Only Side by Side with You Episode 22 Recap
> Only Side by Side with You Recap
Shi Yue expressed to Hao Jie his intention to revert to his former identity, Shi Junqing. Hao Jie found this a difficult task, noting that Shi Yue had been with An Ning for seven years, making it hard to simply break free. Shi Yue, however, was confident in his strategy, though he admitted it would require some time. At Future Up’s meeting room, Nan Qiao reviewed the preliminary plans for an upcoming drone flight performance with Lao Qin.
She critiqued the drone footage for being shaky and unclear, then asked to see the promotional film again. Noticing Xiao An infatuatedly staring at Shi Yue’s picture, Nan Qiao, annoyed by what she perceived as Shi Yue’s "boring old tricks" wasting her time, ordered his image to be removed from the promotional video. She also sensed a budding relationship between Lao Qin and Xiao An, teasing them about it. Just then, Chang Jianxiong arrived to meet Nan Qiao.
Nan Qiao and Chang Jianxiong moved to an observation deck atop a skyscraper. Nan Qiao candidly told him that she considered him a close friend, someone she could confide in about things she couldn’t tell the person she truly liked. Chang Jianxiong, understanding her implied rejection, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and protecting her as he always had. Nan Qiao reciprocated, saying she would continue to tease him but would never allow anyone else to insult him.
She then shared her recent struggles with insomnia and difficulty concentrating at work. Chang Jianxiong remarked that she was simply experiencing the typical emotions of a young woman in love. He advised her to embrace her "cool" self and boldly pursue Shi Yue. Nan Qiao then tasked Chang Jianxiong with being her 24-hour confidante and strategist, a role he readily accepted. Back at Future Up, Nan Qin’s son playfully asked Xiao An if she had a crush.
Xiao An admitted to having someone she wanted to pursue but felt he didn't even know her. Lao Qin, who had been lingering nearby, was caught eavesdropping. Nan Qin’s son suggested Xiao An imagine Lao Qin as her crush to practice on, which Xiao An immediately dismissed, joking about Lao Qin's height. Lao Qin, feeling mocked, boasted about his extensive romantic experience and encouraged Xiao An to courageously tell her crush, "I'm courting you!"
Spurred on by Nan Qin's son, Xiao An called Shi Yue on the spot and declared her intentions. Shi Yue surprisingly invited her to a climbing gym, leaving a visibly crestfallen Lao Qin. Nan Qin's son, observing the scene, realized his well-intentioned advice might have created a rival for his aunt. En route, Hao Jie questioned Shi Yue’s decision to invite Xiao An to the climbing gym.
Shi Yue revealed he knew Xiao An actually liked Lao Qin and was merely facilitating a situation. Hao Jie deduced that Shi Yue was simply seeking an excuse to see Nan Qiao. Shi Yue confirmed that until An Ning’s issues were resolved, he could only observe Nan Qiao from a distance. Hao Jie cautioned him against his protective gestures being misinterpreted as "playing hard to get." At the climbing gym, Xiao An was surprised to find Shi Yue already there.
Nan Qiao and her nephew, Nan Qin's son, also arrived. Nan Qiao pulled her nephew aside and coaxed him into dealing with Xiao An. He then forcibly removed Xiao An from the area, allowing Nan Qiao and Shi Yue to climb together. After their climb, Nan Qiao boldly reminded Shi Yue that he still owed her a romantic date. However, a phone call abruptly summoned Shi Yue away, leaving Nan Qiao feeling disappointed.
As Shi Yue drove back, he found himself reflecting on his past encounters with Nan Qiao, feeling deeply conflicted. Meanwhile, at the climbing gym, Xiao An and Nan Qin’s son discussed the dynamics of love. Xiao An shared a "scientific study" suggesting that the intensity of love-related hormones diminishes over time, leading to a loss of excitement. Nan Qiao, having changed, emerged and listened to their conversation.
Nan Qin's son light-heartedly commented on the unusual sight of two "love rivals"—Nan Qiao and Xiao An—offering each other support. Provoked by her nephew, Xiao An then declared her new intention to pursue Chang Jianxiong to make Lao Qin jealous. Shi Yue arrived at Wings Company to find An Ning discussing her acquisition of an extreme sports video website. Her plan was to leverage high-tech gimmicks to promote drones and boost consumer demand.
Shi Yue dismissed the other employees and confronted An Ning, accusing her of not trusting him. He explained that VIV was a partner of Future Up, and Wings' interference would force him to resign. He feigned being unwilling to abandon his "revenge" and his pursuit of wealth. An Ning asked for his plans, but Shi Yue retorted that she left him no room and was too controlling.
An Ning relented, agreeing to let him proceed as he wished, and left the office. Privately, An Ning resolved to give Shi Yue full trust but affirmed that while Wings might appear to be his, she still maintained ultimate control. Elsewhere, Nan Qiao's father met with Nan Qin and her husband. Nan Qin’s husband asked her to send their son to his mother's for the weekend. Nan Qin inquired if he missed their son, but he cited his demanding national service commitments as preventing a more emotionally involved family life before he quickly departed.
