni told him she wanted to go home.
Later, Wang Manni landed in Shanghai and called Liang Zhengxian to inform him of her arrival. To her surprise, Liang Zhengxian appeared behind her. He told her he had transferred flights from Russia just to catch up to her, which deeply touched Wang Manni. Zhong Xiaoqin prepared a lavish dinner, which surprised Chen Yu.
Noticing the setup, Chen Yu remembered her 30th birthday was approaching and asked if she wanted to celebrate at her parents' house or with Gu Jia and others. Zhong Xiaoqin expressed a desire for a private celebration, just the two of them, reminiscing about their dating days. She then asked Chen Yu if he had seen her wedding ring, which she had placed in her pocket before her surgery and couldn't find now.
Chen Yu reassured her, suggesting they could buy a new set if it was truly lost. Xu Huanshan arrived at the park for his fireworks design project and was greeted by Lin You You, an enthusiastic and recently graduated employee. Lin You You told him she loved fireworks and had specifically sought employment at the park to indulge her passion. Xu Huanshan felt a strong connection with her due to their shared interest.
The next day, Xu Huanshan noticed that Lin You You's feet were sore from wearing high heels all day. He gave her a box of high-quality, waterproof band-aids, mentioning they were his son's favorite and that his wife bought them in bulk from Japan. He briefly called Gu Jia to talk to his son about the park, then returned to his design work. Lin You You, in gratitude, offered to sing for him, playing a song on her guitar.
He found her youthful voice refreshing, making him feel young again. She also playfully questioned the wound on his face, asking if he had been in a fight. He denied it, but she teased him, suggesting that someone who "plays with fire" for a living must be naughtier than he appears. Chen Xu was caught by the police for manufacturing and selling counterfeit goods after a public report. Zhong Xiaoqin immediately called Gu Jia for help, believing she could assist.
Chen Yu was furious, chastising Zhong Xiaoqin for involving Gu Jia and expressing his embarrassment. He argued that she should never have gotten Chen Xu the job at Gu Jia's company in the first place, bringing their family's problems to her doorstep. He insisted that no one should help Chen Xu, wishing he would "rot in there."
Zhong Xiaoqin accused Chen Yu of being selfish, citing his lack of concern for his family while being overly enthusiastic about his own interests. On the morning of her 30th birthday, Zhong Xiaoqin was greeted with birthday wishes from Wang Manni and Gu Jia. Chen Yu drove her to work, where she heard him dedicate a song to her on the radio, wishing her a happy birthday.
He also mentioned he had reserved a table at a very popular restaurant for her celebration. Zhong Xiaoqin spent the afternoon pampering herself, getting new clothes, high heels, and a new hairstyle. While at the salon, her mother called to wish her a happy birthday and playfully urged her to have a child soon if she wanted to avoid feeling old. Zhong Xiaoqin, on speakerphone, quickly ended the call.
At the office, Zhong Xiaoyang had arranged a birthday cake in her favorite flavor. He playfully commented on her dressed-up appearance, remarking that she looked better before without high heels. Her colleagues gathered to celebrate, and even Director Xu encouraged her to have a baby, promising that her salary wouldn't be reduced due to pregnancy.
However, Zhong Xiaoqin silently recalled a recent conversation where Director Xu and HR discussed a "recruitment hierarchy" that placed married women over 30 with no children at the bottom due to the "risk" of pregnancy. Just as they were about to cut the cake, Zhong Xiaoqin received an urgent call from a lawyer and had to leave. Zhong Xiaoyang watched her go, a look of disappointment on his face.
Zhong Xiaoqin met the lawyer, who explained that he had been unable to reach Chen Yu and therefore contacted her about Chen Xu's case. The situation was optimistic: as it was Chen Xu's first offense and his profits were only around 20,000 yuan, he would face administrative penalties, including confiscation of the counterfeit goods, a fine of three times the value, and 15 days of detention. The lawyer confirmed that Gu Jia had already handled all the necessary arrangements.
Meanwhile, Chen Yu had bribed a friend with expensive cigarettes to secure a reservation at a high-end restaurant for Zhong Xiaoqin's birthday. However, he was then called into a meeting with his superior, Sister Lu, who questioned him about a recent dinner with a colleague named Liu Qian. Sister Lu suspected Chen Yu was looking for another job and potentially leaking internal information about their department's projects.
Chen Yu denied discussing any substantive work-related matters at the dinner, stating he still wanted to work in news and viewed any disagreements with Sister Lu as internal and resolvable. He struggled to explain why Liu Qian would know such details about their department. As the day progressed, heavy rain began. Zhong Xiaoqin tried to call and text Chen Yu, but his phone was off, and he didn't reply to her messages.
Her phone was then accidentally broken when she was bumped by a passerby while walking in the rain. Unable to reach Zhong Xiaoqin, Chen Yu went to her office but found it empty, so he headed home. Zhong Xiaoqin arrived home drenched and frustrated, unable to open the door due to its faulty lock. Eventually, Chen Yu opened it from inside. Zhong Xiaoqin confronted him about his unresponsiveness and the broken lock.
She became enraged when she realized he might have left the door open, causing their cat, Pikachu, to go missing. She frantically searched for the cat. Accusing Chen Yu of not caring about her, the cat, or anything in their home, she questioned why a person like him would get married. Chen Yu retorted that he married her for a relaxed and stable life, believing her to be warm and understanding, especially compared to his own messy family background.
Zhong Xiaoqin, however, lashed out, criticizing his lack of initiative at home compared to his dedication at work and his unwavering support for his problematic brother. She revealed her nightly struggles with insomnia since her miscarriage, relying on earplugs, and expressed her inability to tolerate the noise from his fish tanks any longer. In a fit of anger, she shattered his beloved fish tank.
Zhong Xiaoqin then declared that losing her wedding ring after the surgery had been a sign, and she could no longer endure their stagnant marriage. She demanded a divorce. Chen Yu, equally enraged, agreed and said they would go to the Civil Affairs Bureau the following morning at eight, challenging her to show up.
Episode 13 Recap
Chen Yu arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau sharply dressed for his divorce from Zhong Xiaoqin. He waited until 11 AM, when Zhong Xiaoqin finally appeared, impeccably dressed in a white dress with elaborate hair and makeup. Chen Yu immediately chided her, pointing out they had agreed to meet at eight. Zhong Xiaoqin calmly retorted that she was the one who always waited for him, so waiting three hours this time wasn't so bad, implying it evened the score.
Inside, the staff inquired about their reasons for divorce, but Zhong Xiaoqin simply stated they were getting divorced. When asked about children, they both confirmed they had none. The discussion turned to property division. Zhong Xiaoqin initially suggested Chen Yu take the car since she couldn't drive, and the house since it was acquired through his work. She proposed splitting their 300,000 yuan in savings, giving Chen Yu some for living expenses and taking the rest.
However, Chen Yu interjected, stating that the house and savings should be divided equally. After receiving their divorce certificate, Zhong Xiaoqin felt a deep sense of irony, reflecting on the joy they had felt when getting married in the same building just three years ago. As they left, they discovered a parking ticket on their car.
Zhong Xiaoqin remembered receiving a similar ticket on their wedding day three years prior, a day they had jokingly said they would never return to the bureau again. Despite Zhong Xiaoqin's initial refusal, Chen Yu insisted on driving her home to collect her belongings. Upon returning home, Zhong Xiaoqin began meticulously dividing their household items. Chen Yu then asked her to sit down and discuss the house.
Despite her name not being on the property title, Chen Yu acknowledged that while he made the down payment, she contributed to every monthly mortgage payment. He insisted half the house belonged to her and proposed they sell it and split the proceeds once the property became available at the end of next year. Zhong Xiaoqin, taken aback by his unexpected generosity, initially declined, saying he bought it before they married and she could live with her parents.
Chen Yu, however, expressed concern about her mother's reaction to their divorce. He also clumsily offered the house as "compensation for the situation with our baby," which Zhong Xiaoqin found insensitive. She informed him she would not be staying for the next two days and would look for another place quickly, asking him to help sort her belongings. As Zhong Xiaoqin carried her luggage out of the apartment, she saw Gu Jia and Wang Manni waiting for her.
They were taking her to a hot spring to celebrate her birthday, joking that while yesterday was for her husband, today, the day after turning thirty, was for her friends. Gu Jia questioned why both Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni were bringing suitcases for just one night. Sitting in the car, Zhong Xiaoqin silently wished for every day after her thirtieth birthday to be filled with happiness, reflecting that she had truly had enough of her old life.
She recognized that the idea of divorce might have begun after she lost the baby and felt a sense of relief when it was finalized. Later that day, Zhong Xiaoqin's mother arrived at the apartment with a pot of Yan Du Xian soup. Chen Yu opened the door and explained that Zhong Xiaoqin was out with friends at a hot spring.
Unaware of the divorce, her mother complained about not being able to reach Zhong Xiaoqin by phone, to which Chen Yu replied that her phone was broken and he would buy her a new one the next day. Her mother praised Chen Yu, calling him a good son-in-law.
She then brought up a serious matter, suggesting that since Zhong Xiaoqin was turning thirty, Chen Yu should give her a proper gift: adding her name to the house's property title when it became available the following year. Chen Yu agreed without hesitation, much to her mother's delight. At the hot springs, the three friends celebrated Zhong Xiaoqin's birthday. They discussed their wishes as they approached or turned thirty.
Gu Jia admitted she desired a greater sense of security, feeling their family's assets were precarious. Wang Manni expressed her wish to stay in Shanghai and consider a Hong Kong promotion to bridge the gap with Liang Zhengxian, though Gu Jia cautioned her to protect her feelings. Then, Zhong Xiaoqin, speaking with unexpected depth, revealed that she had gotten divorced that very morning, showing them her divorce certificate. Gu Jia and Wang Manni were shocked.
Zhong Xiaoqin confessed she had been fed up with her daily life for a long time, possibly since losing their baby. She admitted the final act of divorce was impulsive, but the moment the stamp was placed, she felt a profound sense of relief and freedom. She even saw it as the best gift for her thirtieth birthday, expressing happiness that without children, she wouldn't have to endure an unhappy marriage indefinitely.
Her friends, seeing her newfound resolve, toasted to her happiness. An urgent call informed Gu Jia that an explosion at Xu Huanshan's friend Shen Jie's fireworks factory had resulted in fatalities. Xu Huanshan, who had just returned, immediately went with Gu Jia to Shen Jie's home. They found Shen Jie's wife, Xiao Rui, in hysterics; Shen Jie had already been arrested by the police.
Xiao Rui tearfully explained that two workers had died and that she had booked tickets to take their child to Sydney that evening, where they owned a house under her mother's name. She was grateful they hadn't bought a larger home, recalling Shen Jie's advice to prioritize safety and leave if anything happened. She entrusted Shen Jie's elderly father, who was currently on vacation and unaware of the tragedy, to Xu Huanshan's care, giving him a credit card for expenses.
Xu Huanshan was deeply saddened, remembering how he had once offered to lend Shen Jie money when his company struggled. On the way home, Gu Jia reflected on the volatile nature of the fireworks business, comparing it to fireworks themselves—beautiful but capable of scattering into nothing after an explosion.
She emphasized that their own company was similarly precarious, explaining that her efforts to join the "madam group" and start a bakery were precisely to diversify resources and make their family's foundation more secure. Xu Huanshan, finally understanding her motivations, agreed to let Gu Jia fly to the factory to personally inspect everything for reassurance. The next morning, Zhong Xiaoqin returned to work. She found a new phone on her desk, apparently from Chen Yu, which lifted her spirits.
She shared handmade soaps from the hot spring hotel with her colleagues. Zhong Xiaoyang, however, immediately noticed her noticeably heavier makeup and longer eyeliner, remarking that she usually didn't wear such bold makeup to work and that it didn't suit her. Zhong Xiaoqin retorted that it was none of his business and playfully accused him of being an "indecent man" for commenting on women's appearances, to which he conceded he wouldn't say more if she saw him that way.
Chen Xu was released from detention, and Chen Yu was there to pick him up. Chen Xu initially expressed frustration that Chen Yu didn't smoke or carry a lighter, then joked about the lavish meal Chen Yu was treating him to, wondering if it was a "last meal" before more trouble.
Chen Xu then inquired why Zhong Xiaoqin hadn't come to pick him up, mentioning his gratitude for her paying his traffic fine on her birthday, which had clearly upset her at the time. Chen Yu was surprised to learn this, as Zhong Xiaoqin had never mentioned it. Chen Xu continued to praise Zhong Xiaoqin's good temper, causing Chen Yu to drink heavily, clearly affected by the guilt.
Liang Zhengxian surprised Wang Manni by arriving in Shanghai earlier than expected, sending her a text message and then calling. He expressed how much he missed her and her fried eggs with tomatoes, insisting on coming to her new place despite her protests that it wasn't yet cleaned after her move. Upon his arrival, he commented on the apartment's distant location, which Wang Manni explained was due to rising rent.
They encountered Master Yang, the helper who previously moved Wang Manni and was now assisting her with carpooling arrangements for her commute. Liang Zhengxian seemed suspicious, but Wang Manni clarified that it was a local car-sharing service, similar to Uber, where people heading in the same direction would "huddle together for warmth" to save costs and time. Inside, Wang Manni cooked Liang Zhengxian's favorite tomato scrambled eggs.
After he enjoyed the meal, she presented him with an expensive, large brand-name suitcase, engraved with "Vanuatu," a place significant to their relationship. She expressed her hope that he liked it. Earlier, Wang Manni had discussed with her friends the purpose of this gift; she had chosen an engraved suitcase to subtly ascertain if Liang Zhengxian had other women.
Her reasoning was that if he frequently used a suitcase with their shared "story" written on it during his travels, it would indicate he was truly unattached. Liang Zhengxian was delighted, appreciating the sentiment and the opportunity to "naturally" share their story. Pleased with the gift, Liang Zhengxian offered to rent a new apartment for Wang Manni, expressing concern that her current place was too far from work and he worried about her sharing rides.
He also subtly reassured her that his offer wasn't a reciprocal gesture for her expensive gift. Wang Manni politely declined, stating she was comfortable in her current home and suggested that whenever he visited Shanghai, she could simply stay in a hotel with him, making it clear she didn't want him to bear additional expenses for her living situation. Liang Zhengxian accepted her decision and dropped the topic.
Episode 14 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin directly asks Wang Manni about the status of her relationship with Liang Zhengxian, to which Manni admits she hasn't brought it up yet. Manni hesitates to ask, fearing she might scare him off, especially since a wealthy and romantic man like him is still unmarried, suggesting he might be wary of marital commitments. Zhong Xiaoqin observes that their relationship seems quite advanced despite its undefined status.
Wang Manni acknowledges she initially had reservations but has grown hopeful over time, developing expectations for their future. Gu Jia encourages Manni to be more confident, pointing out her beauty, intelligence, career, and youth, suggesting Liang Zhengxian might not be worthy of her. Manni concedes that Liang Zhengxian is indeed a complicated individual. Gu Jia accompanies Xu Huanshan to inspect their fireworks factory. Manager Yan assures them all safety measures are in place and up to standard.
However, Gu Jia quickly spots several issues, including the lingering scent of smoke on a passing employee and signs that a fire exit had previously been obstructed. She instructs Yan to fire the employee with a strong smoking habit, emphasizing that such a person poses a fire hazard. Gu Jia also discovers that workers have been working overtime for five consecutive evenings, indicated by the cook preparing extra meals.
She sternly reminds Yan that open flames and fatigued labor are strictly forbidden in a fireworks factory, highlighting the dangers and stating that no order is more important than human lives. Yan, impressed by Gu Jia's keen eye, admits his shortcomings and promises immediate adjustments. Later, while observing fireworks with Xu Huanshan, Gu Jia expresses renewed concern about the blue fireworks, whose production carries inherent risks, despite Xu Huanshan’s attempts to strictly control their storage environment.
Remembering the recent tragic accident at Shen Jie’s factory, Gu Jia urges Xu Huanshan to cease production of these risky fireworks, but he is reluctant, valuing his innovative design. The next morning, Gu Jia takes Xu Huanshan on a hike to see a sea of clouds.
At the summit, she makes a wish for him to no longer be the legal representative of the company, expressing her desire to accumulate enough capital to close the factory and remove them from the "powder keg." She confesses that she fears losing him more than losing the company. Her heartfelt words convince Xu Huanshan, who resolves to immediately halt production of the blue fireworks and clear existing stock.
Gu Jia later plans a "water tasting meeting" at her dessert shop for the wives, featuring various imported waters, a concept Xu Huanshan dismisses as "boring and childish." Gu Jia admits the social gatherings can be tiring but maintains the connections for practical reasons, like securing a summer camp spot for her child through Ms. Wang, while considering the other events as opportunities to educate.
Zhong Xiaoqin returns to her parents' house, where her mother immediately questions Chen Yu's prolonged absence and tries to inspect Xiaoqin's luggage. To prevent her mother from discovering the divorce, Xiaoqin fabricates a story about Chen Yu sending a WeChat message saying he's home, then quickly leaves. She finds solace at a BBQ restaurant, enjoying her newfound financial independence and the simple pleasure of eating alone, something she rarely did during her marriage.
At the restaurant, she is spotted by Zhong Xiaoyang, who is dining with friends. After her meal, Xiaoqin approaches him to ask if he knows of any respectable KTVs where she could stay the night. Zhong Xiaoyang suggests a drive-in movie theater, where she could watch multiple films until dawn or even sleep in her car, an idea Xiaoqin finds appealing. He seems disappointed when she doesn't invite him.
The following morning at work, Zhong Xiaoyang observes that Xiaoqin is still wearing the same clothes from the previous day and smells of grilled food, jokingly offering her perfume. Xiaoqin dismisses his teasing, stating her dislike for childish boys. Liang Zhengxian continues to shower Wang Manni with gifts, sending express deliveries and eagerly anticipating their reunions.
During one of their meetings, he takes her shopping and buys her many pairs of high heels, remarking that she looks most beautiful in them and no longer needs to worry about uncomfortable shoes. Unexpectedly, Wang Manni receives a luxury car as a "birthday gift" from Liang Zhengxian, two months ahead of her actual birthday, with the key found at the wheel. Zhong Xiaoqin starts investing in self-care, purchasing numerous masks and beauty products.
Her credit card, still linked to Chen Yu's phone, sends him notifications of her spending, including hotel stays. Chen Yu quickly deduces that she hasn't informed her parents about their divorce and has been living in hotels. Zhong Xiaoqin returns to their former apartment to pick up some packages, having inadvertently used their old address for deliveries. Their reunion is charged with tension. Chen Yu confronts her about her spending and hotel stays.
Zhong Xiaoqin sarcastically remarks that she should have divorced sooner if it meant becoming a "rich middle-aged woman." She then defends her purchases as self-care now that she is single, declaring her intention to show that "single women are more bright and beautiful." She assures Chen Yu she will update her delivery address and promises to inform her parents about the divorce after work. Their conversation quickly devolves into bickering, with Xiaoqin lamenting their previous lack of communication.
While at work, Zhong Xiaoqin receives an urgent phone call from her mother, informing her that her father has suffered a heart attack and has been hospitalized. In the midst of rush hour, Zhong Xiaoyang quickly offers to take her on his motorcycle, swiftly navigating through traffic to the hospital.
Upon arrival, her father has just come out of surgery and is out of immediate danger, but the doctor cautions that he has a history of heart disease with signs of relapse, and it is crucial to keep his mood stable in the coming days. Chen Yu also arrives at the hospital, having been called by Zhong Xiaoqin’s mother. Before her parents, Zhong Xiaoqin introduces Zhong Xiaoyang as a colleague, who then departs.
Later, Chen Yu offers to drive Zhong Xiaoqin home and help with hospital preparations. Zhong Xiaoqin, however, asks him to temporarily conceal their divorce from her parents, fearing the news would upset her father given his fragile condition. She promises to inform them slowly once she has settled down. When asked where she'll stay, Zhong Xiaoqin decides to go to Wang Manni's house.
At Manni's place, Manni offers practical advice on apartment hunting, suggesting Xiaoqin consider a "radius of life" focused on her workplace, encompassing safety, transportation, convenience, and affordability. Manni also praises Xiaoqin’s courage in starting over. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin admire Wang Manni’s new car, with Gu Jia acknowledging it as a thoughtful and well-chosen gift. Gu Jia then advises Manni to use this expensive present as an opportunity to clarify her relationship with Liang Zhengxian.
Manni arranges to meet Liang Zhengxian and directly asks him in what capacity she is accepting the car – as a friend or a girlfriend. Liang Zhengxian avoids a direct answer, dismissing her concerns as "overthinking" and stating that the car and their relationship are separate matters. He explains that his only intention behind the gift was to ensure she could comfortably wear high heels without needing to take the subway.
He tells her not to create a "weird atmosphere," implying that her questions burden him, and confesses that his concern for her when they are apart is something he's willing to alleviate with money. He then takes her to an opera performance of "Romeo and Juliet," using the theme of love and death to suggest that true love is pure, unbound, and shouldn't be constrained by fears.
Later, as they drive back, Liang Zhengxian presents Wang Manni with a bank card, offering it as an allowance. Wang Manni firmly refuses the card, stating that while she can accept the car as a temporary means of transport, accepting the card would imply she is being "kept." Liang Zhengxian reluctantly takes the card back, acknowledging her stance, and suggests they continue their drive.
Zhong Xiaoqin shares her frustration with Gu Jia and Wang Manni about her apartment search, mentioning two promising-looking apartments she found online. Wang Manni cautions her about relying on online photos, accurately predicting that the apartments, based on the time Xiaoqin viewed them, would lack sufficient sunlight, making them unsuitable for Shanghai's humid climate. Xiaoqin reveals that her preferred apartment isn't available for another month.
Gu Jia offers her a temporary stay at her home, and Wang Manni also extends an invitation, but Zhong Xiaoqin politely declines, not wanting to impose or interfere with Manni's blossoming relationship. Gu Jia then suggests that Zhong Xiaoqin simply move back into the apartment she shared with Chen Yu, reminding her that legally, half the house belongs to her according to their divorce agreement.
Wang Manni supports this idea, pointing out that until the house is sold, Chen Yu has no right to prevent her from living there. Convinced, Zhong Xiaoqin decides to move back. As they are discussing, Zhong Xiaoyang approaches their table. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly dismisses him as a "mortal coworker" and an "insensible little boy," despite his help in taking her to the hospital. Gu Jia and Wang Manni exchange knowing smiles, sensing Zhong Xiaoyang's clear interest in Xiaoqin.
Episode 15 Recap
After Zhong Xiaoqin's father was discharged from the hospital, Chen Yu drove them home. Zhong Xiaoqin's mother, sensing a change in the couple's relationship, suggested they both stay at her home for a few days to keep her father company. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly declined, claiming Chen Yu had another business trip, which Chen Yu corroborated. She then added that she was too busy with work, despite her mother questioning if anything was more important than her father's health.
Zhong Xiaoqin assured them they would visit soon. Back at home, Zhong Xiaoqin informed Chen Yu that she still needed to stay in their shared home for another month. Chen Yu agreed, telling her to sleep in their former bedroom while he would move into the fish room. Zhong Xiaoqin then presented a "Co-habitation Contract" she had drafted, explaining that based on their divorce agreement, she also had the right to use the house.
The contract included detailed rules for their temporary living arrangement: no interfering with each other's freedom, minimizing direct communication by using WeChat, no bringing friends home for gatherings, separate laundry, rotating cleaning duties (Zhong Xiaoqin on Monday, Wednesday, Friday; Chen Yu on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday; Sunday off), specified shower times (Chen Yu in the morning, Zhong Xiaoqin in the evenings), Chen Yu only allowed in her bedroom for clothes when she wasn't home, and general cleanliness standards.
Chen Yu stated he had no objections. Meanwhile, Gu Jia was busy preparing desserts for her new business venture. Xu Huanshan asked if she had packed his luggage for his upcoming trip. She admitted she had forgotten but promised to do it later. As she focused on her work, Gu Jia received two large new orders from Mrs. Yu.
She excitedly messaged Xu Huanshan that the new deals would increase their company's profits by five million, enough to pay off half their mortgage by the next year. At that moment in Beijing, Xu Huanshan received a text message from Lin Youyou confirming his schedule and hinting at a surprise. Gu Jia also planned to pick up Shen Jie’s father the next day, who was returning from an overseas trip unaware of his son's arrest.
She intended to take him to the nursing home where her own father resided, hoping her father could ease him into the difficult news. The following day, Gu Jia picked up Uncle Shen at the airport. He complained about her car not being as luxurious as his daughter-in-law's and remarked that his recent trip to Mauritius was superior to any in Southeast Asia. Noticing his son's lack of social media activity, he pressed Gu Jia for the truth.
Gu Jia deferred, promising to tell him when they arrived. Upon reaching the nursing home, Uncle Shen, still expecting to see his son, began to complain about being in a retirement facility. Unable to keep up the pretense, Gu Jia’s father revealed the truth: Shen Jie's company had an incident, he had been arrested, and his daughter-in-law had taken their children and moved to Australia. Overwhelmed by the news, Uncle Shen collapsed.
Gu Jia later expressed frustration with her father for revealing everything so abruptly, but he argued it was better than prolonged suffering. In Beijing, Lin Youyou took Xu Huanshan on an "inspiration hunt" that led them to a long queue for ice cream. Xu Huanshan was skeptical, but Lin Youyou explained that understanding youth preferences was crucial for designing successful fireworks.
She then playfully took a bite directly from Xu Huanshan's ice cream, and he, after a moment, ate from the same spot. Later, Lin Youyou questioned Xu Huanshan about his dinner fasting, which he attributed to Gu Jia's advice following a fatty liver diagnosis. She challenged his regimented lifestyle by citing a novel about cicadas living only seven days, suggesting that a joyful, albeit shorter, life might be preferable to a long, dull one.
She ordered noodles for him, and despite his initial reluctance, he eventually ate them. Back at the nursing home, the doctor assured Gu Jia that Uncle Shen's condition was not serious, just a shock, and he would likely wake up soon. When he did, he was disoriented, mistaking Gu Jia’s father for his son.
He continued to fantasize about being on vacation, demanding specific food and insisting on going swimming in the ocean, even claiming to be a "storm petrel" unafraid of strong winds. Gu Jia's father humored him for a while before pretending to go to sleep. Later that night, Uncle Shen attempted to sneak out with his luggage. Gu Jia’s father intercepted him, brought him back, and candidly explained that escaping would solve nothing.
He emphasized that Shen Jie was incarcerated, and his daughter-in-law and grandson had left the country. He urged Uncle Shen to stop pretending and to face reality, reminding him that parents must always be their children’s "lifeboat," their "last resort" to help them to shore. The next morning, Uncle Shen appeared clear-headed, telling Gu Jia that her father had "cured" him.
He then declared that he would take on the responsibility for all the "time-consuming, exhausting matters," such as meeting lawyers and handling liquidation, to alleviate the burden on Gu Jia. At work, Zhong Xiaoqin sought out Director Xu to inquire about the internal promotion training she had previously declined. Director Xu questioned her sudden change of heart, prompting Zhong Xiaoqin to reveal that she had gotten divorced.
She explained that last time, she had just discovered she was pregnant and felt it would be wrong to accept the promotion. Although she later lost the baby, her marriage ultimately ended. She promised to dedicate all her energy to work going forward. Unbeknownst to them, Zhong Xiaoyang was outside the office door and overheard her confession. After Zhong Xiaoqin left, she found him and admonished him to control his mouth, threatening him if her divorce became office gossip.
The store manager arrived at Wang Manni's store, and Wang Manni thanked her for approving her previous promotion report, acknowledging her new supervisor role. That evening, at an employee gathering, the store manager announced that the following month would be a "golden sales month" and urged everyone to work hard. She then announced that Assistant Manager Tracy was resigning. Tracy revealed that during a recent physical, a lump was found on her neck.
While awaiting biopsy results, she felt it best to resign. Wang Manni was deeply saddened, but Tracy expressed her strong belief in Wang Manni’s ability to take over the Deputy Manager position, promising to advocate for her with the store manager before leaving. After Tracy's resignation, the store manager temporarily put Wang Manni in charge of the deputy's duties, making her the clear frontrunner for the position.
Later, Wang Manni excitedly told Liang Zhengxian that if she became Deputy Manager, she would qualify for a six-month training program at the Hong Kong headquarters, which meant they could see each other every day. Liang Zhengxian simply told her to work hard to achieve that position. Wang Manni, focused on proving herself, even joked that if she succeeded, she would buy him a car. Liang Zhengxian dismissed the idea and gently urged her to rest.
Wang Manni, now driving a car, realized the significant cost of parking and general car ownership. She called Zhong Xiaoqin, who suggested a cheaper outdoor parking lot located a short walk from the office, costing 30 yuan per day instead of 1000 yuan per month for the mall parking. Wang Manni was thrilled with the idea.
Zhong Xiaoyang, overhearing Zhong Xiaoqin's side of the conversation at the office, playfully teased her about looking for a parking spot, implying her previous lie about going to a drive-in theater was about to be exposed since she couldn't drive. The next morning, Zhong Xiaoqin arrived at work to an outpouring of sympathy from her colleagues, who offered her food and breakup advice. She quickly realized that Zhong Xiaoyang had spread news of her divorce.
Confronting him, she angrily accused him of making her the subject of office gossip and declared their mentor-mentee relationship officially dissolved. Zhong Xiaoyang, however, informed her that Director Xu had assigned them joint responsibility for the upcoming golden sales month and that he was tasked with assisting her. He questioned how they could work together if she refused to speak to him. Zhong Xiaoqin reluctantly agreed that they would only communicate about work-related matters.
Later, Zhong Xiaoyang appeared at the office in casual clothes, prompting Zhong Xiaoqin to scold him for not working. He insisted he was heading out for work and, despite her protests, urged her to join him. Refusing to ride his motorcycle, Zhong Xiaoqin opted for a taxi to follow him. Zhong Xiaoyang led her to a new media company, which Zhong Xiaoqin recognized as a difficult contact they had previously tried to collaborate with via email, without success.
Zhong Xiaoyang revealed that he had visited the company three times on his own initiative and emphasized that many opportunities required in-person engagement. Thanks to his proactive approach, they quickly secured a collaboration.
Episode 16 Recap
At her new media company, Zhong Xiaoqin was taking a selfie when Zhong Xiaoyang playfully leaned into the frame. As she turned, she accidentally knocked off his contact lens. Zhong Xiaoyang feigned helplessness, claiming he was blind without it and needed her to take him home. Zhong Xiaoqin offered to pay for a taxi, but he insisted she take him, arguing his motorcycle would be stranded. Feeling responsible, Zhong Xiaoqin ended up pushing his motorcycle while he steered.
During the journey, Zhong Xiaoyang sincerely told her that he wasn't the one who spread the rumors about her divorce, but Zhong Xiaoqin remained unconvinced. The next day, Zhong Xiaoqin overheard colleagues discussing her divorce and realized it was Director Xu, not Zhong Xiaoyang, who had disclosed the information. She felt guilty and apologized to Zhong Xiaoyang.
He brushed it off, advising her not to worry about what others say and to live in the moment, as long as she is happier than she was yesterday. Later, struggling with a creative block for a work proposal, Zhong Xiaoyang suggested she needed to become a different person to have a different idea. He took her out for a day of new experiences, including dancing at a club and riding a roller coaster.
That night, a drunk but exhilarated Zhong Xiaoqin told him she was incredibly happy and had never known two people could have so much fun together. After Zhong Xiaoyang put her in a taxi home, she arrived at her apartment and drunkenly declared to Chen Yu that getting a divorce was the right decision, as she was now free and lively. When she started to stumble, Chen Yu carried her to her room.
The next morning, she was horrified to find her clothes had been changed and furiously confronted Chen Yu, calling him a gangster. Meanwhile, at Wang Manni's store, she was leading a morning meeting when the store manager introduced Daisy, the new assistant manager transferred from headquarters. Daisy, who had studied in France and interned at headquarters, immediately challenged Wang Manni's suggestion of using an anti-static spray on garments, arguing it could damage high-end fabrics and lowered the brand's standards.
The store manager praised Daisy, leaving Wang Manni feeling diminished. Gu Jia had been pursuing Mrs. Li's tea factory. After researching, she found the factory suitable, noting its clear qualifications and production lines. She proposed a payment plan to Mrs. Li, offering to pay the three million yuan transfer fee over three years, with 20% of the company's annual profits as interest.
Mrs. Li was hesitant but offered Gu Jia a chance: if Gu Jia could host her upcoming charity auction at her dessert shop, she would reconsider the terms. Gu Jia eagerly accepted. Later, while delivering clothes to Mrs. Wang with Daisy, Wang Manni was further undermined. Daisy openly vied for Mrs. Wang's attention, recommending a unique white dress that was the only one in Shanghai. Mrs. Wang chose Daisy's recommendation and added her on WeChat.
Back in the car, Wang Manni confronted Daisy, who defended her actions as prioritizing the customer's request. Manni expressed her frustration to Gu Jia about Daisy's superior qualifications and energy. Gu Jia reassured her, reminding her of the advantages of being thirty and the importance of creating a "forward path" instead of worrying about a "back road."
Gu Jia shared her determination to acquire the tea factory to build a stable foundation for her family, offering it as a future workplace for her friends if they needed it. The charity auction at Gu Jia's dessert shop was a success, raising money for children with autism. Mrs. Li was impressed and agreed to transfer the tea factory, accepting an initial payment of 1. 5 million yuan.
However, in her dedication to the auction, Gu Jia forgot her promise to attend Xu Ziyan's school performance. Their nanny, Sister Chen, attended in her place, and Xu Ziyan was deeply upset that his mother didn't come. Meanwhile, in Beijing, Lin Youyou saw Xu Huanshan off at the airport. She gifted him a Buzz Lightyear charm, saying his passion for fireworks was like Buzz Lightyear lighting up the universe.
Upon his return, Xu Huanshan found Xu Ziyan still sulking and became frustrated when Gu Jia excitedly told him about the tea factory. He accused her of "blindly messing around" and criticized her for shifting her focus away from their son. Gu Jia countered that the tea factory was a sound investment and proposed hiring a professional nursery teacher to care for Xu Ziyan, freeing up her time. Despite his and her father's reservations, Xu Huanshan reluctantly agreed.
Later, he secretly read a WeChat message from Lin Youyou, who had sent a photo of her dinner. With the deadline for the tea factory's initial payment approaching, Gu Jia attempted to get the 1. 5 million yuan from the fireworks company's funds. However, the finance manager refused without Xu Huanshan's direct approval. Facing financial pressure, Gu Jia made the difficult decision to sell her newly opened dessert shop to secure the funds.
Episode 17 Recap
Gu Jia joyfully finalized the tea factory transfer agreement with Mrs. Li, marking her entry into ownership. Mrs. Li expressed her expectation for profits, to which Gu Jia confidently vowed to succeed. Later that night, Gu Jia excitedly woke Xu Huanshan to share the good news, proclaiming their family was about to get rich. She calculated that the tea house would allow them to repay debts in six months and potentially double their annual profits.
Xu Huanshan, however, found her obsessed, questioning if she had even thoroughly investigated the tea house. Gu Jia proudly retorted that Mrs. Li represented the best in the "madam group," but Xu Huanshan, still half-asleep, simply wanted to go back to bed. Undeterred, Gu Jia continued to calculate the numbers on her own. Meanwhile, Wang Manni was on the phone with Liang Zhengxian, asking if he could stay a few more days.
He agreed, attributing their recent financial gains to her being his "lucky charm." When he asked what she wanted, Wang Manni firmly stated she wanted a boyfriend. Liang Zhengxian sidestepped the issue, suggesting they were both mature and didn't need conventional relationship definitions. Frustrated, Wang Manni declared she no longer wanted ambiguity. She wanted to proudly introduce him as her boyfriend to her friends and tell her mother to stop arranging blind dates.
Liang Zhengxian offered to meet her friends, but Wang Manni clarified she didn't want to be a "hidden lover" or have an "ambiguous boyfriend"; she desired a stable, normal dating relationship. Their discussion grew heated, with Wang Manni eventually asking him to get out of the car as she needed to get to work.
She explained her work situation had become difficult with a new, young superior, and she felt she needed to grasp something definite in either her career or her love life, especially as she was nearing thirty. Later, at the store, Wang Manni was fifteen minutes late and her new superior, Daisy, publicly issued her a warning ticket.
Daisy lectured the staff, criticizing their previous lax environment and announcing new strict rules: three store warning tickets would lead to a headquarters ticket, and three headquarters tickets would result in immediate termination. She also declared that during the upcoming golden sales month, anyone perceived as "slacking off the most" would be fired, aiming for top sales. Colleagues murmured about Daisy's cruel ambition. Shortly after, Liang Zhengxian arrived at the store.
He ignored Wang Manni's cold shoulder and proceeded to buy numerous accessories from Daisy, then presented them to Wang Manni in front of all the staff, openly declaring her his girlfriend and stating he would pay for them if she accepted. He then requested a ten-minute break from Daisy to "borrow" Wang Manni. He led her to the underground parking lot, revealing he had rented a parking space for her for a year, right by the elevator.
He apologized for not being more considerate and inadvertently burdening her by buying her a car without considering the parking. Liang Zhengxian admitted he felt Wang Manni hadn't fully opened her heart but hoped to warm it over time. He reiterated that he knew how important the "girlfriend" title was to her and hoped she could now be at ease. Elated, Wang Manni bought colorful balloons, feeling joyful about officially having a boyfriend.
However, Liang Zhengxian then dropped a bombshell: he was an anti-marriage advocate and would never marry. Wang Manni was stunned, asking if he meant he wouldn't marry her or anyone at all. Liang Zhengxian explained that he had always avoided defining their relationship precisely because he feared she would have expectations once confirmed. He had long decided against marriage, desiring a simple relationship unconstrained by institutions.
Wang Manni challenged him, suggesting "no marriage" meant "no responsibility," just being together when in love and separating when not. Liang Zhengxian countered by asking if marriage truly guaranteed eternal love or togetherness. He argued that neither formality nor spirit could guarantee a relationship's duration, and since he was financially free and loved her, these aspects offered better security than any formal institution. At home, Chen Yu subtly observed Zhong Xiaoqin returning from the balcony, then quickly retreated inside.
He told her that her mother had cooked dinner for them, prompting Zhong Xiaoqin to eagerly head to the table. However, remembering their "cohabitation contract," she stopped. They then communicated via WeChat, where Zhong Xiaoqin asked who would clean the kitchen utensils since "her mother" cooked. Chen Yu responded that she would, as her mother was "treating" him.
Zhong Xiaoqin was assigned a difficult task at work: evicting an old tenant who refused to renew their contract at an increased rent. Colleagues openly referred to it as a "hot potato." Zhong Xiaoyang, seeing her being yelled at by the stubborn shop owner, rushed to her aid. He pulled her aside and warned her about the dangers of such situations, noting that current economic hardships could lead desperate merchants to drastic, irrational actions, like igniting a gas tank.
Zhong Xiaoqin recognized the gravity of the situation and returned home too stressed to eat. Chen Yu, noticing her distress, listened to her problem about the tenant. Drawing from his past experience as a journalist, he offered to write a strategy for her, outlining the potential consequences for the tenant, and advised her to send it as an audio message on WeChat, using clear and simple language to avoid misunderstandings.
Gu Jia initiated interviews for a professional childcare teacher to care for Xu Ziyan. During one interview, a highly qualified candidate, Sister Mei, presented an impressive resume. However, Xu Ziyan immediately expressed his dislike for "Sister Mei," then tearfully asked Gu Jia if she no longer wanted him. Gu Jia quickly reassured him and dismissed Sister Mei.
Later, Xu Huanshan confronted Gu Jia about hiring a nanny, stating his disagreement and emphasizing that Gu Jia had always personally cared for their son and accusing her of trying to "throw him away" now. Gu Jia defended her choices, asking why men weren't expected to sacrifice their careers for childcare. Their argument escalated, with Xu Huanshan criticizing her recent "different state" and accusing her of taking "shortcuts" since meeting Mrs. Wang.
Their loud quarrel woke Xu Ziyan, who came out crying, fearing his parents would abandon him. Gu Jia hugged her son, apologized, and promised they would not argue anymore. In his room, Xu Ziyan confessed he liked his mom but disliked "that auntie," and Gu Jia promised not to let the nanny come back. At a gathering with her friends, Wang Manni shared Liang Zhengxian's anti-marriage stance.
Zhong Xiaoqin expressed concern, but Wang Manni remained hopeful that Liang Zhengxian might change his mind one day. She declared she wouldn't give up, wanting to be by his side if he ever decided to marry. Gu Jia, however, directly questioned Wang Manni's motives, asking if she would still agree to a non-marital relationship if Liang Zhengxian wasn't financially well-off.
She reminded Wang Manni that her initial attraction to him stemmed from meeting him in the executive cabin of a cruise. Wang Manni grew angry, accusing Gu Jia of implying she was after his money. Gu Jia clarified she was merely reminding her as a friend that while pursuing money might lead to fewer losses, Wang Manni was now emotionally "trapped" and opening her heart to someone unwilling to commit to marriage, risking severe hurt.
Zhong Xiaoqin intervened and pulled Wang Manni away. On their way, Wang Manni admitted Gu Jia had "seen through" her, which was why she reacted defensively. She confessed that she believed she would never find a better man than Liang Zhengxian and was willing to accept the risk of gaining nothing in the end, simply wanting to be with him. Zhong Xiaoqin consoled her, telling her to follow her heart and promising to support her along with Gu Jia.
Later, Wang Manni's mother called, elated to hear that her daughter finally had a boyfriend. Her mother expressed immense happiness, calling it their family's "biggest news" and urging her daughter, almost thirty, to marry soon. Back at home, Zhong Xiaoqin was surprised to find Chen Yu preparing dinner. She teased him, noting his newfound enthusiasm for cooking compared to his previous indifference before their divorce.
Their conversation was interrupted by Chen Xu, Chen Yu's younger brother, who let himself in unannounced and immediately sat down at the dinner table. He subtly questioned whether Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin had been arguing.
Episode 18 Recap
Chen Yu's brother, Chen Xu, noticed a camping cot by the fish tank and shrewdly asked if Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin had been fighting. Chen Yu quickly denied it, claiming Zhong Xiaoqin had insomnia and he snored. When Chen Xu, feigning innocence, then asked to borrow 1,000 yuan, Chen Yu immediately transferred him 3,000 yuan and told him not to visit again. Chen Xu, surprised by his brother's unusual generosity, deduced that the couple's disagreement was indeed serious.
Returning from Beijing, Xu Huanshan felt a pang of guilt, prompting him to tell Lin Youyou to stop sending him messages. As Gu Jia's 30th birthday approached, he asked her what she desired. Gu Jia suggested a family trip with Xu Ziyan to Beijing for his upcoming fireworks test, deeming their time together the best gift. However, Xu Huanshan had planned an unforgettable celebration for her.
He apologized for their recent arguments and offered to fully support her tea factory venture by transferring the entire acquisition fee from the company's working capital as her birthday gift. Gu Jia expressed concern for the company's finances, but Xu Huanshan reassured her that he would complete the fireworks proposal and repay the funds with a bonus the following month.
Following Chen Yu's advice, Zhong Xiaoqin successfully resolved the tenant eviction issue, with the store manager agreeing to sign the exit agreement. Elated by the good news, she invited Zhong Xiaoyang for lunch. During their meal, they played a game, and Zhong Xiaoyang intentionally lost to win the chance to treat her, even offering her a shrimp from his plate. Gu Jia, who happened to be dining nearby with Xu Ziyan, observed their playful interaction.
Later, she messaged Zhong Xiaoqin, teasingly asking about the "cute little kid" she was having lunch with, hinting at a potential office romance or an "older sister-younger brother" relationship. Zhong Xiaoqin quickly dismissed the notion. Back at the office, Zhong Xiaoqin found two boxes of oolong tea on her desk. Zhong Xiaoyang explained he bought them for her because he knew she enjoyed that particular tea, suggesting it would help her stay alert during overtime.
He playfully instructed her not to share it with colleagues. On Gu Jia's 30th birthday, which also marked her mother's death anniversary, she and Xu Huanshan picked up her father to visit the cemetery. Her father, unlike others who typically wore black, was dressed in a bright red top. He explained that this way, her mother would easily spot him, stating that wearing black was for fear of "monsters." Gu Jia was reminded that her mother always liked red.
She reflected on her childhood, recalling how her mother, battling kidney disease, chose to forgo further treatment to prevent the family from losing their home, leading her father to sign the discharge papers. Gu Jia admitted she used to resent her father for this, but after becoming a mother herself, she finally understood the immense heartache and difficult decision her parents had to make.
This newfound understanding also made her more fearful; the happier she became, the more she worried that minor issues could ruin all the good things in their lives. Xu Huanshan comforted her, promising that as long as he was there, nothing would be ruined. Wang Manni and Liang Zhengxian went shopping for Gu Jia's birthday gift. Wang Manni spoke highly of Gu Jia, praising her wisdom, responsibility, and financial independence as the ideal woman at thirty.
Liang Zhengxian assured Wang Manni that she, too, would be even better at thirty, highlighting her valuable freedom. He promised to be by her side for her 30th birthday, and even her 40th. Xu Huanshan had meticulously arranged a romantic birthday party for Gu Jia in a park. Wang Manni arrived with Liang Zhengxian, introducing him as her boyfriend. Liang Zhengxian complimented Gu Jia, and while chatting with Xu Huanshan, he inquired about how he found such a good wife.
Xu Huanshan described his and Gu Jia's love story as having a "gunpowder flavor." Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin was delayed due to work. Zhong Xiaoyang, who had driven her on his motorcycle to Yudi Park, then brazenly took her phone to call Gu Jia, claiming he was starving from rushing to deliver Zhong Xiaoqin. Gu Jia, albeit annoyed, invited him to join the party. At the party, Xu Huanshan and Xu Ziyan performed a simple piano duet for Gu Jia.
Xu Huanshan then confessed his deep love, recalling their first meeting ten years ago as Olympic volunteers and how he made a secret wish that all his future fireworks designs would be for her. He then unveiled his latest, dazzling fireworks, custom-designed for her 30th birthday. As the brilliant fireworks lit up the sky, Xu Huanshan knelt, presenting a unique diamond ring.
He reminded her of his promise to give her the best gift when he was a poor boy, thanking her for a decade of unwavering support, for shielding their family from hardships, and for everything she had done. He concluded with a heartfelt "I love you." The emotional proposal moved their friends to cheers and tears, calling it the most beautiful state of love. Xu Huanshan promised to design a unique fireworks display for her every birthday going forward.
Zhong Xiaoyang deliberately sat next to Zhong Xiaoqin, even cutting her steak for her. When Zhong Xiaoqin went to get some fruit, Wang Manni seized the opportunity to speak with Zhong Xiaoyang. She told him that she wasn't prejudiced against "older sister-younger brother" relationships, but Zhong Xiaoqin was a very pure girl.
She sternly warned him that if he wasn't serious about her, he should forget it, as she and Gu Jia would not stand by and let Zhong Xiaoqin be hurt or bullied. Zhong Xiaoyang solemnly responded by asking what if he was very serious, to which Wang Manni replied that he would then have to prove himself worthy of that blessing. Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan, and Xu Ziyan traveled to Beijing for the amusement park fireworks test.
After settling Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan at the hotel, Xu Huanshan immediately headed to the site to oversee preparations, promising to pick them up for lunch. At the park, Lin Youyou was constantly around Xu Huanshan, observing him with open admiration and even joining him for a casual boxed lunch, praising his dedication. Meanwhile, Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan explored. While eating, Xu Ziyan sweetly told his mother he liked her more because she always kept him company.
Gu Jia, touched but wanting to ensure he appreciated his father, explained that his dad worked hard, like an Ultraman fighting monsters, to build their "big castle" and keep their family safe.
Episode 19 Recap
Lin Youyou drove Xu Huanshan back to his hotel. On the way, she stopped at a basketball court and pointed out a deflated soccer ball, asking if his favorite sport wasn't soccer. Xu Huanshan hesitated, claiming he was too old to play and had promised his wife, Gu Jia, he wouldn't. He explained that injuries could affect his work, and if he got sick, he could easily infect their son.
Lin Youyou challenged him, asking if he was afraid, and taunted him by comparing him to the deflated ball, implying he had lost his spirit. Provoked, Xu Huanshan started playing, feeling a sense of youthful freedom and excitement. Upon returning to the hotel later, he found Gu Jia had thoughtfully squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush, which filled him with a pang of guilt.
One evening, Zhong Xiaoqin shared with Chen Yu her newfound interest in painting, inspired by a movie where girls who could paint seemed very attractive. Chen Yu, ever the cynic, quickly dismissed her, stating it was merely the actresses who were beautiful, not the act of painting itself. Despite his apparent lack of interest, Chen Yu was later seen picking up a brush and expressing a desire to try painting, even asking if he could borrow Zhong Xiaoqin's paints.
Zhong Xiaoqin, surprised by his sudden chattiness, remarked that he had become far more talkative since their divorce, as if he had "found his ability to talk again." She then lightly teased him about his "useless hands" for painting. Liang Zhengxian immersed Wang Manni in a world of high-end experiences, including attending operas and exclusive events. Wang Manni felt herself transforming, remarking to Liang Zhengxian, "Right now it appears. . . you've become a completely different person."
He responded by explaining his intention was to introduce her to "the best of the best," likening it to how the strength of whiskey makes other liquors seem weak, or how delicate flavors are preferred after cold meals. He envisioned brand clothing feeling like her "own skin. . . growing on you." Liang Zhengxian affirmed his desire to cherish her and not waste a second of their time together.
Wang Manni, beaming with happiness, later confessed to him, "Good thing I was persistent for so long and waited for you to come," before they raised their glasses in a toast. As the amusement park’s fireworks display, designed by Xu Huanshan, began, an announcement called for him to meet his family at the ticketing area. There, Lin Youyou saw Xu Huanshan with his wife, Gu Jia, and their son, Xu Ziyan, together as a happy family.
This sight left Lin Youyou feeling upset. Later that night, after Xu Huanshan had returned to the hotel with his family, Lin Youyou sent him a WeChat message, commenting on a specific part of the fireworks she had noticed. Xu Huanshan, who had been receiving many messages from her, responded that the fireworks were meant as a memento, acknowledging her hard work over the past month.
He then directly told her that he would be leaving tomorrow and, if the project was successful, he wouldn't be returning, effectively bidding her farewell. He then proceeded to delete their chat history and block her on WeChat, appearing conflicted as he did so. The store was bustling with its VIP Private Appreciation Party and model show.
However, an angry Mrs. Wang arrived, upset about not receiving an invitation and having no designated seat due to an oversight by Deputy Store Manager Daisy. Wang Manni intervened, calmed Mrs. Wang, and persuaded her to accept a corner seat by explaining changes in the event's procedures and assuring her it was the best vantage point. During the show, an accident occurred when a female guest bumped her head on a glass panel, causing injury.
Her angry husband confronted the staff. Daisy tried to explain that the "Dreamland" theme, specified by headquarters, incorporated many glass and mirror elements. However, Wang Manni promptly applied ice to the injury and called an ambulance. When the store manager questioned her actions, Daisy criticized Wang Manni for calling 120, believing such incidents should be contained within the store.
Wang Manni argued that the guest was clearly injured, and calling emergency services, then accompanying her to the hospital, was crucial to accurately assess the injury and demonstrate genuine care, thus preventing potential future complications. She volunteered to go to the hospital and requested authorization to offer compensation for minor injuries, suggesting further discussion for anything more serious. She also proposed placing silk scarves on the glass panels as both decoration and a warning.
Daisy vehemently opposed this, citing headquarters' strict design guidelines, but the store manager sided with Wang Manni, instructing Daisy to place "Beware of the glass" signs instead. Upon her return, Wang Manni confirmed the guest was fine and had accepted the store's apology and compensation. The store manager then introduced Amanda, the Sales Director from the Hong Kong headquarters.
Daisy was quick to introduce herself, but Amanda was primarily interested in Wang Manni, praising her keen sense of the "overall situation" and her swift, responsible actions during the crisis. Amanda especially admired Wang Manni's willingness to "let go of profits" by accompanying the customer to the hospital on such a crucial sales day, calling her "the best assistant for a store manager."
The manager added that Wang Manni was an elite salesperson who had previously secured a significant 4 million yuan order. A visibly jealous Daisy then complimented Amanda's designer dress, identifying it as a Tang Li Zi and OVV collaboration, and mentioned a private exhibit in Shanghai. Wang Manni casually mentioned that her boyfriend had taken her to that very exhibit a few days prior, and then offered to help Amanda gain access if she was interested.
Gu Jia received an urgent phone call from the accountant, who informed her that there was a serious problem with the tea factory's accounts. The accountant revealed that the books showed significant losses, even more than initially reported, and suspected that the figures had been tampered with. Crucially, the organic certification for the tea factory had expired half a year ago, leading to two ongoing court cases. Alarmed, Gu Jia rushed to the tea factory with Xu Huanshan.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin was busy with an event organized by her property management, which involved setting up equipment. She discovered that a crucial speaker had been swapped for a lower-grade brand, despite their equipment list specifying a particular "BO brand." Insisting on the correct item for their month-long event, she demanded the change, causing delays as the replacement had to be retrieved from a distant warehouse.
While waiting, Zhong Xiaoyang, who was assisting her, took the opportunity to ask her about her divorce, expressing curiosity about why someone as popular as her at work would make such a brave decision. He showed concern for her tiredness, offering his shoulder and ordering takeout for her, prompting Zhong Xiaoqin to praise his newfound attentiveness.
Zhong Xiaoqin confided that her divorce stemmed from incompatible personalities, a lack of shared interests, and ultimately, having nothing to talk about with Chen Yu. She reflected on how, for the past thirty years, she had always lived according to others' expectations, carefully avoiding any missteps, only to find her life uninteresting and awkward. She lamented how people are encouraged to be brave when young but later warned against danger.
She expressed a desire to "become a different person" in the future, doing things she truly liked. She compared herself to props with "angles and edges," finding them "cool," and declared that if one could be a sturdy tree, weathering storms, there was no reason to be a delicate flower that withers quickly. The following morning, Chen Yu, seemingly concerned, had prepared breakfast for Zhong Xiaoqin and asked why she had returned home so late, around 2 AM.
Zhong Xiaoqin, surprised by his sudden interest, retorted that it was none of his business, to which he feigned annoyance about her making noise and disturbing his sleep. She coolly responded that she would be moving out soon. However, later, Chen Yu sent her a text message expressing concern for her safety, stating, "Coming home that late isn't safe. If it happens again, I can pick you up."
At work, during a meal, colleagues discussed Zhong Xiaoqin and Zhong Xiaoyang's late night waiting for the speaker. A colleague asked Zhong Xiaoyang if his girlfriend didn't mind him working so late with Zhong Xiaoqin. He quickly stated he didn't have a girlfriend, but then added, "I already have someone I like, but I just don't have the courage to confess." As he spoke, his gaze lingered on Zhong Xiaoqin.
Catching his intense gaze, Zhong Xiaoqin felt a strong premonition that she was the one he liked, becoming visibly flustered as she excused herself to get napkins. Amanda, the Sales Director from the Hong Kong headquarters, was very satisfied with Wang Manni's performance and took her out for a meal.
During their conversation, Amanda learned that Wang Manni's boyfriend lived in Hong Kong, leading her to ask if Wang Manni had considered working at the Hong Kong headquarters, calling it a "rare opportunity." Without hesitation, Wang Manni immediately agreed, expressing her willingness to even accept a same-level transfer or a demotion to Senior Sales. Her sole motivation was to "be in the same city as him" and see him daily.
Amanda advised her to think carefully about leaving her familiar surroundings and starting anew alone, but Wang Manni firmly stated, "There's actually not a lot of things that belong to me here. I'd rather go and be by his side." Amanda then agreed to help her look for such an opportunity. At the tea factory, the accountant confirmed the severe financial losses, stating the amount was even greater than reported, and strongly suspected the books had been manipulated.
He further revealed that the factory's crucial organic certification had expired six months prior, leading to two ongoing court cases. Gu Jia's mind raced back to the "Wives' Circle" gathering where Mrs. Li had cunningly pitched the tea factory, with other wives echoing its supposed value, rushing Gu Jia into the deal.
The accountant confirmed that the contract had been signed too rapidly, with Mrs. Li's side handling all the procedures, solidifying Gu Jia's realization that she had been trapped and deceived by the women she once believed to be straightforward and trustworthy. Xu Huanshan suggested calling Mrs. Li. During the call, Mrs. Li completely disavowed responsibility, claiming she had provided all necessary information and followed formal procedures, asserting that Gu Jia's failure to investigate thoroughly was her own fault.
She coldly demanded the remaining 1. 5 million yuan transfer fee be paid on time, "Not a single cent can be missing." The accountant then presented Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan with two stark options: continue operating or declare bankruptcy. He explained that keeping the factory open would incur significant fines for the expired organic certification and require an additional investment of two to three million yuan for production, necessitating another bank loan—a path he deemed too high-pressure.
He advised declaring bankruptcy to minimize immediate losses and potentially reduce the transfer fees through legal action. Xu Huanshan questioned the loss of their initial investment, and a distressed factory worker pleaded with them not to close, emphasizing the workers' reliance on the factory. Overwhelmed, Gu Jia admitted the situation was "too hard" and the risks "too big," confiding that she no longer dared to take such a gamble, especially after friends expressed pessimism about the tea industry.
Regretting her hasty decision, she asked, "Why did I sign this contract back then?" Xu Huanshan comforted her, saying, "Don't be anxious. It's normal to fail in investing. It's not a big deal." He reassured her it wasn't her fault, as they couldn't have prevented such an elaborate scheme. Reluctantly, they decided to close the factory and planned to inform the village leader the next day. Gu Jia sorrowfully apologized to her husband for the predicament.
Episode 20 Recap
Xu Huanshan and Gu Jia decided to address the tea factory issue promptly due to the high risks involved. They planned to meet the village leader to close the factory and cut their losses. However, when Xu Huanshan opened the door, the village leader and numerous tea farmers were already waiting.
The village leader pleaded with them to visit the tea field, emphasizing that closing the factory would eliminate the sole source of income for many tea farmers who had dedicated their lives to tea production. He showed them the loose soil and explained how children helped pick tea during breaks to earn tuition money.
He further elaborated that their disadvantage lay in low production quantity, as they adhered to traditional methods, refusing artificial flavors, added sugars, colors, or de-acidification, which led to them being undervalued by owners and struggling against competitors who used additives. As the head of both the plant and the village, he explained that villagers earned around 18,000 yuan annually, relying solely on this income for survival and family support, as the land was only suitable for growing tea.
He warned that without the tea business, the children would starve. Gu Jia asked why the low salaries hadn't led to complaints before, to which the village leader replied that when people had no choices, things were simpler. Gu Jia then saw children attempting to eat dirty items, which clearly affected her. Wang Manni brought Amanda, the General Manager from her company's Hong Kong headquarters, to a relaxed wine party at a friend's cellar.
Wang Manni introduced Amanda to her boyfriend, Liang Zhengxian, who then offered Amanda wine, knowing she preferred fruity types. During a wine tasting challenge, Wang Manni and Amanda were the only ones to correctly identify the wines, further impressing Amanda. Later, Wang Manni excitedly told Liang Zhengxian that Amanda had mentioned a potential opportunity for her to transfer to the Hong Kong store. Liang Zhengxian was surprised, asking why she'd want to leave her successful position in Shanghai.
Wang Manni explained that she wanted to be with him every day and not live in two different places. She also mentioned that a move to Hong Kong would prevent her parents from pressuring her about marriage. Liang Zhengxian, however, advised her to reconsider. He pointed out that a salesperson relies on an established customer base, and moving to Hong Kong would mean starting from scratch.
Wang Manni countered that she would have him, then asked if he was afraid she would become dependent on him. He admitted that he was. Wang Manni reassured him that she would continue to work hard and support herself, viewing the Hong Kong transfer as a promotion. She emphasized that her decision wasn't solely for him and he shouldn't feel burdened. Despite Liang Zhengxian's plea to discuss it further, Wang Manni remained firm in her decision.
Zhong Xiaoyang enthusiastically led Zhong Xiaogin to the building's rooftop, despite her initial apprehension about breaking rules. He assured her he would take responsibility, promising a sight she wouldn't want to miss. On the rooftop, Zhong Xiaogin was delighted by the beautiful clouds, having not seen such a sky in a long time. Zhong Xiaoyang, who was part of a "Cloud Collectors" WeChat group, meticulously explained various cloud formations, from castellanus to cirrus and cirrocumulus.
He likened cirrocumulus clouds to fleeting moments in life, urging her not to miss what belonged to them. He connected this to her recent resolve, saying that if one has courage, they should strive for what they want. Zhong Xiaogin was impressed by his unique perspective and ability to find beauty.
Seizing the moment, Zhong Xiaoyang took her hand and began to confess his feelings, but Zhong Xiaogin immediately withdrew her hand and asked him to stop, not wanting to hear it. Seeing Chen Yu in low spirits, Chen Xun invited him for drinks at a bar and quickly deduced that Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaogin had divorced. Chen Yu admitted it, recalling their hasty decision. He then confessed his profound sense of misunderstanding by Zhong Xiaogin and her mother.
He revealed that despite being perceived as a popular editor, he had actually been marginalized at work for a long time. He clarified misunderstandings: Zhong Xiaogin had initially prevented him from washing her clothes, fearing he would ruin them, and although he occasionally couldn't pick her up, he always provided taxi fare.
Most importantly, Chen Yu revealed his initial reluctance about having a child transformed into deep affection after hearing the baby's heartbeat during a prenatal ultrasound; he even measured his fish tank, planning to convert the fish room into a nursery. However, after the miscarriage, while Zhong Xiaogin openly grieved, Chen Yu felt his own sorrow was overlooked and never asked about.
Chen Xun pointed out Chen Yu's subtle communication style and failure to explain himself, concluding this was why they divorced. Chen Yu then stated unequivocally that in his heart, Zhong Xiaogin had always been his wife. Chen Xun, sensing his brother's desire to reconcile, offered to help. Later that night, Chen Xun brought a heavily intoxicated Chen Yu to Zhong Xiaogin's apartment, placing him on her bed before quickly departing to give them space.
Delirious from alcohol, Chen Yu repeatedly called out to Chen Xun, regretting his mistakes and pleading for Chen Xun to ask Zhong Xiaogin for forgiveness. Zhong Xiaogin, covering him with a blanket, heard his heartfelt apologies. As the cool night air filled the room, she lay awake, deeply reflecting on their marriage. Gu Jia reflected on the tea factory debacle, admitting she had been wrong.
She realized her habitual reliance on shortcuts and her belief that the "madam group" offered the best opportunities had led her astray, proving Xu Huanshan's earlier warnings true. She felt possessed when she rushed into signing the contract, swayed by connections like Mrs. Wang's kindergarten recommendation and Mrs. Yu's fireworks order.
Although declaring bankruptcy would be the smallest financial risk to their family, Gu Jia confessed that after visiting the tea mountain and seeing the children, she couldn't bring herself to close the factory and leave. Xu Huanshan understood her desire to rectify her mistake and not retreat. He reassured her, stating that mortgaging their house again was not an issue and expressed confidence that they could pay off any debts once his amusement park business stabilized.
He also offered his design expertise for the tea packaging. Grateful for his unwavering support, Gu Jia decided to name their new product "Empty Mountain Tea," inspired by the phrase "empty mountains calm the heart." The next morning, Daisy accosted Wang Manni, noting her prime parking spot and luxury car. Daisy sarcastically warned Wang Manni not to be delusional, implying that a wealthy boyfriend didn't guarantee a bright future and that rich men often changed girlfriends quickly.
She reminded Wang Manni that women should always prioritize their careers, questioning the longevity of relationships. Wang Manni calmly retorted that if Daisy had concrete evidence of rule-breaking, she should report it, otherwise, she should respect her privacy. Daisy, undeterred, admitted she was aware of Wang Manni and Amanda's discussions about a transfer to Hong Kong, expressing surprise at Wang Manni's "courage" to potentially abandon her efforts in Shanghai for a relationship.
Daisy reiterated her warning not to be blinded by love, suggesting the Hong Kong opportunity might be an "empty promise" and questioning how Wang Manni would face returning to the Shanghai store if it didn't work out. Wang Manni dismissed Daisy's remarks as typical office politics, implying Daisy was more interested in playing games than working hard. During a meal with friends, Zhong Xiaogin and Wang Manni discussed Gu Jia's difficult situation with the tea factory.
Wang Manni reiterated her firm decision to accept the Hong Kong transfer if an opportunity arose, assuring Zhong Xiaogin that distance wouldn't affect their friendship. Wang Manni then asked Zhong Xiaogin about her relationship with Zhong Xiaoyang. Zhong Xiaogin said that Zhong Xiaoyang seemed intent on confessing his feelings. However, she expressed reservations, stating she had never considered dating someone younger and doubted his seriousness, attributing his actions to a possible impulse.
She admitted relief that he hadn't confessed, fearing future awkwardness at work, especially given her recent divorce. Wang Manni, having observed Zhong Xiaoyang on several occasions, believed he was quite serious. Liang Zhengxian took Wang Manni to a commercial meeting hosted by Mr. Wei. At the meeting, men discussed complex financial topics like Asia Pacific funds and blockchain technology, while a group of women, including the bosses' companions, chatted about trivial matters like photoshopping photos.
When Wang Manni tried to listen to the business discussion, Liang Zhengxian dismissed her, saying she wouldn't understand and didn't need to force herself. He suggested she join the other women. During their conversation, the women openly discussed their long-term relationships with wealthy directors, revealing they simply "dragged it on" and didn't understand or engage with the business topics. Feeling indignant, Wang Manni decided to leave.
Liang Zhengxian questioned her abrupt departure, and Wang Manni clarified that she was different from those women who "photoshopped their face and legs for a living." She revealed that she was actively taking notes on her phone, not playing games, demonstrating her genuine desire to learn.
Wang Manni expressed gratitude for Liang Zhengxian broadening her horizons but declared her intention to work hard independently to earn her spot in Hong Kong, aiming to be qualified to sit beside him and understand the discussions, rather than being a mere accessory. Upon returning from the tea factory, Gu Jia immediately headed to the madam club. Mrs. Wang quietly cautioned her against creating a scene over money.
However, Gu Jia, holding a can of her newly produced "Empty Mountain Tea," confronted the group. She announced her firm decision to operate the tea factory and spoke of the meticulous, laborious process of tea production, implying that people, much like tea leaves, must endure hardship to avoid making wrong turns. The other madams scoffed at her, with Mrs. Li eventually revealing that they had long wanted to remove Gu Jia from their circle.
Gu Jia thanked Mrs. Li for "digging such a deep hole" for a "lowly person" like herself, stating that she was willing to pay for her mistakes, and warned that everyone present would eventually pay for theirs. She accused them of having distorted values, relying on shortcuts and backing. Gu Jia then declared that unlike them, she could leave with her own name intact, asserting her independence.
She scornfully described them as women who only survived by their husbands' last names and worth, gathering merely to flaunt and compare, ultimately becoming "sadder the more glamorous" they appeared. Concluding her powerful speech, Gu Jia declared, "I'm Gu Jia. Let's not meet again," and walked out. While shopping, Wang Manni noticed her ex-boyfriend intensely focused on making coffee in his shop. Intrigued, she entered.
During their conversation, they acknowledged their difficult breakup, which Wang Manni admitted was largely due to his financial status at the time; she had desired a rich boyfriend. He confirmed that he was now the owner of the coffee shop, a dream she was happy he had fulfilled. When he asked about her, Wang Manni wryly remarked that she was "still guarding rich people's closets," referring to her job in luxury sales. She then confirmed to him that she had indeed found the rich boyfriend she had wished for. He offered to make coffee for her anytime she visited.
Episode 21 Recap
Wang Manni shared a story with Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin over coffee from her ex-boyfriend Jiang Chen’s new coffee shop, conveniently located just two blocks away. Manni recounted that three years ago, when she first started working in luxury sales, she was heavily influenced by the affluent customers and material desires. This led her to believe Jiang Chen, who she felt wasn't making enough progress or money, couldn't lead her as she desired.
She ended their relationship, seeking someone who would stand in front of her and guide her, rather than someone who served her from behind. Seeing Jiang Chen now, she felt even more certain that her decision was correct, believing it allowed her to be single when she met Liang Zhenxian and embark on a more exciting life.
Gu Jia mentioned that she would be returning to the tea factory the next day, having invested all her savings and cut ties with the 'madame group,' ready for a new beginning. Later that night, as Zhong Xiaoqin was absorbed in her painting, Chen Yu, acting on advice from his brother Chen Xu, subtly manipulated the situation. He cut the power to their apartment, creating a blackout, and then led Xiaoqin to the balcony.
There, a small table was set with red wine and a candleholder. Xiaoqin, clearly unimpressed by the staged romantic setting, tried to go back inside, only to find the balcony door locked. Chen Yu pretended it was a problem with the old apartment. As he struggled to open the red wine bottle, a colleague called from downstairs, urgently asking for his help with an emergency at work.
Xiaoqin observed that some things simply aren't meant to be, no matter how hard one tries. The next morning, Xiaoqin noticed several small household items seemed to have changed. She struggled to open a tightly sealed jar and found her bag rack had been inexplicably raised, making it difficult to reach her bag. Reluctantly, she had to ask Chen Yu for help with these tasks, forcing them to interact.
Chen Yu later called Chen Xu, for the first time acknowledging his brother's usefulness. Chen Xu then advised him to win over Xiaoqin’s mother. Wang Manni went to a high-end gym and met another woman who commented on the expensive annual membership. Manni explained that Liang Zhenxian had arranged it for her, making it convenient for her to exercise before work.
The woman made some vague remarks about people’s fetishes and convenience, and how they might want the same things even when they move. During a subsequent dinner with Liang Zhenxian, Manni mentioned the gym and suggested transferring her membership to Hong Kong if she were to move there, to avoid wasting it. She also proposed joining him on his next trip to Hong Kong, viewing it as a preliminary inspection for a potential relocation.
Liang Zhenxian, however, avoided the topic, questioning if she could take immediate leave and then dismissing Hong Kong as a small place, praising the development opportunities in mainland China instead. Manni reminded him that Hong Kong held significance because he was there, but he changed the subject. Back at the tea factory, Gu Jia learned from the employees that their tea's quality far surpassed international standards, even exceeding that of larger tea manufacturers.
This was due to their adherence to traditional, additive-free processing and the pristine, pollution-free mountain environment. The challenge, however, was a lack of sales due to being marginalized by competitors. Gu Jia decided to use her own capabilities to open up new sales channels for the tea. That evening, feeling a bit scared staying alone, Gu Jia received a visit from a young girl sent by the village head.
The girl brought noodles made by her mother and called Gu Jia the village's "honorable guest," deeply moving Gu Jia. The next day, the woman Manni had encountered at the gym came into the store and specifically requested Manni's service. She proceeded to try on numerous clothes for four hours, rejecting every item she tried. Despite a colleague offering to take over, the woman insisted Manni continue serving her.
In the end, after trying on stacks of clothing, she only picked out a tie to purchase. Manni maintained her professional composure, patiently serving the demanding customer and bowing to see her off, while her colleagues found the customer's behavior extremely odd. Chen Yu visited Xiaoqin's parents, bringing gifts and actively helping in the kitchen, a stark change from his usual demeanor. He praised Xiaoqin’s mother’s braised pork, endearing himself to her parents.
Xiaoqin pointed out that her father, recently discharged from the hospital after a heart problem, couldn't drink alcohol, but Chen Yu had brought wine anyway. Xiaoqin’s mother then gave Chen Yu a notebook filled with neighborhood issues, hoping he could use his connections at the TV station to address them. On the drive home, Xiaoqin confronted Chen Yu about his recent strange behavior. She noticed he wasn't sitting as casually as he used to.
She accused him of regretting their divorce and wanting to exchange her dowry car for his half of their apartment. Chen Yu was infuriated by her accusation, denying her interpretation and exasperated by what he perceived as her calculating mindset. They argued, with Xiaoqin declaring her intention to keep her half of the apartment and even take the car's wheels if she knew how to drive. Gu Jia returned from the tea factory and discussed her experiences with Xu Huanshan.
She acknowledged the factory's rigid management, old equipment, and relaxed discipline but highlighted the valuable traditional tea-making methods and the excellent, undeveloped ecological environment as key advantages. She planned to seek help from former colleagues and pursue new investments, even preparing a detailed presentation. Gu Jia confidently pitched her sales plan to potential investors, emphasizing the high-quality tea and the untapped "brand blue ocean" in the mid-to-high-end tea market.
However, she was repeatedly rejected, with investors citing her lack of experience in the tea industry and finding nothing particularly impressive about her project. As the tea harvest season approached, the village head called Gu Jia for an update, mentioning that everyone, including children, was involved in picking tea leaves.
Sitting disheartened outside a building, Gu Jia confessed to the village head that she had tried her best but couldn't find a market for the tea and was struggling to even help herself. Zhong Xiaoyang informed Xiaoqin about an outdoor work assignment from their manager. He then took her on his motorbike to a driving school, revealing it was his belated birthday gift to her – he had signed her up for driving lessons.
He assured her there were flexible classes for office workers and offered to drive her to and from the school daily. Recalling how her inability to drive had resulted in her leaving her dowry car to Chen Yu during their divorce, Xiaoqin accepted, determined to learn how to drive.
Episode 22 Recap
Gu Jia, feeling disheartened after a call from the village head about the tea factory's struggles, returns to Director Xu’s office to make a final plea. She presents photos she took, explaining how the primitive skills of planting and hand-picking, along with the simple affection of the mountain villagers, deeply moved her. Gu Jia admits she previously "lost herself" pursuing quick wealth, but this experience helped her rediscover her original aspirations.
She emphasizes that Director Xu’s company is her last hope, as other companies found her project unexceptional. She reiterates her commitment to developing the tea factory not for significant profit, but to ensure the children and villagers in the mountain have food and homes. Director Xu then proposes to buy out her entire project. Gu Jia firmly refuses, explaining that while it might just be a project to them, it holds deep personal significance for her.
She worries that a buyout, driven by temporary success and capital, could lead to mass production, replacing traditional methods and ultimately destroying the mountain, the tea, and its people. After Gu Jia leaves, Director Xu calls her back to talk. Later that evening, at home, Gu Jia expresses her disappointment to Xu Huanshan, revealing that Director Xu, while impressed by her, offered her a job on his team instead, advising her to set aside the tea factory.
Xu Huanshan encourages her, believing the investor will regret not recognizing the tea factory's true value. Shortly after, Gu Jia receives a phone call from Director Xu, who has decided to invest in the tea factory according to her proposed terms. Overjoyed, she shares the good news with Xu Huanshan, who enthusiastically suggests they celebrate. The troublesome customer, Zhao Jingyu, returns to the luxury store, specifically requesting Wang Manni’s service.
While Wang Manni patiently helps her try on shoes, Zhao Jingyu provocatively remarks that people in the service industry seem to "lower themselves to cater to men," referring to Wang Manni’s helpfulness. Wang Manni corrects her, stating she caters to customers. Zhao Jingyu then says that Wang Manni should understand how it feels "when someone has taken your man." She selects a tie, claiming it's for her husband, and pays with a credit card bearing the name "Liang Zheng Xian."
Wang Manni is stunned. Zhao Jingyu then shows Wang Manni a ring, revealing that Liang Zhengxian gave it to her seven years ago. She explains that while they aren't officially married, their relatives and friends in Hong Kong consider them a married couple. Despite Liang Zhengxian's claims of being anti-marriage, Zhao Jingyu believes he regards her as his wife.
Having waited for seven years without becoming Mrs. Liang, she declares she won't idly watch Wang Manni "steal him away" and advises Wang Manni to withdraw to save her job and dignity. Distraught, Wang Manni confides in Gu Jia, who urges her not to fully believe Zhao Jingyu, as their initial investigation showed Liang Zhengxian was single. Gu Jia advises Wang Manni to confront Liang Zhengxian directly and suggests texting him about an urgent matter to make him return.
However, Liang Zhengxian replies that he is too busy for the next few days. The emotional turmoil leads Wang Manni to make an error at work, causing a limited-edition display bag to be sold. Daisy, the deputy store manager, harshly reprimands her, calling it "official misconduct" and stating she will report it to headquarters. That night, Wang Manni calls Liang Zhengxian, demanding he come to Shanghai the next day, threatening to go to Hong Kong herself if he doesn't.
Liang Zhengxian arrives and meets Wang Manni in a private room. He admits to hiding Zhao Jingyu's existence, calling it his mistake, but affirms his love for Wang Manni and his willingness to leave Zhao Jingyu for her. He requests time to handle the separation, citing Zhao Jingyu's seven years with him and the need to divide their business assets. Wang Manni cynically points out the convenience of his anti-marriage philosophy, which allows for easy departures without burden.
Liang Zhengxian assures her he will address the situation with Zhao Jingyu, then return to Shanghai to settle down with her. Wang Manni, seeing a glimmer of hope, tells him they can talk again once he has resolved matters with Zhao Jingyu. Later, Liang Zhengxian sends Wang Manni a voice message, informing her that he has told Zhao Jingyu he is leaving the company and resigning from all positions, and will be in Hong Kong tomorrow to finalize formalities.
He assures her there will be no more problems and reiterates his love for her. Gu Jia asks Chen Sister to take out-of-season clothes to the dry cleaners. While emptying Xu Huanshan's pockets, Chen Sister finds various items, including a receipt for two desserts from "Charlie's Burger." Gu Jia, knowing Xu Huanshan doesn't eat sweets, questions him about it while they drive past an ice cream parlor.
He claims people from Beijing's amusement park bought it for him to "experience the younger generation's interests," but he "just took two bites then threw it away." Gu Jia then mentions finding the receipt in his pocket when she sent his clothes for dry cleaning, implying she suspected he was on a date with "another young girl." Xu Huanshan is momentarily flustered, wondering why the receipt was in his pocket.
Later, while organizing reimbursement bills, Gu Jia discovers a Buzz Lightyear pendant in Xu Huanshan's desk drawer. He claims he bought "a lot of toys for our son" during his first business trip to the amusement park and "left this one in my bag," accidentally putting it in the drawer. Gu Jia subtly notes she never said she found it in a drawer.
As she is about to visit the tea factory, Gu Jia instructs Chen Xu to secretly record Xu Huanshan's private appointments and send her the addresses, implying that any unverified travel would not be reimbursed by the company. Chen Xu agrees, motivated by his own need for gas reimbursement. Zhong Xiaoyang drops Zhong Xiaoqin off at home on his motorcycle, where they encounter Chen Yu.
Zhong Xiaoqin nervously tells Chen Yu that Zhong Xiaoyang was just giving her a ride home on his way. Zhong Xiaoyang immediately corrects her, stating he deliberately drove "seven kilometers to drop her off." Chen Yu, visibly jealous and angry, later confronts Zhong Xiaoqin, accusing her of acting inappropriately with a younger man. He criticizes her for not considering their neighbors and his company-provided housing, worrying about appearances and what her parents might think.
Zhong Xiaoqin, angered by his condescending tone, retorts that her life is none of his business and threatens to move out immediately. Chen Yu readily agrees, saying he feared she would become dependent and not leave. Zhong Xiaoqin asserts she would rely on anyone else but him for the rest of her life. The next day at work, Zhong Xiaoqin notices Zhong Xiaoyang is cold and avoids her.
When the office coffee machine breaks down and everyone leaves for lunch, Zhong Xiaoyang suddenly appears, grabs Zhong Xiaoqin's bag, and pulls her out of the office. He speeds away on his motorcycle, causing a frightened Zhong Xiaoqin to cling tightly to him. He takes her to a grassy field where a hot air balloon awaits. It’s Zhong Xiaoqin’s first time, and she is thrilled by the experience.
As they ascend high above the ground, Zhong Xiaoyang confesses his feelings for her. Zhong Xiaoqin immediately rejects him, citing their six-year age gap, their colleague status, and her divorce. Zhong Xiaoyang dismisses her reasons, stating he likes her specifically and those factors are irrelevant. He reveals he has had five girlfriends in the past but has "never been as serious as I am now." He asks her directly if she likes him and if she will be his girlfriend.
Meanwhile, Chen Yu waits anxiously for Zhong Xiaoqin at home. When she finally returns, he asks if she came home on the motorcycle, noting her "pressed flat" hair from the helmet, and asks if she and "that motorcycle" (implying Zhong Xiaoyang) are now together.
Episode 23 Recap
Chen Yu directly asked Zhong Xiaoqin if she and Zhong Xiaoyang were together. Zhong Xiaoqin paused, considering how she hadn't given Zhong Xiaoyang a clear answer during their hot air balloon ride. Chen Yu realized he no longer had the right to restrict her, understanding that their distance would only grow. Wang Manni reached out to Zhong Xiaoqin, asking to meet.
Though Liang Zhengxian claimed he would settle in Shanghai, he hadn't committed to marriage, which Wang Manni suspected was merely an excuse to keep her from going to Hong Kong. Zhong Xiaoqin was also troubled by her own situation. At thirty, she felt she was no longer young. While a younger man pursuing her was flattering, and she didn't dislike Zhong Xiaoyang, she worried he might not be serious about their potential relationship, fearing both commitment and the lack thereof.
Chen Yu's focus at work suffered due to his divorce, leading to an editing error where Xiamen footage was mistakenly used for a trade zone conference video. His supervisor, Ms. Lu, informed him that upper management, finding a suggested three-day suspension and three-month pay cut insufficient, decided to remove him from the frontline. He was to be suspended for ten days and then transferred to a different department.
Despite Chen Yu's plea to stay in news, offering to accept any pay cut, Ms. Lu explained her inability to change management's decision, advising him to accept it and sign the transfer. Meanwhile, Lin Youyou continued to send Xu Huanshan pictures of delicious food. Xu Huanshan always smiled broadly when he saw her WeChat messages, but quickly deleted the chat history.
Gu Jia, already overly cautious about a recent flu outbreak and insisting on extensive disinfection at home and keeping their son, Zi Yan, from kindergarten, noticed Xu Huanshan's peculiar happiness. That night, she secretly checked his phone but found no unusual messages, only her own as the most recent, which intensified her suspicion that he was hiding something. During a gathering, Wang Manni took Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin to her ex-boyfriend Jiang Chen's coffee shop.
She continued to express her frustration with Liang Zhengxian, who had been delaying his return to Shanghai. After she blocked him on WeChat out of exasperation, he only called to ask for more patience, which she found excessive. Gu Jia confided in her friends about her growing unease regarding Xu Huanshan.
She recounted how he had reacted with an uncharacteristic bright smile to a WeChat message the day before, only for the message to disappear when she checked his phone later. Gu Jia had a strong premonition of infidelity but lacked proof. Both Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin tried to reassure her, urging her not to overthink things and become overly sensitive.
Jiang Chen, the café owner, then shared his philosophy on coffee roasting, likening the necessary seven-day resting period for beans to the idea that "many things can't be rushed." At the office, an awkward tension persisted between Zhong Xiaoqin and Zhong Xiaoyang after her recent rejection. Colleagues openly speculated about a quarrel, noticing their changed habits, like identical low step counts on WeChat and no longer leaving work together.
Zhong Xiaoqin, annoyed by the gossip and finding a gift of oolong tea from Zhong Xiaoyang under her desk, grew increasingly frustrated with him, feeling he acted on impulse. A few days later, Zhong Xiaoqin went to her driving lessons, still irritated that Zhong Xiaoyang, who had originally suggested and promised to accompany her to learn to drive a stick shift, was now nowhere to be found.
As she complained to her coach, Zhong Xiaoyang appeared in the car, revealing he and the coach were good friends. Zhong Xiaoqin questioned why he had ignored her. Zhong Xiaoyang explained he needed time to think about his next steps. Zhong Xiaoqin then asked if any of his previous five girlfriends were older than him. He admitted they weren't, leading her to accuse him of only being curious about dating an older woman.
Zhong Xiaoyang earnestly defended his feelings, praising her unique, resilient nature, likening her to clouds that never seek to be the main character and can always self-repair. He acknowledged the difficulties of their situation, including their office romance and her ex-husband, but promised to handle all challenges if she would simply accept him. Zhong Xiaoqin confessed her fears, explaining that with age, she now evaluates decisions based on "time and effort," unlike her younger self who pursued anything desired.
She worried if she would be a "time and effort consumer" for him. Later, Zhao Jingyu returned to Wang Manni's store to cause trouble. When Wang Manni refused to serve her, Zhao Jingyu threatened to file a complaint and then slapped her in front of customers and colleagues. Humiliated, Wang Manni tearfully told Zhao Jingyu that she loved Liang Zhengxian for himself, not his money, and would be with him even if he became penniless.
That evening, her store manager compassionately advised her against impulsively quitting. She explained that while their profession is often misjudged, their work is respectable, and Manni shouldn't throw away her livelihood while her relationship was uncertain. A colleague of Chen Yu's, referred to as Brother Man, brought Zhong Xiaoqin a special green cake from Singapore, a gift Chen Yu had specifically requested for her.
Through this interaction, Zhong Xiaoqin was shocked to learn that Chen Yu had been suspended from work and his position changed. Brother Man elaborated that Chen Yu's ambition and clashes with producers had led to his current plight, where he was excluded by colleagues. He suggested Chen Yu apologize to the producer to try and regain his old position. Zhong Xiaoqin returned home to find Chen Yu lethargic and the room filled with smoke.
She tried to provoke him into action by deliberately adding hot water and fish food into his fish tank, knowing how much he cared for his fish. Chen Yu reacted, angrily stopping her and telling her to take her anger out on him, not his fish. Zhong Xiaoqin then tried a gentler approach, telling him a story about African Lungfish that survive dry seasons by burying themselves and re-emerge in the rain.
She encouraged him, saying he was like one of these fish, currently forced into the mud but capable of perseverance. Chen Yu, however, responded cynically, pointing out the harsh realities and high mortality rate of lungfish, claiming survival was "all fate, all luck." Zhong Xiaoqin countered that luck still required action, like buying a lottery ticket, and warned him about his smoking impacting his health and his fish.
Moved by her concern, Chen Yu suddenly confessed his regret over the divorce, admitting his impulsiveness and asking if they still had a chance. As Zhong Xiaoqin processed his words, her phone buzzed continuously with messages from Zhong Xiaoyang. Meanwhile, representatives from Beijing Park visited Xu Huanshan's company, commending his fireworks show for its success and proposing a contract for the next half-year. Lin Youyou was among the visiting staff, her admiration for Xu Huanshan palpable.
That evening, Xu Huanshan invited Lin Youyou to dinner, intending to set boundaries. He thanked her for the food pictures but firmly stated his marriage and responsibility solely to his wife, Gu Jia, who he credited for all his achievements. Lin Youyou, however, challenged his perception, suggesting he and Gu Jia were fundamentally different.
She implied that he was living in a shell, constrained by Gu Jia's expectations, unable to indulge in simple pleasures or express his true self, merely "acting in a role she gave him." Her words clearly resonated with Xu Huanshan, unsettling him.
Episode 24 Recap
Xu Huanshan, having been subtly influenced by Lin Youyou's arguments, made a rational attempt to end their interactions. He told her, "Let's not contact each other in the future. If any of my previous actions caused you to misunderstand, I apologize." However, Lin Youyou continued to provoke him, claiming he lived "in a shell" that his wife had forced upon him, stifling the "fun little boy in his heart."
She suggested he was merely acting a role Gu Jia had given him. Xu Huanshan defended Gu Jia, asserting that her plans always benefited their family. Lin Youyou, undeterred, likened beautiful fireworks to him, dormant in a box, only capable of glamour when ignited by an open flame. She then speculated that Gu Jia must be most afraid of fire, implying a lack of "open flame" in their home.
Xu Huanshan firmly reiterated his decision: "I've said everything that I wanted to say to you. Let's not meet anymore. I've paid the bill. I have to go," and promptly left. Upon returning home, Xu Huanshan found Gu Jia waiting. He quickly went to shower, prompting Gu Jia to ask about his sudden business dinner.
Xu Huanshan claimed he had treated "the amusement park folks," saying there were many people and they "drank a lot," even adding that he only drank because Gu Jia had told him not to eat dinner. Gu Jia, pouring water, noticed his haste to shower and pointedly remarked, "You don't smell like alcohol anymore." Xu Huanshan could only offer a noncommittal "Yeah."
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaqin found herself reflecting on Zhong Xiaoyang's description of her as a small, free-spirited cloud, unobtrusive yet resilient. Browsing his Weibo, she began to feel a growing affection for him. She also started writing an online novel, finding solace and stability in expressing her "real self" through thousands of words daily.
Her story, titled "How Many Shapes of Clouds Are There," began with "Chapter 1, The first day of age thirty," and she enjoyed reading the various comments from readers, some finding the "younger brother" character interesting, others even supporting her ex-husband. Wang Manni, acting on the address Zhao Jingyu had provided on her membership card, traveled to Hong Kong.
There, her heart was broken as she witnessed Liang Zhengxian and Zhao Jingyu walking a dog together, arm in arm, looking every bit like a devoted couple. Devastated by the sight, Wang Manni immediately turned back, pulling her luggage, and flew back to Shanghai. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaqin rushed to comfort a heartbroken Wang Manni. Gu Jia encouraged her to cry and release her emotions, reminding her that self-pity while Liang Zhengxian remained carefree was only harming herself.
Gu Jia then delivered a difficult truth, explaining that Liang Zhengxian and Zhao Jingyu had been together for seven years, effectively a married couple, making Wang Manni merely "the third wheel" in Zhao Jingyu's eyes—and likely not the first or last. Wang Manni vehemently denied this, but Gu Jia insisted on the truth of the seven-year commitment and asked Wang Manni to consider Zhao Jingyu's pain as well.
Overwhelmed, Wang Manni refused to listen and repeatedly told her friends to leave. As they were reluctantly pushed out the door, Gu Jia emphasized to Wang Manni, "You have to understand the only person who loves you in this world is yourself. You have to overcome this hardship." After a night of quiet contemplation, Wang Manni appeared to regain her composure.
The next day, she joined Gu Jia for a salon visit and a workout session, with Gu Jia encouraging her, "Never lose your attitude no matter what happens." A few days later, Zhao Jingyu initiated a meeting with Wang Manni. She candidly explained that Liang Zhengxian frequently takes new women on trips, but once the "freshness passes," he relies on her to "take care of them" and act as the "bad guy" to make them leave—a "tacit understanding" between them.
Zhao Jingyu even admitted her previous disturbance at Wang Manni's store stemmed from her anxiety that Liang Zhengxian might have been serious about Wang Manni, but she now realized she had "overestimated your importance." Zhao Jingyu confirmed that Liang Zhengxian had sent her to end the affair.
She then expressed her own despair, feeling "held captive" for seven years and unsure how to face life alone, or how many more women she would have to deal with, concluding, "at least that's what I'm good at." Finally, Zhao Jingyu revealed that the very neighborhood they were sitting in was Liang Zhengxian's home in Shanghai, yet he had always taken Wang Manni to hotels, proving he would "never show his true colors to a passerby."
Still reeling from Zhao Jingyu's revelations, Wang Manni watched as Liang Zhengxian's car pulled into the residential complex, confirming the painful truth. That evening, Wang Manni initiated a phone call to Liang Zhengxian for a final meeting. He admitted he couldn't break ties with Zhao Jingyu due to their long history and intertwined lives in Hong Kong.
Despite this, he claimed, "I really do like you," and proposed an "open relationship": Wang Manni would stay in Shanghai, Zhao Jingyu in Hong Kong, with no interference between them. Wang Manni scornfully rejected the idea, declaring, "I can't accept this. It feels so dirty." Liang Zhengxian attempted to persuade her by pointing out the lavish lifestyle she enjoyed with him, asserting, "Even if you worked as a salesperson your entire life, you can never get all of this."
He clarified he was against marriage and this was merely an "open relationship" she should try to accept. Wang Manni, acknowledging that "Everything I'm wearing was given to me by you," defiantly removed the jewelry, outer clothing, and high heels he had gifted her. As she prepared to remove her last layer, a kind waitress offered her clothes.
Donning the borrowed uniform, Wang Manni concluded that she would rather be a "stray cat, living in the streets and eating scraps" than beg to be a "pet" in a relationship devoid of respect and equality. She added that she had bought her own bag, symbolizing her complete independence as she left Liang Zhengxian. Zhong Xiaqin, seeking refuge from Chen Yu, stayed at Gu Jia's place.
While there, Gu Jia observed that Zhong Xiaqin hadn't truly moved on from Chen Yu, despite her claims. Worrying about Wang Manni, they called her and, hearing noise, realized she was at a bar. They rushed to join her, and the three women shared drinks, emotional conversations, and comfort, embracing amidst tears and wishing away their troubles with men.
To exact revenge for Wang Manni, Gu Jia instructed Chen Xu to use the car Liang Zhengxian had given to Wang Manni to block his personal vehicle in his residential complex's garage, after which they covered it in trash. The next day, the property manager called Liang Zhengxian, demanding he quickly move his defiled car due to the "really bad disruption." Liang Zhengxian angrily protested, "I paid the property management fee!" and questioned why his car was targeted.
The manager implied the other car (which Chen Xu drove) was also his, making him responsible. Unable to move the other car without a key, Liang Zhengxian was left to clean the disgusting mess himself while onlookers commented on the effective "revenge," speculating it was "something to do with women." He cursed as he began the unpleasant task. In a surprising turn of events, Lin Youyou abruptly resigned from her job, telling a colleague, "I'm going to Shanghai!"
revealing her intention to pursue Xu Huanshan. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaqin continued diligently updating her online novel, sharing childhood memories such as a near-drowning incident and her deep love for chocolate cake as a comfort, and noting the frustrating tendency of earplugs to go missing when needed. Zhong Xiaoyang proved to be her most dedicated reader, always the first to check for new chapters, and secretly absorbing details about her life.
One day, he presented her with a large jar of earplugs. When Zhong Xiaqin questioned how he knew she used them, he feigned ignorance, claiming they were unwanted "free gifts from the store downstairs" that he couldn't get rid of. Zhong Xiaqin, surprised by the sheer quantity, admitted she needed them because she couldn't sleep with noise, gratefully accepting his thoughtful, if subtly delivered, gift.
Late that night, Wang Manni summoned Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaqin to her store, greeting them cheerfully as her "VVVIP customers" and "golden medal sales, Ni Ni," before tearfully announcing her decision to resign. Gu Jia initially tried to persuade her, arguing that "work is the best medicine" for a broken heart, and that her job had always been her "armor" and "battlefield," making her feel strong.
However, Wang Manni explained that things were different now; after the incident with Liang Zhengxian, she felt "everyone looked at me in a different way," and she couldn't ignore it, even finding herself arguing with customers. While Gu Jia tried to reassure her that gossip would fade, Zhong Xiaqin firmly supported her, saying, "If you are really unhappy, then just quit. We will be with you no matter what you do."
Wang Manni then declared that this would be her last time serving her best friends. She reflected on her eight years of dedication to the store, a place she had irrigated with "youth, hope, and passion," but now realized it was all a "self-deceiving illusion and obsession." At this moment, she chose to "let it go."
Episode 25 Recap
Wang Manni's colleagues attempted to persuade her to reconsider her resignation, but she remained resolute. Stating that she no longer wished to work there, she walked out of the store, leaving her lipsticks with a colleague. Meanwhile, Gu Jia prepared to inspect tea packaging materials, instructing Xu Huanshan not to take their son, Xu Ziyan, outside due to flu season. After Gu Jia departed, Xu Ziyan complained about being bored at home.
Remembering Lin Youyou's earlier remarks about him living within a shell and not being his true self, Xu Huanshan secretly took Ziyan to a playground. Upon their return, he coached Ziyan to keep their outing a secret from Gu Jia, telling him to say they had been playing with toys and watching cartoons. The following morning, Gu Jia discovered Xu Ziyan had a high fever. She and Xu Huanshan rushed him to the hospital.
While waiting to see the doctor, Xu Huanshan received a text message from Lin Youyou, announcing her arrival in Shanghai. Feeling guilty, he confessed to Gu Jia that he had taken Ziyan out to play soccer, which led to his cold. Gu Jia revealed she had already known, having noticed the mud and grass on Ziyan's shoes, but she wasn't angry, appreciating the joy Ziyan experienced spending time with his father.
Back home, Xu Ziyan's fever persisted, prompting Gu Jia to stay awake and care for him through the night. Xu Huanshan, however, became fixated on his phone. He would secretly check it when it buzzed, smiling at pictures sent by Lin Youyou. To avoid Gu Jia's detection, they switched to communicating via email, and Xu Huanshan diligently cleared his inbox. When Ziyan later asked to play with his father's phone, Gu Jia, sympathetic to Ziyan's discomfort, allowed it.
Xu Huanshan quickly deleted Lin Youyou's messages before handing the phone over. He offered to care for Ziyan that night but fell asleep, leaving Gu Jia to take over. She observed Xu Huanshan's constant attachment to his phone, a change he nervously avoided addressing. The next day, with his fever broken, Xu Ziyan happily drew pictures of fireworks with a distinct "UU" shape, explaining they were like his dad's fireworks. Gu Jia, surprised, asked Xu Huanshan about the unusual shape.
He faltered, claiming he had tried to make two "O"s but failed, a response that fueled Gu Jia's growing suspicions. Gu Jia took Xu Ziyan to visit her father at the nursing home. Her father noticed she seemed preoccupied and inquired if there were issues between her and Xu Huanshan. Gu Jia dismissed his concerns, attributing Xu Huanshan's absence to a large fireworks order their company had received.
Her father encouraged her to face life bravely, reminding her that he was still there for her if she ever needed support. His words brought a sense of reassurance to Gu Jia, despite her lingering unease about Xu Huanshan. Later, Xu Huanshan received a photo from Lin Youyou, taken outside his company building. Startled, he rushed downstairs to confront her.
She calmly informed him that she had quit her job, confessing that she chose him over fireworks and had moved to Shanghai with the intention of staying. Meanwhile, Wang Manni had been spending her days at home, feeling utterly despondent. Jiang Chen, having obtained her address from Gu Jia, arrived at her apartment with groceries. He immediately began cleaning her messy home and prepared a hearty meal.
Overwhelmed by his kindness and the comforting scent of food, Wang Manni wept quietly in bed. She offered him money for his efforts, which he accepted before leaving. He suggested he could cook for her again, but she declined, ready to pick herself up. The following morning, Wang Manni appeared invigorated as she enjoyed breakfast at Jiang Chen's coffee shop. To further lift her spirits, Jiang Chen took her on a trip to a vibrant local market.
Surrounded by fresh produce and the lively chatter of people, Wang Manni began to regain her resolve and started submitting resumes for new job opportunities. In another part of the city, Zhong Xiaoyang continued his week-long tradition of bringing chocolate cakes for Zhong Xiaoqin's afternoon tea, much to the exasperation of their colleagues. Zhong Xiaoqin herself admitted to tiring of the routine.
During a routine check at the mall, Zhong Xiaoqin encountered a couple creating a scene, alleging that the shoes they purchased were fake. She intervened as a property manager, attempting to de-escalate the situation by explaining the mall's strict quality inspections and pointing out the shoes' evident wear. When the female customer tried to strike a salesperson, Zhong Xiaoqin instinctively stepped in to protect the employee. This led the couple to falsely accuse Zhong Xiaoqin of assault.
Onlookers recorded the incident, and the videos quickly went viral online, portraying the mall as selling counterfeit products and its staff as violent. Following the public outcry, Director Xu suspended Zhong Xiaoqin, citing the extremely negative impact on the mall's reputation. He then revealed that an expert had indeed confirmed the shoes were fake, much to Zhong Xiaoqin's astonishment and dismay. On her bus ride home, Zhong Xiaoqin was recognized by enraged online users.
One individual smeared chewed gum in her hair, prompting Zhong Xiaoyang to fiercely defend her. However, other passengers, swayed by the viral videos, demanded that Zhong Xiaoqin get off the bus. Later, Chen Yu received an anonymous package containing a dead frog, a chilling sign that their home address had been exposed. He immediately called Zhong Xiaoqin, urging her to stay at Gu Jia's for her safety. Zhong Xiaoyang answered Zhong Xiaoqin's phone, telling Chen Yu that Xiaoqin was unavailable.
Chen Yu instructed him to tell Zhong Xiaoqin to stay with Gu Jia. Zhong Xiaoyang, however, was manipulative, implying to Zhong Xiaoqin that Chen Yu was actively trying to avoid her. He then took Zhong Xiaoqin to a bar. While she was drunk and asleep, he kissed her. Throughout the night, he ignored multiple calls from Chen Yu, hanging up and deleting the call history from Zhong Xiaoqin's phone.
Concerned for his parents-in-law's safety, Chen Yu arranged for them to stay at a relative's house. When they attempted to call Zhong Xiaoqin, he found an excuse to prevent them from disturbing her. Zhong Xiaoyang eventually dropped the intoxicated Zhong Xiaoqin off at Gu Jia's apartment. To better care for her friend, Gu Jia decided to sleep with Zhong Xiaoqin, sending Xu Huanshan to sleep with their son. Seizing this unexpected opportunity, Xu Huanshan used his phone to message Lin Youyou, who had posted about losing her wallet, asking about her hotel and offering assistance.
Episode 26 Recap
Gu Jia and Wang Manni visited Zhong Xiaoqin, who felt deeply wronged, perceiving their presence as akin to hospice care, as if she were dying. She expressed frustration at being attacked by so many people despite doing nothing. Gu Jia prepared food for Zhong Xiaoqin, with Wang Manni assisting.
During this time, Gu Jia suggested Wang Manni join her tea factory, but Wang Manni politely declined, stating she only knew how to sell clothes and advised Gu Jia to be prudent with her limited funds. Gu Jia also mentioned that she had spoken with Chen Yu, who had advised Zhong Xiaoqin to stay at their home for a few days due to safety concerns in her own neighborhood. Later, the three friends went to Jiang Chen's café for dessert.
Jiang Chen brought out a Black Forest cake, Zhong Xiaoqin's favorite. The sweet treat, shared among them, lifted her spirits, and they all agreed that their bond was the sweetest. Back at her apartment, Chen Yu had packed Zhong Xiaoqin’s belongings, urging her to stay at Gu Jia’s house and not return home for a few days.
Zhong Xiaoqin, misinterpreting his concern as an attempt to distance himself from her, retorted angrily, reminding him of his reluctance to help her pack during their divorce. She then firmly stated that there was no possibility of them getting back together. At Gu Jia's home, Gu Jia reassured Zhong Xiaoqin, offering Zi Yan's room and encouraging her to feel at ease, emphasizing that she shouldn't be alone during this time.
Zhong Xiaoqin confessed her anxieties, including her mother's decision to stay at her uncle's house, indicating that her parents' home had also been targeted by online harassment. She expressed her fear and confusion over the insults and curses directed at her and her family, especially since she didn't know the shoes were fake. She also worried about Zhong Xiaoyang losing his job because of her.
Gu Jia comforted her, predicting that the online frenzy would subside and be forgotten within a week, asserting that Zhong Xiaoqin was innocent and had nothing to prove. To help her feel useful, Gu Jia also let Zhong Xiaoqin help with some of the housework. While staying at Gu Jia's, Zhong Xiaoqin checked her phone and saw an announcement from the mall stating that an "employee Zhong" had been fired.
Believing it referred to her, she rushed back to the mall, only to be informed by her boss that it was Zhong Xiaoyang who had been dismissed. It was revealed that Zhong Xiaoyang had intentionally taken the blame for the incident to protect Zhong Xiaoqin. He had proposed a story to the management, claiming he, as a salesperson, had swapped the shoes for fakes without the mall or Zhong Xiaoqin's knowledge, and offered to be fired to appease public outcry.
The mall leaders, seeing this as an effective emergency solution, agreed. Zhong Xiaoqin confronted her boss about the mall’s failure to investigate the source of the fake shoes, but was told that in the current media climate, image often outweighed truth. Determined to understand, Zhong Xiaoqin tracked down Zhong Xiaoyang at a motorcycle repair shop. She questioned why he took the blame, worrying about his sudden unemployment.
Zhong Xiaoyang explained that his parents were successful businessmen, he had never worried about money, and had even owned an apartment in Pudong since college, so the job wasn't essential for his livelihood. He further explained that in an office romance, one person always had to leave, and he was simply doing it in advance.
Zhong Xiaoqin grew angrier, stating that if not for his actions, she would have agreed to be his girlfriend, but now it felt like she was agreeing out of obligation. As she turned to leave, Zhong Xiaoyang pulled her back and kissed her, and they became a couple. Meanwhile, Gu Jia drove Shen Jie's father to the airport.
Afterwards, she was with her own father, who, noting her worried expression, advised her to be brave and not let burdens weigh her down. He observed that Shen Jie’s father, once wealthy, was now leaving with a suitcase half-filled with gifts for his hometown, a subtle attempt to maintain appearances despite his changed circumstances. Xu Huanshan went to Lin Youyou's hotel room, intending to send her back to Beijing, having already bought her plane tickets.
Lin Youyou refused, tearfully explaining that she couldn't control her feelings. She confessed that she had arrived in Shanghai prepared to live in the same city as him, simply hoping for a chance encounter. She begged him not to make her leave. Softened by her pleas, Xu Huanshan booked her a room at another hotel, paying for two nights plus a deposit in cash to prevent any digital trace that Gu Jia might discover.
Lin Youyou appeared visibly disappointed when he left her alone. Upon returning home, Gu Jia found Xu Huanshan already bathed and back earlier than expected. He seemed irritable and, influenced by Lin Youyou's earlier suggestion, defiantly told Sister Chen, the housekeeper, that he wanted noodles for dinner, despite being on a diet. Gu Jia, sensing his stress, allowed it and personally cooked his favorite tomato and egg noodles for him.
She comforted him, explaining her plans to promote Kong Shan Tea to turn losses into gains and alleviate his pressure. While she was cooking, Xu Huanshan embraced her from behind, an attempt to mask his guilt. Gu Jia later met with a hotel manager to promote her Kong Shan Tea. She presented its delicate packaging and unique blends.
Although the manager acknowledged the good concept and quality, he ultimately rejected it due to the lack of brand recognition, stating it did not match the hotel's high standards, which typically featured brands like TWG and Lupicia. Wang Manni began her job search, receiving a call from a recruiter about an entry-level sales position.
She then met with a headhunter who informed her that despite her qualifications, given the competitive luxury market and her age, a junior sales position was the best available option. Wang Manni was dismayed to learn the basic salary was only 5,000 yuan, with commissions bringing it to 7,000-8,000 yuan, significantly less than her previous earnings of 17,000 yuan. She realized this salary might not even cover her rent.
Later, she called a real estate agent to inquire about cheaper apartments but was told that a 3,000-yuan apartment would either require a roommate or be located almost outside of Shanghai. Feeling discouraged and exhausted, Wang Manni returned to her rented apartment. Both she and Gu Jia found themselves constantly on the phone, fighting for their uncertain futures. Meanwhile, Chen Yu continued his investigation into the fake shoes.
With the help of Chen Xu, he delved into the matter, even staking out a counterfeiting den. Chen Xu remarked on his brother's unusual determination, likening his investigative work to a journalist "getting deep into a tiger's den." Chen Yu downplayed the danger, and they successfully located the individuals involved in the fake shoe operation.
Episode 27 Recap
Xu Huanshan sat in his car, deliberating, as he thought about Lin Youyou. Chen Xu, sitting beside him, noticed Xu Huanshan smiling at his phone and mistakenly believed he was texting Gu Jia, expressing admiration for his dedication in relationships. Hearing Chen Xu’s words, Xu Huanshan decided to head home.
The next day, Xu Huanshan returned to the hotel to extend Lin Youyou's stay, using cash instead of a card to avoid leaving a transaction record that Gu Jia might notice. Lin Youyou saw Xu Huanshan at the front desk and, delighted, invited him to her room. In the elevator, Lin Youyou attempted to hold Xu Huanshan's hand, but he subtly resisted. Once in her room, she reached for his hand again, and this time, he allowed it.
As an intimate moment began, Xu Huanshan's phone rang. It was Gu Jia. He quickly stepped out of the room to answer. Gu Jia asked him to pick her up, and to his shock, she was waiting in the lobby of the very same hotel. Panicked, Xu Huanshan managed to leave the hotel without being seen, then circled back in a taxi to pick her up, pretending he had just arrived.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin watched a news report about a counterfeit shoe ring being busted. The report detailed how criminals bought authentic shoes from shopping malls, then returned high-quality fakes using the original receipts, which caused the recent scandal. Shortly after, Chen Xu called Zhong Xiaoqin, informing her that Chen Yu had been secretly investigating the case. Touched and surprised, Zhong Xiaoqin rushed home to thank Chen Yu. Upon her arrival, Chen Xu dramatically recounted their investigation, exaggerating Chen Yu’s heroism.
To gain Zhong Xiaoqin's sympathy, he had even wrapped Chen Yu in bandages, claiming Chen Yu had nearly given his life for her case. Chen Yu, embarrassed, tried to downplay the situation. Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply moved but also frustrated by Chen Yu's tendency to keep things to himself, a trait she felt had contributed to their divorce. With the truth revealed, Zhong Xiaoqin returned to her job, receiving a warm welcome from her colleagues.
She approached her boss to inquire about Zhong Xiaoyang’s re-employment. Her boss privately informed her that Zhong Xiaoyang had voluntarily resigned. Because the company strictly prohibited office relationships and Zhong Xiaoyang had openly discussed their romance, he chose to leave. Zhong Xiaoqin found herself emotionally conflicted. Wang Manni advised her against being indecisive between Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoyang, warning that "playing both sides" would hurt everyone involved. Around this time, Zhong Xiaoqin's new apartment became ready for occupancy.
Wang Manni strongly encouraged her to move out of her former home promptly and use this time to reflect on her future. To express her gratitude for Chen Yu's help, Zhong Xiaoqin cooked a lavish dinner. Chen Yu thoroughly enjoyed the meal and reflected on his recent experiences. He shared that investigating the fake shoe ring made him feel re-energized and decided to pull himself together and work hard, just as she had always wanted.
As he began to express his desire to restore their relationship, Zhong Xiaoqin, guessing his intentions, changed the subject. She stated clearly that she was only there to collect her remaining belongings, as her new apartment was now ready. After Zhong Xiaoqin completely moved out, Chen Yu felt a profound sense of loss. He sat on the balcony, gazing at an empty clothes rack, filled with regret as past memories flooded his mind.
Zhong Xiaoqin later confessed to Gu Jia, tearfully admitting her confusion. She still felt a connection to both Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoyang. Gu Jia comforted her, advising her to prioritize independence. She pointed out that Zhong Xiaoqin had never truly lived independently, relying first on her parents and then on her husband. Gu Jia suggested that by living alone, she would eventually understand what she truly wanted.
Meanwhile, Wang Manni had been unemployed for several months, and even paying her rent became a struggle. She began selling her luxury items and found that with each item sold, a burden seemed to lift from her mind. She reflected on her eight years in Shanghai, a city where she had spent her entire youth since university.
One evening, Wang Manni invited Zhong Xiaoqin and Gu Jia to her rented apartment for a hotpot dinner, revealing it was a farewell meal. She announced her decision to return to her hometown, explaining that Shanghai felt isolating and left her feeling lost without a clear direction. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin understood her emotions, crying with her. Despite their heartfelt pleas for her to stay, Wang Manni remained firm.
Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin ultimately raised their glasses, wishing her well and promising to wait for her return to Shanghai, emphasizing that "departures make for better reunions." Before leaving, Wang Manni also met with Jiang Chen. He tried to persuade her to stay and offered her a job at his coffee shop, but she declined. Jiang Chen, filled with reluctance, walked her to the subway station, the very place where they had first met years ago. As he watched her leave, observing the passing vehicles, he was heartbroken.
Episode 28 Recap
Wang Manni arrived back in her hometown, pulling her suitcase behind her. Neighbors greeted her warmly, expressing their delight at seeing her return. Her parents were surprised but overjoyed to learn that she would no longer be returning to Shanghai, intending to settle down in her hometown. They enthusiastically told her that her birthday was next week and planned a big celebration. Returning to the small room she lived in eight years ago, Wang Manni felt a wave of emotion.
Everything in her home was familiar and welcoming, and everywhere she went, she was surrounded by friendly faces. She quickly found a sense of belonging. On her thirtieth birthday, the entire village came together for a grand banquet. Wang Manni happily posed for photos with everyone and received numerous congratulatory red envelopes.
She reflected that in Shanghai, her birthdays were often spent working overtime, perhaps with a simple bowl of noodles and a small cake, and she rarely even bothered to make a wish. But here, she was surrounded by blessings. Later, Wang Manni's mother came into her room to show her the day's photos. Wang Manni noticed her mother was wearing reading glasses, realizing with a pang that she hadn't known her mother's eyesight had deteriorated over the years.
Her mother shared her conflicted feelings, saying, "I want you to live better and have the life you want in Shanghai. But I was afraid that you wouldn't come back." She recounted how Wang Manni's visits had become shorter and less frequent over the past eight years, with her and her father even having to visit Shanghai for the New Year. She concluded, "You came back all of a sudden. Do you know how happy I am?
As long as I get to see you and touch you everyday." Wang Manni, touched, agreed that it was wonderful to be back. That evening, Wang Manni walked through the alley and found Uncle Yu's barbershop still lit. She observed that he was using the same old spray bottle and tools from eight years ago. Uncle Yu recognized her hair and remarked that girls with thick hair often have stubborn personalities, which "always ends up getting trimmed."
Feeling she hadn't eaten enough at the banquet, Wang Manni asked if any diners were still open. Uncle Yu chuckled, "No one eats out around here at night. This is not Shanghai." He advised her that since she was back, her heart should come back too. The next morning, Wang Manni's mother began arranging blind dates for her. Despite Wang Manni's protests that she had just returned, her mother insisted, reminding her, "You are already 30!" Wang Manni reluctantly agreed.
Later, a young neighbor offered to take her to a local cafe. At the cafe, Wang Manni tasted her latte and immediately realized it was instant coffee, despite the cafe claiming to grind its own beans. The server then offered her a manicure, explaining that it was their specialty and they had added it to their services to avoid losing money, making them the most popular cafe in town. Wang Manni politely declined.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin's parents learned about her divorce due to a previous scandal involving leaked personal information from a mall. They immediately went to Chen Yu's house, with Zhong Xiaoqin's mother initially suspecting Chen Yu of having an affair or that the divorce was due to their baby. Chen Yu denied both, stating that he respects Zhong Xiaoqin's decision. Zhong Xiaoqin then calmly explained that she was the one who asked for the divorce.
She stated there were no scandals, just a fundamental personality conflict. She contrasted her desire for a romantic and fun life with Chen Yu's cold personality and his reluctance to have children. She further clarified, "Mom and dad, we got married because of you. We got divorced for ourselves. I want to live for myself, not for somebody else. . . There's no turning back. We got divorced. Period."
Chen Yu apologized to her parents, admitting he had made many mistakes and let Zhong Xiaoqin down, failing on his promise to take care of her for life. Outside, Zhong Xiaoqin's father tried to be understanding, but her mother worried about her daughter being older and already having a second marriage, fearing she wouldn't find anyone suitable. She fretted, "So many older women can't find anyone. If she gets divorced where will she look?
What is Xiao Qin going to do? Xiao Qin will end up growing old alone." Chen Yu then meticulously gathered Zhong Xiaoqin's belongings, including her identification documents, medicines (with detailed instructions on dosage), bed sheets, shampoo, and even lucky cats from their travels, along with foreign currency savings inside them. He tried to split everything fairly. However, Zhong Xiaoqin only took her documents, leaving the rest.
As she prepared to leave, Chen Yu tearfully apologized, "I'm sorry for making you look at marriage and me in disappointment." After she departed, Chen Yu stood in the empty room, removed his wedding ring, and wept bitterly. Wang Manni decided to try riding her old bicycle from middle school. After cleaning it, she found the brakes were too worn to work, making it dangerous to ride.
Uncle Yu, seeing her predicament, generously offered to take the brakes from his own old bike and install them on hers, telling her, "My arms and legs are all old now. Even if there's a brake I'd be scared to ride it." Wang Manni's father brought Uncle Yu his favorite dish, and soon the bike was fixed, allowing Wang Manni to ride it around town, greeted by neighbors.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin was excited about her new, independent life in her own apartment. She went shopping with Gu Jia, realizing how many "knick-knacks" Chen Yu used to handle, making her head hurt. Gu Jia shared her thoughts on Wang Manni's return, stating, "That's how it is. People leave out of the blue. At our age, is it going to be a regular thing for us to bid folks farewell?"
She expressed understanding for Wang Manni's decision, adding, "Everything really is different at 30. . . it may not be a bad thing to go home. It may not be the end either." Wang Manni later received a call from Jiang Chen, who had sent her a coffee machine and coffee beans as a birthday gift. She thanked him, saying it was perfectly timed as she couldn't find good coffee in her hometown.
Jiang Chen offered to send her fresh beans weekly. Wang Manni told him everything else was wonderful, with hot meals every day and greetings from the entire street, making her feel like "the center of the universe." Zhong Xiaoyang, having gotten a key to Zhong Xiaoqin's new apartment, brought over his game console and virtual reality headset so they could play together. While they were immersed in a game, Zhong Xiaoqin's parents unexpectedly arrived, having worried about her settling in.
Her mother was alarmed to see Zhong Xiaoyang with the VR headset and immediately formed a bad impression. Upon realizing he was only 24 and they were dating, Zhong Xiaoqin's mother became furious. She recognized Zhong Xiaoyang as the one who drove Zhong Xiaoqin to the hospital when her father was sick and accused Zhong Xiaoqin of divorcing Chen Yu because of him.
Zhong Xiaoqin vehemently denied cheating and tried to explain, but her mother refused to listen, demanding that Zhong Xiaoqin immediately remarry Chen Yu and separate from Zhong Xiaoyang. Zhong Xiaoyang tried to introduce himself and explain they were dating seriously, but Zhong Xiaoqin's mother scornfully dismissed him, refusing to even look at him, and ordered them to break up.
Episode 29 Recap
While promoting her tea, Gu Jia encountered Mrs. Wang at a department store. Gu Jia, who had invested all her money into the venture, admitted to having difficulty selling the tea. Mrs. Wang remarked that the madams' circle had become dull since Gu Jia left.
She then revealed the misfortunes of its former members: Mrs. Ma's claim of her children attending Oxford was a lie; Mrs. Liu's husband cheated and transferred all their money; and Mrs. Li's family was in even worse shape, with her husband's backing gone, leaving them deeply in debt and on a personal credit blacklist, unable to even take high-speed trains. Gu Jia joked that Mrs. Wang's predictions were surprisingly accurate and asked if she had cursed them.
Mrs. Wang replied that if she possessed such power, she wouldn't be having trouble everywhere herself. Offering to help, Mrs. Wang suggested introducing Gu Jia to supermarket owners, but Gu Jia politely declined the offer. As Gu Jia walked away, Mrs. Wang mused that a woman's strength isn't measured by how high she can reach, but by how low she is willing to bow. After passing her driving test, Zhong Xiaoqin received a congratulatory call from Zhong Xiaoyang.
He jokingly suggested a way to warm him up, to which she playfully warned him not to cause trouble. He had planned an evening activity for them, which involved renting a car for Zhong Xiaoqin to drive. At the drive-in movie theater, Zhong Xiaoyang suggested they watch from the car’s trunk, calling it a trendy "back of the car party" and assuring Zhong Xiaoqin that he wasn't afraid of the cold.
He had brought an assortment of snacks and blankets, making the trunk comfortable. Zhong Xiaoqin teased him, asking if he had looked up strategies on how to date. She became engrossed in the movie but eventually fell asleep. Zhong Xiaoyang then gently moved her head to rest on his arm. The next morning, Zhong Xiaoyang woke Zhong Xiaoqin with a flurry of voice messages and a phone call, eager for more exciting activities.
Zhong Xiaoqin, who had only slept four hours after getting home at 6 AM, was exhausted and questioned if he ever needed sleep. Zhong Xiaoyang insisted they make the most of her two free days, even jokingly offering to sleep with her to get her moving. At work on Monday, Zhong Xiaoqin was visibly tired, telling her colleague she spent more than two days recovering from a night out that only took Zhong Xiaoyang two hours to bounce back from.
Later, Zhong Xiaoyang messaged her, offering to play video games at home if she was too tired to go out, showing his understanding of her exhaustion. Wang Manni's parents, after some discussion, asked her if she was free to go on a blind date with a man they described as "really good marriage material." Wang Manni, realizing she couldn't avoid the arrangement, agreed, saying she wasn't planning to be alone and had nothing to lose.
Her mother emphasized that this man was "out of their league" and urged her to take it seriously. Wang Manni sarcastically agreed to see what "high league" he belonged to. The next day, she met Zhang Zhi on a boat, which he explained was to avoid public scrutiny of a matchmaking date. Wang Manni countered that matchmaking was nothing to be ashamed of.
Zhang Zhi introduced himself as 35, a master's degree holder, unmarried, whose last relationship was in graduate school. He had returned to his hometown after university to become the director of the planning office, a position he described as having "great responsibility" in building their "flourishing and wealthy" town. Wang Manni was left speechless by his formal tone. As they walked around town, many people greeted "Director Zhang" and brought up local issues, confirming his popularity.
Back home, Wang Manni told her mother that he "talks too officially." Her mother, however, praised him as a popular man with a good job whom many girls pursued, insisting Wang Manni seize this "best choice" and pursue a serious relationship with him. Xu Huanshan called Gu Jia, mentioning he was suddenly free that afternoon and suggesting they go for a walk with their son, Ziyan.
Gu Jia declined, explaining she was meeting a former colleague, Ailin, to discuss her tea business, having spent the morning visiting supermarkets. She suggested Xu Huanshan either stay home with Ziyan or visit her father. After hanging up, Xu Huanshan immediately called Hotel Jing Jia An to inquire if Miss Lin of Room 1306 had checked out. He declined when offered to transfer the call, learning she was still there.
Gu Jia met Ailin, explaining her tea factory was small and couldn't afford high promotion costs. Ailin suggested leveraging online trends by finding popular bloggers to promote her product and make it "internet famous," which would significantly reduce costs. Gu Jia asked Ailin for a list of trustworthy bloggers who could easily go viral. Ailin agreed to filter out those known for "false advertising." During their conversation, Wang Manni called Gu Jia to discuss her matchmaking experience.
Gu Jia advised her to choose someone she liked and noted that affection could develop over time. Wang Manni received a text from Zhang Zhi inviting her to dinner and a movie, which she accepted. That day, which was the Double Ninth Festival, Wang Manni experienced the strong community spirit of her hometown, as neighbors exchanged homemade food.
At dinner with Zhang Zhi, he spoke passionately about his love for the small town, asserting that traditional Chinese culture thrives there, unlike in big cities where people who return often exhibit a "strange superiority" and "exaggeration" that leads to "decay." Wang Manni admitted to sometimes feeling "lost," missing Shanghai's coffee and exhibitions, especially when seeing her friends' social media posts. Zhang Zhi argued that in their town, people lived more genuinely and were not "chasing empty things."
When the bill arrived, the restaurant owner refused payment, recalling that Zhang Zhi had covered his son's urgent surgery expenses previously. Zhang Zhi insisted, stating that business was business, and discreetly placed the money under the plate. Later, in the car, Wang Manni asked if "Young Director Zhang" meant his father was "Old Director Zhang." He clarified he was "grassroots," having worked his way up. He then drove a long distance to a cinema for their movie.
When Wang Manni questioned why they had to drive so far, Zhang Zhi explained that the cinema was run by a "good brother." They would receive free tickets today, and in return, his brother could bring family or friends for a free meal at Zhang Zhi's mother's restaurant. He called this an "exchange things with things" system that strengthened their bond, asserting that "favor is the most valuable currency" in their town.
Wang Manni, however, found this concept reminiscent of a "primitive society" and wondered if owing favors wasn't more difficult in the long run. Xu Huanshan visited Gu Jia's father at the nursing home, bringing him daily necessities and a cashmere sweater from Gu Jia. Gu Jia's father worried about Gu Jia spending money, but Xu Huanshan assured him she only bought valuable items.
The father then asked if Gu Jia was too busy with her new venture to take care of the household. Xu Huanshan admitted that the tea was not selling well, causing Gu Jia to work late every night. However, he quickly reassured his father-in-law that he was still there to manage things at home, promising they wouldn't argue over trivial matters, prompting Gu Jia's father to admit he was being "narrow-minded." Xu Huanshan offered to play chess, but his father-in-law declined, citing Xu Huanshan's lack of skill.
Episode 30 Recap
Xu Huanshan called Lin Youyou's hotel and received a message she had left for him. Following the address she provided, he went to a bar where he found Lin Youyou performing on stage, playing the guitar and singing. He watched her quietly, which brought tears to her eyes. After her performance, Xu Huanshan asked her why she was singing there, and she explained that she needed to earn a living while waiting for him.
She revealed her plan: if she used up her hotel room money before he showed up, she would return to Beijing. She was surprised and pleased he appeared just then. Later that night, Xu Huanshan walked Lin Youyou back to her hotel. Outside, she invited him up, but he firmly refused, telling her that while he couldn't deny she was in his heart, he was married to a loving wife and had a wonderful son whom he cherished.
He stated he couldn't make a mistake and didn't want to hurt her, so this would be their last meeting. He vowed not to return to the hotel or the bar, and to cease all contact with her. Lin Youyou expressed her disappointment, asking if this was all she got after waiting so many days, and confirmed his decision. She then said, "Okay, got it. I promise you won't ever see me again."
After he left, she angrily took her guitar inside and then went out to drink, getting completely drunk. Gu Jia held a video call with her former colleague Ellen to discuss marketing strategies for her tea business. Wang Manni, who was also on the call, had sent Gu Jia a list of influential online accounts, suggesting they focus on lifestyle influencers as they might be more effective for promoting tea to women.
Gu Jia thanked Wang Manni and urged her to rest, but Wang Manni asked her not to hang up, explaining she just wanted to listen to their discussion as she envied their fulfilling work environment. After their discussion, Gu Jia decided to proceed with contacting the confirmed accounts to inquire about their media kits, noting that the estimated cost for promotion would be between 200,000 to 300,000 RMB, a matter she would discuss with her husband.
Xu Huanshan found Lin Youyou heavily intoxicated on the street, fending off a stranger. He took her back to her hotel room and helped her to sober up. While attending to her, he received a call from Gu Jia. He lied, claiming he was out drinking with his former colleague, Sun Xu, and was staying to take care of him for the night.
Gu Jia, unaware, told him not to drink too much and offered to pick him up if needed, before he assured her to sleep first. After the call, Xu Huanshan prepared to leave, but Lin Youyou stopped him, insisting he couldn't let go of her and wouldn't have stayed all night if he didn't care. Despite his protest that she had drunk too much, she maintained her awareness and, confronting him, said, "Xu Huanshan, you care about me.
I know you care about me. Thank you for caring about me." She then pulled his face towards hers and kissed him. Xu Huanshan did not resist, ultimately succumbing to her advances and spending the night with her. The following morning, Xu Huanshan stealthily returned home, sitting in the living room feeling guilty. Gu Jia emerged, having heard him enter, and expressed her relief, having been worried sick all night.
She asked if he had drunk too much, but noted he didn't smell strongly of alcohol, believing his story about only having a little while looking after Sun Xu. She reassured him about the increasing orders for the fireworks factory and predicted Sun Xu would eventually return to work for him, urging him not to feel so stressed. She then asked for marketing expenses for her tea business, explaining the e-commerce plan she developed with Ellen.
Xu Huanshan, feeling relieved by her lack of suspicion, readily agreed to approve over 200,000 RMB, stating the company had just received some funds. Zhang Zhi visited Wang Manni's home, where her parents greeted him enthusiastically. He presented her with a job offer, explaining he heard she hadn't found suitable employment since returning from Shanghai and that an open position in his unit as a document organizer would be a good fit.
Wang Manni jokingly asked if it was "using the back door," but he assured her he submitted her resume through official channels, highlighting her qualifications. Wang Manni was annoyed he arranged it without consulting her, to which Zhang Zhi sheepishly admitted her mother had given her resume to the matchmaker. He emphasized the job's suitability for her and her parents' satisfaction, which she grudgingly accepted, agreeing to try it.
After he left, Wang Manni's mother immediately pressed her about Zhang Zhi, praising him as an ideal marriage partner because he'd even helped her find a job. She recounted how Tao Qian, a former high school rival, had pursued Zhang Zhi unsuccessfully, contrasting it with his current attentiveness to Wang Manni. Her father also chimed in, saying they valued Zhang Zhi's character and his potential to treat her well, not his status or wealth.
He then questioned if her quick agreement to the blind date meant she wasn't serious, which Wang Manni denied. Feeling a sense of unease that evening, Wang Manni visited her trusted elderly barber, Uncle Yu. She asked him if he regretted never marrying, to which he replied that happiness doesn't come from marriage itself, but from the individual, and comparing oneself to others only leads to unhappiness.
She expressed frustration that at her age, everyone was pressuring her to marry and have children. Uncle Yu suggested that those who urge others often don't know why themselves, simply following social norms out of fear of being left behind or talked about, especially in their close-knit community. Wang Manni admitted she had initially planned to accept her fate after turning thirty, finding a suitable partner and settling down, but now felt a reluctance to accept such a life.
Uncle Yu, reflecting on his own unmarried life, shared that while he lived freely and didn't regret his choices, he wouldn't encourage her to follow his path, especially as a woman, as it would be more challenging. He then advised her to consider Zhang Zhi as a good choice. He contrasted the individualistic lifestyle of Shanghai, where people lived for themselves, with the communal nature of her hometown, where one couldn't simply live for oneself.
Chen Yu was in a state of deep depression, spending his days on the balcony eating snacks and neglecting his appearance, ever since Zhong Xiaoqin moved out. His brother, Chen Xu, visited and confronted him, calling him out for abandoning himself and mocking his sudden surrender to a minor setback after enjoying a life of ease. Chen Yu, exasperated by Chen Xu's lecture, angrily told him to leave.
Chen Xu then called Zhong Xiaoqin, relaying his brother's distressing state and questioning her apparent indifference. Moved by the news, Zhong Xiaoqin went to see Chen Yu. On her way, she met his colleague, Man Ge, who revealed that Chen Yu had not yet returned to his position at work and had recently broken his arm, living alone and neglecting to cook. Man Ge urged Zhong Xiaoqin to encourage Chen Yu to speak with his chief editor about reinstatement.
Upon finding Chen Yu on the balcony, she questioned his well-being and lack of food. Chen Yu confessed that he had been struggling at work since last year and, having lost his wife, felt he had nothing left to strive for, wanting only to embrace decadence for a while.
Zhong Xiaoqin sharply rebuked him for giving up, reminding him of his mother's hard work running a hostel to support them and relieve his burdens, warning him not to become another source of worry for her like Chen Xu. Later, finding Chen Yu still lethargic, Zhong Xiaoqin prepared dumplings for him. She thoughtfully counted them and, presenting the plate, challenged him to guess if the number was odd or even. He offhandedly said, "Even."
She then told him to count as he ate, promising that if the number was indeed even, it meant he could still be saved and should pull himself together to go to work the next day. Chen Yu discovered the number was, in fact, even. The following day, feeling revitalized, Chen Yu went to see his supervisor, Sister Lu.
Despite knowing there were no openings in the editing department, he surprised her by applying for a journalist position, even expressing willingness to join the mobile or breaking news groups, emphasizing he could handle the demanding work. Sister Lu, surprised by his resolve to return to a frontline role, agreed to consider his request and keep an eye out for suitable opportunities. Zhong Xiaoqin found herself struggling to keep pace with Zhong Xiaoyang's energetic lifestyle.
One evening, as she dozed off during a movie, Zhong Xiaoyang playfully pointed it out and suggested playing a game. Zhong Xiaoqin, exhausted from her workday, admitted she couldn't keep up with his constant desire to play. She questioned him about his job search, expressing concern that he seemed to lack a strong drive to work.
He casually mentioned considering buying a share in a motorbike shop, believing in making money from hobbies, and confessed he didn't feel life pressure until he thought about supporting a girlfriend. Zhong Xiaoqin grew frustrated, calling him lazy and feckless, questioning if he thought his youth or relying on his parents' money justified his attitude.
He clarified he was spending his New Year's lucky money, which only highlighted their age difference as Zhong Xiaoqin had been giving lucky money for years. Realizing they couldn't have a productive conversation, Zhong Xiaoyang attributed her mood to lack of sleep and decided to leave, promising to return when she was in better spirits. Gu Jia discussed the disappointing results of her tea promotion with Wang Manni via video call.
She had spent hundreds of thousands on influential online accounts, but the engagement was largely from paid posters, rendering the money essentially wasted. She apologized to Wang Manni for the poor outcome, but Wang Manni reassured her that it wasn't her fault. Later, Gu Jia admitted her misjudgment to Xu Huanshan, explaining that the online advertising campaign hadn't yielded good results and felt like a waste of money.
Xu Huanshan, impatient and critical, told her it was normal to fail since she had no experience in the tea industry. He then advised her to give up on the tea factory, suggesting she accept her limitations and focus on being a housewife and taking care of their son, remarking on how much company money had already been invested without return. Stung by his harsh words, Gu Jia retorted that she had also put immense effort into the fireworks company. She firmly declared that from then on, regardless of the outcome, she would not spend any more company money on her tea business.
Episode 31 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin confided in Gu Jia, feeling that her boyfriend, Zhong Xiaoyang, was a gift to compensate for her lack of dating in her twenties. However, she now realized the significant generation gap between them was daunting. While he could pour all his energy into their relationship without worrying about a job or sleep, she, at her age, couldn't invest her limited remaining energy in dating. Gu Jia advised her, emphasizing that a relationship with someone younger isn't easy.
She pointed out Zhong Xiaoqin's tendency to rely on anyone who liked her or treated her well, explaining that true love requires a shift from passive to active participation. Meanwhile, Gu Jia’s "Empty Mountain Tea" wasn't selling well at Jiang Chen's café, despite Wang Manni having initially connected them for sales channels. Seeing Gu Jia discouraged, Jiang Chen brewed her tea, presenting it as a popular blend from a friend.
Gu Jia praised its pleasant fragrance and lingering aftertaste, thinking it was a well-known brand. Jiang Chen then revealed it was her own "Empty Mountain Tea," encouraging her to be confident in her product. Later, Zhong Xiaoqin and Gu Jia video-called Wang Manni, who informed them she was starting her new job as a clerk at the town government the next day. Her friends expressed regret, concerned she might not return to Shanghai.
When asked about Zhang Zhi, Wang Manni stated she was still getting to know him. On Wang Manni's first day, Zhang Zhi picked her up, but she found the attention from neighbors, who closely monitored Zhang Zhi as a local government official, quite uncomfortable. In the car, Zhang Zhi suggested maintaining professional boundaries at work since his office was on the first floor and hers on the second, implying they were already in a romantic relationship.
Wang Manni immediately clarified that they were not, explaining that her willingness to continue meeting him was simply to get to know him better, not to confirm a relationship. Zhang Zhi, though initially pushing the idea that meeting meant discussing marriage, eventually agreed to respect her pace. At the office, colleagues greeted Wang Manni enthusiastically, many of them claiming distant family connections. They openly admired her, remarking on Zhang Zhi's high standards.
Wang Manni tried to correct their assumption about her relationship with Zhang Zhi, but a senior colleague, Big Sister Liu, dismissed her, saying she understood. Big Sister Liu and other colleagues then showered Wang Manni with homemade snacks, insisting she try them, which made Wang Manni feel a mix of gratitude and unease. Unbeknownst to Gu Jia, Xu Huanshan's affair with Lin Youyou had intensified. Before going to work, he secretly visited Lin Youyou at her hotel.
He asked if she had eaten, then suggested renting an apartment for her, emphasizing that a single woman shouldn't stay in a hotel and that consistently eating takeout was unhealthy. Lin Youyou, pleased, responded that she didn't want him to feel burdened, as she had her own income, but then added that she was content because she knew she was in his heart.
Later that day, while Wang Manni was getting hot water, she zoned out, and the water began to overflow. Zhang Zhi, passing by, pulled her hand away to prevent her from getting scalded. Big Sister Liu witnessed the scene, immediately assumed they were having a romantic moment, and made exaggerated excuses before retreating, telling them to continue chatting. This made Wang Manni extremely uncomfortable.
In the corridor, she overheard colleagues gossiping, calling her beautiful but a "femme fatale" and saying she walked like a model, treating the office like a runway. These comments further distressed her. At lunchtime, Big Sister Liu approached Wang Manni, fawningly offering to bring her lunch every day so she wouldn't have to worry about slow delivery or cooking. Zhong Xiaoqin found herself constantly bombarded with messages and calls from Zhong Xiaoyang at work.
She angrily told him to stop spending so much time on fun, explaining that she was busy checking statements and couldn't afford mistakes. Zhong Xiaoyang, undeterred, just told her to be good, remember to eat, and call him during her lunch break. After work, Zhang Zhi waited for Wang Manni. Her colleagues openly encouraged her to go home with him, causing Wang Manni to feel self-conscious from the public scrutiny, a sensation she had never experienced before.
That evening, Wang Manni tried to talk to her parents about her discomfort with working in the same place as Zhang Zhi, citing the exhausting personal relationships. Her parents, however, couldn't understand, seeing Zhang Zhi as an excellent catch and urging her to marry him for a good life, dismissing her concerns about gossip as mere well-intentioned observations that would fade with time. Frustrated, Wang Manni ended the conversation, feeling unable to communicate with them.
Xu Huanshan returned home, feeling a pang of guilt as he saw his son playing and Gu Jia assembling a table. He offered to help, acknowledging that he had left all household matters to her. He then apologized for his previous harsh words and promised his full support for her tea factory, assuring her she could spend the family's money as she wished. His son, Xu Ziyan, echoed his support for Gu Jia.
Later, while showering, Xu Huanshan was startled by Gu Jia's voice, almost choking, as his mind was preoccupied with Lin Youyou. Gu Jia then shared exciting news: the hotel she had been negotiating with agreed to stock her "Empty Mountain Tea" in their rooms, a deal that would significantly ease their financial stress. Xu Huanshan feigned delight, praising her as "the best."
Later that night, Wang Manni, while voice-chatting with her friends, expressed how her time in her hometown made her deeply understand the overwhelming feeling of being scrutinized, much like a celebrity. She recounted a neighbor loudly offering her late-night snacks through her window, which forced her to pretend to be asleep. She deeply missed her anonymous, free days in Shanghai and felt immense pressure from the close-knit, overly enthusiastic community.
The next day, she subtly changed her wardrobe, putting away her prettier clothes and opting for an outfit similar to her colleagues. At the office, Zhang Zhi assigned Wang Manni to manage the reception for a major group's visit, including their corporate head and subordinates, who were exploring collaboration opportunities and attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Wang Manni, who had experience with product previews, was eager, saying she was happy to finally have a proper job after so long.
Zhang Zhi then tried to suggest a meal between their two families, but Wang Manni deftly sidestepped the invitation by excusing herself to return to work. Xu Huanshan, wanting to provide Lin Youyou with a more permanent arrangement, rented a spacious apartment for her, paying a year's rent upfront. Lin Youyou was ecstatic, loving the apartment, especially the kitchen, which meant she could cook for him.
She was particularly thrilled that it was close to his company, allowing them to see each other often. While she cooked him a meal, she affectionately watched him fix a broken photo frame, praising his hands as the most skillful in the world, capable of creating the most beautiful fireworks. That same evening, Gu Jia was at home, reading "The Little Prince" to Xu Ziyan, while Xu Huanshan spent time with Lin Youyou in her new apartment.
Wang Manni's reception duty brought an unexpected encounter. The head of the visiting corporation, Mr. Wei, turned out to be someone she had met before during a trade association event with Liang Zhengxian. Mr. Wei remembered her from her time as a sales associate at Mishil, a luxury brand that his corporation had recently acquired. He hinted at a job opportunity for her if she wished to return to Shanghai.
Later, Wang Manni confided in Uncle Yu, expressing her confusion: she felt Shanghai wasn't her home, but now back in her hometown, it felt even less like home. Uncle Yu, discerning that she was running away, shared a sailor's anecdote about finding one's home within oneself and urged her not to escape. He reminded her that her parents' idea of her hometown as a fallback was just a comfort, and that she needed to forge her own path.
Meanwhile, Chen Xu had moved into Chen Yu's now empty apartment, hoping to mend his brother's relationship with Zhong Xiaoqin. Chen Yu's mother called him, offering a suitable position at the local television station if he returned home, citing the saying, "Trees die where they are; people move around." Chen Xu then met Zhong Xiaoqin, who was also approached by Zhong Xiaoyang.
Zhong Xiaoyang expressed jealousy over her connection to Chen Yu, asking her to delete communication links with her ex-husband. Zhong Xiaoqin clarified that she only wanted to ensure Chen Yu was doing well, not that she was involved with him. After Zhong Xiaoyang left, Chen Xu urged Zhong Xiaoqin to reconsider Chen Yu, acknowledging his brother's emotional unavailability.
He revealed Chen Yu's hidden efforts during their pregnancy loss, explaining how Chen Yu secretly arranged for an earlier surgery by covering a colleague's shifts for two weeks, fearing any delay would harm her health, and even sought advice on nourishing soups, though he never told her.
Chen Xu also recounted Chen Yu's intense dedication during Zhong Xiaoqin's online bullying incident; for three days, Chen Yu ate and drank nothing, tirelessly searching for clues and evidence to clear her name, even neglecting his beloved fish when their address was doxxed and a toad was sent to their home. Chen Xu emphasized that Chen Yu, who deeply cared for his fish, prioritized Zhong Xiaoqin over them.
He concluded by informing Zhong Xiaoqin that Chen Yu was facing professional setbacks and there was a good opportunity for him at the hometown television station. Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply moved and saddened, realizing Chen Yu had made so many silent sacrifices for her.
Episode 32 Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin confessed her innermost thoughts to Gu Jia, admitting that despite dating Chen Yu for a year and being married for three, and sleeping in the same bed every night, she still didn't truly understand him. She realized that she had been praised for being clueless and not taking anything to heart, which she mistakenly took as a compliment.
Gu Jia pointed out that their core problem was that "one doesn't ask, one doesn't speak," and Chen Yu lacked communication skills. Zhong Xiaoqin reflected on how much Chen Yu must have quietly done without her knowledge, like cleaning the vacuum cleaner and changing remote batteries. She even deposited her salary into his account every month out of laziness, yet still complained about their life being boring.
She felt she had wronged Chen Yu by taking him for granted and neglecting his efforts. She had only recently begun to understand the "mundane tidbits" Chen Yu often spoke of – the small, everyday things that make up life, like toothpaste, cat hair, keys, and dishes piled in the sink, realizing life isn't just a "world of play." Gu Jia comforted her, reminding her that she was already divorced and starting a new life.
Meanwhile, Gu Jia received troubling news from her tea factory. A sudden drop in temperature had caused frost damage to a large portion of the tea trees in the mountains, threatening the spring tea season. The Village Leader estimated it would cost between 160,000 to 170,000 yuan to protect the trees by burning lime and mulching with straw.
Faced with this financial strain, Gu Jia decided not to ask Xu Huanshan for money, recalling her promise not to borrow from him. She instead called her father, who immediately agreed to lend her 150,000 yuan, reassuring her he didn't need the money. Gu Jia also instructed her housekeeper, Sister Chen, to sell her limited edition blue purse at a used goods store to raise more funds.
At the same time, Xu Huanshan was preparing to go to the fireworks factory to destroy expired fireworks. Gu Jia, unable to accompany him due to the tea factory crisis, reminded him to be diligent and ensure all hazardous fireworks were properly incinerated for safety. As soon as Xu Huanshan was alone at the airport, Lin Youyou appeared, having secretly booked a ticket to join him on his business trip.
She insisted on going with him, offering to pose as his secretary and promising not to cause trouble. Xu Huanshan reluctantly agreed. At the factory, Lin Youyou saw the vibrant blue fireworks that were slated for destruction. She expressed deep admiration for their unique color, lamenting that destroying them would be a waste and a disservice to Xu Huanshan's talent.
Swayed by her praise, Xu Huanshan, against Gu Jia's clear instructions, secretly ordered the factory to continue manufacturing the blue fireworks. Later, during a video call with Gu Jia, he lied, assuring her all the fireworks had been destroyed and even sent her a picture as "proof." Zhong Xiaoqin successfully obtained her driver's license. Zhong Xiaoyang was waiting for her outside the driving school and surprised her with a spontaneous trip to Chongming Island.
He had already booked a hotel room with a queen-sized bed, telling her she only needed to bring her ID and could buy anything else she needed there. During their outing, Zhong Xiaoqin received a phone call from Chen Xu, who told her that Chen Yu was taking an early flight home the next morning and would likely not return. This news left Zhong Xiaoqin deeply unsettled and anxious.
Later that evening, back in their hotel room, Zhong Xiaoyang tried to get intimate with Zhong Xiaoqin, expressing his belief that such gestures were natural between two people who liked each other. However, Zhong Xiaoqin felt a strong resistance and admitted she didn't feel it was natural for them. While tense, she reached into her pocket and discovered her wedding ring, which she had been unable to find since before their divorce.
Realizing her true feelings, she apologized to Zhong Xiaoyang, telling him she had to return home that very night because Chen Yu was leaving. She felt a strong need to apologize to him in person for her past mistakes, explaining she would feel "very uneasy" otherwise. Although disappointed, Zhong Xiaoyang understood her need for clarity and space. Unable to find a taxi, Zhong Xiaoqin accepted a ride from a passing car.
However, she grew increasingly alarmed when the driver deviated from the main road onto a dark, secluded path. Frightened, she quickly opened the door and jumped out, scraping her hands and knees. She hid in the bushes as the driver eventually left. Lost and alone in the cold, dark woods, Zhong Xiaoqin desperately called Chen Yu.
After several attempts, he answered, reassuring her and instructing her to stay calm, check for landmarks, conserve her phone battery, and remain in one spot while he came to find her. Relying on his past experience doing an ecosystem report on Chongming Island, which required him to drive through the area regularly, Chen Yu managed to pinpoint her general location. When he finally arrived, Zhong Xiaoqin, overcome with emotion and relief, rushed into his arms.
On the way back, Chen Yu offered Zhong Xiaoqin warm water to help her recover from the cold. He questioned her urgent return, prompting her to confront him about his supposed departure to his hometown. Chen Yu laughed, revealing that Chen Xu had misled her. He clarified that he was indeed going back to his hometown, but only to appease his mother, who had been insisting on visiting him since learning about their divorce.
He was worried she would overwhelm Zhong Xiaoqin, so he planned to go first and manage his mother's emotions, not to resign from his job or leave permanently. Zhong Xiaoqin was both relieved and exasperated, realizing she had gone through a terrifying ordeal for nothing. Upon reaching her home, Chen Yu carefully treated her scraped hands and knees. He noticed the wedding ring back on her finger, and she sheepishly explained she had just found it the previous day.
Zhong Xiaoqin, deeply touched by his care, thanked him profusely and apologized for many things from their past. Chen Yu instructed her not to get her wounds wet, to take a warm shower, and to rest well.
Episode 33 Recap
Wang Manni's supervisor, Zhang Zhi, noticed her constantly checking her phone and called her out. He asked if she was worried about her grandfather's condition and offered to help her take a few days off, even suggesting he could accompany her. Wang Manni, however, expressed discomfort, telling him she felt supervised like she was back in high school. She politely declined his help, stating her mother would keep her updated and she was accustomed to handling things on her own.
Zhang Zhi tried to reassure her that she could count on him now that she was back in her hometown, but Wang Manni maintained her self-reliance. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin's parents visited her, expressing concern for her recent injuries. Her mother emphasized the importance of taking care of her hands, while her father highlighted the danger she had faced, grateful that Chen Yu was there to help.
Her mother then questioned if Zhong Xiaoqin always turned to Chen Yu in times of trouble, suggesting that relying on someone in such moments is a true sign of trust, similar to her own bond with Zhong Xiaoqin's father. At the tea factory, Gu Jia was diligently working. The Village Chief acknowledged her hard work and compassion for not closing the factory, even though she continued to subsidize them, telling her no one would blame her if she gave up.
Gu Jia remained steadfast, viewing the tea trees as the villagers' hope for the future. When she clutched her stomach, a young villager offered traditional medicine, while an elder woman named Eldest Sister brought her a hot water bottle, assuming she was experiencing period pain. Gu Jia explained she was simply cold, but deeply appreciated their care and gratitude for her dedication to the factory.
She later sent a message to her father, assuring him that she was resolving the issues at the tea factory and hoped to bring him and Zi Yan to visit the beautiful place. Inspired by a QR code payment she made for frostbite medicine, Gu Jia developed a new marketing strategy for the tea factory.
She shared her idea with Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin via video call: each tea tree would be numbered and labeled, with corresponding QR codes on the tea cans. Customers could "adopt" a tree for 200 yuan, receiving fresh tea products in the spring and fall. Gu Jia envisioned this as a way to quickly secure funding for the villagers and planned to include a video in the QR code to showcase their organic farming methods.
Eventually, she hoped to transform this into an app, allowing customers to track their adopted trees. Both her friends enthusiastically supported the idea. Gu Jia mentioned that the QR code system would be low-cost, and she already had a hotel manager and Jiang Chen helping with promotion and distribution. Upon returning home, Gu Jia questioned Nanny Chen about their son, Zi Yan.
Nanny Chen revealed that Xu Huanshan had been coming home late, often after 10:00 PM, while Gu Jia was away, due to various engagements. This information, coupled with Xu Huanshan's past evasiveness regarding the blue fireworks, heightened Gu Jia's suspicions. The following morning, during breakfast, Gu Jia proposed going to the office with him, citing a desire to greet everyone and a tea factory meeting scheduled nearby that afternoon. Xu Huanshan's uneasy reaction did not escape Gu Jia's notice.
At Jiamei Fireworks, Gu Jia was warmly welcomed by employees. She treated them to milk tea and specifically inquired about the disposal of expired and blue fireworks from an employee named You You, who confirmed they had all been taken care of. Shortly after, Gu Jia received a call from Chief Yan of the fireworks factory. She questioned him about the method of disposal, as she recalled they usually incinerated old fireworks, but this time they were lit.
Chief Yan falsely claimed the blue fireworks were too rare to incinerate and had been "disposed of" by being lit. Xu Huanshan, noticing Gu Jia on the phone, feigned concern about the call. He then made an excuse to leave, stating he had a meeting and would return home around 8:00 PM. As Gu Jia left, Chen Xu, Xu Huanshan's driver, casually mentioned that the car's Dash Cam had mysteriously switched its language from Chinese to English.
Gu Jia then took the Dash Cam with her. After leaving the office, Xu Huanshan went to Lin Youyou's place. Lin Youyou, who had bought him a new suit, greeted him warmly. However, Xu Huanshan, mindful of Gu Jia's return time, insisted he had to leave by 8:00 PM, despite Lin Youyou's attempts to prolong their time together. He arrived at his apartment building just as Gu Jia did and, to avoid being seen, quickly climbed the stairs.
Entering their apartment, Gu Jia found Xu Huanshan playing with Zi Yan, using the game to mask his breathlessness from rushing up the stairs. The next day, Xu Huanshan messaged Lin Youyou, telling her he "can't make it today," leaving her disappointed after she had prepared a meal. Wang Manni received an urgent call from her parents and rushed to her grandfather's village.
Her mother tearfully explained that her grandfather was not actually ill, but had been severely neglected by his other son, Wang Manni's uncle, who had fed him only leftovers and denied him warm water. The uncle's family had shamelessly demanded funeral expenses from Wang Manni's parents, hoping her grandfather would pass away soon so they could use the money to build a new house for their own son.
Fortunately, her grandfather held on until her parents arrived, though he was visibly malnourished. Overwhelmed with guilt and rage, Wang Manni's father, Jiang Hai, collapsed due to high blood pressure. Wang Manni's mother urged her to stay home while she rushed her father to the emergency room. Later, Gu Jia confirmed with Chen Xu that the Dash Cam in Xu Huanshan's car had indeed been switched to a 48-hour loop recording mode, which erased previous footage.
She confronted Xu Huanshan, asking if he had anything to tell her. Seeing his panicked expression, she misinterpreted his anxiety, believing he was upset about her decision to halt the production of blue fireworks. She tried to reassure him, explaining that despite their stunning beauty, the blue fireworks posed too many risks, and asked him not to resent her for her interference.
Xu Huanshan feigned acceptance, stating he wasn't angry and expressed a general sense of unease and a longing for simpler times. Gu Jia suggested they take a vacation once their current difficulties were resolved. After being discharged, Wang Manni's father returned home, still recovering. Zhang Zhi, who had spent the entire night helping, was thanked by Wang Manni's mother, who encouraged him to be addressed more familiarly as "Xiao Zhi."
She then subtly hinted to Wang Manni about Zhang Zhi's admirable qualities. Later, Wang Manni's mother hosted a dinner to express her heartfelt gratitude to all the neighbors who had brought food and provided care during her father and grandfather's crisis, emphasizing the importance of community. She also singled out Zhang Zhi for his dedicated assistance. The neighbors, in turn, began playfully inquiring about a potential wedding between Wang Manni and Zhang Zhi.
During a phone call with Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin, Wang Manni recounted the shocking details of her uncle's neglect and the overwhelming support from her neighbors and Zhang Zhi. She admitted feeling obligated to marry Zhang Zhi to repay his kindness, a sentiment her friends struggled to understand. Zhong Xiaoyang, accompanied by several friends, staged an elaborate public proposal at Zhong Xiaoqin's office.
He presented her with a large bouquet of roses and the key to a bike store they had co-invested in, declaring his career success and his desire for her to be his "Boss Lady." While his colleagues cheered for Zhong Xiaoqin to accept, Zhong Xiaoyang clarified he wasn't proposing marriage yet, but offered her a pair of couple rings, specifically choosing a middle finger ring to avoid pressure.
Zhong Xiaoqin, visibly uncomfortable with the public display, pulled Zhong Xiaoyang aside for a private conversation. Despite his protestations about wanting to openly express his feelings, she courageously told him she wanted to break up. Zhong Xiaoyang was deeply saddened and confused, asking for her reasons. Zhong Xiaoqin explained that through much introspection, she realized her first marriage failed because she hadn't truly understood what marriage entailed or what kind of life partner she desired.
She admitted to being a dependent person, unlike her more independent friends, and that her past marital mistakes had profoundly impacted her. She felt there was a fundamental gap between them, not due to his character, but because she needed to clarify her own feelings before making another commitment. Overwhelmed by her decision, Zhong Xiaoyang threw the ring off the building in despair.
Episode 34 Recap
Zhong Xiaoyang visited Zhong Xiaoqin, who was suffering from a bad cold. He returned her keys, noting that he had knocked but she didn't answer the door and he was concerned. Zhong Xiaoyang teasingly asked if she was sick out of guilt for their breakup. Zhong Xiaoqin apologized, explaining she lacked energy. He then clarified that he wasn't clinging to her, stating that he'd read her writing and realized the "soulmate" notion was just her imagination.
He assured her she didn't need to feel so guilty or treat him so well. As a breakup gift, he gave her a hug, saying, "If you pass it to me you'll get well. People all said to get heartbroken is like catching the flu. Maybe I will also get sick and get recovered." He added, "You are not the cloud above me after all. I can't catch you in the end. Zhong Xiaoqin, your novel is really good."
Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply moved by his kindness. Meanwhile, Lin Youyou spotted Xu Huanshan, Gu Jia, and their son returning from an outing, a picture of domestic bliss that sparked her jealousy. Xu Huanshan tried to convince Gu Jia not to overwork herself with the tea factory, especially since they had tickets booked for a vacation.
Gu Jia insisted she needed to oversee the "adopt a tea tree" event personally, explaining that her QR code idea—which would allow buyers to adopt a tree and track its growth—was crucial and could solve the factory's issues in the long term. Xu Huanshan eventually conceded, telling her to return home quickly. Gu Jia, joined by Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni, drove to the tea factory for a change of scenery and to help with work.
The three friends were delighted to be together again. Upon their arrival, the village head and other villagers warmly greeted Gu Jia, showing immense respect. Zhong Xiaoqin observed how much effort Gu Jia had poured into the factory. Over the next few days, the trio engaged in manual labor, trimming tea trees and eating meals with the factory staff, finding the simple work immensely relaxing. During a break, they sat on the mountain, gazing at the distant peaks.
Wang Manni wondered what lay beyond. Gu Jia explained that the view was exceptionally beautiful, sometimes even revealing a sea of clouds. Wang Manni, having recently reflected on her life back home, declared that she now knew what she "didn't" want and felt more determined than ever to return to Shanghai. Together, they shouted, "Thirty years old! Start over again!" At Jiang Chen's coffee shop, the "empty mountain tea" was proving very popular, attracting many repeat customers.
Separately, Lin Youyou approached Xu Huanshan, who hadn't visited her in over ten days. She asked to see his house as a form of compensation. Xu Huanshan firmly refused, citing the presence of his son and the nanny. When she playfully suggested visiting when they weren't home, he still declined, but softened his stance by promising to fulfill any other request. That evening, the three friends enjoyed a hotpot dinner.
Gu Jia reflected on her marriage, admitting she had often wondered why she suspected Xu Huanshan and why their intimacy had waned. She realized 70% of their conversations were about work and 30% about their son, Zi Yan, leaving little room for their own feelings. However, with the tea factory, she felt a newfound fulfillment, and the daily trifles with Xu Huanshan seemed less significant.
Zhong Xiaoqin, usually dependent on others, shared that she had finally found her true self after recent experiences and learned to assert her own opinions. Wang Manni reiterated her desire to return to Shanghai, stating that having seen the outside world, she couldn't settle in the small town, making her decision clearer than ever. The village head then arrived with more food, including milk tea.
Gu Jia revealed that someone had specifically sent the milk tea for Zhong Xiaoqin and was waiting for her outside the village. Zhong Xiaoqin, surprised, hurried to the village entrance. There, she found Chen Yu by an RV, diligently preparing cold dishes. Zhong Xiaoqin playfully asked why he was there. Chen Yu initially feigned coming to deliver food, but then gathered his courage and admitted he had rushed over to pick her up and take her home.
Zhong Xiaoqin noticed he wasn't wearing his glasses; he explained he was trying out contact lenses but found them uncomfortable, causing him to blink frequently. Seeing his awkward attempts to change for her, Zhong Xiaoqin burst into joyful laughter, signaling their reconciliation. Back in their room, Gu Jia and Wang Manni were thrilled about Zhong Xiaoqin and Chen Yu. Zhong Xiaoqin, blushing, confirmed she planned to ride back to Shanghai with Chen Yu in his RV.
Gu Jia then presented Wang Manni with a gift: a second-class train ticket from Quzhou to Shanghai, perfectly aligning with Wang Manni's renewed resolve to return. The next morning, Zhong Xiaoqin departed with Chen Yu in his RV. Zhong Xiaoqin, wanting to be more involved, offered to help with navigation. Chen Yu, having pre-planned his route, initially declined, but Zhong Xiaoqin insisted on watching the phone. Distracted by their conversation, Zhong Xiaoqin missed an exit.
Realizing their mistake, they discovered the next exit was 42 kilometers away, adding two hours to their journey and making it impossible to reach their intended RV camp before nightfall. They decided to stay in a nearby county hotel. That night, Chen Xu called Chen Yu, jokingly chiding him for missing the turn and reminding him not to deviate from his carefully planned itinerary for the next day. Wang Manni went to Zhang Zhi's office to resign.
Zhang Zhi struggled to understand why she would leave the comfortable life he offered, including a ready house, car, and stable job, to return to Shanghai. Wang Manni confessed that while her hometown was good and he was good, she felt she "can't live here" anymore. She explained that she had accustomed herself to the challenging life in Shanghai and was unwilling to settle for an easy life in her hometown.
She wanted to fight again, stating that two people on different paths who get married would be more lonely than being single. Despite Zhang Zhi's pleas and his reminder that she was no longer young and would have to start over in a competitive city, Wang Manni remained firm in her decision to return to where she had fallen and stand back up. Upon returning home, Wang Manni informed her parents of her decision.
Her mother was distraught, lamenting their age and their desire for the family to live peacefully together. Wang Manni asked for two more years to prove herself in Shanghai, promising to bring them over once she was stable. Her father, though sad, gave her a bank card with money saved for her wedding, telling her, "How the rest of the path is walked is up to you. The password is your birthday."
Wang Manni reassured her parents to take care of themselves. With her suitcase in hand, Wang Manni left her home, her parents watching tearfully. In the alley, she encountered Uncle Yu, who understood her decision and encouraged her, saying, "Go on. Go in peace. Every step counts."
Episode 35 Recap
Wang Manni arrived back in Shanghai, where Gu Jia was waiting to welcome her. Gu Jia assured Manni she would be her steadfast support. They headed to the apartment Zhong Xiaoqin had previously rented, which was now ready for Manni. Zhong Xiaoqin had already made a set of keys and left a loving note with a hand-drawn map. She had also thoughtfully purchased new towels, a cup, a toothbrush, and toothpaste for Manni.
However, Gu Jia noted that with Xiaoqin's current situation, Manni would likely have the place to herself. Manni found Xiaoqin's map amusing, while Gu Jia admired it. After dropping Manni off, Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan returned to their own apartment. Gu Jia stopped at the front desk to check for packages and was surprised to find Lin You You working there.
Lin You You introduced herself as new staff, asking if Gu Jia lived in apartment 1201, feigning ignorance of their prior connection. Xu Huanshan was visibly shaken, quickly making an excuse to Gu Jia about retrieving his phone from the car. He then confronted Lin You You, questioning why she had found a job at the front desk of his building.
Lin You You declared she wanted to see him every day, expressing her desire not to be alone at home, unaware of his whereabouts. She asserted that he was her only reason for being in Shanghai. Xu Huanshan, realizing the gravity of the situation, sternly told her to quit and find another job. Meanwhile, Wang Manni met with Jiang Chen at his cafe.
He offered her freshly roasted coffee beans, a special blend he called "Ni Ni Beans," made exclusively for her. Manni, however, stated that such exclusive flavors were unnecessary as people change. She admitted to being hypocritical in the past, wanting too much, but returning home had helped her realize she could let go of anything.
She candidly told Jiang Chen that their relationship was over and asked him to stop harboring romantic feelings for her, emphasizing that when something is missed, it's truly missed. Jiang Chen conceded, agreeing that he would stop roasting special coffee for her after this batch. Xu Huanshan drove to Lin You You's apartment, where he had already packed her belongings. He demanded she leave immediately, having bought her a plane ticket back to Beijing.
He reiterated that he was a married man with a wife and child and would not divorce. He advised her to return to Beijing and find a good man. Lin You You pleaded with him not to break up with her. Xu Huanshan insisted that their separation was necessary and permanent, driven by his remorse and uneasiness toward Gu Jia and their son.
During a stop on their RV trip, Chen Yu surprised Zhong Xiaoqin with a romantic setup, complete with candles and wine. He presented her with a necklace she had always wanted but he had previously refused to buy. He then apologized for his past dismissive comments about marriage being just a shelter from the storm, admitting he was angry at the time.
He revealed that he had known she was the one since their very first blind date, recounting how she was the only one on a crowded street looking up at the moon while everyone else was focused on catching a taxi. He told her he had cleared out his "fish room," inviting her to decorate it as she pleased if she decided to return. He acknowledged her lingering concerns but sincerely hoped for another chance.
As he spoke, he noticed Xiaoqin had fallen asleep and gently covered her with a blanket. The following day, Chen Yu confessed that his brother, Chen Xu, had helped him meticulously plan their return route with many surprises, but they had managed to miss all of them due to their navigation mishaps. Deleting the original itinerary, he proposed they simply drive wherever their hearts desired.
Xiaoqin reflected that marriage is like a road trip, where accidents and surprises are inevitable, but the most important thing is the companion. She humorously noted that she finally had the agency to choose her path now that she had her driver's license, and she still chose to drive forward with him. Gu Jia returned to the company and discovered orders for "Blue Ocean" fireworks.
She angrily confronted Xu Huanshan, reminding him that he had promised to destroy all blue fireworks and cease production due to their danger. Xu Huanshan retorted that he was the designer and boss and had the right to decide what to produce. He accused her of constantly discouraging his artistic vision, especially after her tea factory incurred losses.
He passionately defended the blue fireworks as his dream and the best artwork he had ever made for her, but Gu Jia insisted she only wanted his safety and a secure family, not dangerous art. Xu Huanshan declared that the production line could not be stopped as the contracts were signed, and breaching them would incur double compensation, which he couldn't afford. Wang Manni reached out to Mr. Wei, who had given her his business card.
He arranged for his driver to pick her up, but when she arrived at his club, he was in a meeting. After waiting for over two hours, his secretary told her that Mr. Wei was still busy and suggested she reschedule. The next day, Mr. Wei invited Manni to a Japanese restaurant. During their meal, he directly asked if she wanted him or a job. Manni confidently stated her desire to be the deputy store manager at the Mishil store.
Mr. Wei, however, presented her with a challenge: a three-month probationary period for a position he would choose. If she succeeded, she would become a store manager; if not, she would become his personal assistant, at his beck and call, with no right to resign. Manni accepted the challenge, asserting she would stand firm and fulfill her promise if she lost. She then signed the contract. Later, Wang Manni called Gu Jia to meet up.
Meanwhile, Xu Huanshan returned home and found Lin You You still working at the front desk. Enraged, he pulled her into the stairwell and demanded to know why she hadn't left. Lin You You defiantly unbuttoned her shirt, revealing a newly tattooed blue fireworks logo on her chest. She declared that not all fireworks were temporary and the best one would be with her forever, signifying her unwavering admiration for his talent.
Episode 36 Recap
Wang Manni excitedly met Gu Jia for wontons, confiding that she had just endured a challenging "special dinner" that served as an interview. She described it as being much tougher than a regular interview, but she successfully passed the first round. Feeling both thrilled and uncertain about this unique new opportunity, she admitted to Gu Jia that she felt she was taking a risk again and wanted to talk things over.
Gu Jia encouraged her to pursue what she truly desired, offering her unwavering support and urging her not to lose herself in the process. Manni reaffirmed her commitment, recalling a previous conversation at the tea mountain and stating that this new opportunity was like a mountain she was determined to climb. She promised to make rational decisions moving forward. During their meal, Wang Manni noticed Gu Jia checking her phone and speculated if Xu Huanshan wanted her to go home.
Gu Jia casually denied it, but when Manni pressed, she admitted to a recent disagreement with Xu Huanshan over the fireworks company, though she insisted it was now resolved. Manni, drawing on their decade-long friendship, assured Gu Jia that their deep understanding meant any marital spat would soon pass. Gu Jia then offered to treat both Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin to a celebratory dinner once Xiaoqin returned, marking Manni's new beginning.
Manni, invigorated, declared her intention to eat well to prepare for the "battle" ahead, and they wished each other luck. Later that night, Xu Huanshan approached Gu Jia, offering a heartfelt apology. He regretted his harsh words during their argument, acknowledging that everything Gu Jia did was for him and their family. He also confessed his error in asking Lao Yan to cover for him and admitted that creating the blue fireworks was a reckless decision.
However, with the orders already placed, he explained that he had instructed Lao Xing to closely monitor the production and solemnly promised to never manufacture blue fireworks again after fulfilling the current order. Gu Jia, visibly emotional, clarified that her anger stemmed not from the blue fireworks themselves, but from his deception. She tearfully asked if there were any other secrets he had kept from her.
Xu Huanshan earnestly denied any further lies, pleading with her to believe him and vowing that this was the first and last time he would ever lie to her. His sincerity seemed to ease Gu Jia’s heartache, and they reconciled. The next morning, Wang Manni reported for her first day at the Sales Department. After collecting her access card, she navigated to her new office. She introduced herself to a colleague, Jenny, who worked in Accounts Receivable.
Jenny explained that their role involved collecting payments and that the department's setup meant they often worked outside the office, with only a few shared desks available for making calls. Jenny found Wang Manni's offered nickname "Ni Ni" too "corny" and suggested she go by "Maggie," which Manni accepted. Jenny also shared a snack with Manni, a gesture of welcome. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin took Chen Yu to an aquarium.
Chen Yu initially believed she was testing his resolve to give up his fish-keeping hobby, reiterating his commitment to quitting and even offering to smash his fish tanks at home. Despite his claims, he was visibly captivated by the diverse marine life, expertly explaining different species to an inquisitive child. While he was engrossed, Zhong Xiaoqin discreetly disappeared. Chen Yu became frantic when he couldn't find her, frantically calling her phone.
Suddenly, a mermaid appeared in the main tank, waving at him and forming a heart shape with her hands. It was Zhong Xiaoqin, surprising and delighting Chen Yu. After emerging from the water, she playfully chided him for taking so long to notice her and teased him about his obvious fascination with the fish. Chen Yu insisted he had indeed emptied his home tanks. Zhong Xiaoqin then slyly asked if he would like to take a mermaid home.
Understanding her subtle proposal, Chen Yu embraced her and lifted her into his arms, ready to formally propose. Around the same time, Lin Youyou, using the pretext of delivering a package and needing a signature for an air conditioning cleaning service, gained entry into Gu Jia’s luxurious home. As she casually looked around, she saw photos of Xu Huanshan's firework designs.
She then asked if she could add Gu Jia on WeChat, claiming it would facilitate communication regarding the AC cleaning schedule. Gu Jia, unaware of Lin Youyou's true intentions, agreed. When Xu Huanshan returned home, he found an unopened package and learned from Gu Jia that "Xiao Lin from the front desk" had brought it up. He became visibly agitated and nervous, especially when Gu Jia mentioned Xiao Lin had added her on WeChat.
Gu Jia found the package's contents, cotton soft wipes she hadn't ordered, to be odd, wondering if it was a misdelivered item from an online sale. Xu Huanshan, flustered, quickly suggested she might have forgotten purchasing them during a promotion. He dismissed her questions about Lin Youyou's intentions, attributing the WeChat exchange to mere customer service. Back at Wang Manni's office, as Jenny was preparing to leave for the day, their boss, Frank, arrived.
Upon learning about the new hire, he announced a welcome dinner for Maggie, insisting that Jenny also attend. At the dinner, colleagues celebrated Frank's leadership and then turned their attention to Maggie. They tested her drinking prowess, with one colleague suggesting that 60% of their business relied on drinking. Frank implicitly pressured Jenny to drink with Maggie, but Maggie boldly took the initiative, downing three full glasses of alcohol.
She declared her commitment to her new role, stating that the drinks were nothing compared to the challenges of debt collection. Her straightforwardness impressed Frank. Later, after the main gathering, Frank discreetly asked Maggie for gift ideas for "Director Wei's" upcoming birthday, hinting at her supposed connections with the CEO's office. Manni shrewdly deflected, reminding him that a true friend wouldn't have referred her to such a demanding role.
As they were leaving, Wang Manni noticed Jenny being awkwardly handled by a male colleague who seemed to be taking advantage of her drunken state. Manni swiftly intervened, faking a black belt in Karate to deter him and offering to take Jenny home, claiming they lived in the same direction. Jenny later confessed she had been faking her drunkenness and thanked Manni for rescuing her, acknowledging her genuine character.
The next morning, Jenny, now genuinely supportive, gave Manni a hangover remedy and advised her on navigating the tough world of debt collection. Meanwhile, Xu Huanshan's patience wore thin as Lin Youyou continued to pursue him. His mounting frustration boiled over at the company, leading him to lash out at his secretary when asked about a minor packaging decision, instructing them to handle such trivial matters without bothering him.
Sometime later, Lin Youyou, having seen Gu Jia's social media post about her son at a playground, deliberately went there. She "accidentally" encountered Gu Jia and Xu Ziyan. Lin Youyou immediately showed an unsettling familiarity with Xu Ziyan, complimenting him and giving him a Buzz Lightyear keychain. Gu Jia, while outwardly composed, recognized the keychain.
Her mind raced back to a memory of Xu Huanshan mentioning buying similar toys at a park previously, and she instantly understood Lin Youyou's calculated move. This realization left Gu Jia feeling deeply disturbed and increasingly suspicious. She abruptly left the playground and met with Wang Manni. A cryptic text she had sent just beforehand—"My friend left"—signaled that she had uncovered Lin Youyou's deception.
Episode 37 Recap
Wang Manni encountered Gu Jia running alone late at night, perspiring heavily. Concerned, Wang Manni immediately pulled her into a small shop to rest. Gu Jia was not in a good mood and denied arguing with Xu Huanshan, stating that life was already hard enough without adding arguments.
As Wang Manni described her new job as a debt collector, which required strong willpower and physical strength, and her determination to reclaim her place and shed past disgraces, Gu Jia admitted she felt envious. She confessed that after having Zi Yan, she no longer had the courage to take risks, fearing any misstep could affect her son. Wang Manni, noticing Gu Jia’s unusual demeanor, reassured her that she would always be an idol to many girls.
At her new job, Wang Manni was assigned the most challenging debts, some overdue for two or three years. Jennie, a colleague, informed her about the "food chain" in the Marketing Department, with money collectors at the bottom. She offered extensive advice on how to handle different types of clients—from those who simply forgot to those facing bankruptcy. Jennie emphasized the need to be humble, sacrifice one's dignity, and deeply understand both product systems and company finances.
She warned Wang Manni that their department head, Frank, only valued performance and could fire people at any time. Chen Yu drove Zhong Xiaoqin directly to the civil affairs bureau for their remarriage registration, having planned it beforehand. While inside, he recalled his promise to his mother-in-law to win Zhong Xiaoqin’s heart back and stay with her forever.
Zhong Xiaoqin even suggested changing her name's character from "屿" (yǔ, meaning "isolated island") to "与" (yǔ, meaning "with" or "together"), a symbolic shift. As they excitedly emerged with their new marriage certificate, they found a traffic ticket on their car, just as they had when they had first registered their marriage and later their divorce.
The traffic officer congratulated them on remarrying but firmly wished them never to return to the bureau for any future marital affairs, a sentiment they happily accepted. That night, Zhong Xiaoqin gathered with her girlfriends, who teased her for spending her first night remarried with them. They pressed her to reveal the moment she decided to remarry Chen Yu. Zhong Xiaoqin recounted the night on Chongming Island when Chen Yu's car lights shone upon her in the wilderness.
In that moment, she felt immense assurance and courage, believing that no matter what future challenges they faced, they could overcome them together. She also mentioned moving back home the next day and generously offered her rented apartment to Wang Manni, though Wang Manni insisted on paying rent. Meanwhile, Lin Youyou sent Xu Huanshan a message about celebrating their one-month anniversary. Xu Huanshan attempted to break up with her, but Lin Youyou refused.
She threatened to expose their affair to Gu Jia, questioning if he would marry her then. Xu Huanshan, appalled by her true colors, hung up but then received another text from her stating she would wait for him for a celebratory meal and wouldn't leave until he came. At the fireworks factory, production halted due to a shortage of packaging paper. Factory Director Yan, unable to reach Xu Huanshan, contacted Gu Jia.
Gu Jia rushed to the office, where she made urgent calls, instructing her assistant and colleagues to contact other packaging factories and even other fireworks companies for spare materials to ensure production resumed quickly. Wang Manni headed to the defaulting company to collect debt. She found the building closed, surrounded by many other professional debt collectors who worked for 200 yuan a day, indicating the boss owed multiple parties.
She learned from them that the boss was likely still inside, despite no electricity or water. She waited until night, and after the other collectors left, she saw someone sneak out to buy two bowls of beef noodles. Wang Manni followed him back to the company, where he disappeared into an office. She called Jennie to report she had found the debtor, but then spotted Xu Huanshan and Lin Youyou walking hand-in-hand by the river.
She quickly hung up, took pictures of them, and considered sending them to Gu Jia. However, after calling Gu Jia and learning that Xu Huanshan was already home, she decided against revealing the truth for the time being. Later, Gu Jia successfully resolved the packaging paper crisis. Factory Director Yan, grateful, confessed that he had lied to her earlier about the blue fireworks.
He revealed that Xu Huanshan had brought "You You" to the factory, and after testing the blue fireworks, small-scale production had begun. Gu Jia feigned knowledge, stating Xu Huanshan had already told her, and urged Yan to be meticulous about safety protocols for that batch. Just then, Xu Huanshan arrived, claiming he had an "inspiration" and had turned off his phone to work on a design draft.
Gu Jia then asked her company assistant, You You, to drive Manager Yan home. Upon seeing the real You You, Manager Yan was stunned, realizing she was not the "You You" Xu Huanshan had previously brought to the factory. Xu Huanshan visibly panicked, and Gu Jia observed their reactions with a complex mix of emotions.
Separately, Xu Huanshan met Chen Xu for a drink, seeking advice on how to break up with someone "really hard to get off," claiming he was asking for a friend. Chen Xu advised patience, suggesting to "wait it out" until the other person got bored, as a direct confrontation would lead to both parties suffering, with the greater devastation falling on Xu Huanshan. Meanwhile, Gu Jia received a call from the hospital.
Her father had fainted at the nursing home and was hospitalized. At the hospital, Gu Jia revealed her father had experienced vertigo three times before. Her father, concerned about costs and radiation exposure, resisted further check-ups. Xu Huanshan intervened, emphasizing that the 2,600 yuan already paid for the tests was non-refundable, which finally convinced him.
Xu Huanshan privately told Gu Jia that her father wasn't truly afraid of the check-up, but rather of being diagnosed with something serious that would cause Gu Jia to worry excessively and make the hospital her second home. The check-ups confirmed benign vertigo, a minor issue, and Gu Jia insisted her father stay at their home for the night, as he needed to undergo further "reductions" the next day. The following day, Wang Manni again waited for the defaulting boss.
He eventually emerged from the company with his young son. Moved by compassion, Wang Manni followed them to a noodle shop. The boss explained that his business had failed, his son’s mother had left, and he was hiding because he had a house on the market, which was his only asset. If creditors mobbed him, the sale would be impossible. Wang Manni paid for their 36 RMB meal.
Touched by her kindness, the boss promised to contact her as soon as the house sold and repay Zhisheng, Wang Manni's company, first. At home, Chen Yu shared with Zhong Xiaoqin that he had been offered a journalist position. He consulted her on the decision, acknowledging the lower salary and frequent business trips. He openly admitted he valued her and her mother's opinions, and suggested she might have to stay at her parents' home during his trips.
Zhong Xiaoqin showed her full support for his decision. Later that night, Gu Jia confronted Xu Huanshan again, asking if "You You" had accompanied him to the factory in Hunan. He reiterated his lie, claiming it was a client, not their company's You You, who had liked the blue fireworks during their destruction and ordered a year's supply. Gu Jia persisted, asking, "who made you decide to produce the blue fireworks?"
Xu Huanshan, visibly agitated, retorted that it was his own decision and nobody had influenced him. Gu Jia, silently heartbroken, shed tears. Unable to sleep, Gu Jia's father browsed a photo album in Zi Yan's room. He remarked on Zi Yan's resemblance to Gu Jia and reflected on his past fears of leaving Gu Jia alone after her mother's passing. Now, he felt Zi Yan was her true "moral support."
He then turned to Xu Huanshan, expressing his gratitude as a son-in-law, recalling how happy Gu Jia had been since meeting him. Overwhelmed with guilt, Xu Huanshan tried to speak, but Gu Jia's father cut him off, telling him to "go to sleep."
Episode 38 Recap
Jenny informed Wang Manni that Zheng Li Xiang's debt was nearing arbitration, which would disqualify any recovered funds from counting towards Wang Manni's performance. She urged Wang Manni to expedite the collection process. Wang Manni previously established contact with Zheng Li Xiang, who sent her his property certification, confirming his house was indeed listed for sale online.
Although Zheng Li Xiang had a bid he was discussing and hoped to pay next month, Jenny explained that the system wouldn't allow further postponement as the debt would become "bad" by the end of the current month, leading to arbitration and potential blacklisting for Zheng Li Xiang. That evening, Wang Manni met with Zheng Li Xiang and explained the severe implications, including being blacklisted, if the debt went to court.
Zheng Li Xiang, who was struggling financially and couldn't even afford his meal, listened as Wang Manni proposed he pay at least 20% of the debt, approximately 100,000 RMB, by the month's end to delay legal action. Zheng Li Xiang agreed to try and gather the money, thanking Wang Manni for her consideration. Wang Manni clarified that it was also in her own interest, as legal proceedings would ruin her track record.
Wang Manni later met with Jiang Chen and Zhong Xiaoqin at Jiang Chen's coffee shop. She showed them photos she had taken of Xu Huanshan with another woman, explaining she saw it with her own eyes last Friday, the same day Gu Jia couldn't reach Xu Huanshan due to a supposed work matter. Zhong Xiaoqin impulsively wanted to call Gu Jia immediately, but Wang Manni cautioned against it, noting the photos didn't show anything explicitly incriminating.
Jiang Chen suggested that if the woman's feelings were one-sided and Xu Huanshan had already handled it, telling Gu Jia could create unnecessary problems. He also warned that their friendship with Gu Jia might become awkward if they were the ones to break the news. Troubled, Zhong Xiaoqin later discussed the dilemma with Chen Yu, who quickly deduced she was referring to Xu Huanshan.
Chen Yu advised against telling Gu Jia, arguing that if Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan divorced because of it, Zhong Xiaoqin would struggle to face Gu Jia afterward. He emphasized that because Gu Jia was a true friend, Zhong Xiaoqin shouldn't take such a risk. Instead, he suggested she visit Gu Jia to gauge her situation. Meanwhile, Lin Youyou had arranged to have the air conditioner cleaned at Gu Jia's home.
After the cleaning, as Gu Jia signed the completion form, Lin Youyou intentionally displayed a yellow band-aid on her right index finger. Gu Jia immediately recognized the distinct band-aid, a type her son Xu Ziyan loved, which had been previously given to Lin Youyou by Xu Huanshan. The sight triggered a wave of realizations, including Lin Youyou's previous visits to her home and her working as a property receptionist in their building.
Gu Jia then checked Lin Youyou's WeChat Moments and saw numerous posts featuring the cartoon keychain Xu Huanshan had. This confirmed her darkest suspicions: Lin Youyou was Xu Huanshan’s mistress. Soon after, Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin arrived at Gu Jia's building, intending to share their discovery about Xu Huanshan. They saw Lin Youyou downstairs and immediately recognized her from the photos.
Zhong Xiaoqin was furious and wanted to confront Lin Youyou, but Wang Manni restrained her, insisting they speak with Gu Jia first. They found Gu Jia sitting alone in her apartment with the door ajar. Before they could speak, Gu Jia gravely stated that she knew what had happened and that she would handle it herself. Gu Jia, accompanied by Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin, then took a taxi. They followed Lin Youyou to an apartment building.
Shortly after Lin Youyou entered, Xu Huanshan arrived and entered the same building with practiced ease. Witnessing this undeniable proof, Gu Jia broke down in tears, telling her friends she couldn't bring herself to get out of the car and face the sight of them together. Returning home, Gu Jia instructed her housekeeper, Sister Chen, to pack Xu Ziyan’s belongings for him to stay with Zhong Xiaoqin and told Sister Chen to take a few days off.
Xu Ziyan cried, pleading to stay with his mother, but was gently persuaded by Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni to leave. Alone in her house, Gu Jia texted Xu Huanshan, demanding he come home immediately. Xu Huanshan, rushing back from Lin Youyou's apartment, initially lied about being at the company. Gu Jia, however, calmly revealed she had seen him enter Lin Youyou's building.
Caught, Xu Huanshan admitted he had been trying to break up with Lin Youyou and had even bought her a plane ticket back to Beijing. Gu Jia bitterly recounted how their affair must have started during the Beijing amusement park project, sarcastically questioning his audacity in renting a place for Lin Youyou and even arranging for her to work as a property receptionist in their own building, right under her nose.
She confronted him about his betrayal, asking if he had considered their son, their family, or her. She pressed him on how the affair began, asking if he was drunk. His silence confirmed her painful realization that he had developed genuine feelings for Lin Youyou. Gu Jia expressed her anguish, feeling she had been made a fool for ten years, and vehemently told Xu Huanshan not to touch her, calling him disgusting.
Xu Huanshan, visibly distraught, confessed his guilt and sleepless nights, admitting he felt a sense of relief when Gu Jia finally knew, as he could no longer lie. He claimed he had been trying to end the affair, but Lin Youyou refused to break up. He then shamefully begged Gu Jia for forgiveness and asked her to help him resolve things cleanly with Lin Youyou.
Gu Jia, utterly heartbroken, refused to listen, stating she didn't believe a word he said and wanted no part in solving his problem. Devastated, Gu Jia left her home. Wang Manni, who had returned after dropping Xu Ziyan off at Zhong Xiaoqin's, picked her up and took her to her own apartment. Gu Jia was deeply depressed and expressed a desire to drink.
Wang Manni brought out all the alcohol she had, encouraging Gu Jia to drink as much as she needed to sleep, while promising to stay sober to care for her. Gu Jia broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Wang Manni comforted her until she cried herself to sleep. The next morning, Xu Ziyan asked Zhong Xiaoqin if his parents had fought and if his mom no longer wanted him, drawing parallels to a classmate's experience.
Zhong Xiaoqin reassured him and suggested they go to an amusement park and the aquarium to cheer him up. Later, Wang Manni brought Gu Jia breakfast and hangover medicine, offering to have Xu Ziyan brought over if she wished. Gu Jia, feeling calmer, told Wang Manni not to worry. She stated that she needed to return home after breakfast to confront the situation, as it could not be delayed or avoided.
Episode 39 Recap
Maggie, working in accounts receivable, persisted in her calls to collect overdue payments, even when met with resistance. Her boss, Frank, called her into his office to discuss her performance. He pointed out that she hadn't collected a single payment in her first week. Maggie tried to explain that the accounts she was assigned were all clients intentionally delaying payments, requiring her to address each specific issue.
Frank dismissed her explanations as excuses, questioning her capability and reminding her of the company's strict ten-day trial rule for new employees; if no results were achieved, they would be dismissed. Maggie assured him she had a promising account, Zheng Li Xiang, whose house sale contract was signed, and payment was imminent. She had even verified the contract. Despite her efforts, Frank reiterated the ten-day ultimatum. Under pressure, Maggie called Zheng Li Xiang.
He tearfully claimed to be desperate, with only 30,000 yuan in savings, unable to send his child to school after his wife left. He pleaded for a few more days, stating he wouldn't have much left even after his house sale. He then proposed that if Maggie lent him 65,000 yuan, he could immediately repay 100,000 yuan to the company and then pay back Maggie 70,000 yuan with interest once his house sale was finalized.
Despite Frank's earlier warning that a personal loan wouldn't count towards her company performance, Maggie, touched by his story and feeling the urgency of her ten-day deadline, transferred her entire savings of 65,000 yuan to Zheng Li Xiang. Moments later, he blocked her number and his phone was powered off. Maggie instantly realized she had been conned and frantically called her bank, only to be told the transfer was complete and she would need to report it to the police.
Her colleague, Jenny, later found Maggie and presented Zheng Li Xiang's financial statements. Jenny pointed out that many small businesses transfer assets during bankruptcy, similar to concealing assets before a divorce. Maggie realized that Zheng Li Xiang's divorce a year prior was likely a strategic move to protect his assets. Further investigation revealed that the so-called debt collectors surrounding his company were actually hired by his ex-wife, Lu Xiang Xiang, to create a facade that he wasn't attempting to flee.
Maggie was appalled by Zheng Li Xiang's cunning and deceitful plan to scam people, calling him an "a""hole." Amidst her distress, she received a call from Mr. Wei. At home, Gu Jia proposed divorce to Xu Huanshan. She calmly outlined the terms: she would take custody of Zi Yan and retain ownership of her tea plantation, while he could have the fireworks company. Their apartment would be sold, and the proceeds split.
Xu Huanshan, distraught, begged her to reconsider for their son's sake. Gu Jia retorted by asking why he hadn't considered their son when he cheated. Feeling cornered, Xu Huanshan lashed out, accusing Gu Jia of constantly being overbearing and controlling. He claimed she dictated every decision in his life, from their relationship and marriage to the company's direction and even his daily choices, making him feel like her puppet and less than a man.
Gu Jia listened with a pained expression. She acknowledged that his words revealed a deep, irreconcilable problem between them, and his affair was merely a symptom of a marriage that would have failed regardless of Lin You You. She admitted her fantasy of a perfect marriage was shattered, and concluded that divorce would be a release for both of them. Gu Jia then firmly told him to leave the house and never return.
Xu Huanshan left the house, pulling his luggage. Lin You You was waiting downstairs, and as he approached, she tearfully said she truly loved him. Looking her directly in the eye, Xu Huanshan firmly stated that he would not divorce Gu Jia and would never allow his son to grow up in a single-parent family. He made it clear he would never choose her, before getting into a taxi and driving away, leaving a distraught Lin You You behind.
Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin and Chen Yu took Zi Yan to the aquarium. Chen Yu carried Zi Yan for much of the visit, and Zhong Xiaoqin’s concern for his tiredness brought a smile to his face. Later, as Zhong Xiaoqin patiently and tenderly fed Zi Yan, Chen Yu observed her, then remarked that he now understood how to help her mature quickly: by having a child of their own. Zhong Xiaoqin, taken aback, responded shyly.
After putting the tired Zi Yan to bed, Zhong Xiaoqin told Chen Yu that Gu Jia had called and asked them to continue looking after Zi Yan for a few more days. Zhong Xiaoqin voiced her hope that Gu Jia would divorce Xu Huanshan, but Chen Yu cautioned her against offering too many opinions.
He advised her that her role was simply to support Gu Jia, whatever decision she made, emphasizing that outsiders couldn't truly understand Gu Jia's feelings or judge her life choices. Maggie then met with Mr. Wei, who brought up the fact that she had failed to collect company debts and had lost her personal savings. Maggie, interpreting his words as concern, asked if he cared about her.
Mr. Wei, however, laughed, telling her not to overestimate her importance, explaining that he was merely keeping tabs on what he considered a crucial department. Maggie challenged this, stating that accounts receivable was widely regarded as the lowest position in the company. Mr. Wei countered by revealing that he himself had started in accounts receivable.
He argued that it was a far more challenging and character-building role than sales, exposing one to all kinds of people, both good and evil, and preparing them to handle any workplace situation. He elaborated that the role demanded a comprehensive understanding of the entire sales process, its loopholes, production, inventory, and vendor relationships, thus offering a unique perspective on the company's operations.
Maggie, who had initially believed Mr. Wei was trying to make her give up, realized his true intention. She then solemnly promised him that she would dedicate herself to the job and not disappoint his trust. Back at her apartment, Maggie found renewed resolve, giving herself pep talks in the mirror. The next day, she went to East China Sea Exhibition Company to meet Manager Shen.
The receptionist, anticipating her purpose, claimed Manager Shen was unavailable and suggested she return another day. Maggie, however, refused to leave, calmly taking a seat in the lobby and continuing her calls to other clients, making her presence unavoidable. When a delivery arrived for Manager Shen, Maggie signed for it, prompting Manager Shen to finally appear. Maggie seized the opportunity, introduced herself, and directly inquired about the delayed payment, offering to collaborate on a solution.
Manager Shen initially cited blurry digital receipts as an excuse. Maggie promptly produced the original paper receipt, but he then claimed the stamp was blurry. Maggie firmly countered that a blurry stamp was not a valid reason for delaying payment. When Manager Shen attempted to dismiss her, promising to contact her after tracking the order, Maggie refused to budge.
She offered to personally assist in tracking the order, even volunteering to fly out and send pictures if the products had already shipped. She pressed him on why this particular payment had been stalled for three months, given their company's history of timely payments to other vendors and successful past collaborations. Manager Shen admitted the decision rested with his boss, and Maggie, undeterred, requested his boss's contact information, which he reluctantly provided.
When Gu Jia picked up Zi Yan from preschool, he excitedly told her about a "Big Sister You You" who had visited him, given him two books, and told him stories. Zi Yan innocently expressed his fondness for her before asking Gu Jia what it meant that "Daddy will have his own family."
Furious, Gu Jia immediately confronted Teacher Sammy, explaining that due to a "special situation" in their family, she strictly forbade any stranger other than herself from approaching her son for safety reasons. The teacher explained that "Big Sister You You" had claimed to be a neighbor visiting with her child, but Gu Jia reiterated her firm demand that such contact must not happen again. Gu Jia, with Zi Yan's new books in hand, drove to Lin You You's apartment.
Upon confronting her, Gu Jia stated that while she usually didn't bother with the mistress, choosing instead to handle her unfaithful husband, Lin You You had crossed an unforgivable line by involving Zi Yan. She declared that by messing with her son, Lin You You had touched her "bottom line."
Gu Jia then slapped Lin You You and fiercely warned her not to underestimate what a mother was capable of if anything were to happen to her son's mental health or if he became autistic. Lin You You defiantly retorted that Gu Jia wasn't divorcing because of Zi Yan and asked what if the child wasn't a factor. Gu Jia scoffed, seeing through Lin You You's manipulative tactics.
Gu Jia then threw the apartment's lease termination contract at Lin You You, informing her that the landlord would reclaim the apartment in three days and advised her to pack her belongings and leave the city if she wished to retain any semblance of dignity. Gu Jia called Xu Huanshan, who rushed home, seemingly expecting forgiveness. Gu Jia, however, sternly laid out three conditions. First, she declared that his infidelity was unforgivable, and she would not forgive him.
Second, she insisted that the situation with Lin You You must be resolved immediately. Lin You You might have ruined their marriage, but she would not be allowed to harm their son, especially after having visited Zi Yan at kindergarten and knowing their home address and his school. Gu Jia vowed to make Lin You You leave the city, clarifying that this action was solely for their son's protection, not for Xu Huanshan's benefit.
Third, she stated that once Lin You You was dealt with, they would proceed with their divorce. After Gu Jia took Zi Yan home, Zhong Xiaoqin remarked to Chen Yu how suddenly empty and quiet their apartment felt. Chen Yu, seeing her sentiment, then suggested that they "make one ourselves," before playfully carrying her off to their bedroom.
Episode 40 Recap
Gu Jia, refusing to let Lin You You continue to threaten her son, arranged a meeting for herself, Xu Huanshan, and Lin You You. She explained that Xu Huanshan had admitted his mistakes, and she intended to remove anyone threatening her child's safety from the city. She believed some matters needed to be discussed openly among all three for true understanding.
Xu Huanshan apologized to Lin You You, taking full blame for their affair and pleading for forgiveness and to be released. He stated unequivocally that he loved Gu Jia and would spend the rest of his life making sincere amends, regardless of whether she forgave him or chose to divorce him. He affirmed he would not leave her. Lin You You retorted, accusing Gu Jia of coercing Xu Huanshan into saying these things.
She challenged Gu Jia, questioning if she truly understood the man beside her. Lin You You asserted that Xu Huanshan's greatest passions were fireworks and eating, but Gu Jia restricted his diet and prevented him from playing soccer. To prove her point, Lin You You showed Gu Jia a series of photos on her phone, depicting numerous dinners she shared with Xu Huanshan. She proudly stated that the number of photos represented the number of nights they had spent together.
Gu Jia calmly countered, revealing that Xu Huanshan suffered from moderate fatty liver at just over thirty, which was why she enforced a strict diet, even adhering to it herself to support his health. She then asserted that every expense Xu Huanshan incurred for Lin You You—from dinners and hotel rooms to rent—came from their joint marital property.
Gu Jia claimed her right to demand restitution, but then mockingly dismissed it, saying she would consider it her "treat" for Lin You You's youth, given her recent graduation and presumed lack of funds. Unfazed, Lin You You pulled open her shirt to reveal a blue fireworks tattoo on her chest. Seeing this, Gu Jia was profoundly hurt, remembering Xu Huanshan’s past vows to design unique fireworks and devote all his works to her, loving her for life.
Overcome with pain, Gu Jia retreated to her bathroom, seeking solace in a drunken bath. Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni arrived to comfort her, urging her not to let Lin You You get the better of her. Gu Jia tearfully expressed how "laughable" she felt for believing all of Xu Huanshan's fireworks were exclusively for her and their family.
She questioned if her constant efforts to be his supportive "portable charger," knowing more than him to keep conversations flowing, had instead become a source of pressure. She confessed that being sober was too agonizing, preferring to drink away the pain rather than face it. Meanwhile, Wang Manni received a call from her client, Yi Yi, whose car had a flat tire.
Yi Yi demanded Wang Manni's assistance, reminding her of her pledge to provide attentive service to secure the outstanding payment. Unable to change the tire herself, Wang Manni called a repair shop. As Yi Yi's neck was also injured in the incident, Wang Manni took her to the hospital. There, Yi Yi was diagnosed with a slight misalignment and fitted with a neck brace.
Wang Manni's meticulous care, including helping Yi Yi remove her accessories for a CT scan, impressed Yi Yi, though Wang Manni clarified her efforts were "for the money." Despite her neck injury, Yi Yi insisted Wang Manni drive her to a KTV to meet friends. Outside the KTV, a hungry Wang Manni, who hadn't eaten all day, was seen making a debt collection call while eating instant noodles.
Seeing her, Yi Yi, feeling a pang of guilt, told her to leave. Wang Manni had shared her recent struggles, including losing her dowry savings to a con artist, facing criticism from her boss, and feeling ridiculed by colleagues. She also confided in Yi Yi about Gu Jia's husband's infidelity. Yi Yi, in turn, revealed her inclination towards aesthetic medicine, attributing it to a lack of emotionally impactful events in her life that would naturally bring her to tears.
The next day, Frank severely reprimanded Wang Manni in front of her colleagues, citing her lack of performance and declaring his intention to fire her. At that moment, Yi Yi arrived at the office. She settled her debt and declared that Wang Manni was now her friend, insisting that Wang Manni handle all future business with the company. Yi Yi warned that if Wang Manni were fired, she would cease all future financial dealings with Frank's company.
Frank’s demeanor immediately shifted, and he instructed Wang Manni to escort Yi Yi to the accountant. As Yi Yi left, she reiterated that Wang Manni was her dedicated contact. Concurrently, Zhong Xiaoqin's online novel gained immense popularity, ranking among the top five monthly bestsellers on the website. An editor contacted her, informing her that several renowned film companies were interested in purchasing the film rights for a TV drama adaptation, with an offer reaching 2.
2 million yuan, excluding book royalties. Zhong Xiaoqin was overjoyed but expressed reservations about selling the rights, as the novel contained elements related to Chen Yu. She wanted him to read it first, offering to discard it entirely if he found its content upsetting. She later retrieved the manuscript, worried about his reaction. That night, after Zhong Xiaoqin had fallen asleep, Chen Yu secretly read the entire novel.
The following morning, over breakfast, Chen Yu told her he had read it and found it excellent. He assured her he didn't mind the content, emphasizing it was fiction, not a factual account. He even acknowledged that reading it helped him reflect on his past mistakes and playfully joked about becoming a "kept man" given her newfound success. Zhong Xiaoqin was deeply touched and happy by his support.
The quiet morning was interrupted when Xu Ziyan climbed into Gu Jia’s bed, waking her to ask if she and his father were divorcing. He told her that if they did, he would choose to live with his father, explaining that since Gu Jia loved him the most, if he chose his father, she would be unable to leave them. Gu Jia was heartbroken by her son's words and sought counsel from her father at the nursing home.
Upon learning of Xu Huanshan's infidelity, Gu's father was furious and immediately summoned Xu Huanshan. Xu Huanshan, upon meeting Gu's father, fell to his knees, vehemently refusing to divorce Gu Jia. He tearfully explained that Gu Jia had lost her mother at a young age, and he could not bear for Xu Ziyan to suffer the same fate as a child from a broken family. He desperately pleaded with Gu's father for another chance and help.
Soon after, Zhong Xiaoqin received the first installment of her novel's royalty payment, totaling 1. 56 million yuan. Her first act was to replace their old, problematic door lock with a 4,800-yuan digital lock, which she mentioned was a product from Wang Manni's company. Chen Yu was surprised by the cost, but Zhong Xiaoqin, brimming with excitement, then took him on a shopping spree.
During their outing, she generously purchased a 30,000-yuan massage chair for him, explaining it was to relieve his chronic cervical spondylosis, a condition exacerbated by his video editing work. She lovingly told him that with her newfound financial success, he could pursue his dreams, such as becoming a reporter and searching for Tibetan antelopes, without worrying about financial burdens. Chen Yu was deeply moved by her thoughtfulness.
In an effort to resolve the ongoing crisis, Gu's father personally met with Lin You You. Speaking from his own experiences as a man and as a father, he sincerely advised her to consider letting go. He informed her that Xu Huanshan had unequivocally expressed his commitment to returning to his family and urged her to understand when to back away from a difficult situation.
Gu's father warned that continuing to cling to Xu Huanshan would ultimately lead to her losing everything and eventually blaming or even hating each other. Lin You You, however, remained resolute, stating that she could not let go, convinced she would never encounter another man she loved as much as Xu Huanshan.
Episode 41 Recap
Gu Jia's father gently advised Lin Youyou, reminding her that life is long and happiness should not be built on the destruction of another's family. He told her people should know when to quit, and that she was too young to limit her possibilities so early in life. Lin Youyou retorted that she wouldn't meet anyone she loved more in this life.
Gu Jia's father acknowledged her feelings, sharing that he had stayed single for nearly twenty years after Gu Jia's mother passed away, waiting to be buried with her. He spoke of the simple happiness they shared, like sitting on the grassland eating fruit, and expressed his certainty that Lin Youyou's parents would hope for a sweet romance and good marriage for her, not for her to suffer so much in Shanghai.
He emphasized that what is snatched is not always as good as imagined and urged her to calmly reflect on her choices. After he left, Lin Youyou sat gazing at a family enjoying an outing nearby, her expression filled with envy. Meanwhile, Chen Xu, hearing about Zhong Xiaoqin's recent earnings from her book, promptly arrived at her home, playfully accusing her of forgetting her "poor relatives" after becoming rich. He reminded her of his help during her remarriage.
Zhong Xiaoqin, acknowledging his past help, readily agreed to transfer 10,000 RMB to him, a decision Chen Yu found too casual. After Chen Xu was called away by Gu Jia's phone call, Chen Yu scolded Zhong Xiaoqin, calculating her recent expenses, including a massage armchair for 30,000 RMB and shopping, and warned her that her 1. 56 million RMB copyright fee would quickly be spent if she continued to be so extravagant.
He criticized her for becoming "puffed up" with money. Wang Manni had to deal with a difficult client, Yutai Commerce, who owed a large sum and claimed product quality issues, despite the goods remaining untouched in their warehouse. The client demanded a third-party inspection, delaying payment. Wang Manni's colleague informed her that similar complaints had never been reported and suspected it was an excuse to repudiate the debt.
Wang Manni also met with Yiyi, a client she had helped previously, to celebrate her birthday. Wang Manni gave Yiyi a car diffuser, explaining it was a gift bought with her sales commission, signifying a shift in her perspective on client relationships. Yiyi appreciated the gift and offered to help Wang Manni with sales performance if needed.
Wang Manni then inquired about a former sales representative named He Xiaoguang (or "Xiao He" as Yiyi knew him) who had made errors and resigned, hoping to get information about the outstanding debt. Zhong Xiaoqin brought Gu Jia's favorite crayfish and other food to cheer her up. Excitedly, she announced that she had received 1. 56 million RMB in royalty payments for her book.
She told Gu Jia not to worry about financial burdens and assured her that she, Wang Manni, and Zhong Xiaoqin could collectively support Xu Ziyan. Hearing her friends' warm words, Gu Jia finally broke into a smile. Wang Manni's investigation into the Yutai Commerce debt revealed that a previous salesperson, He Xiaoguang, had promised the client they could return the products after his performance evaluation was met, a common but strictly prohibited "fraud sales" tactic to boost numbers.
After achieving his target and receiving his bonus, He Xiaoguang resigned, leaving the unpaid debt and products in the warehouse, which the client used as leverage. A colleague warned Wang Manni not to get involved, suggesting that Frank, the head of the Sales Department, implicitly condoned such practices. Wang Manni, however, saw this as an opportunity to secure easier assignments in the future. Just as she was contemplating this, Frank summoned her to his office.
Frank immediately demanded her resignation, claiming she was unsuitable for the job. Wang Manni countered, pointing out her success in collecting other debts and directly accusing him of tolerating fraud sales, specifically the He Xiaoguang case. Frank denied her accusations, calling it a simple employee dismissal and threatening her livelihood in Shanghai if she pursued the matter. He disparaged her past as a "service assistant" and dismissed her connections.
Unfazed, Wang Manni defiantly declared that she would not leave before her three-month contract was up and vowed to report him to the Corruption Investigation Department, stating she would ensure he was the one who left the company. Later, Gu Jia returned home to find Wang Manni waiting for her.
Gu Jia shared a recent revelation: Chen Xu had mentioned that Xu Huanshan often sat in his car playing games downstairs before coming home to adjust his mood for his family. Gu Jia realized she never knew about this hidden stress. Reflecting on their marriage, she confessed that she had always managed Xu Huanshan's messes, even having to deal with his mistress.
She admitted that by doing everything for him, she never gave him a chance to learn to take responsibility. Despite her sadness, Gu Jia felt reluctant to abandon her feelings for him and worried if Wang Manni would look down on her. Wang Manni reassured her, saying that the depth of their relationship was unknown to outsiders, and she had no right to judge. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin had resigned from her job, intending to become a professional writer.
Chen Yu expressed concern, questioning if her future books would be successful, calling the editor's promises "empty." However, seeing her disappointment, he quickly affirmed his support for her decision. Separately, Lin Youyou sent Xu Huanshan a long WeChat message, declaring her continued love, understanding of his difficulties, and willingness to support him from another city if her departure helped him achieve his goals. She made a final request for him to send her off at the airport.
However, it was Gu Jia who arrived at the airport. Gu Jia confronted Lin Youyou, stating that as women, she knew Lin Youyou hadn't actually bought a plane ticket, and handed her one. Lin Youyou admitted she had hoped to use this as a final opportunity to win Xu Huanshan back, reiterating her love for him.
Gu Jia cut through her illusions, recounting how Xu Huanshan’s act of kindness with a band-aid was due to their son's clumsiness, and how the "extraordinary" blue fireworks were their shared dream from ten years ago. She asked Lin Youyou if she loved the man himself or the traces of another woman's impact on him.
Lin Youyou expressed admiration for Gu Jia, admitting she was the kind of woman she aspired to be and speculating they might have been friends in different circumstances. Gu Jia firmly replied there was "no maybe" and dismissed her, saying, "May we never meet again." Before Gu Jia could even leave the airport, she received a WeChat message from Lin Youyou with just four words: "May we never meet again."
Feeling a sudden, overwhelming sense of suffocation, Gu Jia made an impulsive decision. She returned to the counter and bought an immediate flight to Changsha. In Changsha, Gu Jia wandered alone, taking in the sights. She found herself deeply moved witnessing a wedding at a church. Back in Shanghai, Xu Huanshan, unable to reach Gu Jia, desperately called Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin.
Wang Manni vehemently rebuked him, highlighting Gu Jia's recent struggles and her continued self-reflection, contrasting it with Xu Huanshan's persistent blame of Gu Jia for his pressures. She told him he was unworthy of Gu Jia and criticized him for using his wife's perfection as an excuse for his affair.
Xu Huanshan, still unable to grasp his full culpability, left several voicemails for Gu Jia, expressing his confusion and sadness over her absence and the fading traces of her presence at home.
Episode 42 Recap
Gu Jia, reflecting on her journey, bought a ticket for the last flight back to Shanghai. However, at the gate, she had a change of heart and decided not to go, returning to her hotel in Changsha. She video-called Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni to update them. Gu Jia shared that she had decided to divorce Xu Huanshan and had already informed him of her intention.
She felt calm after coming to this conclusion and insisted on having custody of their son, Zi Yan. Despite the separation, Gu Jia stated she would not take all their properties, as she wouldn't harbor hatred after their marriage. Wang Manni fully supported Gu Jia's decision, emphasizing that divorcing Xu Huanshan would be a punishment for him, but not divorcing him would be a punishment for Gu Jia herself.
Gu Jia explained that she had been someone's wife, mother, and daughter for too long and now wanted to live for herself. She planned to stay in Changsha for a few more days to gather her thoughts before returning. Meanwhile, Zhong Xiaoqin, feeling uninspired to write at home, packed her bags and told Chen Yu she was going to Changsha to meet Gu Jia.
Chen Yu was skeptical, doubting she would get any ideas for her writing, but Zhong Xiaoqin insisted she was serious. However, instead of going to Changsha, Zhong Xiaoqin went to Chen Yu's mother's hometown. Upon her return, Chen Yu picked her up and inquired about her trip.
Zhong Xiaoqin excitedly revealed that she had used a portion of her book royalties, almost one million yuan, to purchase the guesthouse Chen Yu's mother had been managing, ensuring she wouldn't have to worry about rent and could visit them in Shanghai more often. Chen Yu was surprised she made such a significant decision without consulting him.
Zhong Xiaoqin explained that she wanted to spend her earnings on something meaningful, especially since Chen Yu often worried about his mother's living situation. She felt a sense of peace after making the purchase and urged him not to feel pressured by it. Wang Manni continued her efforts at the company, unfazed by the ostracism from her colleagues.
She sent an email to all employees, expressing her concern for the company's brand, which was being damaged by fraudulent sales, citing He Xiaoguang's case as an example. She invited anyone with proof or facts against such malpractices to anonymously send the evidence to her email, promising to report it on their behalf. In retaliation, Frank had Wang Manni’s access card revoked, blocking her from entering the company.
Wang Manni confronted him, declaring that this was his only trick and she would continue to complete her work, including debt collection and client sales, even from outside the office. She also sought help from Sister Yi Yi, proposing to sell the company's old, backlogged inventory to Yi Yi's clients.
Wang Manni explained that these items, though not the latest models, were thoroughly quality-checked and cost-effective for second-tier clients, and selling them would help recover debts and count towards her sales revenue. Sister Yi Yi agreed to assist. Wang Manni compiled the growing evidence against Frank and submitted it to the company's anti-corruption department. Later, Frank cornered Wang Manni outside her apartment, demanding to know why she was trying to ruin him.
Wang Manni accused him of having too many secrets and asserted that his problems would not disappear even if she were forced out. Frank then offered her a substantial amount of money, enough for her to settle down in Shanghai, on the condition that she withdraw all her reports against him. Wang Manni refused, reminding him that he had previously tried to force her out of Shanghai.
She criticized his increasing compromises on principles, stating that his wrongdoings would inevitably be exposed, regardless of her actions. Pushing past him, Wang Manni went inside. Shortly after, she received a call from Director Wei, who arranged for his driver to pick her up for a meal. Director Wei informed her that Frank had been taken away by the company's anti-corruption department, and his case had been transferred to judicial intervention.
He admitted he had wanted to remove Frank for a long time but hadn't found the right opportunity, praising Wang Manni for her courage in confronting the issue despite being isolated. Later, Wang Manni met with Sister Yi Yi, who was impressed by her bravery and offered her a job. Wang Manni expressed uncertainty, admitting that while she was lucky this time, she had nearly lost everything and worried about facing similar challenges in the future.
Sister Yi Yi encouraged her not to overthink, assuring her that people discover their true capabilities through challenges. Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan met with a lawyer to finalize their divorce. Xu Huanshan pleaded with Gu Jia to reconsider, asking why they couldn't just live in peace for their son, like many other couples with estrangements.
Gu Jia calmly explained that their first ten years of marriage had been "too great," and she couldn't bear to see their life decline from that point. Her trust in him had been shattered, and she didn't want to tell Zi Yan someday that she stayed with his father because of him.
She clarified that her belief that the "most beautiful blue fireworks" were only for her had collapsed, like a thorn in her heart that would bleed if pulled out and hurt every time she saw fireworks. Xu Huanshan tried to dismiss his actions as an impulse, but Gu Jia emphasized its importance to her, concluding that their marriage had not failed, but simply "ended."
As Xu Huanshan was about to sign the divorce agreement, he received a shocking phone call from the factory director: the firework factory had exploded. Without delay, Gu Jia rushed to the company to manage the crisis. She learned that two workers had died and three were injured, and the explosion was caused by the last batch of blue fireworks stored improperly due to high humidity, not a production line fault.
The factory was ruined, and Gu Jia informed Xu Huanshan that this time he had to face the consequences alone, as she wouldn't shield him as she had in the past. After making a final visit to Zi Yan at his kindergarten, Xu Huanshan turned himself in to the police. Zhong Xiaoqin and Wang Manni immediately came to support Gu Jia.
They learned that because the divorce was not finalized before the accident, Gu Jia was jointly liable for the factory's massive debts, including penalties for undeliverable orders and compensation for the victims' families. The financial burden far exceeded expectations, forcing Gu Jia to list their apartment for sale, which was mortgaged and pledged by the company.
Gu Jia informed her friends that she would fly to the factory the next day to discuss medical treatment and compensation, as securing a memorandum of understanding from the victims' families would help reduce Xu Huanshan's sentence. She had arranged for her father and a nanny to care for Zi Yan, and asked Zhong Xiaoqin to help contact real estate agents to expedite the sale of their apartment.
Gu Jia later decided to close the company by the New Year and provide severance pay to her employees. Back at home, Zhong Xiaoqin's mother expressed her displeasure about Zhong Xiaoqin using her book earnings to buy a house for Chen Yu's mother, feeling that her own daughter should have prioritized her parents.
Zhong Xiaoqin patiently explained that her parents were not in need of a house and that she did it for Chen Yu, whose family had previously sold their home to pay debts. She recounted how Chen Yu's mother had struggled to raise him and his brother, and how Chen Yu had always carried the burden of providing a home for his mother.
Zhong Xiaoqin expressed her desire to alleviate this burden, believing it would allow Chen Yu to pursue his passions and improve their shared life. Chen Yu, who had just arrived to pick up Zhong Xiaoqin, overheard her heartfelt words from outside the door and was deeply moved, feeling incredibly fortunate to have her in his life.
Episode 43 (Ending) Recap
Zhong Xiaoqin held a book launch and sharing event for her new novel, "The Many Shapes of the Cloud," accompanied by Chen Yu, who had helped her choose an outfit for the occasion. Chen Yu complimented her new writerly look. At the event, a reporter asked if the novel was based on her personal experiences and if she had any thoughts on its ending, which featured a remarriage.
Zhong Xiaoqin responded that genuine emotions are more powerful than actual experiences, acknowledging that she felt she didn't have her own story until she turned thirty, when her life changed dramatically, inspiring her to write. She expressed hope that readers would find her story relatable and be proactive in creating their own happiness, understanding that while marriage might seem like putting two different fish in a tank, a loving partner and a warm home provide courage.
Afterwards, Chen Yu joked that he would return to being an editor for two years and would have to rely on his charisma to keep her, as she was bound to make more money than him. Wang Manni continued her work as a debt collector, becoming more adept at the job. During her final assignment, she confronted a man, Mr. Ni, who owed Zhisheng Electronics payment.
Despite his attempts to evade her, even calling the police claiming harassment, Wang Manni calmly explained to the arriving officers that it was a financial dispute. After the police left, she told Mr. Ni that her department had many specialists who could visit daily to "chat and reason" with him. When he insisted he had no money, Wang Manni produced his son's social media posts, which clearly showed extravagant trips, proving his family's financial capability.
She later told her colleague, Jenny, that she had been studying lines and actions from debt collection and gangster films to cultivate a formidable presence. This task was her last one, and she bid Jenny goodbye. Later, Mr. Wei met with Wang Manni for dinner. She presented him with a record of her completed tasks and collected debts from the past three months.
As per their agreement, he offered her the position of Mishil's store manager or a sales executive role at Zhisheng. Wang Manni declined both, explaining she wouldn't be returning to the company and wanted to study abroad. She explained that while she once believed staying in Shanghai offered endless possibilities, her debt collection experience showed her how little of the world she had seen.
She felt she had been too quick to define her path and no longer wanted to restrict herself, desiring instead to explore more and see if her life held other possibilities. Impressed by her determination, Mr. Wei offered to cover her tuition, asking her to return to his company after graduation. Wang Manni politely refused, stating that her commissions, approximately 100,000 yuan, were sufficient for her tuition, and she planned to work part-time for living expenses while abroad.
She expressed deep gratitude to Mr. Wei, calling him her benefactor for giving her the opportunity that bolstered her confidence, but insisted on forging her own path without further financial aid. Mr. Wei respected her decision, acknowledging that their contract had concluded. Gu Jia made preparations to close her fireworks company. Chen Xu helped her finalize the last remaining matters, including handling the car, and prepared to leave for Guangzhou to start a project with friends.
Gu Jia sincerely thanked him for his help over the past two years. Chen Xu humorously replied that he should thank her, as meeting her had given him a clear standard for finding a wife. Afterwards, Gu Jia baked a cake and visited Mrs. Wang in her penthouse apartment to bid farewell before selling her own large home. Mrs. Wang expressed her sadness about the situation and her appreciation for Gu Jia's cakes and character.
Gu Jia reflected that her time living in the luxury apartment felt like a dream she had now awakened from, and she was ready to resolve her current issues and start anew. As Gu Jia gazed at the "Water Lilies" painting, Mrs. Wang confided that it was a forgery, purchased merely for appearances. The village head from the tea farm, having heard about Gu Jia's difficulties, traveled to Shanghai to see her.
He brought a plastic bag containing 13,756 yuan in small bills, collected by the villagers. He explained that while the amount was small compared to her problems, it represented the collective support of everyone who cared for her. He noted that thanks to Gu Jia, the tea factory was now thriving, enabling the villagers to contribute. Deeply moved, Gu Jia initially tried to refuse but ultimately accepted, asking him to convey her thanks to everyone.
The village head reassured her not to worry about the tea factory, promising they would continue to care for the tea plants as she had instructed. Gu Jia then withdrew her son, Zi Yan, from his kindergarten. She thanked his teachers for their care and informed them they were moving to another city.
When Zi Yan asked if his father would join them, Gu Jia explained that his dad was on a long business trip and would be away for some time, but would return eventually. Zi Yan then asked if he could call his dad frequently during his trip. Gu Jia later visited Xu Huanshan in prison. Noting his unshaved beard and disheveled appearance, she gently urged him to take better care of himself.
She reassured him that their parents were healthy and Zi Yan missed him, but Xu Huanshan declined a video call, feeling his current state was "unsightly." He expressed regret that she had to bear all the responsibilities alone. Gu Jia informed him that the company had been shut down and employee severance payments were settled, with the house sale and tea factory earnings providing enough for her and Zi Yan's living expenses.
She encouraged him to behave well and strive for a reduced sentence. When Xu Huanshan worried about his future after release, Gu Jia reminded him of his talent as a fireworks designer, advising him to view his time in prison as a period of "closed-door training" for a new beginning. She also reflected on their marriage, acknowledging her own mistakes and stating that it wasn't solely his fault that they had reached this point.
After a moment of silence, Xu Huanshan looked at her and quietly suggested they divorce, stating he would have his lawyer draft a new agreement for her to sign. Overcome with emotion, Gu Jia began to cry as he ended the call. After leaving the prison, Gu Jia was met by Wang Manni and Zhong Xiaoqin.
As the three friends linked arms and walked, Gu Jia reflected on a proverb, "The butterfly flew over the mountain gate, the canoe crossed the mountain peaks," signifying that they had all moved forward independently. The trio then went to a bar. Wang Manni shared her plans to study abroad, having chosen a design school in Edinburgh for a two-year buyer and marketing course. She aimed to start in spring after a language course and an interview.
She expressed that she never had the opportunity or means to study when she was younger, but now, with the money she earned and newfound courage, and no familial or career hindrances, it was the perfect time. She wanted to see the world and explore other possibilities for her life. Gu Jia and Zhong Xiaoqin expressed their support and admiration for her courage, with Gu Jia emphasizing that age should not be an obstacle.
While at the bar, Gu Jia noticed Liang Zhengxian. Wang Manni decided to approach him. She acknowledged her initial hesitation to greet him. Liang Zhengxian remarked on her changed demeanor and shared that he had broken up with Zhao Jingyu and would be based in Shanghai. He offered to buy her a drink, but Wang Manni politely declined, stating her "taste has changed."
He then brought up seeing the northern lights in Iceland and suggested they travel the world to see them together. Wang Manni smiled, noting that he hadn't changed at all. While she still wished to see the world, she now preferred to do so alone. She wished him well and walked away. Wang Manni later visited Jiang Chen's coffee shop. A female staff member, holding Jiang Chen's arm, happily announced that they had gotten their wedding certificates the day before.
Wang Manni warmly congratulated them and promised to attend their wedding. As she left, Jiang Chen chased after her with a can of his special coffee, explaining he added dried figs to the roast. Wang Manni, still smiling, declined the coffee, saying she was leaving the city soon, but reiterated her promise to be there for his wedding. Chen Yu and Zhong Xiaoqin went to see off Chen Xu, who was leaving for another city.
Zhong Xiaoqin observed that despite their banter, the brothers clearly cared deeply for each other. On their way back, Zhong Xiaoqin excitedly told Chen Yu that she was pregnant, playfully referring to their baby as "Xiao Dao" (little island). Overjoyed, Chen Yu immediately picked her up in a celebratory embrace. Gu Jia's "Kongshan Tea" gained recognition, winning the "Product of the Year with the Most Potential" award.
She expressed her commitment to combining business with public welfare and sharing the story of the mountain community. Later, Gu Jia, her father, and Zi Yan returned to the tea farm, bringing many toys and books for the local children. The villagers greeted them warmly. Gu Jia discussed her future with her father, deciding to live at the tea farm and dedicate herself to its operation until Zi Yan started elementary school.
Her father revealed he had already canceled his retirement home booking and planned to live with them at the tea farm in two side rooms in the yard, enjoying what he called the "wonderful life that people of old dreamt of" in the beautiful mountains. Zhong Xiaoqin's narration concluded the episode, reflecting that while embarking on a new life alone, one often carries the memory of past trivialities.
She shared that turning thirty might feel like a piece of youth has been stolen, but it ultimately brings invaluable experience and the drive to pursue a better future. She emphasized that no age should define one's pace or stopping point in life, and wished all women the courage to embrace their "Nothing But Thirty" journey.
