Pretty Man Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Pretty Man Synopsis
Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao met in a rainstorm when they were in middle school.
After that, they had a secret affection for each other on campus but missed each other due to various misunderstandings.
By chance, they became a real couple.
When the misunderstanding was about to be solved, the showbiz’s “slings and arrows”, as well as the malicious obstruction of others made their love again in jeopardy!
Pretty Man Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On a boundless blue beach, Lu Jinnian stood, a storm of emotions on his face. Meanwhile, at the press conference for the new drama "Yu Sheng You Ni Cai An Hao" (You Make My Life Complete), chaos erupted due to Lu Jinnian's absence. His assistant received a text from him, requesting a meeting at Lu Wei Beach, revealing his location. Ms. Zhen, managing the press conference, proceeded with Plan B.
Reporters at the press conference questioned the close relationship between Lu Jinnian and Lin Shiyi, a famous and beautiful actress, speculating that she might become Mrs. Lu. In the filming set, aspiring actress Qiao Anhao (also referred to as Qiao Yi) watched the news with interest and inadvertently chuckled, angering Lin Shiyi.
Lin Shiyi retaliated by intentionally knocking Qiao Yi's phone to the ground and stepping on it, insulting Qiao Yi's status as a "nobody" and berating her and her agent, Zhao Meng (also referred to as Meng Meng). When Meng Meng defended Qiao Yi, Lin Shiyi threw a cup of water on Meng Meng's face. Fueled by resentment, Lin Shiyi attempted to slap Qiao Yi during a scene. However, Lu Jinnian intervened, his expression icy, stopping Lin Shiyi's hand.
His unexpected arrival and actions silenced everyone, leaving them to wonder about his motives. Lu Jinnian then reprimanded Lin Shiyi for her unprofessional behavior on his set. Later that evening, Qiao Yi was preparing dinner when Lu Jinnian arrived at her doorstep. He entered her home without hesitation, and during their dinner, Lu Jinnian suggested changing Qiao Yi's agent and offered to arrange her next show, having Zhao Meng meet with him.
Qiao Yi hesitated, fearing their relationship would be exposed, but Lu Jinnian insisted he knew how to handle it. As Qiao Yi drank wine, she was reminded that she was still bound by a marriage arrangement to Xu Jia Mu, seeing Lu Jinnian as merely a substitute. As Qiao Yi became intoxicated, Lu Jinnian went to take a shower.
Leaning against the doorframe, she wondered when their relationship had turned so cold and why Lu Jinnian treated her with such indifference. Lu Jinnian emerged from the bathroom, his expression visibly troubled, and took the wine glass from her. He told her to stop drinking and asked if she had regrets and what Jia Mu would think.
Qiao Yi, crying, lamented about her deceased parents, Jia Mu's hospitalization, and the bullying she faced at work, wondering if she was unlikable since all the girls at school liked Jia Mu, and even Lu Jinnian didn't seem to like her. Lu Jinnian comforted her, saying everyone liked her. She tearfully embraced him. At first, Lu Jinnian hesitated, knowing she harbored feelings for someone else, but they eventually kissed passionately, leading to a night together.
Lu Jinnian silently apologized to Jia Mu. The narrative then shifted to a rainy day in their student days. Qiao Anhao, wearing glasses, unknowingly stained her skirt. Lu Jinnian chivalrously covered it with his jacket, an unspoken first encounter. Qiao Anhao's parents had passed away, and she lived with her aunt, though she was the heiress of Qiao's Group. She and her younger brother, Qiao Anyi, were unaware that Jia Mu had an older brother.
Later, his half-brother, Xu Jia Mu, visited Lu Jinnian for dinner and planned to stay the night. Despite Lu Jinnian's coldness and refusal to acknowledge their father, Jia Mu remained friendly and genuinely treated Lu Jinnian as his brother. Their father called Jia Mu, who lied about being at a friend's house playing video games. As the new semester approached, Jia Mu picked up Qiao Anhao and Qiao Anyi for school. He told them he would introduce them to someone important and asked them to be on their best behavior.
Episode 2 Recap
A new day began with Xu Jiamu and Qiao Anhao on their way to school. Jiamu, beaming, told Qiao Anhao he was excited to introduce a very important new friend, the "aloof genius" she often heard him mention. Qiao Anhao was surprised to find this important new friend was none other than Lu Jinnian, the handsome boy she had briefly met before.
With both Jiamu and Jinnian now at the school, they became instant campus sensations, their good looks making them the subject of much whispered discussion among the female students. Qiao Anhao found herself very interested in the outstanding and academically gifted Lu Jinnian. Later, as Jiamu and Qiao Anhao walked through the campus like good friends, they were abruptly stopped by the vivacious Lin Qianqian.
She dramatically declared her love for Jiamu, even revealing his name tattooed on her ankle, stating she wanted everyone to know he was hers. Jiamu, exasperated, tried to dissuade her, even joking that if he tattooed Bill Gates' name, he wouldn't become rich, and asked her to stop bothering him. Lin Qianqian, however, was undeterred, dismissing Qiao Anhao as an "ordinary girl." To escape Lin Qianqian's persistent advances, Jiamu impulsively proclaimed Qiao Anhao his girlfriend.
Lin Qianqian, furious, warned Jiamu that he would eventually be hers. She was introduced as a new transfer student in Qiao Anhao's class and, upon seeing Qiao Anhao, ominously stated that her "nightmare will be here." That evening, Lu Jinnian, returning home after a part-time job, was confronted by his father, Xu Niande. Lu Jinnian’s demeanor was cold, asserting he only had a mother.
Xu Niande attempted to bridge the gap, saying their past conflicts were between the older generation and had nothing to do with Lu Jinnian, and that he wanted to compensate for his debt to Lu Jinnian and his mother. Lu Jinnian vehemently refused, asking if an apology could erase everything his father had done. He accused Xu Niande of enjoying a life of luxury while his mother suffered, swearing he would never forgive him.
Xu Niande expressed his helplessness, insisting that Lu Jinnian carried his blood. Lu Jinnian retorted that his father disgusted him and told him not to mention his mother. Xu Niande then offered him a million yuan check, hoping Lu Jinnian would stop working and focus on his studies. Lu Jinnian tore the check, declaring that one million yuan could not buy his forgiveness and demanded his father leave.
Alone, Lu Jinnian recalled his mother's final moments in the hospital, reinforcing his resolve: he would walk his own path and needed no one's help. The following day, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng were assigned to clean the school library. Zhao Meng, lamenting the forgotten "cold palace" of a library, questioned why the "eldest miss of Qiao Family Group" was doing manual labor. Lu Jinnian arrived, and as Qiao Anhao stood on a stool cleaning, she nearly fell.
Lu Jinnian swiftly rushed forward, catching her in his arms. Recognizing him as the "hottie," she thanked him. Zhao Meng remarked that their reunion felt like fate, sent by Cupid. Qiao Anhao, following Zhao Meng’s advice to engage him with a yes/no question about a popular topic, asked Lu Jinnian if he liked Beckham, to which he replied, "Yes." Later, Lu Jinnian helped Qiao Anhao with a challenging physics problem from her exam, meticulously explaining the solution.
As he did so, Qiao Anhao gazed at him, captivated. During this time, Qiao Anyi, Qiao Anhao's younger brother, got into trouble with some thugs at an internet café. Xu Jiamu rushed to his aid, challenging the thugs to a PK game. Jiamu skillfully defeated them in several rounds. Showing magnanimity, Jiamu not only refused to take any money but also befriended the lead thug. That evening, Lu Jinnian offered to ride his bicycle to take Qiao Anhao home.
However, her family's driver arrived to pick her up, much to Lu Jinnian's quiet disappointment. That night, Qiao Anhao’s smile lingered in his mind, leaving him unable to forget her. The next morning, Qiao Anhao, still wobbly on a bicycle, called out to Lu Jinnian on his way to school. She claimed she was biking for exercise, though it was evident she was new to it, even denying it when Lu Jinnian asked.
Lu Jinnian gently steadied her handlebars with one hand, helping her steer. To prolong their time together, Qiao Anhao even joined him for breakfast, forcing herself to eat two meals until she was uncomfortably full. Meanwhile, Lin Qianqian continued to pester Xu Jiamu. Qiao Anhao asked Jiamu how he had attracted such a persistent admirer.
Jiamu revealed that he had once intervened when Lin Qianqian was being harassed by thugs at a billiard club, who were also trying to charge her an exorbitant fee for a broken cue. He jokingly lamented that he wouldn't have helped if he knew she would become so infatuated. Lin Qianqian's pursuit escalated, with banners professing her love for Xu Jiamu appearing publicly at school, much to his chagrin.
In the classroom, Lu Jinnian continued to tutor Qiao Anhao in physics. As night fell, the lights suddenly went out. Qiao Anhao, unable to see in the dark, panicked. Lu Jinnian, taking her hand, calmly led her out of the classroom. Unfortunately, a patrolling teacher spotted them holding hands and immediately assumed they were involved in an early romance.
Episode 3 Recap
Caught holding hands in the classroom, Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian were taken to Director Sun's office. Director Sun immediately accused them of dating, scoffing at Qiao Anhao's defense that they were merely studying. " When dating students are caught, they all use studying as excuse," he retorted, demanding to know Lu Jinnian's name. Upon learning Lu Jinnian was a new transfer student, Director Sun dismissed Qiao Anhao, intending to interrogate Lu Jinnian alone.
He aggressively questioned Lu Jinnian’s background, asking how someone with his apparent lack of connections could enter such a prestigious school. Lu Jinnian calmly stated his transfer paperwork was processed according to regulations, inviting Director Sun to verify it. Director Sun then pulled up Lu Jinnian's student file, revealing his mother, Lu Shan, had died by suicide six years prior from an overdose of sleeping pills, and that Lu Jinnian carried his mother's surname.
Enraged, Lu Jinnian yelled at him to "Shut up!" Director Sun, undeterred, insulted Lu Jinnian's upbringing, provoking Lu Jinnian to storm out. Outside, Qiao Anhao asked what happened, but Lu Jinnian curtly dismissed her, saying, "None of your business." Soon after, Director Sun called Han Ruchu, Xu Jiamu’s mother, to discuss Lu Jinnian. Han Ruchu, worried about Lu Jinnian's growing closeness to Xu Jiamu, especially after learning Lu Jinnian was teaching Xu Jiamu how to swim, demanded his expulsion.
She warned Director Sun that if Lu Jinnian wasn't expelled before the next school board meeting, his suggestions would be in jeopardy. Han Ruchu harbored a deep-seated resentment stemming from over a decade ago when Lu Jinnian required a bone marrow transplant. In a flashback, Lu Shan was seen desperately pleading with Xu Nian De to save their son, as her blood type didn't match. Xu Nian De arranged for a then five-year-old Xu Jiamu to be the donor.
Han Ruchu, furious, confronted Xu Nian De and Lu Shan at the hospital, accusing Xu Nian De of using her son to save "her son," questioning his humanity, and even challenging Lu Jinnian's paternity. After the successful surgery, she forcefully took Xu Jiamu home, venomously ordering Lu Shan to "Get lost. As far as possible. Don't take one step near the Xu family. Scram!" This bitter memory fueled her ongoing desire to remove Lu Jinnian from their lives.
The following day, Qiao Anhao, riding her bicycle to school, encountered Lu Jinnian again but accidentally fell and injured her foot. Lu Jinnian immediately rushed her to the infirmary. As she winced in pain, she leaned into his arms for comfort. He gently massaged her ankle, telling her it was just a minor dislocation and would heal soon. He then offered her some traditional family medicine to spray on the injury.
During the application of the medicine, an accidental close contact occurred, causing both to blush. Lu Jinnian then nervously rose to leave, making Qiao Anhao chuckle at his shyness. When the nurse presented the bill, Lu Jinnian insisted on paying, leading the nurse to playfully remark, "Your boyfriend already paid." Qiao Anhao, slightly flustered, muttered "Boyfriend." Lu Jinnian then offered to take her home since she couldn't return to school.
Back at her house, he piggybacked her upstairs and got her water before preparing to leave. He then apologized to her for his cold demeanor the previous night. Director Sun, still determined to oust Lu Jinnian, confronted him again. He presented a long hair he'd found on Lu Jinnian's shoulder as "proof" of dating, declaring Lu Jinnian a "pile of rat dung" that would ruin the school's image.
He announced the school board had already decided to expel Lu Jinnian, but then presented an ultimatum: either Lu Jinnian would be expelled, or Qiao Anhao would face the consequences. To protect Qiao Anhao, Lu Jinnian agreed to leave Fan Di High School. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao, recuperating at home, received a text from Zhao Meng informing her of Lu Jinnian’s expulsion.
Xu Jiamu also learned of the expulsion from a school notice and went to find Lu Jinnian, expressing his disbelief and asking if it was due to the "rumor with Qiao Qiao." Unable to reach Lu Jinnian on her own phone, Qiao Anhao borrowed Auntie Sun’s phone and called him. Lu Jinnian, who had already begun looking for a new school, remained calm.
Qiao Anhao, despite her injury, offered to speak to Director Sun to resolve the situation, but Lu Jinnian told her not to interfere, promising to handle it himself and reiterating that she should rest and apply her medicine. Shortly after, Director Sun received an unexpected call from the Principal. The Principal informed him that Lu Jinnian had won first place in the International Mathematical Olympiad, emphasizing that such a talent should not be expelled.
The Principal ordered Director Sun to cancel the expulsion and issue only a demerit. Director Sun, reluctantly, called Lu Jinnian to inform him he was no longer expelled and could return to Fan Di High School. Xu Jiamu cheered at the news. However, Han Ruchu, upon hearing of Lu Jinnian's reinstatement, was undeterred. She planned to expose his identity and background, ensuring that even if he stayed, his time at Fan Di High School would be far from easy.
At a school assembly, Director Sun lectured students against premature dating, then called Lu Jinnian to the stage for a public self-criticism. Lu Jinnian, speaking to the entire school, declared, "I, Lu Jin Nian, and Classmate Qiao An Hao are nothing but ordinary classmates." Qiao Anhao, watching from the audience, felt a pang of sadness, realizing he saw her only as an ordinary classmate.
Later, Lin Qianqian confronted Qiao Anhao, urging her to pursue Lu Jinnian and stay away from Xu Jiamu, whom Lin Qianqian claimed to love. Qiao Anhao responded indifferently, once again stating that she and Lu Jinnian were "only ordinary classmates." Lu Jinnian overheard this, misinterpreting her words and believing she genuinely harbored feelings for Xu Jiamu, which caused him significant emotional pain.
The school then announced its plans for a "Romeo and Juliet" play for the upcoming school celebration, requiring students with good English to participate. When a classmate suggested Lu Jinnian, who excelled in English, he expressed disinterest. Xu Jiamu, however, volunteered to play Romeo and asked Lu Jinnian to help him practice his lines, to which Lu Jinnian agreed. Qiao Anhao later volunteered to play Juliet.
During rehearsals, Lu Jinnian observed Qiao Anhao and Xu Jiamu, concluding that they were perfectly compatible, and decided he should quietly wish them happiness. Before the performance, Qiao Anhao tried on her Juliet costume, a beautiful, tailored dress that stunned both Xu Jiamu and Lu Jinnian. Xu Jiamu praised her beauty, while Zhao Meng declared she was "prettier than the Four Dan Actresses," predicting she would become a school celebrity.
However, Lin Qianqian, fueled by jealousy, sabotaged Qiao Anhao's costume in the makeup room, tearing it before the show. Zhao Meng immediately suspected Lin Qianqian, remembering she had been there earlier helping with makeup. Resourceful, Lu Jinnian quickly tore down a curtain to fashion a new, makeshift dress for Qiao Anhao.
Simultaneously, Lin Qianqian locked Xu Jiamu in the bathroom, declaring he would not be Qiao Anhao's lover, despite Xu Jiamu's frantic pleas to be let out so he wouldn't miss the performance.
Episode 4 Recap
Lin Qianqian, in an act of sabotage, ruined Qiao Anhao's performance dress and locked Xu Jiamu in the bathroom. With Jiamu unavailable, Lu Jinnian quickly fashioned a simple white dress for Qiao Anhao from available fabric. When the time came for the "Romeo and Juliet" play, Lu Jinnian had to step in as Romeo alongside Qiao Anhao.
On stage, Lu Jinnian, in character, knelt and kissed her hand, expressing, "That I may pray for your permission to take your hand to my lips." In that beautiful moment, Lu Jinnian privately wished he could watch over Qiao Anhao forever, while Qiao Anhao wished time could freeze. Meanwhile, Xu Jiamu, furious, pounded on the bathroom door, yelling at Lin Qianqian to open it. She responded cryptically, "I'm not gay.
I only like you," to his frustrated "I'd hit you if you were a guy!" Even after the play had begun, Lin Qianqian finally let Jiamu out, much to his chagrin. After the performance, Qiao Anhao thanked Lu Jinnian for saving the day. He humbly asked if he had messed up, but she reassured him he had performed very well.
Other students approached Xu Jiamu, asking why Lu Jinnian played Romeo instead of him, and even mentioned that some were now asking for Lu Jinnian's number. Jiamu, embarrassed, claimed he was "held back by a dog," while Lin Qianqian, still present, annoyingly thanked him for calling her "cute." Jiamu impatiently told her to leave. He then apologized to Qiao Anhao, offering to treat them to a feast to celebrate the successful show and make amends.
As Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian walked, Qiao Anhao mentioned something got in her eye, and Lu Jinnian gently removed her glasses to blow on her eye. Qiao Anhao's birthday party was a grand affair at the Qiao family residence, with many esteemed guests, including Mr. Xu and Han Ruchu. Xu Jiamu went upstairs to find Qiao Anhao, who had just finished dressing in a beautiful white gauze gown.
She eagerly asked Jiamu if Lu Jinnian had arrived yet, to which he replied that Lu Jinnian was on his way. Jiamu presented her with a gift: a pair of exquisite high heels, mentioning that his mother had said a girl's first pair of heels was very important. Qiao Anhao was delighted, despite a playful worry about tripping in them, and immediately put them on. Lu Jinnian, meanwhile, was delayed and told Mr. Wen he had to leave.
He quickly rode his bicycle to the party. Qiao Anhao spotted him and called out, "My Mr. Perfect is here!" However, Han Ruchu immediately confronted Lu Jinnian, sternly telling him, "This is the Qiao house. Don't cause a scene." Xu Jiamu, noticing the tension, discreetly advised Lu Jinnian to try and avoid his mother, to which Lu Jinnian simply replied he would be fine. Lu Jinnian observed to himself that Han Ruchu disliked seeing them together.
Later, Qiao Anhao found Lu Jinnian outside, telling him she was glad he came, as she had worried he wouldn't make it. He apologized for his delay. She suggested they go for a walk since there were too many people inside. As they walked, Han Ruchu was overheard by Xu Jiamu complaining, "Just about anybody dares to come to the Qiao house," clearly referring to Lu Jinnian. Xu Jiamu called out, "Mom!" trying to silence her.
Han Ruchu then instructed Jiamu to "spend more time with Qiao Qiao and stay away from him." Lu Jinnian then presented Qiao Anhao with his gift, wishing her a happy birthday. Inside the small box was a shining necklace. Delighted, Qiao Anhao asked him to put it on for her, which he gently did.
After Lu Jinnian put the necklace on Qiao Anhao, she stumbled slightly, her first time in high heels, and he instinctively caught her, leading to a momentary, intense gaze between them. Han Ruchu, observing this, seized the opportunity to create mischief. She sent Qiao Anhao away, claiming her aunt was looking for her. Once Qiao Anhao left, Han Ruchu confronted Lu Jinnian, telling him, "One should know their place. You shouldn't be here."
Lu Jinnian retorted that it had nothing to do with her, and when she slandered his mother, Lu Shan, by comparing him to a "bastard son" and his mother to a "gold-digger" who "drank with customers at a bar every day," he firmly told her to show some respect and that she had no right to speak of his mother.
Han Ruchu continued her verbal assault, suggesting he was trying to "snag Qiao Qiao" and advising him to "find yourself a sugar mama." She then dramatically fell, crying, "Why did you push me?" Xu Jiamu, hearing his mother's cry, rushed over and, without investigating, demanded Lu Jinnian apologize to his mother. Lu Jinnian, furious and disgusted by the setup, retorted, "I'm not your brother," and stormed off without another word.
The next day, Lu Jinnian walked alone at school, ignoring Xu Jiamu. Qiao Anhao noticed the tension and asked Jiamu what happened, sensing a fight. Jiamu brushed it off, but Qiao Anhao insisted she could tell they were unhappy. A student then announced that Ninth High School had challenged Fan Di High to a basketball match that Friday. Qiao Anhao proposed that Jiamu and Lu Jinnian should participate, hoping it would reconcile them.
Jiamu doubted Lu Jinnian would agree, but Qiao Anhao resolved to persuade him for the school's honor. She found Lu Jinnian and appealed to him, mentioning Fan Di High's reputation was at stake. When he suggested others could play, she gently prodded, "Just pretend it's for Jia Mu." Though Lu Jinnian initially suspected Jiamu had sent her, Qiao Anhao explained she didn't want either of them to be sad. He then agreed to play that Friday.
During the basketball game, Lu Jinnian and Xu Jiamu played alongside each other, cheered on by their classmates, and successfully won the match. Afterward, Qiao Anhao praised Lu Jinnian's basketball skills. She then showed him the necklace he had given her, asking about the English word "Shmily" engraved on it. She mentioned she had looked it up online but found no meaning.
Lu Jinnian, shy, vaguely claimed it was perhaps the name of the necklace maker, but in a private moment, he revealed its true meaning to himself: "See how much I love you, Qiao Qiao." Afterwards, Qiao Anhao and Jinnian listened to music together with earphones, enjoying the romantic moment. Later, Han Ruchu secretly spoke with Qiao Anhao's aunt, claiming Jinnian was a distant relative, and suggesting Qiao Anhao might be dating him.
When the aunt learned it was true, Han Ruchu seized the opportunity to defame Lu Jinnian, describing his mother as a "bar girl" who "coveted wealth" and "forced" a child upon her husband, and that Lu Jinnian himself was a "bastard son" whose mother died of an illness when he was eleven.
Shocked, Qiao Anhao's aunt confronted Qiao Anhao, warning her to "keep a distance from Lu Jinnian" and "not be friends with those kinds of people," emphasizing that Qiao Anhao was the heir of Qiao Group and belonged to a different world than such "indecent people." Despite Qiao Anhao's protests that Lu Jinnian was not like that, her aunt forbade their friendship. Director Sun assigned Qiao Anhao the important task of delivering a speech on behalf of the student body.
Despite the short notice, Qiao Anhao diligently prepared her draft. Her friend teased her, suggesting she could just copy something from the internet as ninety percent of the audience wouldn't care, but Qiao Anhao remained committed to her preparation. On the day of the speech, Director Sun formally introduced Qiao Anhao to the respected supervisors and the student body. However, Qiao Anhao was nowhere to be found. Xu Jiamu and Lu Jinnian were seen searching for her.
Director Sun, frustrated by her absence, eventually found Qiao Anhao asleep and angrily confronted her for letting him down. When they realized she was deeply unconscious, Xu Jiamu, Lu Jinnian, and other students rushed her to the infirmary. The doctor informed them that Qiao Anhao had overdosed on sleeping pills. Suspecting foul play, Xu Jiamu immediately questioned if someone could have dosed her, given her careful preparation for the speech.
He urged Director Sun to investigate thoroughly, warning that the Xu and Qiao families would not let the school off easily. True to his word, Director Sun reviewed the security footage and later revealed to Xu Jiamu that Lin Qianqian was responsible. Enraged, Xu Jiamu exclaimed, "Lin Qianqian!"
Episode 5 Recap
Qiao Anhao slowly awoke after receiving an IV, opening her eyes to see Lu Jinnian waiting by her bedside. Though she struggled to sit up, Lu Jinnian, fearing her discomfort, continuously poured her hot water. Blushing, Qiao Anhao drank it all, finishing more than half a bucket, which amused the nurses. The nurses also noted she had overdosed on medicine.
Later, Qiao Anhao's aunt visited, assuring her that Lin Qianqian's scheme had been handled by the Qiao family, and Lin Qianqian's parents were sending her overseas. The aunt comforted Qiao Anhao, telling her to rest and promising no one would hurt her again. That night, Lu Jinnian called Qiao Anhao, but she seemed to answer briefly before becoming distracted as her aunt entered the room, leading Lu Jinnian to wonder if she was still keeping her distance from him.
After her aunt left, Qiao Anhao tried to call Lu Jinnian back, but his phone was already powered off. The next day, Lu Jinnian and Jia Mu discussed their university plans. Lu Jinnian expressed his desire to attend Rong Hai University, where his mother had studied. Jia Mu was undecided, caught between his parents' wishes for him to intern in China or study abroad for show.
Qiao Anhao joined them, stating her preference for a university close to home so she could visit her uncle and aunt frequently. Jia Mu suggested Qing Shui University, but Qiao Anhao secretly planned to study hard and get into Rong Hai to be with Lu Jinnian. During their conversation, Qiao Anhao offered Lu Jinnian her juice. Seeing this, Jia Mu wanted some too, but Lu Jinnian quickly drank it all, despite his severe allergy to fruit acid.
He later had to go to the hospital alone, where his doctor warned him that he could die if he consumed any more. Undeterred, Qiao Anhao looked at Rong Hai University's high score requirements and resolved to work harder, murmuring, "For Lu Jin Nian, you can. Good luck!" Time flew by, and soon Lu Jinnian, Jia Mu, and Qiao Anhao faced graduation. After the college entrance exams, the friends gathered for a celebratory meal.
An Yi, who was still in school, noticed Lu Jinnian seemed unusually quiet and sullen and asked why he wasn't eating, and why he wasn't applying to Rong Hai despite his good grades. Lu Jinnian explained he had applied to Qing Shui University.
Jia Mu was perplexed, asking why Lu Jinnian changed his mind, especially since Lu Jinnian had previously wanted to go to Rong Hai because his mother studied there, and Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu had both chosen Rong Hai so they could stay together. Unbeknownst to Jia Mu, Lu Jinnian had applied to Qing Shui University because he mistakenly thought Qiao Anhao would apply there. Lu Jinnian simply stated it was "heaven's will."
Unbeknownst to them, Lu Jinnian had attempted to change his application back to Rong Hai, but the teacher informed him that the form had already been given to Director Sun and if it was sent to the Education Bureau, it would be too late. Later, Han Ruchu was informed by her maid that Director Sun had successfully prevented Lu Jinnian from changing his university application, ensuring he would be far from Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao.
Han Ruchu instructed her maid to give Director Sun money to keep his silence. Qiao Anhao later asked Lu Jinnian to a movie to relieve exam stress, and he readily agreed. After the movie, Lu Jinnian walked Qiao Anhao home. On their way, Qiao Anhao asked him why he chose Qing Shui University when they had all intended to go to Rong Hai. Lu Jinnian explained that Qing Shui was closer to home, making travel more convenient.
Qiao Anhao regretted listening to Jia Mu's initial suggestion for her to consider Qing Shui. As they parted ways, Qiao Anhao shyly asked Lu Jinnian to teach her basketball during the summer, and they agreed to meet at the school courtyard the next day. This interaction was witnessed by Qiao Anhao's aunt, who immediately confronted Lu Jinnian after Qiao Anhao left.
The aunt accused him of liking Qiao Anhao and warned him to stay away, asserting he wasn't good enough for her. She brutally insulted his background, calling him "the son of a mistress" and claiming his mother had become a prostitute.
Lu Jinnian, deeply hurt, tried to defend his mother and demanded an apology, but the aunt continued, saying that Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu were "meant to be" and from the same world, while Lu Jinnian, "even if you work for 100 years, you'll never reach her world." She declared that not all humans are born equal and told him to "know his limit."
Devastated and enraged, Lu Jinnian left without another word, the aunt's harsh words echoing in his mind, making him wonder if Qiao Anhao thought the same way. The next day, Qiao Anhao eagerly waited at the school courtyard, ready to confess her feelings to Lu Jinnian. Unbeknownst to her, Lu Jinnian had already packed his belongings, given his pet fish named Wish to a friend at a cafe, instructing them on its care and to remember he would return.
He then threw away his phone's SIM card and left. Qiao Anhao waited for hours, trying to call him, but his phone was off. Jia Mu, Qiao Anhao, and An Yi began searching for him. On the phone, Qiao Anhao worried something might have happened, but An Yi's suggestion of a car accident or illness was quickly dismissed by Qiao Anhao, who insisted Lu Jinnian was fine.
They went to his room, but a roommate informed them that Lu Jinnian had left early that morning and he didn't know where. Meanwhile, Han Ruchu's maid confirmed to her that Lu Jinnian had traveled to Qing Shui City alone yesterday afternoon, prompting Han Ruchu to remark that her plans had not disappointed her. Jia Mu later asked his mother if she had spoken to Lu Jinnian, but Han Ruchu denied any contact.
Lost in her thoughts, Qiao Anhao desperately sketched Lu Jinnian's portrait, longing for his return. In Qing Shui City, Lu Jinnian applied for a waiter position at a restaurant. The boss, Sister Yi, noted his arrogant demeanor but decided to give him a trial. His first customer, an older woman, flirted with him, and when he rebuffed her, she falsely accused him of groping her, leading to a confrontation with her male companion.
Sister Yi intervened, resolving the dispute by paying for the damage, but then harshly scolded Lu Jinnian. She told him that in the service industry, he needed to be pleasant, not carry a "long face," and reminded him he was just a part-time worker, not a "young master."
When Lu Jinnian tried to explain it wasn't his fault, Sister Yi lectured him on societal inequality, stating some are born with privilege while others struggle their whole lives, and "unfairness is the reality of this society." She gave him one more chance, warning him to adapt or leave.
Lu Jinnian offered to pay for the damage incurred himself, but Sister Yi stopped him, telling him he was too young and that "a man needs to be capable enough before he can be arrogant." She warned that his sharp edges and arrogance would lead to a tragic fall. Lu Jinnian listened to her words, deeply affected by both the aunt's and Sister Yi's harsh lessons on his place in the world, resolving to become capable.
Episode 6 Recap
Lu Jinnian left silently, leaving Qiao Anhao consumed by a profound sense of longing. She constantly checked her phone, hoping to see a message or call from him. Lu Jinnian, too, missed Qiao Anhao, but he felt that his background and status were unworthy of the prestigious Qiao family's daughter. He vowed to work hard and build a better life, determined to become someone worthy of saying "I love you" to her.
University began, and Qiao Anhao was overjoyed to discover that Zhao Meng was assigned to the same dormitory at Rong Hai University. The two friends embraced excitedly, calling their reunion and shared dorm room the "eighth" and "ninth wonders of the world." At the university supermarket, a bold thief attempted to pickpocket someone. While others hesitated, Song Xiangsi, a striking and straightforward girl, intervened. Xu Jia Mu quickly stepped in to help her subdue the thief.
Afterward, Xu Jia Mu teasingly asked if she owed him a thank you. Song Xiangsi simply replied with a curt "Thanks," leaving Xu Jia Mu intrigued by her composed demeanor. During the class introductions, Song Xiangsi briefly introduced herself, stating her hobby as reading and her special skill as earning money. Xu Jia Mu then gave a more elaborate introduction, even making a literary reference to his and Song Xiangsi's names.
He boasted about his numerous hobbies, including racing, playing piano, basketball, golf, and video games, captivating many female students. Song Xiangsi, however, watched him with a cool, indifferent expression. Meanwhile, at Qing Shui University, Lu Jinnian was frequently pestered by Huang Xiao Jie, a persistent classmate. She tried to engage him in conversation at the library and even found a photo of Qiao Anhao in his book, questioning him about it.
Lu Jinnian, maintaining his usual distant demeanor, retorted that looking through others' things without permission was rude. Despite Huang Xiao Jie's efforts, Lu Jinnian remained aloof, his heart still set on Qiao Anhao and his ambition to achieve success. Missing Lu Jinnian, Xu Jia Mu suggested to Qiao Anhao that they visit him in Qing Shui City, expressing concern for him being alone.
The two friends traveled to Qing Shui University and had a warm reunion with Lu Jinnian, deciding to eat at the cafeteria. There, Huang Xiao Jie joined them, acting intimately with Lu Jinnian and offering to be their tour guide for the weekend. Feeling increasingly uncomfortable, Qiao Anhao feigned a headache, prompting Lu Jinnian to walk her and Xu Jia Mu back to their hotel.
Back at the hotel, Xu Jia Mu excitedly shared his plan to form an e-sports team and compete internationally, announcing he would visit a renowned team in Qing Shui City that night. Lu Jinnian also mentioned he had "plans," which meant going to his part-time job. Feeling disappointed and left alone, Qiao Anhao decided to wander the city by herself. While exploring, Qiao Anhao stumbled upon a restaurant and ordered salmon sashimi.
To her astonishment, Lu Jinnian, dressed as a waiter, brought her order. He was visibly flustered by the unexpected encounter, torn between happiness at seeing her and embarrassment over his current occupation. Yi Jie, the restaurant manager, noticed Lu Jinnian's reaction and later discreetly asked him if he liked Qiao Anhao, remarking on Qiao Anhao's expensive attire. Lu Jinnian denied it, claiming Qiao Anhao was merely a "normal friend."
As Qiao Anhao passed by, she overheard his words, which deeply hurt her. Yi Jie then shared a cautionary tale about love and the importance of socioeconomic compatibility, emphasizing that "bread" is also crucial in a relationship. Lu Jinnian reflected on his desire to become successful and not be seen with pity by Qiao Anhao. Heartbroken, Qiao Anhao returned to her hotel room and drank herself into a state of severe intoxication.
Later that night, Xu Jia Mu returned to find Qiao Anhao crying, unable to articulate her pain. Unable to console her, he called Lu Jinnian, who immediately rushed to the hotel. They were both puzzled, as Qiao Anhao rarely drank. After moving her to the bed, Xu Jia Mu, exhausted, fell asleep on the sofa, joking about Qiao Anhao's "naughtiness" even in her sleep. Lu Jinnian stayed awake, diligently tending to Qiao Anhao, bringing her water throughout the night.
Watching her sleep, he silently vowed to work tirelessly and ensure her happiness. The next morning, Qiao Anhao woke up, disheveled and embarrassed to be seen by Lu Jinnian, quickly rushing to tidy herself. Lu Jinnian found her amusingly cute. Xu Jia Mu, still unaware of the true reason for her drunkenness, jokingly asked if she had been "dumped." Shortly after, Xu Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao returned to Rong Hai University.
There, Zhao Meng playfully teased Qiao Anhao, suggesting that she and Xu Jia Mu were a perfect match, being childhood sweethearts with compatible backgrounds. Back on campus, Xu Jia Mu again encountered Song Xiangsi and remarked on her interesting personality, noting her cool exterior yet underlying sense of justice. She dismissed him with an indifferent attitude. However, a rare smile graced Song Xiangsi's face when she answered a phone call from her father.
She reassured him about taking his medication and not worrying about the cost, emphasizing that his health was all that mattered to her, even as her father expressed guilt about her having to work to support him. Meanwhile, an agent from Lead Culture Media, scouting for new talent at Qing Shui University, spotted Lu Jinnian and was immediately captivated by his "perfect" looks, declaring him destined for stardom.
The agent tried to persuade Lu Jinnian to consider an acting career, highlighting their company's influential position in the entertainment industry. However, Lu Jinnian showed no interest in the offer and even threatened to call security.
Episode 7 Recap
Lu Jinnian was approached by a talent scout from Lingyu Media while walking around campus. The scout, Shen Ming Zhe, relentlessly pursued him, following him to classes, the library, and even his part-time job at a restaurant. Lu Jinnian, known for his unyielding composure, eventually agreed to a single screen test just to make Shen Ming Zhe stop bothering him. He asked, "If I promise to do a screen test with you once, will you stop following me?"
Shen Ming Zhe eagerly confirmed he would. The next day, Shen Ming Zhe brought Lu Jinnian to meet Ms. Zhen, the boss of Lingyu Media. Ms. Zhen, who had been notoriously difficult to impress, recognized Lu Jinnian's unique appearance and demeanor. However, she also sensed his lack of enthusiasm for acting. She engaged him in conversation, noting his seemingly average life and suggesting that being an actor offered a more interesting path, allowing him to experience different lives.
More importantly, she stressed that if he became famous and wealthy, he could provide a better life for his family and loved ones. This resonated with Lu Jinnian, who had privately vowed to become successful enough for Qiao Anhao. Ms. Zhen gave him a day to consider her offer. Shen Ming Zhe, anxious about his job security, worried if Lu Jinnian would return.
The following afternoon, Lu Jinnian returned to Ms. Zhen and agreed to enter the entertainment industry, but he presented three conditions: he would not accept roles that crossed his moral bottom line, he would manage his own public statements, and he would not engage in any scandals. Ms. Zhen questioned his audacity, to which Lu Jinnian confidently replied, "Because I will become popular." Seeing his conviction, Lu Jinnian added a fourth condition: Shen Ming Zhe must be his manager.
Ms. Zhen, though hesitant, eventually agreed. Shen Ming Zhe was overjoyed, hugging Lu Jinnian, who immediately pushed him away, simply saying, "Stay away from me." Lu Jinnian then began filming promotional material, showcasing his versatility. Ms. Zhen later advised Shen Ming Zhe to be selective with Lu Jinnian's projects, prioritizing quality over quantity. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao was in her dorm with Zhao Meng, watching a romantic drama.
Zhao Meng, caught up in the show, wished to find someone who had secretly loved her for years, like a character in the drama. Qiao Anhao, lost in her own thoughts, asked Zhao Meng when she would be "loyal to one" character, to which Zhao Meng declared it "universal love." Song Xiangsi, whose father was ill and hospitalized, was working various part-time jobs to earn money.
One day, while she was distributing flyers, Jia Mu attempted to help, inadvertently causing her to be fired by her supervisor, Miss Li, who accused her of being lazy and unreliable. Jia Mu, feeling apologetic, offered to compensate her financially, but Song Xiangsi angrily rebuffed him, calling him a "parasite" who was simply lucky to have rich parents. Later that evening, a despondent Jia Mu invited Qiao Anhao to a KTV.
He quickly got drunk, lamenting that he felt useless without his parents and wondering if he was "dislikable." He asked Qiao Anhao if she believed he could make his newly formed e-sports club successful. Qiao Anhao assured him she did. Shortly after, Jia Mu spotted Song Xiangsi in another room, being harassed by a group of men who were forcing her to drink. He rushed in to intervene, fighting the men and sustaining some injuries himself.
Song Xiangsi pulled him away to hide, but still upset by the earlier incident, she begged him to leave and stop bothering her, stating she didn't want to lose another job because of him. " You hate me that much?" he asked. She threatened to leave if he didn't. Back in their KTV room, Qiao Anhao wondered what had happened between them.
Song Xiangsi's reclusive nature and late-night returns to the dorm led to rumors among her female classmates, who gossiped about her questionable character, calling her a "femme fatale" and a "basic bitch." On a film set, Lu Jinnian encountered Ms. Fang, an actress who attempted to proposition him. She tried to discuss a scene as a pretext, then asserted her influence, boasting that she could make or break careers in minutes.
Lu Jinnian, however, firmly rejected her advances, declaring, "This drama is impossible for me to do." Ms. Fang, angered, threatened him. Back at Lingyu Media, Ms. Zhen was furious about him getting fired from a role she had "practically got on [her] knees" to secure. Lu Jinnian took responsibility but stated he would not film the drama and would reject all future projects involving Ms. Fang, refusing to resort to such unethical methods for success.
Ms. Zhen, though frustrated, ultimately handed him a low-budget art-house film with low pay, which Lu Jinnian accepted despite Shen Ming Zhe's protests. Separately, Han Ruchu, Jia Mu's mother, noticed his extravagant spending. She called him, discovering he had started an e-sports club. She vehemently disapproved, calling it "an excuse to game" and urging him not to take it seriously, reminding him of his responsibility to inherit the family group.
Jia Mu, however, strongly pushed back, stating he had his own interests and choices, and refused to live a future of "suits and conferences with old men." He asserted that he had already established his club and would continue with it, regardless of her support, before abruptly hanging up. Qiao Anhao, having learned that Lu Jinnian had become a celebrity, though not yet famous, and was already filming a drama, later informed Jia Mu over the phone.
Qiao Anhao then invited Lu Jinnian to Ronghai to hang out. Lu Jinnian pushed off all his work and came to meet her at her school. She expressed her surprise and curiosity about his decision to act, noting she thought he preferred a quiet life. Lu Jinnian explained that "actors can experience different kinds of lives" and he "wanted to try it." Qiao Anhao enthusiastically peppered him with questions about acting.
Lu Jinnian then suggested they go for a Ferris wheel ride. Qiao Anhao excitedly agreed. As he left to drop off his belongings, Lu Jinnian reaffirmed his inner resolve, thinking to himself, "I'll do anything for you as long as you like it. I want to do my best to gain the entire world and place it before you."
Episode 8 Recap
Xu Jiamu, enjoying a comfortable life, was relaxing on the beach when his assistant arranged a private tour guide. To his surprise, the guide was Song Xiangsi. She initially addressed him as "Third Young Master." He recognized her and was surprised, commenting on her doing "this kind of part-time job." Song Xiangsi, displeased, told him not to assume others were as vulgar as him and started to leave.
She then received a phone call from a friend thanking her for covering a shift, indicating she took on the guiding job for a friend. Moments later, Dr. Sun called, informing her that her father's condition had worsened, he had suffered heart palpitations, was in the ICU, and required an immediate surgery for which 50,000 yuan was needed that day. Desperate, Song Xiangsi returned to Xu Jiamu, tearfully asking to borrow 50,000 yuan.
Xu Jiamu readily agreed, promising to keep it a secret. She thanked him, promising to repay him quickly, but he told her there was no rush. He then suggested that if she felt bad, she could be his long-term tour guide, treating the money as a down payment, and asked her to call him Jia Mu. Song Xiangsi expressed her gratitude, knowing she would continue to need money for her father's ongoing medical expenses.
Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao were on a date. When Qiao Anhao saw children playing bumper cars, it brought back painful memories. She became visibly upset, prompting Lu Jinnian to ask what was wrong. She confided in him about her parents' tragic death in a car accident when she was young, recalling how she lost them instantly and saw them lying before her eyes, helpless.
She mentioned that she had grown up at her aunt's house, well-fed but deprived of parental love. She believed Lu Jinnian couldn't understand such a feeling, but he solemnly replied, "I do know." This triggered a memory for Lu Jinnian of his own childhood, where he frantically pleaded with doctors to save his mother, only to be informed that she had overdosed on sleeping pills and passed away by suicide.
He silently urged Qiao Anhao not to dwell on the past, telling her not to be sad anymore. Later that evening, as night fell, they rode a beautifully lit Ferris wheel. Lu Jinnian mentioned the legend that wishes made at the top would come true. Qiao Anhao asked what he wished for, but he teasingly said he wouldn't tell her because it wouldn't come true if he did.
She took a photo of him while they were up high, then showed it to him, playfully asking if he looked silly. Back in her dorm, Qiao Anhao was still beaming, prompting Zhao Meng to ask about her good mood. Zhao Meng shared her latest career aspiration: becoming a celebrity manager. She revealed she'd seen online that many stars date their managers and hoped to find a handsome star for herself. She even wondered about Lu Jinnian's manager.
Zhao Meng then excitedly proposed they both audition to be trainees at San He Media, suggesting it might lead to meeting attractive men. Qiao Anhao agreed, secretly envisioning future opportunities to film with Lu Jinnian, perhaps even as an on-screen couple. The next day, Qiao Anhao, longing to see Lu Jinnian, sent him a message asking for a picture of him acting. Lu Jinnian responded with a rare selfie from his film set, showing a warm smile.
Qiao Anhao eagerly examined the photo, zooming in, and noticed the name "Huang Xiao Jie" written on a document he was holding. Feeling a touch of unease and curiosity about this person, but too shy to ask Lu Jinnian directly, Qiao Anhao decided to act on Zhao Meng's earlier suggestion. She told Zhao Meng they should both audition to be trainees at San He Media, believing that being in the same company would provide more opportunities to see Lu Jinnian.
Meanwhile, Xu Jiamu faced a financial predicament. Having lent his club's rent money to Song Xiangsi, he was now behind on rent for his esports club. The landlord repeatedly called, prompting his friend Big-Head Goose to inquire if he had used up the six months' worth of rent he had set aside. Xu Jiamu reassured them he would pay in a few days and then called his father, Xu Niande.
His father, sensing trouble, asked what mess he needed to clean up. Xu Jiamu confessed he was out of money due to an emergency, denying it was for gaming investments. Though his father initially admonished him for his gaming investments, he ultimately agreed to send "100,000 yuan or so for now," asking him to keep it a secret from his mother. The university held a debate competition on the topic: "Is college dating more beneficial or harmful for students?"
Song Xiangsi and Xu Jiamu were both on the affirmative team, arguing for its benefits. During the free debate segment, an opposing speaker challenged Xu Jiamu, questioning why he remained single if he truly believed in the benefits of college dating. In a surprising move, Xu Jiamu pulled Song Xiangsi forward and declared, "Song Xiang Si is my girlfriend," to the shock of the audience, ultimately winning the debate for their team.
Afterward, as classmates celebrated their win, Xu Jiamu confirmed his statement was true, but Song Xiangsi was upset and tried to leave. He chased her, reminding her she was his "creditor," then seriously asked her to be his girlfriend. Song Xiangsi expressed confusion, stating they were from different worlds and she wasn't interested in a "playboy" like him, as she didn't have time or feelings to squander.
Xu Jiamu, taken aback, asked if she truly saw him as such a mess. He then reaffirmed his feelings, asking her to give him time to prove his sincerity. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng attended the San He Media trainee audition. Zhao Meng's singing talent was deemed inferior to her looks, and she was rejected. Qiao Anhao, however, was immediately recruited based on her appearance.
To comfort a dejected Zhao Meng, Qiao Anhao suggested she pursue her dream of becoming a manager, which Zhao Meng enthusiastically embraced, declaring herself Qiao Anhao's manager from that moment on. Eager to share her good news, Qiao Anhao searched for Lu Jinnian at the university, only to learn from a classmate that he was filming out of town and his phone was off to avoid disturbance during filming.
Frustrated by the inability to reach him, Qiao Anhao expressed her anger. Later that night, Lu Jinnian finally turned on his phone and called Qiao Anhao, asking if she had tried to reach him. She claimed she was visiting a friend nearby and just thought to call. Lu Jinnian, despite his manager's concerns about his tight schedule and potential rumors, offered to treat Qiao Anhao to a late-night snack, which she excitedly accepted, immediately preparing for their meeting.
Episode 9 Recap
After an evening of anticipation, Qiao Anhao, having dressed meticulously, met Lu Jinnian downstairs at the hotel. He had been waiting for her, and though their planned late-night snack was now a breakfast, they were happy to see each other. As they settled in, Lu Jinnian apologized for her long wait, and Qiao Anhao assured him it was fine. She then mentioned encountering Huang Xiaojie, who had told her Lu Jinnian was filming.
Lu Jinnian clarified that he had borrowed notes from Huang Xiaojie after missing some classes, and that's how she became aware of his filming schedule. As they enjoyed their breakfast, a small child accidentally bumped into Qiao Anhao, staining her dress. Lu Jinnian immediately offered to take her to buy new clothes. At the clothing store, Qiao Anhao looked around and chose a white and light green sheer dress to try on.
While she was in the fitting room, Lu Jinnian's manager, Shen Ming Zhe, called, urging him to leave for an appointment. Lu Jinnian, however, told him he was busy and couldn't talk, then ended the call, prioritizing Qiao Anhao. When Qiao Anhao emerged in the new dress, Lu Jinnian complimented her, noting how beautiful she looked.
After paying for the dress, Qiao Anhao noticed Lu Jinnian receiving more calls and, being considerate, encouraged him to attend to his work, saying she could explore the mall on her own. Lu Jinnian, feeling apologetic, agreed. Once Qiao Anhao left, Lu Jinnian answered Shen Ming Zhe's persistent calls, only to learn that his afternoon filming schedule had been postponed to the day after tomorrow.
Frustrated, Lu Jinnian immediately hung up and rushed back into the mall to find Qiao Anhao. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao was browsing in a boutique when she spotted Huang Xiaojie. Qiao Anhao tried to avoid her, but overheard Huang Xiaojie telling a store employee she was buying a birthday gift for her "soon-to-be boyfriend." Moments later, Huang Xiaojie saw Lu Jinnian and enthusiastically approached him, presenting him with the gift and wishing him a happy birthday.
Qiao Anhao, hidden from view, watched their interaction and mistakenly concluded that this meeting was Lu Jinnian's "urgent matter," leaving her disheartened. Elsewhere, Xu Jiamu continued his pursuit of Song Xiangsi. He invited her out, reminding her playfully about her debt and promise to be his tour guide. She reluctantly agreed, and when he offered to treat her to any expensive Western cuisine, she surprised him by expressing a preference for water and being uncomfortable in such establishments.
Instead, she led him to a bustling night market, where he experienced street food like stinky tofu for the first time. Xu Jiamu observed that Song Xiangsi was not as delicate as he had imagined. They then went to an amusement park, and Xu Jiamu took her on a carousel ride, a long-held childhood wish for Song Xiangsi. She confided in him about her mother's early death when she was six, and how that dream had faded.
Xu Jiamu, deeply moved, promised to take her to every amusement park in the world that had carousels, then lovingly kissed her. The next day, Song Xiangsi found herself confronted by Han Ruchu, Xu Jiamu's mother, who, having investigated Song Xiangsi, presented her with documents detailing her family background.
In a café, Han Ruchu made it clear that Xu Jiamu, as the future head of Han Group, needed a partner who could help him build his business empire, not "a no-name girl from a small town" like Song Xiangsi. Song Xiangsi fiercely defended her genuine feelings for Xu Jiamu, unrelated to his family status, and criticized Han Ruchu for her intrusive investigation.
Undeterred, Han Ruchu offered a chilling ultimatum: she would arrange for Song Xiangsi's ailing father, whose condition was difficult to treat in China, to receive care from the best doctors abroad. The condition was that Song Xiangsi must accompany her father, disappear from Xu Jiamu's life, and never contact him again. Torn between her love for Xu Jiamu and her father's life, Song Xiangsi agonizingly agreed to the terms, with Han Ruchu demanding her departure by the next day.
Later that afternoon, Song Xiangsi met Xu Jiamu by the sea, grappling with her painful decision. She confessed to herself that she had fallen in love with him and believed he loved her too, but she couldn't bear to see either of their families hurt, or for him to hate his mother because of her.
Unaware of her internal turmoil, Xu Jiamu presented her with a necklace he had spent two weeks searching for, wishing they would never part and expressing that being with her was the best thing in his life. He noticed her distance and asked what was on her mind, and they shared another tender kiss. Despite his questions about moving too fast, she insisted she only cared about the present, and he agreed. They spent the night together.
The next morning, Xu Jiamu woke to find Song Xiangsi gone. Thinking she had snuck off early, he called her, playfully asking why she left and reminding her about dinner with friends that night, where he planned to introduce her officially. Meanwhile, Song Xiangsi was in a car, crying silently as she left, reiterating to herself that this was her only choice to prevent harm to both their families.
That evening, Xu Jiamu hosted a dinner with friends, including Qiao Anhao, eagerly waiting to introduce Song Xiangsi. However, Song Xiangsi never arrived, and his calls went unanswered. The following day, a confused Xu Jiamu learned from his counselor that Song Xiangsi had withdrawn from school. Devastated and unable to reach her, he was left heartbroken, utterly bewildered by her sudden and unexplained departure.
Episode 10 Recap
Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng were browsing in a boutique when Qiao Anhao recognized it as the shop where Huang Xiaojie had bought a gift. Qiao Anhao felt disheartened, but then the store clerk revealed that the gift Huang Xiaojie had purchased was returned because her boyfriend did not accept it. This revelation made Qiao Anhao realize she had misunderstood Lu Jinnian.
She quickly excused herself from Zhao Meng, telling her to return to Ronghai on her own, and immediately called Lu Jinnian. They arranged to meet by the sea, where Qiao Anhao closed her eyes, letting the refreshing breeze flow through her hair, while Lu Jinnian watched her with a serene smile. Three years swiftly passed, and another summer vacation arrived. Han Ruchu, Xu Jia Mu's mother, was determined to groom her son, Xu Jia Mu, to manage the Han Group.
However, Xu Jia Mu showed no interest in the company, always making excuses like a stomachache to avoid meetings. Han Ruchu chastised him for his lack of commitment, stressing that he would soon be a senior in college and she worried about handing over the company to him, to which he retorted that the company was "not my company, not my responsibility."
She also criticized his gaming, saying that despite winning competitions, it wasn't a "proper job," but he insisted a proper job wasn't for him. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao's aunt also voiced her disapproval of Qiao Anhao's acting career, urging her to quit because the industry was complicated and the family didn't lack money. Qiao Anhao stood firm, explaining her passion for acting: "In real life, I can only be Qiao An Hao, but while acting, I can be anyone.
I also believe that my hard work will bring me success." One day, Xu Jia Mu was stunned to see Song Xiangsi, now an actress, appearing alongside Lu Jinnian in a drama on TV. Enraged by this discovery and convinced Song Xiangsi owed him an explanation, Xu Jia Mu decided to immediately travel to the city where they were filming, pulling Qiao Anhao along with him.
After arriving, he told Qiao Anhao he missed Lu Jinnian and wanted to surprise him on set, clarifying that they would visit the next day. Upon arriving in Qingshui City, they found all hotels fully booked due to a conference, with only one room available after a last-minute cancellation. Left with no other choice, Xu Jia Mu insisted Qiao Anhao take the bed while he slept on the sofa.
The following morning, Xu Jia Mu woke up while Qiao Anhao was still asleep. As he stepped out of the room, he encountered Song Xiangsi. She glanced past him into his room, catching sight of a woman's feet on the bed, and then coldly turned to walk away. Xu Jia Mu swiftly pursued her into her room, demanding an explanation.
Xu Jia Mu confronted Song Xiangsi, wanting to know why she had left without a word three years ago and hadn't contacted him since. Song Xiangsi, biting her lip, coldly declared that she had only dated him because he was wealthy and could help pay for her father's medical treatment. She claimed she had no further use for him and no longer needed to maintain the act.
She reiterated that her laughter, their outings, and even her story about the carousel were all performances, asking if her "acting was very convincing." She added that the "show is over" and there was no need to be serious. When a crew member called her for makeup, she stated she had to go to work, and Xu Jia Mu retorted by asking if she was going "to continue acting out there."
She confirmed, and he warned her not to "fall so deeply into your role that you forget your humble background." Unable to believe that the girl he had loved deeply could be so cruel, Xu Jia Mu angrily slapped her and stormed out. After he left, Song Xiangsi collapsed to the floor, weeping, whispering an apology for what she had done. Later, Qiao Anhao and Xu Jia Mu visited the film set.
They watched as Lu Jinnian and Song Xiangsi acted out a scene where their characters, long-separated lovers, were reunited. The director explained it was a "fake kiss using alternative angling," emphasizing the need for emotional expressions. Seeing their intimate portrayal, Qiao Anhao grew visibly jealous. Lu Jinnian quickly explained that the kiss was merely a "forced perspective," not a real one, which relieved Qiao Anhao. Meanwhile, Xu Jia Mu, still reeling from his earlier confrontation, sought out Song Xiangsi alone.
He noted she was still wearing the ring he gave her, questioning her affections. She dismissed him, asserting it was "none of your business" and asking him to let go. He taunted her, suggesting she was worried her "sponsor will see and take away your role." Song Xiangsi affirmed this, coldly telling him to keep his distance, before walking away. Elsewhere, Xu Niande's company faced significant capital flow issues, causing concern for Han Ruchu.
She proposed a solution: publicly announcing a marriage alliance with the Qiao family, believing it could attract investors and restore confidence in their financial strength. Despite Xu Niande's reservations about rushing into a marriage, Han Ruchu was convinced that Xu Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao, having grown up together, were a perfect match. She decided to discreetly approach Qiao Anhao's aunt, Lan Qing, to gauge her reaction, with the intention of arranging the marriage as soon as they graduated.
At the same time, Qiao Anhao confided her feelings for Lu Jinnian to a stranger online, expressing her dilemma: "If I don't confess my feelings, I may never get another chance. But if I say it, it's possible we can't even be friends anymore. We'll just be strangers who know each other very well." The stranger advised her to take the 50 percent chance of success rather than regret losing her opportunity.
Shortly after, Qiao Anhao received a phone call from her aunt, Lan Qing, who informed her that a marriage had been arranged for her with Xu Jia Mu. Qiao Anhao was utterly shocked and could not believe her ears. The next day, Qiao Anhao traveled to Qingshui City to find Lu Jinnian. She called him, explaining she was in Qingshui but had lost her wallet and therefore her ID.
Lu Jinnian, still in his ancient costume directly from the film set, rushed to pick her up. She commented that he looked quite dashing in the attire. Since she couldn't check into a hotel without her ID, he offered for her to stay at his rental apartment, which she accepted as her only option. Upon arrival, Qiao Anhao asked to take a shower. Midway through her shower, the water suddenly stopped.
Covered in suds, she called out to Lu Jinnian, asking him to bring her some clean clothes. He, blushing, discreetly passed a towel through the bathroom door. Earlier, Lu Jinnian had taken a call from his manager, Shen Ming Zhe, who was frantic about his sudden departure from set with four scenes remaining. Lu Jinnian assured him he was just "unwell" and would handle any repercussions from Ms. Zhen and the director, before abruptly ending the call.
Episode 11 Recap
The water suddenly stopped while Qiao Anhao was showering, leaving her with a head full of foam. Lu Jinnian, blushing, handed her a towel through the bathroom door. He then tenderly helped her wash her hair with boiled hot water, making her feel cared for. Later, as they sat on the sofa watching television, a stream of romantic scenes appeared, causing Qiao Anhao to blush. Lu Jinnian suggested it was late and she should head to bed, and she agreed.
Unable to sleep, Qiao Anhao got up and found Lu Jinnian in the living room, also awake. She asked if she was keeping him up, but he said no, admitting he was having trouble falling asleep. When she explained she also couldn't sleep, Lu Jinnian offered her milk or music. Qiao Anhao then asked him to sing, and he obliged, his melodious voice filling the room as she listened with a happy smile.
The next morning, Lu Jinnian gently kissed Qiao Anhao's forehead as she slept, then quietly went to prepare breakfast. He woke her, telling her that breakfast would be ready once she washed up. Qiao Anhao, who had always thought of him as aloof, was surprised by his thoughtfulness. He offered her a taste of the breakfast he'd prepared, toast and fried eggs.
She thanked him, took a picture of the food, and then heartily enjoyed the meal, which Lu Jinnian found amusing and endearing. As they chatted, Qiao Anhao casually asked how an "aloof man" like him preferred girls to confess their feelings. Lu Jinnian paused, then asked if she was confessing to someone. She quickly denied it, stuffing food into her mouth to hide her nervousness, claiming she was just looking for conversation.
Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian's manager, Ms. Zhen, was furious with him for missing work, declaring that he was far from being an A-list celebrity and was not irreplaceable. She emphasized that filming always comes first in their industry. Shen Ming Zhe intervened, defending Lu Jinnian by citing his past dedication, like filming underwater with a high fever or enduring little sleep. Ms. Zhen allowed Lu Jinnian to explain, and he simply stated it was a "personal matter."
Unmoved, Ms. Zhen stressed that he couldn't ruin the company's reputation. To atone, Lu Jinnian offered to pay his remaining movie salary directly to the company, a sum in the millions. Ms. Zhen warned him not to let it happen again, or he would be pulled from his projects. She then shifted to discussing his upcoming trip to the Hong Kong Film Festival, where he had a good chance of winning.
Shen Ming Zhe suggested that Qiao Anhao was bad luck, lamenting that "beautiful women have always brought about destruction." Back at her dormitory, Qiao Anhao discussed her struggling acting career with a friend, revealing that her scenes were often cut. Her friend suggested asking "Iceberg Lu" to help her get better roles, but Qiao Anhao refused, not wanting Lu Jinnian to know she was taking minor roles and to avoid embarrassment.
Later, she showed her love letter to Jia Mu, asking for his help to refine it. Jia Mu was surprised to learn of her long-held feelings for his brother. As Qiao Anhao read the letter, she expressed her deep feelings, stating, "It's said that every person exists in anticipation of another's arrival. I think I am here for you. I don't ask for much. I only wish that I can be with you. I don't have much literary talent either.
I just wish I can love you 50 years later the same way I love you now. I don't think there will be another one in this lifetime whom I will love as deeply as you. Ever since the day I met you, everything I've done was to get closer to you. I've had many dreams. You were in every one. I've had numerous fantasies. I fantasize about being with you in every one. I've made many wishes.
With every one, I wished that you would love me. To the world, you are just one person. But to me, you are the whole world. As long as I live, I'll love only you." Jia Mu suggested a small but significant change to the final line, recommending, "As long as I live, I'll love you most." Qiao Anhao agreed, feeling it was an improvement.
Unbeknownst to them, Han Ruchu was outside the door and secretly recorded their conversation on her phone, selectively capturing Jia Mu's suggestion and Qiao Anhao's repeated phrase, making it sound like a declaration of love between Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu. Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian's dedication was rewarded when he won the Best Newcomer Award at the Hong Kong Film Festival.
He was excited to share the news with Qiao Anhao, contemplating how to confess his feelings to her with the award. However, as he was leaving, he was intercepted by Han Ruchu. Arrogant and confrontational, Han Ruchu mockingly congratulated him on his award, then deliberately played the manipulated recording of Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu. The recording created a grave misunderstanding, deeply upsetting Lu Jinnian.
Han Ruchu then added fuel to the fire, falsely claiming that Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu were getting engaged soon and promised to send him an invitation. Heartbroken and in despair, Lu Jinnian wandered aimlessly in the heavy rain, wondering if he had lost his chance with Qiao Anhao forever. Having been drenched and overcome with disappointment, Lu Jinnian fell ill. Despite his condition, he had scheduled interviews. Shen Ming Zhe frantically tried to reach him by phone but couldn't.
Ms. Zhen, worried about the upcoming "Entertainment Weekly" interview, arranged for Song Xiang Si to step in, noting that their "Best Onscreen Couple Award" could generate buzz. She instructed Song Xiang Si to be ambiguous with reporters and let the audience draw their own conclusions about their relationship. Shen Ming Zhe finally found Lu Jinnian, who was clearly unwell but insisted on proceeding with the interview.
Song Xiang Si, seeing his fever, advised him to redirect questions to her and to alert them immediately if he felt worse. During the interview, Song Xiang Si skillfully navigated questions, praising Lu Jinnian as a professional and warm-hearted actor, citing examples of his kindness on set. When asked about his opinion of Song Xiang Si, Lu Jinnian briefly responded that she was "very nice," "good at acting," and "pretty," hoping for future collaborations.
The reporters, eager for a scoop, pressed about their onscreen chemistry and whether it had led to real feelings. Song Xiang Si maintained an ambiguous stance, saying they had "a great relationship" but couldn't comment further, effectively fueling speculation. At the same time, Qiao Anhao, accompanied by Jia Mu, was preparing to confess her feelings to Lu Jinnian. Jia Mu encouraged her, dispelling her worries and assuring her that Lu Jinnian seemed to treat her differently.
As they prepared, news about Lu Jinnian and Song Xiang Si's "onscreen romance becoming reality" began to circulate, with reports suggesting they had finally admitted their feelings. Qiao Anhao, still nervous but determined, was about to make her confession, unaware of the media frenzy surrounding Lu Jinnian and Song Xiang Si.
Episode 12 Recap
Accompanied by Xu Jiamu, Qiao Anhao anxiously prepared to confess her feelings to Lu Jinnian. However, as they approached the entrance, she overheard reporters discussing Lu Jinnian and Song Xiangsi's intimate onscreen romance that had seemingly turned into reality, with one reporter stating, "They finally admitted it!" Qiao Anhao was instantly heartbroken, believing Lu Jinnian didn't love her. She felt it was unrequited love and that he had never loved her.
She dejectedly left, throwing the love letter on the ground, her mood extremely low. Xu Jiamu tried to comfort her, but Qiao Anhao, resigned, decided not to reveal her feelings to Lu Jinnian and asked Xu Jiamu to keep her secret. Later, Qiao Anhao, overwhelmed by repeated disappointments, agreed to an arranged marriage with the Xu family. She was seen taking off a necklace Lu Jinnian had given her, ready to bury her feelings deep inside.
Xu Jiamu, later asking if her confession was successful, learned from Qiao Anhao that it was not, as Lu Jinnian loved someone else. Qiao Anhao wondered if things would have been different had she confessed her love four years prior. Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian's assistant, Mingzhe, excitedly informed him that a video clip of him and Song Xiangsi's interview had garnered over 100 million views, and newspapers featuring their "reel to real" romance were sold out.
Lu Jinnian, in a foul mood, dismissed Mingzhe, later thinking to himself, "Qiao Qiao, in the end, I still couldn't have you." Concurrently, news of the impending marriage between the Qiao and Xu families was reported. Xu Jiamu angrily confronted his mother, Han Ruchu, asking why she released such news without his permission.
Han Ruchu disregarded his objections, asserting that he was an adult, and it was time for him to marry Qiao Anhao and begin his career at the company, planning the wedding for the month after his graduation. She believed the match was perfect due to their equal social status. When Xu Jiamu rejected the idea of marrying her, she simply stated that it didn't matter, as the news had already spread, giving them time to manage the situation.
Separately, Song Xiangsi also saw the news of the Xu-Qiao engagement, her heart sinking. Years passed, and everyone graduated. Qiao Anhao narrated that her seven-year secret crush on Lu Jinnian seemed to grow more distant as he became increasingly successful and dazzling, winning multiple awards. When Lead Culture Media faced difficulties, he stepped in, bought stocks, and became the company's CEO.
To get closer to Lu Jinnian, Qiao Anhao adopted the stage name Qiao Yi and entered the entertainment industry, with Zhao Meng as her manager. She affirmed that despite the passage of time, her love for Lu Jinnian endured. Three years later, Xu Jiamu, as the successor of Han Group, attended a business dinner with investors, where Song Xiangsi was also present. They formally greeted each other, pretending to be strangers.
When investors pressured Song Xiangsi to drink, Xu Jiamu offered to drink on her behalf, but she coldly rebuffed him, reminding him they were not friends and questioning his right to interfere. During a break, Xu Jiamu confronted Song Xiangsi in the hallway. She accused him of pestering her and said they had severed ties long ago, claiming it was better for both of them. Xu Jiamu questioned if she dumped him for money, fearing he'd expose her.
Song Xiangsi defiantly told him to stop bothering her. He then offered to invest in her project if she told him how much money she wanted, insulting her by suggesting she sold her body for status and climbed the ranks with the help of wealthy older men. Song Xiangsi retorted, accusing him of being a spoiled rich heir who was nothing without his mother and family money, and that he was inferior to the investors they had been flattering.
She declared her intense hatred for him and wished never to see him again. After Song Xiangsi left the dinner, Xu Jiamu, heavily intoxicated, wandered out and was involved in a horrific car accident, rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Han Ruchu, upon hearing the news, rushed to his side, distraught, accusing Xu Niande of responsibility if anything happened to their son.
The doctor informed them that Xu Jiamu's condition was stable but his life was still in danger, and he needed continuous observation. Later, the doctor informed them that Xu Jiamu was in a vegetative state, though he could regain consciousness after years or decades. Han Ruchu refused to accept this, demanding that the best neurologists be found. News of Xu Jiamu's accident quickly spread.
Lu Jinnian's assistant and Song Xiangsi both learned of it and separately went to the hospital to visit him. However, when Qiao Anhao and her friend Lan Qing arrived, Han Ruchu lied, claiming Xu Jiamu was not badly hurt and would wake up in a few days, dismissing media reports as exaggerations and asking them to leave. Han Ruchu then arranged for Xu Jiamu to be transferred to a different hospital.
Lu Jinnian and Song Xiangsi were both informed that Xu Jiamu had been transferred, unable to find him at the first hospital. Back at the Han Group, Han Ruchu faced a severe crisis. Competitors were spreading rumors about Xu Jiamu's critical condition, causing the company's stock price to plummet. She told her secretary to schedule a board meeting for the next day. Realizing the urgency, Han Ruchu and Xu Niande discussed solutions.
Han Ruchu proposed using the long-planned marriage between the Xu and Qiao families as the solution to secure the Qiao Group's investment and stabilize their stock. Xu Niande found this ridiculous, given Xu Jiamu's condition, and doubted the Qiao family would agree. Han Ruchu then proposed announcing that Xu Jiamu had regained consciousness. Although this initially reassured the stockholders, a witness and a nurse quickly debunked the fake news online, causing the company's credibility to be questioned further.
Han Ruchu, unfazed, revealed her next step: announcing the marriage of Qiao Anhao and Xu Jiamu on Monday and finding a stand-in for Xu Jiamu, claiming he had facial injuries to limit public appearances. Xu Niande strongly opposed, fearing betrayal from the stand-in. Han Ruchu then suggested Lu Jinnian, citing his similar appearance and height to Xu Jiamu, and his loyalty due to his friendship with Xu Jiamu.
Xu Niande doubted Lu Jinnian would agree, believing he wasn't interested in their "upper-class lifestyle." Han Ruchu, insistent that this was a matter of life and death, declared that she knew how to persuade both Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao. Lu Jinnian's assistant later located Xu Jiamu at Han Hospital. Han Ruchu then confronted Qiao Anhao, who was upset that the news about Xu Jiamu's recovery was fake.
Han Ruchu admitted that Han Group was in dire straits and she had no choice but to lie. She then revealed the painful truth: "The doctor said he might become a vegetable." Qiao Anhao was distraught and disbelieving. Han Ruchu pleaded with Qiao Anhao, telling her that only she could help by marrying a stand-in for Xu Jiamu.
Qiao Anhao was shocked by the idea of marrying a "fake Xu Jiamu" and a "complete stranger," to which Han Ruchu replied, "He's not a stranger. He's Lu Jin Nian." When Qiao Anhao asked why him, Han Ruchu finally revealed the long-held secret: Lu Jinnian and Xu Jiamu shared the same biological father.
Episode 13 Recap
To preserve Han Group, Han Ruchu went to great lengths. She summoned Qiao Anhao to the hospital and distorted the truth, asserting that Lu Jinnian and Xu Jia Mu shared the same biological father. She explained that when Uncle Xu and Lu Jinnian's mother separated, she was pregnant and insisted on giving birth just to continuously pester Uncle Xu.
Han Ruchu then exaggerated the Xu family's generosity, stating that Lu Jinnian had suffered from leukemia at age five and was only alive because Xu Jia Mu donated bone marrow. After his mother passed away, Lu Jinnian grew up with the Xu family's substantial support.
She then painted Lu Jinnian as ungrateful, claiming he still held a grudge against his father, believed his mother was abandoned, and felt being an illegitimate child was dishonorable, thus refusing to acknowledge his connection to the Xu family. Qiao Anhao expressed her surprise at not knowing any of this.
Han Ruchu then proposed her plan: since Qiao Anhao and Xu Jia Mu were engaged and would have married eventually, Lu Jinnian would act as a stand-in for Xu Jia Mu at the wedding. Qiao Anhao would still be legally married to Xu Jia Mu. Overwhelmed, Qiao Anhao asked for time to consider. Han Ruchu agreed, but sternly instructed her to keep the matter a complete secret, not even telling Qiao Anyi or her uncle and aunt.
As Qiao Anhao left the hospital, Lu Jinnian arrived to visit Xu Jia Mu. Han Ruchu informed Lu Jinnian that the doctor said Xu Jia Mu's brain injury was severe, and he might become a vegetable, with no clear timeline for waking up. When Lu Jinnian tried to leave, stating there was nothing to discuss between them, Han Ruchu stopped him, hinting it was about Xu Jia Mu.
Lu Jinnian initially refused the idea of being a stand-in, saying he was an actor who never accepted "rotten scripts," and believed the lead actress—Qiao Anhao—would not agree. Han Ruchu surprised him by saying Qiao Anhao had already agreed, claiming Qiao Anhao loved Xu Jia Mu so deeply that she would even pretend to be the wife of a stranger who didn't love her, willing to do anything for him.
Lu Jinnian wished them happiness but reiterated his refusal to marry someone he didn't love. Han Ruchu then resorted to emotional blackmail, reminding him that Xu Jia Mu saved his life and they shared blood. She threatened that if he didn't help, not only would Han Group be in trouble, but Xu Jia Mu would also be hurt.
She sarcastically questioned if his "deep sibling affection" was just talk and threatened to reveal his "true colors" to Xu Jia Mu once he woke up, ensuring Xu Jia Mu would distance himself. Cornered, Lu Jinnian reluctantly agreed and signed an agreement guaranteeing utmost secrecy, with legal liability for any leaks. Returning home, Qiao Anhao, still deeply troubled, conversed with a mysterious online friend.
She confided in the stranger, asking if, given a last chance to be near the man she loved, she would take it. The friend's response, "If I love him, why not?" seemed to solidify her decision. Qiao Anhao then called Han Ruchu, informing her that she agreed to the marriage. Han Ruchu expressed her gratitude and promised to treat Qiao Anhao like her own daughter.
Meanwhile, when Lu Jinnian informed his assistant Ming Zhe about the fake marriage, Ming Zhe vehemently opposed it, calling it a trap designed to use Lu Jinnian's celebrity status for the Han Group's benefit before discarding him. He even criticized the "fake wife" as crazy or having ulterior motives. Despite Ming Zhe's strong objections and attempts to clarify the matter, Lu Jinnian insisted on honoring his word.
Separately, Qiao Anhao shared the news of her upcoming fake marriage with Lu Jinnian to Zhao Meng. Zhao Meng was shocked, exclaiming that Qiao Anhao's life was like a melodrama, and comically offered to take Lu Jinnian herself since Qiao Anhao was so conflicted. Qiao Anhao clarified that she was doing it to help Xu Jia Mu and his family, but Zhao Meng continued to playfully suggest a swap.
Soon, the news spread on the internet that Xu Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao would marry at the renowned Moonlight Church within a month. Song Xiangsi saw the announcement on television during her work. Visibly distraught, she canceled her remaining commitments and went home to drink alone.
As she drank, she reminisced about her first encounter with Xu Jia Mu, when he acted as her hero, and their cherished memories, like their first kiss and riding a carousel together, expressing her heartbreak and resolve to stop missing him after this last glass. The Xu and Qiao families formally met to finalize the engagement. Han Ruchu, orchestrating the deception, introduced Lu Jinnian—wearing a mask—to Qiao Anhao's uncle, aunt, and brother, Qiao Anyi, as Xu Jia Mu.
To explain the mask, she claimed Xu Jia Mu had injured his vocal cords and face in the accident, requiring him to wear a mask and rest without speaking. Qiao Anyi was concerned about the scar and asked about plastic surgery, to which Han Ruchu assured him they would find the best surgeon to restore Xu Jia Mu's appearance.
Qiao Anhao was filled with mixed emotions, wishing all the deceptions were real and that she and Lu Jinnian were truly meant to be. Later that evening, Qiao Anhao approached Lu Jinnian in his room. She spoke of "their" wedding taking place the next day, but Lu Jinnian corrected her, stating it was her wedding with Xu Jia Mu. The wedding ceremony commenced. Lu Jinnian, still wearing a mask, stood beside Qiao Anhao.
As the moment for the kiss arrived, he leaned in but stopped just short of her lips, instead gently kissing her forehead. Han Ruchu’s words echoed in his mind: "Always remember that you're just acting. You're only Jia Mu's stand-in." Despite the proximity of living under the same roof, a distance would have to be maintained between them.
Qiao Anhao often found herself gazing affectionately at Lu Jinnian, for whom this charade felt like a beautiful dream she wished to never wake from. Unbeknownst to her, Lu Jinnian harbored similar feelings, yet both deeply loved each other while carrying their own burdens of pain, making their situation heart-wrenching. Following the wedding, Lu Jinnian, Qiao Anhao, and Ming Zhe moved into a villa together.
Ming Zhe, despite his previous opposition, assumed the role of Lu Jinnian's manager, making sure his needs were met. He made it clear to Qiao Anhao that he handled all of Lu Jinnian's daily affairs and she shouldn't interfere. One morning, as Qiao Anhao watered flowers in the courtyard, Lu Jinnian watched her, lost in thought, but quickly reverted to his usual stoic expression when she turned her head, sensing his gaze.
Later, Qiao Anhao offered Lu Jinnian a glass of freshly made juice. Ming Zhe rushed over, stopping Lu Jinnian and exclaiming that he was severely allergic to fruit acid, and even a single grape could be fatal. Qiao Anhao apologized, explaining she didn't know. Ming Zhe reiterated that he would handle all of Lu Jinnian's needs, asking her not to interfere. Lu Jinnian downplayed it, saying it wasn't her fault, and added that he was used to not eating fruits.
Ming Zhe then provocatively commented on Qiao Anhao's lack of knowledge about Lu Jinnian despite being his fan for so many years. Qiao Anhao, puzzled, suddenly recalled an incident in high school where Lu Jinnian had drunk her juice and developed a rash. She wondered if he had been unaware of his allergy back then, or if he had intentionally kept it from her.
Later, Ming Zhe pointed out a goldfish in the house, mentioning it was Lu Jinnian's pet for eight years, having been with him since his first year of high school, signifying a deep bond. Ming Zhe initially forbade Qiao Anhao from feeding it, but Lu Jinnian permitted her, allowing her to share a small moment with his cherished pet.
Episode 14 Recap
In the hospital, Han Ruchu and Xu Nian De were diligently caring for the unconscious Jia Mu. However, Han Ruchu remained uneasy about Lu Jinnian, fearing that he and Qiao Anhao might genuinely fall in love during their fake marriage. She expressed her desire to personally monitor the couple, suggesting, "Let's go see Qiao Qiao and bring her some daily necessities." Xu Nian De quickly interceded, stating, "I don't think right now is a good time."
Han Ruchu articulated her concern, explaining that while she had seen Qiao Anhao grow up and trusted her, she was uncertain of Lu Jinnian's character. She worried that if anything went awry, it would negatively impact the Xu family and complicate matters with the Qiao family. Xu Nian De suggested sending a housekeeper, but Han Ruchu dismissed the idea, believing it would convey distrust and hurt Qiao Anhao's feelings, especially since Qiao Anhao was helping them significantly.
Reluctantly agreeing, Xu Nian De conceded, but Han Ruchu remained resolute, declaring that she would keep a close eye on Lu Jinnian and make him regret any inappropriate actions. Meanwhile, at the villa, Lu Jinnian, who had been observing his fish and musing that their seven-second memory span allowed them constant happiness, and Qiao Anhao were discussing his new drama script, which Qiao Anhao found challenging to memorize despite its quality.
Lu Jinnian then turned his attention to Shen Mingzhe, asking if he really needed to "hang around here." Shen Mingzhe, initially questioning "Why can't I?" , quickly apologized after observing Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao moving aside to discuss lines, stating he would find something else to do.
Lu Jinnian then instructed Shen Mingzhe to return to the Jewel Apartment Complex, explaining that if his assistant also lived there, it would make it obvious that Lu Jinnian resided in the villa, potentially exposing the fake marriage. Shen Mingzhe understood and agreed to return, promising to mislead paparazzi into believing Lu Jinnian still lived at the apartment.
He did, however, express concern about who would handle Lu Jinnian's daily needs, but Lu Jinnian assured him he could manage and that Shen Mingzhe could visit occasionally. Soon after, Qiao Anhao was on the phone with her friend Meng Meng, revealing that she and Lu Jinnian were not even sharing a room, let alone a bed, because it was a fake marriage. Meng Meng found this unbelievable, but Qiao Anhao had to hang up, explaining she was cooking.
Qiao Anhao, a wealthy young woman with no culinary experience, attempted to prepare congee. She accidentally burned the congee and scalded her finger, crying out in pain. Lu Jinnian rushed to her side, immediately rinsing her hand with cold water. Seeing her predicament, Lu Jinnian decided to cook himself. Lu Jinnian prepared a delicious meal, and the two sat down to eat.
As they dined, Qiao Anhao received an urgent phone call from An Yi, who informed her that he, along with her uncle and aunt, were almost at the villa. Qiao Anhao was shocked, as family visits were typically expected after three days, with the newlyweds greeting them. An Yi explained that their uncle and aunt missed her terribly and insisted on seeing her, so they were already en route.
Panic-stricken, Qiao Anhao quickly worked with Lu Jinnian to rearrange things, making it appear as if they lived together. Lu Jinnian then hid in a large closet, and Qiao Anhao went to open the door to greet her family. As the family waited at the door, An Yi wondered why they weren't opening it, prompting his aunt to suggest they might still be asleep, a normal occurrence for newlyweds.
Qiao Anhao finally opened the door, welcoming her uncle, aunt, and An Yi inside. Her aunt expressed how pretty Qiao Anhao looked now that she was married and shared how much she had worried after Qiao Anhao left home. Qiao Anhao reassured her aunt that she was fine and invited them to sit down for drinks.
An Yi jokingly mentioned that "Brother-in-Law" might not agree to Qiao Anhao visiting often, which led his aunt to playfully scold him for being heartless. Soon, the uncle inquired about Jia Mu's whereabouts, wondering why he hadn't come down to greet them. Qiao Anhao quickly fabricated a story, explaining that Jia Mu had to rush out for an urgent matter at the e-sports club.
Her aunt expressed disapproval, noting that Jia Mu had just gotten married and already left his wife alone. Qiao Anhao offered to give her family a tour of the new house. As they went upstairs, her aunt admired the comfortable and uniquely decorated room. An Yi pointed out a wedding photo, commenting that Jia Mu was "photoshopped too much."
Qiao Anhao explained they had been in a hurry and planned to retake photos in a romantic location like the Aegean Sea or the Maldives once the "scare on his face" was gone, to which An Yi added, "You'll be a whole family by then, right?" implying children. An Yi then enthusiastically noticed the large bathtub and, more concerningly for Qiao Anhao, the wardrobe.
Just as he was about to open the closet door, Qiao Anhao quickly stopped him, claiming it was a mess inside because they hadn't finished unpacking. Her aunt urged An Yi to stop rummaging through Qiao Anhao's belongings. The aunt then suggested they all stay for dinner, offering to cook while Qiao Anhao prepared vegetables. During dinner preparation, An Yi questioned why "Brother-in-Law" still wasn't back, calling it cruel to leave Qiao Anhao alone.
Qiao Anhao reiterated her previous lie, saying Jia Mu was too busy to return for dinner. An Yi, still unconvinced, attempted to call Jia Mu's phone, but Qiao Anhao swiftly intercepted him. An Yi noted Qiao Anhao's strange behavior and suspected something was amiss. Qiao Anhao then pulled An Yi aside and explained that Jia Mu had recently recovered and didn't want his uncle and aunt to see his current state, so he had purposely gone out.
She implored An Yi not to tell their uncle and aunt, fearing they would worry. An Yi agreed to keep the secret. While An Yi was momentarily in the restroom, a nervous Lu Jinnian accidentally knocked over some clothes in the closet, making a sound. An Yi, heading back towards the closet to investigate, was immediately called downstairs by Qiao Anhao for dinner. He quickly descended.
After dinner, as the family prepared to leave, An Yi, being clever, secretly returned to the villa. He then stumbled upon Lu Jinnian, who was now out of the closet. An Yi, whose relationship with Jia Mu was always very close, was furious to find someone impersonating him. He immediately confronted Lu Jinnian.
Qiao Anhao quickly pulled her brother aside and patiently explained the situation, detailing how Lu Jinnian was impersonating Jia Mu to help the Xu family overcome a financial crisis, as Jia Mu was unconscious with an uncertain prognosis. She stressed that fewer people knowing was better and that their uncle and aunt would never have allowed her to marry a "fake Jia Mu."
Qiao Anhao tearfully begged An Yi not to reveal the truth to anyone, to which he reluctantly agreed, promising not to tell their parents. However, An Yi expressed concern that if the truth were to come out, Jia Mu would be the most hurt. He then turned to Lu Jinnian, apologizing to Qiao Anhao for her suffering in a loveless cohabitation.
He sternly warned Lu Jinnian that he was merely Jia Mu's stand-in and, despite living with Qiao Anhao, should not dare to overstep his boundaries. Lu Jinnian affirmed his understanding and his intention to "behave." An Yi reiterated that Qiao Anhao remained Jia Mu's wife and threatened surprise visits at any time. Lu Jinnian responded with a calm, "You're welcome anytime."
Before leaving, An Yi promised Qiao Anhao that he would limit their parents' visits to prevent them from getting caught. After An Yi left, Qiao Anhao expressed her remorse to Lu Jinnian, feeling guilty that he had to endure such humiliation and compromise his dignity, wishing for Jia Mu's swift recovery. With a full understanding of the situation, An Yi went to the hospital to visit the still-unconscious Jia Mu.
Seeing Jia Mu in such a state, An Yi teared up. He then contacted Han Ruchu on the phone, confirming he knew about Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao. Han Ruchu reiterated that Jia Mu's condition was uncertain, and they had no other choice but to involve Lu Jinnian to handle the financial crisis. An Yi responded that as long as Jia Mu recovered, everything would be fine. Han Ruchu then brought up the e-sports club, which Jia Mu cherished.
She mentioned considering selling it or transferring management rights. An Yi, remembering Jia Mu's dedication, proposed taking over the club himself, convinced Jia Mu wouldn't want it in other hands. Han Ruchu questioned if his parents would agree, but An Yi was confident they would. An Yi promised Han Ruchu he would visit Jia Mu often and, looking at his unconscious friend, vowed to manage the e-sports club and keep him updated on its developments.
Shortly after, An Yi arrived at the e-sports club, introducing himself as Qiao An Yi, the new vice-manager. When staff questioned his presence, he directed them to an email from Xu Jia Mu, which announced that due to health reasons, all club matters would now be managed by Mr. Qiao. After confirming his authority, An Yi confidently challenged the staff to a game of "Dota," demonstrating his aptitude.
Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian's assistant, Shen Mingzhe, informed him that Zhen Xi was persistently calling, urging Lu Jinnian to return to work immediately to prevent the company's dissolution. Lu Jinnian instructed Shen Mingzhe to tell her he would return tomorrow, then changed his mind, deciding to make her "suffer for a few hours" first. Qiao Anhao, overhearing, asked if he would indeed return to work the next day. Lu Jinnian confirmed.
Qiao Anhao then stated her intention to ask Zhao Meng to arrange her work to avoid being seen publicly with him, emphasizing the need to prevent their fake marriage from being exposed. Lu Jinnian remained silent, leading Qiao Anhao to muse about the "stand-in never seeing the light." Lu Jinnian clarified that was not what she meant, to which she simply replied, "I got it."
Qiao Anhao then thanked Lu Jinnian for earlier, and he told her not to mind any rumors, wanting the news to be gone by tomorrow. He offered to personally handle her next drama, but Qiao Anhao expressed concern that his direct involvement would expose their relationship, to which he assured her he knew how to handle it.
Shen Mingzhe, misinterpreting the interaction, then interjected, calling Qiao Anhao an "unknown supporting actress" and implying she was overthinking the chances of appearing with a "star actor Lu." Lu Jinnian abruptly cut him off. Shen Mingzhe, observing Lu Jinnian's reaction, recognized his pained expression and directly asked him, "Do you like her?" Lu Jinnian immediately denied it. However, Shen Mingzhe reflected on Lu Jinnian's actions: "Star actor Lu rejected so many blockbusters just to be a stand-in.
If it's not love, what else could make someone do something stupid like this?" Lu Jinnian, exasperated, told him, "Shen Ming Zhe. Just jump off a cliff." Through these interactions, Shen Mingzhe clearly understood that Lu Jinnian harbored deep feelings for Qiao Anhao, a fact Lu Jinnian persistently refused to admit, while Qiao Anhao, in her innocence, remained completely unaware of his affection.
Episode 15 Recap
Waking up, Lu Jinnian gazed at Qiao Anhao sleeping beside him, his heart heavy with conflict. He felt he had wronged his brother Jiamu, but his love for Qiao Anhao was undeniable and uncontrollable. Qiao Anhao awoke to find that she had 'lost her virginity' to Lu Jinnian. Overwhelmed by shyness and a racing heart, she felt at a loss for how to face Lu Jinnian. Lu Jinnian soon plunged into work.
When Shen Mingzhe arrived, offering to prepare breakfast, Lu Jinnian declined, instead instructing him to gather everyone for weekend overtime work at the office, a decision Shen Mingzhe found quite peculiar. At the office, Lu Jinnian met with Director Jin and requested a change in the casting for the upcoming drama "National Husband." He insisted that Qiao Anhao be cast as the second female lead, and surprisingly, he would take on the role of the second male lead himself.
Director Jin was astonished, noting that they had already selected a second female lead and that Qiao Anhao was an unknown actress with only minor roles, making her unsuitable for such a significant project. He also worried about the reactions of the main leads, Song Xiangsi and Cheng Yao, given the substantial investment in the drama. However, Lu Jinnian remained firm in his decision, telling Director Jin to simply focus on directing.
Afterward, Shen Mingzhe expressed his concern to Lu Jinnian, believing he was lowering his status to help Qiao Anhao after seeing her bullied. Lu Jinnian, however, dismissed this, asserting it wasn't for her. Shen Mingzhe sighed, noting that Qiao Anhao seemed oblivious to Lu Jinnian's efforts. Meanwhile, Lin Shiyi, who was originally cast as the second female lead, was informed by Director Jin that the role had been given to someone else. She was offered the third female lead instead.
Despite her anger, she reluctantly accepted, deciding that the large budget and Director Jin's involvement made any role worthwhile. Zhao Meng, Qiao Anhao's agent, was excitedly working to secure roles for her client when she received an unexpected call from Director Jin, offering Qiao Anhao the second female lead in "National Husband." Ecstatic, Zhao Meng immediately accepted. She rushed to tell Qiao Anhao, who was equally surprised, wondering why such a high-profile project would choose her.
Qiao Anhao then realized "National Husband" was Lu Jinnian's project and confessed to Zhao Meng that she had slept with him. Zhao Meng was shocked but quickly joked about Qiao Anhao's "fierce" actions and the potential for becoming famous. Qiao Anhao, however, was mortified, fearing that Lu Jinnian would see her as an unscrupulous woman. She wondered if he gave her the role out of guilt.
Zhao Meng dismissed her worries, telling her to be happy and even quipped, "If you knew you'd get such a great role after sleeping with him once, you should have done it sooner." Unbeknownst to them, Lu Jinnian, who had just arrived at the door, overheard Zhao Meng's insensitive remark and left heartbroken. On the first day of filming "National Husband," Qiao Anhao was astonished to discover that Lu Jinnian was her co-star, playing the second male lead.
Director Jin again tried to persuade Lu Jinnian to reconsider, but Lu Jinnian's agent, Sister Zhen, explained that Lu Jinnian found the role challenging and valued the joy of acting over lead status. Sister Zhen also realized that Qiao Anhao was the same person who had visited Lu Jinnian previously, indicating they knew each other. Qiao Anhao confronted Lu Jinnian privately, asking why he would take such a role. He coldly replied that he didn't need to explain himself.
Lin Shiyi, still bitter about losing the role, whispered to her companion that Qiao Anhao wouldn't be let off easily. For their first scene, Qiao Anhao played Feng Yue Yue, who had loved Qin Yu (Lu Jinnian) for years, while he loved someone else. Qin Yu, after being rejected, gets drunk, and Feng Yue Yue comforts him.
Both Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao delivered powerful performances, particularly in a scene where Feng Yue Yue confronts Qin Yu about his deception and unrequited love. Director Jin was highly impressed with Qiao Anhao's vivid acting, much to the dismay of those who had hoped to see her fail. Zhao Meng praised Qiao Anhao, saying she'd silenced her critics. Qiao Anhao admitted she had been worried about being replaced.
Meanwhile, Qiao Anyi, now managing Xu Jiamu's e-sports club, found some feminine items in Xu Jiamu's office. He mused aloud to the still-comatose Xu Jiamu about who the mysterious girl was that Xu Jiamu had fallen for. Elsewhere, Song Xiangsi arrived at the set and, after hearing about Lu Jinnian's unusual decision to play a supporting role, questioned him directly.
Lu Jinnian gave a vague response about the character being well-written and his desire to act, but Song Xiangsi noted his exceptionally well-played emotional performance, especially in scenes of unrequited love, suspecting his feelings might be real. Later, Lin Shiyi approached Lu Jinnian, ostensibly to discuss a scene, but then openly confessed her long-standing feelings for him and suggested they "talk about the script" in her room that night.
Lu Jinnian sternly rebuked her, demanding she show some self-respect and threatening her position in the drama if she continued such behavior. Lin Shiyi argued that she was better suited for the second female lead role than Qiao Anhao, but Lu Jinnian adamantly stated that the role could only belong to Qiao Anhao before dismissing her.
During a rain scene featuring Lin Shiyi and Qiao Anhao, Lin Shiyi deliberately disrupted the timing, causing Qiao Anhao to get repeatedly drenched as the director called "Cut!" multiple times. Witnessing Qiao Anhao's struggle, Lu Jinnian stepped in and called for a wrap, claiming everyone was tired. He then arranged for fried chicken for the entire crew.
Qiao Anhao's manager complained about Lin Shiyi's intentional actions, but Qiao Anhao decided to let it go this time, warning that she wouldn't be so lenient if it happened again. As Qiao Anhao continued to diligently memorize her lines, Producer Sun approached her, flattering her hard work and beauty. He offered to help her immerse herself in the role, subtly touching her hand while rehearsing a scene.
Lu Jinnian witnessed this interaction and immediately called Shen Mingzhe, instructing him to tell Qiao Anhao to come to his room with her script for rehearsal. When Shen Mingzhe relayed the message, Qiao Anhao said she would come "in a while," which infuriated Lu Jinnian, who exclaimed, "She dares to make me wait?"
Episode 16 Recap
Lu Jinnian was furious after seeing Producer Sun with Qiao Anhao. Shen Mingzhe first informed Qiao Anhao that Lu Jinnian wanted her in his room to rehearse. Qiao Anhao initially said she would go in a while, which angered Lu Jinnian, who felt she dared to make him wait. He then called Qiao Anhao directly, instructing her to come to his room with her script to discuss a scene immediately.
After thanking Producer Sun for rehearsing with her, Qiao Anhao promptly went to Lu Jinnian's room. Upon her arrival, Lu Jinnian questioned her delay, but Qiao Anhao insisted she had come right after his call. He expressed his displeasure with her work attitude as her boss. When Qiao Anhao suggested they rehearse, Lu Jinnian provocatively asked if she was in a rush to return to Producer Sun.
He sternly warned her to focus her time and energy on work, not on men, and criticized her for being "lovey-dovey" with Producer Sun in public. Qiao Anhao denied this, but Lu Jinnian retorted that he had seen Producer Sun's arm on her shoulder and she hadn't resisted. Feeling insulted and misunderstood, Qiao Anhao tried to leave, but Lu Jinnian stopped her.
He continued his scathing accusations, claiming she was seducing Producer Sun for better roles, just as she had, in his eyes, seduced him and slept with him to secure the second female lead role. He further added that she was still not satisfied, now targeting Producer Sun. Heartbroken by his perception of her as a woman who would sell her body for fame, Qiao Anhao remained silent.
Lu Jinnian then warned her that if she sought roles or fame, she was only to come to him, and not to other people. When Qiao Anhao started to cry and demanded he let go, he scoffed, asking what right she had to cry. In desperation, Qiao Anhao bit his arm and ran out of the room, crying. Later, Qiao Anhao's manager, Zhao Meng, found her lying miserably, suffering from a high fever.
Zhao Meng urged her to take a leave of absence, but Qiao Anhao refused, explaining that she didn't want to disrupt the filming schedule for a minor issue and risk others disliking her. She argued that she had scenes all day, and taking leave would affect the schedule, believing she could bear it.
Despite Zhao Meng's insistence that such a high fever could be dangerous, Qiao Anhao eventually convinced her to let her rest for a while and be called when needed. Back on set, Lu Jinnian observed Qiao Anhao, pale and shivering beneath a blanket in the hot weather. Shen Mingzhe confirmed she was ill with a fever but, as a relatively unknown actress, she dared not ask for time off. Seeing her condition, Lu Jinnian left the set.
From his car, he called the director, citing urgent company matters that required him to take a week off and offering to cover all losses, including actors' salaries. Shen Mingzhe, concerned about public perception, warned Lu Jinnian that the headlines would portray him as a diva, even in a supporting role. However, Lu Jinnian dismissed these concerns, prompting Shen Mingzhe to realize that Lu Jinnian's actions were solely for Qiao Anhao's benefit.
As all of Qiao Anhao's scenes for the day were opposite Lu Jinnian, the halt in filming meant she could finally rest. Zhao Meng took Qiao Anhao back to the villa to rest and recover. Shortly after, Lu Jinnian and Shen Mingzhe also returned.
Zhao Meng and Shen Mingzhe engaged in their usual bickering, but Lu Jinnian dismissed Zhao Meng, then instructed Shen Mingzhe to prepare light, nutritious meals, mostly vegetables and congee, with no fish or meat, for the next few days. He specifically asked Shen Mingzhe to make ginger coke for Qiao Anhao when she woke up, mentioning it was her favorite drink. Though Shen Mingzhe showed some reluctance, he complied.
Lu Jinnian then quietly entered Qiao Anhao's room, gently covered her with a blanket, and watched her sleeping face with a warm smile. That evening, Qiao Anhao woke up, and Shen Mingzhe brought her the ginger coke. Qiao Anhao expressed her delight, remarking that it was her favorite drink and asking how he knew. Before Shen Mingzhe could answer, Lu Jinnian entered the room.
Later, Qiao Anhao returned to her room and confided in a "netizen" about her distress, sharing that Lu Jinnian perceived her as an unscrupulous woman who used her body to advance her career. She pondered whether his harshness stemmed from caring, but quickly dismissed the idea, reflecting on past disappointments and the pain of misplaced hopes. She concluded that she no longer dared to dream, finding happiness simply in silently liking him and being by his side.
Her netizen friend playfully responded that he was not as foolish as her "Mr. Perfect." The next morning, Shen Mingzhe arrived at the villa to prepare breakfast for Lu Jinnian, only to find him already cooking. Lu Jinnian surprised Shen Mingzhe by giving him an unlimited credit card and a day off, effective only for that day. Realizing Lu Jinnian's intention to spend time alone with Qiao Anhao, Shen Mingzhe happily took the card and left.
Lu Jinnian then brought the light breakfast he had prepared into Qiao Anhao's room. When she inquired about Shen Mingzhe and whether he had cooked, Lu Jinnian falsely claimed Shen Mingzhe had made it before leaving. While Qiao Anhao was eating, she received a phone call from Producer Sun. He expressed concern about her recent illness and offered to visit on behalf of the film crew.
He then insisted on meeting her in person that day to discuss urgent promotion matters for "Pretty Man." Qiao Anhao, despite her reservations, felt she couldn't refuse after stating she had recovered, and agreed to meet him in an hour and a half. Overhearing the conversation, Lu Jinnian was furious. He accused Qiao Anhao of disregarding his warning and meeting Producer Sun privately, suggesting Producer Sun was "plotting something."
Qiao Anhao defended herself, saying it might genuinely be about work and she had no choice but to agree. Without hesitation, Lu Jinnian immediately called Producer Sun and ordered him to go to Shanghai "right now" to discuss a cooperation project with Shanghai Datang Media. Shortly after, Producer Sun called Qiao Anhao back, apologizing profusely and canceling their meeting due to an urgent trip to Shanghai. Lu Jinnian then asked Qiao Anhao if she was satisfied.
Later, Lu Jinnian attended a meeting with Ms. Zheng and other staff to discuss signing new artists. He quickly became distracted and showed little interest in the portfolios presented, dismissing candidates over 25 as either "naturally ugly or plastic monsters." He told Ms. Zheng that he trusted her judgment and abruptly ended the meeting after only five minutes.
Afterward, Ms. Zheng asked Shen Mingzhe about Lu Jinnian's recent strange behavior, citing his sudden decision to play a second lead, his abrupt leave from filming, and his inattentiveness during the meeting. Shen Mingzhe attributed it to Lu Jinnian's willful nature, but Ms. Zheng, relying on her intuition, sensed it was related to a woman and pressed Shen Mingzhe for information, which he cleverly evaded. Ms. Zheng then approached Lu Jinnian, proposing to sign a talented actress she had discovered.
Lu Jinnian initially showed little interest, but his demeanor changed dramatically when Ms. Zheng revealed the actress was Qiao Anhao, his on-screen partner in "Pretty Man." He praised her acting skills and encouraged Ms. Zheng to talk to Qiao Anhao's manager to bring her over. Surprised by his uncharacteristic enthusiasm and praise, Ms. Zheng candidly asked if he liked Qiao Anhao. Lu Jinnian immediately regained his composure, stating seriously that he liked all talented actors.
The next day, Shen Mingzhe, secretly hoping to bring Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao closer, deliberately sabotaged Qiao Anhao's car. Qiao Anhao discovered a problem with her car's fuel tank when she prepared to go to the set. She then inquired if Shen Mingzhe could drive her, but Lu Jinnian offered his own car instead. Qiao Anhao hesitated, thinking it might not be a good idea, but Lu Jinnian simply told her to get in.
As they approached the set, Qiao Anhao asked to be dropped off a short distance away to avoid misunderstandings. Lu Jinnian agreed. This scene was witnessed by Lin Shiyi, who greeted Qiao Anhao and commented on seeing Lu Jinnian's car. Qiao Anhao explained that she had merely "bumped into him" that morning and exchanged greetings, but Lin Shiyi appeared suspicious. Meanwhile, Song Xiangsi, curious about Xu Jiamu's recovery, visited an e-sports club.
She asked one of the employees about the manager, a "Manager Xu." The employee informed her that Manager Xu was recuperating, possibly abroad, and that his friend, Qiao Anyi, had been managing the company recently. Song Xiangsi, feigning casualness, stated she had just happened to pass by and wanted to say hello, then thanked the employee before leaving, her mind now filled with more questions.
Episode 17 Recap
As the filming of "Nation's Hubby" continued, Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao prepared for a kissing scene. Although it was initially planned as a fake kiss, Lu Jinnian appeared visibly nervous, causing multiple retakes. The director, initially instructing them on aesthetics and maintaining the fake kiss, grew frustrated. During one attempt, the director pointed out that the kiss was too fake and that Lu Jinnian was blocking his face with his finger.
One crew member remarked that Lu Jinnian, who usually nailed fake kisses on the first try, was acting abnormally, possibly "blown away by Qiao Anhao's incredible acting." Another suggested they should just kiss for real. Finally, Qiao Anhao herself proposed a real kiss, and the director agreed. Lu Jinnian then embraced Qiao Anhao and kissed her, and to everyone's surprise, the scene was completed perfectly in a single take.
After the successful take, Lu Jinnian sat alone in the lounge, smiling to himself. Song Xiangsi quietly entered and immediately noticed his joyful demeanor. She teased him, asking what made him so happy and why he had broken his long-standing rule of fake kissing to give away his "first on-screen kiss." Lu Jinnian claimed it was simply because there were too many NGs, and he felt he had gotten rusty.
Song Xiangsi wasn't convinced, noting that he had also willingly taken on the second male lead role for Qiao Anhao and was acting "really different when it comes to Qiao Anhao." Lu Jinnian dismissed her observations, stating that he never cared about rumors. Shortly after, an assistant informed Lu Jinnian that his "first on-screen kiss" was trending online, with over 100,000 people discussing it in just ten minutes. "
Qiao Anhao and the Nation's Hubby" was also trending, and the video of their kiss was being widely shared. The assistant joked that many of his female fans wouldn't be able to sleep that night. Song Xiangsi then left the room. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao's assistant, Little Rain, excitedly showed Qiao Anhao her phone, exclaiming that Qiao Anhao had become famous, gaining 200,000 new followers in ten minutes, more than she had acquired in the entire previous year.
However, Qiao Anhao pointed out that many of them were anti-fans, leaving harsh comments such as "I feel sorry for Lu Jinnian, he had to kiss such an ugly mouth," and "Qiao Anhao, you wench. You stole the first on-screen kiss of my Mr. Perfect. We're irreconcilable enemies." Qiao Anhao calmly dismissed the negativity, stating that it was normal for netizens to express their feelings and that some people don't even get the chance to be publicly disliked.
Elsewhere, Lin Shiyi, observing Qiao Anhao's rapidly increasing popularity, became enraged. She watched as staff prepared a swing for an upcoming scene and secretly used a small knife to cut the swing's ropes, plotting to harm Qiao Anhao. Qiao Anyi, Qiao Anhao's brother, also saw the news of Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao's kiss. Furious, he called Lu Jinnian, demanding that he come out to discuss "morality and how you shouldn't covet your friend's wife."
Lu Jinnian, after initially trying to diffuse the situation by saying Qiao Anyi misunderstood, agreed to confront him, rejecting Shen Mingzhe's offer to handle the "weakling" to avoid causing a scene. Qiao Anyi, enraged, accused Lu Jinnian of knowing that his sister was married to Jia Mu and punched him, declaring he would teach Lu Jinnian a lesson on behalf of Jia Mu.
Qiao Anhao, alerted by someone about her brother's commotion, rushed over and tried to intervene, explaining it was just acting. Unheeding, Qiao Anyi continued his attack, verbally insulting Lu Jinnian as a "bastard" and angrily demanding why Jia Mu hadn't woken up yet. Qiao Anhao fiercely reprimanded her brother for bringing up Lu Jinnian's painful past and apologized to Lu Jinnian, asserting that it wasn't his fault.
Lu Jinnian, however, simply stated that Qiao Anyi had said nothing wrong, that he was indeed a bastard, and that Qiao Anhao didn't need to comfort him. Qiao Anhao reassured him that to her, he would always be "just you," regardless of what others called him. Observing this intense exchange, Song Xiangsi finally confirmed her suspicions: Jia Mu was still in a coma. Later, during the continued filming, Lin Shiyi pushed Qiao Anhao on the swing.
True to Lin Shiyi's malicious plan, the compromised ropes snapped, sending Qiao Anhao flying towards a cluster of hard stones. In a split second, Lu Jinnian lunged forward, using his own back to cushion Qiao Anhao's fall, preventing her from serious injury. He suffered a severe back injury but, biting back his pain, insisted on continuing to film to avoid affecting the schedule.
He merely requested anti-inflammatory medication, gauze, and safflower oil to dress his wound, refusing to go to the hospital. Qiao Anhao's assistant tearfully commented that Qiao Anhao didn't know how much Lu Jinnian did for her. Qiao Anhao, touched and bewildered by his sacrifice, asked Lu Jinnian why he saved her. He coldly replied that he simply didn't want the filming schedule to be affected.
This left Qiao Anhao deeply confused by his hot and cold demeanor, wondering what he truly thought. At this time, Producer Sun approached Qiao Anhao, offering her a major endorsement opportunity with a European cosmetics company due to her recent rise in popularity. Qiao Anhao politely declined, stating her desire to focus solely on the current drama, and emphasizing that the opportunity was important to her. Meanwhile, Song Xiangsi continued her investigation into Jia Mu's condition, discreetly following Qiao Anyi.
Qiao Anyi, however, quickly noticed her. After some initial confusion where he mistook her for a robber, Song Xiangsi directly asked him about Xu Jia Mu. Qiao Anyi was astonished to learn that Song Xiangsi and Jia Mu were once lovers and realized that she was "the woman in Jia Mu's heart." He then showed her a necklace, asking if it was hers. Recognizing it, Song Xiangsi was deeply moved that Jia Mu had kept it all these years.
She explained that she knew Jia Mu was married and didn't want to destroy his marriage but desperately needed to know what had happened to him. Qiao Anyi then took her to Jia Mu. Upon seeing him in a coma, Song Xiangsi's heart broke. Qiao Anyi explained that Jia Mu's mother, Auntie Han, had fabricated the news of his recovery to stabilize the company, and the doctors believed he might never wake up.
Overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow, Song Xiangsi cried, apologizing to Jia Mu for their past quarrel and expressing her deep regret. She pleaded with Qiao Anyi to allow her to stay and care for Jia Mu until he awoke, promising that once he recovered, she would leave and not disturb his married life. Moved by her sincerity, Qiao Anyi agreed, on the condition that Song Xiangsi would not interfere with Jia Mu's marriage. Song Xiangsi readily promised.
The next morning, Qiao Anhao and Shen Mingzhe discovered that Lu Jinnian was missing, and his phone was turned off. Shen Mingzhe explained that this wasn't the first time Lu Jinnian had disappeared, recalling a previous instance when he won Best Newcomer of the Year. He suspected that Lu Jinnian was hiding because his back wound, sustained while saving Qiao Anhao, had become inflamed. Shen Mingzhe added that Lu Jinnian always avoided hospitals, no matter how badly he was hurt.
Qiao Anhao was distressed, blaming herself for not properly caring for his wound. Realizing the danger of inflammation, they decided to split up and search for him. Qiao Anhao called her brother, Qiao Anyi, for help, emphasizing that Lu Jinnian's disappearance must be kept a secret. Shen Mingzhe also contacted others, but no one had seen him. Qiao Anhao desperately drove around, searching places Lu Jinnian might frequent, but with little luck.
Episode 18 Recap
Qiao Yi frantically searched for Lu Jinnian, calling out his name and knocking on doors in desperation. She eventually located him in a small house, severely injured and delirious with fever, muttering for his mother. She carefully tended to his infected wound, applying medicine, and then used water from her mouth to help him swallow anti-inflammatory pills. Qiao Yi remained by his bedside throughout the night, sleeplessly watching over him.
The next morning, Lu Jinnian woke to find Qiao Yi making porridge. She gently told him his fever had subsided and urged him to rest, feeding him the warm porridge. He asked when she arrived, and she explained she came around midnight, entering because he had opened the door for her while in his feverish state, which she doubted he remembered. He realized she had stayed by his side and fed him medicine all night.
Qiao Yi then asked why he risked his life to save her, especially with such a severe back injury. Lu Jinnian responded that it was "for Jia Mu" and that he had a "duty to protect" her. Qiao Yi was visibly disappointed by this answer. She then asked why he refused to go to the hospital.
He revealed that he had witnessed his mother's death in a hospital, and the experience left him deeply traumatized, making him relive the pain of loss every time he entered such a place. Qiao Yi sympathized, mentioning her own parents and apologizing for bringing up painful memories. She gave him more medicine and told him to rest further. As they recovered, Qiao Yi noticed the many trophies in Lu Jinnian's small house, including one for "Best Newcomer."
She fondly recalled that arthouse film, remembering it as the one that brought him recognition and her personal favorite of his works. Lu Jinnian admitted it was also his favorite, but simultaneously his "most hated" because on the day he won that award, he "lost something very important." This alluded to the night he planned to confess his feelings to her, which had been thwarted by Han Ruchu.
He dismissed it as the past, and Qiao Yi reassured him that things would get better, to which he agreed, expressing contentment with the present. Later, Lu Jinnian's condition having improved, he and Qiao Yi returned to the villa. Shen Mingzhe was overjoyed to see Lu Jinnian back and healthy, jokingly vowing never to leave his side again. Lu Jinnian, however, ordered him back to the office.
When Shen Mingzhe asked Qiao Yi where she found Lu Jinnian, she deferred the question to Lu Jinnian, who remained silent. Lu Jinnian then met with Producer Sun, demanding an update on the swing incident investigation. Producer Sun confirmed that the rope had been intentionally snapped, indicating someone had targeted Qiao Yi. Despite the lack of cameras or witnesses, Lu Jinnian warned Producer Sun that he would be fired if he failed to find the culprit.
Producer Sun assured him that a private investigator friend would help them catch the perpetrator, having found a few dyed hairs on the broken swing. Meanwhile, Song Xiangsi diligently cared for the unconscious Jia Mu. She brought him fresh flowers, played his favorite songs, and tenderly wiped his hands. She showed him a pair of matching necklaces, reminding him how he had spent two weeks searching for them, which was one of the qualities that had attracted her to him.
She reflected on his playful nature, but asserted that she knew his true, emotional self, recalling his heartfelt promises to be her girlfriend and take her to every carousel in the world, vowing they would always be together and never part. Producer Sun, having found a few dyed hairs on the broken swing, informed Qiao Yi that the culprit’s hair was recently dyed, making it easier to identify.
Lin Shiyi, realizing she was the culprit, tried to secretly retrieve the hair, but Producer Sun caught her. She confessed to causing the swing accident out of jealousy towards Qiao Yi and begged Producer Sun not to tell Lu Jinnian. When he insisted on her confessing, she blackmailed him, threatening to accuse him of rape. She then offered him a deal: she knew he desired Qiao Yi and would help him get her, as he couldn't do it alone.
Producer Sun agreed to her scheme. That evening, for a night scene, Producer Sun announced that all actors would stay in a nearby hotel for convenience. Lin Shiyi volunteered to collect Qiao Yi's room key along with hers. Later, Qiao Yi entered what she believed was her room, only to find Producer Sun waiting for her. He locked the door, claiming it was his room, and attempted to assault her, ignoring her screams for help.
Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian, unable to reach Qiao Yi, went to her assigned room, 116. Lin Shiyi attempted to mislead him there, confirming the room number, but he remained suspicious. He then inquired about room 119 and discovered it was Producer Sun's room. Realizing the deception, Lu Jinnian rushed to room 119, kicked open the door, and found Qiao Yi struggling with Producer Sun, with Lin Shiyi also present.
Enraged, Lu Jinnian brutally beat Producer Sun before carrying the unconscious Qiao Yi out. Back in Lu Jinnian's suite, he ordered Shen Mingzhe to call the police. Producer Sun, in a desperate attempt to avoid arrest, falsely claimed that Qiao Yi had seduced him. Shen Mingzhe then confronted Producer Sun with the hotel key discrepancy, revealing two keys for room 119 and questioning why Qiao Yi had one.
Pressed by Lu Jinnian to tell the truth, Producer Sun confessed that Lin Shiyi had orchestrated the entire plot: she gave Qiao Yi the wrong room key to lure her into his room. He further admitted that Lin Shiyi did this because he had discovered she was responsible for the swing accident, and she wanted him to cover it up.
Lin Shiyi then attempted to shift all blame onto Producer Sun, claiming he forced her, but Producer Sun retaliated by revealing he had recorded their conversation, proving her lies. Lin Shiyi then pleaded with Lu Jinnian not to involve the police, fearing it would damage Qiao Yi's reputation. Lu Jinnian silenced her, his face stern.
He dismissed both Lin Shiyi and Producer Sun, ordering them out and warning them never to appear before him again, threatening severe consequences if word of the incident leaked. After they were forcibly removed, Lu Jinnian returned to Qiao Yi, who was disoriented and frightened. He gently woke her and held her close, reassuring her that everything was now fine.
The next morning, Zhao Meng was furious about Lin Shiyi's actions and expressed her desire for revenge, but Qiao Yi, while acknowledging that Lin Shiyi deserved punishment, preferred to avoid further conflict. Lu Jinnian took decisive action, instructing Shen Mingzhe to issue an official statement to the crew. The statement announced Lin Shiyi's contract termination for intentionally causing the swing accident to harm Qiao Yi, and ordered the screenwriter to rewrite the script, ensuring Lin Shiyi's character was killed off.
However, Producer Sun retaliated by rallying three other investors to withdraw their investments, plunging the production into chaos. Sister Zhen, concerned by the substantial financial loss, confronted Lu Jinnian, suggesting he privately reconcile with Producer Sun to avert a crippling 50% budget deficit. Lu Jinnian vehemently refused to concede, asserting that he would use the company's treasury to cover the shortfall, despite Sister Zhen's protests that Qiao Yi was not worth such a risk.
Lu Jinnian dismissed Shen Mingzhe's attempts to mediate. Lu Jinnian then told Shen Mingzhe to go talk to Qiao Yi about transferring companies. Later, Shen Mingzhe called Producer Sun on his phone, relaying Lu Jinnian's message to leave with his investors, and threatening to publicize incriminating photos from the previous night's incident to humiliate him if he didn't comply. Producer Sun angrily hung up. Later, Qiao Yi visited Lu Jinnian to thank him.
He answered the door in a bathrobe and invited her in. She expressed her apologies for Producer Sun's withdrawal of investment, acknowledging the significant impact on the production. Lu Jinnian reassured her that everything would be fine with him there. After thanking him, Qiao Yi wished him rest and left. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Shiyi observed their interaction from a distance and photographed Lu Jinnian in his bathrobe with Qiao Yi, vowing Qiao Yi's downfall.
Episode 19 Recap
News of Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao's "late-night date" quickly hit the headlines, a consequence of Lin Shiyi's deliberate smear campaign. Many unaware fans reacted with outrage, fiercely attacking Qiao Anhao online and demanding her removal from showbiz.
Distraught, Qiao Anhao wanted to go downstairs to explain herself, but Zhao Meng held her back, warning that facing the ruthless media and angry fans at that moment would leave her utterly destroyed and "not even a bone scrap would be left of her," as reporters and fans wouldn't listen to explanations and would only deliberately misinterpret her words to create more rumors.
As Qiao Anhao worried about the relentless crowd outside, Shen Mingzhe called, informing her that Lu Jinnian would draw everyone's attention away, allowing her to escape through the back entrance. Following the plan, Lu Jinnian descended first, creating a diversion. Qiao Anhao, disguised, then quickly exited the building and got into Qiao Anyi's waiting car, successfully escaping the media's pursuit.
Once they were safe, Qiao Anyi told his sister that she had truly stirred up trouble, attracting the rage of Lu Jinnian's tens of millions of fans, who were now cursing their ancestors back 500 years on social media. Qiao Anhao expressed her helplessness, but Qiao Anyi reassured her that their uncle and aunt believed in her, knowing she couldn't possibly be seducing Lu Jinnian. Relieved, Qiao Anhao said she had been wondering how to explain the incident to them.
Soon after, Han Ruchu, Qiao Anhao's mother-in-law, saw the news and called Qiao Anhao, demanding an explanation on behalf of Uncle Xu, who was very angry. Qiao Anhao, feeling nervous, explained that the online rumors were false, and both she and Lu Jinnian were innocent; she was not selling her body to climb the ladder. Han Ruchu, though trusting Qiao Anhao, advised her that while the news itself might be false, the photos were real.
She urged Qiao Anhao, as a married woman, to be more cautious in the future and avoid situations that could be easily misunderstood, lest the paparazzi have material to write about. After the call, Qiao Anyi agreed with Han Ruchu, reminding Qiao Anhao that she needed to understand how to avoid suspicion.
Upon learning of the massive scandal, Sister Zhen was furious, exclaiming that Qiao Anhao had caused such a huge problem right after joining the company, dragging Lu Jinnian into it as well. She believed the situation was irreversible and suggested dropping Qiao Anhao, stating it concerned the entire company's reputation and pleading with him not to let his emotions cloud his judgment.
However, Lu Jinnian firmly refused, stating he would handle it his own way, take responsibility, and that Sister Zhen didn't need to worry, adding that he had been slandered before too. Sister Zhen, noticing his unusual tolerance towards Qiao Anhao, remarked that he had stopped being honest with her. She then reluctantly presented Qiao Anhao's contract, allowing Lu Jinnian to do as he wished. Lu Jinnian later sought out Song Xiangsi for assistance.
Song Xiangsi playfully noted it had been a while since he invited her for coffee and quickly guessed he needed her help with Qiao Anhao. She acknowledged that her involvement might also lead to slander, but seeing his stress and recalling their long-standing friendship, she readily agreed to help, knowing he wouldn't ask unless he was at his last resort. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng were still in the room, glumly checking their social media feeds.
Zhao Meng angrily pointed out that Lin Shiyi was making things worse by reposting negative comments from popular accounts, accusing Qiao Anhao of doing anything to succeed. Qiao Anhao, frustrated but resigned, remarked that Lin Shiyi wouldn't be herself if she didn't seize the opportunity to stab her. Adding to their woes, Zhao Meng delivered more bad news: the company was terminating Qiao Anhao's contract.
Qiao Anhao sighed, accepting the decision, admitting it would be impossible to clear her name after such an incident, and lamenting that Sister Zhen's previous offer to scout her was now definitely off the table. Zhao Meng was upset that Lu Jinnian seemed to be abandoning Qiao Anhao, thinking he should at least offer an explanation as an involved party and show he was in it together; otherwise, she would become an anti-fan.
Qiao Anhao countered that anything he said would only make things worse. Just then, Zhao Meng excitedly discovered that Song Xiangsi had posted on Weibo, stating that all three of them—herself, Lu Jinnian, and Qiao Anhao—were practicing the script together that night, asking the paparazzi how they only managed to photograph two. This post immediately diffused the crisis, and Zhao Meng congratulated Qiao Anhao on being cleared, cheering for Lu Jinnian and convinced he always had a trump card.
Qiao Anhao wondered why Song Xiangsi would help her, then realized it must have been Lu Jinnian's doing. Later, Qiao Anhao thanked Lu Jinnian for arranging her escape and for asking Song Xiangsi to help, to which he simply replied that it was nothing. Concurrently, at the hospital, Song Xiangsi continued to care for Xu Jiamu. While playing a video of a competition for him, Song Xiangsi suddenly noticed Xu Jiamu's hand move.
They excitedly called the doctor, who, after an examination, confirmed that Xu Jiamu's hypnosis treatment was working, with his blood oxygen levels rising and brain function recovering. The doctor concluded that Young Master Xu would soon wake up, bringing immense relief and joy to Song Xiangsi and Qiao Anyi. Overjoyed, Qiao Anyi rushed to Qiao Anhao's home to share the wonderful news, telling her that Xu Jiamu was waking up and she wouldn't have to be alone anymore.
Qiao Anhao was ecstatic, and the siblings embraced in celebration. However, Lu Jinnian, overhearing Qiao Anyi's joyful pronouncement about Qiao Anhao no longer being alone, felt his spirits plummet to rock bottom, understanding the implication for his own relationship with Qiao Anhao, as Qiao Anhao had also thought that if Xu Jiamu woke up, she and Lu Jinnian wouldn't be able to live together anymore.
Zhao Meng, investigating the incident, discovered through security camera footage that it was Lin Shiyi who had taken and leaked the photos of Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian, realizing that the hotel had prohibited paparazzi access. She called Qiao Anhao, proposing they tell Lu Jinnian to blacklist Lin Shiyi, but Qiao Anhao declined, preferring to confront Lin Shiyi herself. Later, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng encountered Lin Shiyi outside the company.
Lin Shiyi accused Qiao Anhao of being despicable and shameless, claiming Qiao Anhao had pushed her out and stolen her second lead role. Qiao Anhao sharply rebuked Lin Shiyi, reminding her of all her past malicious acts: snapping the swing, nearly causing her physical harm, setting her up to be assaulted by Producer Sun, and slandering her.
Qiao Anhao asserted that Lin Shiyi was the true expert in despicable and shameless behavior, and had no right to accuse her of stealing a role that wasn't even contractually hers. She then slapped Lin Shiyi across the face, warning her that she had ample evidence regarding the photos Lin Shiyi delivered to the paparazzi, and would sue her for slander if she dared to mess with her again, threatening to take all of Lin Shiyi's projects.
Defeated and humiliated, Lin Shiyi, having already lost her job, cried out in despair on the street, lamenting her hard work, accusing fate of injustice, and swearing to heaven that she would not accept defeat and would eventually make a comeback. Qiao Anhao successfully transferred to Lead Culture Media, where Lu Jinnian introduced her at a company meeting as a new major star.
Qiao Anhao then expressed her desire to join "Victoria's Night," a prestigious variety show, simply stating it was due to ambition. Lu Jinnian privately arranged for Qiao Anhao's appearance on the show by calling Producer Cao. Sister Zhen, however, was highly dissatisfied.
Having learned about Qiao Anhao's booking on "Victoria's Night" from Zhao Meng, she confronted Lu Jinnian, arguing that giving such a prominent role to a newcomer recently involved in a scandal, and accused of sleeping her way up, would be detrimental to Lead Culture Media's image. She suggested Zhou Xin'er as an alternative. Lu Jinnian remained resolute, refusing to change his decision.
She questioned if there was a secret between them, wondering what Qiao Anhao had done to make him so unwavering, even ignoring her advice and asking what had "hypnotised" him. Lu Jinnian warned her to watch her words, stating he could concede on anything else but this. When Sister Zhen asked if he would still not change his mind even if she quit, he firmly said no, leaving her deeply hurt and further suspecting his true feelings for Qiao Anhao.
Later, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng were discussing celebrating Qiao Anhao's successful contract signing by playing beach volleyball. Lu Jinnian, overhearing their conversation, subtly arranged with Shen Mingzhe for two people to "work overtime" that day. When other colleagues declined, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng reluctantly agreed, only to find that their "overtime" assignment was a beach volleyball game with Lu Jinnian and Shen Mingzhe at the beach.
That evening, as Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian walked together, Qiao Anhao asked him if he wanted to know why she insisted on joining "Victoria's Night." Lu Jinnian simply said he didn't need to know, asserting that whether it was ambition or something else, as long as he could help her, nothing else mattered. Qiao Anhao then remembered that his birthday was the day after tomorrow and asked what gift he would like.
Lu Jinnian admitted he had truly forgotten his own birthday, despite his fans' annual grand gestures like reserving a train stop in front of his house and filling the whole train with gifts, or hanging birthday blessings from the Eiffel Tower when he was filming a commercial in France. He confided that, in his memories, the most unforgettable birthday was a very ordinary one, leaving Qiao Anhao curious.
Episode 20 Recap
Han Ruchu arrived at the hospital to visit her son, Jia Mu. She spoke lovingly to him, sharing her efforts in Europe to find treatments for vegetative state patients, including donating to Oxford University Medical School's research laboratory to speed up their work. She expressed how much she missed him and her faith in his recovery. However, she then noticed Song Xiangsi by Jia Mu's bedside.
Han Ruchu was shocked and furious, demanding to know what Song Xiangsi was doing there. Song Xiangsi explained she was there to take care of Jia Mu, but Han Ruchu accused her of pestering him and violating their agreement, threatening to make her lose everything.
Song Xiangsi insisted she didn't care about material things and only wanted to stay with Jia Mu until he woke up, promising to disappear from his life and retire from the entertainment industry once he recovered. Han Ruchu disbelieved her, seeing it as a calculated plan to win Jia Mu back, and harshly ordered her to leave the room, even pushing her out when Song Xiangsi knelt and pleaded.
Later, Qiao Anyi tried to convince Han Ruchu that Jia Mu's condition had improved significantly since Song Xiangsi started caring for him, noting that his senses were returning and he was reacting more. Han Ruchu, however, dismissed these claims, stating that Jia Mu's improvement was a result of long-term medical treatment and that Song Xiangsi was merely lucky, undeserving of any credit.
Despite being driven away, Song Xiangsi secretly returned to Jia Mu's room late at night, unable to stop herself from checking on him. She confessed her worries to the unconscious Jia Mu, saying she could only be at ease if she saw him. Just then, Han Ruchu, who had forgotten her phone, returned to the room and witnessed Jia Mu's fingers moving in response to Song Xiangsi's touch. Han Ruchu was stunned by the sight.
The day before Lu Jinnian's birthday, Qiao Anhao requested a day off, citing a stomachache. Lu Jinnian, concerned, agreed and advised her to drink more hot water. After he left, Qiao Anhao immediately went out to buy ingredients and decorations, planning to prepare a special birthday cake for him, featuring his face, and adorn their home. Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian was visibly excited about his upcoming birthday, even cutting a company meeting short to get off work early.
His colleague, Zhen Jie, initially suggested a company-wide birthday party, but Lu Jinnian declined, choosing instead to give everyone the day off as his birthday gift to them. That evening, Lu Jinnian brought fried chicken home, but Qiao Anhao felt nauseous from the smell. Misinterpreting this as her stomach still bothering her, Lu Jinnian quickly discarded the food. On Lu Jinnian's birthday morning, Qiao Anhao wished him a happy birthday.
Soon after, Qiao Anyi called, excitedly informing her that Jia Mu's senses were returning, and he might wake up in one or two months. Qiao Anyi then pressed Qiao Anhao to come to the hospital immediately, stating it was Han Ruchu's wish. Qiao Anhao initially hesitated, wanting to spend the day with Lu Jinnian, but Lu Jinnian, overhearing the conversation, encouraged her to go, silently reflecting that Jia Mu was her lawful husband and he himself was merely a stand-in.
At the hospital, Qiao Anhao met Qiao Anyi who explained he had been doing Jia Mu's physiotherapy but had to attend an e-sports club event. He asked Qiao Anhao to take over, requesting her to stay until noon and for three hours when he returned.
Qiao Anhao, stressing her own important personal matters that day, agreed, then called Lu Jinnian to inform him she was stuck at the hospital but would return for lunch, instructing him not to go home until she called. As noon approached and Qiao Anyi hadn't returned, Han Ruchu entered, expressing gratitude for Qiao Anhao's care and insisting she stay to have lunch with Jia Mu. Qiao Anhao, unable to refuse, knew she was letting Lu Jinnian down.
Lu Jinnian waited in his office from morning until evening, hoping for Qiao Anhao's call or appearance, feeling increasingly disheartened and anxious. As night fell and Qiao Anhao still hadn't arrived, Zhen Jie, noticing his office light, discreetly cut the power. When Lu Jinnian opened his door, Zhen Jie appeared with a birthday cake, wishing him a happy birthday.
She remarked on their nine years of working together, likening them to an "old married couple" and expressed her wish for their partnership to continue indefinitely. Lu Jinnian, in turn, wished for time to stop at that moment of celebration, to which Zhen Jie playfully suggested he wanted her to celebrate all his birthdays with him and promised to do so. Lu Jinnian went to retrieve some red wine from the conference room. Just then, Qiao Anhao called.
Zhen Jie, seizing the opportunity, answered Lu Jinnian's phone and proceeded to have an ambiguously intimate conversation, making it sound as if she and Lu Jinnian were intimately celebrating his birthday, while Qiao Anhao listened on the other end. Qiao Anhao, heartbroken and feeling deeply misunderstood, quietly hung up the phone. Back home, where she had lovingly decorated and prepared a candlelit dinner, she sadly discarded the meticulously made birthday cake.
Episode 21 Recap
Following Zhen Jie's manipulation, a misunderstanding arose between Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian, making their relationship increasingly strained. That night, Lu Jinnian visited Jia Mu at the hospital. Gazing at his half-brother, he softly murmured, wishing for time to stop at that moment so he could be with Qiao Anhao forever and never part, acknowledging that she ultimately belonged to Jia Mu, no matter how much he cherished every second with her.
Meanwhile, the meticulous birthday celebration Qiao Anhao had prepared for Lu Jinnian was ultimately missed, her efforts unappreciated. The next morning, Qiao Anhao felt unwell again, experiencing nausea after Zhao Meng offered her breakfast. Lu Jinnian noticed her recurring sickness and immediately decided to take her to the hospital, though Qiao Anhao attributed her nausea to having eaten something spoiled. At the hospital entrance, Lu Jinnian received an urgent call regarding a company emergency.
Qiao Anhao urged him to prioritize his work, assuring him she could see the doctor alone. As Lu Jinnian left, Qiao Anhao received a call from Qiao Anyi, who, at Han Ruchu's suggestion, asked her to come to the hospital to massage Jia Mu and show herself as a good daughter-in-law. Qiao Anhao quickly agreed, postponing her own check-up. Before Qiao Anhao arrived, Han Ruchu made a strict agreement with Song Xiangsi.
Han Ruchu relented to Song Xiangsi's pleas to stay and care for Jia Mu, but only on the condition that Song Xiangsi would leave permanently and never cling to Jia Mu once he woke up. Song Xiangsi promised to keep their agreement a secret. Later, Han Ruchu met with Qiao Anhao, feigning concern about her recent examination and happily announcing that Jia Mu was expected to wake up soon.
As they discussed plans for Jia Mu's recovery, Qiao Anhao suddenly felt sick again and rushed to the restroom to vomit. Observing Qiao Anhao's repeated nausea, Han Ruchu grew suspicious and instructed her nanny, Ms. Yun, to discreetly obtain a sample of Qiao Anhao's body fluid. A subsequent pregnancy test confirmed Qiao Anhao was pregnant. Infuriated, Han Ruchu swore she would not allow Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao to succeed.
She then sent a box of premium bird's nest to Qiao Anhao, instructing her to consume a bowl every morning and night on an empty stomach, secretly laced with sleeping pills to harm Qiao Anhao's unborn child. Filming for "Nation's Hubby" concluded, and the cast and crew gathered for a wrap-up celebration. During the dinner, Qiao Anhao again felt unwell and had to rush to the restroom to vomit.
Lu Jinnian, though concerned about her frequent nausea, did not suspect she was pregnant. Neither of them realized her condition. Meanwhile, Song Xiangsi remained by Jia Mu's bedside, torn between her desire for him to awaken and her dread of fulfilling her promise to Han Ruchu, which would force her to disappear from his life forever. Unaware of Han Ruchu's malice, Qiao Anhao dutifully consumed the bird's nest, becoming increasingly sleepy.
One morning, when Qiao Anhao failed to stir, Lu Jinnian entered her room and discovered her bedsheets soaked with blood. He rushed her to the hospital, where a doctor informed him that Qiao Anhao was two months pregnant, but a large amount of sleeping pills in her system had caused the fetus to lose its heartbeat, necessitating an immediate surgical abortion to save her life. Heartbroken and blaming himself, Lu Jinnian signed the consent form.
Han Ruchu also learned of the abortion and was pleased. Qiao Anhao, waking up after the procedure, was unaware of what had truly happened. Zhao Meng told her she had simply fainted from severe menstrual pain, a problem Qiao Anhao had experienced before, leading her to believe it was due to exhaustion from filming. Later, as Lu Jinnian prepared soup for Qiao Anhao, he noticed the empty bird's nest jar.
Suspicious, he had Shen Mingzhe test the remaining bird's nest, which confirmed the presence of a large quantity of sleeping pills. Lu Jinnian realized Han Ruchu was responsible for the tragedy and, consumed by anger, ordered a secret investigation into Han Group. After a period of rest and recuperation, Qiao Anhao's health improved. She and Lu Jinnian attended a press conference for "Nation's Hubby."
Dressed in a striking black sheer dress, Qiao Anhao responded to reporters' questions about her relationship with Lu Jinnian, playfully confessing, "The one I like is Mr. Lu." A surprised Lu Jinnian then responded, "Actually, the person I've been waiting for. . . is Ms. Qiao." After the event, Zhao Meng commented on their "truths and lies" to the press, stating their answers were merely to create buzz.
Later, Lu Jinnian, Qiao Anhao, Zhao Meng, and Shen Mingzhe went to KTV. Qiao Anhao sang, her eyes frequently drawn to Lu Jinnian, her affection for him evident. Song Xiangsi, however, sat apart, drinking by herself, lost in thought about the difficult path ahead once Jia Mu awakened and she had to leave him.
As Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao walked home, Qiao Anhao noticed a store named "SHMILY," remembering it as the word engraved on a necklace Lu Jinnian had given her. She expressed surprise that such a store actually existed, unaware that Lu Jinnian was its owner, having opened it to hold "beautiful memories." The following day, Qiao Anhao received an anonymous package containing her gynecological test results and a surgery consent form, which indicated a miscarriage and an abortion procedure.
Confused and disturbed, she contacted a hospital acquaintance to verify the records. The hospital confirmed there was no record of her having undergone such a surgery there, suggesting it might be a sick prank from a fan. Soon after, Qiao Anhao received a phone call from the person who had sent the package, asking to speak with her privately.
Episode 22 Recap
Qiao Anhao continued her search at the hospital for medical records, but found nothing. She managed to locate the nurse who had sent her the anonymous package. The nurse revealed that Lu Jinnian had brought Qiao Anhao to the hospital for an abortion, and had signed the consent himself after learning she was two months pregnant. Qiao Anhao was stunned and couldn't believe this, especially since she found no records of such a procedure.
The nurse insisted on the truth, explaining that she had mailed the report for her own peace of mind after experiencing nightmares. She further divulged that Lu Jinnian's assistant, Shen Mingzhe, had contacted the hospital's higher management to delete the records and paid substantial sums to the doctor and nurses involved to ensure their silence. Qiao Anhao's emotions overwhelmed her, fueling a deep misunderstanding that Lu Jinnian had intentionally ended their child's life.
Unbeknownst to Qiao Anhao, the nurse's actions were orchestrated by Han Ruchu, whose sole purpose was to create insurmountable rifts between Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian. After the conversation, the nurse called Han Ruchu, who promptly transferred one million to her account, instructing her to resign from the hospital immediately. Later, Lu Jinnian found Qiao Anhao at the hospital, visibly distressed. He asked if she was unwell, then instructed Shen Mingzhe to go to the hospital.
A doctor informed Lu Jinnian that Qiao Anhao's check-up results were normal, presumably a falsified report. However, Qiao Anhao, while alone, managed to find and discard a fake health examination report, then discovered an authentic "Post-operative examination report" which listed "Lu Jinnian" as the applicant. This confirmed her worst fears about the abortion. Returning to her room, Qiao Anhao tried to hide her pain when Lu Jinnian came in.
Later, when he found her crying again, he mistakenly thought she had stomach discomfort. He lovingly prepared her favorite ginger coke, trying to feed it to her, but her emotional anguish was too profound to articulate, and she pushed the drink away, utterly heartbroken. Amidst her sorrow, Qiao Anhao received a phone call from An Yi, who excitedly announced that Jia Mu had woken up. Qiao Anhao rushed to the hospital, where Han Ruchu and others were already gathered.
Overjoyed, Qiao Anhao embraced Jia Mu. Seizing the opportunity, Han Ruchu took a photo of the reunion and immediately sent a text message to Lu Jinnian, declaring that Jia Mu was awake and his "act was over." She demanded he vacate the house before noon, stating that Jia Mu would be returning to live with Qiao Anhao. True to her word, Lu Jinnian packed his belongings and left the villa.
Han Ruchu, in a hurry to get Jia Mu discharged, dismissed his concerns about needing further observation, claiming the doctor confirmed his recovery and that home care or a visiting doctor would suffice. Jia Mu tried to confront his mother about her role in his fake marriage to Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian acting as his stand-in, acknowledging the inconvenience caused to Qiao Anhao. Han Ruchu, however, insisted it was necessary to stabilize their company's stock and reassure shareholders.
She argued that their fake marriage could be exposed if he stayed longer, and Qiao Anhao's father would blame them. Thus, Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao were sent back to the villa. Before leaving, Han Ruchu spoke privately with Qiao Anhao, instructing her to sever all contact with Lu Jinnian, as it would be detrimental to everyone. Qiao Anhao, feeling helpless, agreed.
That night, Lu Jinnian drove aimlessly, lost in painful memories of Qiao Anhao, expressing his wish that everything could be a dream. At the villa, after Jia Mu took his medication, he spoke frankly with Qiao Anhao. He acknowledged her feelings for Lu Jinnian, understanding that her agreement to their fake marriage stemmed from that love. Jia Mu felt that her commitment of "I will love only you for all my life" could not be easily abandoned.
Qiao Anhao tearfully admitted she still loved Lu Jinnian but felt powerless because he didn't love her back. She implored Jia Mu not to reveal her feelings to Lu Jinnian, fearing it would even ruin their friendship. They both agreed that their marriage was a mistake and should be ended as soon as possible, planning to inform their families at an opportune time. Jia Mu later visited the e-sports club and was welcomed back by his teammates.
An Yi received a phone call, which Jia Mu intercepted, seeing "Song Xiang Si" on the caller ID. An Yi admitted that Song Xiangsi had played a significant role in Jia Mu's swift recovery. Jia Mu then went to see Lu Jinnian, telling him he was throwing a party at home to celebrate his "rebirth" and insisted Lu Jinnian attend. Lu Jinnian agreed.
During the party at the villa, Lu Jinnian, feeling uncomfortable, had only one drink before excusing himself, citing tiredness. However, once home, he was haunted by images of Qiao Anhao and Jia Mu together. Unable to bear it, he returned to the villa late at night. He found Jia Mu asleep on the living room sofa. As Qiao Anhao came downstairs for water, she encountered Lu Jinnian.
Still reeling from the pain of losing their child, she confronted him, asking if he felt guilty. Their exchange quickly escalated, with Qiao Anhao coldly telling him it was no longer his home and asking him to leave. The next day, Jia Mu went to find Song Xiangsi. However, Song Xiangsi, remembering Han Ruchu's stern warnings, refused to open her door. Jia Mu waited outside dejectedly until she eventually emerged.
Jia Mu confessed that he knew she had cared for him while he was in a coma and apologized for his past criticisms and misunderstandings, declaring his enduring love and pleading with her not to leave him. Song Xiangsi, while clearly affected and on the verge of tears, maintained a facade of indifference, stating that forgetting the past was not easy and she needed to think things through more carefully this time. Meanwhile, Lin Qianqian returned, explicitly stating "I'm back," signaling her intent to rekindle her pursuit of Jia Mu.
Episode 23 Recap
Lin Qianqian returned to the country and immediately called Xu Jia Mu's home. Han Ruchu answered the phone and, upon learning it was the Lin family's daughter, became visibly pleased, expressing a warm welcome. After hanging up, Han Ruchu mused maliciously about the situation: with Qiao Anhao's ambiguous relationship with Lu Jinnian and the Qiao Family Group's recent decline, she decided it was time for Xu Jia Mu to discard Qiao Anhao and marry Lin Qianqian.
Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao, experiencing abdominal pain, was leaving to buy some things when she encountered Lu Jinnian. Seeing her haggard appearance, Lu Jinnian's heart ached. He insisted on going to the supermarket himself and later discreetly left the purchased items at her doorstep, watching from a distance as she collected them. Qiao Anhao opened her door and, struggling with her emotions, asked Lu Jinnian about the surgical consent form, questioning if it had merely been a dream.
Lu Jinnian remained silent. She then turned and closed the door, both of them left in sorrow. Qiao Anhao's manager, Zhen Jie, secured her a role in a new drama that required filming in the highlands. While this was a rare and excellent opportunity for a new actress like Qiao Anhao, Lu Jinnian was concerned about her health and the potential for altitude sickness. Without consulting Zhen Jie, he contacted the screenwriter and requested that all highland scenes be changed.
Zhen Jie was furious, accusing Lu Jinnian of disrespecting the original script. Lu Jinnian defended his decision, citing the high costs, risks, and the unnecessary danger for the entire crew, stating the desired effect could be achieved without filming in the highlands. Ignoring Zhen Jie's continued protests, Lu Jinnian then departed to visit Qiao Anhao on set. At her film set, Song Xiangsi received a bouquet of roses and, surprisingly, stinky tofu from Xu Jia Mu.
She was amused by his unique gift and smiled sweetly, unable to control her feelings for him. After her scene, she joined Xu Jia Mu in his car, and they shared a lighthearted conversation. Xu Jia Mu, aware of her upcoming kiss scene, playfully remarked that he'd rather "eat" her than "vinegar." Lin Qianqian still considered Qiao Anhao her rival.
Upon learning that Qiao Anhao had adopted the stage name Qiao Yi and begun an acting career, Lin Qianqian dismissed it with disdain. Her casual remarks about Qiao Yi were overheard by Lin Shiyi, who then joined Lin Qianqian in plotting to ruin Qiao Anhao's reputation. Lin Qianqian later visited Han Ruchu, still unable to reach Xu Jia Mu.
She told Han Ruchu that Qiao Anhao, as "Qiao Yi," was in the "corrupt" entertainment industry and often disappeared for months during filming, implying such a person was unsuitable for Xu Jia Mu. Han Ruchu, already believing Qiao Anhao was unworthy of Xu Jia Mu due to her supposed affair with Lu Jinnian and the Qiao family's business troubles, agreed. She found Lin Qianqian, with her beauty and influential family, to be a promising alternative for Xu Jia Mu.
Lu Jinnian went to the beach where Qiao Anhao was filming and quietly watched her perform. Qiao Anhao, however, ignored him, seemingly unconcerned by his presence. After finishing her scenes, Qiao Anhao, who had just had a phone conversation and felt tired, lay down on a lounge chair and fell asleep, unaware that the crew was packing up and leaving. By the time she awoke, the tide had risen, and she found herself adrift in the water.
Lu Jinnian quickly spotted her, rushed into the sea, and rescued her. However, they soon realized they were stranded together on a deserted island. On the uninhabited island, Lu Jinnian gathered branches and built a fire. Overwhelmed by emotion, Qiao Anhao tearfully confronted him, demanding to know why he had been so cruel as to "not want their child" and why he made her undergo surgery.
Lu Jinnian knelt, pulling her into an embrace, and explained that he didn't "not want" their child; the fetus had already been stillborn when her pregnancy was discovered, and the surgery was medically necessary. He explained he hadn't told her the truth to spare her the heartache. Qiao Anhao was stunned, realizing she had terribly misunderstood him. They clung to each other, both deeply emotional.
The next morning, Lu Jinnian managed to catch a fish and was roasting it over the fire. Soon after, Shen Mingzhe and a search party arrived, safely bringing them back. Qiao Anhao, weak from the ordeal, was rushed to the hospital for examination. Fortunately, she was deemed fine, having only suffered from panic and exhaustion. Shen Mingzhe attempted to question Lu Jinnian about the incident, but Lu Jinnian simply dismissed him, indicating there was nothing to say.
Han Ruchu, meanwhile, privately reassured Xu Jia Mu via a phone call that she would send people to find Qiao Anhao, while secretly wishing that Qiao Anhao and Lu Jinnian had perished on the island, saving her future trouble. After ensuring Qiao Anhao was stable and would be discharged soon, Lu Jinnian returned to work.
Episode 24 Recap
Xu Jia Mu and Qiao Anhao decided to annul their marriage, a union originally formed out of necessity to protect Han Group. Now that Xu Jia Mu had recovered, they saw no reason to continue the fake marriage. Their parents were surprised by the decision. Xu Jia Mu firmly stated that his relationship with Qiao Anhao was purely platonic and fraternal, devoid of any romantic feelings. Qiao Anhao concurred.
Though secretly pleased, Han Ruchu feigned sorrow, while Qiao Anhao's aunt and uncle grew visibly upset, expressing their disapproval of the young people treating marriage so lightly. Han Ruchu intervened, explaining that the couple had been impulsive in their youth. Later, Xu Jia Mu called Song Xiangsi, planning to visit her. During their phone conversation, Lin Qianqian suddenly appeared, snatching Xu Jia Mu’s phone. Song Xiangsi, hearing a woman’s voice, grew uneasy.
Xu Jia Mu angrily snatched his phone back and stormed out of the house. Han Ruchu, however, was quite welcoming to Lin Qianqian, especially since Lin Qianqian's father's construction company had significantly increased in value. Han Ruchu hinted at the annulment of Xu Jia Mu's marriage, considering a union with the Lin family highly beneficial for Han Group.
Lin Qianqian, aware of Xu Jia Mu's annulment, boasted about her future inheritance from her father, which would make her wealthier than most. Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhe reported to Lu Jinnian that his investigation into Han Group was complete. He had sent the business reports to Lu Jinnian’s email. Lu Jinnian had been discreetly acquiring 80 percent of Han Group's shares and was now selling them off at low prices, a move intended to be a devastating blow to the company.
After concluding his business, Lu Jinnian was invited to dinner by Qiao Anhao. During their meal, Qiao Anhao informed him that she and Xu Jia Mu had finalized their decision to end their marriage. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Shiyi secretly photographed them together. She then uploaded the pictures online, exposing Qiao Yi as Qiao Anhao, the wife of Han Group's heir, and fabricating news of her marital infidelity.
The internet erupted with negative news, and Qiao Anhao found herself in a precarious position. Zhen Jie, Qiao Anhao's manager, called a press conference but struggled to handle the barrage of sharp questions from reporters, especially with photographic evidence circulating. Zhen Jie was also surprised to learn Qiao Yi’s true identity at this time.
To protect Qiao Anhao and divert public attention, Lu Jinnian decided to expose an even bigger scandal: his identity as Han Group’s illegitimate son and Xu Jia Mu’s half-brother. He made this revelation public, drawing media scrutiny away from Qiao Anhao. This move, however, significantly damaged Lu Jinnian’s reputation and Lead Culture Media, leading to many companies withdrawing their partnerships and a decline in his popularity. Qiao Anhao felt immensely guilty, believing she had dragged him into this mess.
Xu Jia Mu, after speaking with Lu Jinnian, expressed deep regret and acknowledged his mother's fault in the fake marriage, stating that he and Qiao Anhao owed an apology to Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao for the situation. Xu Jia Mu reiterated his intention to formally annul his marriage with Qiao Anhao as soon as possible. Back at Han Group, Han Ruchu was frantic.
The revelation of Lu Jinnian's identity and the sudden, drastic drop in stock value due to a major shareholder selling off large quantities of shares plunged the company into crisis. She furiously tried to uncover the culprit behind the stock manipulation, unaware that Lu Jinnian was orchestrating it all.
Meanwhile, Xu Jia Mu sent a text message to Song Xiangsi, reassuring her that their fake marriage was over and that she was, and always had been, the only one in his heart. To escape the public scrutiny and clear her mind, Lu Jinnian took Qiao Anhao on a trip. They spent quality time together by the sea, resolving their past misunderstandings and deepening their bond.
Zhen Jie contacted Shen Mingzhe, noting that Lu Jinnian seemed to be on an early honeymoon and asked when he would return. Shen Mingzhe assured her he would be back in a few days. During this time, Song Xiangsi discovered she was pregnant. Xu Jia Mu, holding a bouquet of roses, went to apologize to Song Xiangsi and suggest a romantic outing, even a honeymoon.
However, he received an urgent call from his mother, Han Ruchu, informing him about the company’s stock turmoil and demanding his immediate return. Xu Jia Mu tried to bring Song Xiangsi home with him, but outside his house, they saw Lin Qianqian waiting. Song Xiangsi decided to wait outside. She then overheard Han Ruchu warmly telling Lin Qianqian that they were "family" and offered her dessert.
Hearing this, Song Xiangsi quietly left and went to the hospital, deciding to terminate her pregnancy. After their trip, Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao returned. Lu Jinnian had a special dinner planned for Qiao Anhao on Chinese Valentine's Day. Before that, Lu Jinnian arranged a meeting with Han Ruchu. He revealed his true intention to acquire Han Group and presented her with a stock transfer agreement.
He exposed her past misdeeds, including her role in Qiao Anhao's miscarriage, and how she had planned the fake marriage. He stated that Qiao Anhao was merely a victim. Lu Jinnian revealed that he was the one behind the company's declining projects and plummeting stock value. Han Ruchu, realizing Lu Jinnian's full scope of knowledge and power, was furious but had no choice but to confront the devastating truth.
Episode 25 Recap
Qiao Qiao was preparing for her date, wondering what surprise Lu Jinnian had planned for her. Her phone suddenly displayed a shocking news alert: Lu Jinnian had acquired the Han Group. She was puzzled by this drastic action. Meanwhile, Han Ruchu was in a state of panic, realizing Lu Jinnian knew everything. She was terrified he would expose her act of putting sleeping pills in Qiao Qiao's bird's nest.
To preempt him, she instructed her assistant to call Jia Mu, her son, and fabricate a story. Her assistant told Jia Mu that Lu Jinnian had visited Han Ruchu, acquired the Han Group, and sought revenge for his mother's past grievances. Jia Mu, who had been trying to get Song Xiangsi to open her door with a bouquet of roses, abandoned his efforts upon hearing the news. He immediately went to confront Lu Jinnian at Lead Culture Media.
Jia Mu accused Lu Jinnian of using him as a tool for revenge and questioned why he had acquired the Han Group, into which their mother had poured her blood, sweat, and tears. Lu Jinnian, maintaining a cold demeanor, told Jia Mu it was office hours and he would not discuss personal matters, giving him an ultimatum to leave or be escorted out by security. Jia Mu warned Lu Jinnian to pray their mother would be fine before storming off.
Soon after Jia Mu left, Qiao Qiao arrived and confronted Lu Jinnian, criticizing his actions. She argued that Jia Mu would never have treated Lu Jinnian this way. Lu Jinnian sadly conceded that he was not Jia Mu and could never become him. Suddenly, Jia Mu called Qiao Qiao, telling her that their mother had passed out and urged her to return home immediately. Qiao Qiao agreed to go. Han Ruchu lay in bed, feigning illness and weakness.
As Qiao Qiao offered her water and expressed concern, Han Ruchu complained to Jia Mu about Lu Jinnian, accusing him of being nice only to betray them and stating his mother must have taught him such vengeful behavior. Jia Mu, however, defended Lu Jinnian, reminding his mother that Lu Jinnian’s mother died twenty years ago and that Lu Jinnian had allowed Han Ruchu to remain in the Han Group. Jia Mu then left.
Unaware of Han Ruchu’s machinations, Lu Jinnian had meticulously planned a romantic proposal at a sky garden restaurant for 7 PM. He had decorated the venue with flowers and candles and set up banners that read "Marry me" and "Qiao Qiao, can I pursue you?" . He sent Qiao Qiao a text message asking her to meet him at Li Jing Xuan for dinner, promising to wait for her.
Qiao Qiao, feeling guilty for her earlier confrontation, texted him an apology, saying she was agitated earlier and would arrive soon. Seizing the opportunity, Han Ruchu asked Qiao Qiao for a glass of water, and as Qiao Qiao turned, she pushed her down the stairs. Qiao Qiao fell, and Han Ruchu immediately began shouting for help, calling for someone to take Qiao Qiao to the hospital.
Qiao Qiao, lying in a pool of blood, was rushed to the hospital, missing Lu Jinnian’s proposal and unknowingly deepening the misunderstandings between them. Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian waited alone at the beautifully decorated restaurant. Outside, heavy rain began to fall, mirroring his growing despair. He received a text message, ostensibly from Qiao Qiao, stating she would not see him and would never forgive him for hurting Jia Mu. Heartbroken, Lu Jinnian remained in the rain-soaked garden all night, until dawn.
His assistant found him there the next morning, sick with a fever, and urged him to go home. However, Lu Jinnian refused to leave, consumed by sadness. He tried to call Qiao Qiao, but Han Ruchu hung up her phone. Believing Qiao Qiao had rejected him, Lu Jinnian sent an email to Shen Mingzhe, entrusting him and Zhen Xi with the company affairs, stating he would be away for some time.
Shen Mingzhe immediately tried to call Lu Jinnian, but his phone was off. Qiao Qiao eventually regained consciousness in the hospital, four days after her fall. Jia Mu was relieved, explaining she had a mild concussion and would need a few days to recover. Qiao Qiao asked for her phone, but Jia Mu, unaware of his mother's deception, said it must be at their house and he would bring it later. Han Ruchu, feigning concern, watched Qiao Qiao, inwardly pleased.
Lying in bed, Qiao Qiao wondered why Lu Jinnian hadn't visited her, thinking he was angry because she had stood him up. Concerned and desperate to find Lu Jinnian, Qiao Qiao secretly discharged herself from the hospital and rushed to his home, but he was not there. She frantically searched for him, unable to reach him by phone. While searching, she discovered his diary.
Through its entries, Qiao Qiao realized Lu Jinnian had been deeply in love with her for eleven years, detailing his journey from changing universities for her, to rejecting opportunities, secretly kissing her, enduring heartbreak when he thought she loved Jia Mu, and entering a fake marriage with her. Overcome with emotion, Qiao Qiao tearfully acknowledged that she, too, had loved him for eleven years. She also uncovered Han Ruchu’s true malevolence, including her act of poisoning Qiao Qiao’s unborn child.
Devastated, Qiao Qiao sought out Shen Mingzhe, asking for Lu Jinnian’s whereabouts. Shen Mingzhe, initially angry with Qiao Qiao, eventually showed her the ruined proposal site. He explained that Lu Jinnian had prepared for that day for a long time, waited for her all night, and then waited three days and nights outside her door before disappearing, heartbroken.
Shen Mingzhe also revealed that Lu Jinnian’s acquisition of the Han Group was not just an act of revenge, but a reaction to Han Ruchu poisoning Qiao Qiao's bird's nest, which resulted in the death of their child. Lu Jinnian had kept this from her to spare her pain. Heartbroken, Qiao Qiao cried out for Lu Jinnian to return. She put on the ring he had given her, gazing at the remaining proposal banner.
Meanwhile, Jia Mu found Song Xiangsi, who remained distant. He apologized for being preoccupied with his brother's actions. Song Xiangsi then told him she had been pregnant. Jia Mu was overjoyed at the news, envisioning their child and expressing his excitement. However, Song Xiangsi then showed him a notice of abortion. Jia Mu was stunned and furious, demanding to know why she had done it. Song Xiangsi explained that she couldn't bear a child that wouldn't have a father. Enraged, Jia Mu pushed her, declaring that she had no right to make such a decision, and told her that from that day forward, they were strangers.
Episode 26 Recap
Having left after aborting her child and heartbroken over Jia Mu, Song Xiangsi moved on, taking her luggage and leaving the painful memories behind. Meanwhile, Qiao Anhao was consumed by thoughts of vengeance against Han Ruchu, determined to give her an unforgettable birthday. Qiao Anhao arrived at the Xu family's birthday celebration for Han Ruchu and offered her wishes.
Casually, she asked if there was any bird's nest available, mentioning she had enjoyed the previous two boxes Han Ruchu gave her and that others weren't as effective. Han Ruchu's expression subtly changed, but she maintained her composure and instructed a servant to prepare some. Later, as the bird's nest was served, Qiao Anhao remarked that bird's nest must be carefully selected, as illegally processed ones could cause cancer or even be fatal.
Han Ruchu, visibly shaken, dropped her bowl and excused herself, claiming to feel unwell and needing to rest upstairs. Upstairs, Han Ruchu spoke quietly with a servant, fearing Qiao Anhao had discovered her secret. The servant confirmed, "Ma'am, I'm afraid Ms. Qiao has found out." Han Ruchu, frustrated, replied, "She didn't come to celebrate my birthday but to cause me trouble!" The servant continued, referencing, "When you pushed her down the stairs. . ."
Han Ruchu interrupted, dismissing the concern and saying if Qiao Anhao had any evidence, her family wouldn't have come to the party. Unknown to them, Jia Mu had entered the room, overhearing their conversation. Furious, he confronted his mother, asking if it was true that she had pushed Qiao Anhao down the stairs. Despite Han Ruchu's attempts to explain, Jia Mu refused to listen, stating he heard everything clearly, and stormed out of the house.
Before leaving, Qiao Anhao approached Han Ruchu and, with a chilling smile, asked if she was happy with her birthday gift, adding that she wouldn't want her husband to find out about Han Ruchu's actions either. After leaving the Xu residence, Qiao Anhao went to a coffee shop, sitting alone and longing for Lu Jinnian. With tears in her eyes, she whispered, "Lu Jin Nian, where are you? Won't you come back soon?" She remained there until the shop closed.
Walking aimlessly through the streets, she encountered an elderly woman, Granny Huang, who was disoriented and repeatedly called out "Jin Nian." Qiao Anhao kindly escorted Granny Huang back to a nursing home, where she learned that Granny Huang was Lu Jinnian's former neighbor. Lu Jinnian had arranged for her care at the facility after she became less lucid with age and worried about her living alone, visiting her regularly until recently.
The nurse added that Lu Jinnian usually visited weekly but hadn't been by in over four months. Granny Huang, mistaking Qiao Anhao for Lu Jinnian's wife, showed her a photo from his childhood, saying, "That's you, isn't it?" Qiao Anhao stayed to comfort and care for Granny Huang, finding solace in the stories of Lu Jinnian's childhood.
She reflected that Granny Huang's presence brought her a sense of closeness and warmth, filling the void from years of lost affection, and wondered why Lu Jinnian had abandoned Granny Huang. While Qiao Anhao was caring for Granny Huang, Lu Jinnian arrived at the nursing home. Qiao Anhao was both surprised and overjoyed, but Lu Jinnian's demeanor was cold and distant. He curtly told her she wasn't needed there and instructed the nurse to see her out.
Qiao Anhao desperately tried to talk to him, but Lu Jinnian ignored her pleas and left in his car. Heartbroken, Qiao Anhao waited by the nursing home entrance, but Lu Jinnian drove past without offering her a chance to speak. She immediately called Shen Mingzhe for help, informing him of Lu Jinnian's direction and urging him to follow. Shen Mingzhe eventually caught up to Lu Jinnian, who remained aloof and headed directly into a hotel.
Shen Mingzhe then called Qiao Anhao, who bombarded him with questions about Lu Jinnian's whereabouts and plans. Shen Mingzhe cut her off, saying, "Stop! How am I supposed to answer all your questions? Listen up, Miss Qiao. I'll do the talking. Just listen. If you weren't so good to President Lu the past few months, I wouldn't have forgiven you. Based on how well I know President Lu, he'll be staying at Four Seasons Hotel. The room must be 1001.
Don't tell him I told you this." Qiao Anhao rushed to the hotel and knocked on the door of room 1001. Lu Jinnian, in a bathrobe, opened the door, demanding how she got in and telling her to leave. He stated he had nothing to discuss with her and pushed her out when she tried to explain what happened on Valentine's Day. Distraught, Qiao Anhao called Zhao Meng, admitting, "I failed. He's still giving me the cold shoulder."
Zhao Meng advised her that only one method was left: a 'honey trap.' Following this advice, Qiao Anhao returned to Lu Jinnian's door and actively kissed him, leading to them spending a passionate night together. The next morning, she pleaded with him, "Jin Nian, I'm not asking for much. I just want to have breakfast with you before you leave. Is that okay?" He reluctantly agreed.
Later that morning, Lu Jinnian left and returned with an emergency contraceptive pill, instructing her to take it. Qiao Anhao was deeply hurt and angry, exclaiming, "Lu Jin Nian, what are you trying to do? There should be a limit to your anger!" She refused the pill. Lu Jinnian told her he should learn to forget her and the past, reminding her to wear the clothes he bought her and saying his plane left in two hours.
Qiao Anhao softened her stance, tearfully begging him not to forget her, to continue liking her, and to allow them to be together because she had always loved him. When Lu Jinnian insisted they were over, she cried, "No, we're not over! I've always liked you. Let's be together, okay?" Lu Jinnian asked for a reason why he should trust her. Qiao Anhao, seizing the moment, proposed, "Let's get married. You and me. Let's get married."
They swiftly obtained a marriage certificate dated June 23, 2017. Later, Zhao Meng, ever the gossip, tried to pry into Qiao Anhao's married life with Lu Jinnian, asking if it was "beautiful and harmonious." Qiao Anhao playfully deflected the questions by offering her water and commenting on the sunny weather. Meanwhile, on the set of Qiao Anhao's new film, Lin Shiyi's boyfriend visited, prompting her to show off and offer everyone tea.
Zhao Meng was openly annoyed, muttering about Lin Shiyi "showing off every day after snagging some big-shot boss," and complaining about being stuck in the film contract due to high breach fees. A production staff member handed Qiao Anhao a newly edited script, mentioning some changes. Zhao Meng was immediately concerned about memorizing new lines.
Upon reviewing the script, Qiao Anhao and Zhao Meng were appalled to find that the main actress's role had been significantly diminished, with the supporting actress (Lin Shiyi's character) now slapping the main actress and ultimately ending up with the main actor. Zhao Meng angrily confronted Lin Shiyi, accusing her of using her boyfriend's money to change the script. Lin Shiyi retorted, "Qiao An Hao, do you have to make a fuss? This is the rule in this business.
Whoever has money is the one in charge. If you don't like this, you can also invest millions to change the script. But if that's not in your power, then shut your mouth. And keep your dog in line." Zhao Meng fiercely defended Qiao Anhao, declaring that Lin Shiyi's man couldn't compare to Qiao Anhao's, and "Just a word from Qiao Qiao's man. . . and the entire film crew would have to stop filming!"
Lin Shiyi challenged Qiao Anhao to prove it. In response, Qiao Anhao called Lu Jinnian, who was in a business meeting, and asked if he could drop by the film set. He agreed to be there in twenty minutes. As the director prepared to start filming according to the new script, Qiao Anhao stated she wouldn't be able to do it. Just as Lin Shiyi was gloating, Lu Jinnian arrived on set, much to everyone's surprise. Zhao Meng immediately pointed out, "It's Lin Shi Yi! She's bullying Qiao Qiao."
Episode 27 Recap
After Qiao Anhao called Lu Jinnian to the film set, he arrived quickly. Zhao Meng immediately complained to Lu Jinnian about Lin Shiyi's constant bullying of Qiao Anhao on set. She detailed the indignities Qiao Anhao suffered, from daily script changes to taking slaps, explaining that Qiao Anhao had finally boasted about her boyfriend being far more powerful, capable of deleting scenes and halting filming.
Lu Jinnian smiled, realizing Qiao Anhao might have called him just to show off his power. When the director and Lin Shiyi tried to claim it was all a joke, Lu Jinnian asserted that for every slap Qiao Anhao endured in their "joke," Lin Shiyi would receive ten. Lin Shiyi warned him, reminding him her boyfriend was the film's producer. Ignoring her, Lu Jinnian turned to Qiao Anhao, who suggested halting filming for three months.
Lu Jinnian agreed, escalating it to five months, then eight, and finally declared he would shut down the entire production if another word was spoken. He then told Qiao Anhao to change so they could go home. Meanwhile, news broke that Song Xiangsi was secretly married and pregnant. Xu Jiamu, seeing the headline, suspected that her earlier abortion might have been a lie. He asked his assistant to investigate the truth.
He later found Song Xiangsi, who introduced a man named Mr. Bu as her husband. Song Xiangsi firmly stated that the baby was her husband's and had no relation to Xu Jiamu, explaining that she met Mr. Bu on a plane and he treated her well, giving her the life she desired. Despite Xu Jiamu’s heartfelt plea for another chance, Song Xiangsi remained resolute.
As Mr. Bu affectionately suggested they go home, mentioning buying baby clothes, a heartbroken Xu Jiamu left. Unbeknownst to him, Lin Qianqian had been following him, and watching the scene unfold, she reaffirmed her determination to win Xu Jiamu’s heart. Back home, Lu Jinnian cooked for Qiao Anhao, who playfully asked if he was upset about the afternoon's events. He dismissed her concerns, stating it was normal for a husband to protect his wife.
He patiently taught her to cut vegetables, then sent her to wait outside while he finished preparing dinner. Later, Qiao Anhao sat admiring their marriage certificate. After she fell asleep, Lu Jinnian gently woke her for dinner. He then teased her by playfully hiding their marriage certificate, and when Qiao Anhao frantically searched for it, he threatened to get a divorce. In a panic, Qiao Anhao stuffed the certificate into her mouth, vowing never to give him a divorce.
Lu Jinnian affectionately reassured her, promising they were married and would never divorce. One morning, Qiao Anhao found a note from Lu Jinnian, stating he had left for a last-minute business trip and would return as soon as possible. Shortly after, her aunt called, inviting her to a charity auction on Saturday night. Qiao Anhao inquired if Han Ruchu would be attending and accepted the invitation upon confirmation, knowing Han Ruchu attended every year.
This conversation reminded Qiao Anhao of a box Lu Jinnian had, which contained their conversation. She searched for and found the box, which held a recording pen and Lu Jinnian's phone. Inside, she discovered a series of messages revealing the truth: a confession of love from Lu Jinnian that she never saw, followed by a harsh rejection, seemingly from her, stating she wouldn't forgive him for hurting Xu Jiamu – messages clearly manipulated by Han Ruchu.
At the charity auction, Qiao Anhao found Han Ruchu and confronted her subtly, asking if her fall down the stairs at Han Ruchu's house was an accident. Han Ruchu asked if Xu Jiamu had told her, but Qiao Anhao replied that he hadn't, yet she knew everything. The highlight of the auction was a rare diamond named "Heart of True Love." Han Ruchu, full of self-satisfaction, successfully bid 50 million yuan for it.
However, as Han Ruchu approached the stage to sign the contract, Qiao Anhao signaled Zhao Meng, who then played a recording of a past conversation between Lu Jinnian and Han Ruchu for everyone to hear. In the recording, Lu Jinnian had confronted Han Ruchu about her actions, asking how she could face Xu Jiamu after he had saved her life. Han Ruchu had defiantly claimed Lu Jinnian was a "bastard child" and his mother a "mistress."
Lu Jinnian retorted that his mother was honorable, unlike a "murderer" like Han Ruchu. He then revealed that if Xu Jiamu knew his mother's hands were covered in blood and she hadn't even spared a two-month-old fetus, he would be appalled. Han Ruchu chillingly admitted that Qiao Anhao's baby had died in her womb because of her, through sleeping pills and bird's nest, asserting Qiao Anhao "deserved it" as she was Xu Jiamu's wife. The revelation caused chaos.
Han Ruchu, enraged, accused Qiao Anhao of framing her, while Lan Qing, Qiao Anhao’s aunt, stepped in to defend Qiao Anhao. Han Ruchu then shouted that the child was Lu Jinnian’s, and she couldn’t bear to watch Xu Jiamu raise another man’s baby, claiming she did it "for him." Xu Jiamu, witnessing the shocking confession, angrily pulled his mother away.
He condemned her, reminding her that Lu Jinnian was his older brother and his father’s son, and a child with Qiao Anhao would still be part of the Xu family. He couldn't comprehend how she could take a life. Xu Nian De, also present, finally realized how deeply he had misunderstood Lu Jinnian. The auctioneer then announced the forfeiture of Han Group’s right to the "Heart of True Love," deeming a heartless person unworthy of it.
As a distraught Xu Jiamu sat alone, Lin Qianqian approached him and offered a tissue. Later that night, Lan Qing suggested Qiao Anhao see a Chinese physician and stay at her home to recover, but Qiao Anhao politely declined, assuring her she was feeling much better. Qiao Anhao then called Lu Jinnian, who was still on his business trip.
She recounted a story of a man and woman who were more than friends, whose Chinese Valentine's Day dinner plans were thwarted by the woman's accident. The man received a heartbreaking text and chose to leave, unaware of the accident. Qiao Anhao concluded that if the woman had seen his confession text, she would have accepted. Lu Jinnian then asked if he was still worthy of her, to which Qiao Anhao replied, "Yes."
Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhe called Lu Jinnian, praising him for what he "did" to Han Ruchu at the auction. Confused, Lu Jinnian learned from Shen Mingzhe that his conversation with Han Ruchu had been leaked. Realizing Qiao Anhao now knew the full truth about the bird's nest incident, he immediately booked the soonest flight back to China. At the Xu family home, a furious Xu Nian De confronted Han Ruchu, striking her for her unforgivable actions.
He announced that he and Xu Jiamu had decided to send her to Europe, as she had alienated the Qiao family and could no longer stay. Despite Han Ruchu’s vehement protestations, she ultimately departed for Europe the next day, instructing Xu Nian De to manage the company and household until her return.
Episode 28 (Ending) Recap
Lu Jinnian, holding a bouquet of vibrant red roses, appeared before Qiao Anhao, who was surprised as his schedule indicated he should still be on a business trip. Lu Jinnian smiled gently, explaining he had returned early because he missed her, and her words from the previous night had deeply touched him.
As they strolled through the city, Lu Jinnian indulged Qiao Anhao, buying her many beautiful dresses and expensive bags, and expressing his desire to tie her down with a ring and let the whole world know she was his. Zhao Meng pointed out the paparazzi, encouraging them to use the opportunity to silence their haters. When Qiao Anhao complained that her feet hurt and she couldn't walk, Lu Jinnian immediately scooped her up in a princess carry.
On an escalator, he kissed her passionately, drawing gasps from onlookers. Meanwhile, Shen Mingzhe grumbled about the exhausting task of following his dating bosses, to which Zhao Meng retorted he should find another job if he couldn't handle it, adding that she needed to protect Lu Jinnian from Qiao Anhao and him. Later, Lu Jinnian publicly posted their marriage certificate online.
At home, as Lu Jinnian attentively blow-dried Qiao Anhao's hair, she scrolled through the comments, noting remarks like "You two are a match made in heaven" and wondering why only one certificate was displayed. Playfully, Lu Jinnian called her "Mrs. Lu" and teased her about the marriage certificate. Overwhelmed by the extent of the shopping, Qiao Anhao was heard on the phone with Zhao Meng saying, "Can we stop shopping? It's too much already!"
and later, as Lu Jinnian helped her with heavy bags, she exclaimed, "You're crazy. My God!" During dinner, Qiao Anhao asked Lu Jinnian if she should try out for the female lead role in a new Hollywood movie, even mentioning that Lin Shiyi was auditioning. Lu Jinnian replied that she should go if she wanted, but warned that seeing her work too hard made his heart ache.
Qiao Anhao joked about him taking "sweet-talking" lessons, and he responded that she was his only audience. Meanwhile, Lu Jinnian's manager, Zhen Xi, confronted him about his public display on Weibo. Zhen Xi reminded Lu Jinnian of her unwavering support over nine years: she had been his constant companion, accompanying him to the hospital when he was sick, working tirelessly to adjust his schedule during non-stop filming, and managing the company in his absence.
She expressed her frustration, saying that after all she had done, he chose someone who only brought him trouble. Zhen Xi declared herself more capable and equally attractive as Qiao Anhao, stating she was the one who could fight for the world alongside him. Lu Jinnian, while grateful for her dedication, apologized and gently explained that his feelings for her were not love; he only loved Qiao Anhao.
Zhen Xi, deeply hurt, accepted his decision but warned him not to regret it, adding that she would not let Qiao Anhao have what she couldn't. She then went to meet President Qin, confirming her departure from Lu Jinnian's company and expressing her intent to prove her loyalty through actions. Qiao Anhao, now playing the role of a diligent housewife, was busy mopping the floor when she received a message from Zhao Meng.
Zhao Meng mentioned she had found a talented tailor for Qiao Anhao's show preparations and suggested they go together the next day to try on clothes. Elsewhere, Lu Jinnian was happily arranging the purchase of a shop and ordering a custom engagement ring, along with a "True Love Contract," because his wife liked it. Song Xiangsi, heavily pregnant, was taking a walk, insisting she still needed the exercise despite Zhao Meng's concerns.
Zhao Meng urged Song Xiangsi to talk to the child's father, Jia Mu, whom Song Xiangsi had recently seen, instead of having someone else pretend to be the father. At the same time, Lin Qianqian presented Jia Mu with a copy of Song Xiangsi's marriage registration, claiming Song Xiangsi was married and urging him to move on.
Lin Qianqian offered Jia Mu all of her family's shares, acknowledging his and Han Ruchu's distress after the Han Group was sold, and Han Ruchu being sent abroad. She believed he could reclaim the Han Group if he accepted her offer, but Jia Mu remained silent. Later, Jia Mu sought out Lu Jinnian, apologizing for his past wrongs and misunderstandings. He then handed Lu Jinnian a letter, explaining it contained what Qiao Anhao had always wanted to tell him.
Jia Mu expressed his hope that Lu Jinnian and Qiao Anhao would be together forever. Lu Jinnian, deeply moved, embraced his brother, saying their past conflicts were behind them. Reading Qiao Anhao's letter, Lu Jinnian discovered heartfelt declarations like, "It's said that every person exists in anticipation of another's arrival. I think I am here for you. . . I just wish I can love you 50 years later the same way I love you now. . .
To the world, you are just one person. But to me, you are the whole world. As long as I live, I'll love you the most." Returning home, Lu Jinnian found Qiao Anhao. He reaffirmed his love for her, explaining that he had received her love letter five years ago, and realizing her confession was delayed by misunderstandings, he apologized. He then said, "Thank God I didn't lose you," and they shared a tender embrace.
Lu Jinnian then led Qiao Anhao to a special place—their old classroom. He confessed he had always wanted to be her deskmate and suggested they make up for lost time. They playfully role-played as "Classmate Qiao" and "Classmate Lu." That evening, Lu Jinnian took Qiao Anhao to a place where they had once made a wish. He told her he owed her a few words, then asked, "Can I pursue you?" Qiao Anhao happily replied, "Yes."
Lu Jinnian then poured out his heart, saying she was the warmth he had yearned to approach, and that he loved her even more now that he had said it aloud. Finally, he knelt, holding the "Heart of True Love" ring, and asked, "Qiao Qiao, will you marry me?" She joyfully accepted, noticing the ring was indeed the famous "Heart of True Love." She asked if he had truly signed the "True Love Contract," promising to love only her.
He confirmed it, and when asked by an assistant if he would keep his lifelong promise, he confidently declared, "I will only love you." He then expressed his desire to show her his past, leading her to his childhood home, the place he lived until he was eleven. Upon arriving at his old home, Qiao Anhao found the place eerily familiar.
As Lu Jinnian looked at the house, a vivid memory flashed through Qiao Anhao's mind: herself as a child, delivering milk to Lu Shan and calling out "Auntie, open the door." Lu Jinnian then turned to her, his voice strained, and asked who had told her to deliver that specific bottle of milk. Qiao Anhao, confused by his intense reaction, replied, "It was Han Ruchu." Hearing this, Lu Jinnian's demeanor changed drastically. He snapped, "Don't touch me!"
as Qiao Anhao tried to comfort him, then furiously pushed her hand away and abruptly left, mentioning the milk seemed suspicious. Qiao Anhao sank to the ground, utterly bewildered by his sudden departure and the shocking revelation.
