See You Again Recap, Plot, Synopsis
See You Again Synopsis
In the 1930s, a movie star, Xiang Qinyu, was accidentally shot on the set and time-traveled to modern times.
Then he started a sweet love with the less popular screenwriter Jin Ayin. At the same time, he was also looking for the truth about reincarnation and why he was killed.
See You Again Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 1936 Shanghai, the renowned actor Xiang Qinyu was in the midst of filming a scene. The director praised his performance, urging him to rest. Xiang Qinyu noticed his tie clip was missing, believing he had dropped it during the shoot. His agent, however, reminded him that the next scene was about to begin and assured him they would search for it together afterward, adding that Mr. Lin, who had recently acquired their company, Mengsheng, was present and deserved respect.
Xiang Qinyu instructed his agent to return all fan gifts and to prohibit irrelevant people from the set. Moments later, as he prepared for his next take, delivering a line about never giving up what belongs to him, a sudden gunshot rang out, striking him, and he collapsed. Eighty-two years later, in 2018 Shanghai, a young woman named Jin Ayin navigated her life as a struggling ghostwriter, dreaming of becoming a renowned movie screenwriter.
She narrated her daily grind, making money wherever she was needed, even as her landlord pressed her for overdue rent. Inspired by a personal motto—which coincidentally echoed Xiang Qinyu's own words about never giving in—Jin Ayin tracked down Ms. Mu, a well-known screenwriter who owed her eight months of manuscript fees. Their confrontation escalated when Ms. Mu, refusing to pay, fought with Jin Ayin and eventually locked her inside a secluded room.
Trapped and frustrated, Jin Ayin spotted an old newspaper on the floor. To her astonishment, it featured a photograph of Xiang Qinyu. Upon seeing it, she realized she was locked inside the dilapidated remains of the former Mengsheng Filming Site, a place once connected to her idol. Meanwhile, young actor Li Longda met with his agent, Hu, hoping to secure the lead role in an upcoming film by acclaimed director Feng Yousan.
To his disappointment, Hu revealed that the director had personally chosen Li Longda's friend, Chi Yu, for the lead. The reason? Chi Yu bore an uncanny resemblance to the legendary 1930s movie star, Xiang Qinyu. During their meeting, Chi Yu stepped out to answer a phone call. Shortly after, Li Longda also excused himself, leaving the room.
Later, by the sea, Chi Yu was engrossed in his phone when a stranger struck him from behind and kicked him into the water. Still desperate for her payment, Jin Ayin tracked Ms. Mu to her workplace. She intercepted Ms. Mu’s assistant, who, trying to get rid of her, lied and offered a new ghostwriting job, providing a fake URL. Frustrated and empty-handed, Jin Ayin left on a bus, reflecting on her persistent bad luck.
She recalled her childhood, when her father would take her to watch old movies. Even then, Xiang Qinyu was her hero, and her father had promised to give her a treasured tie clip when she was older. A news report announced unusual magnetic field fluctuations near the East China Sea, similar to anomalies detected in 1936 that had caused severe thunderstorms in Shanghai. Back in her apartment, a severe thunderstorm raged outside.
The lights flickered and died, plunging her room into darkness. Suddenly, a tie clip around her neck began to glow. As lightning illuminated the room, a blood-soaked man appeared before her. Jin Ayin used a lighter to illuminate the room. The man gripped her neck, demanding to know why she had killed him. He was Xiang Qinyu, and in his fragmented memory, the person who shot him on set was a masked woman who looked exactly like Jin Ayin.
Jin Ayin, terrified, managed to rush the injured Xiang Qinyu to a hospital. A nurse, noting the gunshot wound, informed Jin Ayin that she would need to report the incident to her superiors. Fearing the complexities of explaining such an extraordinary situation, Jin Ayin quickly fled the hospital. Xiang Qinyu soon awoke, his wound miraculously healed. Confused by his modern surroundings, he pursued Jin Ayin. He confronted her, introducing himself as Xiang Qinyu.
Jin Ayin, initially disbelieving, assumed it was a hidden camera prank. However, when Xiang Qinyu replicated a distinctive turn—a classic move from his films and her idol's signature—she could no longer deny his identity. Xiang Qinyu noticed the familiar tie clip around Jin Ayin’s neck and questioned how she came to possess his belonging. Jin Ayin, showing him her ID, stammered her disbelief at his living presence, even asking if he was a ghost.
He, in turn, realized he was in the year 2018, the People's Republic of China, and sought answers about his "death" and how he had arrived in this strange future. As a passionate fan, Jin Ayin offered to help, taking him to the local Film Archives, which was once the Mengsheng Film Studio. Inside the Film Archives, as Jin Ayin excitedly showcased various historical film records, Xiang Qinyu grew increasingly distressed.
His name and famous works like "Heroes in Jianghu," "The Night of Wind and Snow," "Iron Blood Heart," and "Legend of Young Heroes" were nowhere to be found among the celebrated actors of his era. He was told that many stars, including himself, had been forgotten by time and that modern audiences had never heard of them.
Jin Ayin explained that her own knowledge of him came from a childhood memory: her father had found an old iron box containing a short, incomplete clip of "Huangpu Fengyun," and it was in that very box that the tie clip was found. Devastated, Xiang Qinyu rushed to find the Mengsheng Film Studio, only to discover it reduced to a pile of ruins.
A flashback showed him celebrating the founding of his film company, promising his colleagues they would never be homeless as long as he lived. Now, faced with its destruction, he couldn't comprehend how his legacy had been erased. Jin Ayin then presented him with a history book, which contained a brief entry about him: Xiang Qinyu, born in 1909 in Shanghai, an orphan who studied under Wen Zhen.
He opposed the passive escapism of wuxia and supernatural films, attempting to explore the realistic meaning of martial arts films, becoming incredibly popular. However, due to his arrogant and aloof personality, he made many enemies. In 1936, at the filming site of "Huangpu Fengyun," he was shot and subsequently vanished, his fate unknown. Struggling to come to terms with his historical disappearance and the loss of his home, Xiang Qinyu asked Jin Ayin for an explanation.
Jin Ayin consoled him, reminding him of his role as a pioneer of Chinese cinema, and then shared a scientific theory about black holes and time travel. She posited that the abnormal magnetic field fluctuations and simultaneous thunderstorms in 1936 and 2018 might have caused his time to slow down and then converge, bringing him to her home. Xiang Qinyu, grasping the concept, immediately asked how he could return to his own time. Meanwhile, Mr. Lin decided that Xiang Qinyu's incomplete film, "Huangpu Fengyun," was no longer needed and ordered it to be cut.
Episode 2 Recap
Jin Ayin, after continuing her search, discovered a book detailing Xiang Qinyu’s life as a renowned martial arts film actor known for his aloof nature, which led to numerous romantic entanglements. The book stated that he disappeared after being shot on the set of "The Legend of Huangpu." Xiang Qinyu initially suspected Jin Ayin of the shooting, but seeing her genuine confusion, he realized she knew nothing.
He expressed his desire to return home, but when they visited the site of his former residence, it had been replaced by modern skyscrapers. He attempted to call someone named Gao Bai from a payphone, only for Jin Ayin to inform him that no such person existed in this era. Feeling helpless, Xiang Qinyu was brought back to Jin Ayin’s apartment. She explained the black hole theory, suggesting he might have traveled through one to reach this time.
Xiang Qinyu recalled the unusual weather and intense lightning on the day he was shot, which aligned with her theory of a "strange phenomenon" or "thunderstorm" being the catalyst. He desperately wanted to know how to return to 1936, and Jin Ayin advised him to wait for another such opportunity. Jin Ayin then encouraged Xiang Qinyu to wash up.
While tidying his old clothes, she discovered valuable ancient money and a watch he carried, which affirmed her admiration for her idol, recognizing he was "full of value." When Xiang Qinyu went to shower, Jin Ayin pondered making a move on him but quickly decided against it, reminding herself he was her idol.
After he finished, Jin Ayin told him that in their era, people used shampoo to wash their hair, to which Xiang Qinyu retorted that shampoo powder had existed in his time. He then asked for his clothes, but Jin Ayin told him she had washed them and offered him a new outfit—a yellow hoodie. Xiang Qinyu found it hideous, complaining about its lack of buttons and collar.
Jin Ayin defended it, explaining that hoodies were popular in their era and it was the only garment she had that would fit him. She then generously offered him her bedroom. Xiang Qinyu noticed his own portraits in her room and inquired about her profession. She proudly declared herself a "literature worker" and a "mixed artist," a prestigious "artistic creator" with significant influence, capable of writing anything from literature to film.
However, upon seeing the term "paid troll" on her screen, Xiang Qinyu seemed confused, likening her to a "literature guru" named Mr. Zhou whom he knew from his time. Jin Ayin, instead of clarifying, reinforced his misconception, claiming "paid troll" was her fans' way of describing her writing as "smooth and sharp." Later, Jin Ayin boosted her own confidence, asserting that encountering Xiang Qinyu alive was an extraordinary event that would surely propel her to become a top screenwriter.
That night, she crept into Xiang Qinyu’s room while he slept, hoping to secretly take a photo together, but he suddenly woke up. Caught off guard, Jin Ayin quickly made an excuse about turning off his light before apologizing and leaving his room, telling him to go back to sleep. Xiang Qinyu, rising early, went for a run to explore the modern world. He observed people making payments using their mobile phones, a concept entirely new to him.
In a park, two women approached him, mistaking him for a delivery driver because of his yellow hoodie. They asked him for coupons, prompting Xiang Qinyu to ask what "delivery" meant, feeling embarrassed by the misunderstanding. He returned home and immediately instructed Jin Ayin to take him to a high-end store to buy "decent clothes." Jin Ayin took him to a wholesale market, which Xiang Qinyu found "disgraceful," refusing to consider ripped jeans or leather jackets.
He insisted on elegant styles, reminiscent of Humsuit suits from his era. Eventually, he found a smart suit in a "young fashion" style, similar to "Baromon's Russian style," which he put on and looked incredibly handsome in. The shopkeeper quoted 800 yuan, and Xiang Qinyu confidently offered his Yuan Datou silver coins for payment.
Jin Ayin quickly intervened, explaining that such currency was no longer accepted and that his silver coins were worth little more than a few bowls of noodles in current prices. She then paid for the suit herself, taking his valuable Yuan Datou coins for safekeeping. As Xiang Qinyu wore the suit, it attracted a crowd of customers, eager to purchase the same style.
Seizing the opportunity, Jin Ayin shrewdly proposed a 30/70 profit split with the shopkeeper for Xiang Qinyu to model the clothes, to which the shopkeeper readily agreed. She encouraged Xiang Qinyu to choose more clothes, as she would pay for them. Back home, Jin Ayin was able to pay her overdue rent to Mrs. Zhang with her newfound earnings. At lunchtime, Xiang Qinyu expressed his desire for a meal, and Jin Ayin prepared instant noodles.
He initially dismissed it as "food even pigs wouldn't eat" due to its murky appearance but was surprised by its unique fragrance and chewy texture, eventually finishing the entire bowl. When he requested coffee, Jin Ayin offered him Snow Pear Braised with Rock Sugar, which he struggled to open.
Jin Ayin then asked for Xiang Qinyu's autograph, specifically requesting him to write his famed life motto from "The Legend of Huangpu": "I don't compete with others, but if something belongs to me, I'll never give in." To her dismay, Xiang Qinyu revealed that he had merely heard the phrase from a friend and simply included it in his script, suggesting it was not his original thought. Jin Ayin became visibly upset, feeling that her idol was a "liar."
She explained the profound personal significance of the motto, as it was a principle her dying father had imparted to her, shaping the person she aspired to be. Xiang Qinyu tried to clarify that he "took" the phrase, not "stole" or "plagiarized" it, and found her emotional outburst confusing. As Jin Ayin walked away in anger, clutching his tie clip, she remembered her father’s words and cried, proclaiming Xiang Qinyu a liar.
Confused by her emotional reaction, Xiang Qinyu later asked Jin Ayin for help operating her "know-all equipment"—the computer. Still upset, she impatiently told him to learn himself, directing him to ask the robot, Wangcai, for assistance. Xiang Qinyu lectured her on self-discipline, emphasizing its importance for achievement, before Jin Ayin pushed him into his room. Meanwhile, Li Longda met with Hu, who promised him the male lead role if he provided the necessary investment.
Hu mentioned that Chi Yu was currently missing, lamenting that he was "so unlucky" and wondering who he might have offended, as the police had searched extensively without finding any trace of him, dead or alive. Li Longda signed the contract, stating that he would act well even for Chi Yu, his friend.
As he left, he accidentally knocked over a glass of water, which triggered an uneasy memory of Chi Yu by the beach, implicitly revealing that he had deliberately knocked Chi Yu unconscious and thrown him into the river to secure the leading role. Later, Jin Ayin showed Xiang Qinyu a video of the People's Republic of China's establishment, found online.
Watching the historical footage, Xiang Qinyu was deeply moved, repeatedly proclaiming with immense relief and joy that the Chinese people had finally risen and taken charge of their own country. Jin Ayin, watching him, reaffirmed her admiration for her "idol."
Episode 3 Recap
A new day began with knocking on Jin Ayin's door, waking her up. She discovered a stack of express deliveries from Dudu Shopping, all purchased by Xiang Qinyu, who had quickly learned the ropes of online shopping with the help of Wangcai. He brazenly demanded Jin Ayin pay for the items. When she claimed to have given him all her money, Xiang Qinyu reminded her about her watch, then accused her of being "shabby" and "dishonest."
He exposed her recent profitable deal with a clothing store owner, where she earned money by having him model clothes. He declared his strong dislike for "dishonest and sneaky people" like her, leaving Jin Ayin speechless, and he instructed the delivery person to collect payment from her. Xiang Qinyu revealed his grand plan: to return to his own time by harnessing lightning, just as Mr. Franklin had done.
He explained that he had purchased the necessary items for this experiment and needed to acquire a phone, mistakenly believing it was a device that allowed people to simply "shake it" and acquire goods. Jin Ayin corrected his misunderstanding, explaining that he couldn't use a phone to pay without a local identity. She offered to provide physical labor for his plan instead of spending her money, an offer he readily accepted.
Xiang Qinyu designated Jin Ayin's balcony as a "good place according to fengshui" for his experiment and ordered her to clear it immediately, confidently proclaiming, "There's nothing I, Xiang Qinyu, can't do." For days, Xiang Qinyu monopolized Jin Ayin's balcony, forcing her to undertake arduous tasks to prepare for his experiment. He flagrantly exploited her, even demanding she pay for his fried chicken while she herself was left to eat instant noodles.
Exhausted and frustrated, Jin Ayin finally screamed, "I've had enough!" Upon the completion of his device, Xiang Qinyu announced that a thunderstorm was expected the following day, signaling his imminent departure. He instructed Jin Ayin to gather his photos, posters, and a script he hadn't finished signing, promising to complete the autographs and even offering her his treasured watch. Jin Ayin, initially jaded, dismissed the value of the signatures.
Xiang Qinyu admonished her for her ignorance, recalling how Mr. Mei's autograph at Tianchan Palace was highly coveted. He proudly asserted that he, Xiang Qinyu, never owed anyone money, especially not a woman. However, Jin Ayin's attitude completely shifted after a quick online search revealed that a historical signature could be "worth over 10,000 pounds." She eagerly accepted the watch and enthusiastically requested numerous signed photos, ensuring he would "be honored forever" for his fans.
Xiang Qinyu observed that she was "indeed a pragmatic woman." Late one night, as Jin Ayin stayed up writing, she turned off Xiang Qinyu's lamp to save electricity. This action woke him from a nightmare, where he was calling for his mother. He confronted Jin Ayin about the darkness and then saw her "explicit" writing, which he compared to a forbidden book and criticized as "frivolous" and "rogue."
Jin Ayin defended her work as "art creation," asserting that his "understanding of the text is biased" for this era. Despite his annoyance, he permitted her to continue, but quietly, and warned her not to touch his lamp again. Later, Jin Ayin crafted a "granny Bingxin brand orange lamp" for him, sharing the heartwarming story behind it and expressing her hope that it would illuminate his dark nights and guide him toward the future and light.
Xiang Qinyu, however, dismissed her sentiment with an arrogant remark about having known Ms. Bingxin long before Jin Ayin was born, once more instructing her to be quiet if she continued "working hard." As the thunderstorm approached, Jin Ayin delivered a heartfelt farewell to Xiang Qinyu. She acknowledged his flaws but still considered him an idol for his good looks and the signed photos he left her.
Wishing him a safe journey, she offered him orange peels, hoping they would serve as an "orange lamp" to light his way. Xiang Qinyu, however, proudly declared that his life needed no guidance from anyone. Spotting the lightning, he announced his departure and headed to the balcony with his device. Jin Ayin, recording with her phone, urged him to "fight for Oscar" to make his signatures even more valuable.
The lightning struck, and Xiang Qinyu found himself back at the moment of his murder. He tried to intervene with the masked assailant but passed through them like a ghost, unable to affect anything. He watched his past self fall, and the masked figure removed their mask, revealing the person who had shot him. Spotting another figure fleeing the scene, he attempted to pursue them but was suddenly pulled back by a voice calling "Yu."
Jin Ayin, initially believing Xiang Qinyu had successfully returned to his era and regretting not asking him for a building in Shanghai, found him disheveled in a corner. The powerful explosion caused by the lightning strike had drawn the attention of Ms. Wu, their furious landlord. Ms. Wu accused Jin Ayin of nearly blowing up the house, to which Jin Ayin insisted it was only a lightning strike.
Ms. Wu, upon seeing Xiang Qinyu, delivered an ultimatum: Jin Ayin had two days to make him leave, or both would be evicted. Facing the landlord's threat, Jin Ayin took Xiang Qinyu to the police station. She handed him a letter, explaining that she had "sincerely written" his situation and that the police would "find someone more professional to help him find a way home." She promised to pray daily for his safe return and "good fame in history."
Xiang Qinyu accepted the letter and sent her away, and Jin Ayin, in a taxi, felt she "can't stand it" anymore and prayed for all deities to take him back safely. Meanwhile, at the police station, Chi Yu's distraught parents were informed that Chi Yu had been missing for over 72 hours with no success in search efforts.
The police had only recovered some of Chi Yu's belongings, and faulty CCTV footage from the night of the incident showed only Chi Yu leaving his villa alone. Based on a citizen's report, the police suspected Chi Yu had been attacked and murdered. They also inquired if Chi Yu's parents knew a person named "Li Longda."
While taking a taxi home, Jin Ayin received a phone call from her friend, who enthusiastically informed her that she had secured a job as an on-site scriptwriter for a new movie, "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu." Her friend called the role "custom-made" for Jin Ayin due to her constant discussions about him. Hearing this, Jin Ayin immediately instructed the taxi driver to turn around.
Upon her return, she found a crowd gathered, learning that a "tall and handsome" man was threatening to jump from a building. Rushing to the rooftop, she discovered it was Xiang Qinyu. As onlookers filmed, Jin Ayin pushed through, pleaded with them to stop recording, and apologized to Xiang Qinyu for blaming him for the "house incident" and for abandoning him at the police station.
Xiang Qinyu dismissed Jin Ayin's apology, insisting she go home while he intended to return to his own time by jumping off the building. He explained that since he had arrived in this era through a "near-death experience," he believed another such event would send him back. Jin Ayin vehemently opposed, calling it "suicide" and warning him he would "fall into pieces" and "be very ugly."
When he threatened to drink DDVP, she pressed him for his reasons for wanting to leave. Xiang Qinyu confessed that he had sold all his property, including Mengsheng, to fund his film "The Legend of Huangpu," hoping to become a legend, but now felt like a "joke." He desperately wanted to return to find his murderer and understand "why this is happening," lamenting that "no one remembers me except you."
Jin Ayin countered by replaying her friend's phone call about "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" movie, asserting that he was remembered and had a chance to fulfill his dream in this era. She then appealed to fate, suggesting that destiny had brought him here not only to achieve his dreams but also to potentially uncover the truth of his murder. She promised to "be with you" and "finish everything together." Convinced by her words, Xiang Qinyu agreed to cooperate.
Jin Ayin attended the interview for "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" scriptwriter position. The other candidates were impressive, with backgrounds from prestigious universities and international experience. Director Feng, however, sought someone who deeply understood Xiang Qinyu, a "pioneer of action movies" who "died mysteriously at a high time" and experienced a fall from grace. While the other candidates offered superficial answers based on public research, Jin Ayin, despite her humble academic background, confidently declared her profound knowledge of Xiang Qinyu.
She claimed to have liked him since childhood and knew "everything about him," even having seen a short clip of "The Legend of Huangpu" from her projectionist father's collection. When Director Feng warned her against bragging, Jin Ayin challenged them to ask her anything. During the interview, she discreetly called Xiang Qinyu for answers.
For instance, when asked why he became an actor, she initially blurted out "money," then corrected herself to "life's necessity," arguing "who would do such a life risking job" otherwise, before acknowledging his true love for Chinese kungfu and movies. When asked about his favorite pastime, she struggled, first guessing "reading," then jokingly "smoking, drinking, having a perm," before Xiang Qinyu's hint led her to answer "looking in the mirror." Although Director Feng was annoyed, she insisted she was joking. Finally, when asked why Xiang Qinyu never married, she answered, "he doesn't like women."
Episode 4 Recap
Jin Ayin, still reeling from her recent experiences, received a phone call from Director Feng, informing her that she passed the interview for "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" script. Director Feng praised her for answering all questions correctly, noting that her responses matched details from Xiang Qinyu's sole interview transcript, especially his statement that he dislikes women. Jin Ayin was elated, envisioning a successful career for herself in the industry.
Later, as they walked, Xiang Qinyu spotted a human-powered rickshaw and insisted on taking it home, expressing a desire for the familiar feeling. Jin Ayin begrudgingly agreed, grumbling about him being a spendthrift as the rickshaw's starting fare was 300 yuan. When Jin Ayin questioned why the esteemed Xiang Qinyu, at 27, had never been in a relationship, he bluntly stated his dislike for women, especially those who nagged like her.
Jin Ayin teased him, asking if he was a "Sugarcane Man." When he inquired about the term, she explained it described a sweet, tall, and upright man like him, which he took as a genuine compliment. That evening, to avoid Ms. Wu, the eccentric landlady who owned the entire street, Jin Ayin stealthily waited in the alley until Ms. Wu's lights were off before leading Xiang Qinyu home.
Jin Ayin mentioned that Ms. Wu once offered a month's free rent for a graffiti wall, but her own peacock drawing only earned her two days. The next morning, Xiang Qinyu went for a run in the park and encountered a group of middle-aged and elderly people practicing Tai Chi, preparing for a competition. He intervened, criticizing their leader for misleading them. Ms. Wu, also present, recognized him and berated him for previous damages to her property.
However, after Xiang Qinyu demonstrated his profound Tai Chi skills, the group was thoroughly impressed, admiring his mastery. They all eagerly requested him to be their teacher, affectionately calling him "Master Gan," a nickname he instructed them to use. Back at home, Jin Ayin urged Xiang Qinyu to stay put to avoid Ms. Wu. Just then, a knock came from the door. A terrified Jin Ayin opened it to find Ms. Wu holding a pot of soup.
Ms. Wu, now surprisingly warm, had prepared the soup because she heard "Master Gan" was also from Guangdong, and invited him to join their Tai Chi practice at 7 AM the next morning. Xiang Qinyu explained to a bewildered Jin Ayin that he had told the Tai Chi group to call him "Sugarcane Man." Jin Ayin asked him to stop using that name, but he told her to focus on her script.
Jin Ayin then helped Xiang Qinyu search for 1936 newspapers online, finding only a few that reported on war and strikes, including the death of Mr. Zhou. Xiang Qinyu expressed regret for missing so much history. Later, Jin Ayin's computer broke down. Xiang Qinyu insisted they buy a new "Know-it-all" (laptop), emphasizing the importance of good tools for work and vowing not to let descendants slander him.
Despite Jin Ayin's attempts to pick cheaper models, Xiang Qinyu chose the most expensive one. He also decided he needed a modern "hand-held phone" for himself. Since he spent all his money on her laptop, Jin Ayin had to pay for his new phone, which she begrudged, calling him stingy for pretending to be rich with so little money.
After their shopping spree, Jin Ayin, using her "Jin Family's trick to turn rubbish into treasure" by collecting discarded receipts for points, exchanged them for movie tickets and took Xiang Qinyu to experience a 4D film, which left him utterly terrified by the immersive effects. Upon returning to Jin Ayin’s messy apartment, they began to redecorate with their new purchases. Jin Ayin unearthed a box of old, rejected scripts, contemplating throwing them away.
Xiang Qinyu stopped her, instructing her to clean and repack them. He assured her that once her "Legend of Xiang Qinyu" script became an immortal masterpiece, these old scripts would also "see the light of day again." As Jin Ayin dedicated herself to writing, Xiang Qinyu supervised, sometimes gently tapping her head with crumpled paper when she dozed off. One day, Xiang Qinyu spent an entire day diligently working on a project on the balcony.
He revealed a uniquely handcrafted swing chair, which he claimed was for himself to sit on and enjoy the sun. Jin Ayin, however, realized he had made it for her, remembering her longing for an expensive hanging chair they saw at the mall. He even signed his name on it, warning her not to rub it off. As Jin Ayin's script neared completion, she received a devastating phone call from the crew.
The new male lead had brought his own investment and insisted on using his familiar scriptwriter, meaning Jin Ayin's work was no longer needed. Heartbroken, Jin Ayin began burning all her scripts on the balcony, deeming them "unessential" and believing "no one will like them anyway." Xiang Qinyu rushed to stop her, reminding her that these were her efforts. He acknowledged her script was "a bit like bombast" but praised its "not bad" plot.
He suggested they go to the crew to demand justice, but Jin Ayin refused, utterly defeated. She confessed she was accustomed to failure, feeling that her poor ability and education made her an "unimportant person" whose job could be easily taken away. She tearfully admitted that meeting him had briefly made her believe her dream of becoming a scriptwriter would come true, but ultimately, "a dream is just a dream."
Later, as Jin Ayin walked down the street, she paused before a shop window, gazing at a black gown. She recounted her childhood dream of owning such a dress, knowing it was impractical and she would likely never have an occasion to wear it. Xiang Qinyu, observing her, compassionately reminded her of her father's motto: "I don't compete with others for anything, but if something belongs to me, I'll never give in."
Jin Ayin initially dismissed it as "just a line," believing stubbornness only made her look foolish. Xiang Qinyu then passionately reiterated its significance, reminding her that he had saved her from the rooftop and helped her realize that this was more than just words. He urged her not to retreat, stating that in life, one should only quit if "they" don't want to continue, never because someone else says they can't.
He also reassured her that "stars will really come to a person like me," and encouraged her to "have faith in yourself" and "write what you want to write" for "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu." Inspired, Jin Ayin returned home to continue writing. Xiang Qinyu, reviewing a romantic scene between a senior and junior apprentice, found it too explicit. He argued for "implicit expression" and "gradual development," claiming her direct approach slandered the characters.
To demonstrate his point, he suggested they act out the scene. During their impromptu performance, Jin Ayin, portraying the junior apprentice, found herself almost swept away by Xiang Qinyu's intense portrayal of the senior apprentice.
Episode 5 Recap
During a script rehearsal, Jin Ayin stumbled, and Xiang Qinyu leaned in as if to kiss her for the scene. However, Jin Ayin intentionally broke character, stating that a kiss scene was unnecessary and it would be better to keep it conservative. Xiang Qinyu agreed with her writing approach. Later, Xiang Qinyu complained of a sore back, finding the sofa too hard and her bedroom bed too soft.
He announced he would move to the attic, which he had already prepared. Jin Ayin asked how he could live there since it was empty, to which Xiang Qinyu replied he had made a simple bed from her books, and would "travel the sea of books every night." He told her to get some rest and not stay up late. Jin Ayin bid him goodnight. Xiang Qinyu's words "Jin Ayin, you should believe in yourself.
Write what you want to write" resonated with her. She then sat at her computer and began typing "A Troublesome Old Idol," marking the first time she was writing a script she genuinely wanted to create. Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu relaxed by having Wangcai turn on the TV to watch an animated show, exclaiming "Good job!" and "Hit him!" as he watched.
The next day, emboldened by Xiang Qinyu's words, Jin Ayin went to Jianghe Film to show her script to Li Longda. As she entered the meeting room, she ran into Ms. Mu, a screenwriter who owed her money. Ms. Mu immediately questioned Jin Ayin's presence, to which Jin Ayin demanded her money back. The two women began to argue and pull at each other until Xiang Qinyu entered, asking what they were doing.
Jin Ayin chastised him for not waiting downstairs as instructed, but he explained he came up to give her courage because he feared she might be timid. Ms. Mu, recognizing Li Longda's arrival, quickly complained to him, claiming Jin Ayin brought a "hooligan" who assaulted her and broke her nails. Jin Ayin retorted that Ms. Mu started the fight. Li Longda, upon seeing Xiang Qinyu, was stunned.
He hugged Xiang Qinyu tightly, calling out "Chi Yu," and expressing immense relief that he was back and safe, mentioning he'd been having nightmares. Xiang Qinyu pushed him away, asking "Who are you?" and stating he had never seen him before, believing Li Longda had mistaken him for someone else. Unconvinced, Li Longda touched Xiang Qinyu's head, asking if he'd hit it that night at Magpie Bar.
Xiang Qinyu warned him not to touch him again or he'd break his leg. Ms. Mu then interjected, calling Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu hooligans. Li Longda continued to insist, asking Xiang Qinyu, still referring to him as Chi Yu, how he ended up there and who saved him. Jin Ayin confirmed that she brought Xiang Qinyu, leading Ms. Mu to disparage them both as "two hooligans together."
Jin Ayin then informed Li Longda that she was the competitor he had fired, and asked him to examine her script, confidently stating that no one could write Xiang Qinyu better than her. As Ms. Mu and Jin Ayin continued to argue, Li Longda stepped in, sending Ms. Mu out of the room to discuss matters privately.
Li Longda, having dismissed Ms. Mu, apologized to Jin Ayin for his earlier behavior, claiming he didn't know she was Chi Yu's friend and that it was a misunderstanding. Jin Ayin also apologized for her rudeness. She seized the opportunity to present her script, emphasizing that no one was more suitable to write about Xiang Qinyu than her, and asked for another chance.
Li Longda readily agreed, promising to explain the situation clearly to the director and producer and ensure no trouble came to her. Jin Ayin thanked him, then, with Xiang Qinyu, announced they were leaving. Li Longda tried to stop Xiang Qinyu, asking where he was going. Xiang Qinyu reiterated that he was mistaken, but Li Longda insisted he would recognize his face even if it turned to ashes.
Li Longda then showed them a photo of Chi Yu, which Jin Ayin immediately recognized as looking exactly like Xiang Qinyu. She wondered where Chi Yu was now. Li Longda pressed Xiang Qinyu, asking if he truly didn't remember disappearing from the Magpie Bar a little over a month ago. Xiang Qinyu questioned "Disappeared?" Li Longda admitted he didn't know the exact details, only that Chi Yu had suddenly vanished. Xiang Qinyu, growing impatient, told Jin Ayin, "Let's go."
As they left, Li Longda tried to ask Xiang Qinyu where he lived, but they continued walking. Outside, Jin Ayin observed that Li Longda was still there, apparently following them in his sports car. Back home, Xiang Qinyu asked if Jin Ayin had found anything. She remarked that she thought he wasn't curious about Chi Yu after he rushed them out. Xiang Qinyu, however, insisted they should stay away from Li Longda because he looked "sneaky."
Jin Ayin countered that Li Longda seemed handsome and gentle, and that Xiang Qinyu himself was acting less like a "good guy." She playfully suggested he might actually be Chi Yu, or perhaps Chi Yu was his grandson, to which Xiang Qinyu stated, "My surname is Xiang." Jin Ayin joked that maybe he married into a family that changed his surname.
Jin Ayin then showed Xiang Qinyu what she found online: Chi Yu was an actor who frequented the Magpie Bar, which Jin Ayin remembered visiting once. More strikingly, Chi Yu's online presence ceased on January 16th—the very same day Xiang Qinyu arrived in the modern world. Xiang Qinyu found this an uncanny coincidence, having searched for clues about his past for so long. He declared his intention to meet Li Longda again to investigate Chi Yu further.
Meanwhile, Li Longda, driving home, recalled his past with Chi Yu. Chi Yu was his best friend for over seven years, always supportive on set, even when Li Longda struggled as a constantly overlooked extra. He reflected on Chi Yu's stubbornness and wished he would use his brain more. Back at their apartment, Jin Ayin called Da Ye to ask for Li Longda's phone number.
She then told Xiang Qinyu to make his own dinner because she had to go out. Xiang Qinyu, left to fend for himself, wondered how he would manage. Jin Ayin met Li Longda at the Magpie Bar, hoping to get information out of him by getting him drunk. Li Longda greeted her and asked if Chi Yu was there. Jin Ayin replied that she hadn't brought him, and introduced herself as Ayin, explaining she had questions for him.
As they drank, Li Longda asked if Chi Yu truly didn't remember him due to his injury. Jin Ayin confirmed that for now, he seemed to have temporary amnesia. She then asked if he and Chi Yu had always been good friends, to which Li Longda affirmed they had been best friends since college, over seven years.
Li Longda, pleased, then stated that Chi Yu's friends were his friends, and apologized again for the earlier screenwriter change, promising to talk to the team to arrange a new competition for her script. Jin Ayin toasted him, but before she could ask more about Chi Yu, Xiang Qinyu called her, asking where she was and why she wasn't home yet. She gave him her location, inviting him to join her, saying it was fun, but he sounded annoyed.
Li Longda then gave Jin Ayin a sum of money, expressing his immense gratitude for saving Chi Yu, insisting she accept it as his token of appreciation, stating that mere money couldn't fully convey his thanks. Jin Ayin initially refused, trying to give it back, but Li Longda insisted, saying it would be disrespectful if she didn't accept. Shortly after, Li Longda received a phone call from "honey" and had to leave, promising to go home immediately.
He offered to escort Jin Ayin, but she declined, wanting him to sit down, also playfully chiding him for knocking over a vase of flowers. As he left, Jin Ayin suddenly remembered seeing him before, exclaiming, "I knew it! I've seen you before!" Li Longda hurried out, reminding her to call a taxi. Worried about Jin Ayin, Xiang Qinyu followed her location and found her still at the bar.
He immediately stopped her from drinking more and ordered water from the bartender. Jin Ayin, heavily intoxicated, began talking loudly, introducing herself as "Jin Ayin" to everyone and declaring, "What belongs to me, I won't back down!" Xiang Qinyu tried to quiet her, acknowledging she was being noisy but was relieved she hadn't thrown up.
Back home, a very drunk Jin Ayin explained to Xiang Qinyu that she was only drinking to help him by getting information out of Li Longda. Xiang Qinyu asked why she helped him, and she replied, "Because. . ." Xiang Qinyu finished her sentence, reminding her, "I told you I won't leave you alone." Jin Ayin then rambled about a fan Xiang Qinyu had signed for her, calling it a gift.
He tried to get her to go to bed, but she was too restless, trying to take off her clothes and then impulsively kissing him on the cheek. Xiang Qinyu, caught off guard, told her to behave and asked why she was hiding, reminding her to control herself. She then became fixated on the money Li Longda had given her.
Xiang Qinyu called her an "incurable money-grubber," which she agreed with, admitting she didn't have grand dreams of "having her name passed on for generations." She spoke of her dream to be a millionaire and buy a small apartment in a tall building, where she could smell gardenias and see the city's brightest TV tower from a large French window, finding value in the city.
She lamented that house prices kept "hitting her face" and that "the more bitter life is, the sweeter the wine is." Xiang Qinyu, listening, remarked that she had "a deep grudge at such a young age." Jin Ayin continued, philosophizing about the cost of dreams and poetic journeys. She then challenged Xiang Qinyu, saying he wouldn't understand her struggles because he didn't even like women. Xiang Qinyu retorted, "Who said I don't like women?"
and declared he was "loyal when it comes to love," promising to care for a woman for the rest of his life if he married her. Jin Ayin, still drunk, proclaimed she would soon be rich, and when her script won, "money, fame, and benefits" would all be hers. Xiang Qinyu gently agreed that they would all be hers, and told her she was drunk.
As Jin Ayin continued to prattle, she suddenly kissed Xiang Qinyu on the cheek before collapsing onto the floor and falling asleep. Wangcai then played a "song for chasing girls," much to Xiang Qinyu's confusion about the term. Xiang Qinyu, after a small sip of wine, lay down beside the sleeping Jin Ayin on the balcony. The next morning, Xiang Qinyu awoke on the balcony with Jin Ayin, who had also just woken up.
He offered her water, playfully remarking on her stubbornness even in sleep. Jin Ayin, recalling her drunken antics from the previous night, felt embarrassed and quickly went to wash up. Suddenly, Jian Ye began banging on the door, calling for Jin Ayin. Panicked, Jin Ayin whispered to Xiang Qinyu to hide in the wardrobe, explaining that Jian Ye was a notorious gossip and if she saw him, their reputations would be ruined.
Xiang Qinyu initially resisted, asserting his righteous character and questioning why he had to act like an adulterer, but Jin Ayin pleaded with him, emphasizing Jian Ye's reputation as "well-informed and gossipy" throughout Jianghe Film. As Jian Ye continued to call from outside, Jin Ayin frantically ushered Xiang Qinyu into the closet. She finally opened the door, pretending to have just woken up, stifling a yawn, and explaining away the smell of alcohol by saying she was sleepy.
Jian Ye, however, had already suspected something, asking, "Did you hide someone in the room?" and mentioned hearing someone talking. Jin Ayin denied it, blaming the noise on Wangcai. Jian Ye then shared exciting news: Li Longda had arranged anonymous voting for the scripts, and Jin Ayin's script had won with eight votes. Jin Ayin was overjoyed. Jian Ye, noticing Jin Ayin's gaze flickering towards the wardrobe, asked what she was looking at. Jin Ayin, feigning a stiff neck, claimed it hurt. Just then, Jian Ye heard another noise from the closet, and Jin Ayin quickly whispered "Don't move" to Xiang Qinyu.
Episode 6 Recap
Xiang Qinyu was hiding in Jin Ayin's closet when he accidentally bumped into some lingerie, causing a noise. Jian Ye, Jin Ayin's friend, heard it and suspected there was a man in the house. Jin Ayin quickly tried to signal Xiang Qinyu to hide, but Jian Ye eventually discovered him. Amused by finding such a "handsome guy," Jian Ye playfully chided Jin Ayin for not telling her about him, assuming the two were romantically involved.
Before leaving, she secretly gave Jin Ayin a love amulet, instructing her to place it in Xiang Qinyu's personal clothing to help their relationship blossom. Later, Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin went to the film set because Xiang Qinyu wanted to investigate Li Longda personally, hoping to find clues about Chi Yu. When Jin Ayin was called away to discuss the script, Xiang Qinyu was captivated by the advanced technology and equipment on set.
He observed actors being suspended by wires for action scenes and cameras that could record for hours, marveling at the advancements of this era. Jin Ayin returned and quickly warned him not to touch anything, fearing he might cause trouble. Meanwhile, on a phone call, Director Feng expressed his desire to use Chi Yu for the project, clearly unimpressed with Li Longda's acting.
Hu tried to persuade him, explaining that Chi Yu was currently missing, the production company was facing financial constraints, and Li Longda's investment was crucial. Hu urged Director Feng to consider Chen Mumu's reputation and trust in the project's potential success. Director Feng reluctantly agreed to some extent, asking Hu to tell the new screenwriter, Jin Ayin, to expedite the teaser revisions. While alone, Xiang Qinyu spotted Li Longda and approached him.
Li Longda greeted him with excessive warmth and physical contact, which Xiang Qinyu found discomforting. He pushed Li Longda away, stating that he had come to ask some questions and didn't appreciate the inappropriate touching. Li Longda, clearly nervous, tried to brush off Xiang Qinyu's questions, suggesting that it was not a good place to talk due to the crowds. Soon after, Jin Ayin handed Tuotuo, the action director, the revised teaser clips.
As she turned, she was confronted by Hao, an action actor, who was upset about Jin Ayin changing his fight choreography. He mocked her writing, particularly the "Two-Character Clamping Goat Stance" and "Bridge Enters Three Gates, I Fight As I Please" descriptions, then forced her to demonstrate the moves. Feeling embarrassed and almost getting physical, Jin Ayin was about to be hit when Xiang Qinyu suddenly intervened. He deflected Hao's attack and helped Jin Ayin, who had stumbled.
Xiang Qinyu, after glancing at the script, confidently declared the moves were easy. Hao, scoffing, dared him to perform them, offering his role if Xiang Qinyu succeeded. Xiang Qinyu accepted and effortlessly demonstrated the complex moves, completely overwhelming Hao and the other action actors. Impressed, Tuotuo commented on Xiang Qinyu's skills and questioned why he was dressed as an extra, suggesting he belonged in the action team. Jin Ayin asked Xiang Qinyu why he was wearing the extra's costume.
He explained that Li Longda had told him Chi Yu had made many enemies and suggested he wear it to avoid being recognized. Xiang Qinyu voiced his suspicions about Li Longda, noting his evasiveness and vague answers. Jin Ayin, however, dismissed his concerns, accusing him of being overly suspicious. As Director Feng prepared for a scene, Li Longda, the male lead, stumbled through his lines, especially after noticing Xiang Qinyu in the crowd. His performance was stiff and unconvincing.
Xiang Qinyu openly criticized Li Longda's terrible acting, calling it an insult to his own image and the craft. Director Feng became furious, declaring Li Longda a "fool" who couldn't act. To salvage the scene, an assistant suggested Li Longda simply count numbers during filming, with the dialogue to be dubbed in post-production. Li Longda agreed, reciting numbers awkwardly. Jin Ayin explained to Xiang Qinyu that Li Longda was an investor, which was why the crew tolerated his poor performance.
Xiang Qinyu was appalled, feeling that such acting was an insult. Unable to tolerate Li Longda's performance and his reliance on stunt doubles, Xiang Qinyu felt compelled to intervene. He volunteered to join the action team, and Tuotuo, having witnessed his skills, readily accepted. Just then, Teng Xi, a popular young actress, arrived on set. Her professional demeanor instantly caught Xiang Qinyu's eye. Jin Ayin explained that Teng Xi had a natural acting talent and had been performing since childhood.
Xiang Qinyu, now part of the action team, showcased his masterful combat techniques during the filming, rendering Li Longda's movements look clumsy and inadequate. Director Feng was highly impressed with Xiang Qinyu, instructing Tuotuo to give him more background roles. When Li Longda requested another take, Director Feng refused, offering him only a close-up shot instead.
Jin Ayin, seeing Xiang Qinyu inadvertently overshadowing Li Longda, pleaded with him not to cause any more trouble, reminding him that their "Legend of Xiang Qinyu" project was a shared venture. As they finished the scene, Teng Xi approached Xiang Qinyu, mistaking him for Chi Yu. She greeted him warmly, surprised to see him. Xiang Qinyu, not understanding her, politely told her she had the wrong person.
Teng Xi, assuming Xiang Qinyu was being discreet because Jin Ayin was present, encouraged them to get together, promising a large red packet for their wedding. Xiang Qinyu, musing on the encounter, remarked that Li Longda seemed right about Chi Yu having "provoked quite a few people." Jin Ayin later checked Chi Yu's social media and found a post where he mentioned a "white moonlight," which she suspected might be Teng Xi.
She also recalled that Chi Yu's disappearance date coincided with Xiang Qinyu's arrival in the modern world, which Xiang Qinyu found strange and wanted to investigate further. Jin Ayin chided Xiang Qinyu for being a "man with double standards," accusing him of being easily swayed by pretty women. She then left him, sternly warning him to stay put and touch nothing, as he had already caused enough trouble.
However, a curious Xiang Qinyu spotted a drone overhead, mistaking it for a "hidden weapon." He yelled a warning to a worker on a ladder, inadvertently causing a chain reaction that toppled the entire set. Jin Ayin rushed back, absolutely furious, and loudly reprimanded Xiang Qinyu.
As the chaos unfolded, the worker on the ladder lost his balance, dropping a bag of colorful powders that rained down on Jin Ayin and an unlucky Li Longda, who had just walked over to see what the commotion was about. Covered in bright colors, Jin Ayin screamed at Xiang Qinyu, ordering him to "disappear!"
Episode 7 Recap
Jin Ayin was furious that Xiang Qinyu actually left when she told him to, leaving her to deal with the aftermath. She vowed that if he didn't apologize immediately, she would show him what real death was like. Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu tried to give candy to a child, but the child's mother quickly intervened, scolding her child for taking things from strangers and warning about the dangers of being taken away.
Xiang Qinyu, recalling his master's words, mused that "women down the mountain are all tigers," and told the woman to "disappear." Jin Ayin approached Teng Xi, asking for Chi Yu's parents' home address. Teng Xi, pleased, provided the address and advised Jin Ayin that Chi Yu was very afraid of his father. She suggested that if Jin Ayin could win over his parents first, their relationship would be secured.
Xiang Qinyu arrived at Chi Yu’s family home, where he was tied up by Chi Yu's uncle. His uncle immediately recognized him, calling him "Yu" and urging him to return home, emphasizing how worried his parents were. Despite Xiang Qinyu’s protests that they had the wrong person and that he was only there to investigate Chi Yu's disappearance, the family insisted he was Chi Yu. His father, enraged by his denial, nearly attacked him but was stopped by his mother.
They insisted they had watched him grow up and couldn't be mistaken, expressing concern for his mental state. Xiang Qinyu reiterated that he was not Chi Yu and requested to be untied, but his pleas were met with anger. While still at Chi Yu's house, Xiang Qinyu noticed photos on the wall.
In one group photo, he recognized a girl he had seen in his own time, who had tragically jumped off a building while holding a newspaper with his picture. He asked Chi Yu’s family if they knew this girl. Chi Yu's mother had never heard of the girl. She suggested asking Li Longda, who was also in the photo.
She then asked Xiang Qinyu if he remembered who attacked him, revealing that the police had told them Chi Yu was beaten and pushed into the water. Xiang Qinyu was shocked to learn that Chi Yu had been assaulted before falling into the water. Chi Yu's mother expressed her grief, feeling that her son had suffered greatly, and urged him to recover slowly, stating that his well-being was all that mattered, even if he couldn't fully heal.
A crew member informed Jin Ayin that the first payment for the on-set screenwriters had been transferred. Thrilled, Jin Ayin received the money and immediately called her grandmother to share the good news, mentioning she received over ten thousand yuan. Her grandmother, while drying tea leaves, chatted about her social life and reminded Jin Ayin to keep the money for herself and take care of her health, also expressing how much she missed her.
After the call, Jin Ayin pondered whether to keep the 100,000 yuan Li Longda had given her at the bar. After much internal struggle, reminding herself that she wasn't someone who took money casually, she eventually decided to deposit it into her bank account, feeling a step closer to her million-yuan goal. Jin Ayin spotted Li Longda interacting intimately with Ms. Fan. Ms. Fan affectionately called him 'baby', and he promised obedience in exchange for money.
Ms. Fan instructed him to always answer her calls and be available whenever she needed him. Jin Ayin silently judged, thinking he was too young to stop working hard and that the entertainment industry was tough. When Li Longda then saw Jin Ayin, she feigned ignorance, claiming she hadn't seen anything. Li Longda apologized for Ms. Fan's odd behavior, explaining she wasn't well.
He then asked why Jin Ayin was avoiding him, suggesting it might be because he left early during their last drink. Jin Ayin reassured him it wasn’t that, but subtly hinted that she had witnessed his interaction with Ms. Fan. She told him she wouldn't expose his secret, but her heart ached to see him in such a compromising position.
Li Longda, seizing the opportunity, confessed that making money was hard for him and asked Jin Ayin to treat him to dinner. Over dinner, Jin Ayin advised Li Longda, as a rising actor, to avoid scandals and not rely on women for financial gain. Li Longda, amused by her naivete, jokingly offered her hush money. Jin Ayin, however, winced inwardly at the sight of the expensive meal, knowing she would be footing the bill.
After dinner, Jin Ayin returned the 100,000 yuan that Li Longda had previously given her, explaining that she knew it was hard for him to earn money and he shouldn't be so wasteful. Li Longda was touched, remarking that he always spent money on women, and it was the first time a woman had given money back to him.
Jin Ayin then seized the opportunity to press him about Chi Yu's disappearance, reminding him that he was at the Magpie Bar that night. Li Longda, clearly uncomfortable, tried to deflect and claimed he knew nothing. To change the subject, he headed to the cashier, but Jin Ayin stopped him, insisting that she would pay since she had offered to treat him, or at least they should split the bill.
She continued to advise him to be careful with his private life, drawing parallels to the story of "Ball of Fat," where superficial judgments hide true kindness. Li Longda claimed he listened to her advice. As they left the restaurant, they noticed a planking competition where the longest plank holder could win a balance bike. Spotting this, Jin Ayin decided to participate, knowing Xiang Qinyu was interested in balance bikes.
Li Longda encouraged her to give up, pointing out the other strong competitors, but Jin Ayin stubbornly replied that she could endure anything. After a strenuous plank, Jin Ayin emerged victorious. She recalled that she was never the best student, but excelled in endurance challenges like swimming and long-distance running. Li Longda offered to buy her a new, better model, but Jin Ayin insisted on winning this one.
Having secured the balance bike, she initially intended to give it to Xiang Qinyu. However, remembering his abandonment, she angrily gave the bike to a delighted Li Longda instead. Xiang Qinyu decided to find Li Longda after confirming Jin Ayin's safety. He unexpectedly encountered Hu, who was annoyed with Li Longda for upsetting Director Feng. Hu, surprised to see "Chi Yu" back, was concerned about his memory loss, assuming it was due to the drowning incident.
Xiang Qinyu pressed him for Li Longda's whereabouts, claiming he didn't recognize Hu. Hu reminded him that they, along with Li Longda, had been drinking at the Magpie Bar on the night of Chi Yu's disappearance. Hu recounted that Chi Yu went out to take a call, and Li Longda followed him. When Li Longda returned, he told Hu that Chi Yu had been pushed into the water.
Xiang Qinyu then revealed that he had seen a flustered Li Longda running away, as if he had seen a ghost. Hu, believing Xiang Qinyu’s memory was severely damaged, suggested he return to play the lead role in his drama, worried about its sales. Li Longda drove Jin Ayin home and walked her to her door, admiring her artistic neighborhood. He cautiously asked if she had a boyfriend. Just as he finished speaking, Xiang Qinyu suddenly appeared, clearly upset.
He questioned their closeness, demanding to know since when they were intimate enough for Li Longda to walk her home. Jin Ayin, wanting to provoke Xiang Qinyu, mockingly called Li Longda "Brother Longda" and told Xiang Qinyu it was none of his business, asking him why he was suddenly so "obedient" after she told him to leave earlier. Li Longda interjected, telling "Chi Yu" (Xiang Qinyu) not to be rude to a cute girl.
Xiang Qinyu retorted, accusing Li Longda of being bored with "delicacies" and wanting "radishes and cabbage," implying Jin Ayin was less desirable. Jin Ayin defended herself, and Xiang Qinyu grabbed Li Longda's arm, telling him not to be touchy-feely with Jin Ayin and reminding her as a girl to be more decent, accusing her of being the "double-standards monster" she often criticized.
Jin Ayin fired back, stating their relationship was more than just being walked home; they had even gone on a date, confirming it with Li Longda. She challenged Xiang Qinyu, asking what right he had to comment on her behavior. Xiang Qinyu claimed that as her "fan," she shouldn't embarrass him. Jin Ayin, annoyed, told him he was crazy and went upstairs, while still sweetly bidding "Brother Longda" farewell.
Li Longda told her to be careful and that they would meet another day. As Jin Ayin went upstairs, Li Longda tried to leave, but Xiang Qinyu stopped him. Xiang Qinyu immediately confronted Li Longda, demanding to know if he had told Chi Yu's family about him. Li Longda deflected, noting that "Chi Yu" was back but hadn't visited his worried family.
Xiang Qinyu then physically warned Li Longda to stay away from Jin Ayin, stating she was not a woman to be trifled with, implying Li Longda was toying with her. Li Longda, in pain, questioned if Xiang Qinyu was jealous because he liked Jin Ayin. Xiang Qinyu vehemently denied it but accused Li Longda of hiding something about Chi Yu's disappearance. Li Longda became nervous, fearing Xiang Qinyu might recall something. He claimed he had nothing to hide and, seeing an opportunity, quickly slipped away, leaving Xiang Qinyu to mutter about Li Longda's unrepentant, ungrateful nature.
Episode 8 Recap
Jin Ayin expected an apology from Xiang Qinyu, but he instead told her to be more realistic and stop dreaming of climbing the social ladder. Angered, Jin Ayin retreated to her bedroom, where she changed the title of her script to "Damn Nuisance." Later, feeling hungry because the earlier dinner was expensive and not filling, she emerged from her room. She found Xiang Qinyu cooking steak.
He offered her a taste, but she claimed she was already full from having eaten a lot with Li Longda that night. While in the kitchen, Xiang Qinyu discovered Jin Ayin's bank card hidden under the stove. Jin Ayin explained it was for good luck, signifying "prosperity" and that "money can be generated by water." As they wrestled over the card, Jin Ayin almost fell, but Xiang Qinyu caught her, leading to an awkward moment.
Xiang Qinyu then prepared a dish for her, Steamed Egg with Apple. He revealed he had once worked for two years at the largest Western restaurant in Shanghai, learning from a British chef. Jin Ayin remarked that she used to think people like him, born into a smooth life, only knew success and didn't understand worldly suffering. Xiang Qinyu mentioned he relied on the apple steamed egg to recover when he was sick as a child.
He then apologized for having caused her trouble earlier that day. Jin Ayin, observing his culinary skills and mannerisms, correctly guessed that his mother was Zhou Shu. Xiang Qinyu admitted this, adding that he left her when he was a teenager to learn kung fu and later became an actor, all because of her. He had hoped that if he became successful, she would acknowledge him as her son, but she never did, even up to her death.
He remembered the tie clip he wore was a gift from her. He then recalled a flashback to his past, on his birthday, when his own film company, Mengsheng Studios, was founded. Mr. Lin was there, introducing him to Zhou Shu as "the famous and beautiful Miss Zhou Shu," who was then playing the male lead's aunt in a play. Despite her complaints about the role, she gave him the tie clip as a gift for his opening and birthday.
Later, Xiang Qinyu told Jin Ayin that he had visited Chi Yu's parents. He confessed that he didn't know much about family or parental care, having never experienced it himself. He unexpectedly learned that Chi Yu's disappearance was not an accident; he was "beaten into the water." Xiang Qinyu suspected Li Longda, citing that Chi Yu was originally meant to be the leading actor, which provided a strong motive. He believed Li Longda had lied about the incident.
Jin Ayin was surprised, asking if they weren't friends. Xiang Qinyu shared his theory that if the killer from his original time had also traveled to this era, they might have mistaken Chi Yu for him. He suggested a plan to make Li Longda tell the truth but secretly worried about involving Jin Ayin in his troubles. The next day, Director Feng asked Jin Ayin to revise the seventh scene of her script.
Hu, the crew member, pulled Director Feng aside, claiming he saw Chi Yu last night and even touched him. Director Feng was alarmed and repeatedly questioned if he was sure he saw a living person, causing Hu to become unsure himself. On the set, Li Longda approached Jin Ayin with flowers and cherries, urging her to eat them secretly and not share them with Chi Yu. Jin Ayin, following Xiang Qinyu's plan, feigned ignorance, asking, "Who is Chi Yu?"
She denied ever knowing him or that he had caused any trouble on set the day before, suggesting Li Longda must be mistaken. Li Longda was perplexed. Meanwhile, other crew members were discussing that the set was haunted, with an accident having occurred there a year ago, and today was the anniversary of that death. Frightened, Li Longda called his assistant, Biao, to confirm if Chi Yu was indeed missing.
Biao, acting on Xiang Qinyu's instructions, lied and confirmed Chi Yu's disappearance. Li Longda then saw a fleeting glimpse of Xiang Qinyu, disguised as Chi Yu, in the crowd, which terrified him, and he rushed to find Jin Ayin. That evening, Jin Ayin joined Li Longda for dinner. A corpse prop on set further unnerved Li Longda, making him unwilling to leave. He decided to stay at the production's hotel.
Jin Ayin added to his fear by warning him not to linger in places with vengeful spirits and especially not to look into a mirror at midnight, or he might become possessed. Later, in his hotel room, Li Longda experienced strange phenomena: flickering lights and a TV turning off by itself. Petrified, he ran out and saw Xiang Qinyu, still disguised as Chi Yu, at the end of the hallway. Overwhelmed with fear, Li Longda confessed everything.
Under Xiang Qinyu's stern questioning, Li Longda recounted the events of Chi Yu's death. He stated that on that night, he had gone to a bar to find Chi Yu. He witnessed a masked person in black, wearing a hat, strike Chi Yu from behind and then kick him into the sea. Li Longda admitted he was too scared to intervene or call for help and instead panicked and ran back to the bar.
Xiang Qinyu asked him why he had lied earlier, pressing him on whether it was due to a selfish desire to play the leading role. Li Longda admitted that for a moment, he did have such a thought but expressed deep regret afterward. Mistaking Xiang Qinyu for Chi Yu, he pleaded for forgiveness, offering to be filial to Chi Yu's parents and give him anything he wanted, even asking to be beaten as a penance.
Xiang Qinyu then showed him a family photo of Chi Yu's and asked about a particular girl in it. Li Longda identified her as Tao Tao, a former makeup artist for their crew who had suddenly disappeared. Xiang Qinyu then asked Li Longda to help him find Tao Tao.
Episode 9 Recap
Xiang Qinyu informed Jin Ayin about the incident concerning Chi Yu. Jin Ayin expressed confusion, wondering who Chi Yu could have possibly offended to warrant such a deadly attack. Noticing Xiang Qinyu's injury, she offered to clean his wound, but he refused. An awkward atmosphere then arose when Wangcai, the smart home device, unexpectedly played a love song, causing Jin Ayin to quickly retire to her room.
Xiang Qinyu then tried to confide in her about a photograph he found at Chi Yu's house, showing a girl who looked identical to his girlfriend from his own time, but Jin Ayin had already fallen asleep. Li Longda helped Xiang Qinyu locate Tao Tao, who had been hospitalized for over a year. A nurse informed Xiang Qinyu that Tao Tao was in a vegetative state due to gas poisoning and had not regained consciousness.
Gazing at the unconscious girl, Xiang Qinyu was struck by a feeling that she was connected to him and recalled past events. He then asked for coffee, but Li Longda noted that "Chi Yu" never drinks coffee, making Xiang Qinyu realize he might be giving himself away. In a flashback, it was revealed that to produce "The Legend of Huangpu" effectively, Xiang Qinyu had reluctantly sold his Mongsheng studio to Mr. Lin.
He disliked the social obligations at nightclubs, especially seeing Zhou Shu being close with Mr. Lin. His associate reminded him that they needed Mr. Lin's support to complete the film. Xiang Qinyu, who detested drinking, declared he was only there to make an appearance and instructed his associate to inform Mr. Lin that he was unwell.
Later, Yang Xiaoyun approached Xiang Qinyu, revealing she had signed a contract with Mr. Lin and expressed her admiration as a huge fan, hoping to work with him at Mengsheng. Xiang Qinyu signed an autograph for her and left. A few days later, Yang Xiaoyun tried to reach Xiang Qinyu at the Mongsheng studio but was blocked by security.
Xiang Qinyu's associate warned him to avoid Yang Xiaoyun, claiming she was an "unclean" actress signed by Mr. Lin to star in "that kind of movies" and was only seeking gossip. Xiang Qinyu felt powerless to intervene, believing he no longer had authority over the studio. He decided not to interfere as long as Mr. Lin honored his commitment to "The Legend of Huangpu."
Subsequently, Yang Xiaoyun was seen being forced to take off her clothes for a film, with someone emphasizing the sacrifices expected of actresses. Xiang Qinyu then remembered seeing Yang Xiaoyun, who bore a striking resemblance to Tao Tao, fall from a high-rise building, clutching his photograph. Back in the present at the hospital, Li Longda noticed a man wearing a hat outside, recognizing him as the attacker from the lake. Xiang Qinyu gave chase but was struck by a motorcycle.
As he lay on the ground, a photograph fell from his possession. With a plan forming in his mind, he enlisted Li Longda's help, believing that fate had brought him to this era not only to fulfill his dream but also to uncover the murderer. Upon returning home, Xiang Qinyu saw Jin Ayin sleeping. He resolved to bear the burden alone, fearing that the true killer might target Jin Ayin.
Meanwhile, Director Feng was anxious about securing a male lead for the upcoming press conference, still holding onto hope for Chi Yu's return. At that moment, Li Longda ushered Xiang Qinyu into the room, astonishing Director Feng, who mistook him for Chi Yu. Xiang Qinyu, impersonating Chi Yu, used 100,000 yuan from Jin Ayin's bank account to "invest in the crew," intending to lure out Chi Yu's murderer. He declared his commitment to portraying Xiang Qinyu well.
Chief Producer Chen Mumu arrived at the company to finalize preparations for the press conference and was informed of the male lead change. She convened a meeting to announce that Chi Yu would now play the character Xiang Qinyu, while Li Longda would take on the role of the senior fellow apprentice. During the meeting, Mr. Di, a veteran producer, stared intently at Xiang Qinyu and declared that he was not Chi Yu but the genuine Xiang Qinyu.
Later, Mr. Di, now identified as Di Husheng, privately spoke with Xiang Qinyu. He revealed that he was the young man Xiang Qinyu had mentored when he was 12, working as a martial arts actor. Husheng recounted that after Xiang Qinyu's disappearance, the real killer remained at large, and Mr. Lin halted production of "The Legend of Huangpu."
Knowing the film was Xiang Qinyu's passion project, Husheng secretly stole a reel of the film and a tie clip, placing them at Xiang Qinyu's home. He expressed his disbelief at seeing Xiang Qinyu again in his lifetime. Xiang Qinyu inquired about the person who shot him at the studio, but Husheng admitted he never found out who the assailant was.
Xiang Qinyu then implored Husheng to keep his true identity a secret, which Husheng, calling him his benefactor, readily agreed to. Husheng later explained to the others that he had simply been momentarily "blurred-eyed" and mistook Chi Yu for Xiang Qinyu due to their striking resemblance and Chi Yu's exceptional acting and martial arts skills. Jin Ayin confronted Xiang Qinyu, accusing him of using her bank card.
Xiang Qinyu admitted to borrowing 100,000 yuan to secure the leading role and declared his intention to remain in this era, abandoning his return to the past. Jin Ayin was furious, condemning him for stealing both her money and Chi Yu's identity, expressing deep disappointment after having tried to help him.
In an attempt to push her away for her own protection, Xiang Qinyu coldly stated that he had merely used her and found working with her "not effective" and akin to "messing around." He told her to leave and stop interacting with him, claiming that her continued involvement would harm his reputation as he resumed his acting career under Chi Yu's identity.
Jin Ayin, misunderstanding his true intentions, felt that he was accusing her of meddling and called him a "bastard" for deceiving Chi Yu's parents and Li Longda. Xiang Qinyu countered that his actions were for the greater good, as the film needed a suitable lead and Chi Yu's parents needed a living son. He then firmly told her to stay away from him in the future.
At "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" press conference, Xiang Qinyu, still impersonating Chi Yu, made his public appearance. Mr. Di praised Chi Yu as an exceptional actor, excelling in both martial arts and dramatic performances, believing he would bring great recognition to the film. Taking the stage, Xiang Qinyu addressed the camera, apologizing for past delays due to his "injury" and assuring everyone of his full recovery.
He then sent a direct message to the murderer: "You'll look forward to seeing me again." He later told Li Longda that he would make sure everyone knew Chi Yu was back and confidently asserted his determination to catch the murderer this time. Li Longda, still bewildered by the events, questioned Xiang Qinyu's true identity.
Episode 10 Recap
Xiang Qinyu's powerful words at the press conference successfully caught the attention of the killer. Afterward, Jin Ayin felt deeply hurt, believing that if Xiang Qinyu had been honest with her, she would not have cared about the bank card incident. Meanwhile, Jian Ye tried to promote Jin Ayin to Chen Mumu, but Jin Ayin faltered, unable to clearly explain her script, "A Troublesome Old Idol," only managing to mention it was about a man from "the century before last."
Feeling dejected, Jin Ayin yearned for a drink. Xiang Qinyu approached her, returning the tie clip and acknowledging its importance to her. He then informed her that he would be moving out that day. Jin Ayin's spirits sank further, mistakenly believing he was bidding her a final farewell. She expressed that he belonged with "big shots" now that he was a leading man, not "small characters" like her.
Xiang Qinyu apologized for his earlier harsh words and reiterated the tie clip's significance to him, urging her to keep it safe before wishing her well and departing. Later, Chen Mumu skillfully navigated past "Mr. Jia" and other "old perverts" who were pressuring her to drink, feigning a need to use the restroom to pour out her drinks. Outside, she encountered a solitary Jin Ayin.
Jin Ayin seized the opportunity to approach Chen Mumu, earnestly asking for another chance to elaborate on her story. She declared her sincerity and confidence in her work, stating, "I don't compete with others for anything, but if something belongs to me, I'll never give in." She emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and fighting for one's aspirations.
Impressed by her conviction, Chen Mumu promised to read Jin Ayin's story when she had time, asking her to keep their conversation private. Concurrently, Chi Yu's mother visited him (Xiang Qinyu in Chi Yu's persona) at the press conference. She gave him a tracking watch, urging him to wear it so she and his father could always know his whereabouts and be at ease.
She also handed him a bag of Chi Yu's personal belongings recovered from the police, fearing they contained important items. Xiang Qinyu told her he would be staying at Li Longda's place for a few days. She advised him to take care of himself, avoid late nights, and come home for her cooking whenever he had free time, mentioning his father also worried about him.
Back with Jian Ye, Jin Ayin recounted her confusing interactions with Xiang Qinyu, from his sudden change in attitude and use of her bank card to his subsequent apology and the return of the tie clip. She wondered if there was a misunderstanding, suggesting he might have "some reasons" for his actions. Jian Ye dismissed this, calling Xiang Qinyu a bully and noting his stark change from their previous encounter.
She advised Jin Ayin to move on, asserting that "men are everywhere; if he's no good, just replace him." Jian Ye emphasized that anyone causing sadness or hindering her financial progress was not worth her time. Bolstered by Jian Ye's advice, Jin Ayin resolved to focus on her career and "exhaust herself," angrily hiding the tie clip. Meanwhile, in a dimly lit basement, a man watched a news clip of Xiang Qinyu's press conference, clenching his jaw in anger.
On the set of "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu," a scene was being filmed reenacting young Husheng (Mr. Di's past self) learning martial arts from Xiang Qinyu. Mr. Di watched, deeply touched by the recreation of those old times. He expressed gratitude to "Yu Ge" for his accomplishments, although Xiang Qinyu humbly credited Husheng's own dedication.
The scene continued with young Xiang Qinyu teaching Husheng sword techniques, guiding him to avoid solid objects and dodge with his body, and offering him double pay for a water scene the next day. Jin Ayin was busy writing her script on set when she noticed Teng Xi engaging in playful banter with Xiang Qinyu. Sensing Jin Ayin's despondency, Li Longda approached her. He confided in her about his acting struggles, admitting to buying roles but never securing a lead.
Jin Ayin offered encouragement, promising to write his supporting role as the "Senior Fellow Apprentice" so brilliantly that he would become a scene-stealer, perhaps even more captivating than the male lead. However, Jin Ayin found herself constantly distracted by the laughter emanating from Xiang Qinyu and Teng Xi nearby. Recognizing her distraction, Li Longda thoughtfully set up a comfortable workspace for Jin Ayin, complete with tea and fruit.
Unaware of his wealth, Jin Ayin expressed concern that she couldn't "afford to support" him, misinterpreting his gestures as a romantic overture and telling him not to try to please her. Amused, Li Longda playfully brushed off her concerns, insisting she eat the dragon fruit for hydration. From a distance, Xiang Qinyu observed Jin Ayin and Li Longda. Teng Xi, standing beside Xiang Qinyu, deliberately called Li Longda a "playboy" who "regularly dates girls but doesn't look for long-term relationships."
Xiang Qinyu mentally translated this to "an unseemly rascal" from his hometown. Provoked, he demanded Li Longda fetch him coffee. Li Longda offered to send Biao, his assistant, but Xiang Qinyu insisted Li Longda go personally. Jin Ayin, having had enough, stepped in, pulling Li Longda back and telling Xiang Qinyu to get his own coffee.
Xiang Qinyu then pulled Jin Ayin aside, scolding her for smiling at other men and warning her about "playboys" like Li Longda who "degrade you with material things" to make you "a soul-less woman." Jin Ayin retorted that it was none of his business, defending Li Longda for "daring to be himself." Li Longda tried to de-escalate, suggesting Xiang Qinyu "didn't mean that" and that Jin Ayin was merely "taking revenge" for him.
Enraged, Xiang Qinyu shoved Li Longda, prompting Jin Ayin to angrily splash coffee on Xiang Qinyu's face, declaring she had "put up with him for a long time" and was "fed up." Everyone on set watched in stunned silence. Li Longda quickly took Jin Ayin to his dressing room to change. Jin Ayin apologized for her outburst, feeling she had lost control and admitting Xiang Qinyu was a "liar full of lies."
To lift her spirits, Li Longda invited her to an ancient town market that weekend, highlighting its renowned "wish-granting event." Jin Ayin hesitated, stating she'd rather make money than spend leisure time, but Li Longda insisted on the magic of the place. He then left to check on the scene, instructing her to use a new white T-shirt from his hanger. While changing, Jin Ayin accidentally cut her hand. Suddenly, Ms. Fan entered the dressing room.
Upon seeing Jin Ayin undressing, Ms. Fan quickly apologized, thinking she had entered the wrong room. However, Jin Ayin, having previously seen Li Longda with Ms. Fan, mistakenly assumed Ms. Fan was Li Longda's "old lover" and rushed to pull her back inside before she could leave.
Episode 11 Recap
Li Longda's mother, Ms. Fan, arrived, mistakenly thinking Jin Ayin was Li Longda's girlfriend. When Li Longda returned, he expressed surprise at his mother's sudden appearance. Jin Ayin, realizing the extent of the misunderstanding, felt foolish, asking if they all thought she was stupid for believing she was Li Longda's girlfriend. Li Longda reassured her, explaining he had intended to clarify the situation later and found her reaction endearing.
Ms. Fan, meanwhile, humorously remarked that she didn't even know her "daughter-in-law's" name, to which Li Longda simply responded, "Mom." On the set, Chi Yu was still in a foul mood after the earlier incident. When a staff member presented him with clothes for a fitting, he rejected them as "inappropriate" for the 1930s setting of Xiang Qinyu's character. Teng Xi observed his agitation, pointing out that she could tell he was jealous.
Chi Yu vehemently denied it, questioning who he would be jealous of and stating it was "impossible" for him to like Jin Ayin, whom he disparagingly called a "dwarf." He claimed that many beautiful women had chased him in the past, yet he hadn't liked any of them. Teng Xi suggested he could simply consider it her misunderstanding. Chi Yu then told her to move to a different spot, complaining that the air was thick with the smell of vinegar.
Later, he secretly wondered if he was truly jealous. Jin Ayin, troubled by Chi Yu's actions, was drinking with Jian Ye at a roadside establishment. She complained that Chi Yu had been annoying all day, bullying Li Longda and flirting with Teng Xi, and imagined how he would criticize the place as dirty and messy.
Jian Ye reminded Jin Ayin that Chi Yu's actions had nothing to do with her and urged her to focus on her career, just as she had vowed to do the previous day, instead of dwelling on such matters. Meanwhile, downstairs, Chi Yu and Teng Xi were also drinking, both burdened by their own romantic woes.
Teng Xi revealed she had concocted a special drink, "Don't go home tonight," for her long-awaited "male god," who was due to return soon but didn't reciprocate her feelings. She asked Chi Yu to taste it for her, clarifying that "it's not you." Chi Yu pondered Teng Xi's "male god," initially wondering if it was himself, but then he examined a photo and confirmed it wasn't.
Teng Xi, oblivious to his thoughts, continued to express her unrequited love for her "male god," describing him as "wind-swept and free-spirited, daring to love and hate," perfect in every way except for not loving her. Chi Yu, still confused by women's hearts, silently contemplated his own unexpected feelings and lamented, "Master said it right: a woman's heart is a needle at the bottom of the sea; a man's heart is unfathomable."
Jian Ye, observing the scene, lamented how common it was for people to drown their sorrows in alcohol due to love. When it was time to pay, Jin Ayin, prompted by Jian Ye, went downstairs. Jian Ye had earlier advised Jin Ayin to be "proud" and not answer Chi Yu's calls if he was drunk. However, upon seeing Chi Yu and Teng Xi both heavily intoxicated, Jin Ayin's resolve wavered.
Teng Xi's assistant arrived to take Teng Xi home, leaving Chi Yu alone. Despite Jian Ye's departure, expressing disappointment in Jin Ayin for not having a "proud" attitude, Jin Ayin decided to stay with Chi Yu. She was surprised by the bill, which amounted to 987 RMB. A semi-conscious Chi Yu stirred, playfully asking Jin Ayin why she was leaving and if she was still angry. He then pulled her closer, touching her injured hand.
Chi Yu flirted with her, calling her a "fake fan" for not solely dedicating herself to him, and declaring that he would give her all his money if she would "do anything for him." As he leaned in to kiss her, he suddenly passed out. Jin Ayin then took the unconscious Chi Yu to Li Longda's home.
Li Longda, upon seeing the heavily intoxicated Chi Yu, questioned Jin Ayin about his condition and why he had chosen to come to his house. Jin Ayin vaguely explained that it wasn't convenient for Chi Yu to return to his own home, calling it "our secret." Li Longda then reminded Jin Ayin about their weekend movie date, mentioning he had already bought tickets.
Jin Ayin, still processing Chi Yu's drunken confessions, merely instructed Li Longda to take care of Chi Yu before leaving. The next morning, Chi Yu woke up at Li Longda's house, confused about how he had gotten there and sore all over. Li Longda informed him that Jin Ayin had brought him back, assuring him he hadn't been beaten. Chi Yu requested Li Longda take him to the set, explaining that Jin Ayin "had never let me go out alone."
Li Longda refused, offering him breakfast instead. After Chi Yu suspiciously tasted the food, Li Longda mentioned his plan to prepare the same breakfast for Jin Ayin, believing she would love it. Chi Yu, visibly agitated by the idea of Li Longda preparing breakfast for Jin Ayin, immediately declared the food "terrible" and "unsuitable," choosing instead to drink water, before abruptly leaving for the set without finishing his meal. Li Longda, frustrated, called him "ignorant."
At the film set, Jin Ayin was busy writing a script when the loud roar of a motorcycle interrupted filming. The director demanded to know who was causing the disturbance. Jin Ayin recognized the sound and rushed out, confronting her brother, Jin Chuan. She scolded him for not answering her calls, causing her to worry, and for being unemployed.
Jin Chuan explained he had been in the mountains taking photos of brown bears, which was why he had no signal, and he was currently busy with his photography exhibition. He was looking for a friend on set and hugged Jin Ayin to calm her down. Just then, Chi Yu arrived and, mistaking Jin Chuan's embrace of Jin Ayin for harassment, immediately kicked him. Jin Ayin quickly intervened, explaining that Jin Chuan was her brother.
Teng Xi also rushed over, scolding Chi Yu for his rash actions. It was then revealed that Jin Chuan was Teng Xi's long-admired "male god." Jin Chuan thanked Teng Xi for helping him secure a venue for his photography exhibition but politely declined her generous offer, stating that he couldn't accept such a valuable favor and that the venue was too extravagant for his work, and that he couldn't repay such a favor.
Teng Xi insisted, explaining that she was happy to do it and that he shouldn't feel burdened, but Jin Chuan remained firm in his refusal to accept something he couldn't repay. Jin Ayin, overhearing their conversation from outside, was surprised by the depth of their acquaintance. Chi Yu then interrupted her eavesdropping, accusing her of having taken over 1,000 RMB from him the previous night.
Jin Ayin retorted that she had paid the 987 RMB bill, given him 13 RMB in change, and used the remaining amount for her taxi ride home, reminding him he still owed her a substantial sum. Angry at his accusation, she declared she would never pick him up again. Meanwhile, Hao Ge and Ma Zehao, his reluctant helper, drove to the set.
Hao Ge, who seemingly had a score to settle with Chi Yu, wanted to ascertain if Chi Yu's amnesia was genuine, as he didn't believe it was real. Ma Zehao expressed his apprehension, admitting it was his first time doing such a thing and worrying about being caught. Hao Ge, dismissing him as a "coward," handed him a key and instructed him to place a bug, warning that his high-tech gadgets better work, otherwise he wouldn't get paid.
Ma Zehao, having learned from staff that Chi Yu genuinely seemed to have lost his memory and remembered nothing of his past, then covertly entered Chi Yu's dressing room. As he placed the bug under a table, Chi Yu unexpectedly walked in, causing Ma Zehao to quickly hide. Chi Yu, unknowingly, then realized his cup was missing.
Episode 12 Recap
As Ma Zehao hid in the changing room, Xiang Qinyu's belongings fell to the ground. As Xiang Qinyu bent down to pick up a cup, Tuotuo called out his name, "Yu." Xiang Qinyu suddenly became dazed, and his hand holding the cup appeared transparent. The cup slipped from his grasp and shattered on the floor. Ma Zehao witnessed this scene and could hardly believe his eyes.
Tuotuo asked if Xiang Qinyu was alright and apologized for startling him, but Xiang Qinyu replied that it was his own problem, indicating he had not yet recovered. Tuotuo then asked if Xiang Qinyu remembered him, introducing himself as Tuotuo and recalling that they had met on other teams. He mentioned that he had heard about Xiang Qinyu's recent accident and memory loss, which Xiang Qinyu confirmed.
Realizing this explained past misunderstandings, Tuotuo told Xiang Qinyu that they were ready for shooting. When Xiang Qinyu began tidying up, Tuotuo insisted on taking care of it, urging Xiang Qinyu to leave. After Xiang Qinyu departed, Ma Zehao emerged, terrified that his first attempt at surveillance had almost been discovered. He proceeded to set up a monitoring device, linking it to his phone and positioning the camera to face Xiang Qinyu's makeup room.
Later, Ma Zehao reported to Hao that Xiang Qinyu seemed to have indeed lost his memory and then promptly asked for the promised payment. Jin Ayin visited Jin Chuan's photography exhibition, expressing disappointment at the disarray, deeming it quite unreliable. While there, Li Longda helped her when a worker nearly dropped something. Jin Ayin was surprised to see him, suspecting he was following her. Li Longda denied it, claiming he was there to bring her breakfast.
When Jin Chuan arrived, Jin Ayin chided him for leaving without a word, to which Jin Chuan explained he was busy setting up the chaotic exhibition, hindered by a lack of funds and manpower. Jin Ayin remarked that poverty was a family trait. Li Longda, however, declared himself the "jinx" of this family ailment and, to everyone's surprise, brought a team of workers to help with the setup. He playfully called Jin Chuan "little brother-in-law."
Jin Chuan then joked that "second brother-in-law" (Li Longda) was far more capable than "first brother-in-law" (Xiang Qinyu), clarifying that the "first brother-in-law" was the one who had hit him previously. Jin Ayin quickly dismissed these titles, and Jin Chuan teased her about her rare luck in attracting two men, calling it unprecedented. With Li Longda's efficient assistance, the exhibition was swiftly arranged. Jin Ayin then expressed skepticism about the saleability of Jin Chuan's photographs.
He countered that her "poverty limited her imagination" and playfully called himself a "museum head," to which Jin Ayin retorted, "more like an idiot." Noticing a human portrait among his animal photographs, Jin Ayin inquired about its presence. Jin Chuan asked if she thought the subject resembled their father, then shared the poignant story behind it: the child's family had been wiped out by an earthquake, yet he could still sleep soundly because his father was still with him.
They reminisced about their father, who used to bring home candies every payday, always giving Jin Ayin the larger share. Jin Ayin pressed Jin Chuan about how long it had been since he called their mother. He reluctantly admitted it had been two months, prompting Jin Ayin to insist he call her immediately. Jin Chuan refused, citing awkwardness and stating that boys were different from girls, unable to use affectionate tactics like "acting cute or playing rascal" on the phone.
Jin Ayin reminded him that their father's final wish was for their mother's happiness, urging him to call. She also explained that without their mother, she couldn't leave their elderly grandmother alone. Growing impatient, Jin Ayin threatened Jin Chuan, insisting he call both their mother and grandmother the next evening. Jin Chuan, feeling exhausted, announced he was going home, wouldn't be back tomorrow, and planned to watch a football game that night.
Jin Ayin scoffed, calling him a "layabout," and reminded him to pay Li Longda's workers from the photo sales, emphasizing that it was not "family-sponsored." Later, Jin Ayin messaged Jian Ye, who was still upstairs, expressing her frustration that Jian Ye hadn't come down. In the meantime, Jin Ayin encountered Chen Mumu, who was sternly criticizing an assistant about a script, stressing that time was more precious than money. Chen Mumu invited Jin Ayin upstairs to discuss her script.
Once in the office, Chen Mumu candidly critiqued Jin Ayin's initial script, stating it wasn't as good as Jian Ye had described, with diffused comedic elements and unsatisfactory characters. Jin Ayin then presented her latest revision of "A Troublesome Old Idol," meticulously detailing her extensive modifications, story restructuring, and the inclusion of illustrative images and explanations to clarify any potential misunderstandings. Impressed, Chen Mumu acknowledged the script's compact rhythm, clear focus, and potential as a low-budget film.
More importantly, Chen Mumu recognized "sincerity" in Jin Ayin's work, valuing responsibility over talent. She offered Jin Ayin a full-time screenwriter contract with Jianghe Studios, requiring one project annually for three years, with "A Troublesome Old Idol" being the first. Chen Mumu warned of continuous revisions but expected Jin Ayin to respond actively, reminding her of the bold claims she had made at a previous party. Jin Ayin gratefully accepted, and Chen Mumu formally welcomed her to Jianghe Studios.
Jian Ye then joined them, asking what had transpired after hearing Jin Ayin had gone upstairs with Chen Mumu. Jin Ayin excitedly shared the news of becoming a full-time screenwriter. Jian Ye playfully cautioned Jin Ayin not to forget her once she became rich and pressed for details. Jin Ayin described her anxiety as Chen Mumu silently reviewed her script, and Jian Ye affirmed her belief. Jin Ayin felt her luck had turned.
When Jian Ye suggested celebrating, Jin Ayin declined, explaining she had promised Li Longda she would go to the market with him. Jian Ye teased Jin Ayin about having both male leads and supporting actors vying for her attention, which Jin Ayin quickly denied. Jin Ayin then informed Jian Ye about her brother Jin Chuan’s photography exhibition and asked her to bring friends for support. Jin Ayin mentioned her brother's nickname was Jin Abao.
Jian Ye found their names, Jin Ayin and Jin Abao, amusing, speculating that their parents hoped for "gold, silver, and treasure," which Jin Ayin clarified was indeed their parents' hope. Jian Ye promised to send friends to the exhibition. Xiang Qinyu saw Li Longda dressed in colorful attire and asked where he was going. Li Longda casually replied that he was going to "hang out with girls."
Curious, Xiang Qinyu used a voice search to learn the meaning of "hang out with girls," discovering it meant "making her one's girlfriend." He grew visibly agitated, thinking that anyone could "hang out with girls" but not Li Longda, especially not with Jin Ayin. He then rushed off to find Li Longda. When he arrived, Li Longda was already with Jin Ayin, waiting.
Jin Ayin asked why Li Longda was so early and why he had walked instead of letting her drive him. Li Longda explained he had run some errands and found the bus convenient. As Li Longda suggested they head to the market, Xiang Qinyu suddenly appeared, startling Jin Ayin. Xiang Qinyu claimed he needed Li Longda to rehearse an "important, action-packed scene"—the cruise prom dance scene—which he insisted was scheduled for tomorrow.
Li Longda, aware that the scene had been deleted, called Xiang Qinyu's bluff and challenged him to "make it public." Jin Ayin, sensing the tension, suggested that Li Longda and Xiang Qinyu handle their work, and she would meet Li Longda another day. However, Li Longda proposed that all three of them go to the market together. Xiang Qinyu clearly did not want to go.
At the bustling market, Xiang Qinyu complained about the boredom, but Li Longda pointed out Jin Ayin's enjoyment. When Jin Ayin admired some items, Li Longda offered to buy them all, only for Xiang Qinyu to interject, stating she could buy them herself. Li Longda accused Xiang Qinyu of ruining the atmosphere. Li Longda tried to lighten the mood, suggesting they explore other interesting things.
He then openly expressed his enduring affection for Jin Ayin, saying she was cute and he would always like her. When Jin Ayin considered a sugar painting, Xiang Qinyu warned her it looked unsanitary and could cause diarrhea. Li Longda promptly bought one for her. Xiang Qinyu suggested she choose Sun Wukong, but Jin Ayin opted for Pigsy, declaring her preference for his easygoing and lucky nature.
Li Longda agreed, also expressing his fondness for Pigsy for his non-competitive and popular character. Xiang Qinyu retorted that they were "childish." Later that evening, Chen Mumu was busy working until late. Remembering an important commitment, she quickly drove to a bar to watch a football game. She cheered loudly while holding the opposing team's jersey, drawing comments from others. She unintentionally made eye contact with Jin Chuan, and they exchanged a smile.
Back at the market, a little boy suddenly sprayed Jin Ayin with water. Li Longda immediately offered to retrieve a T-shirt from his car for her. However, Xiang Qinyu quickly took off his own shirt and draped it over Jin Ayin, advising her not to catch a cold. He then wiped her face, telling her that a mark on her face, his "blessing," could not be removed. Jin Ayin found it "dirty."
Xiang Qinyu then bumped into her, eliciting a sharp rebuke from Jin Ayin to watch his steps. Xiang Qinyu reminded her that they were there to make a wish using a special balloon and urged her to hurry.
The owner had explained that by writing a wish on a balloon, finding a specific golden-inked balloon with a feather on the bridge, tying them together, and placing them in a box, the first person to do so would have their wish granted.
Despite Jin Ayin wanting to wait for Li Longda, Xiang Qinyu insisted Li Longda would find them and pulled Jin Ayin by the hand, encouraging her to rush and find the golden ink balloon to be the first to successfully make a wish. Jin Ayin smiled happily.
Episode 13 Recap
Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan sat together at a football pub, sharing a smile as they watched the game and cheered for their team. Jin Chuan offered Chen Mumu a drink, but she declined, mentioning she had ridden a motorcycle. When Jin Chuan commented on her wearing high heels to a football game, Chen Mumu retorted, asking if his family had taught him not to judge a woman's attire.
She explained her high heels were useful for "teaching a lesson" to "rude kids" at any time, prompting Jin Chuan to quickly apologize. To make amends, he showed her a container of unicellular algae he had found in the Bioluminescent Ocean. He explained that these algae would glow when stimulated. Chen Mumu, intrigued, guessed he must be a tour guide.
As the second half of the game began, Chen Mumu felt a sense of familiarity with Jin Chuan, jokingly accusing him of using an old trick if he was trying to flirt. They discussed a turtle trapped in the pub, and Chen Mumu mused about how confining it must be for a creature meant for rivers and beaches. Jin Chuan replied that even a turtle had to make a living.
When Chen Mumu ordered two more beers, a man in a yellow jersey rudely snatched them, making a sarcastic remark about "Lady first," then deliberately bumped into her, spilling her drink. Unfazed, Chen Mumu quickly removed one of her high heels and hit him. Jin Chuan immediately grabbed her hand, urging her to run, and they sped off on his motorcycle as the men chased them.
Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu was carrying Jin Ayin on his back, searching for her wishing balloon. Jin Ayin was a bit short to see clearly, so he helped her. Jin Ayin jokingly threatened to blame him forever if he led her to the wrong balloon, preventing her from making a wish. Once they found it, Jin Ayin was overjoyed.
She tried to convince Xiang Qinyu to make a wish with her, offering to tie his wish to hers so they could both come true. However, Xiang Qinyu stated he never trusted anyone and didn't believe in such things. Jin Ayin then questioned why he had come along if he felt that way. As a "repayment" for finding the balloon, Xiang Qinyu asked her directly if she liked Li Longda, insisting on an honest answer.
Jin Ayin immediately denied it, explaining that she and Li Longda were "just brothers" and a romantic relationship was "impossible." Xiang Qinyu then covered his question by saying he merely wanted to see if his "fan had good taste," to which Jin Ayin retorted that she was "not a fan and even step on you." He reminded her to be careful not to sprain her ankle again, noting her recent hand injury.
Jin Ayin realized he remembered the night she got hurt. Just then, Li Longda arrived, asking why they hadn't waited for him. He offered Jin Ayin his jacket, but she already had Xiang Qinyu's. A disappointed Li Longda then confronted Xiang Qinyu, reminding him that he had previously said he would stay away from Jin Ayin.
Jin Ayin, holding her balloon, smiled, her wish echoing in her mind: "Whether you come nearer or go farther away, it won't change that you will always be in my heart. It's not up to you or me. It's like it's screening itself, and you're the only one left." Xiang Qinyu watched her, a tender expression on his face.
After their escape from the bar, Jin Chuan commented on Chen Mumu's fiery temper, to which she warned him that she could be even more spirited. When Jin Chuan reminded her that she didn't drink, Chen Mumu declared it would be "too dull" not to drink now. They shared a drink, then kissed, and their evening took an intimate turn.
Later, Jin Ayin frantically tried to call her brother, Jin Chuan, leaving him a voicemail asking where he was, having called him "800 times." Unbeknownst to her, Jin Chuan was in bed with Chen Mumu. Ma Zehao reported the two days of filming plans to Hao, who was fixated on eliminating Xiang Qinyu. Hao held up a prop, asking if it would "hurt" someone, then cryptically stated, "The show is coming."
He ordered Ma Zehao to read a script detail: an action scene involving "Japanese fighters" against Xiang Qinyu, originally set under a bridge, had been moved to the rooftop. The director had asked if "Chi Yu" (the character Xiang Qinyu was playing) would be okay without a wire, and "Chi Yu" (Xiang Qinyu) had assured him not to worry. Ma Zehao, realizing Hao's deadly intentions, became terrified, declaring he couldn't participate, as it would "kill him."
Hao, however, stated he would "do it himself" and threatened Ma Zehao when he tried to leave. Ma Zehao desperately pleaded, explaining his computer repair income wasn't enough to cover his father's hospital bills and that he was scared, having "never done such things" before. Later, Li Longda informed Xiang Qinyu that he would officially begin pursuing Jin Ayin, and therefore would be taking her to and from the set, leaving Xiang Qinyu to find his own transportation.
Xiang Qinyu, seeing Li Longda with a scooter given to him by Jin Ayin, tried to dissuade Li Longda, arguing that he knew Jin Ayin well and they were "not suitable," implying Li Longda was a "fool." Li Longda dismissed him, saying, "I like it. None of your business." Xiang Qinyu then boasted about knowing Jin Ayin's aesthetic preferences, reminding Li Longda that she was "his fan."
Li Longda interrupted, stating he didn't care about their past relationship; he was now officially pursuing Jin Ayin and wouldn't consider Xiang Qinyu's opinion. Li Longda then walked away with Jin Ayin, leaving Xiang Qinyu to watch their retreating figures, realizing he had to take action. On set, Hao managed to send away Little Li, the crew member responsible for the wire rigging, by fabricating an urgent message from "Tuotuo" and claiming he would personally check the equipment.
As filming for a major action scene began, Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin exchanged a brief smile. Hao, wearing a stunt uniform, secretly instructed his men to pull his wire when he was halfway up. The director was pleased with Xiang Qinyu's performance, commenting that "Chi Yu" (Xiang Qinyu's character) was "getting better." During the take, Hao, using a real iron rod instead of a prop, attacked Xiang Qinyu, forcing him onto a scaffolding bridge.
Xiang Qinyu, realizing Hao's true identity, demanded to know who he was. Hao snarled, "When you see the King of Hell, ask him yourself," then yelled, "Go to hell!" and pushed Xiang Qinyu. The director noticed something was wrong. Unexpectedly, Hao's own wire snapped, sending him plummeting. Xiang Qinyu instinctively grabbed for him but was dragged down as well. Jin Ayin watched in horror, repeatedly calling out Xiang Qinyu's name.
Following the incident, Xiang Qinyu, recovering, held a press conference as "Chi Yu," apologizing for the delays caused by his injury and assuring everyone of his full recovery. He shared a message for "the person waiting for me," saying, "You must be looking forward to seeing me again." Meanwhile, Hao, who was rejected from returning to the film crew after the incident, was approached by Ma Zehao.
Hao complained to Ma Zehao that the accident and his conflict with the "current leading actor" (Xiang Qinyu) had ruined his career, blaming "Chi Yu" for his misfortune and his growing debt to "lenders." He had been refused re-entry, with a crew member (Tuotuo) explaining that Hao wasn't "good enough" for the role and that real fighters were needed, citing Xiang Qinyu's high standards.
Ma Zehao, however, offered his services, highlighting his computer and internet technology skills, and explaining his father's urgent need for hospital money. Hao, seeing an opportunity, asked if he "dared" to help with a "small thing," and Ma Zehao enthusiastically agreed, promising to do "anything for you willingly."
It was then revealed that Hao's unexpected fall was due to Ma Zehao secretly tampering with his wire, and that Ma Zehao was actually the person responsible for the killing of the original Chi Yu, using Hao's desire for revenge against Xiang Qinyu to achieve his own ends.
After the fall, Ma Zehao, who had believed Xiang Qinyu would be dead, noticed Jin Ayin's distressed reaction and her fervent calls for Xiang Qinyu, leading him to suspect the depth of their relationship. Elsewhere, Jin Chuan woke up alone in bed, finding several hundred yuan on the nightstand.
He realized he hadn't saved Chen Mumu's phone number, finding it ridiculous that he had been "picked up by a girl" and now had no way to contact her for an explanation.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiang Qinyu fell from a great height and was immediately rushed to the operating room. Mr. Hu was constantly on the phone, managing call sheets and actor schedules. Chen Mumu arrived at the hospital, stating that the police had caught the murderer and Director Feng was handling the situation on set. She was informed that Chi Yu's parents had been notified and would arrive the following morning, and that they should be reassured the issue was not severe.
Chen Mumu then instructed Mr. Hu to return to the filming set while she went back to the company, as Wu Jianzhou had just returned from headquarters and was upset by the accident. She also asked Li Longda to contact her with any developments. Jin Ayin anxiously waited outside the operating room.
Li Longda suspected that the murderer who had killed Chi Yu in the past had returned, convinced that the incident was no mere accident and someone had deliberately tampered with the equipment. Jin Ayin sensed Li Longda was hiding crucial information. He then revealed that Xiang Qinyu had taken on the leading role again and made certain statements at the press conference specifically to lure the killer out to confront him once more.
When Jin Ayin pressed why Xiang Qinyu hadn't told her, Li Longda explained that he feared implicating her and putting her in danger. He recalled a conversation with Xiang Qinyu, who had stated that if the murderer discovered he was still alive, they would surely target him again.
Xiang Qinyu believed that staying close to Jin Ayin would only bring her harm, and knowing she would stand by him at all costs, he couldn't tell her the truth or involve her, even with minimal risk. The doctor emerged from surgery, stating they had done their best and advised the family to accept their loss. Distraught, Jin Ayin cried out Xiang Qinyu's name, believing him to be the patient who had died.
However, when the body was wheeled out, both Jin Ayin and Li Longda realized it was Hao. Jin Ayin, understanding that Xiang Qinyu had pushed her away for her protection, desperately searched for him throughout the hospital. Unable to find him, she sat down and wept. Moments later, Xiang Qinyu, leaning on a crutch, appeared. Jin Ayin immediately embraced him, overjoyed to find him alive. He teasingly asked if she would be that sad if he had truly left.
She jokingly reminded him that he still owed her money, calling him a "money maniac" and a "liar." Wu Jianzhou reported to Mr. Gao on the progress of "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" and then confronted Chen Mumu, asserting his authority over her. Chen Mumu retorted that her priority was to handle the public relations crisis and secure the news about Xiang Qinyu's injury, rather than engaging in office politics.
Jin Ayin told Xiang Qinyu that Li Longda had revealed the truth about the larger conspiracy involving Chi Yu's past murder, and asked him not to lie to her again, despite Xiang Qinyu’s attempts to dismiss Li Longda’s words. She warned that if he ever hid danger from her again, she would stop talking to him, to which Xiang Qinyu retorted that was exactly what he wanted.
He then explained that he felt the true murderer was still at large, and the incident with Hao, who seemed to want to kill him but also fell, indicated a deeper conspiracy. He feared for Jin Ayin’s safety if she remained by his side, urging her to pretend ignorance and maintain distance until he caught the culprit. Jin Ayin, however, declared she was not afraid and would not abandon him.
Jian Ye, upon learning of Xiang Qinyu’s severe injury, grew concerned about Jin Ayin and went to her home to be with her. Meanwhile, at the hospital, Ma Zehao sat by Tao Tao’s bedside, where she remained in a coma.
He saw a news report online stating that a serious accident occurred on the set of "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu," resulting in the male lead and a martial artist falling from a height due to wire breakage and both succumbing to their injuries.
Believing his plan had succeeded, Ma Zehao delightedly told Tao Tao that those who had bullied her were finally gone, assuring her that he could now take her home and that only he truly cared for her. He also expressed suspicion about Jin Ayin, wondering if she had been lying about her connection to Chi Yu.
A nurse approached Ma Zehao, advising him to take Tao Tao home due to the mounting hospital expenses, noting his substantial debts from loan sharks to cover Tao Tao’s medical treatment, and expressing concern for his well-being. Unable to reach Xiang Qinyu by phone, Jin Ayin went to the hospital with food for him. Xiang Qinyu tried to dissuade her, claiming Li Longda had already brought him food. Just then, Chi Yu’s parents arrived.
Jin Ayin almost called him Xiang Qinyu but quickly covered by saying it was a character name she used to call out. Li Longda quickly introduced Jin Ayin as Chi Yu's "very ordinary friend" and explained that Chi Yu had merely stayed at her home temporarily. However, Chi Yu’s mother, recognizing Jin Ayin from her son’s stories, expressed gratitude to her and Li Longda for caring for "Yu," remarking on his clumsiness.
Mistaking Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin for a couple, Chi Yu's parents encouraged their relationship and invited Jin Ayin to visit their home often. Chi Yu's father also apologized to "Yu" (Xiang Qinyu, whom they believed to be their son) for an earlier argument and urged him not to stay away from home.
He reminded "Yu" that he and his mother were getting old and worried when he was out of touch for long periods, asking him to call them regularly. He also gave Xiang Qinyu money, telling him to be generous when taking a girl out. Jin Ayin assured them that Xiang Qinyu would call often. After his parents left, Xiang Qinyu chided Jin Ayin for coming, but she defiantly said she would lose face if she didn't.
He then tried the rice balls she made, only to find they had no filling. Jin Ayin insisted he just wasn't biting correctly, but he confirmed they were indeed empty. Later, two police officers arrived at the hospital, asking to speak with "Chi Yu." Li Longda introduced himself as his guardian.
The officers explained they had received a report from the crew and confirmed that an iron rod had been inserted into the stunt equipment, and the film sets were deliberately damaged. They questioned "Chi Yu" (Xiang Qinyu) about his relationship with the deceased Hao, and whether there were any grudges beyond work. Jin Ayin mentioned that Hao was the scar-faced man who had bullied "Chi Yu" before.
The police detailed how Hao had bribed a colleague to replace the original actor in the scene and then distracted a crew member from checking the sets, leading to the accident. They concluded it was a premeditated personal injury case. Jin Ayin pressed if this meant Hao was the murderer for both incidents. The police stated they hadn't found evidence linking the current case to the previous attack on Chi Yu. "
Chi Yu" (Xiang Qinyu) denied Hao was the previous attacker, explaining that their behavior on set indicated they didn’t know each other and Hao himself seemed unaware of what was happening when he fell. He suggested that if it wasn't an accident, the true culprit was someone else, and Hao's death might have been a cover-up. The police thanked him for the information and asked him to contact them with any new leads.
After they left, Jin Ayin declared she couldn’t stand by any longer and needed to investigate herself. She pressed Li Longda for details about Chi Yu's previous drowning incident, but he refused to divulge anything, citing the danger. Jin Ayin, frustrated by their secrecy, resolved to find the killer on her own. Jin Chuan, still infatuated with Chen Mumu after their night together, found he couldn't contact her, realizing he hadn't saved her number.
He was shown watching a drama introduction. Meanwhile, Jin Ayin, despite Xiang Qinyu's continued attempts to keep her away, persisted in bringing him meals, even when the weather turned bad. She was seen questioning a crew member, Tuotuo, about any unfamiliar faces on the day of the accident, but Tuotuo claimed to have seen no one.
Later, while on a video call with Mr. Hu, Jin Ayin’s signal in Xiang Qinyu's hospital room kept cutting out, causing Mr. Hu to suspect she was slacking off there. Jian Ye then visited Jin Ayin, scolding her for secretly visiting Xiang Qinyu and reiterating the need to keep her distance from him, especially given the dangerous circumstances. Jian Ye also worried about Jin Ayin losing her job from all her searching.
Jin Ayin, undeterred, pondered how the murderer infiltrated the crew. She recalled the police saying Hao was a mole, which sparked a crucial realization: how did Hao know that the "Chi Yu" in the current role (Xiang Qinyu) wouldn't be using wires? She argued that even if Hao knew the original Chi Yu, he couldn't have known the current "Chi Yu's" (Xiang Qinyu's) specific actions.
This puzzled Jian Ye as well, highlighting a significant clue for Jin Ayin: the killer had foreknowledge of "Chi Yu's" wire usage, indicating an insider connection or deeper involvement. At the very end, Jin Ayin, unable to reach Xiang Qinyu again, worried he might have left without a word.
Episode 15 Recap
Sugano's words prompted Jin Ayin to ponder how the culprit could have known that Xiang Qinyu would not be using a wire, a detail that only Director Feng had personally confirmed with him just days before filming. She recalled a video call with poor signal in Xiang Qinyu’s makeup room, which gave her an idea. She rushed back to the set and discovered a hidden bug in a drawer.
Meanwhile, Ma Zehao was startled awake by a nightmare, only to receive a call from the police station. He flashed back to his childhood, where he, suffering from autism, was often bullied by other children. He vividly remembered a kind girl named Tao Tao who befriended him and treated him with warmth, sparking a special affection in his heart for her.
At the police station, Ma Zehao almost let his true emotions slip when he learned that Xiang Qinyu was unharmed. The police were conducting a routine inquiry because his phone number appeared in the deceased Hao’s call records. Ma Zehao cleverly misled the officers, claiming he met Hao two years prior while visiting a friend on a film set, and Hao had later called him to borrow money after losing his job.
He told the police he had fortunately not lent Hao any money. As he was about to leave, he spotted Jin Ayin pushing Xiang Qinyu in a wheelchair and quickly hid. Jin Ayin handed the discovered bug to the police, who also found a pinhole camera.
The police suspected that the current incident and Chi Yu's previous fall into the sea were the work of the same assailant, noting the killer’s proficiency with electronic devices and their likely continued surveillance of Xiang Qinyu. They urged him to exercise extreme caution. Concerned for Xiang Qinyu, Jin Ayin took him, on crutches, back to her home.
Xiang Qinyu deliberately sent Jin Ayin out for food, secretly returning to her apartment ahead of her to search for any hidden devices. He ended up leaving her home in disarray. Upon her return, Jin Ayin saw his worry for her safety and insisted he stay. When Xiang Qinyu, seeing that her place seemed safe, tried to return to Li Longda’s home, Jin Ayin blocked his path and tackled him onto the sofa.
Jin Ayin expressed her desire to face the danger together, and Xiang Qinyu promised to protect her. Living together, their old passion was rekindled. They often shared pizza and played games. Jin Ayin showered Xiang Qinyu with care, but he frequently spent recklessly on online shopping, ordering things like crabs with an eight-piece dining set.
To teach Jin Ayin about true romance and inspire her screenwriting, Xiang Qinyu attempted a classic magic trick from his era, making a flower appear, but Jin Ayin remained unimpressed. One day, while at a shopping mall, Xiang Qinyu hinted that he wanted milk tea before feigning disinterest. Opportunely, someone offered free milk tea in exchange for scanning a QR code.
Jin Ayin readily scanned it, unaware that this was Ma Zehao's trap to plant another listening device into her phone. A flashback revealed that Jin Ayin had also been a friend of Tao Tao’s in their childhood. During this time, Xiang Qinyu also received a video call from Chi Yu's mother, who was checking if he had enough money. He uncomfortably assured her he did and promised to take care of Chi Yu's father, who was not feeling well.
Later, Jin Ayin discovered that Xiang Qinyu had been hiding the fact that his leg had already healed, much to her annoyance. Soon after, Jin Ayin was overjoyed to receive the deposit for her new script, attributing her good fortune to a fortune teller's prophecy. Xiang Qinyu asked to read her new script, but she quickly prevented him. In their playful struggle, Chi Yu's watch was knocked to the floor.
Meanwhile, Chen Mumu's new project, "Old Idol," had its director contract rejected by Zhang Jianzhou. Chen Mumu confronted him, believing his decision was driven by personal spite. Zhang Jianzhou explained his action was due to the large advance taken for an unfinalized script. He reminded her of the ongoing complications with "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu," emphasizing that her project was already a high-risk venture.
Chen Mumu countered that she had already informed the general manager about Xiang Qinyu's recovery and prepared a PR strategy, asserting her independence and justifying the deposit as a necessary step to secure the director.
Unmoved, Zhang Jianzhou insisted the project could not proceed and, when Chen Mumu threatened to escalate, he ordered HR to put her on immediate annual leave, sternly warning her against being too impulsive, reminding her that "the gun always shoots the bird that comes out on top." Jin Chuan's photography exhibition opened, with both Li Longda and Xiang Qinyu present to help. They immediately began bickering, each trying to assert their importance to Jin Ayin.
Jin Ayin eventually intervened, instructing them both to greet guests at the entrance. Chen Mumu arrived at the exhibition with a ticket. Jin Chuan recognized her and called her "Little turtle," but she pretended not to know him and said he had the wrong person. Later, as she was leaving, she almost fell, but Jin Chuan caught her.
Episode 16 Recap
During an exhibition, Chen Mumu accidentally sprained her ankle and, in the process, knocked over an expensive vase. Jin Chuan rushed to help her, catching her before she fell completely, though her high heel broke. When a staff member came to inquire about the broken vase, Chen Mumu offered to compensate, only to discover that Jin Chuan was the exhibition's person in charge.
Jin Chuan then playfully brought up their past, specifically a bar incident where Chen Mumu’s shoe caused a severe injury to someone, leading to his friends being imprisoned and incurring significant medical expenses. He jokingly presented a total bill of 860,000 RMB and insisted on adding her WeChat to send the receipts.
Chen Mumu accepted, but when Jin Chuan began to flirt, she gently rejected him, noting their age difference—he was twenty-three, still celebrating birthdays, while she felt too old and unsuitable for him. Later, Li Longda arrived at the exhibition, enthusiastically praising Jin Chuan's artwork to Jin Ayin, even calling Jin Chuan his future brother-in-law. Teng Xi also showed up, looking for Jin Chuan. She saw him seeing Chen Mumu off, which stirred a feeling of discomfort and jealousy in her.
To support Jin Chuan's career, Li Longda bought five photos, and Xiang Qinyu, not to be outdone, purchased two with his limited funds, sparking a lighthearted rivalry between them. Jin Chuan expressed his gratitude by inviting everyone to a celebratory camping dinner. Jin Chuan selected a forest for the dinner and set up all the camping equipment. He had everyone draw cards to assign tasks.
Jin Ayin and Li Longda were grouped to pitch a tent, while Xiang Qinyu, having drawn the "King," was tasked with pitching a tent alone. Xiang Qinyu complained about his leg injury, but Jin Chuan was firm. While Jin Ayin and Li Longda were alone, Li Longda attempted to ask Jin Ayin if she liked Xiang Qinyu, but Jin Ayin quickly changed the subject, asking him to help her assemble a chair instead.
Meanwhile, Jin Chuan privately thanked Teng Xi for her contributions to the exhibition. He sensed her feelings for him and gently tried to express that he wasn't suitable for her. Hurt, Teng Xi refused to listen and dramatically pulled Li Longda away to get drinks from her car. Li Longda was reluctant, but Teng Xi insisted. Later, Li Longda found a tearful Teng Xi.
He tried to console her, expressing worry that Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu might end up together, leaving him as a "supporting role." Teng Xi, however, reminded him that they had both always been supporting characters in their respective romantic pursuits, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Li Longda. Concerned that Xiang Qinyu was struggling with the tent, Jin Ayin went over to help.
Inside the tent, she accidentally slipped and fell, landing directly on top of Xiang Qinyu, pinning him beneath her. Xiang Qinyu's heart raced as he looked at her smiling face. He quickly got up, awkwardly thanking her.
The two began chatting, and Jin Ayin shared her and Jin Chuan's upbringing, explaining how Jin Chuan had matured significantly after their father's death and was now secretly contributing money to her savings so they could realize their shared dream of buying an apartment for their grandma. She then jokingly demanded a specific amount, 188,888 RMB, from Xiang Qinyu as repayment for the money he had taken from her bank card, including interest.
Xiang Qinyu, catching on, asked if she was in love with him. Jin Ayin didn't deny her feelings, acknowledging that she knew he had used her card to protect her from danger. She insisted that they face whatever challenges came their way together, stating that two people are always stronger than one. She then gave him a handmade bracelet, which he admired, admitting he liked it.
Unbeknownst to them, Li Longda watched their interaction from a distance, feeling a profound sense of heartbreak, realizing his affections for Jin Ayin were unrequited. Back home, a dejected Li Longda confided in his mother, Ms. Fan, that he believed Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu were genuinely in love, and he had been deceiving himself. He poured out his heart, describing Jin Ayin as a unique and inspiring presence who made him want to be a better person.
Ms. Fan encouraged him not to give up, advising him to adopt her strategy for winning his father's affection: persistent "pestering" rather than playing hard to get. The next day, Li Longda, emboldened by his mother's advice, bought flowers and went to Jin Ayin's apartment. However, Xiang Qinyu answered the door.
Xiang Qinyu took the flowers, then explicitly told Li Longda that it was inconvenient for him to be there as he and Jin Ayin had "important matters" to attend to, before shutting the door in his face. Li Longda dejectedly turned to leave. As he descended the stairs, he was bumped by Ma Zehao, who was carrying luggage and heading into the building. Li Longda didn't pay attention to the man and continued on his way.
Ma Zehao arrived at Jin Ayin's apartment, explaining he had just returned from Beijing and wanted to thank her for lending him money. While Xiang Qinyu was giving Jin Ayin a massage for her back, Ma Zehao noticed a monitoring watch on the table, realizing its battery was dead, and asked Xiang Qinyu to charge it. Xiang Qinyu regarded Ma Zehao with immediate suspicion, feeling he looked familiar.
Jin Ayin then took Xiang Qinyu outside to explain that Ma Zehao was a childhood friend named Ma Zehao, who was shy due to his father's tragic death, urging Xiang Qinyu to be more welcoming. Upon their return, Ma Zehao and Jin Ayin began discussing their mutual friend, Taotao, who was hospitalized.
Xiang Qinyu again mentioned his strong feeling that he had met Ma Zehao before, but Ma Zehao adamantly denied it, claiming he had been in Beijing for the past month. Xiang Qinyu then left the two to chat. Ma Zehao seized the opportunity, went into the bathroom, and intentionally damaged the faucet. As water began to spray, Jin Ayin frantically asked Xiang Qinyu to hold the leak while she rushed to get help. Left alone, Ma Zehao removed the non-functional monitoring watch from the table and swiftly left. Later, he was seen smashing the watch, as if in a fit of satisfaction.
Episode 17 Recap
After tidying up the toilet faucet, Jin Ayin noticed her phone was constantly freezing, having just received a message from Ma Zehao saying he had to return to work. Xiang Qinyu was frantically searching for the watch Chi Yu's mother had given him, unaware that Ma Zehao had stolen it. Jin Ayin quickly located a watch, but it was Chi Yu's own, not the one from his mother, and it was scratched and wouldn't power on even after being charged.
She questioned what he had done to it, but he retorted that it wasn't his fault, implying she didn't know how to use it and kept tampering with it. Despite their bickering, Jin Ayin decided they would take it to be fixed if charging didn't work. Xiang Qinyu then showed Jin Ayin a photo, asking if it was the Taotao she had mentioned.
Recognizing her, Jin Ayin was surprised to see Taotao with Chi Yu and inquired about their relationship, which Xiang Qinyu couldn't explain. He then confided in Jin Ayin that there was a girl in his past who looked exactly like Taotao. While introducing his photography work to a customer, Jin Chuan heard about a broken vase incident from a previous guest, which he offered to resolve.
Later, he arrived at Chen Mumu's apartment, disguised as a delivery driver, bringing her takeout and the shoe heel she had lost during their last encounter. Chen Mumu, dressed in pajamas, was initially startled and defensive, but Jin Chuan complimented her appearance. She was annoyed by him returning the heel, thinking he was mocking her, but he playfully suggested keeping it as a souvenir. He also offered her turtle food and advice, then noticed her "common-taste" spicy chicken ribs.
Chen Mumu repeatedly asked him to leave, but Jin Chuan insisted on staying for dinner, making himself at home and eating her food. Chen Mumu finally called for a serious talk to avoid further misunderstandings. She admitted her impulsiveness that night but firmly stated that his "childish tricks" were not for her.
While Jin Chuan tried to downplay their age gap, Chen Mumu clarified her stance: she was accustomed to living alone and didn't want any men, especially "little boys," in her life. She plainly told him they were not suitable. Undeterred, Jin Chuan confessed his genuine feelings and asked if they could at least be friends or meet again. Chen Mumu proposed a bet: if it rained that week, they could meet; otherwise, he was to never contact her again.
Jin Chuan accepted, believing that even a slim chance was better than none. Jin Ayin was astounded to learn about a girl in Xiang Qinyu's past who looked exactly like Taotao, pondering if his journey to their era was somehow connected to Taotao. However, Xiang Qinyu admitted he never knew the girl's name, having dismissed her importance back then.
Jin Ayin then described Taotao's lifelong struggle with Phenylketonuria, a rare genetic disease that caused her hands to tremble, affected her memory, and resulted in a peculiar body odor. Taotao, an abandoned infant, was adopted by Grandma Tao. Despite countless hospital visits, her condition was incurable, leading Jin Ayin to believe this was why her biological parents deserted her. The townspeople, unfortunately, ostracized Taotao, speculating about inbreeding.
Jin Ayin, Taotao's childhood neighbor, formed a close bond with her, and later, Ma Zehao joined their trio, often invited to Grandma Tao's house after his father passed away. They effectively grew up together. Their paths diverged when Jin Ayin left for college, while Taotao, due to her health, stayed to retake her senior year courses. Ma Zehao, despite his academic prowess, was dissatisfied with his university placement.
Jin Ayin, after moving to Shanghai, inspired Taotao to study diligently and eventually join her in the city. Taotao persevered, retaking courses for three years before graduating and moving. Ma Zehao followed, primarily to accompany Taotao. Though they were all in Shanghai, their relationship gradually became less intimate than in childhood, as busy work schedules and distance led to fewer meet-ups and less frequent communication on WeChat.
Jin Ayin only learned of Taotao's accident a month after it happened, coinciding with the sudden appearance of Taotao's biological parents. Ma Zehao informed her via a phone call that Taotao had forgotten to turn off the gas stove, leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. Though medical staff managed to save her life, she remained in a coma. Devastated by the news, Grandma Tao soon passed away from grief.
Ma Zehao further explained that Taotao's biological parents forbade her from contacting her old friends, so he and Jin Ayin could only visit her secretly when her parents weren't present. Xiang Qinyu, drawing parallels to Chi Yu's supposed accidental drowning (which he knew was murder) and his own brush with death, began to suspect that Taotao's gas poisoning might not have been an accident either.
He theorized it could be connected to Chi Yu's murder and even the incident of a girl from his past jumping off a building. He felt a strong, unsettling connection between all these seemingly disparate events. Jin Ayin, however, tried to reassure him, reminding him not to dwell on such dark thoughts and to not worry. Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu visited a mall to get the watch fixed.
The repairman informed them it would be a complicated and expensive repair, costing at least a thousand or two thousand yuan. Jin Ayin questioned his honesty, but Xiang Qinyu insisted on fixing it, emphasizing its symbolic value as a gift he believed was from Chi Yu's parents. Jin Ayin then playfully told him he should be responsible for breaking his "toy" and earn the money himself.
At that moment, Xiang Qinyu received a call from a producer informing him that Director Feng had added a temporary scene, requiring his immediate presence. Xiang Qinyu left, declaring he would go earn money to buy whatever he wanted. Left alone, Jin Ayin asked the repairman to charge her dead phone. The repairman quickly diagnosed a virus, noting her phone's sluggishness, freezing, and black screen.
He offered to disinfect it for 50 yuan, cautioning her about potential privacy breaches like unsolicited recordings. Jin Ayin, finding the price exorbitant, declined, stating she had "high-tech friends" who could help. She then went to a nearby supermarket, where she was surprised to find Ma Zehao working a second job. Concerned, she offered him money, but he vaguely explained it was for a distant relative.
Jin Ayin told him about her phone's virus, and Ma Zehao confirmed the diagnosis, then downloaded a "software" onto her phone to remove it. Jin Ayin, after her phone was handled by Ma Zehao, suggested they visit Taotao together that day. However, Ma Zehao lied, claiming he had just called the hospital and Taotao's mother had unexpectedly arrived, necessitating the cancellation of their visit. Disappointed, Jin Ayin left.
On her way back, she was intercepted by Ms. Fan, who immediately addressed her as "my precious daughter-in-law." Ms. Fan proudly declared that everything Jin Ayin could see belonged to their family, a "treasure" she and her husband had built for Jin Ayin and Li Longda. When Jin Ayin attempted to excuse herself for work, Ms. Fan, asserting her influence, arranged for Jin Ayin to have a half-day off by making a call to her producer.
Ms. Fan then took Jin Ayin on a shopping spree, buying everything she fancied, stating that her hobby was spending money. She even acquired an array of baby clothes and items, excitedly preparing for "Longda's future baby" and expressing her eagerness for grandchildren. Jin Ayin tried to clarify that she and Li Longda were merely ordinary friends, but Ms. Fan brushed off her protests. Ms. Fan took several selfies with Jin Ayin and promptly uploaded them to her social media.
Meanwhile, Li Longda, upon seeing his mother's posts, called her, expressing embarrassment and asking how he was supposed to explain the situation to Jin Ayin, given she posted the photos without permission. Ms. Fan, however, dismissed his concerns, calling him foolish and saying she was merely helping him with "love after marriage," just as she had "won over his father." She then ordered him to prepare for his confession of love in two days.
Xiang Qinyu, seeing the photos, became visibly jealous. Jin Ayin arrived home laden with numerous shopping bags. Xiang Qinyu, clearly jealous, greeted her with sarcastic remarks about her "marrying into a rich family" and becoming "arrogant." Jin Ayin clarified that she had simply run into Li Longda's mother while going to visit Ma Zehao. She then showed Xiang Qinyu a photo Taotao had posted, featuring both Ma Zehao and Chi Yu.
Jin Ayin considered it a mere misunderstanding or coincidence, arguing that Ma Zehao would have shown some recognition of Xiang Qinyu earlier if he truly knew Chi Yu. Xiang Qinyu disagreed, recalling his earlier warnings about Ma Zehao's evasiveness and "erratic eyes." Jin Ayin staunchly defended Ma Zehao, insisting she had known him since childhood and he was incapable of lying. Xiang Qinyu retorted with a sarcastic jab, "Why did you watch everyone grow up?"
When Jin Ayin asked him not to touch her shopping bags as she planned to return them, Xiang Qinyu continued to provoke her, praising Li Longda's qualities, his mother's fondness for her, and his family's wealth. Playing along, Jin Ayin declared, "You're right. How about I don't return it and take it as a betrothal gift?" Xiang Qinyu reacted sharply, asking, "How dare you?" She defiantly challenged him, saying, "Why not? I won't return it.
Let's see what you can do to me." He then grabbed her, calling her "unruly," and in the ensuing playful struggle, she lost her balance, causing him to fall on top of her.
Episode 18 Recap
After the photo exhibition concluded, Jin Ayin sought out her brother, Jin Abao, who was still fixated on a photograph titled "Sea and Mountain," contemplating its deep meaning due to his lingering feelings for Chen Mumu. Jin Abao thanked Jin Ayin for her efforts in helping wild animals. Noticing her hesitant demeanor, he playfully pressed her to choose between her two "guardians" for a future brother-in-law.
Annoyed, Jin Ayin brushed him off, but then, appearing conflicted, she asked him a hypothetical question: what would it mean if someone suddenly tried to kiss her. Jin Abao, recognizing her underlying worry, encouraged her to be direct in love. He checked the date, informing her that the following day marked the 48th anniversary of Benett Comet reaching its perihelion, declaring it the perfect moment to ask the person out for dinner.
If the person agreed, it meant mutual interest, and she should seize the opportunity to confess her feelings without hesitation. Using a football analogy, Jin Abao stressed that delaying would lead to a missed chance. Jin Ayin, surprised by his passionate advice, suspected he might be in love, perhaps with Teng Xi, but Jin Abao denied it and quickly changed the subject, noting the distant thunder.
He then playfully evaded taking her home, leaving Jin Ayin to ponder the comet's significance to herself. Shortly after, Jin Ayin unexpectedly encountered Xiang Qinyu on the street. Recalling Jin Abao's advice, she hesitantly proposed they celebrate Benett Comet's 48th perihelion anniversary, highlighting its rare thousand-year meeting with the sun. Xiang Qinyu, however, dismissed it as "flashy." He philosophically remarked that every star has its own trajectory, and meetings are merely fleeting moments before they return to their paths.
He added that once his current investigation was complete, he, too, would return to his own place. As Jin Ayin tried to ask him something else, a passerby accidentally bumped into Xiang Qinyu, causing him to stumble and fall, inadvertently kissing Jin Ayin. In the awkward aftermath, Xiang Qinyu joked that they were "even now," alluding to an earlier incident when Jin Ayin had kissed him.
Jin Ayin, seizing the moment, renewed her invitation for dinner to celebrate the comet's meeting, suggesting they have steak. Xiang Qinyu agreed but noted his filming schedule would only allow him to meet in the evening. With rain starting to fall, he urged her to head back quickly. Meanwhile, Chen Mumu was working late at the office when a colleague informed her that her new project applications had all been approved with a top "Class A" rating, praising her foresight.
The mention of rain brought back a memory of a recent bet she had made with Jin Abao: if it rained this week, they could meet; if not, he was to stop contacting her. Chen Mumu quietly mused that if she could truly predict everything, perhaps the rain wouldn't have come, before dismissing her colleague. As Chen Mumu left work, she found herself caught in the downpour, without an umbrella. Just then, Jin Abao appeared, holding an umbrella over her.
He declared he had won their bet, though he claimed he hadn't truly predicted the rain, believing "even God" might have wanted to help him. He also handed her a pair of sneakers for easier walking. He then led her to a foot massage parlor, a "secret" destination. Chen Mumu, understanding his persistent intentions, reiterated her rejection. Unfazed, Jin Abao declared he would always be available to her, like her "chain store," a sentiment that made Chen Mumu smile.
He advised her to wear high heels less often and promised to frequently bring her for foot massages to help her relax. Later, Jin Ayin meticulously prepared for her dinner date, dressing up and admiring herself. Xiang Qinyu arrived, complimented her, and mentioned he was off to a shoot but would see her that evening, to which Jin Ayin reminded him of their plan for steak by the garden.
Separately, Li Longda was preparing a romantic setting, presumably for a confession on "5. 20" (May 20th). He called Jin Ayin to invite her to dinner, eager to tell her something important. Jin Ayin, however, politely declined, citing an important engagement that evening. When she hurried off, Li Longda called Jin Abao to find out about Jin Ayin, only to learn she had a date.
Concerned, Li Longda rushed to find Jin Ayin, who was promoting a film at a cinema dressed in a mascot costume, while Jin Abao, also in a mascot, helped her by attracting customers for photos. Li Longda immediately offered his help, as Jin Abao enthusiastically encouraged his "brother-in-law" to assist, even suggesting Li Longda treat him to a movie. On a film set, Teng Xi, disheveled and hungover, was lamenting a recent breakup with Jin Abao.
Xiang Qinyu chided her for being so consumed by heartbreak. Teng Xi fired back, criticizing Xiang Qinyu for his inability to express his feelings for Jin Ayin, accusing him of avoiding responsibility. Xiang Qinyu defended his character, asserting his faithfulness and loyalty. He then declared his intention to take Jin Ayin to dinner that night, aiming to prove his sincerity, but Teng Xi just called him an "experienced scumbag" and a "sugarcane man" whose initial sweetness fades.
Meanwhile, Jin Ayin found herself torn between her affection for Xiang Qinyu and her reluctance to hurt Li Longda's feelings. Back at the cinema, Jin Ayin confided in Jian Ye, praising Li Longda's qualities (wealthy, handsome, and virtuous) and asking how to soften a rejection. Jian Ye, amused by her dilemma, suggested that since Jin Ayin couldn't bear to let go of either Xiang Qinyu or Li Longda, accepting both would be a "responsible" display of "caring for the world."
Jian Ye then handed Jin Ayin movie tickets, advising her to watch films for insights into her predicament. Just as Jian Ye gave Jin Ayin the tickets, Jin Abao, who had earlier suggested Li Longda treat him to a movie, spotted Chen Mumu and Jian Ye arriving at the cinema for a rehearsal. Jin Abao quickly excused himself from Li Longda, took Jin Ayin's movie ticket, and entered the cinema himself.
Chen Mumu and Jian Ye were reviewing a film trailer when Wu Jianzhou, Chen Mumu's ex-boyfriend, arrived with his new girlfriend, Shu, a recently graduated actress. While Wu Jianzhou stepped away to take a call, Shu approached Chen Mumu, initially feigning politeness but quickly resorting to veiled insults, hinting at Chen Mumu's age and implying she was clinging to her ex. Chen Mumu calmly retorted that she and Wu Jianzhou were barely even friends outside of work.
She subtly implied that Wu Jianzhou was "trash" that the heroine of their film had "dumped," and that only those who enjoy "picking up trash" would want him. Shu, undeterred, questioned Chen Mumu's current relationship status, implying she regretted the breakup with Wu Jianzhou. Chen Mumu retaliated by asserting that her "blank paper" personality was perfect for Wu Jianzhou, as he relished "taming" and being "relied on by the weak."
She advised Shu to remain an "trumpet creeper" and "never grow up," warning that if she evolved, she'd simply be replaced by a "better pet." Upon Wu Jianzhou's return, Shu tearfully accused Chen Mumu of bullying her. Wu Jianzhou, taking his girlfriend's side, admonished Chen Mumu not to "bully a little girl." Chen Mumu, however, called him a "naive little boy" and brushed off his attempts to assert authority through professional matters.
She warned him against taking "big steps" with high-risk projects, suggesting he might "lose." Wu Jianzhou then launched a personal attack, labeling Chen Mumu "stubborn, independent," and "incompetent in love," criticizing her "aggressive" nature and reminding her of her age, stating that "men don't like aggressive women," especially women "in their 30s."
Chen Mumu, losing her patience, fiercely declared that her emotional state was none of his concern and accused him of "emotional control" for always wanting others to be "victims." She concluded by stating that if "someone like me dumps you for the first time, someone like me will dump you twice." As Wu Jianzhou attempted to continue his tirade, Jin Abao suddenly appeared, asking, "Who are you?" before taking Chen Mumu's hand and telling her, "Let's go." In a defiant act, Chen Mumu then turned and passionately kissed Jin Abao in front of everyone, leaving the onlookers stunned.
Episode 19 Recap
After kissing Jin Chuan publicly, Chen Mumu was stunned by her own actions and quickly retreated to the restroom to fix her makeup. Her sister, Jin Ayin, confronted Jin Chuan, stressing the importance of Chen Mumu not discovering their sibling relationship. Jin Ayin, who had just managed to sign a contract with Jianghe Film and Television, feared that Chen Mumu, known for strictly separating personal and professional matters, would fire her if the truth came out.
Jin Ayin warned Jin Chuan to stay away from Chen Mumu, emphasizing the difficulty she faced to secure her contract and her concern about his casual attitude potentially leading to a breakup and further complications for her career. Meanwhile, a colleague remarked on Chen Mumu still being as good as ever, kissing such a young man, to which Chen Mumu admitted he was indeed clingy, a quality she found enjoyable.
Jin Ayin later reiterated her warning to Jin Chuan, threatening severe consequences if Chen Mumu ever found out they were siblings. Li Longda, observing Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan, mused on Jin Chuan's romantic success. Jin Ayin thanked Li Longda, stating she had an appointment and needed to leave. Li Longda offered her a ride, worried about her being alone.
He mentioned her supposed appointment with Chi Yu and expressed concern for him, stating that even if she wanted to push him away, she should wait until his memory recovered. Jin Ayin kindly declined his offer for a coat, though. Xiang Qinyu finished work early that day and, remembering a dress Jin Ayin liked, decided to buy it for her. He then went to a flower shop, where he chose a cactus for Jin Ayin, noting its unique character.
The shop owner, upon hearing they had known each other for twenty years, remarked that they must be childhood sweethearts. Unbeknownst to Xiang Qinyu, Ma Zehao, who was also at the flower shop, observed him from a distance. Jin Ayin waited for Xiang Qinyu at a restaurant. Li Longda, still with her, confessed that he had thought for a long time and had something important to say.
However, Jin Ayin, sensing his intentions, gently asked him not to speak further, reiterating her appreciation for their friendship and emphasizing that she saw him as a trusted friend whom she would turn to for help. She stated she was glad to be his friend, someone she relied on when in trouble, and willing to protect if he faced difficulties. Just as Li Longda was about to insist on expressing his feelings, Xiang Qinyu arrived.
Li Longda, heartbroken, watched Jin Ayin happily rush towards Xiang Qinyu, then left, discarding the gifts he had prepared. Xiang Qinyu joined Jin Ayin, apologizing for being late and appearing dirty, explaining it was due to filming. Jin Ayin playfully complained about missing out on steak, but forgave him, offering chicken cutlets as an alternative.
She then questioned if he was jealous because Li Longda had given her a ride, but Xiang Qinyu claimed he had already eaten and was feeling unwell. Later that night, Jin Chuan dropped Chen Mumu home and was about to leave when Chen Mumu asked if he had anything to say. He assured her that she was not incompetent in love and, in his heart, was cuter than any other woman.
Chen Mumu then playfully mentioned that her little turtle was missing and invited him upstairs to help her search, an invitation Jin Chuan happily accepted, leading to their relationship deepening. Still hungry, Jin Ayin saw Xiang Qinyu standing alone on the balcony. She tried calling Jin Chuan to ask for relationship advice, but he didn't answer. Inspired by a TV show about love, she decided to seize the moment, as only ten minutes remained in the day.
She began a heartfelt confession, asking Xiang Qinyu not to turn around. She described him as cold, selfish, and self-righteous, admitting she used to want to strangle him. However, she revealed how she had changed, now anticipating his presence each day, cherishing his goodnight responses, and sharing happy moments with him.
Jin Ayin acknowledged his intention to return to his original time after resolving matters and accepted that day might come, but expressed her deep wish for him to stay, for her sake, and to prevent her from reverting to her lonely past self. As she finished, Xiang Qinyu slowly turned and removed his headphones, leading Jin Ayin to realize he hadn't heard a word.
However, Xiang Qinyu's internal monologue revealed he had heard every word and felt sorry about the situation. In a flashback, Xiang Qinyu recalled confronting a masked Ma Zehao in an alley, whom he suspected of being the murderer of Chi Yu. He tried to unmask him, but Ma Zehao resisted with a dagger. Despite Ma Zehao's inferior fighting skills, Xiang Qinyu's hand mysteriously turned invisible during their struggle, allowing Ma Zehao to escape when a patrol person approached.
Xiang Qinyu discovered Ma Zehao's wallet, which contained a receipt with the time 19:04, recognizing it as the exact moment he arrived in this era. He later contacted Mr. Di, confirming his hand's invisibility and his growing conviction that he was nearing his return to 1936, a possibility he believed was becoming imminent as he got closer to uncovering the truth. Meanwhile, Ma Zehao, injured from his encounter with Xiang Qinyu, was baffled by "Chi Yu's" changed combat skills.
He then hacked into Jin Ayin's phone and found Xiang Qinyu's profile, expressing his disbelief. The next morning, Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan formalized their relationship by signing a "three rules" agreement, a document drafted by Chen Mumu outlining their expectations for each other. The rules prohibited deceit, prevented Jin Chuan from using his age as an excuse for temperamental behavior, and ensured their individual autonomy without emotional manipulation. Jin Chuan readily signed both copies, promising to abide by them.
Later, as Jin Chuan dropped Chen Mumu off at her company, their public kiss drew surprised attention from colleagues. Chen Mumu, however, playfully complained about Jin Chuan forcing her to ride his motorcycle and requested a helmet for future rides. Over breakfast, Jin Ayin observed Xiang Qinyu's quiet demeanor, believing he hadn't heard her confession. While watching a TV show about the stages of love, from unrequited love to the pursuit of love and confession, she pondered her situation.
Xiang Qinyu handed her some writings about his past, hoping they would assist her with the movie script. He explained that while he once pursued filmmaking for personal reasons, he now wished to complete the project with her. He then announced he was meeting Mr. Di and another individual who might help him find a way back to his own time.
Following a hunch that Baby's Breath flowers were often given to patients, Xiang Qinyu visited a hospital, where he spotted Ma Zehao. Ma Zehao, feigning a business appointment nearby, denied recognizing a wallet Xiang Qinyu showed him, which he said he found. When an elderly woman's tricycle overturned, both men rushed to help. Xiang Qinyu subtly bumped Ma Zehao's injured arm, observing Ma Zehao's effort to conceal his pain by using both arms.
Ma Zehao then congratulated Xiang Qinyu on his lead role in "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" and wished him a Golden Movie Award, even expressing interest in visiting the film set. Later, while revising a script for Director Feng, Jin Ayin discovered Xiang Qinyu's headphones were broken, confirming her suspicion that he had deliberately faked not hearing her confession.
Episode 20 Recap
Jin Ayin's newly revised script received praise from Director Feng, who instructed her to use it for their upcoming transfer to Suzhou. However, Jin Ayin remained dispirited and distracted, barely hearing the director's instructions. Noticing her downcast expression, Li Longda initially tried to convince himself not to meddle in her affairs, but ultimately couldn't ignore her distress. He approached her, asking why she seemed to ignore Director Feng.
Jin Ayin's eyes welled up with tears, and she murmured that Xiang Qinyu "had already known it," referring to her confession. She then tried to rationalize his lack of response by suggesting that she might have accidentally broken his earphones. Li Longda, seeing Jin Ayin's distress, pulled her towards Xiang Qinyu, urging her to clarify things. Xiang Qinyu, who had been speaking with some staff, asked them to leave.
Ayin hesitantly presented Xiang Qinyu with his earphones, apologizing for breaking them. He then revealed that they had been broken the day before, confirming he had heard her confession. Ayin, asking why he remained silent, was met with his firm response: "That's my answer." He then apologized if he had caused any misunderstanding, reiterated that he was destined to leave, and that he had always viewed her as a friend.
Unable to bear Jin Ayin's pain, Li Longda punched Xiang Qinyu. Xiang Qinyu warned him not to interfere, but Li Longda insisted it now concerned him, intending to teach Xiang Qinyu a lesson. Jin Ayin, however, asked Li Longda to stop fighting and ran off in tears. Li Longda quickly followed, concerned for her safety.
He found her, gently asking if she was hurt, and then confessed his own similar struggle, understanding her yearning for someone whose heart might not hold them, and how the person he liked had left just yesterday. He admitted he had tried to suppress his feelings but failed, and told her he would wait for her as long as there was hope, regardless of who was in her heart.
Jin Ayin, however, tearfully responded that it does matter, as only Xiang Qinyu occupies her heart, even if he doesn't reciprocate her feelings. She apologized to Li Longda and walked away. Li Longda, once again heartbroken, watched her retreating figure, mockingly reflecting on his own self-deceptive hopes. Returning to her room alone, Jin Ayin was consumed by sadness. As she recalled cherished memories with Xiang Qinyu, she discovered that he had moved out.
Xiang Qinyu, packing his belongings, informed someone that he would be living upstairs from that day forward and advised them to rest early. Jin Chuan introduced Chen Mumu to his friends as his girlfriend. His friends playfully teased him about finding a beautiful girlfriend, and Chen Mumu expressed surprise at the large gathering.
Jin Chuan showed his affection, not only preparing food himself after Mumu expressed surprise he could cook, but also demonstrating his care for his appearance; when asked about his good skin, he simply attributed it to being young. He shared a playful anecdote about a tree branch serving as a mascot for his shop, claiming it saved him and a friend from wolves on a mountain, though a friend quickly debunked the wolf part.
Later, during a discussion about love, Chen Mumu shared her view that "seven parts of love is just right," explaining that this amount offers less restraint and more individuality, allowing for more freedom without becoming a mutual burden, a sentiment Jin Chuan readily agreed with. One of his friends inquired about his plans for a photography trip to Tibet. Jin Chuan responded that the timing was still uncertain, hinting that his new relationship was a factor in his hesitation.
Director Feng spoke with Hu, emphasizing that conflicts between actors within the crew cast a negative light and hindered production. He demanded that Li Longda publicly apologize to Xiang Qinyu in Suzhou. Xiang Qinyu, however, interjected, stating that an apology was unnecessary as he had instigated the conflict, and promised such an incident would not recur.
Later, as the crew transferred to the new filming location, Jin Ayin's car, part of the convoy, stopped alongside Xiang Qinyu's at a traffic light. Xiang Qinyu saw Jin Ayin's car and, after they exchanged glances, he deliberately drew his car curtain, leaving Jin Ayin feeling uneasy. Xiang Qinyu resolved to investigate Ma Zehao.
He received a call confirming that the two assistants he had requested from Elder Di were in position, ready to carry out his instructions to monitor Ma Zehao. Xiang Qinyu's suspicions stemmed from recalling Ma Zehao's past statements about starring in a lead role and winning an award. He then remembered old photos from an acquaintance named Taotao, featuring both Ma Zehao (referred to as Aze) and Chi Yu, and Ma Zehao's previous request to visit a film set.
This led Xiang Qinyu to conclude that Ma Zehao had been lying. Meanwhile, Li Longda, attempting to cheer up Jin Ayin, brought her food, insisting she eat even if she was feeling down. He then openly expressed his unwavering affection for her.
He acknowledged that he knew she would likely reject him and that she preferred him not to complicate her feelings, but he insisted on pursuing his own desires and liking her, clarifying that his feelings had "nothing to do with you" in terms of burdening her. He reassured her that he was serious about his feelings. He then gently told her to rest early for work the next day. Ma Zehao located Chi Yu's parents' address.
After intercepting a broadband repair cancellation call, he impersonated a repairman to gain entry into their home. While there, he subtly gathered information, noticing talismans for Chi Yu and asking for the router's location. Meanwhile, Chen Mumu prepared for a business trip to a new filming location.
Her assistant informed her that the budget for "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" had been halved by a Mr. Wu, prompting Mumu to instruct her to report any further interference while she was away. Jin Chuan surprised Chen Mumu by driving her there, teasing her as his "stray cat" and playfully calling her "husband." Upon arrival, they unexpectedly encountered Jin Ayin. Li Longda greeted Jin Chuan as "little brother-in-law," which immediately piqued Chen Mumu's curiosity about their connection.
Jin Ayin quickly clarified that she and Jin Chuan were "colleagues," then "ex-colleagues," explaining she had previously written articles for "Bao," Jin Chuan's nickname. She strictly forbade Jin Chuan from revealing their true relationship, fearing that Chen Mumu, known for her strict adherence to professionalism, would disapprove. Their furtive conversations did not go unnoticed, fueling Chen Mumu's suspicions.
She later confronted Jin Chuan, questioning who he had been speaking with and openly speculating if Jin Ayin was an ex-girlfriend, noting Ayin knew his nickname. Despite Jin Chuan's assurances that they were "only brothers," Chen Mumu expressed distrust, remarking that young people often have "messy relationships." Jin Chuan teased her about being jealous, but Chen Mumu, serious, reminded him it was her workplace and that bringing him to set was already inappropriate.
She then asked him to take photos while she went to the bathroom. Gossip about Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan spread quickly throughout the crew. While in the bathroom, Chen Mumu overheard two staff members disparaging her relationship with Jin Chuan, making harsh remarks about her age, accusing her of using work for personal gain, and suggesting she booked only one room to advance her career.
Unable to tolerate the malicious gossip, Teng Xi emerged from a stall and sternly rebuked the two women, reminding them of past mistakes, such as mismatched accessories (earrings and belts), and threatening to have their entire team replaced by Producer Hu if the rumors continued. Afterward, Chen Mumu thanked Teng Xi, but Teng Xi clarified that her intervention wasn't for Chen Mumu personally; she simply didn't want Jin Chuan to be embarrassed, as he was her friend.
She then asked Chen Mumu to openly define her relationship with Jin Chuan, admitting that she "only cared about him." Chen Mumu confirmed they were indeed a couple. Teng Xi then warned her not to pursue Jin Chuan if she wasn't serious, stating that he was different and they were not a suitable match. She explained that she had met Jin Chuan during a backpacking trip when her car broke down, and he, a professional backpacker, helped her.
He shared his dream with her then: to travel the world, capture meaningful photos, and eventually share these experiences with his loved one when he grew old. From that moment, Teng Xi had fallen for him and felt no one else could compare. She concluded by telling Chen Mumu that she shouldn't make a fool of Jin Chuan, implicitly asking her not to impede his journey or make him an object of ridicule.
Episode 21 Recap
The new script's filming location is deep in the mountains of Jiangsu province. Jin Ayin was busy revising the script and wanted no one to disturb her, exclaiming that she couldn't finish it. Xiang Qinyu arrived, and when Jin Ayin asked why he was there, he claimed Director Feng sent him to check on her and rehearse scenes for the next day.
He also presented her with snacks, again stating they were from Director Feng, suggesting she eat them if she got hungry while working. As they went through the script, Jin Ayin spoke about a previous scene, recalling her "arbitrary actions" and then directly confronted Xiang Qinyu, asking why he gave the answer he did earlier. He reiterated his previous stance, stating, "From beginning to end, we're just friends," and apologized.
Jin Ayin pressed him, asking if he had anything else to say. Xiang Qinyu replied no and told her to keep working, but then he asked her, "How have you been these days?" Meanwhile, Ma Zehao successfully repaired the broadband at Chi Yu's parents' house. As he was about to leave, Chi Yu's mother, grateful for his help and expressing her loneliness, invited him to stay for tea.
Feigning sympathy, Ma Zehao asked about a picture of Chi Yu on the wall, commenting that he seemed to be his age and didn't come home often. Chi Yu's mother shared that her son had lost his memory after an incident. Ma Zehao probed further, asking if they had taken him to the hospital for a check-up. She revealed that Chi Yu was stubborn and refused medical attention.
She then disclosed a significant detail: when Chi Yu was little, he accidentally scalded his ankle with hot water, leaving a scar as big as an egg. Ma Zehao's interest was piqued by this revelation, and he mused to himself about the "scar left when he was little" as he departed.
A person monitoring Ma Zehao reported to Xiang Qinyu that Ma Zehao was in debt, worked several jobs, including broadband repair, and had not visited the hospital Xiang Qinyu had previously mentioned. Elsewhere, the production crew discussed a heavy rain and potential mudslide warning for the next day, which would likely delay filming. Li Longda realized Jin Ayin was missing and frantically asked staff members if they had seen her.
Director Feng confirmed she hadn't gotten on the shuttle back to the hotel. Waking up, Jin Ayin found the script unfinished and the crew gone, realizing she had been left behind. She walked out into the pouring rain. Back at the hotel, Li Longda confronted Xiang Qinyu, furious that he hadn't informed Jin Ayin about the crew leaving, accusing him of not caring about her and threatening him if anything happened to her.
Director Feng intervened, trying to calm Li Longda and explaining that the crew had accidentally forgotten Jin Ayin in their rush. He emphasized that people had already been sent to search for her. Li Longda, however, continued to yell at Xiang Qinyu, calling him cold-blooded. Desperate to find Jin Ayin himself, Li Longda demanded a car key. Xiang Qinyu offered him a four-wheel-drive car and told him to be careful, adding that he knew Jin Ayin's location.
Director Feng quickly called the search team to inform them that Li Longda and Chi Yu (referring to Xiang Qinyu) were also heading up the mountain and to ensure everyone's safety. Xiang Qinyu and Li Longda arrived at the mountain lodge to find Jin Ayin gone. Li Longda again accused Xiang Qinyu, questioning why he had changed so drastically from the Chi Yu he once knew and why he constantly hurt Jin Ayin.
Xiang Qinyu vaguely stated he had his reasons and that he would eventually leave Jin Ayin. Enraged, Li Longda declared Xiang Qinyu unworthy of Jin Ayin's love and drove off in search of her, leaving Xiang Qinyu behind. As the heavy rain intensified, Li Longda found Jin Ayin. He was relieved to see her safe and urged her to leave the mountain with him. Jin Ayin, however, asked if Xiang Qinyu was also there.
When Li Longda tried to convince her that Xiang Qinyu would find his own way down, Jin Ayin insisted that he wouldn't leave without finding her, proclaiming her trust in him. Li Longda pleaded with her, saying he didn't care if she didn't like him, as long as she was safe. Jin Ayin apologized to him but pushed him away, determined to find Xiang Qinyu, and disappeared into the storm.
Jin Ayin continued calling out Xiang Qinyu's name until she spotted him struggling with a stalled agricultural tricycle. She smiled faintly at his flustered appearance. Xiang Qinyu turned, saw her, and rushed to embrace her. Jin Ayin suggested they reconcile, and as they made their way back, they both slipped down a slope and fell off a cliff. Regaining consciousness, Jin Ayin found herself and Xiang Qinyu precariously perched on a tree branch over a sheer drop.
Terrified, she cried out for help and expressed her fear of dying, lamenting that she hadn't achieved her dreams or seen her grandmother for the last time. Believing it was too late for her, she urged Xiang Qinyu to save himself. She then confessed her true feelings, telling him that she loved him deeply, regardless of whether he loved her back. Xiang Qinyu told her not to talk nonsense, then unexpectedly confessed, "Who said I don't like you?"
He then took her computer, instructed her to step on him and climb up, promising they would reconcile if she made it to safety. Jin Ayin worried about him, but he insisted she focus on climbing. As she pulled herself to safety, the tree branch beneath Xiang Qinyu snapped, and he fell. Jin Ayin cried out his name in anguish, convinced he was gone.
To her overwhelming relief, Xiang Qinyu, with his signature confidence, scaled his way back up the cliff, declaring their bond as "friends of life and death." Jin Ayin playfully rejected the term, then reminded him of his promise to make up. Xiang Qinyu feigned amnesia about their conversation on the cliff, playfully bickering about who saved whom, then pretended he couldn't hear her as he walked away.
Upon their safe return to the hotel, Director Feng expressed immense relief and playfully chastised them, saying he almost called the police. Jin Chuan rushed to hug Jin Ayin, worried sick and telling her that their grandmother would "skin him alive" if anything happened to her. As Jin Chuan embraced Jin Ayin, Chen Mumu saw them, her expression suggesting a misunderstanding. Later, a staff member delivered a letter to Jin Chuan, which was from Chen Mumu.
The letter, accompanied by a train ticket, informed him that she would be busy for a few days and wished him to return to Shanghai alone, asking him not to look for her. Jin Ayin, remembering her harsh words to Li Longda on the mountain, went to his room to apologize for her attitude, but he did not answer. Meanwhile, Li Longda, heavily intoxicated, had dismissed his designated driver and was staggering through a supermarket, looking for more alcohol.
He encountered Ma Zehao, who was completing his last shift at the supermarket before leaving to "confirm some things." Recognizing Li Longda, Ma Zehao engaged him in conversation. Li Longda, in his drunken state, lamented that everything had changed and that the current Xiang Qinyu was not like the Chi Yu he once knew, revealing his conviction that "Chi Yu changed." Ma Zehao listened intently, probing for more information.
With filming delayed due to the heavy rain, Jin Ayin sought leave to visit her grandmother. Producer Hu granted her request, sympathizing with her desire to see her family after the traumatic experience, and advised her to travel safely, mentioning that Chen Mumu had already flown out that morning.
Episode 22 Recap
Chen Mumu returned to the office, where Jian Ye informed her that Mr. Wu had significantly cut the budget for "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu." Jian Ye explained that the transfer of the project to Suzhou was originally intended to save costs by utilizing existing sets. However, the subsequent budget increase surpassed the drama's initial estimations, leading Mr. Wu to deny further approvals.
Jian Ye added that Mr. Wu had already secured headquarters' approval for the budget cut, so appealing to them would be fruitless. Chen Mumu then requested the complete budget table for the show. Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu was traveling with Jin Ayin, observing her effortlessly arrange a temporary car via her phone, marveling at modern convenience. Jin Ayin playfully accused him of using her trip home as an excuse to enjoy himself.
As they drove past a vibrant flower field, Jin Ayin asked Xiang Qinyu to take her picture. She meticulously instructed him on how to frame her to make her legs look exceptionally long, emphasizing the need to focus on her head. Despite his efforts, Jin Ayin was frustrated to find the photos blurry and her poses not captured correctly. Xiang Qinyu retorted by playfully suggesting her appearance was the problem, which led Jin Ayin to chase him in mock anger.
Later, Ma Zehao called Jin Ayin, who told him she was on her way to visit her grandma with Chi Yu, referring to Xiang Qinyu. Ma Zehao suggested they meet for dinner in Shanghai once she returned, asking her to bring Chi Yu along. Jin Ayin agreed. To save money, Jin Ayin decided to return their rental car at the next service station to avoid additional charges for crossing city limits.
They then hitchhiked on a farmer's tricycle, which Xiang Qinyu found unhygienic. Jin Ayin also bought 20 yuan worth of bath chap, explaining it was for "Uncle," their family dog, a gesture she considered more important than bringing gifts for her grandma. Upon arrival at her grandma's house, Jin Ayin affectionately greeted "Uncle," commenting on his weight gain.
Xiang Qinyu was confused by her calling a dog "Uncle," to which Jin Ayin clarified that the dog was her grandma's son, hence her father's brother. She then tried to get Xiang Qinyu to feed the dog, but he hesitated, finding its paws dirty. Grandma joyfully welcomed Jin Ayin, then turned her attention to Xiang Qinyu, remarking that he looked familiar, as if she had seen him in movies.
Inside, Grandma immediately assumed Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin were dating, pressing them about marriage and their plans for children. Jin Ayin quickly corrected her, stating they were just friends and that Xiang Qinyu had "high standards" and wouldn't be interested in her. Still skeptical, Grandma then asked "Yu" (Xiang Qinyu) to catch a rooster named "Xiaoyu" from the yard, declaring it useless if it didn't crow and that they would stew it to welcome him.
Xiang Qinyu reluctantly complied, struggling with the task. After showering, he still worried about smelling like chicken, but Jin Ayin assured him he smelled only of "after-bath fragrance." During dinner, Xiang Qinyu seemed hesitant to eat the fried scorpion, so Jin Ayin offered him chicken instead. Jin Ayin's mother then arrived, expressing delight at her daughter's beauty, attributing it to love. Grandma, however, re-emphasized that Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu were merely friends.
Jin Ayin's mother encouraged her to pursue love if she felt it, emphasizing that happiness and mutual affection were paramount, not a partner's wealth or occupation. She also tried to show off a pure gold bracelet, implying her new husband, Uncle Wang, was doing well. Both Jin Ayin's mother and Grandma continued to find Xiang Qinyu strikingly familiar, eventually realizing he resembled Jin Ayin's childhood movie star idol, whom Jin Ayin had once wished to marry.
Jin Ayin tried to deflect the conversation, urging her mother to return home to her family. Grandma found a photo, confirming the uncanny resemblance. She then recounted newspaper reports about the movie star's alleged "picky, fickle, indecent private life, and bad lifestyle," concluding he had a "short life" and a "bad face." Deeply unsettled by these disparaging remarks about his past self, Xiang Qinyu excused himself, claiming he was full and needed fresh air.
Jin Ayin scolded Grandma for her insensitive comments. Xiang Qinyu wandered into the woods, repeating Grandma's harsh words to himself and questioning his identity. His flashlight died, plunging him into darkness and triggering a panic, causing him to call out for his mother. Jin Ayin found him, hugging him and reassuring him that everything was alright, despite his initial denial of fear. She led him to a quiet spot where they could see the stars.
Xiang Qinyu then asked about her mother's remarriage, assuming a separation from her family, but Jin Ayin explained her mother lived nearby and she was grateful to her stepfather, Uncle Wang, for taking care of her mother and grandma. She clarified that while he couldn't replace her biological father, he had fulfilled his duties as a husband admirably, allowing her to work in the city without worry.
Jin Ayin then asked why Xiang Qinyu was so afraid of the dark, sensing a deeper, "heartfelt fear" beyond his claim of night blindness. He confessed his childhood trauma, recounting how his mother often left him alone for other men. Once, she forgot him for two days, leaving him locked in darkness, cold, hungry, and terrified by unseen sounds. This experience instilled in him a profound fear of darkness, requiring him to always see light when his eyes were open.
He expressed his resentment towards his "irresponsible" mother, who merely cried but didn't stop him when he ran away from home, continuing her associations with other men. Jin Ayin, drawing from her own "25 years of life and countless failures," advised him to look forward and not get caught up in past emotions, regardless of unresolved issues with parents.
Xiang Qinyu playfully noted he was 84 years older than her, to which Jin Ayin retorted he had "died at 27" and was "here now" because he met her. Jin Ayin then apologized for her grandma's rude comments, explaining that her grandma's anger likely stemmed from Xiang Qinyu's dislike of "Uncle," who was her grandma's only companion. Xiang Qinyu acknowledged that her grandma's true feelings went deeper than just the dog.
Jin Ayin then took Xiang Qinyu to her childhood "secret base," a hiding spot for toys her father had created to protect them from her mother's threats to throw them away if Jin Ayin failed subjects. After her father's death, she also hid "The Legend of Huangpu" there. She showed him an old projector, believing it to be broken, but Xiang Qinyu skillfully repaired it, jokingly telling her not to worship him.
He wondered how she had watched the unfinished film. The projector sprang to life, displaying a scene from "The Legend of Huangpu" with a voiceover: "I don't compete with others for anything, but if something belongs to me, I'll never give in." Xiang Qinyu then asked if Jin Ayin would hope for his return if he left one day. She teasingly said she'd be glad he left and hoped a lightning strike would bring him back.
He then asked if she wanted to "confess her love again." Moved by her actions, Xiang Qinyu sincerely thanked Jin Ayin for everything. He declared his intention to try his hardest to stay for her, just as he once fought to return to his own time. He said that spending every moment with her was the most important thing to him, his true "reason for staying." As they passionately kissed, he noticed her eyes were still open.
The next morning, after Jin Ayin went to the kitchen, Xiang Qinyu tried to feed "Uncle" the bath chap, but the dog was reluctant. He then sought out Grandma and confessed that he and Jin Ayin were more than just friends; he loved her.
He asked for her permission to care for Jin Ayin, promising to do his utmost to make her happy, cherish her as the most important person, and remain by her side, even if he couldn't guarantee the future. Grandma, visibly pleased, accepted his heartfelt declaration. As they prepared to leave, Grandma reassured them that rice and flour would be provided for her so she wouldn't have to shop.
Jin Ayin, noticing Grandma's change in attitude, asked Xiang Qinyu what he had said, but he kept it a secret. He then playfully teased her about being able to carry "30 kilograms of rice and 30 kilograms of flour," which he told Grandma she could do, before scooping her into his arms. Jin Ayin, still slightly in disbelief, asked if he was truly her boyfriend now, feeling her happiness was "unreal."
He kissed her again, asking if she believed it now, and told her she could exercise her "girlfriend's rights" to ask for a kiss. She countered that he was the one exercising his "boyfriend's rights," to which he readily admitted he was "taking a big advantage." As they passed Taotao's house, Xiang Qinyu asked if it was nearby, expressing a desire to look for clues, as he felt an "inexplicable connection" between Taotao and his arrival in this world.
They found the house abandoned, noting it had been empty since Tao Grandma's passing. Inside Taotao's room, Jin Ayin showed him a picture of Taotao, then a small, handmade fur object, explaining it was "Bai," Taotao's pet kitten, made from its shed fur. She recounted how Bai was very clingy but disappeared after Taotao and her grandma "passed away," speculating that Taotao's parents might have taken the cat. Xiang Qinyu then discovered a photograph of Taotao with another person.
He immediately recognized it was taken on the same day as a photo he had found in Chi Yu's home. Jin Ayin confirmed the matching outfits and date. Recalling an inscription that spoke of "the most important person in my life," Xiang Qinyu realized he had initially thought it referred to Ma Zehao, but now understood that if it referred to Chi Yu, it meant Taotao and Chi Yu had once been in a relationship.
Episode 23 Recap
Jin Ayin discovered a photo of Tao Tao and Chi Yu on Tao Tao's social media, realizing that Tao Tao had never mentioned having dated Chi Yu. Xiang Qinyu speculated that Tao Tao's distress might have been related to a troubled romance, possibly even a suicide for love. Jin Ayin couldn't comprehend why Ma Zehao had lied to her, insisting that Tao Tao's incident was merely an accident.
They decided to immediately return to Shanghai and visit Tao Tao at the hospital to assess the situation. Upon their arrival at the hospital, Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu witnessed Ma Zehao desperately trying to prevent nurses and doctors from moving Tao Tao to a different bed. He was unable to pay the overdue medical fees. Jin Ayin intervened, calming him down.
She then realized that Ma Zehao had been the sole caregiver for Tao Tao all along, unlike her parents, who contributed nothing. Ma Zehao revealed that Tao Tao's grandmother had passed away in that very hospital, heartbroken after Tao Tao's parents, despite her pleas for help, only left a small sum of money and departed. Jin Ayin pressed Ma Zehao about why he concealed the truth about Tao Tao’s suicide.
He confessed it was indeed a suicide, explaining that Tao Tao had always dreaded being gossiped about and wouldn't want to become the subject of public discussion if she were to regain consciousness. He questioned what Jin Ayin could truly do as a friend. Jin Ayin then asked Ma Zehao about the nature of Tao Tao’s relationship with Chi Yu. Ma Zehao suggested she ask Chi Yu directly, knowing that Chi Yu suffered from amnesia and couldn't recall anything.
Moments later, Ma Zehao deliberately knocked over a hot water bottle, splashing Xiang Qinyu’s foot. He then offered to wipe it, covertly trying to check for a scar. He found nothing on Xiang Qinyu's ankle. As Ma Zehao moved to get more hot water, Jin Ayin reached out to help, accidentally pulling his arm and revealing a fresh knife wound.
Xiang Qinyu immediately recognized the wound and became convinced that Ma Zehao was the person who attacked him on Valentine's Day. Back home, Jin Chuan, Jin Ayin’s brother, saw Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu holding hands, confirming their new relationship. Troubled by his own issues with Chen Mumu, Jin Chuan asked Jin Ayin to call her, as Chen Mumu had been avoiding his calls.
Jin Ayin apologized to Chen Mumu over the phone for keeping her relationship with Jin Chuan a secret, assuring her that the problems between Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan were not her fault. Chen Mumu, who could hear Jin Chuan nearby, asked Jin Ayin to revise her script, suggesting that the male lead should return to the past and should not pause his journey for anyone. Jin Ayin didn't realize that this message was intended for Jin Chuan.
Jin Chuan took the phone and learned that Chen Mumu had visited the Izakaya and overheard him saying he had given up his dream of going to Tibet for her. Jin Chuan confided in Xiang Qinyu, worrying that Chen Mumu would try to stop him if he told her the full truth. Xiang Qinyu advised him that true intentions matter more than actions.
Xiang Qinyu himself was conflicted, wondering if he should reveal a secret that would deeply upset Jin Ayin, even if it wouldn't change anything. Jin Chuan advised him against it. Jin Chuan, though he initially believed Li Longda was better for Jin Ayin, now felt that Xiang Qinyu was the one who could truly make his sister happy and entrusted Jin Ayin’s happiness to him.
Xiang Qinyu embraced Jin Ayin, kissing her and pledging that he would never let her suffer any harm. Jin Chuan went to Chen Mumu’s home but found she wasn't there and left a note on her door. Meanwhile, Chen Mumu's new budget proposal for the movie was rejected by Wu Jianzhou, her superior. She was summoned to the company. Wu Jianzhou, however, was not interested in discussing work; he insinuated that Chen Mumu was embezzling project funds.
He suggested that her efforts to cut costs actually highlighted deficiencies in her initial work and tried to coerce her into returning to him by offering to cover the budget shortfall himself, urging her to beg him, her "ex-boyfriend."
Disgusted, Chen Mumu splashed a glass of red wine on his face, accusing him of being excessively inappropriate and a disgrace to the industry, stating she had finally seen his true colors and that he would eventually be abandoned by the industry. After returning home, Chen Mumu saw Jin Chuan's note but ignored it. Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu enjoyed a romantic outing. Jin Ayin, wanting him to sing, playfully threatened to get angry if he refused.
Xiang Qinyu admitted he was tone-deaf and had stopped singing after childhood, trying to mollify her. As they embraced, Xiang Qinyu’s hand once again began to turn transparent, and Jin Ayin noticed. She became distraught, weeping and pleading with him not to leave. Xiang Qinyu confessed that this phenomenon had first occurred when Jin Ayin confessed her feelings to him in the flower garden, which was why he had seemed to reject her then.
He apologized for causing her pain and vowed to fight to stay with her. Xiang Qinyu expressed that regardless of whether he succeeded in remaining in her time or had to return to his own, he wanted Jin Ayin to continue being her joyful self and pursue her dream of becoming rich.
He told her that meeting her had given his life profound meaning, and he loved her, reiterating his love multiple times as they shared a kiss on the balcony. Later, as Jin Ayin slept, Xiang Qinyu resolved to find evidence to expose Ma Zehao before his inevitable departure, ensuring Ma Zehao could not harm anyone else. He also called his mother, warning her to be cautious of strangers visiting their home.
Episode 24 Recap
Concerned about Xiang Qinyu's eventual return to his own time, Jin Ayin sought help from Jian Ye, who suggested finding someone with connections to solve her problem. This quest led Jin Ayin to a temple, where she asked a Master if there was a way to make her friend, who was from 1936 and whose body was increasingly prone to disappearing, stay. The Master suggested "borrowing someone else's life."
Feeling this advice was unreliable, Jin Ayin then attended a "success studies" class, hoping to find a more practical solution. When encouraged to share her "confusion," she spoke about time travel, parallel universes, and black hole theory. However, the class was abruptly raided by the police, and the leader was arrested. Jin Ayin narrowly avoided being mistaken for one of the criminals, quickly explaining her non-involvement.
Realizing these methods were all fraudulent, she resolved to rely on herself, turning to books and scientific inquiry for answers. Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu directly confronted Ma Zehao, urging him to confess to his crimes. Ma Zehao, surprisingly calm, revealed his awareness that Xiang Qinyu was not the real Chi Yu, expressing confusion about why Xiang Qinyu was pretending to be him to investigate.
Xiang Qinyu countered that his accidental assumption of Chi Yu's identity was precisely how Ma Zehao's murder would be exposed, stating firmly that Ma Zehao must pay the price for taking a life. Ma Zehao retaliated by showing Xiang Qinyu a video on his laptop, revealing Jin Ayin under surveillance. He warned that this was merely a "small warning," and if Xiang Qinyu continued to press him, Jin Ayin would become collateral.
Distraught, Xiang Qinyu immediately tried to call Jin Ayin, but her phone was unreachable. Ma Zehao then proposed a deal: if Xiang Qinyu refrained from exposing his murder, Jin Ayin and Chi Yu's parents would remain safe. Ma Zehao's sole condition was to take the comatose Tao Tao, who could no longer wake up, back to "where she belongs," stating that if he could protect Tao Tao, Xiang Qinyu could ensure Jin Ayin's safety.
Although Xiang Qinyu harbored suspicions, he had no other choice. He agreed to the terms, warning Ma Zehao to keep his promise and not harm anyone, threatening severe consequences if even a single hair on Jin Ayin or Chi Yu's parents was harmed. Back home, Jin Ayin showed Xiang Qinyu a cake she had received, believing he had sent it.
Aware of Ma Zehao's sinister intentions, Xiang Qinyu quickly denied sending it and threw the cake away, cautioning her against accepting gifts from strangers. Jin Ayin then recounted her day, including a shopping trip with Jian Ye where she bought Xiang Qinyu more candy, noting his surprising new fondness for the sweets he once disliked. Simultaneously, Ma Zehao prepared to discharge Tao Tao from the hospital, collecting her CT scans and X-ray reports from Ms. Zhang.
As he left, he overheard news of a long-sought murderer being captured, with public speculation of a heavy sentence. He then spotted Li Longda, who was at the hospital for a wrist injury sustained during filming, sparking a new, sinister idea in Ma Zehao's mind. Ma Zehao approached Li Longda, who was visibly frustrated.
Li Longda explained that Chi Yu (Xiang Qinyu) and Jin Ayin had conspired with the director to change the script's ending, eliminating his crucial scenes and wasting his extensive martial arts training. He expressed regret for confiding in Xiang Qinyu earlier, revealing that he had witnessed someone pushing Chi Yu into the water, attempting to kill him, on the day Chi Yu disappeared.
However, due to the darkness and the assailant's obscured face, he couldn't identify the culprit, only recalling a distinctive hat and strange sneakers. Li Longda stated that after telling Xiang Qinyu this truth, he felt Xiang Qinyu had, ironically, turned against him. Perplexed by "Chi Yu's" profound changes—memory loss, altered habits, tastes, and a mysteriously cured alcohol allergy—Li Longda asked Ma Zehao if he knew Chi Yu, sensing that the current "Chi Yu" was a completely different person.
He also recounted hearing Jin Ayin repeatedly call "Chi Yu" by the name "Xiang Qinyu" in private. Ma Zehao, while denying a close acquaintance with Chi Yu, subtly fueled Li Longda's suspicions. After much deliberation, Ma Zehao concluded that Xiang Qinyu would never let his murder go unpunished. He feared exposure and eventual arrest, believing that fleeing would only lead to a life of perpetual fear, echoing the fate of the fugitive murderer he had just witnessed being apprehended.
To secure his and Tao Tao's future and avoid "endless trouble," he resolved to eliminate Xiang Qinyu permanently, vowing to make him "never reincarnate." Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin were enjoying a sweet date at home, engaging in playful banter during a game of chess. Their intimate moment was interrupted by a call from the director, inquiring about the script revision and announcing his decision to personally oversee the changes.
Jin Ayin, keen to resume their romantic interlude, switched off her phone. However, Xiang Qinyu gently encouraged her to focus on the script. Ma Zehao met with Li Longda, revealing the "surprise" that the Chi Yu he knew was dead and that the person Li Longda currently hated was actually Xiang Qinyu, who had killed the real Chi Yu to take his place. Li Longda was initially incredulous, but Ma Zehao's "proof" began to sway him.
While Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin were out on a date, Xiang Qinyu joyfully introduced her to people as his "future wife," much to Jin Ayin's delight and embarrassment. Shortly after, Xiang Qinyu received a call from Li Longda, who, under Ma Zehao's manipulation, requested a meeting to discuss important matters. Xiang Qinyu agreed, believing he also had things to discuss with Longda.
Ma Zehao, pleased with Li Longda's success in arranging the meeting, then explained his true motive to Li Longda: he claimed to be helping because Jin Ayin was his friend, and he couldn't stand her being with a murderer. He instructed Li Longda to use "a bit of violence" to make Xiang Qinyu confess to Chi Yu's murder, after which the police could handle the rest. Jin Ayin received her repaired smartwatch, only to discover it was Chi Yu's.
Upon activating it, she found a message from January 16, 2018, stating, "You still owe her an apology," and an earlier message from January 16, 2017, saying, "Go to die then!" She also saw a photo from Tao Tao, showing Ma Zehao and Chi Yu together, confirming her suspicions about Ma Zehao's malicious intent. Realizing Xiang Qinyu was in grave danger, she frantically called him.
Xiang Qinyu, who had arrived at the old factory meeting point, answered her call, but just as he connected, he was attacked by Li Longda and couldn't speak. Hearing only silence, Jin Ayin grew increasingly alarmed. She tried calling Li Longda, but his phone was off. Remembering Xiang Qinyu's earlier suggestion about using location-sharing software, she attempted to track his whereabouts.
Desperate, Jin Ayin called Jin Abao, giving him Ma Zehao's home address at No. 36, Fengtai Road in the downtown, and urging him to check for Ma Zehao. She then rushed out herself to rescue Xiang Qinyu. Meanwhile, Xiang Qinyu was already tied to a pillar at the factory, where he was severely beaten by Ma Zehao, while Li Longda questioned him, asking why he had "joined" Ma Zehao.
Episode 25 Recap
Xiang Qinyu found himself bound to a pillar, being brutally beaten by Li Longda. Li Longda was convinced that Xiang Qinyu had murdered Chi Yu, stolen his acting role, and taken Jin Ayin away from him. He had just confirmed Xiang Qinyu's true identity by examining his ankle, accusing him, "You're not Chi Yu. You're Xiang Qinyu. You really killed him."
Xiang Qinyu attempted to explain, asserting that Ma Zehao was Chi Yu's actual killer and that he had only pretended to be Chi Yu to lure the culprit out. However, Li Longda, feeling betrayed, refused to believe him, dismissing him as an "idiot" and vowing to make him "wake up." Ma Zehao, observing the scene with a cynical air, handed Li Longda an iron rod, suggesting it would make the beating more "fun."
Xiang Qinyu tried once more to appeal to Li Longda, warning him that he was being manipulated by Ma Zehao, "this pervert," and reminding him that it was Li Longda who had betrayed Chi Yu, not the other way around. He implored Li Longda not to betray Chi Yu again by aiding the true murderer.
Ma Zehao quickly intervened, urging Li Longda to ignore Xiang Qinyu and to consider the opportunity to avenge Chi Yu and claim Jin Ayin for himself. Xiang Qinyu, seeing through Ma Zehao's scheme, accused him of using Li Longda to facilitate his escape. He then provoked Ma Zehao by mentioning Tao Tao, questioning if he was "happy to see Taotao be like this now."
Xiang Qinyu cruelly stated that Tao Tao would never reciprocate Ma Zehao's feelings and had always loved Chi Yu, suggesting that only when she was permanently incapacitated would she truly "belong" to him, and in that twisted sense, "Chi Yu helped you with it." Enraged, Ma Zehao punched Xiang Qinyu and agreed to reveal his past with Tao Tao. Ma Zehao recounted his childhood.
Soon after, Tao Tao and her grandmother offered him comfort and a place to eat, making Tao Tao "the only light" in his life. He bitterly claimed that Chi Yu had "took away" this light. Meanwhile, Jin Ayin was in a taxi, rushing towards Xiang Qinyu's location, filled with regret for not seeing Ma Zehao's true nature sooner.
In her mind, she saw Tao Tao, who apologized for not revealing "the secrets I've hided" earlier, especially regarding Chi Yu, who "had pulled me from darkness to light." Tao Tao's narrative continued, recalling her time as a makeup artist, where her genetic body odor led to ostracism. Chi Yu had once defended her when she was being scolded for her work, even offering himself for practice and encouraging her.
This kindness led Tao Tao to develop a deep, possessive affection for Chi Yu. She frequently sent him messages, expressing her admiration and romantic feelings. However, Chi Yu eventually grew exasperated, telling her to stop bringing him food and dismissing her. Ma Zehao, who witnessed these painful rejections, saw Chi Yu as a hypocrite. Tao Tao's desperation escalated, culminating in her threatening self-harm to compel Chi Yu to meet her.
She sent him a message threatening to "kill myself right now" if he didn't come. Chi Yu's cold reply, "Then you should die," deeply affected Ma Zehao. When Ma Zehao rushed to Tao Tao's apartment, he found her unconscious from a gas leak. He deduced that Chi Yu's cold indifference and absence were the cause of Tao Tao's tragedy, leading him to murder Chi Yu.
After Ma Zehao finished his confession, Li Longda realized he had been manipulated, crying out, "You killed Chi Yu. You lied to me." Ma Zehao scoffed at Xiang Qinyu for having such a "stupid teammate," then revealed that he had been aware of their plan to entrap him all along, having "prepared everything" for such a confrontation. He even admitted he wouldn't have minded if Li Longda had turned against Xiang Qinyu.
Ma Zehao then handed Li Longda a dagger, ordering him to kill Xiang Qinyu and promising him freedom in return. Li Longda, unable to fight Ma Zehao, was knocked unconscious by him. Xiang Qinyu, who had secretly freed his own bindings, retaliated against Ma Zehao. Overpowered, Ma Zehao fled deeper into the abandoned factory, with Xiang Qinyu close behind. Inside, Xiang Qinyu tried to provoke Ma Zehao by mentioning Tao Tao, asking if he would abandon her.
Ma Zehao furiously retorted that Xiang Qinyu had "no right to mention Taotao." Xiang Qinyu warned him of "retribution," but Ma Zehao defiantly claimed he was "not afraid of retribution" and would "drag you all there one by one" to hell. Xiang Qinyu argued that Ma Zehao was controlling Tao Tao's life, but Ma Zehao dismissed the idea, stating that people like them "have no life." Suddenly, Jin Ayin appeared, calling out for Xiang Qinyu.
Xiang Qinyu desperately yelled for her to stay back, but it was too late. Ma Zehao ambushed and kidnapped Jin Ayin. She pleaded with him to stop making mistakes and "turn yourself in," stating she now understood "what happened between Taotao and Chi Yu." But Ma Zehao was too deeply entrenched in his madness. Abao arrived but was powerless to stop Ma Zehao from forcing Jin Ayin into a van and speeding away.
Inside the moving van, Jin Ayin tried to appeal to Ma Zehao, reminding him of their friendship and how saddened Tao Tao would be to see him like this. Ma Zehao, however, was in a delusional state, blaming Jin Ayin for Tao Tao's fate. He claimed that if not for Jin Ayin, Tao Tao "wouldn't have come to Shanghai" and "wouldn't have met Chi Yu," reiterating, "only I can treat Taotao well."
Jin Ayin countered that Tao Tao would never wish for this and that Ma Zehao merely refused to accept the truth about Tao Tao and Chi Yu. She begged him to "turn back," promising to "explain it clearly to the police." Ma Zehao, enraged, accused Xiang Qinyu of "going after us" and vowed, "I will kill him myself." In his fury, he lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into a roadside barrier. Ma Zehao regained consciousness.
After seeing Jin Ayin covered in blood, he initially started to flee but turned back to tend to her bleeding head before making his escape. Jin Ayin vaguely saw Ma Zehao run away. Xiang Qinyu and Li Longda arrived at the hospital where Jin Ayin was in surgery. The doctor assured them that Jin Ayin was "nothing serious," crediting timely first aid at the scene. Jin Ayin, still recovering, expressed her desire to go home.
When Li Longda entered, Jin Ayin initially blamed him for the chaotic events. Li Longda clarified that the entire confrontation with Ma Zehao was a coordinated "plan" by him and Xiang Qinyu to gather evidence. Although Ma Zehao had destroyed their recording pen, they had a "double safeguard" and successfully obtained Ma Zehao's confession, which they intended to hand over to the police. Jin Ayin then revealed her own discovery: Chi Yu's repaired watch contained backups of his phone messages.
She explained that the last message sent to Chi Yu on the day of his accident could not have been from Tao Tao, who was in a coma and rarely used punctuation due to her condition. However, the message included a semicolon, a distinctive habit of Ma Zehao's from his programming work, thus identifying him as the sender and solidifying the evidence against him. She urged them to include this with their findings for the police.
Jin Ayin then apologized to Li Longda, expressing where her heart belongs. Li Longda graciously accepted, dismissing any "good person cards." He then playfully warned Xiang Qinyu, "If you dare to treat her badly, I'll break your leg even if I have to go after you to the ends of the earth."
Li Longda concluded by stating that he wouldn't be a "sad male supporting role" and was confident he "will be the shining male lead in a certain girl's heart." With that, Li Longda bid them farewell and departed.
Episode 26 Recap
After the intense confrontation and car crash, Jin Chuan, though injured himself, immediately sought out Chen Mumu. When she saw his injuries, Chen Mumu expressed deep concern and implored him to prioritize his safety in all future endeavors, reminding him not to cause worry to those who care for him. Jin Chuan apologized for concealing his relationship with Jin Ayin, explaining he feared it would negatively impact Chen Mumu and Jin Ayin's work.
Chen Mumu clarified that she was not a judgmental person, and her recent absence was due to handling work matters, but indicated a need for a serious discussion about their relationship. Later, over drinks, Chen Mumu and Jin Chuan engaged in a candid conversation. Jin Chuan openly expressed his admiration for Chen Mumu's straightforward nature. Chen Mumu elaborated that her past experiences taught her the importance of capability, negating any need for pretense.
She revealed her anger stemmed from Jin Chuan altering his plans for her, stating she didn't desire a relationship built on mutual sacrifice. Jin Chuan had assumed she, like other women, would wish for her partner to always be by her side, but Chen Mumu countered that she did not want him to change who he was for her.
Chen Mumu then, under the influence of alcohol, shared the story of her first love, a college classmate with whom she moved to Beijing. During a period when she should have been building her career, she chose to create a home for him, dedicating herself to domestic life. One day, while grocery shopping, she had an epiphany that she didn't want to live that way forever.
Upon telling her boyfriend she was leaving, she discovered he was equally tired of their dynamic, and their parting became a mutual release. She emphasized that she could not bear the weight of another person's life and, in a moment of feigned indifference, claimed she was a selfish woman who would leave Jin Chuan for a better opportunity. After hearing this, Jin Chuan silently finished his drink and departed, leaving behind a note.
Chen Mumu watched him go, and finally, tears streamed down her face. Meanwhile, Jian Ye arrived at Jin Ayin's place, upset that Jin Ayin had kept her recent hospitalization a secret. She only learned about it through Li Longda's unintentional slip of the tongue on set. Jin Ayin playfully suggested she was creating opportunities for Jian Ye and Li Longda to spend more time together.
At that moment, Xiang Qinyu returned, proudly presenting a large dinosaur toy he had won for Jin Ayin. Jian Ye, clearly exasperated by their affectionate display, muttered that she felt like she was watching a "country love story" and wished she could leave. Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu then visited Tao Tao at the hospital. A nurse, recognizing them from the news, expressed shock and disbelief that Ma Zehao was a killer.
She described Ma Zehao's unwavering devotion to Tao Tao, recalling how he frequently brought gifts for the nurses and had spent all his money on Tao Tao's medical expenses, holding onto the hope that she would one day awaken. The nurse highlighted that despite Tao Tao having no living relatives, Ma Zehao treated her with genuine kindness and steadfast care.
Moved by this, Jin Ayin vowed to cover all of Tao Tao's future medical costs and later took Tao Tao's cat home with her. As Xiang Qinyu sat by Tao Tao's bedside, still unaware of her current name, a flash of memory brought back a pleading voice calling out "Yu Ge," revealing the name "Yang Xiaoyun." Driven by this recollection, Jin Ayin helped Xiang Qinyu search online.
They uncovered information about Yang Xiaoyun, an actress who died during the filming of a movie titled "Romantic and Sexy Story." Rumors indicated she committed suicide by jumping from a building after being coerced by the director into performing explicit scenes. Xiang Qinyu was overwhelmed by a vivid flashback: a younger Yang Xiaoyun desperately knocking on his car window, begging him for help, a plea he had ignored.
Overcome with regret, he realized that his past inaction towards Yang Xiaoyun mirrored Chi Yu's failure to help Tao Tao, tragically pushing both women towards their demise. He wished he could go back in time to tell them that life is precious and not to suffer for others' mistakes, lamenting that he had broken Yang Xiaoyun's only lifeline. Later, Chi Yu's father called Xiang Qinyu, wishing him a happy birthday and inviting him home for a family celebration.
Xiang Qinyu worried that Chi Yu's parents might have discovered his true identity, but Jin Ayin reassured him that if they knew, they wouldn't celebrate his birthday. They went shopping for gifts, and on the way, Jin Ayin, pondering how to explain their relationship to his parents, whimsically suggested describing their first meeting as Xiang Qinyu "falling from the sky" into her house, asserting its beautiful authenticity.
Xiang Qinyu leaned in for a kiss, but Jin Ayin playfully dodged, teasing him about his "sweet-talker" tactics. Upon arriving at Chi Yu's family home, Xiang Qinyu and Jin Ayin were warmly greeted. During the birthday celebration, with Jin Ayin by his side, Xiang Qinyu was deeply moved and referred to Chi Yu's parents as "Mom" and "Dad" for the first time. Chi Yu's mother, seeing Tao Tao's cat, offered to adopt it, ensuring its care.
After the celebration, Chi Yu's father pulled Xiang Qinyu aside for a private conversation. He reflected on his strict parenting style with Chi Yu, recalling a childhood anecdote about a cardboard tent and a real one. He expressed regret for their past arguments, saying that time passes too quickly. He then shared a story about his own father scolding him for a month after he forgot a Mid-Autumn dinner.
He asked Xiang Qinyu if he remembered these stories, and Xiang Qinyu vaguely affirmed. Chi Yu's father's expression turned serious, and he mentioned how happy his wife had been that day. He then shared a profound quote from a TV series, comparing the world to an "echo valley" where if you miss someone, you should shout their name aloud, and they will eventually hear you, no matter how far away they are.
Despite his father's heartfelt words, Xiang Qinyu failed to fully grasp the underlying message that Chi Yu's father knew he was not his real son. After Chi Yu's parents left, Xiang Qinyu expressed envy for Chi Yu's good parents. He reflected on his own childhood, recalling how his mother, Zhou Shu, often neglected him, even forgetting his birthday.
Jin Ayin offered a comforting perspective, suggesting that Zhou Shu might have deliberately created distance to protect Xiang Qinyu from her own difficult life, ensuring he wouldn't be associated with her "world." Xiang Qinyu was touched by Jin Ayin's insightful and empathetic words.
Episode 27 Recap
Jin Chuan and Chen Mumu met at the bar where they first encountered each other to watch a football match. After the game concluded, Jin Chuan initiated a breakup. A heartbroken Chen Mumu, holding back tears, apologized to him, but Jin Chuan reassured her that she had nothing to apologize for. He then raised his glass, wishing her to be a happy drinker every time she raised a glass and suggesting they could meet for beer again when he returned.
Chen Mumu proposed they shake hands, to which Jin Chuan commented on her affinity for such gestures. Chen Mumu, though saddened, accepted, noting it was their last time anyway. Upon returning to Jianghe, Chen Mumu met with Zhang Jianzhou to tender her resignation. Zhang Jianzhou expressed surprise, noting he hadn't expected her to visit his office. Chen Mumu revealed she had drafted resignation letters multiple times over the years, holding back due to ongoing projects or scripts.
She cited instances like the budget cuts in Suzhou, but also admitted feeling some relief after an incident where she poured wine on him, which made her tolerate the situation longer. She declared that, in her heart, she had already "fired" him countless times. While she didn't regret her time at Jianghe, believing every step in life counts, she stated that she could no longer tolerate the situation and finally handed him the letter she had written the previous night.
She intends to open her own film and television company. While checking on Tao Tao, a nurse discovered Ma Zehao hiding in the room, intending to take Tao Tao away. Ma Zehao, whose actions were widely publicized, panicked upon learning that the police were searching for him, and desperately pleaded with the nurse not to reveal his presence. The nurse agreed to keep watch outside the door while someone else came to check on Tao Tao.
Meanwhile, the filming of "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu" was nearing its end. On set, Xiang Qinyu conversed with Mr. Di, reflecting on Mr. Di’s transformation from a bullied boy in the martial arts troupe to a respected figure. Xiang Qinyu entrusted Mr. Di with a task. While on set, Li Longda, reminiscing about his past with Chi Yu, looked at some props.
He recalled their early days as extras, and a time when Chi Yu spent two days' salary to buy him a large plate of braised prawns. He shared with Jin Ayin his strong belief that Chi Yu is still alive, motivated by a desire to apologize, and vowed to continue searching for him indefinitely.
Jin Ayin later asked Xiang Qinyu about his belief in Chi Yu's survival, to which Xiang Qinyu also expressed his conviction, imagining Chi Yu's amusing reaction upon discovering someone else had taken his role. Jin Ayin admitted to feeling a sense of emptiness as the filming concluded, despite previously complaining about script revisions. Xiang Qinyu reminded her of his promise to make her famous.
However, Jin Ayin confessed that she no longer desired fame, wishing only for Xiang Qinyu to remember her. Later, Xiang Qinyu received a message from Director Feng about a last-minute revision to the final scene. Director Feng explained that he and Mr. Hu had collectively revised the ending, which he believed was more meaningful, depicting Xiang Qinyu seeing a man in black point a gun at him.
Xiang Qinyu realized this new ending was strikingly similar to a scene from his past in "Huangpu Fengyun". Jin Ayin was deeply troubled by the revised script, fearing it was a premonition that Ma Zehao would come the next day and everything would tragically repeat, leading to Xiang Qinyu’s disappearance as in the past.
She tried to prevent him from filming, physically barring him from leaving the room, pleading with him not to go and expressing that she didn't want their story to end. Xiang Qinyu, from outside the locked door, explained that some things must be faced. He recalled Chi Yu’s father’s words about the world being an echo chamber, where sounds return, implying Ma Zehao’s return was inevitable.
He expressed his regret about possibly getting hurt, his wish to stay, but emphasized his mission to catch Ma Zehao and protect Jin Ayin and Chi Yu’s innocent parents. He told Jin Ayin that while imagined partings were painful, reality was far worse, yet he had no regrets about every moment they had shared. He urged her to sleep well, promising to find something to make her happy the next day.
The next morning, Jin Ayin discovered Xiang Qinyu had already left. She noticed her black dress was missing, initially thinking someone else bought it, which added to her despair. However, she found breakfast and a note from Xiang Qinyu, who confessed he had bought the black dress for her, believing she would look beautiful in it. In the note, he apologized for not being able to express his feelings directly, explaining that looking into her eyes would make him weak.
He stated he had a crucial mission to fulfill and debts to repay, regardless of what awaited him that day, and expressed his profound gladness at having met her. He also assured her that he had arranged for a new stove, watered her plants, and had Ms. Wu replace the hallway light, taking her orange lantern with him.
Reading this, Jin Ayin was deeply moved and, now realizing the gravity of the situation, frantically urged her taxi driver to rush to the film set. At the film set, Xiang Qinyu was constantly on alert, looking for Ma Zehao. Familiar scenes and a general air of unease suggested that Ma Zehao had infiltrated the crew.
Teng Xi, noticing Xiang Qinyu’s distraction, alerted him to a masked individual in a hat, not from the crew, who had pushed a flower cart near the director’s monitor. Xiang Qinyu immediately suspected this person and rushed to investigate, learning that no flowers had been officially ordered. He then spotted someone he believed to be Ma Zehao and pursued him into Warehouse A02.
However, he mistook a lighting team member for Ma Zehao, who was simply carrying equipment for the shoot. Disappointed, Xiang Qinyu continued his desperate search, calling out for Ma Zehao. Li Longda soon arrived, concerned after Teng Xi mentioned Xiang Qinyu wasn't feeling well.
Xiang Qinyu quickly informed Li Longda of Ma Zehao's presence but, with no time to explain further, urged Li Longda to take care of Jin Ayin if anything happened to him, leaving Li Longda baffled by his words. Hearing about the incident at Warehouse A02, Jin Ayin frantically rushed to the prop storage, convinced that Ma Zehao had replaced a prop gun with a real one, a fear she expressed to the bewildered prop crew, including Lai.
Li Longda intervened, trying to calm the situation and confirming to Xiang Qinyu that a real gun might be intended for him, mirroring his past. Jin Ayin suggested stopping the actor, but Xiang Qinyu deemed it useless, believing someone else would simply take his place. Li Longda then tried to alert the crew to look out for strangers, though the crew felt it was impossible to distinguish them. Jin Ayin was distressed, unable to find the real gun.
Xiang Qinyu comforted her, assuring her it was okay, and attempted to lighten the mood by suggesting he might not die and that everything would be over after the day's filming. Jin Ayin, however, pleaded for him to stay, stating she disliked tragedies and didn't want their story to end tragically.
Xiang Qinyu then asked her to "write him the best ending," describing a peaceful, romantic farewell in a cafe on a rainy day, where they would say goodbye after a satisfying day, effectively creating a final, beautiful memory for her amidst the props. He then bid her to "let's go," preparing to face the scene.
Before the final scene, Jin Ayin, now wearing the black dress Xiang Qinyu had given her, emotionally confessed her undying love for him, urging him not to forget her. He promised he wouldn't. She encouraged him to fulfill his mission, expressing her contentment with the moments they shared—eating, holding hands, hugging, and kissing—but also her reluctance to let go. Despite her love, she declared she would be brave and remain with him, waiting for him, as his dedicated fan.
The last scene, depicting Xiang Qinyu in a confrontational stance, commenced. A voiceover described the character's arrogance and determination, contemplating his future and his family, emphasizing his unwavering commitment. After delivering a powerful line, "I don't compete with others for anything, but if something belongs to me, I'll never give in," Xiang Qinyu was shot in the chest. Everyone, including Director Feng, initially thought the scene was complete and applauded his performance.
However, to everyone's astonishment, Xiang Qinyu miraculously stood up, questioning if the shooting was truly over and ready to continue. Jin Ayin was immensely relieved to see him unharmed. Just then, Director Feng asked Team B about an "empty explosion shot" they needed to shoot, confirming it was part of the day's schedule. Jin Ayin, realizing the imminent danger, grabbed a microphone and desperately screamed for the explosion to be stopped, running towards Xiang Qinyu. An intercom voice reported a "glitched exploder," momentarily giving Jin Ayin a sense of false security as she slowed, watching Xiang Qinyu approach her. Unexpectedly, a massive explosion erupted.
Episode 28 Recap
A bomb exploded, collapsing the surrounding tables and chairs and burying Xiang Qinyu beneath the wreckage. Dazed, he saw Jin Ayin running towards him. When Xiang Qinyu regained consciousness, he found himself back in his childhood home, seeing his younger self and his mother. Confused, he then heard his name called and turned to find Yang Xiaoyun.
Yang Xiaoyun told Xiang Qinyu to come with her, stating that his life had ended the moment he was shot and he could not remain in this world. Xiang Qinyu hesitated, his ears catching the distant voices of Jin Ayin and Director Feng calling his name, urging him to hold on and not to go. Yang Xiaoyun extended her hand, ready to lead him away.
Xiang Qinyu apologized to Yang Xiaoyun, acknowledging a past wrong, and explained that he had an important unfinished task to complete for someone. Yang Xiaoyun insisted it was too late and he couldn’t turn back, reminding him that not everyone gets a regret-free ending with their beloved. She urged him to go with her to where they belonged. Meanwhile, in the real world, Jin Ayin frantically cleared the debris, finally reaching Xiang Qinyu, who lay underneath.
Seeing everyone rushing to rescue Xiang Qinyu, Ma Zehao believed Xiang Qinyu was doomed. He hastily fled towards the hospital but was struck by a car en route. Ignoring his injuries, Ma Zehao pressed on, determined to reach Taotao. Upon entering her room, he disconnected Taotao’s life support equipment, including her oxygen tube. Apologizing to her, he then leapt from the window, intending to be with Taotao forever.
He was unaware that, as he jumped, Taotao shed a tear on her hospital bed. Xiang Qinyu miraculously survived the explosion. The doctors treating him were astonished that he had no burns despite the scale of the blast, calling his recovery a true miracle. Xiang Qinyu, however, remembered Yang Xiaoyun’s words that he didn't belong in this world and couldn't stay. Jin Ayin believed that everything was finally over and that his past debts were settled.
She repeatedly asked Xiang Qinyu if he would stay with her now. Despite hearing Yang Xiaoyun's voice echoing that he couldn't remain, Xiang Qinyu reassured Jin Ayin that he would not leave. Chen Mumu met with Jin Ayin, informing her of her decision to leave Jianghe Studios and start her own company.
She apologized for `A Troublesome Old Idol` project being shelved due to her departure and offered Jin Ayin a contract, inviting her to bring her scripts to the new company if she was willing. Jin Ayin worried if Chen Mumu’s offer was influenced by Jin Chuan. Chen Mumu apologized for not discussing her relationship with Jin Chuan earlier and asked Jin Ayin to convey her gratitude for the memories they shared.
Chen Mumu clarified that her decision to work with Jin Ayin was solely based on Jin Ayin’s suitability and her talent as a creator, not Jin Chuan. She explained her belief that no one should compromise their life for others, even in the name of love, including Jin Chuan. While Chen Mumu was packing her belongings, she took a pair of sneakers Jin Chuan had bought her, recalling a rainy evening when he had appeared to help her after work.
Jian Ye then approached Chen Mumu, informing her that Teng Xi also intended to terminate her contract with Jianghe Studios, citing a desire to travel. Jian Ye handed Chen Mumu several draft press releases for Teng Xi's departure, asking for her help in choosing the most suitable one. Chen Mumu later confronted Teng Xi, asking why she was suddenly leaving. Teng Xi jokingly replied it was because she disliked Chen Mumu, to which Chen Mumu retorted the same.
Chen Mumu advised Teng Xi on which press release draft to use, suggesting it fit her image. Chen Mumu then revealed her own plans to leave Jianghe and start her own projects, offering Teng Xi a place in her company if she wanted to return to acting years later, cautioning that popular stars can be easily forgotten. Teng Xi accepted, playfully demanding the highest pay. Teng Xi asked Chen Mumu if she would regret her choices.
Chen Mumu admitted she lacked Teng Xi's bravery but vowed to face any regrets squarely, having made her decision. As Chen Mumu walked out of Jianghe Studios, a sudden clap of thunder made her momentarily imagine Jin Chuan waiting for her. Jin Ayin called Xiang Qinyu to remind him of their scheduled couple photo shoot, but Xiang Qinyu, seeing his silver coin vanish and his hand turning transparent, abruptly ended the call. He realized his time was running out.
He sought out Li Longda, confiding his belief that his life truly ended when he was shot, and that he might soon return to his original time, unsure if he would be alive or dead. He asked Li Longda to look after Jin Ayin, help her forget him, and encourage her to start a new life. Li Longda refused to help Xiang Qinyu leave without saying goodbye, questioning if he truly loved Jin Ayin.
He criticized Xiang Qinyu for making unilateral decisions, arguing that an unspoken farewell would only leave Jin Ayin with deep regrets, preventing her from moving on. Li Longda urged him to give her a regret-free ending. Jin Ayin waited at the photo studio until closing time, the staff politely warning her about the photographer’s departure. When Xiang Qinyu finally arrived, dressed unusually, Jin Ayin was frustrated. He gave a flimsy excuse about catching a cold and being stuck in traffic.
Observing him closely, and realizing the silver coin on the table had been switched, Jin Ayin inferred his intention to leave again without telling her, which deeply upset her. As she turned to walk away, Xiang Qinyu stopped her, apologizing profusely and promising it wouldn’t happen again. Later, Jin Ayin was trying to reschedule their photo shoot but found all the studios fully booked for weeks, finally securing an appointment for the following week.
After hanging up, she noticed his silver coin was blurry, confirming her fears that Xiang Qinyu was preparing to leave. She confronted him, accusing him of planning another silent departure and of underestimating her determination. She declared that she didn't need his protection and only wanted to face whatever came their way together. Heartbroken, Jin Ayin told him that if a quiet departure was the end he wanted, she would accept it, and bade him to go.
Xiang Qinyu refused, pulling her into an embrace and apologizing. He explained that he had initially believed it was better for her to know later, given his inevitable departure, but now understood they should endure everything together, no matter how painful. The next morning, Jin Ayin awoke to find Xiang Qinyu gone. Panicked, she frantically called his phone, but there was no answer. She then called Li Longda, who also confirmed he hadn’t heard from Xiang Qinyu.
Jin Ayin despaired, feeling he had abandoned her despite their promise to face things together. She searched everywhere for him, eventually arriving at Jianghe Studios, where Jian Ye noted Jin Ayin's strange and emotional behavior. Jin Ayin, in a philosophical tone, lamented that most things in life don't go as planned, and that loved ones are often impossible to keep.
She referenced `A Troublesome Old Idol`, musing whether the people the male lead met in this world would truly let him return to his own time. She concluded that despite preparing for the inevitable, acceptance remained difficult, and one could only smile and bear it. Returning home, Jin Ayin found Xiang Qinyu sitting on the sofa.
She rushed to him, embracing him tightly and scolding him for not answering her calls and going missing all day, admitting she thought he had left. Xiang Qinyu apologized, explaining he had left quietly so as not to wake her, promising she would understand his actions tomorrow. Jin Ayin made him promise not to leave quietly again, threatening to tie him up if he did, to which he readily agreed. Xiang Qinyu then kissed her deeply.
Episode 29 Recap
Jin Ayin awoke to find a note left by Xiang Qinyu, informing her that he would be waiting for her at the church. Inside a box on the table, she found a beautiful wedding dress. Wearing the wedding dress, Jin Ayin arrived at the Holydean Church. She remarked to Xiang Qinyu, "I didn't expect you could find such a beautiful place." He replied that he wanted everything he gave her to be the most beautiful.
He then asked, "Jin Ayin, are you really ready?" Jin Ayin confessed, "Xiang Qinyu, maybe taking couple photos is what you want to do. But marrying you has been my wish all the time. I want to marry you." They exchanged vows, pledging their eternal love and commitment to always respect each other and stay together. As they finalized their union, they both stated they would keep their promise strictly.
Afterwards, as they looked at their wedding photos, Jin Ayin commented on how happy Xiang Qinyu looked and expressed a desire for better makeup next time. She playfully told him that as his official wife, he only had two duties: "First, be good to me. Second, be better to me." He affectionately agreed, calling her "wife."
Xiang Qinyu then led her to a surprise, explaining that in their era, the first thing after marriage is the wedding night, revealing he had booked a wedding room. Jin Ayin teased him for not telling her, to which he replied, "It's a gift, so I can't waste it. Isn't that what you've taught me with your own action?" Later, Jin Ayin expressed another wish: "I want you to go to the aquarium with me tomorrow."
She described how a hot air balloon would take them around the aquarium, automatically taking photos at the center. She planned to display these pictures prominently so everyone could see their story, explaining her motivation: "In this way, after you leave, these photos can prove that you existed. I want the whole world to know you were here."
The next day at the aquarium, Jin Ayin excitedly instructed Xiang Qinyu to quickly board the hot air balloon with her, emphasizing speed and cool posture. As they waited in line, Xiang Qinyu's hand began to turn transparent. Jin Ayin boarded the hot air balloon, but when she turned, she realized Xiang Qinyu was not there. Unknown to her, Xiang Qinyu had secretly hidden. The balloon started to ascend, and she frantically cried out his name, "Xiang Qinyu! Wait.
Someone hasn't come up yet. Xiang Qinyu! Xiang Qinyu, where are you?" After the hot air balloon ride, Jin Ayin searched desperately around the aquarium, repeatedly calling for Xiang Qinyu. Just as despair began to set in, he reappeared. She rushed to embrace him. Xiang Qinyu explained, "Just now I saw a camera being sold next to me, so I went to buy it. The balloon had been activated when I came back. I'm sorry."
Jin Ayin, relieved, told him, "I'm glad you're back. Alright. Stop crying." He teased her to stop crying, calling her "ugly" when she did, and urged her to try the camera and take photos of the fish. That night, Jin Ayin found herself unable to sleep. She went to Xiang Qinyu and tied their wrists together with a rope. She expressed her fear, "I'm thinking if I fall asleep, will you suddenly disappear without saying anything just like today?"
She told him the rope was "specially used to tie piglets," emphasizing her seriousness. Xiang Qinyu asked if she was afraid of the dark, and she replied, "With you around, I'm not afraid of anything." He jokingly called her "sweet-tongued." Xiang Qinyu reminded her, "We've promised we will keep smiling until the last day."
Internally, Xiang Qinyu reflected on time, noting how it passed slowly during his lonely childhood but now, with Jin Ayin, it seemed to "stop and go from time to time," a sign of his growing dread and internal fear, which he tried to conceal. In the following days, Jin Ayin became extremely vigilant, constantly ensuring Xiang Qinyu was by her side, even following him to the bathroom. He tried to reassure her, saying, "Don't worry.
Before I disappear, I will shout, 'Jin Ayin! Help me, Jin Ayin!' So no matter how far you are, when you hear me scream for help, come to me immediately. Got it?" Jin Ayin then presented him with a backpack, explaining, "These are the things you should take when you go back." Inside, he found a film reel, which Jin Ayin hoped would "affect the development of Chinese film history," a lollipop, and a charger/cable.
She told him, "Since you could come here for the first time, there will be a second and a third time. Take it when you go back. It might be useful." She insisted he carry the bag with him everywhere, "Anyway, from now on, this bag has to stay with you. Make sure nothing goes wrong with it." Despite his initial resistance, she made him wear it and warned him not to lose it.
Later, Xiang Qinyu blindfolded Jin Ayin and took her to a new place. Upon removing the blindfold, she saw an apartment. She recognized it as fulfilling part of her dream, recalling her wish to be a millionaire and buy an apartment with a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the city's TV tower, where she could smell gardenias. Xiang Qinyu revealed, "Actually, I bought this apartment a long time ago. But luckily, before I leave, it's ready."
He instructed her, "After I leave, just move in. Move to a different environment, and start a new life. Promise me. Don't be afraid. Don't be too sad." With tears in her eyes, Jin Ayin urged him, "Xiang Qinyu. After you go back, you must live well. When you're alone, don't do anything dangerous. Stay healthy. The longer you live, the better. We will definitely meet again. Right?"
Xiang Qinyu promised her, "I will live well, and then come to see you." As they headed home, Jin Ayin asked Xiang Qinyu if he had loved her for a long time, given all his secret preparations for their future. He simply responded, "Yes." Later, at a bus stop, Jin Ayin, feeling chilly, wrapped herself and Xiang Qinyu in a blanket. He offered to buy her a cup of coffee to warm up, assuring her, "Don't worry.
I'll be right back." While paying at the coffee shop, his hand began to turn transparent again. He raced towards Jin Ayin, initially intending to say goodbye. However, he hesitated at the door, thinking to himself, "I've thought for countless times about how we'll get separated. . . But when this moment really comes, I find that I still don't want her to see me disappear with her own eyes.
The sadder the scene is, to her, the harder it'll be to forget me. I'm sorry, Ayin. I think once again, I have to give up letting you stand by my side." He cried out, "Help! Help! Jin Ayin. I like you," as he made the heartbreaking decision. He placed the coffees on the ground and vanished. Jin Ayin turned around, saw the two coffees but no sign of Xiang Qinyu. Tears streamed down her face as she picked them up, remembering his final wishes: "Promise me. Don't be afraid. Don't be sad for too long."
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
In 1936, before Xiang Qinyu's departure, he entrusted Mr. Di to find Chi Yu, who had been rescued by people on the shore after falling into the water. In the same year, Chi Yu awakens in a hospital bed, where Mr. Di informs him he was found by the police and that his family is waiting for him.
Simultaneously, in another part of the hospital, Xiang Qinyu also regains consciousness, much to the relief of his agent, who quickly calls for a doctor. In the present, Jin Ayin drifts off to sleep on a bus. A news report about magnetic field fluctuations, reminiscent of a major storm in Shanghai in 1936, startles her awake. She finds herself crying and notices a long-healed scar on her wrist, realizing her intense experience was just a dream.
Despite this, the dream felt profoundly real, and her memories of Xiang Qinyu leave her deeply saddened. Back home, Jin Ayin finishes writing "The Legend of Xiang Qinyu," sharing her manuscript with Ma Zehao and Tao Tao. Ma Zehao is dismayed by his character's portrayal, vehemently denying any romantic interest in Tao Tao.
Tao Tao, likewise, criticizes the script's illogic, particularly questioning why her character, Yang Xiaoyun, was depicted as jumping from a building, especially since old newspaper clippings Jin Ayin shows as proof do not feature Tao Tao's image. Jin Ayin maintains that her story is true. At a coffee shop, Jin Ayin orders two Americanos, reserving one for Xiang Qinyu and refusing to let Tao Tao drink it, still seemingly immersed in her dream.
Tao Tao urges her to "wake up" but wonders about Xiang Qinyu's fate in the story. Meanwhile, Jin Chuan, Jin Ayin's brother, arrives in Shanghai. After a video call with his sister, during which he promises to visit her the next day, he hastily parks his motorcycle in the middle of the road and rushes off to watch a ball game. Chen Mumu, driving by on her way to the same game, is annoyed by the improperly parked vehicle.
As Jin Ayin walks down the street, she notices a black dress in a shop window, identical to one from her dream. She's longed for such a dress since childhood, a symbol of a dream even if she never had a chance to wear it. However, as she contemplates buying it, another couple purchases it just before her.
Back in 1936, Xiang Qinyu's agent reports that the doctor expects a full recovery, crediting the girl who shot him for intentionally missing his vital organs. Xiang Qinyu asks to meet her, and at the police station, he is surprised to find a girl who looks exactly like Jin Ayin. The girl introduces herself as Jinzi and, relieved to see him, promptly hints for a reward for saving his life.
After confirming she was imprisoned because of him, Xiang Qinyu gives her a large sum of money from his assistant, observing that her love for money is "exactly like her" (Jin Ayin). The police then present suspects for the shooting. Xiang Qinyu identifies one man who resembles Ma Zehao but declares that there is "no murderer here" and dismisses all charges. He later confronts the man, recognizing him as Yang Xiaoyun's brother.
At Yang Xiaoyun's tomb, her brother, still blaming Xiang Qinyu for his sister's death, punches him, saying Xiaoyun would be alive if it weren't for him. Xiang Qinyu bows deeply in apology at the tomb. Back with his agent, Xiang Qinyu dismisses the sensationalized news that slanders him. He reveals his decision to retire from the film industry and cancel "The Legend of Huangpu."
To protect his colleagues from Lin Hongzhi, he instructs his agent to leak Mr. Lin's scandals to the press, believing his disappearance from public life will ensure their safety. Xiang Qinyu learns that Husheng, an extra, has been waiting downstairs for days, worried about him, leaving a film clip from "The Legend of Huangpu." Xiang Qinyu recalls finding his tie clip in a similar old film clip as a child.
He gives his own tie clip to his agent, asking him to place it in Husheng's box, explaining that "she" (referring to Jin Ayin) will find it later. He promises that Husheng, whom he calls "great" and capable of making the agent rich, should be supported in his acting career after Xiang Qinyu's departure. The agent notes a change in Xiang Qinyu since he woke up. The agent then follows through, and reports expose Lin Hongzhi's corruption, causing his downfall.
Lin Hongzhi furiously blames Xiang Qinyu, but the scandal engulfs him. With her patron gone, Zhou Shu finds herself without prospects. Xiang Qinyu offers to take her away and protect her, resolving past misunderstandings. Xiang Qinyu decides to sell Mengsheng Studios. As his belongings are being moved, his mother arrives. He expresses genuine care for her, a stark contrast to his past coolness, and confides in her about his journey, inviting her to leave with him.
Ma Zehao finds Jin Ayin's story ending too sad, urging her to change it to a happier one. Simultaneously, Jin Ayin and Xiang Qinyu, in their separate timelines, are shown crafting little orange lanterns and enjoying coffee, seemingly connected across time. Jin Ayin reflects on the characters in her story, seeing them as reflections of people she's met, each facing their own struggles.
She concludes that the meaning of life isn't fame but connection, and she will forever remember Xiang Qinyu as her "last fan," knowing his name and the courage he gave her prove his real existence. Before his departure, Xiang Qinyu revisits the film set with his mother, a place he came to with Jin Ayin and where his dreams began. He tells his mother that he wants to see someone and will return "many years later."
He reflects on how he once recklessly jumped from high places for his career but now prioritizes safety, knowing his Ayin would worry. In her time, Jin Ayin rides a studio bus and is astonished to see Xiang Qinyu. He extends his hand to her, fulfilling his promise to reappear.
Shortly after, Jian Ye calls Jin Ayin with exciting news: Chen Mumu, a top producer, loved her script, praising her ability to write such a compelling story even in a dream. Jin Ayin looks into a shop window and sees a poster of Xiang Qinyu, bearing his authentic signature and the little orange lantern he drew for her. This confirms that her encounter with him on the bus was not a dream. As Jin Ayin sips her coffee, having ordered two as always, she hears her name called as she prepares to leave. She turns, a smile spreading across her face.
