Only Side by Side with You Episode 23 Recap
> Only Side by Side with You Recap
Nan Qiao met her sister Nan Qin at a bar, asking about the problems in Nan Qin's marriage. Nan Qin revealed that since their wedding, she and her husband had never once argued. Every time she tried to discuss their relationship with him, his only reply was that she was his most trusted companion in life, marriage, and work, capable of handling all his non-emotional affairs.
Nan Qiao observed that their relationship was merely a partnership, urging Nan Qin to be direct about love and avoid sacrificing her youth for an unhappy marriage. However, Nan Qin expressed a sense of helplessness, stating that some things could not be clearly articulated, that she had grown accustomed to their life, and that she couldn't leave her son, Hao Hao.
She then wished Nan Qiao the courage to pursue a marriage driven purely by love, free from concerns of family background, personal connections, or financial status, making it the proudest achievement of her life. Late at night, Shi Yue, unable to sleep, cooked to try and hypnotize himself. Hao Jie, hearing the sounds, came out to talk. Hao Jie joked about Shi Yue's inability to sleep, asking if he was worried about a coming "tornado."
Shi Yue admitted he wished the emotional "tempest" would arrive and pass quickly so he could see the outcome. He expressed a desire to look at Nan Qiao with eyes as clear as hers and a heart free of unspeakable secrets, without having to deceive her. Hao Jie questioned his fear, pointing out that Nan Qiao had already been very proactive in their relationship. Shi Yue confessed his greatest fear was Nan Qiao's exceptional bravery.
He then served Hao Jie the "breakfast" before retreating to rest. The next morning, Nan Qiao arrived at Future Up. Wen Di had received an invitation to the reality show's victory party and planned to use the opportunity for company promotion. However, Nan Qiao unexpectedly expressed her desire to attend in Wen Di's place. Wen Di, surprised by Nan Qiao's sudden interest in a social event she typically avoided, teased her, suggesting she simply wanted to see Shi Yue.
Nan Qiao responded by telling Wen Di to keep her thoughts to herself. Amused by Nan Qiao's new assertiveness, Wen Di handed her the invitation. Meanwhile, Chang Jianxiong and Shi Yue were sparring at the gym. Knowing Chang Jianxiong was frustrated, Shi Yue mainly dodged his attacks rather than fighting back, eventually ending the bout by putting him in a lock.
Chang Jianxiong asked if Shi Yue would attend the reality show party, to which Shi Yue initially said no. When Chang Jianxiong revealed that Nan Qiao would be there, he used a boxing analogy to provoke Shi Yue, explaining that in boxing, active offense is crucial for victory, while constant evasion shows disrespect. He asserted that once in the ring, one cannot simply leave midway.
Shi Yue dismissed the party as trivial, offering Chang Jianxiong his spot if he wished to go. As Shi Yue turned to leave, Chang Jianxiong shouted after him that Nan Qiao now needed his protection. Zhou Ran, also present at the reality show's celebration party, seized the opportunity to undermine Future Up. He discouraged potential investors from collaborating with Nan Qiao's company, subtly suggesting they pursue international partnerships instead.
He then made disparaging remarks about Nan Qiao, calling her a "workaholic" and "frigid." Nan Qiao arrived at the party and unfortunately overheard these insults. Before she could react, Shi Yue arrived and discreetly led her away. In a private room, Shi Yue helped her transform her look. Nan Qiao, now radiantly dressed, returned to the party with Shi Yue.
When a businessman attempted to give Nan Qiao his business card, Shi Yue intervened, declaring himself "her calling card" and asserting that anyone who needed to find her could do so through him. He then subtly tore up the business cards, showing his possessiveness. He confided in Nan Qiao that the admiring glances from other men made him envious. When the reality show's director commented on Shi Yue's support for including Future Up, he casually confirmed their implied relationship.
Meanwhile, Su Xi, Zhou Ran's female companion and an entertainment industry insider, recognized Shi Yue as a major investor in the reality show. She approached him to network, but Shi Yue pointedly mentioned that her "friend" (Zhou Ran) looked unhappy, effectively sending her back to Zhou Ran's side. After Nan Qiao finished her conversation, Shi Yue, still a bit jealous, took her hand and led her to the dance floor.
Elsewhere, Ouyang Qi, feeling overwhelmed by the couples surrounding her at the cinema, reflected on Hao Jie. She realized she wanted to give him a chance but was waiting for him to make a serious confession. After some hesitation, she bought two tickets for the next movie screening and sent a message to Hao Jie. While Shi Yue and Nan Qiao were dancing, Zhou Ran, consumed by anger, approached Nan Qiao during a break.
He viciously insulted her, implying she only secured investments by "sleeping with" Shi Yue. Though initially composed, Nan Qiao was eventually provoked by his escalating remarks and splashed a drink onto his face. As Zhou Ran was about to retaliate, Shi Yue swiftly stepped in, offering a polite apology for Nan Qiao's outburst. Seeing the public setting, Zhou Ran, despite his anger, made a veiled threat to meet again privately before turning to leave.
Hao Jie, thrilled by Ouyang Qi's message, rushed to the cinema but arrived late. Ouyang Qi feigned a mistake, claiming the message was meant for Nan Qiao. Hao Jie, however, proposed they "make the best out of a mistake" and give him a chance. Ouyang Qi, still hesitant, replied that an incomplete movie has no meaning. When she attempted to leave, Hao Jie gently stopped her, earnestly stating that their serendipitous meeting held the greatest meaning of the day.
He then made a heartfelt promise to always wait for her, come rain or shine. They proceeded to a riverside spot. There, Ouyang Qi expressed her attachment to her old phone, which held all her past memories. She then asked Hao Jie if he still harbored his dream of traveling the world. Hao Jie responded by playfully walking around her, declaring that she was now his entire world. Ouyang Qi chastised him for his persistent unseriousness.
Hao Jie, in turn, questioned when she would finally let go of the "heavy item" in her heart, implying her past. The conversation ended in silence, highlighting their unresolved emotional distance. After the party, Nan Qiao thanked Shi Yue for his help. She admitted it was her first time feeling comfortable at such an event and began listing his good qualities.
Then, she asked if his earlier actions were merely to help her or if he genuinely wanted to introduce her to everyone as his. Before she could finish her confession, Shi Yue silenced her with a kiss, explaining that some things are best initiated by a man. Nan Qiao then asked him not to remove his bracelet. Shi Yue took her hand and placed it over his heart, assuring her that the bracelet was deeply ingrained there. They shared a tender, lingering gaze.
