Second Chance Romance resumo, enredo, sinopse

Sinopse de Second Chance Romance

Renowned international ballet artist Tan Siting, after achieving great success, returned to her home country to teach. Her greatest wish is to impart her ballet skills, allowing more children the opportunity to experience and understand art, while also discovering more talents, helping them step onto the world stage.

During this time, Tan Siting unexpectedly met ballet prodigy Zheng Yufan, who was facing a technical bottleneck. Under Tan Siting's careful guidance, Zheng Yufan won a gold medal in an international competition, making a stunning debut. The story of Tan Siting's perseverance in pursuing her dreams despite pain and hardship spread widely and was highly acclaimed.

Through a fortunate coincidence, Tan Siting unexpectedly reunited with her former husband, Feng Rui. The calm waters of their hearts were once again stirred. Feng Rui was moved by Tan Siting's pursuit of her dreams, her passion for art, and her unwavering feelings for him. In the end, Feng Rui let go of his reservations and bravely pursued love once more. The two lovers finally became a family, and Tan Siting's ballet career was also passed on, ensuring its legacy.

Resumos de Second Chance Romance

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At a prestigious international wine gala, Feng Rui, speaking in a mix of fluent French, English, and Chinese, proudly presented the unique Cabernet Sauvignon from his Cygne winery, located in western Sichuan. He elaborated on how the region's diverse terroir influenced the wine's character. After his winery received a gold medal for its exceptional creation, Feng Rui promptly returned to China.

Simultaneously, news reports announced that Tan Siting, the sole Chinese principal dancer of France's Cupid Ballet, had retired at the peak of her career. The decision puzzled many fans and industry insiders, but it was understood she intended to return home to pursue teaching. Back in China, her childhood friend, Yuan, warmly greeted her.

He expressed his joy at her return and, seizing the opportunity, confessed his long-standing feelings for her once more, but Tan Siting gently declined as she had done before, joking that perhaps it could happen in her next life. Yuan then shared updates about Feng Rui, mentioning his retirement from the military to establish Cygne Winery and that he now has a child. Tan Siting admitted to missing her father and expressed her hope of finding him this time.

The following day, while exploring Chengdu, Tan Siting boarded a public bus. There, she unexpectedly spotted Feng Rui. The moment brought back a vivid memory from her college days when they first met on a bus. She had accidentally dropped a possession, which Feng Rui picked up for her. They exchanged contact information, their connection blossoming from that chance encounter. In the present, Feng Rui, though visibly moved, maintained his composure and offered a polite smile.

Meanwhile, Feng Rui's mother was actively trying to set him up with Wen Peiyan, a refined and kind woman who was excellent with children and a skilled pianist, aligning perfectly with Feng Rui’s son, Le’s, piano studies. After a family dinner with Wen Peiyan and Le, as Feng Rui drove them home, the radio announced Tan Siting's return.

His mother, visibly anxious, glanced at him, concerned about the impact this news might have on her son, who had finally started moving forward after a difficult past. The next day, Feng Rui's mother again pressed him to buy a new piano for Le, suggesting he bring Wen Peiyan along to help select it, covertly creating another chance for them to bond.

She subtly probed Feng Rui about his feelings for Tan Siting, to which he calmly responded that it was all in the past and he had forgotten about it. His mother was relieved by his answer. Later, Tan Siting visited Cygne, Feng Rui's winery. The location was deeply significant, as it was on Hantang Road—the very street where they had once dreamed of opening a winery and a dance studio together.

As she arrived, a staff member introduced the winery as a six-year-old business focused on producing wines tailored to the Chinese palate, highlighting their popular dry red and dry white wines. Feng Rui then appeared. Their interaction was strained; his initial politeness had given way to a deliberate coldness. He offered her a glass of wine, which she tasted carefully.

Tan Siting critically observed the wine's "distinct graininess" and its "floral notes appearing briefly and then receding quickly," likening it to a "sharp, bold retreat"—a poignant reflection on her own decision to retire from ballet at her career's peak. She confessed she had returned to China to settle down. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Le and Wen Peiyan, with Le having previously called Wen Peiyan "Auntie" affectionately.

Feng Rui introduced Tan Siting as a friend, but Tan Siting quickly perceived the shift in his life, realizing he had moved on. She politely excused herself, taking a bottle of wine he offered her. As Feng Rui drove Le home, Le thanked him for the new piano. Wen Peiyan had brought Le to the winery after receiving a call from Feng Rui's mother, who had an unexpected company matter.

While driving, Feng Rui caught a glimpse of Tan Siting in his rearview mirror. Despite his earlier assertion of moving on, a deep well of emotion stirred within him, and he wished for time to stand still, allowing him to watch her a little longer. Earlier, Wen Peiyan had a candid conversation with Feng Rui's mother. Wen Peiyan confessed her feelings for Feng Rui but expressed concern about his reserved and overly formal demeanor towards her.

Feng Rui’s mother reassured her, explaining that it was just his personality. She encouraged Wen Peiyan to be more proactive in pursuing him. Wen Peiyan then cautiously inquired about Le's mother. Feng Rui's mother responded by saying that both Feng Rui and the woman were too young back then, only considering their own feelings and not understanding the true nature of life. She emphasized that the past should remain in the past and that they should all look forward.

Years later, Tan Siting, now a renowned prima ballerina from France's Amour Ballet, returned to China. She met up with her university friends, including Wang Shuhan and Zeyuan. Shuhan expressed how much she had missed Siting and jokingly lamented Siting's unchanging beauty and slim figure. Zeyuan revealed he had flown in on a full-price business class ticket just to see her immediately upon her return.

Over drinks, Siting shared that her life abroad was simple, a routine between the theater and home. She also mentioned that there was still no news about her missing father, and Zeyuan had posted a notice online to help find him. Shuhan then asked if Siting had seen their old university boyfriend, Feng Rui. Siting confirmed she had, that very afternoon.

Shuhan had heard that Feng Rui had left his grandfather's company to open his own winery, and Siting confirmed that the wine they were drinking was from his establishment. Siting explained that she had merely stumbled into his winery by chance. Shuhan teased about them rekindling their old romance, but Siting quickly dispelled the idea, revealing that Feng Rui's new partner and child had arrived while she was there, and his son was quite grown.

Shuhan encouraged Siting to move on, offering to set her up with other bachelors, but Siting declined. That evening, Feng Rui and his son Le were having dinner with Wen Peiyan when Feng Rui's mother, Ms. Gao, arrived. To create alone time for Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan, Ms. Gao used a new game console to persuade Le to spend the weekend at her place. After they left, Wen Peiyan and Feng Rui discussed Le's upbringing.

Wen Peiyan commented that Le was too mature for his age, finding it heartbreaking. She expressed a wish that children should be allowed to make mistakes and be willful, as childhood is fleeting. Feng Rui agreed with her perspective. Wen Peiyan then gently suggested that Feng Rui, too, didn't always have to act strong and could let his guard down with people he trusted. Tan Siting began a new job as a guest teacher at a dance school.

The principal, Ms. Zhuang, proudly announced that Siting, a former prima ballerina, had turned down an offer from France's Royal Ballet School to teach there. Ms. Zhuang assigned Siting to coach a promising student, Zheng Yufan, for an upcoming international competition in Japan. Coincidentally, the school was located in the same arts center where Wen Peiyan worked as a piano teacher and where Le took piano lessons.

One day, Wen Peiyan saw Siting at the center and greeted her warmly, unaware of her history with Feng Rui. Ms. Gao was also present, waiting for Le with Feng Rui. Wen Peiyan innocently introduced Siting to Ms. Gao as "Rui's friend" and Ms. Gao as "Rui's mother." The greeting between Siting and Ms. Gao was visibly strained, with Siting offering a polite but contemptuous smile and Ms. Gao looking panicked. Siting politely excused herself.

Later, a worried Ms. Gao confronted Feng Rui at home, demanding to know why he hadn't told her about meeting Siting. She found the series of "coincidences"—Siting returning, visiting his winery, and now working with Wen Peiyan—highly suspicious. Feng Rui dismissed her concerns, stating they had only exchanged casual greetings. Ms. Gao reminded him of how Siting had supposedly abandoned him and a newborn Le to pursue her ballet career in France, leaving only a letter.

She expressed fear that Siting was back to disrupt their now-stable lives. Feng Rui, resolute, declared that there was no possibility of a reunion. He explained that Siting had already met Le and showed no reaction, which solidified his belief that she had truly abandoned them. He assured his mother that Siting could no longer affect him or their family. Not entirely convinced, Ms. Gao went to the dance school to confront Siting directly.

She told Siting that Feng Rui had found his other half and wanted her to stop bothering him. Reverting to her old tactics, she asked if Siting had returned for money, an accusation Siting met with disdain, stating she had long forgotten Feng Rui and was not in need of money. That night, Feng Rui entered his son's room and found Le asleep, clutching a photograph.

He gently took it and looked at the image he had taken years ago: Tan Siting, dancing ballet in the sunlight. The memory prompted a flashback to his mother's explanation for Siting's departure. Ms. Gao had claimed that Siting left for France right after Le was born, driven by her lifelong dream of ballet.

Despite Feng Rui’s insistence that Siting wasn’t that kind of person, Ms. Gao had retorted that artists thought differently and that having a child would end her dancing career, calling him naive. This memory stood in stark contrast to Siting's own traumatic recollections. In a flashback, Siting recalled being rushed into an emergency room while pregnant. The baby was in distress due to severe oxygen deprivation, and despite the doctors' efforts, the child was lost.

When she awoke, Ms. Gao coldly informed her the baby was gone and prevented her from seeing Feng Rui. Ms. Gao then offered Siting 500,000 yuan to leave, arguing that the tragic history between their families would make a future together impossible. Back in the present, having accepted his mother's version of events, Feng Rui decided to move on. When Wen Peiyan suggested they make their relationship official, pointing out that they already functioned like a family, he agreed.

Meanwhile, Siting, disturbed by her confrontation with Ms. Gao, requested a leave of absence from the training center. Ms. Zhuang, however, persuaded her to stay, entrusting her with the crucial role of discovering and cultivating the next generation of top ballerinas, a task for which Siting's eye for talent was indispensable.

Feng Rui's mother, anxious about Tan Siting's recent return to the country, visited Wen Peiyan at her workplace with coffee. She inquired about the progress of Wen Peiyan’s relationship with Feng Rui. Wen Peiyan confirmed that she and Feng Rui had officially started dating the previous night after she suggested they "give it a shot," and he agreed.

Overjoyed, Feng Rui's mother proposed that her grandson, Lexuan, stay with her for a few days to allow the new couple more time together. After leaving, she immediately called Feng Rui, excitedly pushing him to set a wedding date. She is desperate to secure his relationship with Wen Peiyan to prevent Tan Siting from discovering a long-held secret: that the child she was forced to give up is alive.

Feng Rui, who still believes Tan Siting abandoned him, agreed to date Wen Peiyan partly out of spite, and he assured his mother he would handle the wedding plans himself. Meanwhile, at a dance studio, Tan Siting noticed a young boy, Feng Lexuan, outside secretly mimicking ballet moves. Recognizing him from a pastry shop, Tan Siting approached him and offered to teach him some basic steps.

Lexuan excitedly asked about the pain of standing on pointe, and Tan Siting explained the intense focus required, cautioning him against practicing at home without proper training. Before they could continue, Wen Peiyan arrived, reminding Tan Siting of an upcoming class. That evening, Feng Rui’s mother saw Lexuan practicing ballet on his tiptoes at home. She scolded him, stating that boys shouldn't learn ballet and that she disliked it.

Lexuan argued back, mentioning that there are male ballet dancers and that she was old-fashioned. He then enthusiastically described the new teacher he met, Tan Siting, calling her beautiful, a famous dancer, and very friendly. This connection is unknown to Lexuan, who has found a photograph of a ballerina at home—a picture Feng Rui once took of Tan Siting—and believes the woman in the photo is his mother.

Later, Feng Rui went to check on his son and found him clutching this very photo. Feng Rui’s company held an anniversary event, where it was announced that they had acquired Soler Winery in Australia, a move expected to lead to self-production and sales of wine. To celebrate, each employee would receive a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Amidst this, Feng Rui received a call from Lexuan's teacher about a fight at school.

Lexuan and his friend had intervened when three older students were bullying a classmate, Yang Zihuan, leading to a scuffle. With no surveillance footage as evidence, the teacher decided that all involved students would receive a major demerit and write a 600-word reflection. Lexuan felt it was unfair, but Feng Rui reassured him that he believed his son. Wen Peiyan later invited Tan Siting to dinner to welcome her as a new colleague.

Unaware of Tan Siting's past with Feng Rui, Wen Peiyan asked how she knew him. Tan Siting jokingly replied that they were each other's "first love" before clarifying they met through a friend and hadn't been in contact for twelve years. Feng Rui arrived to pick up Wen Peiyan and joined them, adding to the awkwardness. Assuming Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan were a married couple, Tan Siting asked how long they had been together.

Wen Peiyan stated they had been together a long time but were now planning their wedding. Tan Siting offered a toast to their happiness. As Tan Siting excused herself, she told Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan to catch up. She then remarked to Feng Rui that Wen Peiyan loved him very much, to which he simply replied that Wen Peiyan was a good person. Later, as they were leaving, they all exchanged WeChat contact information.

In the car, Wen Peiyan brought up Tan Siting's "first love" comment, and Feng Rui dismissed it as a joke. When she asked why he had suddenly brought up marriage at dinner, he replied that it was the natural next step for them. Meanwhile, Tan Siting discovered a talented 11-year-old girl named Qu Zhen from a remote mountain village. Despite having little formal training, Qu Zhen displayed natural musicality and an innate feel for ballet.

During a school committee meeting, teachers were divided on admitting her due to her age and lack of experience. Tan Siting passionately advocated for Qu Zhen, arguing that joy and passion are as important as achievement. She cited Tamara Rojo, a principal dancer who excelled through dedication despite not having ideal physical attributes. The principal agreed, emphasizing the school's mission to help children achieve their dreams, and decided to accept Qu Zhen if she could pass an entrance exam.

However, Qu Zhen and her mother were heartbroken as they couldn't afford the tuition. Upon learning this, Tan Siting immediately offered to have Qu Zhen stay with her and provide special training to help her pass the exam. Later that evening, Wen Peiyan sensed Feng Rui's hesitation, playfully calling herself his "free piano teacher and nanny" but also expressing her sincere desire to take care of him and Lexuan.

At Tan Siting’s apartment, she patiently taught Qu Zhen fundamental ballet techniques. Grateful, Qu Zhen performed a traditional dance from her village for Tan Siting. Watching her, Tan Siting was transported back to her college days, reminiscing about how Feng Rui, captivated by her dancing, had enrolled in a ballet interest class just to be near her. His determination to practice, under her strict guidance, brought them closer and ignited their deep love.

In a flashback to their youth, Feng Rui couldn't help but smile whenever he saw Tan Siting. During ballet practice, Tan Siting patiently taught Feng Rui to dance, and he struggled to suppress the flutter in his heart. After class, Feng Rui would walk Tan Siting back to her dorm. One evening, noticing her voice was hoarse, he rushed out to buy her pear soup.

He managed to get past the dorm security by leaving his ID with the lady downstairs, then delivered the warm soup to Tan Siting, who was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. During their conversation, Feng Rui asked if it was too late for him to learn ballet. Tan Siting jokingly agreed but then encouraged him, acknowledging that starting was easy but persisting was hard.

He then informed her he wouldn't be around the following week, as he was going to Hongyuan County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, for a charity trip on his father's behalf, as his company was too busy for his father to go. Tan Siting mentioned she had never been but heard the sunsets there were exceptionally beautiful. Before he left, Feng Rui suggested they get hot pot the next day as a farewell dinner.

Over a decade later, Feng Rui, a single father, faced a chaotic morning with his son, Le. They were scrambling to get ready for school. Feng Rui, trying to make breakfast and find a band-aid for Le's cut, was overwhelmed. Thankfully, Wen Peiyan arrived, helping them get organized and ensuring Le made it to school on time. Her presence highlighted the absence of a female figure in their home.

Wen Peiyan also advised Le that while standing up for others was good, he should be careful and protect himself first, as he wasn't old enough to handle such situations physically. Meanwhile, Tan Siting dedicated herself to her work. Qu Zhen, a young ballet enthusiast from a minority background, nervously prepared for her ballet assessment.

Another student commented on Qu Zhen's nervousness, but Tan Siting reassured her, advising her to bow respectfully to Ms. Guan, the strict assessor, and to focus on a butterfly-shaped water stain on the ceiling if she felt overwhelmed. Qu Zhen performed a series of basic ballet moves, impressing Ms. Guan and the school principal with her dedication and talent. She passed the assessment. Afterward, Qu Zhen's mother expressed her gratitude to Tan Siting.

Later, Tan Siting found Qu Zhen practicing on her own and gave her specific guidance on hip alignment during stretches. Tan Siting also bought Qu Zhen two new pairs of soft-soled ballet shoes, one size larger, specifically chosen for dancing. Le's grandma learned her grandson had been given a major demerit for fighting after standing up for a bullied classmate. The next morning, she went directly to the school principal.

She argued that giving a demerit without a clear investigation was inappropriate and that the school's surveillance blind spots were their responsibility, not the children's. Drawing on her experience running a company, she pressured the school, which eventually agreed to revoke Le's major demerit. However, after Le's grandma's visit, the boy who had been bullying others, Ren Zhexi, along with his friends Liu Zixin and Fu Yiwei, started provoking Le again.

They mocked him for needing his grandma's help and for not having a mother. Enraged, Le pushed Ren Zhexi. The school immediately called both sets of parents. At the same time, Feng Rui was at the location of the first incident, in the camera blind spot, looking for clues. He noticed two cars covered in dust, suggesting they had been parked there for a while.

He sent a message to the car owners, explaining the situation and hoping their dashcams might have captured footage of the incident on March 21st during the lunch break, which could help clarify what truly happened. That evening, Le came home crying, feeling wronged, and confided in Feng Rui that he had pushed Ren Zhexi because they had insulted his mother. Wen Peiyan gently consoled him, acknowledging that while hitting someone was wrong, Le was justified in his anger.

Le's grandma joined the conversation, arguing with Feng Rui about how to handle the situation. She criticized Feng Rui for not having evidence and suggested transferring Le to another school or even paying the other family to resolve the issue quickly. Feng Rui, however, refused to solve problems with money, insisting on finding the truth and setting a good example for Le. When asked to choose, Le declared he would handle it himself the next day at school.

Seeing Le's distress and the ongoing arguments, Wen Peiyan offered to go to school the next day in the capacity of Le's mother. She believed a mother's priority was protecting her child from suffering, not just winning an argument or using money. The following day, Wen Peiyan accompanied Le to school. Taking Le's lunchbox, she instructed him to pretend he forgot it and that she would bring it to him later.

When she arrived at Le's class to deliver the lunch, the other children, who had been teasing Le, were stunned by his "beautiful mother." Their taunts about him being from a single-parent family immediately ceased. Shortly after, Feng Rui successfully obtained the dashcam footage. The video clearly showed Ren Zhexi, Liu Zixin, and Fu Yiwei bullying another student. Le, Duan Xiyan, and Yang Zihuan intervened to protect the student, only to be pushed and harassed themselves.

The school publicly apologized to Feng Lexuan, Duan Xiyan, and Yang Zihuan, commending their bravery and announcing they would receive commendation certificates at the Monday flag-raising ceremony. Ren Zhexi, Liu Zixin, and Fu Yiwei were given major demerits and placed on probation, with a warning of expulsion for any future misconduct. Later that day, at a family dinner with Feng Rui, Le, his grandma, and Wen Peiyan, everyone celebrated Le's vindication.

Le toasted Feng Rui and his classmates for helping to clear their names. His grandma advised him to always protect himself first. Le then asked Feng Rui if he had signed him up for the free combat class, mentioning his classmates' admiration for his father's actions. Feng Rui agreed to enroll him. In a separate school event, the preliminary round of the 9th School-Wide Model Airplane Competition was held. Le's team placed second, while Ren Zhexi's team took first.

Le, frustrated by their loss, found it suspicious since Ren Zhexi's team had no prior experience. Le's friend, Ji Sen, called him with "major intel," revealing that Ren Zhexi's team had secretly bought their model airplane instead of building it themselves. Le's grandma overheard and, feeling indignant, commissioned a specialized designer from the Aerospace Academy to build an advanced model airplane for Le's team, ensuring they would win.

Le, however, was conflicted, believing that winning by cheating was worse than losing fairly. His friends, including Yang Zihuan, were excited about using the "awesome airplane" to beat Ren Zhexi's team. Feng Rui acknowledged Le's dilemma but proposed a different solution: since Feng Rui himself was a professional in aerospace, he could guide Le's team in building their own superior model, thereby achieving a fair victory. Le agreed.

Feng Rui then took the opportunity to tell Le that in the future, he should firmly refuse his grandma's attempts to bend the rules. Le worried this would cause more arguments, but Feng Rui explained that he and the grandmother weren't arguing, but simply had different ways of showing their love and concern for Le's upbringing. Separately, during a meal with Tan Siting and Qu Zhen, Mr. Wang, who had sponsored the school, joined them.

His son, Wang Hongyuan, innocently blurted out that his father liked Tan Siting, much to Mr. Wang's embarrassment. Mr. Wang, a wine entrepreneur, was also dealing with competitive pressures for an upcoming City Expo red wine selection, where his brand, Cygne, was vying to become the official wine. His main competitor, Huacan, was directly targeting Cygne's young demographic with new wine releases, forcing him to consider bolder, more avant-garde designs and strategies. He tasked his employee, Hao, to buy Huacan's new products for a comparison. After dinner, Mr. Wang and Tan Siting dropped off Qu Zhen and Wang Hongyuan.

Tan Siting returned to teaching ballet, where a school official excitedly told her that a friend had made a generous donation to the school. Tan Siting recognized the donor as Yuan, realizing he had sponsored the school specifically to help her establish herself there. While driving, Tan Siting thanked Yuan for the sponsorship but expressed discomfort, stating that if his actions were solely motivated by her, he shouldn't do it again.

Yuan admitted that his initial motivation was indeed her, but he also genuinely believed in giving back to society and supporting ballet. He clarified that he was not a wealthy tycoon, just a small-time boss who could only occasionally indulge in such acts of generosity, and assured her not to feel burdened. Tan Siting insisted he refrain from such grand gestures in the future.

As they arrived at her new apartment, she explained she couldn't invite him in as it was still a mess. Noticing she had forgotten her phone in his car, Yuan teased her about her forgetful habit, but then earnestly told her how good it was to have her back.

Later, as Feng Rui prepared to take Wen Peiyan to meet his grandfather, his thoughts drifted back to a difficult conversation from the past when he first told his family about his relationship with Tan Siting. His mother had fiercely opposed the union, bringing up the painful memory of Tan Siting's father causing the death of his cousin, Haotian. She accused Feng Rui of wanting to bring more turmoil into their lives and disrespecting Haotian's memory.

His father echoed his mother's sentiments, urging Feng Rui to reconsider. Feng Rui vehemently defended Tan Siting, arguing that she was innocent and that their long-standing relationship was important. He expressed his frustration that Haotian's death continued to overshadow his own life and accused his mother of showing favoritism towards Haotian. He then revealed a pivotal truth: Tan Siting was pregnant with his child, declaring that they would stay together and have the baby regardless of his family's approval.

At that crucial moment, his grandfather, though initially silent, intervened, stating that despite the circumstances, the child, being Feng Rui's flesh and blood, must be kept. He added that having already lost Haotian, he could not bear to lose a great-grandchild as well. In the present, Feng Rui's mother reminded him to bring Wen Peiyan to see his grandfather. During their visit, the family expressed their happiness. Feng Rui's mother praised Wen Peiyan, saying Rui was lucky to have her.

His grandfather then presented Wen Peiyan with a family heirloom, a symbolic gesture of acceptance, telling her that he was entrusting Feng Rui to her care. Wen Peiyan, though initially surprised by the value of the gift, graciously accepted it. Meanwhile, Le was preparing for his school's model airplane competition. Despite thorough preparation, his practice runs were underwhelming. His grandmother, learning that his competitors had purchased their model planes, spent 30,000 yuan to buy one for Le.

Le liked the new model but felt using it was unfair. His grandmother justified the purchase, claiming they shouldn't let "petty people" win if they resorted to cheating first. Feng Rui was displeased by his mother's approach, accusing her of teaching Le dishonesty. His mother argued that she was merely trying to help Le build confidence after he had been bullied by the same group of kids.

She urged Feng Rui not to overreact and to let her decide how to spend money on her grandson. Feng Rui, drawing on his university background in electronic design, firmly stated that he would not allow such dishonest tactics. Later, Wen Peiyan advised Feng Rui to understand his mother's good intentions, expressing confidence that he would handle the family matter well. Collaborating intently with Le, Feng Rui began designing a new model airplane from scratch.

He explained to Le that while using a more powerful motor was theoretically possible, school rules required identical power configurations, so they would instead focus on reducing the plane's weight. He also instructed Le on how to add a "wing fence" to the main wings to enhance stability and speed. Working diligently together, father and son successfully built their model.

During their test flight, Le asked Feng Rui if he ever had dreams of his own, wondering if he had given up an "aerospace dream" to care for him. Feng Rui reassured him, explaining that life brings many changes, but his current dreams centered on his wine business and watching Le grow up. He encouraged Le to always persevere in pursuing his passions. At the competition, Le and his team, using their self-made model, triumphed, winning first prize.

Afterwards, Le expressed that he finally felt a true sense of accomplishment. One day, Tan Siting was at a bookstore when she witnessed a boy, Ren Zhexi, surreptitiously slipping an unpurchased pen into Le's backpack. Ren Zhexi, who had lost to Le in the model airplane competition, was seeking revenge. As Le attempted to exit, the security alarm blared.

When confronted by a store employee, Le adamantly denied stealing, insisting that he did not know how the pen got into his bag and refused to admit to something he hadn't done. The employee tried to pressure him into paying or confessing, threatening to involve his parents and school. Tan Siting stepped forward, stating she had seen Ren Zhexi plant the pen and offered to testify on Le's behalf.

The employee tried to dismiss her, claiming the area was a camera blind spot, but Tan Siting countered that without evidence, their accusations amounted to defamation and suggested they call the police. Hearing this, Ren Zhexi, fearing a police investigation and the involvement of his parents, broke down in tears and confessed, pleading with everyone not to contact his family. Le, demonstrating maturity, chose to forgive him.

The employee apologized, and Tan Siting bought the pen and gave it to Le as a gift, commending him for his integrity. Later, Le was observing Tan Siting's ballet class while waiting for his father. She invited him to join in if he ever wished. As they chatted, Tan Siting offered to buy him a drink. Le declined milk, explaining he had been allergic to dairy since childhood. Tan Siting was struck by this, revealing she shared the same allergy.

They both opted for cola instead. Le asked about her ballet journey, and she shared that she started at four, endured initial pain, but learned to love it. He commented on the intensity of ballet and mused if his own interest in the art form might be hereditary. Just then, Feng Rui arrived to pick up Le. As they left, Le absentmindedly left his piano score behind.

The combination of their shared milk allergy and Le's forgetfulness sparked an unsettling suspicion in Tan Siting. She went to the school and asked a teacher, Ms. Deng, for Feng Lexuan's (Le's full name) file. She carefully examined the record, which stated his birth date was March 24, 2011.

A flood of memories, including her conversation with Le and a doctor's past report about her own premature baby, born at less than 31 weeks with severe oxygen deprivation, intensified her suspicion. The birth date resonated with that of her own lost child. Her hands trembled as a bold thought emerged: could her child not have died? That night, Tan Siting lay awake, grappling with the possibility. If Le was indeed her son, had Feng Rui known all along?

And had Gao Hui been complicit in concealing the truth? The next day, determined to find answers, Tan Siting visited Le at his school, bringing his forgotten piano book. She also treated him to pizza. During their meal, Le shared more details about his family, clarifying that Wen Peiyan was his father's girlfriend, not his mother. He explained that his birth mother had passed away during childbirth due to difficult labor.

He also mentioned his grandmother's eagerness for his father and Wen Peiyan to marry, citing the recent gift of the family heirloom. He then jokingly asked Tan Siting, as his father's friend, to encourage Feng Rui to be more proactive in the relationship. Tan Siting promised she would. Before leaving, she told Le she would be taking some time off to handle a personal matter, but assured him they would meet again for cola.

As she handed him a napkin, she discreetly plucked a strand of his hair, intending to use it for a paternity test. Later, during a meal with Wen Peiyan, Le recounted his day, mentioning that Ms. Tan had returned his piano score and treated him to pizza and cola, asking Wen Peiyan to keep the cola a secret from his dad.

Feng Rui's mother, unsettled by Le's innocent mention of Tan Siting returning his forgotten book, intensified her efforts to accelerate Feng Rui's wedding to Wen Peiyan. She unilaterally informed Feng Rui that she had already scheduled a visit for him and Wen Peiyan to Mr. Li's venue the following day to select their wedding location.

Feng Rui, feeling rushed, attempted to defer by citing pressing matters at his winery, but his mother dismissed his work as less important than the wedding. When Wen Peiyan offered to go alone, Feng Rui's mother insisted that the couple must go together. Overhearing, Le even volunteered to accompany Wen Peiyan, but his grandmother swiftly rebuffed the idea. Later, Feng Rui's mother confronted him about Tan Siting, demanding to know why "that woman" was constantly close to Le.

Feng Rui clarified that they merely crossed paths at the same center. His mother, however, insisted that Wen Peiyan should handle Le's piano lessons going forward, pressing Feng Rui to demonstrate his commitment to her peace of mind through his actions. Later, at his winery, Feng Rui hosted two esteemed wine experts. They were intrigued by the name of his wine, "Cygne," which means "swan" in French, and asked Feng Rui to share its story.

Feng Rui explained that the winery was dedicated to a friend who was a ballet dancer, and their first meeting was over a pair of ballet shoes. He then recounted a memorable trip to Hongyuan County in Sichuan with Tan Siting, who had surprisingly decided to join him. Their guide, Duoji, introduced them to the region's breathtaking landscape, dubbed the "Ship of the Plateau," the "homeland of yaks," and the "Green Sea."

During the journey, Tan Siting suffered from respiratory alkalosis, a form of altitude sickness. Despite his own visible symptoms, Feng Rui selflessly tended to her until she felt better. The following morning, Feng Rui awoke to the joyful sounds of local children, whom Tan Siting was teaching to draw. He picked a white flower for her, which he called "Velvet."

Tan Siting revealed it was also known as the "Star of Bethlehem," and its symbolic meaning, "the miracle of turning around," resonated with her. She told Feng Rui he was her "Star of Bethlehem," bringing meaning and peace to her life, and he, in turn, declared her his "Velvet," professing his love. Feng Rui had believed their relationship would last forever.

However, Tan Siting abruptly left to pursue her ballet dreams in France, leaving Feng Rui devastated and unable to find her. He even traveled to France in search of her, only to be told by a landlord that many people stayed briefly and were forgotten. His mother eventually urged him to return to lead their company. Back in the present, Feng Rui admitted that while he had moved on, he still cherished the feeling of missing her.

He likened that bittersweet chapter of his life to his wine, which has a tart beginning, a fruity middle, and a profound violet aftertaste. Impressed by his narrative and the wine's quality, the experts placed an order and expressed their hope for a beautiful ending to his love story.

During a subsequent tasting event comparing Cygne's new Pinot Noir with Huacan's, Ms. Gao, a renowned expert, praised Huacan’s wine for authentically expressing the Pinot Noir grape and its terroir without excessive intervention. Though Cygne didn't win that day, Feng Rui reflected that in wine, true victory isn't about competition, but about mastering the essence before seeking uniqueness. Later, Feng Rui celebrated Le's victory in the 9th Model Airplane Competition.

Le, beaming, attempted to "award" his first-place trophy to his father, claiming to have fulfilled Feng Rui's dream. Feng Rui, however, encouraged Le to cherish his own achievement, emphasizing that each person must pursue their own dreams. Le then playfully asked if he, too, could pursue his dreams independently when he grew up, to which Feng Rui lovingly agreed, noting that while they embark on life together, they each have distinct destinations.

During the celebration, Le astutely observed Wen Peiyan wearing his grandmother's pearl necklace, a family heirloom, and directly questioned Feng Rui about their impending marriage. Surprised by Le's perceptiveness, Feng Rui engaged in some lighthearted banter. Le then teased Wen Peiyan about how she managed to "win over" his father, eliciting a playful retort from her.

Meanwhile, at the ballet school, Tan Siting observed colleagues video-calling their children, stirring a deep longing and uncertainty about whether Le was, in fact, her son. Having dedicated years to her career abroad, she was now focused on nurturing young ballet talent in China and finding her estranged father. During a break, her colleagues, including Ms. Bai and Ms. Guan, chatted about their children.

Ms. Bai, intrigued by Tan Siting’s single status despite her accomplishments and time in France, inquired about her marital life. Tan Siting responded that her demanding career had left no time for such matters. The school was soon embroiled in a conflict when a student, Yufan, re-injured her ankle during practice. The doctor diagnosed it as an anterior talar impact injury, warning that continued training could lead to a bone spur and eventual surgery.

Tan Siting immediately advocated for Yufan to rest and recover fully. However, Ms. Guan, Yufan’s teacher, initially dismissed the injury, prioritizing the upcoming competition finals and the school's reputation. Tan Siting vehemently argued that a single competition was not worth jeopardizing Yufan’s lifelong dance career, accusing Ms. Guan of short-sightedness. Ms. Guan, in turn, accused Tan Siting of being overly dramatic and arrogant, fueled by her international experience. As the argument escalated, the school principal, Ms. Zhuang, intervened to mediate.

Overwhelmed by the tension between her teachers, Yufan tearfully announced her withdrawal from the competition. Ms. Zhuang, understanding Yufan’s immense pressure, advised both Ms. Guan and Tan Siting to allow Yufan space to make her own decision, acknowledging their differing approaches stemmed from a shared concern for the student. Sometime later, Wen Peiyan encountered Tan Siting and, noting Tan Siting had no classes that day, invited her to help choose wedding venues and dresses, valuing her international aesthetic.

Tan Siting agreed. At the bridal shop, after Wen Peiyan had tried on several gowns, she asked Tan Siting for her opinion. Tan Siting, after a slight pause, recommended a classical lace gown with a deep V-back, praising its unique fabric and beautiful design. Wen Peiyan tried on the suggested dress, and as Tan Siting helped her adjust it, Wen Peiyan abruptly questioned her presence, asking, "Why did you come?" and "Are you afraid of seeing me?" She then concluded with a pointed inquiry: "Is there something you haven't told me?"

At the end of the workday, Wen Peiyan stopped Tan Siting, explaining that since Tan Siting had returned from France, she must have excellent aesthetic judgment. Wen Peiyan hoped Tan Siting would accompany her to choose a wedding dress, and Tan Siting gladly agreed. However, Tan Siting was surprised to find Feng Rui also present.

Seeing his long-lost love by his side, helping his fiancée choose a wedding dress, Feng Rui felt a complicated mix of emotions and directly asked Tan Siting why she was there. Tan Siting calmly reminded him that Wen Peiyan had invited her, and since their past was already behind them, there was no need to dwell on it.

Despite her composure, Tan Siting felt a pang of heartbreak as she watched Feng Rui assist Wen Peiyan in trying on wedding dresses, discussing wedding venue aesthetics, and looking at various invitations and bouquet designs. During the wedding preparations, Wen Peiyan sought opinions on whether a Chinese or Western style would be better for the decorations.

She expressed a personal preference for a Western garden style, imagining herself in a wedding dress, walking under a floral archway beneath a blue sky and white clouds. However, she considered that her parents and Feng Rui's parents might prefer a more traditional banquet. Tan Siting, when asked, suggested that what mattered most was their personal preference, as it would be the most important day of their lives. They also discussed hotel options.

Feng Rui suggested creating a children's play area for the many young guests, and even a canopy in case of rain, or for shade if it was hot. Wen Peiyan found this idea brilliant. Tan Siting added that in France, rain on a wedding day is considered a blessing from heaven, and a canopy would indeed be practical for guests. Wen Peiyan exclaimed that inviting Tan Siting was truly the right decision.

Later, while browsing bouquets, Wen Peiyan was captivated by a unique flower called Velvet, asking about its meaning. Both Tan Siting and Feng Rui surprisingly knew it, and its symbolic meaning: "the miracle of turning around." Feng Rui added that an old business acquaintance, who later cheated him, once told him about the flower when they encountered it in Hongyuan County. Wen Peiyan thought the flower was beautiful, unique, and suitable for her bouquet.

However, Feng Rui abruptly intervened, stating that Velvet seemed too fragile and delicate, and might "fall apart at a touch," making it unsuitable for their wedding. Tan Siting tried to explain that Velvet symbolized good luck and happiness, but Feng Rui dismissed her points. Realizing the tension, Tan Siting apologized for speaking too much and urged them to make their own decision. Shortly after, Tan Siting excused herself, saying she had plans with a friend.

Wen Peiyan thanked her for the valuable advice she had provided. After Tan Siting left, Wen Peiyan commented to Feng Rui that it was unusual for him, usually so agreeable, to have such a strong opinion today, and observed that both he and Tan Siting knew the Velvet flower with their own different stories. She reflected that the flower’s meaning, "the miracle of turning around," might signify a new beginning for them.

Wang Zeyuan sent Tan Siting a message inviting her to dinner, which she saw as an opportunity to escape her distress. She shared her location with him, and soon he picked her up and drove her home. On the way, Tan Siting opened the car window, letting the cool air in to calm her agitated heart.

Wang Zeyuan, who had harbored a secret crush on Tan Siting for years, confessed that while he thought "I love you" was cliché, a writer once suggested saying, "The moonlight is beautiful tonight, and the wind is gentle" to express love. Tan Siting was familiar with the phrase. Wang Zeyuan then asked if she had read "The Young Runtu," explaining that to reject someone who said "The moonlight is beautiful tonight," the reply would be, "It's perfect for hunting badgers."

He playfully warned her not to say that to him, to which she responded, "That depends." Feng Rui's mother, having heard about Tan Siting accompanying them to choose a wedding dress, grew concerned about their continued contact. She suggested Feng Rui have Wen Peiyan change her workplace to minimize their interactions.

Feng Rui, however, refused to interfere with Wen Peiyan's career, reminding his mother not to meddle further, especially since he had decided to marry Wen Peiyan, signifying a complete break from his past. Later, at a family dinner, Feng Rui's mother reiterated her concerns about Tan Siting's presence to Feng Rui's father.

She suspected Tan Siting had an ulterior motive, stating that seeing Tan Siting reminded her of Haotian and she couldn't tolerate her presence, also believing it wasn't good for Le. Feng Rui's father advised her to let the adults handle their own affairs, emphasizing that Le's happiness was paramount. Despite this, as they were leaving, Feng Rui's mother told Feng Rui that she could personally pick up Le from school every day.

Feng Rui, however, instructed her not to concern herself with it. Meanwhile, Tan Siting visited Yufan, a student who had to withdraw from a competition due to a foot injury. Yufan's mother expressed her strong disapproval of ballet, believing it to be a career with a short lifespan, unstable work, and low income. She pressed Yufan to switch to acting, which she believed offered a more promising future. Yufan, however, disliked acting and resisted her mother's forceful demands.

Tan Siting, sympathetic to Yufan, recognized that as an outsider, her intervention would be limited and that the mother's concerns were not entirely unfounded. The mother remained firm, ultimately telling Tan Siting not to "use your dreams to hijack her life." At Feng Rui's winery, a promotional meeting for their new red wines took place.

The PR manager introduced their products, noting the long history of Chinese wine, the top-tier brewing techniques at their Hongyuan County vineyard, and new varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The Cabernet Sauvignon was particularly highlighted for its ripe dark berry and sweet spice aromas, aged in French oak barrels, and a high score from Robert Parker.

The discussion shifted to a documentary idea proposed by a director, suggesting that ballet and wine share a similar spiritual core and could be elegantly paired to promote the Cygne brand, especially given its recent gold medal win at a French competition. The idea was to enhance the cultural image of wine and help it gain international recognition.

Concurrently, Tan Siting's former teacher informed her that a public relations company planned to film a documentary about ballet at their school to help more people understand and appreciate the art form. The teacher, who founded the school with the same goal, wanted to change the common perception of ballet as solely painful and showcase the powerful inner strength it instills. She believed Tan Siting, having never given up on ballet, was the ideal person to feature in the documentary.

Though Tan Siting had initially not wanted to be in the public eye after her retirement, she readily agreed, acknowledging that media platforms were crucial for reaching a wider audience and fulfilling their shared vision for ballet.

Feng Rui discovered that one of his employees was secretly in love with a girl who had a fondness for flowers. Wanting to help foster this budding romance, Feng Rui took his employee to a flower market to pick out a bouquet. His employee pointed out a unique bouquet of green and white flowers and asked what they were. Feng Rui immediately recognized them as "Velvet" flowers.

Coincidentally, Tan Siting also arrived at the market, looking for the same rare flowers. When they found the last available bunch of Velvet, Feng Rui, seeing Tan Siting's desire for them, graciously offered them to her, instructing his employee to choose a different bouquet. As Tan Siting was leaving the flower shop, she encountered Feng Rui. She remarked that it was a coincidence he still liked Velvet after so many years.

Feng Rui clarified that he was only accompanying a colleague. Tan Siting then explained that she had seen Wen Peiyan's admiration for Velvet recently, and this bouquet was actually for her. She asked Feng Rui if he could deliver the flowers to Wen Peiyan, which he agreed to. Tan Siting thanked him on Wen Peiyan's behalf and subtly suggested that Velvet would make a beautiful bridal bouquet for their wedding.

Later, Feng Rui visited Wen Peiyan at her workplace and presented her with the Velvet flowers. Wen Peiyan was surprised and delighted, expressing her appreciation for the unexpected gesture, especially since it was a type of flower she had only recently learned about. She felt that Feng Rui was finally showing her more consideration. Her colleague also admired the flowers and congratulated her on the wedding preparations.

Wen Peiyan told her colleague that the wedding planning was progressing well and that she would inform everyone of the date once it was set. Later, at home, Feng Rui’s mother noticed Wen Peiyan arranging the flowers and inquired about them. Wen Peiyan happily shared that the flowers were from Feng Rui, though Tan Siting had arranged for the delivery, and that she had learned about the "Velvet" flowers from Tan Siting when they were scouting wedding venues.

Feng Rui's mother, hearing this, remarked on Tan Siting still teaching there and then casually mentioned that Tan Siting had once pursued Feng Rui many years ago, but he had not been interested. Wen Peiyan, unfazed, acknowledged that Tan Siting had even joked about being Feng Rui's first love. However, Feng Rui's mother then sternly advised Wen Peiyan to keep her distance from Tan Siting.

Wen Peiyan, maintaining her composure, assured Feng Rui’s mother that she had nothing to worry about. She believed it was natural for an accomplished man like Feng Rui to have admirers, and she felt reassured by his increasing involvement in their wedding preparations. Meanwhile, Wang Zeyuan's sister, Shuhan, expressed concern over his continuous reliance on takeout food and confronted him about a substantial sponsorship he had provided for Tan Siting's ballet school.

Shuhan pointed out that even their pet knew about his long-standing feelings for Tan Siting. Wang Zeyuan, admitting his affection, questioned why it was an issue for two single adults to be together. He asked his sister if he finally had a chance now that Tan Siting was back in the country. Shuhan candidly told him that his chances were slim and urged him to stop clinging to unrealistic hopes.

Wang Zeyuan, feeling his privacy invaded, asserted that he was an adult and preferred no interference in his personal life. After a heated discussion, Shuhan left, but not before insisting that Wang Zeyuan eat the homemade food she had prepared. During this time, Le was receiving math tutoring from Feng Rui, who tried to teach him complex trigonometric functions.

Le, only in sixth grade, was confused by the advanced material and humorously suggested he would stick to asking Feng Rui about model aircraft. Later, Wang Zeyuan's parents visited Shuhan, expressing their anxieties about Wang Zeyuan's and Shuhan's single statuses and the lack of an heir for the family, citing neighborhood gossip. Shuhan informed them that Tan Siting had returned. The parents immediately recalled "Tan's daughter" and her past, showing concern about Wang Zeyuan's continued interest in her.

Shuhan tried to deflect their worries, confirming Wang Zeyuan was "overjoyed" about Siting's return and had even sponsored her ballet school. When Tan Siting arrived at Shuhan's home for dinner, Wang Zeyuan's parents greeted her with excessive warmth. At the dinner table, they subtly probed Tan Siting about her relationship status, and she confirmed she was still single. His parents then overtly encouraged Tan Siting to introduce suitable girls to Wang Zeyuan, portraying him as her "little brother."

Tan Siting, playing along, agreed but humorously suggested her ballet dancer friends. Wang Zeyuan's parents quickly backtracked, stating that ballet dancers were "too beautiful" and "too outstanding" for their son, who, they claimed, needed a "gentle, virtuous, and good homemaker." Wang Zeyuan, visibly uncomfortable, interrupted his parents, trying to steer the conversation away from his love life.

After Tan Siting left, Wang Zeyuan's parents reiterated their disapproval of Tan Siting, reminding him of her past and how it would bring shame to their family through neighborhood gossip. Wang Zeyuan angrily defended Tan Siting, calling the dinner a "trap." Shuhan intervened, gently telling him that Tan Siting did not share his romantic feelings and that his persistence was putting undue pressure on her.

Frustrated, Wang Zeyuan declared his unwavering love for Tan Siting since their first meeting, emphasizing that his personal life was his own affair, and abruptly left. He drove to Tan Siting's apartment, but seeing her light go out, he decided not to go up, hesitant to face potential rejection. Later, Wen Peiyan received a call from the bridal shop confirming that her wedding dress alterations were complete and inviting her for a final fitting.

As Feng Rui was delayed by work, Wen Peiyan invited Tan Siting to accompany her. At the bridal shop, Wen Peiyan took a call from Le, who wanted to see the dresses, and promised to send him photos. She shared with Tan Siting how much she adored Le, having taught him piano for years and seen him grow.

She recounted a touching story of how a young Le, feeling his dad was lonely, had asked her if she would consider dating Feng Rui because he liked her "scent," saying it was "a little bit like Mom." Wen Peiyan confessed that she had been deeply moved by his words and had since treated him as her own child. At the bridal shop, Feng Rui's mother unexpectedly arrived, explaining she couldn't miss Wen Peiyan's fitting.

She affectionately greeted Wen Peiyan but appeared to feign unfamiliarity with Tan Siting, merely acknowledging her and thanking her for her help with wedding venue suggestions. After Wen Peiyan went into the fitting room, Feng Rui's mother confronted Tan Siting directly. She reminded Tan Siting that Feng Rui had taken over a decade to move past their relationship and urged her not to disrupt his new life.

Tan Siting, in turn, expressed her envy for Feng Rui having such a caring mother, then pointedly remarked, "If only Le had a mother too," adding, "A stepmother can't replace a real mother, don't you agree?" This statement visibly shocked Feng Rui's mother, whose face contorted, betraying her guilt over past deceptions. When Wen Peiyan emerged in a stunning wedding gown, Feng Rui's mother showered her with compliments. Just then, Tan Siting received an urgent phone call.

She apologized and quickly excused herself. Wen Peiyan then called Feng Rui, informing him that the fitting had concluded successfully and he didn't need to rush over. Tan Siting, now outside the bridal shop, approached Feng Rui, who had just arrived, and urgently asked for a ride. He agreed and, noticing her distress, inquired about her hurry. Tan Siting revealed that she had just received news about her father.

Tan Siting received a message on her phone containing an address related to her father. Hastily, she left the bridal shop and spotted Feng Rui’s car. She asked him for a ride to the address. As they drove late into the evening, Tan Siting coughed from the cold, prompting Feng Rui to glance at her with concern in the rearview mirror. Tan Siting urged him to drive faster, revealing she had received news about her dad.

Her thoughts drifted back to a day in her youth when she found her father looking dispirited. She offered him water before leaving to buy groceries, excitedly clutching a recent interview notification. However, upon her return, her father was gone, leaving behind a note that simply read, "Dad is going out for a walk. Don't worry about me." He never returned, and years passed. Shortly after her father's disappearance, there was a knock on the door.

Tan Siting opened it to find Feng Rui and his mother. Feng Rui's mother aggressively demanded to know if it was Tan Jun's house and insisted on seeing him. When Tan Siting informed her he wasn't home, Feng Rui's mother tried to push past her, accusing Tan Jun of conspiring with a woman named Shi Wei to blackmail her brother, Haotian. She then called Tan Jun a murderer.

Feng Rui attempted to calm his mother, reminding her they had agreed to talk peacefully. He then apologized to Tan Siting for his mother's emotional state. Tan Siting, however, sternly replied that she couldn't understand, emphasizing that Shi Wei, a mere twenty-two-year-old, was the true victim of the "scum Gao Haotian." She also confronted Feng Rui, asking why he hadn't disclosed that Tianlu Trade was his family's company, suggesting he feared she was after their money.

Feng Rui denied this, clarifying that his mother's opinions were not his own. Tan Siting then challenged him, asking if he, too, believed Haotian's death was her father's fault. Feng Rui stated that Haotian's death was a result of his own mistakes and promised to speak with his mother to prevent her from bothering Tan Siting's father. Still agitated, Tan Siting questioned why his mother would harass her father when neither he nor Shi Wei had done anything wrong.

Feng Rui explained his mother's behavior was a consequence of her recent grief. Following the message, Tan Siting arrived at a specified address, which she discovered was a scam. She had earlier been on the phone with her friends, Shuhan and Yuan, who were helping her search for her father, and they had discussed contacting the police.

At the scam location, a man identifying himself as Mr. Wang claimed to have seen a homeless man matching her father's description, even sharing his surname. He then artfully hinted at the reward money Tan Siting had offered. Mr. Wang spun a detailed tale of encountering the supposed "Tan" during a snowstorm, describing him as limping, somewhat disoriented, missing his daughter, and notably, drinking alcohol.

Tan Siting, recognizing inconsistencies, tested him by stating her father would always talk about her mother after drinking. Mr. Wang readily agreed, further embellishing his fabrication. Having heard enough, Tan Siting exposed his deceit, revealing that her father never drank and her mother had passed away when she was very young. Enraged, Mr. Wang attempted to grab her bag. Fortunately, Feng Rui, who had followed Tan Siting, intervened.

He recorded the incident on his phone, prompting the scammer to flee, protesting that Tan Siting's subsequent collapse had nothing to do with him. Feng Rui then rushed the unconscious Tan Siting to the hospital. At the hospital, a doctor informed Feng Rui that Tan Siting had a fever but would recover after an IV drip. While she was unconscious, Tan Siting murmured her father's name repeatedly.

Feng Rui noticed two identical scented sachets in her bag, triggering a vivid childhood memory. He recalled giving one to a young Tan Siting, explaining they were made from rare plants of the snow plateau, meant to purify the air and calm nerves. Tan Siting had inquired if the sachet would truly keep them safe, and Feng Rui had confidently assured her it would, imbued with his own "energy."

They had then exchanged the sachets, believing it would guarantee their safety and well-being. Back in the present, Tan Siting awoke, instinctively calling out Feng Rui's name, unaware he had discreetly moved away. After a nurse checked on her, Tan Siting insisted on leaving on her own. As her taxi departed, she caught a glimpse of Feng Rui standing alone at the hospital entrance in the rearview mirror, a sight that evoked a complex mixture of emotions within her.

Later, Feng Rui returned home, where his mother confronted him about his absence from Wen Peiyan’s dress fitting. He explained he had been delayed by an unforeseen matter. His mother, visibly annoyed, recounted seeing Tan Siting at both the wedding venue selection and the dress fitting, interpreting her presence as manipulative "little tricks." Feng Rui defended Tan Siting, clarifying that she and Wen Peiyan were merely colleagues.

Brushing off his mother's accusations, he began to head upstairs, but she called him back. She instructed him to accompany her the following morning to visit his uncle Haotian, noting it had been a long time since his last visit. Feng Rui consented. A flashback unfolded, revealing a tense family dinner at Feng Rui’s maternal grandfather's house. His grandfather warmly welcomed Feng Rui, commending his business achievements.

Feng Rui seized the moment to propose a new direction: establishing their own wine brand. His mother, however, dismissed the idea. Feng Rui then announced his intention to temporarily leave the company to pursue a master's degree. His grandfather, though acknowledging Feng Rui's "aerospace dream," insisted that Feng Rui possessed a natural talent for business and pleaded with him to stay.

Feng Rui suggested his uncle Haotian could step in, but his grandfather vehemently rejected the idea, declaring Haotian utterly unsuitable for company affairs. Haotian eventually arrived, making lighthearted remarks that only fueled his father's anger. The grandfather immediately chastised Haotian for his tardiness and irresponsibility, accusing him of gambling and demanding he disclose his losses. Haotian tried to dismiss it as a minor "slip-up." The grandfather, however, exploded, branding him a "disgrace" and ordering him to leave. Haotian stormed out.

Feng Rui's mother attempted to defend Haotian, but the grandfather berated her for constantly spoiling him. When Feng Rui's father also made a critical comment, Feng Rui's mother snapped at her husband, fiercely asserting that Haotian was her brother, the family's sole son, and the child for whom their own mother had sacrificed her life, implying that outsiders had no right to judge.

Later, Feng Rui spoke with Haotian, proposing he take over the company so Feng Rui could return to school. Haotian, however, revealed deep-seated resentment, explaining he never willingly joined the company and saw himself merely as a "tool" for his grandfather, who he felt only cared about the wine business and disliked him for not achieving academic success like Feng Rui.

Haotian also expressed profound sadness over his lack of a mother figure, recalling being told at age three that Feng Rui’s mother was his sister, not his birth mother, who had died in childbirth. Despite his bitterness, Haotian pledged to Feng Rui that he would stop gambling. He then asked if Feng Rui truly believed him, and Feng Rui affirmed that he did.

Tan Siting is now working at a dance school, where she is introduced to Ms. Zhang, an advertising planner for an upcoming ballet documentary. Ms. Zhang expresses her deep admiration for Tan Siting's artistry. Meanwhile, in the school's hallways, students discuss Tan Siting's inspiring teaching style, noting how it differs from Ms. Guan's more traditional approach, which, while solid, leaves them feeling that something is missing.

Ms. Guan, feeling overlooked, confides in the principal, expressing her discomfort at being asked to let Tan Siting teach a student named Yufan, and her concerns that Tan Siting’s new methods might not always be effective. The principal acknowledges Ms. Guan's dedication and long-standing contributions to the school but encourages both teachers to communicate more, reminding them that their shared goal is to nurture the best students and that Tan Siting is receptive to feedback.

After her class, Tan Siting watches as students leave with their guardians. She sees Le being picked up by his grandmother, who escorts him to a car. A profound sense of loss washes over Tan Siting, and she silently laments that she could be with her son every day if Feng Rui’s mother had not deceived her over a decade ago. Later, Tan Siting meets her friend Shuhan, who apologizes for some insensitive remarks made by her parents.

Tan Siting shares that she understood their caution, drawing a parallel to her own experience when her mother left her at a young age, making her father protective. Shuhan then mentions that Feng Rui is rumored to be getting married soon and advises Tan Siting not to complicate matters. Tan Siting confides in Shuhan that she believes her child is still alive, though she needs more time to be certain.

Shortly after, a fan approaches Tan Siting for an autograph and photo, expressing how much they look up to her as a dancer. Tan Siting gracefully obliges. In a poignant flashback to a difficult time, a pregnant Tan Siting confronts Feng Rui, feeling overwhelmed by mounting problems and his evasiveness. She believes the child is coming too soon. Feng Rui proposes marriage, but Tan Siting reveals she has been accepted into a dance program.

He assures her of his support for her dancing career but suggests they consider marriage after the baby is born. Tan Siting accuses him of being dismissive and not understanding her perspective, highlighting the multiple pressures they face, including her father's eventual return and the looming conflict with Feng Rui's mother. Feng Rui apologizes for his impulsiveness and pledges his unwavering support for whatever decision she makes. Meanwhile, Feng Rui faces a major crisis at his winery.

Heavy overnight rains have caused a severe mudslide in Hongyuan County, Sichuan, destroying nearly half of their vineyards and damaging the winery itself, resulting in some minor injuries to personnel. All existing wine inventory designated for shipment is lost. His team reports that only about five tons of grape raw materials are salvageable, and inquiries with regular suppliers yield only an additional six tons, far from sufficient.

Feng Rui instructs his assistant, Qi, to contact all affected buyers, explain the situation, offer full refunds, and send samples of their 2018 vintage as a gesture of goodwill. He also dispatches Qi to immediately arrange for disaster relief supplies for the affected community, emphasizing that employee welfare is paramount, regardless of the company’s financial losses.

He firmly rejects the idea of sourcing grapes from individual vineyards due to inconsistent quality, upholding the principle of "Quality over quantity," and wonders if Tianlu Trade might offer a solution. He then takes the earliest flight to the affected factory. Upon arrival, Feng Rui is greeted by Mr. Ciren, the factory director, who describes the hardship faced by the grape growers. Feng Rui addresses the agitated farmers, assuring them of his deep understanding and concern.

He publicly promises that the company has comprehensive insurance for all employees and will cover all medical expenses, making up any shortfalls in compensation. He guarantees continued employment during the reconstruction phase and urges the injured to seek immediate medical attention, keep their receipts, and collect their compensation from Mr. Ciren.

He further announces that his company, Cygne, has prepared substantial relief supplies for all affected residents, not just employees, encouraging everyone to spread the word and unite in overcoming the disaster. Amidst the relief efforts, Tan Siting is seen helping with distribution, urging a staff member named Duoji to prioritize assisting people over filming for publicity. Later, in the factory office, Feng Rui returns with a salvaged bottle of wine and an old photo.

He shares the wine with Mr. Ciren, reminiscing about their joyful first visit to Hongyuan County twelve years ago. He entrusts Mr. Ciren with all future follow-up and reconstruction work, reiterating that operations will only resume once the rain has stopped and safety is ensured. Despite his own immense stress, Feng Rui reassures his team, stating that "good things never come easy" and he can wait for their wine to be released again.

He grants his exhausted employees a four-day holiday, commending their exceptional efforts. Mr. Ciren then presents Feng Rui with a stack of thank-you letters from children at the art education center Feng Rui founded. The children, who have learned music, piano, and ballet, express their heartfelt gratitude through drawings and notes, with one child affectionately imagining Feng Rui as an "elegant gentleman." Feng Rui is visibly touched and asks Mr. Ciren to convey his thanks.

Feng Rui continues to manage the crisis, contacting international clients to apologize for the delayed exhibition delivery. He offers contractual penalties and an additional fifteen percent of the payment value as compensation for potential client losses, alongside samples of their new vintage. He successfully secures eight tons from a Mr. Xu and two tons from a Mr. Liu, who agree to fair prices.

Qi later confirms that eighty percent of clients who ordered the 2017 vintage opted to wait for the next release after tasting the samples, a positive sign that matches Feng Rui's own calls with major wine merchants. Still facing a raw material shortage, Feng Rui manages to secure an additional twenty tons.

He then proposes to his international clients that they promote another high-quality domestic wine brand from the same region for the exhibition, one whose quality he can guarantee, to represent Chinese winemaking. His peer, Mr. Wang, initially expresses surprise at Feng Rui's willingness to "give away" such an opportunity instead of simply sourcing materials elsewhere. Feng Rui clarifies that time constraints make finding and brewing new grapes impossible for the exhibition deadline.

He explains his broader vision: to unite in showcasing China's ability to produce top-tier wine to the world, viewing Mr. Wang's potential involvement as a collaborative solution. Impressed by Feng Rui's perspective, Mr. Wang reveals he had purchased a significant quantity of Cygne's 2017 vintage for comparative research. He generously offers to return his entire stock to Feng Rui at cost price, ensuring Feng Rui can fulfill his orders and promoting their shared goal of elevating Chinese wine globally.

After obtaining DNA test results confirming Le is her biological child, Tan Siting goes to Le's piano training class. Ms. Wu, Le's piano teacher, informs her that Le will no longer be attending, as his grandmother wishes for him to focus on middle school entrance exams, arranging for a private teacher, Ms. Wen, to teach him at home. Ms. Wu adds that Le's grandmother is expected to arrive soon to formally withdraw him.

Tan Siting waits and soon encounters Feng Rui’s mother. Tan Siting places the DNA test report on the table. Feng Rui’s mother reacts with visible panic, attempting to justify her past actions. She claims that Tan Siting was suffering from severe depression at the time and was utterly incapable of caring for the prematurely born and critically ill child, whose survival was uncertain even to doctors.

She confesses to having made Tan Siting sign a power of attorney to transfer the child to another hospital. She recounts how the child miraculously survived and was named "Le" in hopes he would live a happy life. She stresses how Feng Rui selflessly dedicated himself to Le’s care, especially after a serious illness when Le was three years old.

She also highlights how Yan, Feng Rui's current partner, has provided consistent maternal love, teaching Le piano and caring for his daily needs for years, suggesting a strong bond between them. She warns Tan Siting to consider the potential consequences of her actions. Tan Siting, no longer swayed by the older woman, angrily demands to know why Le’s survival was kept a secret for so long, accusing her of lying and stealing her child.

Feng Rui’s mother dismisses her accusations, stating that Le is grown and has his own thoughts, and that the ultimate outcome of Tan Siting's actions cannot be predicted. When Tan Siting asks if Feng Rui is aware of the truth, his mother curtly replies, "What difference does it make?" Tan Siting firmly declares that this time, she will not relinquish her rights as a mother. Later, Tan Siting consults a lawyer about pursuing custody.

The lawyer advises her that she has strong grounds to sue for custody modification, as she was unknowingly deprived of her parental rights for twelve years, a situation fundamentally different from voluntary abandonment. The lawyer confirms Tan Siting’s current financial stability makes her capable of raising the child. However, the lawyer cautions that since Le is twelve years old, his wishes will be considered by the court as per the Civil Code.

Given that Le has lived with his father his entire life, his emotional dependence might lean towards his father. The lawyer concludes that, especially with Le still unaware that Tan Siting is his biological mother, her chances of winning the case are uncertain, making it a tricky situation.

Tan Siting sought legal advice regarding her son Le's custody. She learned that at twelve years old, Le has the right to choose who he lives with, and he has lived with his father for many years. Later, Tan Siting received a call from her friend and neighbor, Shuhan, who invited her out for a drink. Meanwhile, at home, Le asked Wen Peiyan if his father, Feng Rui, had returned.

Wen Peiyan informed him that Feng Rui would not be home for dinner as he was attending a university reunion, but confirmed that Feng Rui had successfully resolved the issues with his winery. Wen Peiyan then encouraged Le to practice piano, offering to give him private lessons at home since he would no longer be attending a tutoring center to focus on preparing for middle school.

Feng Rui arrived late to his university reunion, where his classmates embraced him warmly, happy to finally be together after over a decade. They greeted "Duo, our class beauty," and "Liu." One classmate initiated a toast, thanking the "Four Golden Flowers" (three of whom were present) for organizing and honoring their alma mater, the Aerospace Academy.

Another classmate playfully chided Feng Rui for his tardiness, despite being a "young entrepreneur" who works for himself, unlike them, who are "corporate slaves" struggling with fierce competition. They also toasted to the women in their class, acknowledging their hard work in managing households. Feng Rui, feeling compelled to acknowledge his lateness, took a penalty drink.

When another classmate expressed gratitude for Feng Rui's past decision to forgo a hospital position, which allowed him to secure it, Feng Rui dismissed it, claiming it was destiny and stated that his "space dream" was merely talk, as he was "born for business." The classmates then raised their glasses, wishing him great success.

Later, in a quieter moment at the reunion, a classmate asked Feng Rui how it felt to be a groom soon and joked about him becoming a "single dad" so quickly, inquiring about the "charming beauty" who made him a father. Feng Rui responded gravely, revealing that "the child's mother is still around. She's back." This admission astonished his friends, who urged him to keep them informed about his upcoming wedding.

Tan Siting met Shuhan, who, gazing at the city skyline from her apartment, reminisced about her past as a sales assistant in a shoe store. She recounted how she used to serve customers who lived in the very high-rise she now owned, a dream home bought for her by her younger brother, Yuan. Shuhan candidly admitted that after achieving her financial dream, she felt an unsettling emptiness.

She observed that her former customers didn't recognize her, which she interpreted as a sign of her successful transformation, yet felt that society often deemed successful women without marriage and children as "lonely and uncared for in old age." Deeply affected by Shuhan's words, Tan Siting confessed that her child was not dead, but was alive and had been with Feng Rui for twelve years.

She expressed profound sorrow for missing out on Le's life, particularly a time when he was gravely ill with a high fever at age three. Overwhelmed with emotion, she admitted to hating Gao Hui for denying her motherhood, and Feng Rui for his deception and silence, never even calling her. She also blamed herself for not insisting on seeing her child at birth, wondering if her current situation would be different had she done so.

Tan Siting tearfully asked if Le would hate her if he learned she was his mother, then acknowledged that Le seemed happy and well-loved by Feng Rui and Gao Hui, enjoying "plenty of family warmth." She lamented that with Feng Rui, Le only missed a mother, but with her, he would only have had a mother.

She revealed her daily ritual of waiting outside Le's school, longing to witness his life and interactions, desperately seeking a way to atone for her long absence. Shuhan, offering comfort, reassured Tan Siting that she was doing well and encouraged her to drink to forget her worries. Feng Rui, visibly distraught and heavily inebriated after the reunion, was picked up by Wen Peiyan. She noticed his profound sadness and offered to listen, but he remained silent.

Allowing the cool night air to soothe his pain, Feng Rui's thoughts drifted back to a dozen years ago. His mother, facing a severe crisis at their family winery due to mudslides destroying half their grape supply, pleaded with him over the phone to travel to Melbourne with Mr. Xu to handle crucial suppliers.

She emphasized the company's dire situation and the importance of this trip, promising that Ms. Ming, their long-time housekeeper, would care for a pregnant Tan Siting, acknowledging that she was carrying their family's heir. Feng Rui's grandfather also impressed upon him the legacy of their three-generation family business, urging him to save it. Feng Rui then spoke with Tan Siting, informing her he had to go abroad for a week to deal with the overseas company to save their business.

Though Tan Siting offered to care for herself, Feng Rui insisted that Ms. Ming would cook for her, calling her "the treasure of our family now," and promised to take over cooking and even dishes upon his return. Before he left, Tan Siting gave him a personal item, wishing him a smooth and safe journey.

Despite promising to return in just one week, Feng Rui, preoccupied with the company's crisis, repeatedly extended his stay, first to two weeks, then to "half a month," always reassuring Tan Siting that he would be back soon, while she waited anxiously by the phone. The narrative also touched upon the serious nature of prenatal depression, explaining that hormonal imbalances, coupled with unresolvable challenges, can lead to intense stress, anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, and other severe consequences for pregnant women.

This medical context implicitly explained the vulnerability of Tan Siting's emotional state during her pregnancy. In her professional life, Tan Siting was dedicated to her students. She met with another teacher to discuss a talented student, Yufan. The teacher was hesitant about Tan Siting's suggestion for Yufan to perform a challenging piece, the "bridesmaid variation from Don Quixote Act I," instead of a more conventional, easier-to-score selection typically chosen by adolescent competitors.

Tan Siting argued that safer choices rarely stood out, especially in a competition where many skilled dancers would perform similar variations. She believed that Yufan's technique and expressiveness were capable of handling a more difficult piece, similar to how Dusselmeyer had chosen a more demanding variation.

Despite the other teacher's concerns about the high risk of changing pieces, styles, and variations just two months before the competition, Tan Siting reassured Yufan, who doubted her own ability, that she was indeed capable of performing the more challenging variation.

Le, having missed Tan Siting for several days, unexpectedly felt a longing for her. He carefully placed his mother's photo in his schoolbag and, after school, went to find her at her new workplace, having gotten the address from her former training center. Tan Siting was overjoyed to see him. Le, feeling a natural closeness to her, cautiously pulled out a photo of Tan Siting gracefully dancing in the sunlight. Upon seeing the image, Tan Siting's eyes welled up.

Le explained that his father had given him the photo and that he often thought about how challenging ballet must be. He wished he could have been there to support his mother during her demanding practice sessions. Although his father told him his mother passed away when he was very young, Le felt as though she had never truly left him, always accompanying him in spirit to parents' meetings and model airplane competitions through her photo.

Tan Siting turned her face away, tears streaming down, overwhelmed by a desire to embrace Le and tell him she was his mother. She had been kept in the dark for years, and now, seeing her child and hearing his deep affection, she couldn't suppress a mother's profound emotions. Despite her strong feelings, Tan Siting resolved not to fight for Le's custody, fearing it would upset him.

She concluded that it was best to remain a friend to him, wishing him a happy and carefree childhood. She added Le on WeChat and then escorted him home, cautioning him against traveling so far alone in the future. As Le left, he cheerfully remarked that he felt an inexplicable urge to share all his little secrets with her. Feng Rui had commissioned a promotional video for his "Swan" red wine, designed to convey its elegance through ballet.

He was pleasantly surprised to discover that Tan Siting had been chosen as the lead ballerina for the advertisement. The advertising team explained that Tan Siting's dedication to ballet perfectly mirrored the wine's theme, and Feng Rui found it serendipitous that she would be the one to embody his brand, feeling it was destined. During a school appreciation event where a documentary was also being filmed, Tan Siting was introduced alongside the sponsors, including Feng Rui.

Unexpectedly, a lighting rig from the film crew toppled over. Xiao Yuan, who also attended the event, swiftly shielded Tan Siting, taking the impact on his head and sustaining a mild concussion, while Tan Siting suffered a hairline fracture in her foot. Feng Rui rushed to the scene and later discreetly inquired about Tan Siting's injury with the doctor, relieved to hear it was not severe enough to affect her dancing career.

Xiao Yuan's sister arrived at the hospital, insisting on a thorough examination for her brother. Both Xiao Yuan and Tan Siting were advised to stay overnight for observation. After being discharged, Xiao Yuan escorted Tan Siting home. Noticing her empty refrigerator, he was concerned about her living alone and decided to take care of her. He brought her several days' worth of her favorite homemade food, mentioning he had even bought a pot since she didn't have one.

Tan Siting's colleagues, who also visited her, were impressed by Xiao Yuan's attentiveness. They asked for his contact information and remarked on how helpful he was, mistakenly believing him to be her devoted boyfriend due to his consistent care and chauffeuring her to and from work. Tan Siting jokingly told her colleagues that he was in "homemaking services." Feng Rui visited Tan Siting at the hospital, reflecting on a trip to Paris eleven years prior.

He recounted a difficult period when his mobile game company, co-founded with Bao, had depleted its startup funds and faced a significant investor rejection. Feeling discouraged and upset, he impulsively traveled to Paris, where he watched Tan Siting perform ballet for five consecutive nights. He was mesmerized by her dazzling performances in "Swan Lake," "The Nutcracker," and "Giselle." He noted her radiant happiness during curtain calls, realizing she had moved past "all the bad things" and continued her journey.

This experience revitalized him, and upon returning to China, he quickly secured new investments for his game company. He attributed this turn of fortune to that trip and thanked Tan Siting, suggesting they were now "even." Later, at his winery, Feng Rui announced plans to expand by acquiring 300 more acres of vineyards.

Despite a colleague's concern about the ambitious step so soon after a recent mudslide, Feng Rui expressed renewed confidence, noting that most clients had maintained their partnerships, demonstrating their trust. He asserted that natural disasters are an inevitable part of nature, and if they couldn't be avoided, they would "tough it out." Meanwhile, Tan Siting was coaching her talented student, Yufan, for an upcoming competition.

She urged Yufan to inject passion into her dance to convey her unwavering pursuit of dreams, showcasing courage and professionalism to impress the judges. Yufan struggled with a challenging combination of turns, feeling exhausted and questioning her abilities. She wanted to push through, but Tan Siting advised her to rest, emphasizing that rushing wouldn't help.

Yufan expressed self-doubt, stating her previous variations felt more stable and that she lacked Tan Siting's talent, even though her principal, Ms. Zhuang, saw Tan Siting's younger self in her. Yufan dismissed the idea of sacrificing one's life for art, referencing the "Black Swan" story as not "worth it." Tan Siting patiently explained that the purpose of competing was not just to win a trophy, but to "push past your limits" and "improve" to reach bigger stages. She encouraged Yufan to unlock her potential, trust her own abilities, and "feel it with her heart" to truly break through her comfort zone.

Zheng Yufan’s mother constantly called her, urging her to switch her major to acting. Coupled with the recent last-minute change to her dance piece, which she struggled to perform smoothly, Yufan grew discouraged. She went to her training class and announced her intention to withdraw from the competition and drop out of school. While her dance teachers, including Ms. Tan, expressed regret, Principal Zhuang respected Yufan’s decision.

Earlier, students had observed Yufan consistently falling at the same spot during rehearsals, questioning if the increased difficulty was a wise choice. Yufan apologized to Ms. Tan for disappointing her, explaining that it was her own problem, not related to the teachers. Principal Zhuang ultimately allowed her to leave. Later, Yufan confessed to a younger student, Qu Zhen, that she envied how dancing brought Qu Zhen joy.

Wang Zeyuan continued to care for Tan Siting, driving her to and from work each day and cooking elaborate meals at her home, which significantly aided her recovery and brought back her smiles. His sister, Wang Shuhan, noticed his unwavering devotion. During a visit to Tan Siting's apartment, Wang Shuhan playfully teased her brother, remarking on his diligent care, which made him seem like a "homemaking service" worker. Later, Wang Shuhan took Wang Zeyuan aside for a serious conversation.

Anticipating her concerns about societal opinions, Wang Zeyuan asserted his maturity, stating he was responsible for his own actions and that external judgments meant nothing to him. Wang Shuhan clarified that while she supported his happiness, she needed to ask if he was prepared to be a father. She then revealed that Tan Siting’s child, whom they had all believed died twelve years ago, was alive and had been raised by Feng Rui.

She added that Tan Siting had recently confirmed this with a paternity test. Despite the shocking news, Wang Zeyuan remained steadfast, reiterating that it didn't change his feelings. He passionately spoke of his long-standing admiration for Tan Siting’s independence, courage, and dedication to her dreams, acknowledging that he sometimes felt unworthy but also recognized their similar drive to forge their own futures. Wang Shuhan, accepting his resolve, encouraged him to be prepared and wished happiness for them both.

Meanwhile, Wang Shuhan, feeling dejected, went to the Cabin Bar and drank heavily, reaching out to friends without success. As the bar prepared to close, she ordered a ride-share but, in her inebriated state, mistakenly got into a private car, failing to properly verify the license plate. During the ride, she vaguely recognized the driver, Wu Zuhao, from No. 11 Middle School, recalling his basketball skills and her own "famous" status back then.

She commented on his luxury car, and he explained that he enjoyed driving to unwind and chat with diverse passengers after his busy day job. She chattered animatedly before falling asleep. The next morning, she awoke in his car, bewildered. Wu Zuhao calmly explained he hadn't woken her because she was sleeping soundly. She attempted to pay the fare, but he declined, considering it a friendly gesture between former classmates, expressing only his hope that she felt better.

Before they parted, she asked for his contact information to treat him to a meal, which he gladly provided. Wang Zeyuan, dedicated to lifting Tan Siting’s spirits, drove her to an art exhibition hosted by his friend and business partner, Bao Hanlin. He reassured her that Zheng Yufan’s decision to quit dancing was due to family reasons, not the revised choreography, urging her not to feel guilty.

He emphasized that things would naturally improve and that she needed to relax and regulate her emotions. They first stopped at a popular noodle shop, where Wang Zeyuan proudly showed her his name on the "Noodle Champion Board" for eating nineteen bowls. At the exhibition, Bao introduced them to the modernist painter, Shi Jie, also known as Shitou.

Bao enthusiastically hailed Tan Siting as the "Venus of the Parisian scene," a compliment Tan Siting humorously connected to her injured foot, alluding to the armless Venus statue. Shi Jie expressed his admiration for her ballet performances and was particularly impressed by her insightful interpretation of his painting, "No One Shouts," which she perceived as a symbol of "release" rather than "oppression."

Wang Zeyuan casually mentioned that Feng Rui, whose family used to import wine, now owned and operated Cygne Winery. Soon after, Feng Rui arrived at the exhibition with his fiancée, Wen Peiyan. Tan Siting introduced Wang Zeyuan to Wen Peiyan and Feng Rui, noting that Wen Peiyan was her piano teacher at the training center and Feng Rui was her fiancé, offering her congratulations.

As they viewed the art, Feng Rui was struck by how closely Tan Siting’s understanding of the piece aligned with his own, contrasting with Wen Peiyan’s more conventional remarks. Wen Peiyan remarked on Tan Siting's unique perspective, asking if she resonated more with "oppression" or "release"; Tan Siting replied, "I am an observer." Wang Zeyuan commented on the surprising frequency of his and Tan Siting’s encounters with Feng Rui. Feng Rui then offered everyone a taste of his winery's wine.

Wang Zeyuan complimented the wine and lauded Feng Rui's consistent "correct choices" in both his career and personal life, wishing him happiness in his upcoming marriage. Later, Wen Peiyan observed to Feng Rui that Wang Zeyuan and Tan Siting appeared to be a well-suited couple and likely in a relationship, a comment that seemed to make Feng Rui contemplative. With Wang Zeyuan's unwavering support and care, Tan Siting's injuries continued to heal quickly, and she began to smile more frequently.

Meanwhile, Wang Shuhan had found happiness in a blossoming romance with Wu Zuhao. During a conversation, Wang Shuhan shared that she had been single for many years, feeling that love might not be for her after previous heartbreaks. Wu Zuhao, who had built an investment company after his parents passed away, countered her pessimism. He believed that love itself doesn't cause pain; rather, it's the wrong person in a relationship that does.

He encouraged her to remain open to finding the right individual and asked her to affectionately call him "Zu." They shared a toast, and Wu Zuhao continued to delight Wang Shuhan with thoughtful surprises, making her feel cherished.

Tan Siting's foot injury kept her reliant on Yuan, who acted as a constant support, taking care of her every need. Her teacher, Ms. Zhuang, noticed Yuan's devotion and, having watched Tan Siting grow up, gently suggested she shouldn't make relationships as difficult as she does ballet, advising her to relax and give herself a chance.

Tan Siting admitted she and Yuan were not a couple, viewing him more like a younger brother, despite Ms. Zhuang's belief that he was serious about her. Reflecting on Yuan's unwavering presence over the years, Tan Siting felt a sense of indebtedness. After a follow-up appointment where her doctor confirmed her foot was healing well and the cast could be removed, Tan Siting invited Yuan home for dinner.

Yuan arrived with a large bouquet of flowers, and during the meal, he enthusiastically praised Tan Siting's homemade steak. Tan Siting expressed her sincere gratitude for his care, but also directly told him that with her foot healed, they should return to their individual lives, as she would feel ashamed if she continued to hold him back from his own happiness.

Yuan, admitting he had anticipated this, responded that he wasn't asking for anything special, just to be there for her when she needed him. He confessed that the past month had felt like a beautiful dream, and he wished time could have lingered longer. In the end, they toasted to being lifelong friends, with Tan Siting calling him her "best brother," and Yuan insisting on doing the dishes, stating a healthy person no longer needs help.

Meanwhile, Yufan, who had previously decided to abandon dance and was working at a coffee shop and making deliveries, found herself deeply moved when she saw other dancers performing. She realized her profound love for dance and resolved to return to the studio. This period of working outside her comfort zone proved to be a valuable journey of personal growth.

At home, Yufan's parents noticed her unhappiness and offered words of wisdom, encouraging her never to give up on life's difficulties and to not let others' opinions control her path. Yufan declared to them that she had thought things through and was ready to face her challenges, much to her parents' delight. Back at the studio, Yufan informed Ms. Tan that she was ready to compete, professing her love for ballet above all else.

Ms. Tan, having waited for this moment, warned her that the upcoming week of intense training would either "break or make" her. Yufan confidently accepted the challenge. Shortly after, a student joyfully announced that Yufan had won the gold medal in the competition. The school held an assembly, where the principal congratulated Yufan and acknowledged the meticulous guidance of both Ms. Guan and Ms. Tan, encouraging all students to follow their example.

Ms. Bai, a former colleague who had disagreed with Tan Siting's approach, approached her and admitted that Tan Siting had been right all along. Tan Siting, in turn, gave Ms. Bai credit, stating that without Ms. Bai's strict focus on Yufan's fundamental skills, Yufan's success would not have been possible. With this mutual respect, their past differences were reconciled.

Tan Siting, continuing her search for her father, found promising clues online, specifically a post mentioning someone resembling her father had been seen in Xinjiang. She informed Ms. Zhuang that she would not be accompanying Yufan to Japan for the competition, explaining that her leg was healed, and she wanted to dedicate her time to finding her father. Ms. Zhuang supported her decision.

Feng Rui hosted a successful launch event for his Cygne wine, which had recently won a major award. He thanked guests for their support, especially after severe weather had threatened their grape harvest. He drew a parallel between the patience required for winemaking and the dedication of ballet dancers, calling ballet the "spiritual symbol of Cygne." During a flashback, Feng Rui and a younger Tan Siting discussed their dreams.

Tan Siting dreamt of studying at the Queen Ballet in France and performing on a grand stage, a dream Feng Rui believed she would achieve, seeing the "beauty of life" in her dance. Feng Rui revealed his own dream of becoming an astronaut and exploring space, which led him to an Aerospace Academy, but he eventually became a businessman.

He shared another dream of opening his own winery, making his own wine, and pictured a future where he was "behind the scenes" and Tan Siting "in the spotlight." Back in the present, during the event, a commercial for Cygne wine played, featuring Tan Siting dancing ballet. Feng Rui's daughter, Xiao Rui, pointed out Ms. Tan in the video.

Mr. Li, from a prominent wine magazine, praised Cygne's wine and promised a favorable report, leading to a toast for Cygne's continued success. Mr. Chen, a business acquaintance, acknowledged Feng Rui's impressive business acumen and growth, suggesting a potential collaboration to create a new wine named "Huacan Cygne." The event was further buoyed by the news of a documentary about Cygne having over 500,000 views and glowing reviews.

During the event, Feng Rui received a call from Wen Peiyan, who congratulated him and informed him that their wedding invitations were finalized, expressing confidence he would like them. He told her to go ahead with her choices, thanking her for her efforts. Later that evening, at a dinner with Ms. Zhuang and other colleagues, Tan Siting was seen scrolling through her phone, looking at a social media post from Wen Peiyan proudly displaying the wedding invitations. A visibly disheartened Tan Siting chose to drink heavily, despite Ms. Zhuang's gentle warnings.

Emotionally distraught after seeing Wen Peiyan’s social media post about her wedding invitation, Tan Siting drank heavily at a team-building event, where Feng Rui was also present. Observing her unusual behavior, Feng Rui followed her when she stumbled towards the restroom. In the corridor, as Feng Rui tried to help her, Tan Siting collapsed into his arms.

Overwhelmed by their proximity and her deep pain, she confronted him, demanding to know why he had hidden the truth about Le, their son, from her, accusing him of being a liar. Feng Rui was stunned, realizing Tan Siting was unaware she had given birth. Seeing her agony, he was reminded that, despite the passing years, Tan Siting was still the woman he loved, prompting him to consider if their past separation was due to a misunderstanding.

During this intense moment, he recalled Le once expressing that he might not have a physical mother but felt her presence in a different way, and that Ms. Wen was good to him. Tan Siting’s own thoughts echoed a lament, acknowledging that their shared past was truly over. Back home, Feng Rui found Wen Peiyan asleep on the sofa, feeling conflicted about their upcoming marriage.

Wen Peiyan, perceptive of his mood, sensed the growing distance and reflected on Feng Rui’s swift actions to define their relationship and plan the wedding since her return, almost as if he were completing a task. The next day, Le showed Feng Rui pictures he had taken, expressing disappointment that Feng Rui hadn't praised them as Ms. Tan had. Le innocently asked if Ms. Tan would attend the wedding, clarifying that he considered her a "buddy."

Le also proudly mentioned Feng Rui's recent article about Cygne Wine’s success, causing Feng Rui to urge him to remain humble. Later, as Feng Rui and his mother looked through wedding photos, his mother noted his "unnatural" smile in some. Le suggested hanging his own large, cool photo instead of wedding pictures, a sentiment Feng Rui playfully agreed with. Feng Rui’s mother, eager to finalize the marriage, declared an auspicious Friday for them to register their union.

Wen Peiyan readily agreed, but Feng Rui’s acceptance was noticeably hesitant. In a separate conversation with a friend, Wen Peiyan confided that Tan Siting had revealed she and Feng Rui were each other's "first love" and expressed concern about Ms. Tan's injury at the winery, which her friend, who had been present, downplayed. During dinner, Feng Rui’s mother continued to press for the marriage registration. To escape the tension, Feng Rui suggested a walk on the terrace.

Wen Peiyan tried to divert a difficult conversation with light topics, such as Le’s academic progress, his temporary pause on piano lessons to prepare for middle school, and the success of Cygne Wine. However, Feng Rui’s silence indicated his resolve. Recognizing they couldn't avoid the unspoken truth, Wen Peiyan initiated the breakup. Feng Rui, with an apologetic tone, did not try to dissuade her. Wen Peiyan then confronted him directly, asking, "That person is Tan Siting, right?

She's Le's real mother." Feng Rui silently confirmed it. With a bitter smile, Wen Peiyan acknowledged her intuition, stating she had often seen a shadow of Tan Siting in Le’s eyes. Feng Rui admitted he could no longer deceive her or himself, acknowledging the unfairness of the situation and his desire to end the mistake before the wedding invitations were sent. Wen Peiyan, feeling "a weight had been lifted," accepted the decision, affirming they could move on.

She planned a vacation and expressed her sincere gratitude to Feng Rui before asking for some time alone on the terrace. Later, Tan Siting arrived urgently at Feng Rui's office, showing him a photo she found on Wen Peiyan's social media. The man in the picture, a porter at a grape vineyard, strongly resembled her father. Feng Rui vaguely recognized the man as a driver and immediately called his local contact, a man named Duoji.

Duoji confirmed the man in the photo had done transport work for them but had no contact information due to language barriers, though he promised to keep an eye out. Distraught by the lack of immediate leads, Tan Siting insisted she must travel to Sichuan immediately, confident she would recognize her father instantly. Feng Rui urged her to calm down, assuring her his team would continue the search and that her father was "doing very well."

Later, Tan Siting spoke with her teacher, Ms. Zhuang, confirming her father was believed to be in Hongyuan County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, and requested a leave of absence, which was granted. That evening, while having dinner with friends, Tan Siting confirmed her travel plans. Yufan asked her to take some throat lozenges to "Old Sir," a local elder. Addressing a concern about the language barrier, Tan Siting mentioned a local friend would serve as her guide.

Separately, Tan Siting had a phone call with Le, informing him she was going away to "find someone." Le asked if she would miss his father’s wedding. Tan Siting assured him she would return but would indeed miss the wedding, promising to bring him a gift.

Tan Siting revisited her childhood home in her thoughts, recalling happy memories of her father measuring her height against a wall. She wondered how he had fared all these years, hoping this journey would finally reunite them. After concluding matters with Wen Peiyan, Feng Rui attempted to call Tan Siting repeatedly, but received no answer. Growing anxious, he rushed to her workplace, a training center. A staff member informed him that Ms. Tan had taken a long leave.

The principal, Ms. Zhuang, recognized Feng Rui and confirmed that Tan Siting had received news about her father and had gone to Hongyuan, providing him with the bus details. Ms. Zhuang also expressed her concern for Tan Siting, who had worked tirelessly and alone for thirteen years, urging Feng Rui to protect her. Feng Rui earnestly assured the principal that he was now certain of his feelings for Tan Siting and would take good care of her.

Before leaving, Feng Rui quickly called his mother, Gao Hui, claiming he had an urgent out-of-town trip and asking her to look after his son, Le, for a few days. He subtly conveyed that he might not be back in time to get the marriage certificate next week, signaling the wedding was off without explicitly stating it. Gao Hui immediately sensed something was amiss and tried calling Wen Peiyan several times, only to find her unresponsive, which increased her suspicion.

Feng Rui managed to buy a ticket for the same bus and arrived just before its departure. Tan Siting was surprised to see him on board. He explained that he only wished to help her search for her father, as he was familiar with the area and had local contacts, which would make the search more efficient. Meanwhile, Le called Wen Peiyan, asking about his piano lessons.

Wen Peiyan, sounding unwell, explained she had a cold and advised him to practice the pieces he already knew, promising to make up lessons later. Le, unaware of the breakup, innocently expressed concern that she couldn't get sick since she was about to marry his father. Later, Gao Hui asked Le about his conversation with Wen Peiyan, further solidifying her feeling that something was wrong.

Upon arriving in Hongyuan, Aba County, Tan Siting and Feng Rui met Duoji, Feng Rui's local friend who worked at his vineyard. As they drove, Tan Siting noted the significant changes in the area since her last visit thirteen years ago, a time when she and Feng Rui were a couple.

Duoji mentioned how much Tan Siting had changed, recalling a group photo of them on a mountain peak thirteen years ago—a photo Feng Rui had once retrieved from mudslide debris. Duoji had already begun inquiring about Tan Siting's father, stating that people at a local contact station had seen him, as he handled deliveries through them.

Due to the long travel time, Duoji suggested they rest at a hotel first and visit the station the next morning, also warning Tan Siting about potential altitude sickness. That evening, at their hotel, Tan Siting thanked Feng Rui. Later, walking on a bustling street, Tan Siting, anxious to find her father, mistakenly identified a stranger as him and rushed forward. The emotional surge triggered her altitude sickness.

Just as he had thirteen years ago, Feng Rui quickly gave her a paper bag to help regulate her breathing, which brought her relief. Seeing his care, Tan Siting questioned why he was there when he should be preparing for his wedding. Feng Rui quietly revealed that the wedding had been called off. He explained that he no longer wanted to lie to himself or to Wen Peiyan, adding that the cancellation was not because of her.

Their search continued, with Duoji contacting more friends. He finally located Haji, a local who confirmed that Tan Siting's father had stayed with him for over a week, herding sheep and transporting goods. However, Haji reported that her father had left a week prior, without saying where he was going. He described Tan Siting's father as a quiet man who kept his past to himself.

After further inquiry, Haji remembered that Tan Siting's father had once mentioned living in a small village in the north. With this new lead, they drove to the remote northern village, stopping to show a photo of Tan Siting's father to various locals, but no one recognized him. As they ventured further, the road ended, giving way to an uninhabited wilderness of swamps and wetlands, a dangerous place where wild animals roamed at night.

Duoji explained that even locals dared not enter. Overwhelmed by despair, Tan Siting felt all their efforts were futile. She decided to give up, stating that they had exhausted all avenues and found no clues. Feng Rui gently encouraged her not to give up, but Tan Siting, heartbroken, insisted on returning. Later, Feng Rui urged Tan Siting to eat something. Distraught, she questioned where her father could possibly be, reiterating that they had searched everywhere.

Feng Rui tried to reassure her, suggesting her father might have just wanted a quiet place to stay. He also mentioned that his mother knew the circumstances of his trip weren't to blame for the cancelled wedding, but she still needed time to accept it. Tan Siting, however, dismissed his attempt at comfort, stating that she didn't care what his mother thought; all she wanted was to find her own father. As Feng Rui looked at her, he saw the same sad yet stubborn girl he had accompanied on this very search thirteen years prior.

Tan Siting expressed her profound disappointment after their extensive search for her father yielded no results. She recounted how she had searched everywhere and asked everyone possible, but the vastness of the area and lack of direction left them without any leads. Despite coming with little confidence, she had held onto hope until the very last moment, only to realize the world was far larger than she imagined, and the distance between her and her father had grown immensely.

Feng Rui reassured her, acknowledging that finding someone was never easy. Tan Siting, however, lamented not looking for him sooner, wondering why she hadn't persisted for years or even a decade. Feng Rui offered a different perspective, suggesting that her father might have found a new way of life there, embracing its simplicity and purity, and achieving peace of mind, much like how the serene landscape calmed their own troubled spirits. Meanwhile, Wang Shuhan celebrated a significant career milestone.

Her boyfriend, Mr. Wu, impressed by her work on a successful project, offered her a position as a project manager at his company, leading the East District project. He even prepared a spacious, bright office just for her. Overjoyed by this sudden turn in both her romantic life and career, Wang Shuhan remarked to Mr. Wu that colleagues might think she was receiving special treatment, to which he affirmed that professional boundaries would be maintained in the office.

She then learned that their sports complex project would include a park and charity programs—a suggestion she had made—further validating her sharp business acumen. Mr. Wu informed her that an employee named Micki would give her a tour, and she was expected at a welcome meeting in two days. Wang Shuhan felt a welcome meeting was unnecessary, but Mr. Wu reminded her that she had earned her place with her intellect.

Back in the village, Tan Siting arranged with their guide, Duoji, to deliver items to her student Qu Zhen's family. Following the provided address, Tan Siting and Feng Rui arrived at the home of Qu Zhen's mother. She welcomed "Ms. Tan" warmly, expressing surprise at their swift arrival and offering them her best, most authentic butter tea. She inquired about Qu Zhen's performance at school, and Tan Siting assured her that Qu Zhen was a diligent student, well-liked by everyone.

Tan Siting then presented throat lozenges that Qu Zhen had specifically sent for her "Old Sir." Curious, Tan Siting asked if "Old Sir" was Qu Zhen's grandfather and a local. Qu Zhen's mother revealed that he was Han Chinese, not Tibetan, and had been living there for a long time, treated as one of their own. She added that Qu Zhen's interest in ballet was influenced by Old Sir.

Upon learning his age was around sixty, Tan Siting hesitantly showed her father's photo. Qu Zhen's mother instantly recognized him, confirming it was indeed "Old Sir." She then proudly shared that Old Sir dedicated his time to protecting Tibetan antelopes in the mountains, often disappearing for months, and relied on villagers for necessities, who considered him a local hero.

Qu Zhen's mother then led Tan Siting and Feng Rui to her father’s humble abode, a remote house with fences he had built himself. Upon seeing her father, Tan Siting's long-suppressed emotions erupted, and she burst into tears. He had been working there for years, his face weathered and tanned, making him indistinguishable from the local villagers. Her father, initially stunned, met her gaze with eyes red with guilt.

Her father offered them apples and butter tea, noting how rare apples were in the region. Observing that Feng Rui couldn't consume dairy, he specially prepared plain tea for him. He remarked on the unexpected reunion with Feng Rui, sharing that he had recognized him at the vineyard during the mudslide relief efforts but hadn't been able to speak to him then. Feng Rui explained he had volunteered after hearing about the disaster.

As the villagers joined them for a celebratory meal, featuring local specialties like beef intestines, her father apologized to Tan Siting for his absence. He confessed that he was terrified and felt helpless after witnessing his beloved student, Wei, commit suicide due to bullying. He had intended to see the perpetrator punished but had overlooked Wei's feelings. After submitting his resignation, he watched in horror as Wei jumped in front of him, lying motionless in a pool of blood.

He expressed deep guilt and pain, believing that with more careful thought, Wei could have had a beautiful life. As public opinion escalated and began to implicate Tan Siting, he was on the verge of a breakdown. To protect her, he made the difficult decision to leave temporarily. For a long time after, he couldn't escape the fear, waking from nightmares and relying on sleeping pills.

He eventually found his way to this simple life, which he realized was what he truly desired. When he finally gathered the courage to return and search for Tan Siting, she had already gone to France without leaving any contact information, a fact he deeply regretted. Tan Siting comforted him, stating that she understood and always believed they would meet again.

The next morning, as Feng Rui and Tan Siting prepared for the day, Feng Rui commented that he hadn't slept so soundly in a long time. Tan Siting reflected on the immense courage it took for her father to start a new life in such an unfamiliar and challenging environment. Recalling her own solitary struggles when she first went to France, she deeply understood the hardship he must have faced and wished he had confided in someone at the time.

Her father then taught them how to make Tsampa, a local staple, and explained their diet of butter tea, beef jerky, and Tsampa, noting the absence of vegetables and rice. Feng Rui remarked that her father had so assimilated that he now seemed like a Tibetan. Tan Siting fondly recalled her father's homemade fish head and tofu soup, which he promised to make for her on her next visit.

Her father later expressed his concern for Tan Siting's solitary life and wished for her to build a happy family. He suggested Feng Rui as a suitable partner, noting his good character and the love he clearly showed. Tan Siting, however, gently corrected him, clarifying that she and Feng Rui were merely friends, and their past relationship was not something they could return to.

Her father insisted she shouldn't be too willful, acknowledging that some things couldn't be forced but still hoping for her happiness. Later, Tan Siting received a phone call from her father in the city. He mentioned seeing an old colleague whose daughter was also getting married soon and advised Tan Siting and Feng Rui to quickly book a hotel for their own wedding.

Tan Siting then informed him that she and Feng Rui had broken up and she would not be getting married. Her city father, initially shocked, quickly composed himself and offered to cook her favorite zhajiangmian and crunchy nuts if she came home that weekend, reminiscing about her childhood.

As they stood together, her father pointed to the vast, uninhabited area beyond the mountains, a roaming ground for Tibetan antelopes, and hoped that knowing he was doing meaningful work there would help her forgive his abrupt departure. Tan Siting confessed that his sudden leaving had left her scared and resentful, but over time, her memories of him were filled with happiness: his birthday celebrations, his cooking, and him cycling her to dance lessons.

She realized she had received so much and found peace in his happiness. Her father's final wish was for her everlasting happiness. Tan Siting made him promise not to move again so she could visit him every year. With promises to take care of themselves, Tan Siting and Feng Rui bid her father farewell, thanking him for everything.

Separately, Gao Hui's brother, Gao Haotian, visited her, complaining about pending travel expenses from a trip to Macao, China, implying he was short on money due to gambling. Gao Hui reminded him of his promise to stop gambling and warned that she couldn't protect him if he continued. Gao Haotian swore he would stop. Gao Hui agreed to expedite his expense report and insisted he attend their father's birthday in a few days. Before leaving, Gao Haotian noticed her dry lips and offered her a mint-flavored throat lozenge, her favorite. Gao Hui affectionately called him a rascal.

After spending some days with her father, Tan Siting and Feng Rui prepared to leave. Their guide, Duo Ji, dropped them off in the city, wishing them well and expressing his belief that they were meant to be together. He remarked that love is undeniable and urged them to express their feelings without regret. Duo Ji's words deeply resonated with Feng Rui, who had spent years trying to forget Tan Siting, only to realize he never truly could.

Now, having found her again, he knew he couldn't let her go. Later that evening at the hotel, both Feng Rui and Tan Siting found themselves unable to sleep. They encountered each other when leaving their rooms and decided to take a walk together. Feng Rui initiated a conversation about their past, asking if she regretted abandoning him and Le.

He recounted what he believed to be her breakup letter, in which she stated ballet was more important to her than their love and asked him to pretend they had never loved each other. Tan Siting, shocked, then revealed the truth: his mother, Gao Hui, had told her that Le had died. Tan Siting then shared her side of the story, explaining that she had been in a terrible state, both physically and mentally.

Her father had disappeared, and Feng Rui was constantly busy abroad. Overwhelmed by self-hatred and convinced her stubbornness had cost her child, she was advised by Gao Hui to leave Feng Rui. Seeing it as a way to preserve her dignity, Tan Siting agreed, unaware that Feng Rui knew nothing of this arrangement. She explained that her health was so poor due to a major hemorrhage during Le's birth that she couldn't enroll in the Queen Ballet immediately.

It was only after a lengthy recovery that she went to France to resume her ballet dream. She confessed that she had tried to tell Feng Rui, but he was too busy, and she believed telling him would only cause him more trouble, so she let time handle it, hoping it would bring a better answer.

Feng Rui then revealed that he had desperately searched for her after her departure, but her family had moved, and he was told by his mother to give up and return to the company. Reflecting on their past, Feng Rui admitted that both of them had tried to act in the other's best interest but failed to follow their own hearts. He then looked into Tan Siting's eyes and asked if she still loved him, proposing they get back together.

Tan Siting agreed, and that night, they happily reunited. Back in Chengdu, Tan Siting brought Feng Rui to her rented apartment. He noticed a book about aviation and a bouquet of Velvet flowers. He revealed that he had known about her return and had arranged for her to rent that specific apartment, which was conveniently located near his winery, all so he could be closer to her.

Tan Siting playfully accused him of being jealous when he mentioned her boyfriend Wang Zeyuan often visited. They then discussed the challenge of breaking the news to Gao Hui and eventually to Le. Tan Siting insisted on telling Le herself. Meanwhile, Wang Shuhan started her new job as a project manager at a company that recently acquired land for a large stadium project.

She proudly brought her parents to the construction site to show them the ambitious project, which involved building a large stadium for various domestic and international sports events on a site previously occupied by unfinished buildings. Her parents, especially her father, expressed skepticism about her ability to handle such a role after many years out of the workforce. Her mother, however, encouraged her to prove them wrong. Wang Shuhan promised to do her best.

Later, Wang Shuhan was sharing the news with her boyfriend, Wang Zeyuan, who mistakenly thought she had been rejected by Tan Siting, which was a misunderstanding. Feng Rui returned home and told his mother, Gao Hui, that he and Wen Peiyan had broken up and that he was back with Tan Siting. Gao Hui was shocked and accused him of being blinded by love again, arguing that he was hurting Wen Peiyan.

Feng Rui asserted that their marriage should be built on true love and not lies, unlike his parents' loveless marriage. He said that continuing a relationship built on pretense would hurt Wen Peiyan more in the long run. He then confronted his mother about why she had hidden the fact that Le was born safely. Gao Hui defended her actions, recalling that Tan Siting had suffered from severe prenatal depression, which posed risks to both her and the baby.

She described how Tan Siting had refused to eat and how, despite Gao Hui's efforts to get her to have fish head soup, her condition was unstable, and she had experienced placental abruption. Gao Hui claimed the baby's birth was sudden, and Tan Siting was too unwell to care for him. She said she was grateful Le had grown up healthy. Feng Rui countered that Tan Siting wouldn't have lost everything if not for the video related to Gao Haotian.

Gao Hui angrily dismissed any connection, reminding Feng Rui that she had once warned him about Tan Siting's family possibly blackmailing his uncle, Gao Haotian, and now him. Feng Rui retorted that Gao Hui simply refused to accept that Gao Haotian was a rapist. Gao Hui furiously declared that she would never allow Feng Rui to be with Tan Siting and that she would not let Tan Siting acknowledge Le.

Feng Rui remained firm, stating that no child would refuse their birth mother, and declared his intention to marry Tan Siting. Gao Hui, feeling defied, vowed, "We'll see about that." Feng Rui then went to Le's room to break the news about the canceled wedding. Le, initially thinking it was another business trip, remained calm upon hearing Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan had broken up. He expressed disappointment but said it was a matter for adults.

Le revealed that he knew Wen Peiyan was sad about the breakup, not sick, and praised her kindness to both him and his father. He urged Feng Rui to talk to her and explain everything clearly. Elsewhere, Tan Siting confided in her teacher about reuniting with Feng Rui. She shared how she realized the most precious thing was a sincere heart, and her teacher affirmed Feng Rui's deep love and sincerity.

Despite 12 years of deep misunderstandings and believing their paths had diverged forever, she realized the time apart had only solidified her feelings. Her teacher expressed happiness for their reunion after so much hardship and supported their decision. She also voiced her disbelief at Gao Hui's manipulative actions in the past. Both Tan Siting and her teacher acknowledged that without their recent trip to Hongyuan County, they might have missed each other permanently.

Later, Feng Rui and Tan Siting visited the cafe where they had their first date. Feng Rui reminisced about dreaming of that place while abroad and confessed that he often came there, missing her. He observed how Le ate Mini Puff pastries just like Tan Siting, causing him to feel dazed by the resemblance. He promised Tan Siting that he would never leave her to sit alone again, always accompanying her.

Meanwhile, news broke about the escalating "Gao Haotian incident," revealing that he had been attempting to rape an employee before his accidental fall from a building. The scandal led to Tianlu Trade's overseas suppliers suspending cooperation, casting a shadow over the company's future. Feng Rui received a call from Mr. Yang, who, while offering condolences, requested to postpone his wine orders due to the negative public opinion surrounding the incident.

Feng Rui understood and agreed to halt all transactions for the time being. He then instructed his team to turn off their phones, as the media speculated on the uncertain fate of the city's largest private group.

Wang Zeyuan's gaming company achieved a significant milestone, with their game climbing to the number one spot in downloads. In celebration, he reached out to Tan Siting, inviting her out to dinner. Meanwhile, Tan Siting arrived at school to pick up Le, hoping to spend some quality time with him. However, Gao Hui was already there and quickly reminded Le about his upcoming online tutoring session, effectively cutting short Siting's plans.

Le, despite his disappointment, reluctantly agreed to return home for his studies. Later that evening, Le secretly called Tan Siting using his smartwatch. He calmly informed her that his father and Ms. Wen had called off their wedding. While admitting a touch of sadness, Le expressed his understanding, viewing it as his father's decision. He also shared that Ms. Wen was kind to both him and his father, and he believed they could remain good friends.

Le, ever the observant child, added that his grandma, Gao Hui, was very upset about the canceled wedding, especially since she had given Ms. Wen a family heirloom necklace. Tan Siting felt a wave of relief upon hearing Le's mature perspective. Soon after, Feng Rui called Tan Siting. He playfully expressed a hint of jealousy over her chat with Le. Siting recounted how Gao Hui had intervened earlier, preventing her from spending time with Le.

Feng Rui voiced his fervent desire to make up for the twelve years of missed fatherhood with Le. Siting then shared her concern that Gao Hui's anger over the canceled wedding might lead her to harm Le. In response, Siting proposed a move to France, suggesting they, along with Le, could build a life in Paris – she could teach ballet, and he could sell wine, free from interference.

Feng Rui, after a moment of contemplation, enthusiastically agreed, envisioning a future where the three of them would be together and never apart. He promptly began making arrangements to expand his winery, Cygne, into France, delegating current operations to his team. He explained his plan to his employees, assuring them of their capabilities and continued support from France.

Tan Siting also confided in her close friend, Shuhan, about her reconciliation with Feng Rui and their plans to move to France to avoid conflicts with his mother. Shuhan expressed genuine happiness for Siting but also cautioned her to remain wary of Gao Hui, emphasizing the unbreakable blood bond between Feng Rui and his mother. Elsewhere, colleagues at Ms. Wen's workplace gossiped about her recent unusual behavior and the status of her wedding.

Overhearing their whispers, Wen Peiyan publicly announced that her wedding was indeed canceled and that she would not be getting married. Seeking clarity, she later met with Tan Siting, directly asking about the timeline of her and Feng Rui's renewed relationship. Wen Peiyan revealed that she had always known Feng Rui held deep feelings for Le's mother, but was unaware that Le's mother was alive, let alone Tan Siting herself.

She wished to understand why Siting had left Feng Rui and Le years ago, and why she had now returned, unwilling to simply step aside without answers. Tan Siting then shared her painful history, clarifying the misunderstandings that had led to her absence. Wen Peiyan expressed profound gratitude for Siting's role in Le's life, acknowledging how she had filled the void of a mother.

Siting humbly stated her kindness to Le stemmed from his inherent lovableness, not solely from his connection to Feng Rui, suggesting that some relationships are simply fated. Finally understanding, Wen Peiyan wished Feng Rui happiness. Subsequently, Wen Peiyan visited Gao Hui at the school, where Gao Hui, still advocating for her son's marriage to Wen Peiyan, praised her as a good girl.

Wen Peiyan, with new clarity, returned the family heirloom necklace to Gao Hui, stating that Siting had explained everything and she now understood that a future with Feng Rui was impossible, especially with Siting being Le's biological mother. She articulated her feeling that Feng Rui had always seemed emotionally guarded, like living "inside a shell," and she had been unable to truly reach him. Meanwhile, a fuming Gao Hui visited Feng Rui's company, only to find him absent.

She learned from his staff that he was preparing to expand his wine business into France. Shocked and enraged at being kept in the dark, her resentment towards Tan Siting intensified, perceiving Siting as not only the daughter of a "murderer" but also as someone attempting to take her beloved son away. At a family dinner, Feng Rui's grandfather confronted him about the canceled engagement and his renewed relationship with Tan Siting.

He acknowledged Feng Rui's feelings for Siting but stressed the complexities of their connection, warning that Feng Rui, as the head of a prominent family and business, could not act solely on personal feelings. Feng Rui, however, firmly stated that their relationship was solely between him and Siting, and they were tired of past grievances. He declared that if he couldn't marry Siting, he wouldn't marry anyone else.

Earlier, Shuhan had shared with Tan Siting about her new boyfriend, Wu Zuhao, who was primarily involved in the real estate industry. She also boasted about her new role as a Project Manager for a major cultural and creative project in the East District, emphasizing how her "newer ideas" were adopted by "old-school businessmen." Later, Shuhan hosted a dinner for Tan Siting and Wang Zeyuan, formally introducing Wu Zuhao.

Wu Zuhao, a seemingly affluent man, praised Siting for her ballet career. Wang Zeyuan, visibly suspicious of Wu Zuhao, especially since Shuhan had been unemployed and lacked experience in the industry before knowing him, questioned him about the specifics of land acquisition procedures for the project. Wu Zuhao gave a vague answer, claiming a friend's company handled such matters, and swiftly changed the subject back to Shuhan's capabilities and the project's bright prospects. Tan Siting, not well-versed in business, simply hoped for her friend's happiness.

Le was enjoying dinner at a restaurant with his Grandma, Gao Hui, but commented that the food wasn't as delicious as what Ms. Wen used to cook. Gao Hui seized the opportunity to ask Le if he particularly missed Ms. Wen. Le, with surprising maturity, explained that his father’s feelings came first, then his own, and he was generally easygoing about such matters. Soon after, a package arrived for Le, containing a street dance figure.

Le quickly realized it was from Ms. Tan and was overjoyed. Gao Hui, still attempting to influence him, later tried to limit his gaming and expressed concern about his studies, contrasting his performance with his father's. Feng Rui intervened, offering to help Le with his homework himself. After Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan broke up, Wen Peiyan's colleagues at her workplace whispered about the canceled wedding.

Wen Peiyan then announced she wouldn't marry and sought out Tan Siting to understand the complexities of the past. After Tan Siting revealed the truth of what had happened, Wen Peiyan felt relieved, realizing her situation and that there was absolutely no possibility of being with Feng Rui. She then returned the heirloom necklace Gao Hui had given her.

Meanwhile, Shu Han was celebrating securing eighty million yuan in the first round of funding for their sports park project, much to Feng Rui's astonishment. Feng Rui advised caution against using personal funds, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cash flow for the company's stability.

Later, at a celebratory dinner with Tan Siting and Xiao Yuan, Shu Han, alongside her boyfriend Wu Zuhao, the President of Shengnuo Real Estate, proudly announced her new role as Project Manager for their East District Sports Industry Park project. Xiao Yuan, however, was skeptical, questioning Shu Han’s lack of real estate development experience for such a significant role.

Wu Zuhao clarified that Shu Han had provided invaluable advice and that his friend's company had handled all the complex approvals for the old district's redevelopment, allowing Shu Han to manage the project directly. Shu Han, embracing her new role, confidently asserted her past reputation as a "big shot" and dismissed Xiao Yuan's concerns. Tan Siting, wishing her bestie well, reminded Wu Zuhao not to mistreat Shu Han.

Later, while Tan Siting was on a phone call discussing business, Feng Rui called to ask about lunch. Tan Siting mentioned she was meeting Le for pizza. Feng Rui, feigning jealousy, joked that Le's status was now higher than his. However, upon returning home, Feng Rui found Le playing games and learned that Le had no plans to meet Tan Siting for lunch.

Realizing his mother, Gao Hui, had orchestrated a meeting under false pretenses, Feng Rui rushed to confront her. He found Gao Hui and Tan Siting engaged in a tense conversation. Gao Hui sarcastically congratulated Tan Siting on winning Feng Rui back, but Tan Siting retorted that Feng Rui had always been by her side. Gao Hui then demanded that Tan Siting stay away from Le.

Tan Siting fiercely responded that as Le's mother, no one had the right to separate her from her child, especially not Gao Hui, who was the cause of their twelve-year separation. Gao Hui accused Tan Siting of abandoning Le for her career in Paris, to which Tan Siting asserted her right as a mother to decide when to tell Le the truth.

She threatened to reveal to Le that his beloved grandmother had kept them apart for twelve years if Gao Hui persisted, but Gao Hui callously said she didn't care about Le's potential suffering. The argument escalated as Gao Hui declared the Gao family would never accept Tan Siting marrying Feng Rui.

Tan Siting, in turn, lashed out, questioning if Gao Hui thought she wanted to marry into a rapist's family, prompting Gao Hui to retort that they didn't want Feng Rui to marry a murderer's daughter. Feng Rui arrived amidst the heated exchange, admonishing his mother to either accept Tan Siting or distance herself from him and Tan Siting, accusing her of manipulating them behind his back. Later, Gao Hui visited Feng Rui's company.

Finding him absent, she learned from a colleague that Feng Rui was planning to expand his wine business abroad. This news further fueled Gao Hui's resentment, as she already harbored anger over Tan Siting's family and now believed Tan Siting was trying to take her beloved grandson, Le, away.

Soon after, Feng Rui and Tan Siting went to pick up Le from school, only to learn from Ms. Hu that Le's grandma had already picked him up without informing Feng Rui. Feng Rui called his father, who confirmed Le and Gao Hui were at his great-grandpa’s house. Feng Rui and Tan Siting realized Gao Hui's actions were intensifying, and Tan Siting suggested it was time to tell Le the truth.

Feng Rui agreed, vowing to handle the conversation with Le. In a flashback to a hospital setting, Feng Rui's father had visited Tan Siting. He introduced himself as Feng Rui's father, calling her Ting. Tan Siting correctly inferred he wanted her to break up with Feng Rui and declared there was nothing more to discuss. He inquired about her plans if she insisted on being with Feng Rui, given his mother and grandfather's disapproval.

Tan Siting revealed her intention to move to France with Feng Rui once he returned. Feng Rui's father shared his own life story, recalling a similar dilemma in his youth: choosing between marrying his girlfriend and living a life of poverty, or marrying into the wealthy Gao family. He spoke of his humble beginnings and how his girlfriend’s love was his only comfort during difficult times.

He initially declined Gao Hui’s grandfather’s offer, but after a minor promotion, he remained a struggling employee. Eventually, his girlfriend broke up with him, unwilling to be the reason he sacrificed a life-changing opportunity and later regretted it. He concluded his story by telling Tan Siting that love could not withstand external pressures, and for their future, someone had to let go first, hoping it would be her.

Back in the present, Tan Siting was at the studio for an interview on "City of Dance." After a staff member, Zhai, welcomed her, Feng Rui called to check on her. Tan Siting assured him everything was going smoothly and that Le was fine, expecting to finish in a few hours. The host, Yu, introduced Tan Siting as a renowned ballerina.

Tan Siting candidly shared her philosophy on passion and career, emphasizing that success was hard and failure common, advocating for the ability to relax, let go, and restart when facing difficulties. She then explained her retirement from performing was driven by a desire to return home, to see her old teachers, and revisit the place where she grew up and trained.

She confirmed her new role as a guest instructor at a dance school founded by Ms. Zhuang, her first ballet teacher. Meanwhile, Gao Hui was distraught, refusing to eat. Feng Rui and Ms. Yang tried to persuade her to take care of herself. Gao Hui was still deeply troubled by memories of Haotian, believing he hadn't left and couldn't have committed the crime.

Feng Rui gently reminded her of the police's conclusion, suggesting Haotian might have been drunk at the time. Gao Hui’s father urged her to send Le back home in a few days. He apologized to Feng Rui, revealing the full extent of the family's past struggles. He explained that Haotian's incident brought immense turmoil to the Gao family, forcing Gao Hui to tirelessly protect their legacy, despite her personal anguish over her brother's actions.

He also clarified that Tan Siting's fragile mental state after childbirth, coupled with the challenges of raising a premature baby, led Gao Hui to believe that separating Tan Siting and Feng Rui was the best choice given their youth and the difficult path ahead. He admitted he thought Tan Siting had told Feng Rui the whole story.

Acknowledging Feng Rui's years of suffering and his own remorse, Feng Rui's father declared his full support for Feng Rui and Tan Siting, including their desire to marry and move to France. He wished them happiness, viewing his support as an atonement for his mistake twelve years prior. As the day ended, Gao Hui’s father advised her to rest, firmly telling her to stop interfering in Feng Rui and Tan Siting's relationship.

He warned her against causing Feng Rui further anguish or keeping Le from his mother. In a separate conversation, Gao Hui's father asked another man if he knew a woman named Tan and a girl she was often seen with. The man confirmed he knew Ms. Tan as Shi Wei's master, having met her a few times, and found her to be quite humble.

Feng Rui drove to pick up Tan Siting after her television interview, where he heard her discussing her reasons for returning to China and her hopes of bringing advanced ballet art to France. He anxiously awaited her, feeling caught between his deep love for Tan Siting and the ongoing pressure from his mother. When Tan Siting finally emerged, Feng Rui embraced her tightly, longing to hold her.

In the car, Tan Siting reflected on a familiar spot they used to visit, noting that it hadn’t changed in over a decade. Feng Rui gently probed, asking if her departure years ago was to “let him go.” Tan Siting admitted she wasn't as noble as he thought, but after all the difficulties, she was tormented and didn't know what to do, deciding to leave the ultimate decision to him.

However, she then revealed that his father had visited her, making a compelling argument for Feng Rui's sake. She feared he might be with her out of pity, that he would eventually be unhappy, and most of all, that he would regret being with her. Feng Rui, in turn, confessed that her leaving had not made his life better; the time spent with her was the most real he had ever experienced. He promised never to leave her again.

Later, they looked through Le’s childhood photos, fondly reminiscing about his love for animals and a particular outfit he adored. Tan Siting thanked Feng Rui for raising Le so wonderfully and vowed to make up for the lost years, expressing a desperate desire to know every detail of Le’s growth. Meanwhile, Wu Zuhao took Shuhan to a business dinner where she unexpectedly ran into her elementary school classmate, Sun Tiantian.

Sun Tiantian, now a Project Manager at Fengjin Investment, explained that her company was involved in finance-related fields and had invested in the East District sports park, which Shuhan and Wu Zuhao were also working on. Shuhan introduced Sun Tiantian to Wu Zuhao. Wu Zuhao later confided in Shuhan that they were short 20 million in registered capital for the sports park project to commence. Desperate to help, Shuhan suggested to Wu Zuhao that they pursue high-return short-term investments.

Wu Zuhao, however, cautioned her, reminding her that all investments carry risks and their company couldn't afford any. He reassured her that project payments were expected within two weeks and he had asked "Old Sun" (presumably a business partner) to wait. Shuhan, eager to prove her ability, saw Sun Tiantian indicating on social media her company’s focus on overseas markets and an upcoming acquisition.

Shuhan contacted Sun Tiantian, asking if her company could invest more in the East District sports park project, or lend Shengnuo Real Estate 20 million, or even lend it to her personally with an IOU.

Sun Tiantian claimed her shares were almost full for a massive copper mining project in South America, where most of her company’s funds were tied up, and warned Shuhan it was too risky for her, but generally suggested high-return short-term projects as a quick way to get money if Shuhan was urgent. Undeterred and anxious for funds, Shuhan called her brother, Yuan, asking for 20 million for the East District project, mentioning Sun Tiantian.

Yuan, remembering her past unsuccessful ventures and the two decades since she last saw Sun Tiantian, advised her to be cautious. He then investigated Fengjin Investment and found no domestic registration. He called Shuhan to warn her, but Shuhan dismissed his concerns, insisting Fengjin was a major international company registered overseas and that her brother was being overly paranoid. She adamantly stated that this time, she was "doing things properly" and hung up.

After Shuhan's persistence, Sun Tiantian offered to "squeeze out a spot" from an equity fund, promising an early payout within a week for a 7. 5 million investment. She agreed that due to the urgency, Shuhan could invest personally for now, but a company contract would be required later. Shuhan gratefully accepted, promising to transfer the funds that afternoon. True to her word, Shuhan mortgaged her house and all her assets, transferring the funds to Sun Tiantian.

Just as she completed the bank procedures, she received another call from Yuan, but she remained fixated on her dreams of striking it rich, ignoring his warnings. Meanwhile, Tan Siting’s television interview proved to be a resounding success, bringing unprecedented attention to the ballet world and making her the "hottest ballet star." Numerous elite ballet schools sought partnerships for student training, and domestic arts festivals extended invitations for their students to perform.

Tan Siting informed her mentor, Ms. Zhuang, of her intention to eventually return to Paris with Feng Rui and Le, explaining it would take time but she could still manage her school duties for now. Ms. Zhuang, though sad, offered her full support. Tan Siting then called her father, who was overjoyed to hear she and Feng Rui were back together. He fully supported her decision to move to France with Feng Rui and Le, prioritizing her happiness.

Tan Siting worried about his persistent cough, urging him to see a doctor, but he brushed it off, attributing it to a chill from helping a cow give birth. However, Le unexpectedly returned home, much to their surprise, as they believed he was still at his grandmother’s. Le immediately confronted them, asking if they were dating and when it started. Feng Rui honestly confirmed their relationship began during his business trip to Sichuan.

Le expressed deep hurt and anger towards Tan Siting, feeling betrayed by her secrecy, especially since he considered her his best friend. He recalled hearing Feng Rui's voice on the phone but being told it was a colleague. Tan Siting apologized for her deception, but Le accused her of deliberately befriending him to get close to his father.

Feng Rui reprimanded Le for his words, while Tan Siting vehemently denied the accusation, swearing it was untrue and asking him to believe her. After the tense encounter, Feng Rui drove Tan Siting home. Both were left pondering Le's unexpected return and unusual behavior, suspecting Gao Hui's involvement.

They discussed how Le had been without a mother for twelve years and wondered if he would accept Tan Siting, agreeing to wait for a more suitable time to fully explain their relationship to him. Separately, Wu Zuhao informed Shuhan of his impending week-long business trip to Shanghai to advance their project. Shuhan promised him a surprise upon his return.

During dinner, Wu Zuhao mentioned that he checked the investor list at Tongjie, their partner company, but found no record of Sun Tiantian or Fengjin Investment. Shuhan quickly dismissed his concern, suggesting that Sun Tiantian might plan to invest later. Earlier, Sun Tiantian had informed Shuhan via phone that she had a "temporary issue" and would need to stay in South America for a few more days, delaying her return. Moments later, in the restroom, Shuhan called Sun Tiantian again, asking if she had set a return date.

One evening, Feng Rui's mother, worried that Le would move to France with his father, revealed to Le that his mother had not died but had left many years ago to pursue her career in France. Le, thinking his mother abandoned him, was deeply saddened. The next morning, Feng Rui prepared breakfast but found Le missing. He immediately called Le's school teacher, Ms. Hu, who confirmed Le was not at school.

He then called his father and mother, Grandma, but Le wasn't with them either. Worried, Feng Rui and Tan Siting frantically drove around to search for him. Le had gone to see Wen Peiyan, his piano teacher, with whom he shared a long-standing relationship. He confided in Ms. Wen, expressing his sadness that his father, Feng Rui, was seeing Ms. Tan and had kept it a secret from him.

He then shared his deeper anguish, explaining that Grandma had told him his birth mother was still alive but had chosen her ballet career over him. Le felt like he was a child his mother never wanted. Ms. Wen, aware of the distress caused by Grandma's words, comforted Le, explaining that adults sometimes have their reasons for not revealing the full truth and that his father likely knew more.

She reassured him that everyone deeply loved him and encouraged him to talk to Feng Rui. After receiving a call from Ms. Wen, Feng Rui and Tan Siting immediately went to pick up Le. Tan Siting noticed Le was clearly hurt. Feng Rui spoke with Ms. Wen, who confirmed that Le was upset after learning about his mother from Grandma. Ms. Wen advised Feng Rui to spend quality time and communicate more with his son.

Knowing Le was struggling with his emotions, Feng Rui took him to a boxing gym, hoping physical activity would help him vent his frustrations. While there, Feng Rui tried to talk to Le, but Le, though appearing calmer, stated his unhappiness wasn't due to Feng Rui's relationship with Tan Siting, indicating the deeper pain caused by his mother's story.

Later that evening, Le made a video call to Grandma, apologizing for leaving without telling anyone and promising to inform them next time. Meanwhile, Tan Siting scrolled through her chat records with Le, listening to his voice messages. She was filled with mixed emotions, understanding that for now, her priority was Le's well-being and not to disturb his peaceful life, and whether he could accept her as his mother was no longer important.

Understanding that his mother's words had caused Le's distress, Feng Rui decided to expedite the French visa application process for himself, Tan Siting, and Le, believing a change of environment would benefit his son. He went to his mother's house to retrieve the household register. While there, he unexpectedly discovered a Medical Diagnosis Certificate for his mother, Gao Hui, confirming she had Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Feng Rui realized going to France was no longer the priority.

He later approached his mother, pretending not to know about her diagnosis, and subtly suggested they go for a medical check-up together in a few days. Shuhan, meanwhile, was trying to contact Sun Tiantian about her investment. She found that Sun Tiantian had deleted her from WeChat, and her phone number was disconnected. Shocked, Shuhan realized she had been scammed after having mortgaged all her assets for a high-return project.

She immediately sought help from her brother, Xiaoyuan, and together they went to file a police report. At the police station, they learned that Sun Tiantian was already on the List of Dishonest Persons and had a history of fraudulent activities across multiple locations, with the total amount involved exceeding tens of millions.

The police explained that Sun Tiantian could not have traveled abroad to open mines in South America as she claimed, as her status prevented her from taking planes or high-speed trains. They also confirmed that no contract was ever signed between Sun Tiantian and Shuhan's company. Realizing she had lost everything and was facing insurmountable debt, including overdue interest on her bank loans, Shuhan was distraught.

She tried to sell her luxury items, including bags, a watch, and a necklace, but even then, the proceeds were barely a drop in the ocean compared to her financial predicament. Feng Rui shared the news of his mother's illness with Tan Siting, explaining that their plans to go to France would likely be put on hold.

Tan Siting expressed her understanding and unwavering support, telling Feng Rui that as long as they could be together and see Le every day, the destination did not matter. She also expressed her willingness to stay by Le's side, seeing him daily.

Feng Rui treated Tan Siting to a lunch, pre-ordering their favorite dishes because of her short break. Siting appreciated the gesture, noting her need to stay in shape for her students. Feng Rui even brought her coffee and offered to drive her back, claiming he was faster than a DiDi driver. After her bankruptcy, Shuhan packed her belongings and left her home. When her mother couldn't reach her, she called Xiao Yuan.

Meanwhile, Shuhan tried to project a strong image to her boyfriend, Zu, claiming she was fine and about to meet a friend. She ended the call quickly, saying she was in a rush. Xiao Yuan, already aware of his sister's predicament, began searching for her. Shuhan had earlier realized she was swindled when she found Sun Tiantian had unfriended her. Having mortgaged almost all her assets for a high-return investment, she immediately sought help from Xiao Yuan.

Together, they reported the case to the police, where they learned that Sun Tiantian was already a discredited individual and could not have left the country as she had claimed. Shuhan's attempt to make quick money to help her boyfriend with projects had backfired, leaving her financially ruined, grappling with issues with residents, and facing constant payment collection notices from the bank. She had even resorted to selling her luxury items, but it was insufficient.

Xiao Yuan eventually found Shuhan in a hotel room, looking distraught amidst empty bottles. The hotel staff informed him that Shuhan was three days overdue on payment and would be evicted. Xiao Yuan paid the fees. Shuhan confessed that she had mortgaged her house for a loan but couldn't repay it, leading to its repossession, and she had also lost her car. Overwhelmed with shame, she felt she couldn't return home after boasting about a successful project to her parents.

Xiao Yuan comforted her, reminding her that family would always be there and that they could redeem her house and car in the future. As Shuhan refused to go back to their parents' home, Xiao Yuan rented an apartment for her for three months. He set three rules: her phone must always be on, she must immediately tell him if she needs money, and no more reckless investments.

After Xiao Yuan informed Tan Siting about Shuhan's recent state, Siting made time to meet Shuhan for a meal. Despite Shuhan's attempts to smile, she was close to tears several times. Siting encouraged her to pull herself together, reminding her that she still had her boyfriend, Zu, and good friends.

During their conversation, Siting also mentioned that she had initially planned to return to France with Feng Rui, but Gao Hui's sudden illness had canceled those plans, and she hoped for smoother times ahead. Xiao Yuan pursued Sun Tiantian's case, obtaining her personal information from the police. He then brought these leads to his high-tech company, where he worked with his colleague Bao to attempt to track Sun Tiantian's IP address and account.

Gao Hui's husband, realizing he hadn't shown her proper care since their marriage, began to have a change of heart after she fell ill. He personally cooked and delivered food to her. Despite her busy and assertive professional life, Gao Hui's personal life was simple, even in her large villa, where she often lacked basic comforts like a cup of hot water.

Le, suspecting his birth mother was still alive, pieced together clues from his Grandma (who mentioned his mother was a ballet dancer who went abroad) and his own online research. He deduced that Tan Siting was his birth mother but felt conflicted about how to confront her. He confided in his friends, expressing his sorrow about being abandoned for dance. His friends tried to cheer him up and shared their excitement that his mother was alive.

Le then revealed his mother was Ms. Tan, the ballet teacher, whom his friends recognized from a recent interview, praising her beauty and talent. They urged him to forgive her, hoping to get an autograph. Le, however, remained undecided. Later, Feng Rui discussed the matter with Le, confirming that Tan Siting was indeed his birth mother and loved him deeply.

Feng Rui explained that sometimes in life, people are faced with difficult choices, forced to leave loved ones or give up dreams. He encouraged Le to take his time and trust his own feelings rather than focusing solely on what he had heard. Grandma visited Le at school, asking about his studies and trying to persuade him to stay at her house, even offering video games.

Le politely declined, emphasizing his recent midterm scores in Chinese and Math as proof of his focus on academics, and assured her he would visit "sooner or later." Grandma also inquired about Tan Siting and Feng Rui. Before leaving, she asked to take a photo with Le. Shuhan received a phone call from the police, informing her that Sun Tiantian had been arrested. However, they cautioned that recovering the transferred funds would be difficult.

Later, a news report confirmed the major fraud case, stating that Sun Tiantian had defrauded numerous individuals and companies, including Shengnuo Real Estate, where Shuhan was the CFO. Shuhan met with Zu, who expressed concern about Shengnuo's damaged reputation, which was severely impacting their project and investors. Shuhan took responsibility for her "misjudging someone" and pledged to arrange for her finance team to pay the penalty fee for their breach of contract. She then sent her resignation letter to Zu.

Shortly after, Zu called Shuhan, refusing to accept her resignation. He reassured her that the situation was not as dire as she believed and urged her to call him back. Feng Rui informed Tan Siting that Le now knew she was his mother, recounting Le's direct questions about her identity and love for him. Siting was deeply moved by Le's perceptiveness and thanked Feng Rui for raising him so well, which helped alleviate her guilt.

Feng Rui suggested that they both co-parent Le and formally meet as a "family of three" to create a "sense of ritual." Siting, emotional and overjoyed, agreed and offered to cook the first meal for them. Feng Rui concurred, emphasizing the special meaning of a meal prepared by his mother. Feng Rui then spoke with Le about his primary school graduation, offering him a gift. Le requested a list of game discs.

Feng Rui subtly introduced the idea of a family dinner, mentioning Siting's recent interest in cooking and inviting Le to try her dishes. He clarified that it was a joint invitation from both of them. Le, trying to appear nonchalant, agreed to go, saying, "Who's got a problem with food?" Shortly after, Siting received a message from Feng Rui confirming Le's acceptance, and she happily responded, ready to begin preparing the meal.

Tan Siting and Feng Rui were happily grocery shopping when Wang Shuhan observed them. Seeing their affectionate interaction and then looking at her own cart filled with instant noodles, Shuhan felt a surge of jealousy. Driven by financial desperation after her recent bankruptcy, she decided to repeat a manipulative act from twelve years ago to gain a large sum of money. Shuhan contacted Feng Rui's mother, Gao Hui, who was surprised to hear from her after so many years.

Shuhan proposed a collaboration to break up Siting and Feng Rui, confident she knew what Gao Hui desired. Gao Hui found it intriguing that Siting's closest friend would betray her again for money, to which Shuhan responded that she "learned from the best," implying Gao Hui's past influence. Shuhan explicitly demanded a one-time payment for her services. That night, Shuhan, dressed in dark clothing, anonymously posted defamatory content about Siting from an internet café.

The following day, Siting's reputation was ravaged by widespread online rumors. The posts falsely accused Siting of being a "sugar daddy's girl" in college, having a child for money, and bringing shame to her university. The detailed nature of these "dirty laundry" stories caused many to believe them, tarnishing Siting's recently positive public image. Feng Rui immediately contacted Siting, promising to pursue legal action against the rumor-mongers and contacting his lawyer, Mr. Zhu.

He informed Le that their planned family dinner was postponed because Siting was dealing with a difficult situation. Le expressed his concern and disappointment, asking if Siting no longer wished to see him or if she was in trouble. Feng Rui reassured his son, explaining that Siting’s current distress was similar to Le's past experience of being falsely accused at school, and promised that Siting would return to them in her best state once the matter was resolved.

Siting initially wanted to let the rumors fade, believing netizens had short memories. However, Feng Rui insisted on protecting her reputation. Siting voiced her profound fear that the scandal would harm Feng Rui and especially Le, stating she would rather die than have her child endure such pressure, particularly since she hadn't been there for him during his early years.

Feng Rui pledged his unwavering support, assuring her that he would handle everything and that this adversity could even serve as an unexpected promotional opportunity for Cygne Winery. Meanwhile, Siting's brother, Yuan, was incensed by the malicious posts. Knowing Siting's true character, he immediately deployed his company's technical team to trace the IP address of the posts, determined to identify the culprit and make them issue a public apology.

Simultaneously, the school where Siting taught faced demands for withdrawals from parents and threats of canceled contracts from partners, with many insisting on Siting's termination. The principal staunchly defended Siting, recalling her past achievements in bringing recognition to the school, and declared his support for whatever decision Siting made. To mitigate further damage to the school's reputation, Siting decided to resign temporarily, with the principal assuring her she could return whenever she wished after the storm had passed.

Feng Rui pressed Siting to decide when to send the lawyer's letter, even as Siting continued to receive news of canceled contracts. He told her not to worry, as Mr. Zhu would handle it, and optimistically believed the legal action would make the rumor-mongers face consequences. Siting, however, reiterated that her primary concern wasn't business losses, but the well-being of those around her, including Feng Rui, who was now being implicated.

Feng Rui confronted his mother, Gao Hui, about the possibility of her involvement in the online attack. Gao Hui vehemently denied it, claiming she would never resort to such underhanded methods, stating that while she disliked Siting, she never intended to ruin her. Siting, however, had already suspected Shuhan, as only she knew many of the intimate details mentioned in the defamatory posts.

Yuan's investigation led him to an internet café, where surveillance footage from the night the posts were made revealed a figure bundled in dark clothing. Upon closer inspection, Yuan was horrified to realize the person was his own sister, Shuhan. He rushed to her apartment, where he found her drinking heavily. Shuhan, feeling bitter and useless after her financial failures, resented what she perceived as Yuan's success and constant burden to him.

When Yuan confronted her about the "slander," Shuhan defiantly challenged him to call the police. She lashed out, claiming her "uselessness" and constant failures were why she was doing this. She accused Yuan of idolizing Siting and demeaning his own sister, who had sacrificed her education for him. Yuan tried to reason with her, acknowledging her past sacrifices and offering his support, but questioned why she would hurt Siting.

Shuhan retorted that their family issues were indeed connected to Siting and demanded to know why she, his sister, had been pushed to such extremes. Siting arrived, having received Feng Rui's conclusive evidence. She confronted Shuhan, expressing her profound pain and disbelief that their years of friendship, during which she had shared everything and found comfort in Shuhan's presence, could have been a sham fueled by jealousy.

Shuhan admitted to a lifelong envy of Siting's popularity and success, confessing that she had even sabotaged Siting's ballet shoes before a crucial audition years ago. She revealed her current motive for defamation was to acquire money to cover a significant penalty incurred by her boyfriend, Zu, due to her fraudulent investment. Shuhan confessed she had proactively sought out Gao Hui for this scheme.

Yuan, calling her "insane," offered to sell his own company to help Shuhan with the debt, but she refused, citing his importance as the family's "pillar." Shuhan tearfully explained that she felt unloved and uncared for, and that Zu was the only person who genuinely cared for her, making her desperate to repay him. Siting then asked if Shuhan had betrayed her for Zu, to which Shuhan chillingly replied, "Not just this time."

She then revealed another shocking secret: she had known for a long time that Le was Siting's son, and that he had not died twelve years ago, a truth she had deliberately withheld, also for money. Yuan called Shuhan "despicable." Shuhan then cryptically alluded to the source of Siting's initial game company investment, which Siting asked her to keep confidential.

Thirteen years prior, Gao Hui deceitfully informed Tan Siting that her child was no longer alive, leading to Siting's heart-wrenching cries from her hospital room. Wang Shuhan knew that Siting's child was alive because she had secretly told Gao Hui about Siting's pregnancy. Gao Hui, however, advised Shuhan not to meddle in other people's lives, arguing that Siting, who was alone, whose father was nowhere to be found, recently graduated, and jobless, could not possibly raise a child.

Gao Hui also stated that Feng Rui would not be returning anytime soon, and her family would never accept Siting, and believed the couple would eventually break up. She claimed that keeping the child within her family was the best option, allowing Siting to pursue her ballet dreams in Paris.

When Shuhan questioned how Gao Hui could live with such an act, Gao Hui dismissed her as naive, asserting that she would feel worse if Siting and the child struggled through an unstable life with a "shattered" family. To ensure Shuhan's silence, Gao Hui expressed interest in Shuhan's brother, Yuan's, gaming company proposal, offering to make an initial investment to get his company running, effectively providing hush money.

Shuhan then presented this investment to Yuan as a lucky break from a wealthy classmate. In the present, Yuan was profoundly shaken to learn that his company's startup funding was hush money from Gao Hui, secured through his sister Shuhan's betrayal of Siting. He felt immense guilt, realizing his success was built upon Siting's pain and that his long-held belief of owing Shuhan was a "huge joke."

He admitted to accepting Shuhan's sacrifice of dropping out of school for his education and now felt like a "parasite," blaming himself for Shuhan's current state. Siting, tearful, comforted Yuan, assuring him he was also a victim and that she did not blame him. She stated the past was over. Siting confronted Shuhan, expressing her profound disappointment that her best friend could commit such acts.

Shuhan confessed that while her understanding and sympathy for Siting were genuine, her "jealousy was real too." She revealed years of resentment, feeling that Siting never considered her "worthy of consideration." Shuhan bitterly compared Siting, a "ballet prodigy" with a bright future, to herself, a "fishmonger" who had dropped out of ballet after two years to work.

She described Siting as her "perfect foil" and declared that ruining Siting's "perfect woman persona" by spreading false rumors online was "the highlight of my life." She also confessed to having secretly cut Siting's ballet shoes before a competition years ago and, more recently, initiating contact with Gao Hui to offer her assistance in breaking up Siting and Feng Rui in exchange for a substantial payment.

Siting calmly countered that Shuhan was only destroying herself, not anyone else, and refused to admit hatred, stating she missed the "strong and full of light" Shuhan from the fish stall. She pointed out that Shuhan had hurt Yuan, her own brother whom she loved most, not Siting. Siting's emotional turmoil manifested in stomach pains, leading her to take medication. She reflected on the loss of her job and the widespread rumors damaging her reputation and future.

Feng Rui, visiting Siting, suggested pursuing legal action against Shuhan, but Siting declined, stating they were once friends and she did not wish to escalate matters. Feng Rui admired her compassionate heart, though Siting later privately questioned if his happiness with her was an illusion. Feng Rui also mentioned that Le, Siting's child, had asked about her, suggesting he missed her. Siting's father called, announcing his unexpected return home after years of living in Hongyuan County in Sichuan.

Siting, overjoyed, drove to pick him up, accompanied by Feng Rui. Her father seemed well, though he had a slight cough. He explained his desire to move back to their old house with her, feeling "nostalgic" for their past days there. At a hot pot dinner, Siting's father delighted in eating his favorite dishes, and Feng Rui told him how much Siting missed him.

Siting informed her father that she had recently quit her job, explaining that she did so to avoid burdening the school due to the ongoing rumors. She revealed that Feng Rui knew Shuhan was behind the rumors but was unaware of his mother, Gao Hui's, involvement, a detail Siting chose to keep from him due to Gao Hui's illness, to spare Feng Rui the pain of being "caught in the middle."

Her father encouraged Siting and Feng Rui to stay closely connected. The next day, Siting's father visited the grave of his former apprentice, Shi Wei, who had tragically taken her own life thirteen years prior after being sexually assaulted by Feng Rui's uncle. He apologized for his long absence, reminiscing about Shi Wei's bright and curious nature as a diligent student. He expressed his enduring love and belief that they would reunite someday. Meanwhile, Gao Hui attended a business meeting where market research on new products was being discussed, with a focus on improving sales strategies.

Tan Siting brought her father back to their old house, a place filled with childhood memories. Her father was visibly joyful, taking in the familiar surroundings. Together, they tidied up the house, cleaning every corner until it sparkled. Afterward, Siting accompanied her father to the market, where she fondly requested him to cook her favorite dishes, just as she used to do when she was a child.

Her father happily agreed to make stir-fried Chinese cabbage and bought glutinous rice cakes, sticky rice cakes, and a large block of tofu from the market, even remembering the "Gao's" stall from years ago. Meanwhile, Gao Hui was grappling with her own declining memory. Her husband (Feng Rui's father) arrived to care for her, meticulously organizing her home and placing numerous sticky notes to aid her memory.

He told Feng Rui that Gao Hui, strong-willed her whole life, finally needed him. He reflected on how he and Gao Hui couldn't stay apart in their old age and was glad she now needed him. Earlier, during a business meeting, Gao Hui was noticeably distracted and struggled to remember where her notebook was, confirming her increasing forgetfulness.

Her doctor advised her to take medication on time and engage in brain-training exercises like playing chess or building with blocks to alleviate symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Le, Siting's son, heard rumors from a classmate that Tan Siting was going through a difficult time. His friend mentioned an online post accusing Siting of being "seen with a rich guy" and then leaving for Paris with his money, causing her to be "severely slammed online."

Upon returning home, Le questioned Feng Rui about the validity of the online post, specifically asking if Tan Siting had him for money and then left. Feng Rui served him dinner and advised him not to blindly believe what he hears or sees, but to "feel it for yourself" and trust his own judgment about the kind of person Siting is. Tan Siting's father sensed her emotional distress.

She confided in him, revealing that she and Feng Rui had a child, Le. He realized her sadness stemmed from issues with her former friend, Shuhan, which led to her losing her job. While worried for her, he respected her decision not to pursue legal action against Shuhan. He expressed deep remorse for not being present during Siting's past hardships, regretting the years he wasn't there to protect her.

He shared his lifelong wish to see her marry and have children, and was genuinely happy to learn about Le. Siting, in turn, reassured him that those matters were in the past and expressed her hope for her, Feng Rui, Le, and himself to become a recognized family of four. Siting also expressed confusion about their current situation with Gao Hui being ill, pondering how they would continue their lives there.

Yuan, Shuhan's brother, visited Siting to return the money Gao Hui had invested in him twelve years ago, including "principal and interest," asking Siting to pass it on to Gao Hui. He confessed he didn't want his thriving business to be built upon "ruining others' lives."

Shuhan also expressed her apologies to Yuan for climbing over friends and repeatedly using them, stating that after her confession to Siting, she felt "lighter than ever" and no longer desired an opulent lifestyle, intending to find a proper job and rebuild her life. Siting told Yuan she didn't hate him, but she did express her disappointment in him.

Yuan then asked Siting if she would forgive Shuhan if she genuinely apologized and made amends; Siting simply responded by asking if he would. Later, Siting's student, Qu Zhen, joyfully visited after learning Siting's father had returned. Yuan brought her along, initially feeling ashamed to face Siting again after everything that had happened. However, Siting assured him that she didn't blame him, acknowledging he was unaware of the truth at the time, and that the past was behind them.

Siting's father was delighted to see Qu Zhen, praising her significant progress in ballet and her recent award, affirming that he had always believed in her potential. In the evening, Qu Zhen stayed at Siting's house. Siting's father shared many things about his own past. Although he had left without saying goodbye years ago, he always cared for his daughter.

He recounted how he had been deeply saddened by witnessing the tragic death of his beloved student, who had been bullied. Being young at the time, he couldn't overcome the pain, and only many years later did he realize the profound guilt he felt towards his own daughter. Qu Zhen enjoyed spending time with Siting and her father, remarking that despite it being her first visit, the old house felt very familiar and she loved it.

She expressed her desire to sleep with Siting that night, which Siting agreed to. Siting’s father reiterated his long-held dream of establishing an education fund in Hongyuan County, Sichuan's Aba Prefecture, to help children like Qu Zhen "leave the mountains and leave the grasslands" to experience the wider world, making their lives more vibrant. Siting enthusiastically offered to help him achieve this dream together. Feng Rui arrived at Siting's house for dinner.

Siting's father, eager to show off his cooking, prepared Siting's favorite fish head stewed with tofu. He praised Feng Rui, calling him a "reliable man" who was mature, steady, warm-hearted, and considerate. He also affectionately referred to Siting as his "princess" but playfully told her to "tone down" her "princess airs" in front of Feng Rui. He blessed them, wishing them eternal happiness and urging them to "live a good life together."

Feng Rui promised he would take good care of Siting. However, during dinner, Siting's father excused himself to use the restroom but collapsed in the kitchen. Siting and Feng Rui quickly rushed him to the Emergency Room. The doctor informed them that while he would likely regain consciousness soon, his symptoms had been present for some time, and he was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. The doctor advised them to "be mentally prepared" and complete the hospital admission procedures. Feng Rui immediately offered to handle the paperwork.

Tan Siting leaned against the cold hospital wall, her thoughts drifting back to her childhood. She recalled riding on her father's bicycle in the rain, shielded by a transparent raincoat, through which she saw a vibrant, beautiful world, with raindrops refracting the soft yellow light of the street lamps. Her father, lying in the hospital bed, slowly regained consciousness and looked at her with an expression of deep remorse.

He confessed that he knew about his severe illness and had initially planned to fade away quietly, like the Tibetan antelopes in the mountains, without telling her. However, his longing for her grew too strong to bear, prompting him to call her, wishing to spend his last moments by her side and experience a few more happy days with her.

Tan Siting, overcome with emotion, suggested that Feng Rui could connect him with cancer specialists for a joint consultation, insisting they would find a way. Her father gently refused, explaining that he had understood his condition for many years and, in fact, had tried to stay away to spare her pain. He apologized for his perceived cowardice in the face of fate and asked her to take him home, preferring not to waste his remaining time in the hospital.

Tan Siting’s father had one last request: to see his grandson, Le. He asked Tan Siting not to reveal his identity to Le, fearing it would be unfair for the child to meet his grandpa only to lose him so quickly. Tan Siting agreed, promising to take him home and learn how to make his signature fish head and tofu soup.

That weekend, Feng Rui asked Le if he wanted a break from his many scheduled classes, suggesting they go on a picnic and fly their kite. At the park, Le struggled to get the kite airborne, so his grandpa stepped in, sharing stories of his youth as an expert kite flyer.

With his guidance, the kite soared high into the sky, bringing joy to Le and a sense of peace to his grandpa, who reflected on how much Le resembled a young Tan Siting—full of energy, curiosity, and a thirst for knowledge. That evening, as Tan Siting attempted to prepare the fish head and tofu soup, asking her father for instructions, she realized he was no longer responding. He had passed away peacefully at home, just days after their happy weekend.

Later, a family friend, Ms. Zhuang, called Tan Siting to offer her condolences, assuring her that her father’s wishes had been fulfilled and he had departed without regrets. The narrative then flashed back to a terrifying night over a decade ago. Tan Siting’s father and his apprentice, Shi Wei, were working late in the office. Shi Wei received an urgent call from Gao Haotian, asking her to bring financial reimbursement forms to the underground parking lot.

Though Shi Wei asked her master to accompany her, he was busy and told her to go quickly. Growing concerned, Tan Siting’s father followed. He arrived to witness Gao Haotian assaulting Shi Wei. Furious, he immediately started recording the incident on his phone, shouting at Gao Haotian to stop, threatening him with legal action, and assuring Shi Wei not to be afraid as he was calling the police.

Gao Haotian, realizing he was exposed, pleaded with Tan Siting’s father to delete the video, offering money in exchange. Tan Siting’s father refused, calling him a beast and dismissing the idea that money could resolve such a heinous act. In a desperate chase through the parking lot, Gao Haotian stumbled and tragically fell to his death.

Shi Wei, terrified, asked her master if Gao Haotian was dead and begged him not to show the video to the police, suggesting they fabricate a story about an accidental fall. Tan Siting’s father was appalled, refusing to lie and insisting that reporting the truth was the only way to prove Shi Wei's innocence and hold Gao Haotian accountable for his actions. Shi Wei, however, feared for her reputation and how she would live if the truth came out.

Despite her pleas, Tan Siting's father, seeing Shi Wei as a daughter, insisted on calling the police to prove her innocence. However, soon after the police were called, Shi Wei, overwhelmed by fear for her reputation and future, tragically committed suicide by jumping off a building. Meanwhile, more people arrived at the scene, and reporters swarmed, questioning Gao Haotian’s mother, Gao Hui, about the accident and its impact on her family, leaving her visibly distraught.

In the present, online gossip about Tan Siting intensified, with rumors spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Some posts even exposed Le’s presence, his school, and his class, painting Tan Siting as a "shameless conniving woman" who was a "habitual homewrecker" and had resorted to fighting for Le's custody for financial gain. The deluge of negative publicity left Tan Siting emotionally devastated.

Gao Hui, seeing the articles about Le, became enraged and immediately called Wang Shuhan, accusing her of leaking the child's information. Shuhan vehemently denied involvement, claiming she would never drag a child into such a mess and had already deleted the original post. Nevertheless, Gao Hui demanded that Shuhan find a way to stop the rumors. Meanwhile, Feng Rui, deeply troubled by the accusations affecting his family, consulted a lawyer to explore legal action against those spreading the false information.

Inside the company, senior staff expressed concern to Ms. Gao about the online rumors impacting their distributors and stock prices, urging her to formulate a public relations strategy. She, however, advised caution, dismissing the rumors and asserting that a large company should not be swayed by such falsehoods. The online drama began to affect Le at school. He appeared distracted in class, prompting his teacher to speak with him, suspecting the issues stemmed from his birth mother.

His classmates, having seen the online rumors, cruelly teased him, calling him illegitimate. At school pickup, other parents openly gossiped about Feng Rui being Tan Siting's "rumored boyfriend" and the father of her child. Le, visibly confused and upset, asked Feng Rui why people were staring and what they were saying. Feng Rui gently reassured him, reminding him not to believe everything he heard but to trust his own feelings.

Le bravely affirmed his belief that Feng Rui was his father and he was his son, stating that their family bond remained strong regardless of outside opinions. He then expressed concern for "Ms. Tan," prompting Feng Rui to admit that she was "not so well." Feng Rui later brought Le to see Tan Siting, who had been isolating herself at home. Though still appearing unwell, Tan Siting’s eyes brightened upon seeing Le.

She slowly rose from her bed and moved to the kitchen, preparing food for him, reflecting on her father's love as she watched Le eat. Le, in turn, expressed his gratitude, a small gesture of comfort in her time of grief.

At dinner, Tan Siting, looking haggard, tentatively offered Le some food. Encouraged by Feng Rui's subtle nod, Le accepted the offering and, in turn, placed some food on Siting's plate. Siting, gathering her courage, apologized to Le, asking him not to believe the widespread rumors and expressing regret for any hurt she may have caused him. Le reassured her, saying he knew the online stories were false and urged her to disregard those negative voices, prioritizing her own feelings instead.

Moved by his words, Siting looked at Feng Rui with tenderness and gratitude, believing Le’s wisdom was a testament to Feng Rui’s upbringing. Later, Feng Rui explained to Le that Siting's illness wasn't just physical; she needed to find happiness, and Le's actions had already helped her want to eat. He emphasized that Siting needed companionship and encouraged Le to continue being there for her, to which Le readily agreed, planning to visit after his school exams.

Meanwhile, Wen Peiyan successfully arranged a meeting for Feng Rui with "Cat Guy," the online blogger responsible for spreading misinformation. Feng Rui confronted the blogger, who admitted to "creative rewriting" for sensational content to gain traffic. Recording the confession, Feng Rui revealed his true purpose and warned Cat Guy that if he didn't immediately delete all defamatory articles and videos about Tan Siting, he would face legal action for slander.

Feng Rui stressed that Le should not be dragged into such matters and cautioned the blogger against repeating similar actions in the future. In a public livestream, Wang Shuhan confessed to fabricating and posting the online content about Tan Siting. She explained that her actions were driven by jealousy, a desire to fund her brother's investments, and to clear her own debts. She then directly apologized to Tan Siting and the public.

Hearing this, Siting reflected that she didn't hate Shuhan, but still felt deeply wounded by her betrayal, as Shuhan had been "so close to me." She vowed to overcome her pain on her own terms, without relying on others. As the negative publicity surrounding Tan Siting intensified, it began to affect Tianlu Company. The company's stock plummeted, and numerous orders were canceled.

Feng Rui's father informed him that Gao Hui's Alzheimer's disease was worsening; she had stopped coming to work and could only remember recent events by meticulously noting them down. He advised Feng Rui not to visit her, fearing it would upset her. Feng Rui, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, immediately contacted the public relations firm to schedule an emergency board meeting for the following morning.

During the meeting, it was formally announced that Gao Hui was no longer able to manage company affairs due to her health. Feng Rui stepped forward, taking on the role of Acting President of Tianlu Trade. He presented his vision for the company, outlining plans to leverage his brand-building experience, launch an online store, and integrate offline operations to boost revenue and lead Tianlu into a new era. He confidently assured the board that together, they could overcome the crisis.

Feng Rui then held a press conference to address the public and media. He condemned the false and defamatory online posts against Tianlu, clarifying that the incident involving his uncle, Gao Haotian, the former Vice President, was a tragic accident, a loss that continued to cause his family pain. He warned that any further spread of rumors or slander would be met with legal action to protect the company's rights.

When asked about Tan Siting, Feng Rui stated that their relationship was one of "free love." He acknowledged that they were young and immature in the past but had since grown to understand each other's importance. He firmly declared, "We will be fine and walk forward together," asserting that external opinions would not shake their resolve. He also dismissed allegations that his mother, Gao Hui, had bribed a friend to slander Tan Siting as "baseless claims."

At home, Tan Siting watched Feng Rui's strong and supportive stance at the press conference. Feeling fully supported and trusted, her spirits gradually lifted, and smiles returned to her face. Time passed quickly. Le graduated from elementary school. Feng Rui, wishing to spare his son the anxiety he experienced as a child, avoided asking about his grades. Le, in turn, expressed his wish for Tan Siting to join their future family dinners.

Feng Rui was genuinely happy, knowing his son had truly accepted her as a mother. Later, at a class reunion for Tan Siting, she and two good friends discussed their future ideals and aspirations, having all matured. Tan Siting and Feng Rui happily busied themselves grilling meat and serving cake to everyone.

Tan Siting later confided in Feng Rui her desire to travel to Hongyuan County in Sichuan's Aba Prefecture, a place her father cherished and had lived in for a long time. Her goal was to teach ballet to local ethnic minority girls, some of whom reminded her of Qu Zhen. She planned to embark on this journey alone for one to two years, and Feng Rui, understanding her aspirations, promised to wait for her.

A year later, life had settled into a new rhythm. Feng Rui was cooking a meal for his parents, filled with dishes they loved. Gao Hui's Alzheimer's had progressed; she often confused Feng Rui with her deceased husband, Haotian, and sometimes perceived him as a young boy. Feng Rui's father observed that, despite the illness, Gao Hui's temper had softened significantly, and she now constantly sought his presence, which he regarded as "happiness."

Meanwhile, Shuhan had opened her own clothing and brand bag store, finding joy and purpose in managing her business. One day, she saw her ex-boyfriend pass by her shop, laughing and talking with a new girlfriend. Though a brief pang of loss touched her, she quickly let it go, remembering that she had been the one to initiate their breakup. Wen Peiyan achieved a long-held dream, holding a successful piano recital.

Feng Rui and Le were among the proud audience members, celebrating her artistic triumph. In Hongyuan County, Tan Siting had found her calling. On the fresh air of the plateau, where clouds floated low, she quietly taught dance to ethnic minority children at Amu Township Primary School, aiming to inspire a brighter future. On weekends, Feng Rui and Le would visit her, cherishing their precious family time together.

When asked about her definition of happiness, Tan Siting thoughtfully concluded that it was about "cherishing every moment of satisfaction in life." She emphasized the importance of remaining "strong and brave" even when faced with hardships, believing that "time will eventually heal and compensate for all of life's regrets."