Somewhere Only We Know Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Somewhere Only We Know Synopsis
Xue Tong, a junior in the English Department at Donghu University, was thrown a slip of paper with answers on it during an exam, and Mu Chenghe, a doctoral student who was temporarily supervising the exam, thought she was cheating.
Xue Tong’s hatred for Mu Chenghe increased when she was called to make up missed lessons of the Russian elective.
After the interaction between them, Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe went from hating each other to having affection.
Xue Tong slowly found out that “Lao Mu” is a very charming and connotative person.
Since then, Xue has been slowly developing a crush on Mu Chenghe. Until Xue Tong graduated, growing up in the experience of some work and family things, more understanding of the past and future of Mu Chenghe, the crush was finished, and they came together happily.
Somewhere Only We Know Recap
Episode 1 Recap
During a Marxism exam at Donghu University, a paper was thrown towards Xue Tong. The invigilator, Mu Chenghe, who had been observing her, accused her of cheating. He presented an invigilation results certificate and instructed her to sign it. Xue Tong vehemently denied the accusation, stating she did not know where the paper came from, but Mu Chenghe insisted he had witnessed it.
Other teachers intervened, expressing that Xue Tong did not seem like someone who would cheat, and offered to investigate, leading to Xue Tong being spared immediate disciplinary action. Infuriated, Xue Tong declared she would remember Mu Chenghe's name. As the new semester began, Xue Tong moved to the new campus and met her new roommates. Later, one of her new roommates, Wu Man Xiao, arrived.
After inadvertently breaking Xue Tong's watermelon, Wu Man Xiao openly questioned how Xue Tong avoided punishment for her alleged cheating in the Marxism exam. Wu Man Xiao hinted that a "disgusting deal must have been made" for Xue Tong to escape repercussions, before introducing herself and learning Xue Tong was her new roommate. Xue Tong, still reeling from the accusation, insisted she was innocent. Prof. Chen Ting called Xue Tong via phone to the square for a speech rehearsal.
Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi, who she encountered on the way, joined her. During the rehearsal, Prof. Chen Ting noticed Xue Tong's draft was almost identical to her freshman year speech. He acknowledged her reluctance to give the speech but reminded her of her special status as a "role model" student, having received 20 extra points on her college entrance exam, and thus her obligation to set a positive example.
Xue Tong argued she could have entered the university without the added points but ultimately agreed to rewrite the speech herself. Still determined to clear her name, Xue Tong confronted Mu Chenghe in the physics laboratory, asking him to publicly declare her innocence. Mu Chenghe dismissed her request as unreasonable, maintaining his stance that he only believes what he sees and would not make a public announcement.
He was upset when Xue Tong used one of his experiment models to illustrate her point that visual perception could be misleading, and left, stating he had a meeting. Following this, Xue Tong asked Prof. Chen Ting where she could find Mu Chenghe. Back in her dorm, Wu Man Xiao continued to press Xue Tong about the cheating incident, hinting that it was "because of her dad." Just then, the dorm Madam arrived to check for banned electrical appliances.
To protect Wu Man Xiao, who was about to be caught, Xue Tong voluntarily surrendered her electric pot. Afterwards, Xue Tong explained to Wu Man Xiao that due to her father's legacy, she could not afford to be caught doing anything wrong, including using banned appliances or cheating. Xue Tong, determined to find the real culprit, planned to secretly access the comprehensive building's CCTV footage from the day of the exam.
She asked Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi to act as lookouts, not knowing they were the ones who had passed the note. While Xue Tong was inside, Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi panicked, contemplating telling her the truth. However, they were interrupted by security guards who caught Xue Tong trying to access the surveillance room, leading to a building-wide alarm.
Xue Tong was taken to Prof. Chen Ting, who, frustrated by her actions, canceled her speech, stating she did not want to give it anyway. Xue Tong argued she would not accept being barred from speaking due to a false accusation. The alarm also interrupted Mu Chenghe’s experiment, who questioned the lack of comprehensive surveillance in a building containing valuable research.
Upon returning to her dorm, Xue Tong found her flowerpot shattered and her speech draft, which detailed her hero father's story, read by Wu Man Xiao. Wu Man Xiao openly mocked Xue Tong, asking if she "really thinks she's a hero's daughter." Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi rushed in to defend Xue Tong, asserting their friendship and threatening Wu Man Xiao. Wu Man Xiao dismissed them as "meddlesome" and told them to leave.
Xue Tong stood by her friends, asserting they were welcome in her room. Afterwards, Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi discussed their plan to compensate for their actions by being good to Xue Tong, even offering her a new mattress for her bed, seeing it as a form of "atonement" or "gratitude."
Later, Prof. Chen Ting discussed the cheating incident with Mu Chenghe, informing him of Xue Tong's background: her father, a taxi driver, died a hero after being stabbed five times while apprehending robbers, making Xue Tong a "hero's daughter" and a university-promoted role model. Prof. Chen Ting expressed his disbelief that she would cheat and concern for the university's reputation and Xue Tong's well-being if she were wrongly accused. This revelation prompted Mu Chenghe to re-examine the case.
He rigorously investigated, comparing handwriting, analyzing seating arrangements, and even considering the fan's airflow. His meticulous investigation revealed that Song Qi Qi had written the note to Bai Lin. Mu Chenghe then presented his findings to Prof. Chen Ting and Xue Tong. Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi, also present, confessed to Prof. Chen Ting and asked to be punished, confirming Xue Tong's innocence. Mu Chenghe sincerely apologized to Xue Tong for his misunderstanding.
However, a deeply hurt Xue Tong silently walked away, ignoring Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi's tearful pleas. Song Qi Qi expressed her confusion as to why Xue Tong insisted on knowing the truth when she had not faced any disciplinary action. Xue Tong returned home, where her mother noticed her distress. Xue Tong confided that she was exhausted, constantly feeling watched, and wondered if her life would be different if her father were still alive.
Her mother comforted her, assuring her that her father would never want her to be unhappy because of him. Back at school for the opening ceremony, despite her speech being canceled, Xue Tong approached Bai Lin, who was hosting, and asked her to announce her name. Bai Lin agreed, and Xue Tong took the stage. She delivered an impromptu speech about her father, a heroic taxi driver who sacrificed his life apprehending robbers.
She spoke candidly about the "burden" of being a "hero's daughter," feeling compelled to be excellent, considerate, and flawless so as not to "blacken her father's name." Admitting that recent events had made her realize this burden had made her timid, she announced her desire to shed it and become a brave, normal person, allowing her father's courage to truly illuminate her life. As her speech concluded, heavy rain began to fall. Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi rushed to her side with an umbrella, and the three friends finally reconciled, their past grievances put aside.
Episode 2 Recap
University life was as hectic as ever, with professors often extending class time. Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi, their stomachs rumbling, hurried to the cafeteria for lunch. Meanwhile, a spare bed in Song Qi Qi and Bai Lin's dorm provided an opportunity, and they convinced Xue Tong to move in, hoping to avoid their annoying roommate, Wu Man Xiao. Bai Lin, whose academic performance was generally poor, was overjoyed when she learned she would still be able to graduate.
Earlier, Bai Lin had been worried she wouldn't graduate due to her poor academic performance and the cancelled exam grades from cheating. However, a senior student, Li Shixiong, explained a university rule: failing the same subject multiple times only counted as one failure for graduation credit calculation, and since she had only failed Philosophy twice, her credits would just meet the graduation requirement, provided she didn't fail any more courses.
To celebrate this modest achievement, she eagerly gathered her two best friends. Song Qi Qi, however, had little time for leisurely afternoon activities. Hailing from an ordinary background but possessing strong academic abilities and a determined spirit, she dedicated her afternoons to tutoring to earn her living expenses.
Bai Lin felt a sense of guilt towards Song Qi Qi, as Song Qi Qi's scholarship was canceled because she helped Bai Lin cheat in an exam – a significant financial blow for Song Qi Qi, whose main source of income came from tutoring. One day, an embarrassing situation arose when Xue Tong lost her slippers outside the school bathhouse.
Fortunately, Liu Qi, a student from Donghu University's Civil Engineering department, happened to pass by and lent her his own slippers, resolving her predicament. Their paths crossed again when Xue Tong, passing the sports field, saw Liu Qi playing basketball. His bright and handsome presence made her heart flutter. She rushed back to her dorm, took out slippers, tried them on in front of the mirror, before returning to the court.
Liu Qi was pleasantly surprised to see her, and they ended up sharing lunch at the cafeteria, a meal that left Xue Tong blushing. During this meal, Liu Qi sought Xue Tong's help with an English architectural paper, asking her to translate it. From then on, a connection formed between Xue Tong and Liu Qi.
They attended "Introduction to Architectural History" class together, with Xue Tong often finding herself captivated by his handsome profile as he intently listened to the lecture. After class, Liu Qi led Xue Tong to the rooftop, the highest point on campus, from where they could overlook the entire university. He enthusiastically explained various architectural structures, including different types of bridges and structural designs, as Xue Tong listened with wide-eyed curiosity.
He even shared a "secret" safety tip: in case of an earthquake, one should run to the low-lying, wide-spaced bathhouse, whose shear wall-frame structure offered superior seismic resistance. He also recommended specific architectural books like "Illustrated Dictionary of Ancient Chinese Architecture" and "Yuan Ye." Later, Xue Tong went to the library to study, but it was packed. Spotting a seat with only a bag on it, she moved the bag and settled in.
To her surprise, the seat belonged to Mu Chenghe, who returned shortly after. He questioned her presence, noting it was his spot. Xue Tong, at first defensive, then apologized, claiming she hadn't seen anyone. Mu Chenghe, shaking his head, reluctantly left, inadvertently leaving his campus card on the table, which Xue Tong promptly picked up. Xue Tong, feeling triumphant, used Mu Chenghe's campus card to buy a large haul of snacks from the supermarket.
She gleefully shared them with Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi. As they snacked, Song Qi Qi expressed concern about using Mu Chenghe's card, but Xue Tong and Bai Lin shrugged it off, claiming he "owed" them for past troubles. Meanwhile, Song Qi Qi, who was struggling to find an additional part-time job, ended up doing Bai Lin's overdue group homework, as Bai Lin was too preoccupied with her idol.
Song Qi Qi pleaded with a supermarket manager, emphasizing her urgent need for work despite her elective course schedule clashing with the shifts. Although initially rejected, her persistence and quick learning during a trial shift impressed the manager, who offered her the job. This meant Song Qi Qi would have to miss her Friday Russian class, so she asked Xue Tong to cover for her attendance.
One evening, while using the Wi-Fi at the teachers' office, Xue Tong unexpectedly ran into Mu Chenghe. She proudly informed him that she had chosen Russian as her elective course, even showing off a few Russian phrases she knew. Mu Chenghe listened with a knowing smile. He then mentioned losing his campus card recently and finding that someone had used it to buy three boxes of the very drink Xue Tong was holding, making Xue Tong visibly flinch.
Before leaving, he asked for his campus card back, which Xue Tong sheepishly returned. The following day, to Xue Tong's utter dismay, she discovered that the Russian teacher was none other than Mu Chenghe. Professor Chen Ting had indeed gone abroad for further studies, and Mu Chenghe was substitute teaching. When Mu Chenghe called Song Qi Qi's name during attendance, Xue Tong, attempting to cover for her absent friend, responded "Here."
Mu Chenghe, having recognized Xue Tong from their previous encounters, saw through her pretense. He then subtly "appointed" Xue Tong as the class representative, instructing her to complete the roll call. As Xue Tong read out the names, she deliberately skipped her own name. Mu Chenghe, however, noticed this, and instructed her to mark Xue Tong as absent. Later, at the supermarket, Xue Tong recounted the incident to Song Qi Qi, expressing her frustration and desire to drop the class.
Song Qi Qi agreed to drop it with her. They went to Mu Chenghe's office to submit their course withdrawal forms. Mu Chenghe surprisingly approved Song Qi Qi's request (referring to the actual Song Qi Qi's desire to drop for work), but refused Xue Tong's, stating, "You're the class representative, you can't drop." This left Xue Tong both confused and exasperated.
Leaving the office, Song Qi Qi apologized for putting Xue Tong in such a difficult position, but Xue Tong was convinced Mu Chenghe was intentionally making things harder for her. To cheer Xue Tong up, Song Qi Qi suggested they go buy sneakers for her younger brother and then enjoy a big meal. Xue Tong decided to ask Liu Qi for his advice on basketball shoes.
At the shoe store, Song Qi Qi selected an expensive pair for her brother, priced at over a thousand yuan, insisting she would buy it as she had just received her salary. Liu Qi, taking advantage of a promotion, bought a pair of flip-flops and subtly gifted them to Xue Tong. Meanwhile, Bai Lin, swept up in her idol obsession, excitedly told Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi about meeting the star Zheng Han Chang at the airport.
In her excitement, she had handed her phone directly to him, hoping for a personal connection. Earlier that evening, while Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi were out, they received a strange phone call from Bai Lin's number. A foreign voice on the other end, speaking on behalf of "Mr. Han Chang," stated that Han Chang wanted to return the phone in person, causing Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi to worry it might have been stolen.
That night, back in the dorm, Bai Lin, wanting to confirm her idol’s phone number, borrowed Xue Tong’s phone to call her own. To her disappointment, her phone was switched off. Xue Tong tried to communicate with the foreign caller in English, accusing him of theft, but the call was disconnected. Bai Lin was disheartened, feeling her efforts were in vain. Just then, the last and previously unseen roommate of unit 323 returned to the dorm. She was the renowned campus beauty, Zhao Xiaotang.
Episode 3 Recap
Bai Lin secretively informed Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi about their new roommate, Zhao Xiao Tang, emphasizing that she was no ordinary person. Bai Lin revealed that Zhao Xiao Tang was the "most beautiful girl" of the Environmental Science department, with countless admirers, including business tycoons and social celebrities. Xue Tong agreed, finding Zhao Xiao Tang genuinely beautiful after recalling her looks.
While Liu Qi attempted to teach Xue Tong how to play basketball, Xue Tong struggled, though she seemed to enjoy the lesson. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiao Tang, the strict captain of the school's model team, was preparing her team for the Donghu City fashion design and modeling contest. At a meeting, she expressed frustration with the team's quality, stating, "Donghu University needs more talents."
During practice, Zhao Xiao Tang severely reprimanded a team member, Jiang Yu, for gaining weight, forcing her to remove her clothes and threatening to prevent her from participating in the contest, calling her a "disgrace to their designers." Bai Lin, assigned to host the event, witnessed this with surprise, while Jiang Yu was so affected that she skipped dinner to exercise.
Separately, Song Qi Qi bought a new pair of basketball shoes as a surprise for her younger brother, despite her mother's concerns over the phone about her spending. Later that night, Zhao Xiao Tang returned to the dorm. Bai Lin, quick to engage, introduced herself and Xue Tong, complimenting Zhao Xiao Tang's earlier sternness during practice.
Zhao Xiao Tang introduced herself politely and generously offered her new roommates juice and snacks, claiming a "stranger from downstairs" had forced them on her. Xue Tong, Bai Lin, and Song Qi Qi eagerly accepted the snacks, with Xue Tong immediately taking a liking to her beautiful new roommate.
The next day, in Russian class, Xue Tong and Bai Lin were observed by a man, leading them to speculate he might be the one who sent Zhao Xiao Tang the snacks. In Russian class, Mu Chenghe, teaching the alphabet, deliberately called on Xue Tong to pronounce words containing the 'R' sound.
Despite her protests that she "was born that way" and couldn't make the sound, Mu Chenghe playfully named her "Rosa" and assigned her the task of practicing the pronunciation, making her the class representative. He also jokingly remarked that while Xue Tong might not be considered "outstanding" in the foreign language department, she would be in the School of Physics.
Away from class, Song Qi Qi worked her night shift at a convenience store, reassuring her mother over the phone about her scholarship and financial stability. Liu Qi and Xue Tong discussed Zhao Xiao Tang's popularity, with Xue Tong mentioning how their dorm was "piled up" with gifts from her many male admirers, cementing Zhao Xiao Tang's status as a "famous person" at Donghu University.
Later, Liu Qi called Xue Tong out to play basketball early in the morning, only for him to spot Zhao Xiao Tang passing by the court. He immediately asked Xue Tong to introduce them, admitting this was his true intention. Xue Tong, annoyed, reluctantly introduced Liu Qi to Zhao Xiao Tang. After a brief conversation, Liu Qi asked for Zhao Xiao Tang's WeChat, which she provided, much to Xue Tong's visible frustration.
Xue Tong grew increasingly frustrated by Liu Qi's persistent infatuation with Zhao Xiao Tang. Although Zhao Xiao Tang had given Liu Qi her WeChat out of courtesy, she never actually accepted his friend request. An impatient Liu Qi pestered Xue Tong to intervene, prompting Xue Tong to reluctantly ask Zhao Xiao Tang about it. Zhao Xiao Tang, after confirming Xue Tong was indeed his friend, agreed to add him.
Despite this, numerous other male admirers, learning Xue Tong was Zhao Xiao Tang's roommate, continued to bother her with requests to deliver gifts, making Xue Tong utterly fed up. Later, Liu Qi called Xue Tong, who informed him that Zhao Xiao Tang would add him. Liu Qi then asked Xue Tong to meet him on the rooftop, promising to reveal more information there. Xue Tong, going to the rooftop, found herself accidentally locked in by a patrolling security guard.
Bored and alone, she began to sing loudly, attracting the attention of Mu Chenghe, who was working in an office nearby. Mu Chenghe, who had just been lectured by Professor Wu about his research progress, came to investigate and was surprised to find Xue Tong singing. They joked about her Russian pronunciation and even discussed an English sentence, with Xue Tong teasingly calling Professor Wu an "old man" who "acts high and mighty."
However, their conversation was cut short when the returning security guard spotted them, mistook them for a couple, and ordered them to leave the rooftop. Xue Tong then bid farewell to Mu Chenghe. Upset and feeling rejected, Xue Tong confided in Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi at the convenience store. She recounted how Liu Qi had stood her up on the rooftop because he had run into Zhao Xiao Tang downstairs, and confessed her unrequited feelings for him.
Her friends tried to comfort her, and Bai Lin, acting as a self-proclaimed "Cupid," devised a plan. She met with Zhao Xiao Tang's ex-boyfriend, Shi Xiao Xiao, who was still trying to win Zhao Xiao Tang back. Bai Lin criticized Shi Xiao Xiao's past failed attempts and offered to help him with a "grand gesture" involving an expensive projector.
Her hidden agenda was to get Zhao Xiao Tang back with her ex, hoping this would deter Liu Qi's interest and pave the way for Xue Tong. Despite Bai Lin's efforts to eliminate Liu Qi's rival, Liu Qi's obsession with Zhao Xiao Tang remained. He questioned Xue Tong about seeing Zhao Xiao Tang get into a man's car, asking if it was her boyfriend. Xue Tong, increasingly exasperated, feigned ignorance.
Bai Lin's carefully orchestrated public proposal, featuring Shi Xiao Xiao projecting photos and begging for forgiveness, caused a stir on campus. Zhao Xiao Tang, seemingly more annoyed than moved, got into Shi Xiao Xiao's car to escape the spectacle. This deeply affected Liu Qi, but instead of giving up, he continued to pester Xue Tong, asking how he could "win her back" and if he should also be "grandiose."
Xue Tong, furious and fed up, angrily asked him what the point was and if he considered her a true friend before storming off. At a karaoke session, Bai Lin, celebrating what she considered a "great success" in deterring Liu Qi, was oblivious to Xue Tong's continued heartbreak, who lamented that "liking him was a mistake to begin with."
Episode 4 Recap
Xue Tong, feeling disheartened by her romantic woes, went to a KTV late into the night with Bai Lin, where they also had some drinks. Unexpectedly, the police raided the establishment, which was suspected of illicit activities, and the two friends were mistakenly brought to the police station. Xue Tong presented her student ID, prompting the police to call Mu Chenghe to pick up the students and reinforce their supervision and education.
Mu Chenghe reluctantly arrived at the Hua Yuan Street Police Station, signed the necessary documents, and escorted the two out. Bai Lin was impressed by Mu Chenghe's helpfulness, and Xue Tong's impression of him also improved, leading her to discuss a Russian pronunciation issue with him. Mu Chenghe swiftly drove them back to their dormitory safely.
While waiting for Song Qi Qi to help carry a very drunk Bai Lin upstairs, Mu Chenghe lent Xue Tong a CD, explaining it was the soundtrack to an old German film, "Good Bye, Lenin!" , which he had listened to for over a decade. The next morning, Bai Lin awoke with a severe hangover.
Intending to get a sick leave note from the infirmary, she instead met a handsome freshman named Zhong Qiang, who, seeing her discomfort, offered to let her go ahead of him for her check-up. Smitten, Bai Lin introduced herself, stating her name and department. She left without a sick note, but with a new crush. Meanwhile, Xue Tong accidentally stepped on and broke the CD Mu Chenghe had lent her, causing her immense distress as she realized it was irreplaceable.
During class, Mu Chenghe, teaching about Russian naming culture, called on Xue Tong, who was still distracted by her CD dilemma. A student then approached Bai Lin, stating that Zhong Qiang wanted her WeChat contact information. After class, Mu Chenghe asked Xue Tong about the homework and if she had brought his CD, mentioning how important it was to him, and suggested she make a copy if she liked it. Xue Tong, still hiding the damage, agreed.
Back in the dorm, Bai Lin noticed Zhong Qiang hadn't added her on WeChat. Determined, she marched to the swimming pool, confronted him, and insisted he add her immediately. He apologized, explaining his phone was locked in a locker during training, and then asked her to dinner.
After their date, Bai Lin returned to the dorm, excitedly showing off Zhong Qiang's coat and recounting their shared interests and his plans for a beach trip that coincided with hers during the National Day holiday. Xue Tong, still preoccupied with the broken CD, and Song Qi Qi listened patiently. Their conversation was interrupted when Zhao Xiaotang returned, furious with Bai Lin for interfering in her personal life, accusing her of conspiring with her ex-boyfriend to win her back.
A heated argument erupted between Bai Lin and Zhao Xiaotang, escalating to threats of physical confrontation, which Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi struggled to de-escalate. Upset, Bai Lin stormed out, only to find Zhong Qiang waiting outside. He asked her to go see the new "Twilight" movie, and still fuming, Bai Lin promptly agreed and left with him.
Mu Chenghe's dedication to his research project had delayed his PhD dissertation, leading to a stern reprimand from Professor Wu, his mentor, who urged him to focus on graduating rather than the upcoming mechanics conference. Xue Tong, arriving to submit her homework, overheard the heated exchange. Feeling guilty about the broken CD and witnessing Mu Chenghe's stress, she volunteered to help him with his experiment.
Despite his initial reluctance, they ended up working together in the laboratory late into the night, completing a presentation poster for the school journal. Seeing Mu Chenghe's relieved smile, Xue Tong mustered the courage to confess about the broken CD. To her surprise, he wasn't angry and calmly reassured her not to worry about it, adding that he still had more experiments to do.
As the National Day holiday approached, Bai Lin's plans to go to the beach with Zhong Qiang were canceled because his swimming team was suddenly scheduled for training. Disappointed, she reluctantly decided to join the Students' Union's hiking trip to Mount Midian, organized by President Li Jiahang. Meanwhile, Mu Chenghe's continued pursuit of the mechanics conference clashed with Professor Wu's insistence that he prioritize his PhD.
In a fit of frustration, Professor Wu locked the laboratory, preventing Mu Chenghe from registering for the conference. Xue Tong received a call from a frustrated Bai Lin, who was already on the rainy hiking trip and complaining about her mother's nagging. Later, Mu Chenghe called Xue Tong, asking her to come to the lab to help. She agreed, despite her home being in Donghu City, and said it would take her two hours to get there.
Upon arriving at the lab, Xue Tong had to squeeze through a window to get inside, guided by Mu Chenghe on the phone. Inside, she found a flashlight and proceeded to input his research topic, "The Optimization of Aeroelasticity of T-Shaped tail," and experimental data into his computer. She then completed the "Registration Application" and accidentally sent it from her own email before Mu Chenghe had her resend it from his.
Their clandestine operation was almost discovered by a patrolling security guard, forcing Xue Tong to hide. After the guard left, they exited the lab. On the drive home, Xue Tong asked Mu Chenghe why his research always related to airplanes. He explained his inspiration came from Zhukovsky, the "Father of Russian Aviation," who believed that human intellect, not just muscle, allows them to soar.
As they drove past a music store, Xue Tong excitedly bought what she thought was a replacement CD of the "Good Bye, Lenin!" soundtrack, only to discover it was a fake. Mu Chenghe, after seeing her disappointment, took her back to the store and successfully retrieved her 500 yuan, playfully chiding her for being naive. When Xue Tong finally arrived home late, her mother was visibly upset.
Xue Tong tried to appease her by peeling an orange and watching a legal show together. Later that evening, she received a message from Mu Chenghe, inviting her to the planetarium the next day.
Episode 5 Recap
As a token of appreciation, Mu Chenghe invited Xue Tong to visit the planetarium. Inside, Xue Tong was as lively as a sprite, expressing her thoughts freely. She remarked that seeing the starry sky and universe made her feel insignificant, and lamented the severe air pollution that now obscures the stars. She also confessed that she would not have thought of visiting such a place on her own, as she found it potentially dull.
Mu Chenghe listened with a gentle smile, occasionally using his physics knowledge to explain various wondrous phenomena. He demonstrated Einstein's theory of general relativity, showing how the distortion of time and space creates gravity and mutual attraction between objects. Xue Tong praised his clear explanation, noting that even the children clapped. Mu Chenghe playfully suggested his teaching style was suited for "children like her."
Xue Tong then became engrossed in a display, prompting Mu Chenghe to ask if she knew about Voyager 1. He explained that it was a space probe launched by NASA in 1977, carrying humanity's messages to explore the farthest reaches of the universe without a specific destination. He added that its power would likely be depleted by 2025, after which it would drift further into deep space, no longer able to send back information.
Hearing this, Xue Tong felt a profound sense of loneliness, yet also acknowledged the mission's grandeur. They encountered Bo Wen, a volunteer guide, who greeted Mu Chenghe, revealing that Mu Chenghe was also a volunteer guide there, occasionally providing individual explanations. Bo Wen informed them about a children's modeling competition, where participants built models for prizes. Inspired, Xue Tong wanted to create a Voyager 1 model herself, but Mu Chenghe expressed doubt about her ability.
She insisted he help, but he deemed it inappropriate for a guide to assist in a children's competition. Undeterred, Xue Tong struggled with the model until Mu Chenghe, seeing her difficulty, stepped in to help her, pointing out the instructions. During their time, Xue Tong asked if he had ever visited the National Astronomical Observatory. He admitted he hadn't, and she playfully suggested he would benefit from her company this time, which he humorously countered.
Returning to school, they noticed a bulletin board announcing the upcoming Sino-Russian Cultural Exchange Week. Xue Tong, keenly interested, proposed that their Russian class participate in a choir to sing a Russian song, despite the event conflicting with their regular class schedule on Friday afternoon. She light-heartedly suggested it would be a good reason to skip class.
Mu Chenghe, after some playful banter where Xue Tong jokingly implied no one wanted to attend his classes, agreed, seeing it as an opportunity to showcase what they had learned. He entrusted Xue Tong with the responsibility of organizing the choir, which she eagerly accepted. Meanwhile, Bai Lin, Li Jiahang, and others were on a mountain trip, having planned to watch the sunrise. However, it had been raining since their arrival, leaving Bai Lin in a foul mood.
She grumbled to Li Jiahang, the organizer, about the unpredictable mountain weather. Later that night, while scrolling through Weibo, Bai Lin stumbled upon a photo of Zhong Qiang intimately posing with another woman. Her world seemed to crash as she realized Zhong Qiang had a girlfriend. Heartbroken, Bai Lin ran alone up the mountain in the pouring rain. Li Jiahang, who harbored a secret affection for Bai Lin, worried for her safety and followed closely behind.
As they reached the summit, the clouds suddenly parted, revealing a breathtaking sunrise, a truly magnificent sight. Just as Bai Lin was celebrating, Zhong Qiang appeared. He explained that the woman in the photo was his ex-girlfriend, and he had gone back to break up with her, taking a "last photo" out of momentary weakness.
Despite her initial disbelief, Zhong Qiang passionately confessed his deep feelings for Bai Lin, declaring he had liked her since the first time he saw her and couldn't live without her. He even climbed onto a dangerous ledge to prove his sincerity, offering her a bag of sand he had collected from the beach. Overwhelmed, Bai Lin forgave him, admitting she had stopped blaming him the moment he came looking for her.
When he asked her to be his girlfriend, she joyfully accepted, and they embraced. Li Jiahang, witnessing this, quietly descended the mountain alone. Later, Tao Tao asked Li Jiahang about Bai Lin's whereabouts, and he simply stated that her friend had picked her up. Back in her dorm, Bai Lin was ecstatic with her new relationship, sharing her happiness with her roommates.
She gushed about Zhong Qiang, recounting a romanticized version of their mountain encounter, complete with pouring rain, a sudden sunrise, and Zhong Qiang's dramatic appearance, attributing it all to true love and destiny. She even brought back gifts, ensuring that Zhao Xiaotang would not receive any. The next day, during Russian class, Xue Tong eagerly anticipated Mu Chenghe's arrival to lead the cultural week activities.
However, a substitute teacher, Mr. Liu, a Russian postgraduate, announced that Mu Chenghe was away on a temporary business trip and he would be covering the class. He instructed Xue Tong to find and download the film "Ivan's Childhood" onto Mu Chenghe's USB drive for the next lesson. Xue Tong inquired about Mu Chenghe's return, but Mr. Liu had no information. Meanwhile, Song Qi Qi, working at a shop, inadvertently accepted fake money from two suspicious customers.
Her boss, upon discovering the counterfeit bill, reprimanded her and docked the amount from her salary, emphasizing it as a lesson learned. Later, Song Qi Qi, wanting to see a stage play called "Rhinoceros in Love," tried to buy tickets but found them sold out for days. She even considered trying to buy scalped tickets, but ultimately didn't. Determined to keep the choir project going despite Mu Chenghe's absence, Xue Tong took the initiative to lead the practice.
She first sought out Mu Chenghe's lab, where she met Xu Jie, Mu Chenghe's colleague. Xu Jie informed her that Mu Chenghe was at an off-campus wind tunnel participating in an experiment related to his previous mechanics conference, an opportunity that indicated recognition for his research, though the results were still pending. Xu Jie also remarked that Mu Chenghe was far too busy for an elective course.
Xue Tong then enlisted Bai Lin's help to secure a classroom for rehearsals, which Li Jiahang, looking somewhat crestfallen, provided. In the classroom, Xue Tong tried to rally her classmates, who were initially apathetic and worried about wasting effort if Mu Chenghe didn't return or if the substitute teacher wouldn't allow them to participate. One student, Wu Man Xiao, was particularly vocal in her doubts. Xue Tong then approached Mr. Liu, the substitute teacher, to confirm their participation.
However, he stated he had no knowledge of a choir contest and couldn't make such decisions. Despite the setback and wavering morale among her peers, Xue Tong remained undeterred. She returned to the class, confidently announcing that they would participate regardless of Mu Chenghe's presence, and even hinted at his potential early return. Her enthusiasm reignited the students' spirits, and they eagerly volunteered, nominating Xue Tong as the lead singer.
Wu Man Xiao, perhaps a little miffed at not being chosen, volunteered to be the conductor, standing on a chair to be visible to all. Their practice sessions then began in earnest. However, their efforts were cut short when a Student Union member regretfully informed Xue Tong that the Cultural Week event had been shortened, leading to the cancellation of the choir competition.
The news left Xue Tong and her classmates deeply disappointed, though they cherished the memories of their shared efforts. Upon Mu Chenghe's return from his business trip, he informed Xu Jie that his research had captured the attention of the renowned Professor Waltz, who had personally called him. This acknowledgment filled Mu Chenghe with renewed drive and confidence, strengthening his resolve to persevere with his research and must achieve significant results.
He enthusiastically expressed his determination to Xu Jie, even stating he would work non-stop for three days and nights if necessary, and Xu Jie readily agreed to help him. Xue Tong later met Mu Chenghe to return his USB drive. Mu Chenghe, apologizing for his earlier unresponsiveness, explained his busy schedule.
He was initially preoccupied with discussing Professor Waltz's research topic with Xu Jie and casually set aside the USB drive, stating he would look at the Russian class materials later. However, recalling their previous discussion, he inquired about the choir. Xue Tong regretfully informed him that they had signed up but were not selected, to which Mu Chenghe responded with encouragement, saying it was normal for beginners.
During the next Russian class, with fewer students present, Mu Chenghe took the opportunity to share something interesting. He mentioned discovering two songs, "Deep Sea" and "Holy War," on his USB drive. He explained that both songs, sharing the same melody, originated during the Soviet era and were composed by the famous Alexandrov during a time when the Soviet people were reeling from the Nazi blitz.
He described how the lyrics embodied a defiant, indomitable spirit, and how hearing the songs always instilled in him a sense of positive determination. At the students' prompting, he even sang a portion of "Holy War" in Russian. Afterward, Xu Jie found Mu Chenghe still working late into the night. Mu Chenghe acknowledged his exhaustion but insisted on reviewing the research. Xu Jie then noticed a message from Xue Tong on Mu Chenghe's phone, complimenting his singing.
Mu Chenghe promptly replied with a "Thank you." Meanwhile, Bai Lin, who was also in class, was on the phone with Zhong Qiang, playfully telling him that Xue Tong had "forced" her to attend class and she was there to keep her company, reaffirming her love for him. She then questioned Xue Tong if she knew about Mu Chenghe's return beforehand.
Episode 6 Recap
Bai Lin and Xue Tong went to pick up parcels, where they encountered a notice board listing students who needed to retake the physical examination for the School of Foreign Languages. To their dismay, Bai Lin, Xue Tong, and Song Qi Qi were all on the list, meaning the three friends would have to train for running together. Meanwhile, Peng Yu, Song Qi Qi's middle school student, excelled in his midterm exam, earning praise.
He asked Song Qi Qi to find a physics teacher from her university to give a science popularization lecture at his school, specifically requesting someone "handsome or beautiful to gain me some face." Xue Tong immediately thought of Mu Chenghe and approached him. Mu Chenghe confirmed that fluid mechanics was a branch of physics, and after some persuasion from Xue Tong, who wanted him to teach "another class," he agreed to help.
Later, when Mu Chenghe met Peng Yu, the boy initially expressed skepticism about Mu Chenghe's youth, saying university lecturers usually wore thick glasses and were bald. However, Mu Chenghe quickly performed a complex mental calculation, impressing Peng Yu, who enthusiastically declared that Mu Chenghe was the one. Despite Mu Chenghe's slight worry about teaching children, Xue Tong encouraged him, reminding him of his popularity with kids at the astronomical observatory.
Song Qi Qi continued her intense devotion to a stage play, attending every performance until the very last day at Donghu Performing Arts Centre. A ticket seller noted that she wasn't there to watch the show but seemed to be "waiting for someone," suggesting that if the person intended to show up, they would have already. Unperturbed, Song Qi Qi bought the last expensive ticket, still waiting for the mysterious person who never appeared.
Disheartened, she continued to search for clues about them on Weibo. Back in the dorm, Bai Lin was energetically doing aerobics when she accidentally stained Zhao Xiaotang's new dress. Fortunately, Zhao Xiaotang was not in the room at the time, preventing an immediate confrontation. Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe began preparing for the science class. Xue Tong found Mu Chenghe's initial lecture style too academic, describing it as "chanting" with "too many scientific terms," making her "feel so sleepy."
She suggested making the content more engaging for children by acting out concepts, even playfully suggesting a slap to demonstrate interaction of force, which Mu Chenghe corrected. They agreed that he would focus on the content while Xue Tong would create the PowerPoint slides, with a strict rule: "No scientific terms are allowed." Mu Chenghe found Xue Tong to be a quick-witted and interesting girl.
When Zhao Xiaotang returned to the dorm, she was furious to discover the large stain on her new dress, which she declared had been "discontinued." Bai Lin, initially defiant, tried to brush it off as "just a dress" and blamed Zhao Xiaotang for the sheer volume of her parcels. Song Qi Qi tried to intervene as the argument escalated, with Zhao Xiaotang stating that Bai Lin "won't be able to pay for it" even if she wanted to.
Instead of focusing on the dress, Bai Lin later went shopping with Xue Tong, buying several swimsuits for swimming lessons with Zhong Qiang. She dismissed Xue Tong's concerns about Zhao Xiaotang's dress, saying they would "find it in the next one." Later, Zhong Qiang tried to teach Bai Lin how to swim, but when she discovered his swimming cap was bought by an ex-girlfriend, she declared she would rather drown than learn to swim and left.
Xue Tong returned to the dorm. Zhao Xiaotang, who was packing, asked Xue Tong to be her temporary assistant for an afternoon photoshoot. Xue Tong was hesitant due to her prior commitment to Mu Chenghe's science class but agreed, believing it would only take "around two hours." During the photoshoot, Xue Tong observed the demanding nature of a model's work and Zhao Xiaotang's professionalism in difficult conditions, including an unprofessional primary photographer and lighting issues.
Zhao Xiaotang, seeing the time, told Xue Tong to leave for her own appointment, arranging for another photographer, Shi Xiao Xiao, to give her a ride. Mu Chenghe conducted the science class at No.1 Experimental Middle School. He demonstrated the resilience of a curved eggshell against force. His first attempt failed because he accidentally used a raw egg instead of a cooked one. After quickly obtaining a cooked egg, he successfully demonstrated the principle, captivating the students.
Peng Yu noticed Xue Tong's absence and asked about her, to which Mu Chenghe replied that "she has an emergency." That evening, Xue Tong returned to the dorm and talked to Bai Lin, telling her it was important to acknowledge her mistake and apologize to Zhao Xiaotang for staining the dress and the trouble it caused. Bai Lin, after some thought, wrote a sincere apology card and placed it on Zhao Xiaotang's desk, effectively restoring harmony to unit 323.
Shortly after, Zhao Xiaotang called Xue Tong, thanking her for her help during the photoshoot and acknowledging the difficult situation caused by Bai Lin's accidental staining of the dress, saying she was sorry for the trouble Xue Tong had gone through. Xue Tong reassured her that Bai Lin wasn't a bad person, just "not very sharp," and wondered if people from different worlds couldn't be friends.
Later, Mu Chenghe called Xue Tong, mentioning how well the class went and that he regretted her absence, inviting her to a gathering with his Russian friends. This excited Xue Tong, who speculated about "vodka, Russian folk songs, or dancing like in Tetris." At the party, Xue Tong met Mu Chenghe's friends, Alexander (Sasha) and Rosa, and enjoyed Russian vodka and Mu Chenghe's unique mackerel and cheese dumplings.
Mu Chenghe offered for her to stay the night, remarking, "I'm not a bad guy anyway." However, when Xue Tong went to the bathroom, she discovered women's perfume and other personal hygiene items, leading her to believe that Mu Chenghe already had a girlfriend. She quietly left, uttering a soft "I can't."
Episode 7 Recap
Amidst widespread discussions about the approaching legendary 2012 doomsday, everyone was contemplating how to spend their final day. Bai Lin eagerly planned to celebrate with Zhong Qiang, her beloved, expressing a desire for a ceremonial experience regardless of the prophecy's truth. She booked a KTV room for a party and invited her roommates, Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi, to witness her happiness.
Xue Tong, however, was preoccupied with anxiety about a woman's perfume she had found at Mu Chenghe's home, fearing he might already be in a relationship. When Bai Lin noticed Xue Tong wearing perfume, Xue Tong quickly explained it was Zhao Xiaotang's. Zhao Xiaotang later agreed to join the KTV party via a phone call. While shopping, Xue Tong spotted Mu Chenghe chatting and laughing with a woman, and her heart sank as she suspected this was his girlfriend.
Bai Lin, meanwhile, excitedly shared that she believed Zhong Qiang had bought a favorite necklace for her, a piece she had admired but found already sold. Unfazed by the doomsday buzz, Song Qi Qi continued her shift at the supermarket, observing customers stocking up on instant food. She dismissed the doomsday predictions as nonsense, suggesting people were just using it to escape reality. Xue Tong agreed, lamenting the uncertainty and the need to confirm things before accepting them.
Later, in a gloomy mood, Xue Tong attended her Russian class with Bai Lin. The two were late and Mu Chenghe seemed unusually stern, scolding Bai Lin for bringing irrelevant items to class. After class, Mu Chenghe asked Xue Tong to stay behind. He then invited her to an opera performance that evening, mentioning that his Russian housemate, Ivanov, also wanted her to come and hinted at a surprise.
Xue Tong, still confused by Mu Chenghe's intentions and the woman she had seen with him, said she would try to make it. Back in the dormitory, Xue Tong witnessed Zhao Xiaotang hastily leaving after a phone call from her mother, Zhao Meizhi. When Zhao Xiaotang returned home, she discovered her mother had called her back for trivial matters, like a misplaced lighter.
Zhao Xiaotang's mother, Zhao Meizhi, was a third party in a superficial marriage with Zhao Xiaotang's father, which made her fragile and emotionally extreme, tormenting both herself and Zhao Xiaotang. Frustrated, Zhao Xiaotang confronted her mother, calling her "Zhao Meizhi" and accusing her of being neurotic and living with a heavy burden. Zhao Xiaotang expressed pity and resentment, believing her father was better off for not replying to her mother's messages, implying he simply didn't want to engage.
Xue Tong attended the opera that night but panicked when she saw the same woman she had encountered earlier with Mu Chenghe sitting beside her. Convinced her suspicions were true, she fled the theater, unaware that the woman was actually Chen Ting's girlfriend. Meanwhile, at Bai Lin's KTV party, the festive mood was shattered when Zhong Qiang's ex-girlfriend, Shen Ziwei, unexpectedly appeared. Zhong Qiang immediately left Bai Lin to speak with Shen Ziwei privately.
Heartbroken, Bai Lin confessed to Xue Tong and Zhao Xiaotang that she had known about Zhong Qiang's ex-girlfriend, revealing they hadn't formally broken up when she and Zhong Qiang started dating. Zhao Xiaotang urged Bai Lin to be clear-headed and take control of her relationship, inspiring Bai Lin to confront Zhong Qiang. With her friends by her side for moral support, Bai Lin marched into the restaurant where Zhong Qiang and Shen Ziwei were talking.
Shen Ziwei introduced herself to Bai Lin and clarified that she was there to formally break up with Zhong Qiang, assuring Bai Lin that Zhong Qiang now preferred her and wishing them well before leaving to catch a train. She also subtly advised Bai Lin to get earplugs for Zhong Qiang's teeth grinding, a detail only an intimate partner would know. Bai Lin, still seething, questioned Zhong Qiang about why he broke up with such a thoughtful and attractive woman.
Zhong Qiang struggled to explain his feelings, only saying their relationship wasn't a "multiple-choice question," to which Bai Lin sarcastically responded by calling herself the "false answer" in a "true or false" scenario. Overwhelmed and upset, she told him to leave, needing space to calm down. Later, while Bai Lin was still reeling from the encounter, Zhong Qiang found her and tearfully apologized, expressing his love and presenting her with a beautiful necklace.
He declared his desire to spend doomsday with her, stating that every day without her felt like doomsday. Despite her sadness, Bai Lin's heart softened, and she eventually forgave him, reconciling their relationship. The next day, Mu Chenghe sought out Xue Tong, chiding her for leaving the opera. He clarified that the woman she saw was Chen Ting's girlfriend, and the perfume belonged to her.
He explained that he was temporarily staying at Chen Ting's apartment, the same place where he, Ivanov, and others had held a party. Mu Chenghe then revealed that he was performing on stage that night, which was the "surprise" he had mentioned. He invited Xue Tong to attend the final performance, promising her a seat in the first row. Xue Tong, now understanding, happily agreed.
Meanwhile, Song Qi Qi received a phone call from Li Jiahang for Bai Lin, informing them that Li Jiahang was downstairs with the New Year's party program list. As Bai Lin was feeling unwell and reluctant to go down, Song Qi Qi volunteered to fetch it. While reviewing the program, Song Qi Qi's eyes lingered on an entry for "Rhinoceros in Love," momentarily lost in thought.
She then confided in Xue Tong a secret she'd held, revealing that she was not a university student but had started working after high school, holding two jobs. She confessed her envy for those with clear academic goals and expressed that the impending doomsday made her want to say everything she felt, because "not being able to say what you want to say, that's the real doomsday."
Zhao Xiaotang was called home again by her mother, Zhao Meizhi, who continued to obsess over the doomsday prophecy and expressed a wish for her and Zhao Xiaotang's father to be together if the world ended. Zhao Xiaotang, however, questioned her mother's persistent emotional burden. That evening, Xue Tong returned to the theater and saw Mu Chenghe performing. She was delighted and surprised. Afterwards, they discussed the upcoming "doomsday."
Xue Tong still called him "Mr. Mu," then "Mr. Mu Chenghe," before settling on "Mr. Mu," playfully teasing him about being old-fashioned. Mu Chenghe didn't believe in the doomsday predictions, dismissing the idea of the Voyager's meaning being lost or that he would be lucky enough to die with the world. He playfully suggested that if they both decided to sleep in and miss the sunrise on "doomsday," then their world wouldn't end. As the predicted doomsday passed without incident, a small flower blossomed in Xue Tong's heart, bearing Mu Chenghe's name.
Episode 8 Recap
The arrival of Christmas Eve spurred various plans. Their teacher admonished students for celebrating too many festivals, from the recent "end of the world" to Christmas, implying they were too idle. Later, Bai Lin, having been held up by her strict teacher affectionately called "Grandma Wolf," met up with her roommates. She and Zhong Qiang planned to go see a movie.
Xue Tong, however, said she had to work overtime, and their other roommates were not joining, and she also had to abandon her plan to go to Mu Chenghe's lab because he was too busy. Bai Lin, ever the enthusiastic matchmaker, declared her most important mission in this "new era" was to find suitable partners for her friends. Meanwhile, Xue Tong had a chance encounter with Mu Chenghe.
She cautiously inquired about his evening plans and offered to do her homework in his lab, but he gently turned her down, citing a busy schedule and the lab being crowded. Still on her matchmaking quest for Xue Tong, Bai Lin approached Li Jiahang, asking if he knew any eligible single men. He claimed he didn't. When Bai Lin later asked about the upcoming New Year's party, Li Jiahang became unexpectedly serious.
He reproached her for her lack of dedication and revealed that this event would be his final one before leaving the Students' Union. He earnestly asked her to approach it with seriousness, and Bai Lin, chastened, promised to execute the task flawlessly. As preparations intensified, Bai Lin proactively recruited students, like Wu Man Xiao, to perform a "Home Hip-hop" dance, assuring them that the school would permit such a modern performance.
While reviewing the program with Li Jiahang, she suggested replacing an older song, "Callous to the End," with a rap number and extending a dance segment she found particularly appealing. Her dedication, however, strained her relationship with Zhong Qiang. He called her on Christmas Eve, but she was too engrossed in Students' Union duties to meet him, leaving him feeling hurt. The next day, a remorseful Bai Lin sought out Zhong Qiang at the swimming pool.
She apologized for missing their Christmas plans, explaining her commitment to helping Li Jiahang with his final event. Zhong Qiang, though still feeling somewhat slighted, accepted her apology. He declined her peace offering of snacks, stating his coach was present. Ever persistent, Bai Lin then asked him if his team had any "good single men" who "liked girls," to which he simply replied, "None."
Still determined to find a partner for Xue Tong, Bai Lin later learned that Liu Qi, whom Xue Tong had previously liked, was performing at the New Year's party after losing a bet. Seizing the opportunity, Bai Lin called Xue Tong and assigned her the task of supervising Liu Qi's rehearsal, much to Xue Tong's discomfort. Liu Qi also realized Bai Lin's matchmaking intentions.
Both Xue Tong and Liu Qi made it clear that they were not suitable for each other, agreeing they were better off as friends. Despite the awkwardness, Xue Tong helped Liu Qi overcome his stage fright by advising him to recite the periodic table out loud, a technique that surprisingly worked for him. Separately, Song Qi Qi received a request from Peng Yu to deliver a photo to Mu Chenghe.
She asked Xue Tong to take it, and Xue Tong, with a hint of eagerness, rushed to Mu Chenghe's office. Mu Chenghe, still working late, greeted her with a warm smile, playfully noting her silent arrival. As Xue Tong handed him the photo, he observed her absence from it, deeming it "imperfect." He then took another photo and began to sketch on it, possibly adding her, while Xue Tong playfully tried to peek.
Caught, she quickly announced she was returning to her dorm. Bai Lin, increasingly suspicious of Song Qi Qi's recent behavior, decided to investigate. She and Xue Tong observed Song Qi Qi leaving, realizing she was lying about going to her part-time job at the convenience store as it wasn't her usual working day. Convinced Song Qi Qi was hiding a new relationship, they hailed a taxi to follow her.
Their amateur sleuthing quickly went awry when confused directions led their taxi driver to drop them off in an unfamiliar, deserted area. Stranded, Bai Lin expressed fear of encountering trouble. Xue Tong briefly considered calling the police but dismissed the idea, realizing the embarrassment of admitting they were lost while secretly following a friend. With no other recourse, Xue Tong called Mu Chenghe.
He arrived, clearly upset by their "childish behavior" and lack of safety awareness, and sternly ordered them into his car. In the car, Bai Lin cautiously asked if he was still angry. Mu Chenghe, softening, offered them oden he'd bought from a convenience store, expressing concern that they hadn't eaten. At that moment, Song Qi Qi appeared, carrying food, claiming she had been at the convenience store and bought a book.
Bai Lin remained skeptical, but Xue Tong, perhaps too tired to argue, accepted Song Qi Qi's explanation. The following day, Xue Tong went to Mu Chenghe's lab, only to learn he had worked through the night on experiments and had left at dawn. Later, she bumped into Xiao Tang, a scholarship student who also often worked late in the lab.
Xiao Tang emphasized that she disliked interruptions during her experiments, which made Xue Tong realize why Mu Chenghe had been so displeased the previous night, understanding she had inadvertently disturbed his critical work. At the New Year's party, Li Jiahang encountered Xiao Tang, who explained she had to finish experiments for an American university. He noted that she had even forgone a postgraduate recommendation for this opportunity, expressing that it seemed a pity.
Xiao Tang responded, "You can't own everything," implying she had no regrets about her choice. Finally, the New Year's party began, hosted by Bai Lin and Li Jiahang. Bai Lin announced that this year's gala would be "totally different and refreshing," foregoing traditional performances like recitals and classical dances. Outside, Xue Tong found herself unable to enter due to the limited capacity, growing increasingly anxious. Just then, Mu Chenghe appeared.
He asked if she would accompany him to "see an interesting thing," and she agreed. He led her to a secluded, elevated spot, a place he and his father had often visited, describing it as Donghu City's closest point to the sky. There, he explained, they could best receive the annual New Year's message from the Voyager space probe.
Initially, Xue Tong was only mildly impressed, but as Mu Chenghe explained the Voyager's extraordinary 35-year journey and its profound message to humanity—that despite being small in the vast universe, "we become great because of love"—she became captivated. He added that the Voyager had "another sixty-seven years of life," implying she could listen to its messages for many years to come, and played a recording of its message.
Inside the hall, Song Qi Qi watched the gala with Xiao Zheng, whom she had invited. However, partway through, Xiao Zheng decided to leave, citing the late hour. Despite Song Qi Qi's attempts to convince him to stay for another performance she thought he'd enjoy, he remained firm, so she offered to walk him out. As they headed for the exit, the drama club began their performance of "Rhinoceros in Love."
The passionate lines from the play's confession resonated deeply with Song Qi Qi. Inspired, she turned to Xiao Zheng, declaring, "Loving you was the best thing that I’ve ever done," then embraced and kissed him. Following this intense moment, they left the hall together and went to a hotel. A poignant scene unfolded backstage for Li Jiahang.
He had brought a real puppy, which he had affectionately named "Xiao Bai," intending to give it to Bai Lin, knowing her fondness for dogs. He approached her, eager to present his gift and reflect on his final Students' Union event. However, Zhong Qiang suddenly arrived, wishing Bai Lin a Happy New Year and surprising her with a toy dog. Bai Lin, delighted, promptly named the toy "Xiao Bai."
Seeing her happiness with Zhong Qiang and his gift, Li Jiahang, with his real puppy still in hand, felt a wave of disappointment. He simply offered Bai Lin a wistful "Happy New Year" and left. From a distance, he looked at his puppy and resignedly murmured, "She already has a Xiao Bai."
Episode 9 Recap
Xiao Zheng and Song Qi Qi spent the night together. The next morning, Xiao Zheng seemed unsure how to proceed, deliberately avoiding Song Qi Qi. As he was leaving, he handed her a book, "Poems by Lorca," wishing her a happy new year. Song Qi Qi returned the greeting and then asked if she could see him again. Xiao Zheng, after a moment of hesitation, suggested they could discuss the book after she finished reading it, before quickly departing.
Song Qi Qi, however, was clearly enamored with him. Back in the dorm, Bai Lin and Xue Tong playfully interrogated Song Qi Qi, demanding to know where she had been the previous night, hinting that someone saw her with a guy. Song Qi Qi, shy about revealing the truth, claimed she had gone to the midnight book market alone. However, Bai Lin found a copy of "Poems by Lorca," implying Song Qi Qi was lying.
Song Qi Qi insisted she was alone, but her friends found her story unconvincing. Bai Lin then excitedly told Song Qi Qi that she missed a significant development: Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe had gotten together. Xue Tong, embarrassed, denied it, but Bai Lin continued to playfully tease her, expressing her support for the match. Later, the three friends had a meal in the cafeteria.
Xue Tong ate a lot, explaining that she was preparing for the 800 metres running test scheduled in a few days. She told them that passing required finishing under four and a half minutes and warned that failing would mean no master admission exam, no postgraduate recommendation, and only an associate's degree instead of a graduation certificate. Bai Lin protested, arguing that she came to study, not to run.
Xue Tong, however, was determined and offered to help Bai Lin train. Chen Ting returned from his business trip, greeted at the airport by Mu Chenghe. Upon arriving at Chen Ting's home, they found a feast prepared by Chen Ting's girlfriend, Ma Han, who teased Chen Ting for only missing the food and not her. Chen Ting also observed that Mu Chenghe's house was unusually tidy and playfully suggested he must be motivated by a girl, which Mu Chenghe denied.
That evening, Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi ran on the track, both exhausted and worried they wouldn't pass the fitness test. Song Qi Qi felt the "spiritual victory" method was not working for her and compared her legs to Xue Tong's, who seemed to possess supernatural power, joking that their calves would prevent them from getting boyfriends. As they rested, Xue Tong inquired if Mu Chenghe would still teach their Russian class now that Chen Ting was back.
Meeting Chen Ting later, Xue Tong learned that Mu Chenghe would continue to substitute teach because Chen Ting had many things to deal with after his long business trip. Xue Tong secretly rejoiced at the news, eager to see Mu Chenghe daily. Mu Chenghe then jokingly chided Xue Tong for wishing him "good morning" in the afternoon when she ran into him.
Song Qi Qi learned she was nominated for postgraduate recommendation due to her excellent academic performance, needing only to pass the fitness test. Bai Lin and Xue Tong were thrilled for her, planning a pizza celebration. Zhong Qiang, concerned about their fitness test, volunteered to be their coach, pushing them through strenuous workouts with dumbbells to improve stamina. Despite their exhaustion, Zhong Qiang motivated them by saying he didn't want Bai Lin to blame him if they failed.
During this period, Chen Ting summoned Xue Tong to his office and informed her that she was also a candidate for postgraduate recommendation. He clarified that while her grades and teacher recommendations were strong, there was only one final spot, and Song Qi Qi was her direct competitor. Xue Tong was surprised and conflicted, realizing she and her best friend were now rivals. Xue Tong found herself in a deep dilemma and decided to confide in Zhao Xiaotang.
Zhao Xiaotang sensed Xue Tong was pretending to be strong and pressed her to reveal her worries. Xue Tong admitted that she and Song Qi Qi were both nominated for the single postgraduate recommendation spot. Zhao Xiaotang, while helping Xue Tong open a bottle, encouraged her to face the competition head-on. She asserted that avoiding the conflict wasn't kindness but hypocrisy, and that such an attitude would make her feel belittled if she were Xue Tong's competitor.
The dreaded 800 metres fitness test began. Bai Lin, having previously volunteered to lead the pace for her friends, complained about the difficulty but tried to motivate others. Song Qi Qi took the lead, sprinting towards the finish line with all her might, followed closely by Xue Tong and Bai Lin. However, Bai Lin eventually fell behind, urging Xue Tong to go on without her.
Song Qi Qi finished first, with a time of 4:07, and Xue Tong finished second at 4:10. But due to overexertion, Song Qi Qi was sent to the infirmary, where a doctor diagnosed her with metabolic acidosis, explaining it was caused by intense exercise leading to organ oxygen deprivation and lactic acid buildup. The doctor assured them it was not serious and advised rest and plenty of water.
Bai Lin fussed over Song Qi Qi, promising to cater to her every need. In the infirmary, Xue Tong initiated a conversation about the postgraduate recommendation, hoping it wouldn't strain their friendship. Song Qi Qi confessed her true feelings, explaining her intense effort. She revealed her long-held dream of becoming a teacher at Donghu University, which required a master's degree. The postgraduate recommendation would also exempt her from tuition fees, a crucial factor given her family's modest background.
Therefore, she felt compelled to compete for the spot and considered Xue Tong her rival. Song Qi Qi further stated that her rival wasn't just Xue Tong, but also Xue Tong's father, as she had been told by the department that Xue Tong would receive extra points due to her father's influence, despite their similar grades. Stunned and hurt by Song Qi Qi's implication that she would use her father's connections, Xue Tong angrily left the infirmary.
Xiao Zheng visited Song Qi Qi at the convenience store where she worked, noticing her fatigued appearance. He then shared his "almost good news": he too was nominated for a postgraduate recommendation, but like her, was competing for a single spot against another candidate—his roommate and best friend. Xiao Zheng empathetically listened to Song Qi Qi's worries about her competition with Xue Tong.
He patiently advised her that competition is a natural and necessary part of life that prevents complacency and that being friends doesn't preclude being rivals. His words brought her comfort. Meanwhile, Xue Tong, determined not to receive special treatment due to her father's influence, went to Chen Ting's office with an application to withdraw from the postgraduate recommendation.
Chen Ting explained that while her father was a factor, the selection was fundamentally based on academic merit, and without good grades, no amount of influence would suffice. He also clarified that multiple comprehensive factors were always considered, not just grades. Nevertheless, he urged Xue Tong to reconsider, asking her to take the application back and think about it for another two days before making a final decision.
To mend the strained relationship between Song Qi Qi and Xue Tong, Bai Lin invited them to eat pizza. Song Qi Qi offered to treat, but Xue Tong objected, insisting they choose something else. Xue Tong's unusual behavior, particularly her strong aversion to pizza, led Song Qi Qi to mistakenly believe Xue Tong was upset about the postgraduate recommendation and was subtly looking down on her family's financial status.
Song Qi Qi retorted defensively, asserting that her need for the recommendation was a "reality" and being pitied was worse than losing. Xue Tong then revealed that she had already applied to withdraw from the recommendation process, trying to explain that her intention was not to pity Qi Qi, but to avoid winning unfairly due to her father's influence, and that her dislike for pizza was unrelated. The misunderstanding only deepened, leaving Xue Tong deeply hurt.
She burst into tears and ran out. Shortly after, Xue Tong received a call from Mu Chenghe. He was calling to share his good news: his research project had not only won an award, but he had also met Professor Eric Waltz, a highly respected figure whom he likened to Hawking. Professor Waltz had expressed keen interest in Mu Chenghe's project. Mu Chenghe excitedly shared these details, but noticed the sadness in Xue Tong's voice, inquiring if anything was wrong.
Xue Tong dismissed it as nothing, merely asking about the arrangements for the upcoming Russian class, as he mentioned he might not be able to teach it due to meetings. Noticing the tearful tone in Xue Tong's voice during their phone call, Mu Chenghe grew concerned. He canceled his meetings and rushed back to school. Upon arrival, he learned from Bai Lin that Xue Tong was deeply distressed over the postgraduate recommendation competition with Song Qi Qi.
Mu Chenghe contacted Xue Tong again and met her, bringing her favorite canned peaches to comfort her. Xue Tong expressed her confusion and regret over her father's death, saying she still didn't understand why he acted so bravely and lamenting that if he were still alive, they would be happy.
She told Mu Chenghe about her decision to withdraw from the recommendation, explaining her reluctance to receive special treatment due to her father or to win at the expense of her friend. Mu Chenghe gently advised her that giving up was a valid choice if it brought her peace. Xue Tong, however, admitted that even giving up didn't make her happy, and she felt neither her father nor Song Qi Qi would want her to quit.
She reflected on the complexities of adult choices, where not all options are right, but there is always a wrong one. Xue Tong then asked Mu Chenghe to take her somewhere. They visited a former pizza shop, which was now closed, further upsetting Xue Tong.
On their way back, Xue Tong fell asleep and dreamt of her father, who encouraged her to eat pizza and assured her of his love and pride in all her decisions, urging her not to be burdened by his memory but to live her life fully. Waking up, Xue Tong told Mu Chenghe that she now understood what the wrong choice was, signaling a newfound clarity. Reinvigorated by her dream, Xue Tong sought out Song Qi Qi.
With Bai Lin present, Xue Tong finally revealed the deeply personal reason for her aversion to pizza: every Friday, her father would secretly take her to a pizza shop, but one fateful Friday, while she waited, she received the devastating news of his death. From that day, she swore never to eat pizza again, finding the memory too painful.
Song Qi Qi expressed regret for not knowing, and Xue Tong assured her it wasn't her fault, as she had never shared the story. Xue Tong explained that she realized her father would be saddened to know she avoided something she loved because of him. Song Qi Qi apologized, and Xue Tong, tearfully grateful, thanked her. Xue Tong concluded that the recent events had helped her gain clarity, and she was now determined to compete for the postgraduate recommendation.
She affirmed that while she couldn't control the "merit points" associated with her father, if she earned the spot, it would be purely on her own merit, with a score higher than Song Qi Qi's, even without any added advantage. Song Qi Qi thanked Xue Tong for her honesty and then playfully admitted that she hadn't given her full effort in the fitness test. The two friends, with their misunderstanding resolved and their rivalry reframed as a healthy competition, prepared to run again, ready to face the future together.
Episode 10 Recap
Donghu University was gripped by a tense atmosphere as final exams approached. Bai Lin found herself overwhelmed by the thought of exams, prompting Song Qi Qi to generously offer her class notes as an aid. Meanwhile, the university arranged an interview for Mu Chenghe to discuss his research findings and process. Feeling a bit nervous about the prospect, Mu Chenghe asked Xue Tong, who had been involved in the research, to sit beside him during the interview for support.
Xue Tong readily agreed, but not without a mischievous request for a peek at the Russian exam questions. Mu Chenghe chuckled gently, explaining that there were no fixed questions; students simply needed to prepare a poem in Russian to recite in class. He then used a physics textbook to mark out the exam "scope" for Xue Tong, humorously clarifying that any modern Chinese poem translated and recited in Russian would suffice for the oral test.
He emphasized that this was a last-minute decision to reveal the exam content, not a mistake on his part. Upon returning to her dorm, Xue Tong found Bai Lin diligently studying, a sight she found both amusing and rare. Later, Liu Qi unexpectedly confessed his feelings to Xue Tong. He presented her with a written confession, filled with flowery movie dialogue like "Meeting you is the prettiest accident of my life," which only annoyed Xue Tong.
Separately, Bai Lin, overwhelmed by exam stress, decided to temporarily stop seeing Zhong Qiang, her boyfriend, until after finals, and they both pledged to study hard. However, Liu Qi, undeterred, sought out Bai Lin for help in pursuing Xue Tong. Bai Lin found his sudden interest laughable, reminding him how deeply Xue Tong had once liked him, even doing his homework, while he was preoccupied with Zhao Xiaotang.
Bai Lin concluded that Liu Qi's realization of Xue Tong's worth had come too late. Xue Tong later assisted Mu Chenghe in his office, where she played the university's underground "Xiao She Radio Station" on an old radio. They listened together, enjoying the rare quiet moments.
The radio hosts discussed the end of the semester and joked about finding someone to reserve seats in the study room, or even how to "defeat the female college students" in the competitive quest for study spots. When Xue Tong returned to her dorm, Bai Lin informed her that Liu Qi had shown up at the dorm looking for her, scaring her with his persistence.
Bai Lin warned Xue Tong that Liu Qi seemed "crazy recently" and asked if she would reconsider him. Xue Tong deflected, emphasizing that she already liked someone else. The next day, Liu Qi surprisingly appeared in Xue Tong's Russian class, claiming he was there to "sit in" because he liked the language. Mu Chenghe, observing Liu Qi's obvious pursuit of Xue Tong, became visibly jealous.
After class, he called Xue Tong to his office, inquiring about her relationship with Liu Qi. Xue Tong, anxious that Mu Chenghe might misunderstand, quickly explained that she had nothing to do with Liu Qi and referred to him as "insane," though she admitted they were "sort of" friends. Mu Chenghe, in turn, cautioned her to tell Liu Qi not to disrupt his class, suggesting that Liu Qi's presence seemed to be more "to see you" than to study.
Liu Qi, still determined, invited Bai Lin to dinner, hoping to enlist her help. During their meal, Zhong Qiang unexpectedly joined them. After some explanations, Zhong Qiang understood Bai Lin was only helping a friend. However, he inadvertently revealed to Liu Qi that Xue Tong harbored feelings for Mu Chenghe.
Initially surprised, Liu Qi decided this only made him more resolved to pursue Xue Tong, vowing to "save her" from Mu Chenghe, whom he perceived as "coaxing this naive college girl." Elsewhere, Xue Tong and Zhao Xiaotang were out for drinks. Zhao Xiaotang shared a past story about a boyfriend she believed was her soulmate but ended up separated after graduation when he moved overseas. She suggested that some things are irreplaceable.
Xue Tong, feeling vexed by Liu Qi's persistent advances and uncertain about her own relationship with Mu Chenghe, drank excessively and had to be helped back to the dorm by Zhao Xiaotang. That night, Liu Qi again appeared outside Xue Tong's dorm, shouting her name and insisting he needed to "save her." Liu Qi's pursuit escalated when he scrawled "Xue Tong" on the girls' dorm wall, accompanied by phrases like "Xue a world, Tong a dream."
This public display earned Xue Tong a stern lecture from Chen Ting, the dean, who criticized her for causing trouble and instructed her to remove the writing. Feeling wronged, Xue Tong reluctantly scrubbed off her name. Unable to confide her growing feelings for Mu Chenghe, Xue Tong prepared Pushkin's love poem "I Loved You" for her Russian exam, hoping it would convey her unspoken emotions.
To her dismay, during the oral exam, Wu Man Xiao, a student known to have a crush on Mu Chenghe, recited the very same poem before Xue Tong, delivering a performance filled with deep emotion. When it was Xue Tong's turn, she became flustered and, despite Mu Chenghe's encouragement to demonstrate her unique understanding, she faltered. Mu Chenghe, seemingly unaware of her inner turmoil, simply remarked on the different interpretations possible for the poem.
He then announced that his substitute teaching position for the Russian class was concluding and that he might not have the opportunity to teach them again. Later, Wu Man Xiao directly confessed her feelings to Mu Chenghe, presenting him with a gift. Mu Chenghe, however, politely declined both the gift and her affection, stating he was sorry. As the final exams ended, a wave of relief and celebration swept through the university.
Zhao Xiaotang had also met Fang Li Jun, an older Donghu University alumnus from the Faculty of Finance. He displayed an understanding of women that Zhao Xiaotang found intriguing, and she was less guarded with him than usual. Despite the festive mood, Xue Tong remained withdrawn and melancholy. When her friends asked about her worries, she simply offered a vague excuse about forgetting her student ID on an exam, unable to articulate her true sadness concerning Mu Chenghe.
She sighed, feeling the semester had truly come to an end. That evening, Mu Chenghe called Xue Tong, referencing her earlier question about whether they would see each other again and asking if she was free next week.
Episode 11 Recap
Winter break began, and everyone had their own plans. Song Qi Qi remained in Donghu City to work, Zhao Xiaotang focused on her IELTS studies, and Bai Lin traveled with Zhong Qiang. Xue Tong, meanwhile, was preparing for her first date with Mu Chenghe. Eager to make a memorable impression, she went shopping with Song Qi Qi and bought a new dress.
While out, Xue Tong observed Song Qi Qi's unusually happy mood, suspecting she might be in love, a suggestion Song Qi Qi bashfully denied. Xue Tong also went with Song Qi Qi to buy perfume. Xue Tong described a perfume Song Qi Qi was trying as having a "female teacher" scent, which Song Qi Qi then purchased. That evening, Xue Tong video-called Zhao Xiaotang for fashion advice on her new dress.
Zhao Xiaotang teased her about still having the price tag on but confirmed the outfit was suitable for her date with Mu Chenghe. When Xue Tong revealed they were going to an amusement park, Zhao Xiaotang excitedly mentioned the sightseeing tower there, known for its successful confessions. Xue Tong grew excited, thinking Mu Chenghe was planning something special. After the call, Xue Tong meticulously prepared a bento box, carefully measuring ingredients. Mu Chenghe called to confirm their 10:30 AM meeting.
Xue Tong, engrossed in her cooking, almost forgot, and declined his offer to pick her up, insisting she was busy with "serious business." The next day, Xue Tong arrived promptly at the amusement park. She spotted Mu Chenghe waiting, thermos in hand, which she playfully teased him about, noting it was unusual for an amusement park. Mu Chenghe laughed, explaining he hadn't been to such a place in twenty years. Xue Tong comically feigned concern for his age and health.
They enjoyed the rides, and Mu Chenghe even won her a balloon, which he tied to her wrist, saying it would help him always find her. When it was time for lunch, Xue Tong presented her bento. The rides had shaken it, turning it into "mixed rice," but Mu Chenghe politely tried it before suggesting a restaurant.
However, he also offered her tea from his thermos, claiming it was useful, and later told her she would have many chances to cook for him since he enjoyed her cooking. As they planned their next activity, Mu Chenghe suggested the sightseeing tower, which Xue Tong had heard was magical. Their happy mood was soon dampened when they encountered Jiang Yu, an old Russian class classmate, with her boyfriend.
Jiang Yu excitedly told Xue Tong it was their 100-day anniversary, and her boyfriend had proposed at the very tower they were about to visit. When Mu Chenghe arrived, Jiang Yu greeted him enthusiastically, asking if he was alone and reminding him of her Russian name. Mu Chenghe offered her one of his "buy-one-get-one-free" drinks, further solidifying the image that he and Xue Tong were not together.
Xue Tong, feeling let down, asked Mu Chenghe why they couldn't admit they were together. He explained he thought she didn't want him to say anything, which only made her more upset. Feeling the joy of the day fade, she declined his offer to eat together and later questioned if he had even planned to go to the sightseeing tower with her, adding to her distress.
After returning home, Xue Tong's mother found a suspicious item, implying it was inappropriate and possibly belonged to Xue Tong, who was mortified. Later, Mu Chenghe received a call from his mother, who was arriving at the airport. He picked her up, and she immediately inquired about his ongoing disagreements with Professor Wu, revealing Wu had called her multiple times expressing concerns about him being uncontrollable.
She then introduced him to Professor Han, a university classmate of hers, who was impressed by Mu Chenghe’s research and offered him access to his advanced structural mechanics lab. While Mu Chenghe was keen to start, his mother cautioned him to wait for formal arrangements and offered to speak with Professor Wu to lessen his academic load at Donghu University. Mu Chenghe declined, emphasizing his commitment to his studies there.
During their visit to Professor Han's lab, his mother mentioned his father, Yan Chuan, who was also Han’s mentor. This stirred old memories, and his mother expressed worry that Mu Chenghe, like his father, might "get stuck in difficult situations." Later, she urged Mu Chenghe to move back into his family home, which had been newly renovated in Jianglin New Town, instead of continuing to stay at Chen Ting's place, especially since Chen Ting had a girlfriend.
She sensed he still hadn't "gotten over that hurdle" related to his father, but Mu Chenghe merely said he would consider it. After dropping her off, Mu Chenghe called Xue Tong, who sounded distracted and mentioned she was helping Zhao Xiaotang. When he asked if she was free tomorrow, she said she was meeting Zhao Xiaotang, and Mu Chenghe, clearly disappointed, ended the call. The following day, Xue Tong met Zhao Xiaotang to give her the English book.
Liu Qi unexpectedly appeared, having tracked them down through his friends. He interrupted their conversation, declaring his intention for Xue Tong to "understand the real me" before making any romantic decisions, calling it "unfair" otherwise. Zhao Xiaotang, seeing the urgency in Liu Qi's plea, encouraged Xue Tong to go with him, promising she would wait. Reluctantly, Xue Tong agreed and followed Liu Qi to his dorm room.
Inside, Liu Qi proudly displayed various items: his baby footprint, kindergarten report cards, and high school medical records, recounting stories from his life, including his love for football and gaming. Xue Tong, finding some of his anecdotes tedious, playfully threatened to leave, but Liu Qi quickly made a joke. He then proposed a bet: if she won at Tetris, he would stop bothering her; if he won, she would become his girlfriend. Xue Tong, confident in her skills, agreed.
After the game, Liu Qi tried to get her to enter his dorm room properly, but Xue Tong hesitated, asking how she, a girl, could enter a male dorm. Liu Qi then went to the dorm supervisor, feigning a forgotten key to obtain a spare. Once inside, Xue Tong noticed a whiteboard with a schedule detailing her daily habits, including showering at 9 PM. She confronted Liu Qi, accusing him of stalking.
He tried to explain he could see the bathhouse from his balcony, but she also found inappropriate glasses used for peeking, confirming her suspicions and leading her to call him a "pervert." Just then, the dorm supervisor called for the key, and Xue Tong quickly hid. After the supervisor left, Liu Qi pleaded with Xue Tong to consider him seriously, promising to stop his "scary" antics.
He then revealed he had "one last thing" to do, and asked her to wait, hinting that "he won't be late." Moments later, Mu Chenghe appeared. Xue Tong, furious at Liu Qi, called him "nasty." Liu Qi, however, clarified that he wasn't trying to make a fool of her or show off, but wanted to be straightforward about his feelings.
Mu Chenghe then told Xue Tong to wait for him in the car, and he and Liu Qi went off to talk. In a secluded area, Mu Chenghe began by openly declaring his affection for Xue Tong, and Liu Qi confirmed his own feelings for her. Liu Qi, however, questioned if Mu Chenghe would have a chance with Xue Tong if he weren't her substitute Russian teacher, finding the situation unfair.
Mu Chenghe retorted that perhaps it was unfair to him, as they might have been together much earlier if not for his teaching role. He then called Liu Qi's past behavior in Russian class "childish," to which Liu Qi questioned the meaning. Mu Chenghe reflected that he had never been able to be childish himself, and sometimes wished he could be. When Liu Qi asked if Mu Chenghe was serious about Xue Tong, he firmly said yes.
Liu Qi, a Real Madrid fan, stated he wouldn't give up, contrasting himself with Mu Chenghe, a Barcelona fan, and saying they were destined to be opponents. Mu Chenghe simply replied, "Maybe not," and unequivocally declared, "I won't give you a chance." After their discussion, Mu Chenghe walked back to the car where Xue Tong was waiting. She eagerly asked what he and Liu Qi had discussed. He evaded the question, saying he had something to tell her.
When she pressed him, he mentioned they talked about her. Liu Qi then approached, apologizing to Xue Tong for recent troubles and hinting that Mu Chenghe would explain the rest. Xue Tong, still reeling from the day's events, called Liu Qi "insane," which he somewhat conceded, telling her to remember his name before finally leaving. Mu Chenghe offered to drive Xue Tong home, but she was overwhelmed and asked for space to think.
He then gently said, "I won't let the balloon fly away again," a reference to an earlier incident when she had accidentally let go of a balloon he had given her. As they drove, Mu Chenghe finally broke his silence. He explained his absence earlier that day was due to setting up a new laboratory with excellent facilities. Xue Tong then asked if he would still return to Donghu University, to which he asked what she hoped for.
After a moment of hesitation, she admitted she didn't know. He then confirmed that he would return, saying, "I can't leave you behind." He reminisced about their first meeting when he, as an exam supervisor, had mistakenly accused her, and how their roles had shifted to teacher and class representative. He acknowledged their ten-year age difference and how many people, including themselves, might believe they shouldn't be together. Xue Tong, tired of his indirectness, urged him to be clear.
Finally, after a pause, Mu Chenghe uttered, "Miss class representative, I shouldn't have let you pass Russian," then leaned in and declared, "I love you. I love you." He then pulled her into a heartfelt embrace, filling the air with the sweet promise of their love.
Episode 12 Recap
As the Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day approached in 2013, Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe were finally settling into a normal dating routine. They shared many enjoyable moments, including movie dates, and only parted ways reluctantly as evening fell. Xue Tong returned home, still blissfully lost in her memories. The next day, Xue Tong excitedly chatted with her best friend, Song Qi Qi, about her blossoming romance.
Song Qi Qi noted that she wasn't surprised, as she had considered them a couple for a long time. Xue Tong, however, felt a newfound difference in their relationship. She confessed that they had only held hands during their movie date, to which Song Qi Qi playfully teased her for being conservative, comparing her to high schoolers or even primary school children who were more open.
Xue Tong expressed her insecurities, wondering if she had agreed to be his girlfriend too quickly, if Mu Chenghe would regret it, or if she should be more proactive. Song Qi Qi reassured her that this whirlwind of thoughts and feelings was precisely what love felt like. Xue Tong then revealed she had a kite-flying date with Mu Chenghe that afternoon.
On the grassy field, Xue Tong enthusiastically tried to fly a plane-shaped kite, chosen by Xue Tong to match his aviation expertise. She teased him about his "expert" claims when the kite wouldn't fly. Mu Chenghe scientifically explained the physics behind kite flying, then simply instructed her to "run faster." As he finally got the kite airborne, running across the field, he suddenly collapsed.
Xue Tong rushed to his side, frantic with worry, suggesting a hospital visit, but Mu Chenghe insisted against it. She even tried calling 120. While tending to him, she discreetly answered a phone call from her mother, who informed her she was working overtime and wouldn't be home. Xue Tong pretended everything was normal, relieved by her mother's absence. Later, Mu Chenghe awoke, still feeling a bit dizzy.
He explained to Xue Tong that he suffered from Meniere's disease, an inner ear disorder causing severe dizziness, a lingering effect from a high fever he had in high school. He reassured her it was an old problem and not her fault, even teasing her about drooling on his hand while she slept, which had woken him up.
He mentioned that he would be moving out of Chen Ting's place and back to his own old house, which had been vacant for a long time. He'd been staying with Chen Ting because it was closer to school and he wasn't used to living alone, but with Chen Ting back and Ma Han visiting often, it was becoming inconvenient. Xue Tong was delighted, calling his home his "dog house," which he promptly corrected.
Mu Chenghe then dropped Xue Tong off near her home. Before she left, he asked her about her New Year's plans, learning she would be visiting her mother in Jianglin New Town for an unknown duration. The next day, Xue Tong was surprised by her childhood friend, Chen Yan, who had returned from America for spring break. Chen Yan, noticing a "driver" dropping Xue Tong off earlier, playfully pressed Xue Tong for details about her romantic life.
Xue Tong deflected, saying it was just a driver returning her phone, while her mother also pressured her. Chen Yan then suggested they revisit their favorite childhood noodle shop. At the noodle shop, Chen Yan continued to playfully probe Xue Tong about her boyfriend, even bringing up a childhood "time capsule" they buried to distract her. Xue Tong eventually admitted she was indeed dating but hadn't told her mother to avoid endless questions and restrictions.
Chen Yan, amused by Xue Tong's "smitten expression," insisted on meeting him. Xue Tong introduced Chen Yan to Mu Chenghe. Chen Yan, having already heard about him, jokingly "inspected" him on behalf of Xue Tong's friends and family, declaring that "further observation was needed." They discussed Mu Chenghe's micro wind tunnel model, which Xue Tong knowledgeably explained. Suddenly, Xue Tong's mother called, informing her of a last-minute business trip and instructing her to buy New Year's goods.
Xue Tong had to leave, much to her and Mu Chenghe's visible disappointment. Chen Yan teased them about their obvious affection but then commented on their overly polite dynamic, noting they hadn't even touched hands. She wondered if Mu Chenghe was old-fashioned or perhaps not as interested as he seemed. Chen Yan quickly reassured her that Mu Chenghe's feelings were clear. Later, while out shopping, Chen Yan introduced Xue Tong to her Taiwanese classmate, A Hao (Eric), her "best pal."
A Hao initially inquired about exotic delicacies, revealing his preference for them. Chen Yan mentioned that she and A Hao, along with other friends, were staying at her house. Xue Tong then received a message from Mu Chenghe, asking her to come over to show her something interesting, which Chen Yan took as an opportunity to tease Xue Tong about spending time with him, even offering to cover for her with her mother.
Xue Tong arrived at Mu Chenghe's place to find him dramatically wearing a diving suit. He playfully explained it was to regain face after their unsuccessful kite flying. He proposed they go scuba diving, not tomorrow, as there were no local spots, but on their first Valentine's Day, February 14th, overseas at a foreign island after the New Year. Xue Tong eagerly agreed, making him promise.
As her Valentine's gift, she asked him to cook her a meal, and in return, she pledged to follow all his instructions regarding diving. He then began teaching her basic diving hand signals, including "OK," "ascend," and a fun one for "shark behind you." While she struggled with spatial orientation exercises, she quickly grasped the shark signal.
Despite Xue Tong hinting that she could stay longer since her mother was away, Mu Chenghe, ever the gentleman, insisted she return home early, telling her to come back the next day for more lessons. The following day, their diving lessons were interrupted by an urgent call from Chen Yan, who needed Mu Chenghe's car. They drove to a warehouse, where Chen Yan's team was tracking an illegal wildlife trade.
The target had moved, and they needed Mu Chenghe to discreetly follow a specific Jinbei van. Xue Tong initially wondered if they were dealing with drug traffickers, but Chen Yan revealed they were trying to expose snake trafficking. They attempted to record the transaction, but their cover was nearly blown when A Hao was stopped and questioned. Chen Yan quickly defused the situation, explaining her "foreign friends" were lost tourists. The incident, though alarming, managed to disrupt the trade.
Chen Yan then revealed that she and her friends were part of an animal protection foundation, working to gather evidence and raise awareness against wildlife trafficking. She explained her long-standing passion for animal welfare, sparked by rescuing a stray cat as a child, and emphasized the importance of protecting Earth's limited resources. Later that evening, Xue Tong was quiet during dinner. Mu Chenghe asked about her mood, and she confessed to feeling like an "ignorant child" compared to Chen Yan.
Mu Chenghe gently reassured her, stating that both she and Chen Yan were "kids" simply choosing different life paths. He affirmed his love for her, dismissing her insecurities about not being as intelligent, lively, or pretty as her other friends. He explained that he liked her because she was Xue Tong, and his decision to teach her diving meant entrusting his life to her as his "dive buddy," where her flaws would be irrelevant.
He then left for the airport for his New Year's trip, reminding her to study the diving book and practice. On New Year's Eve, Xue Tong returned home late and was confronted by her mother, who, having seen Chen Yan alone, accused Xue Tong of lying and being irresponsible. A heated argument ensued, with Xue Tong expressing frustration over her mother's controlling nature.
Distressed, she called Mu Chenghe, who calmly advised her to communicate with her mother and reiterated his anticipation for their diving trip and her promised feast. Later that night, Xue Tong encountered a stranger at a convenience store who was waiting for an online friend she had never met, hoping that being physically close would eventually lead to a meeting. This made Xue Tong reflect on how sometimes, the more one desires to see someone, the further they feel.
Still upset, Xue Tong met Chen Yan to dig for their childhood time capsule. However, the area had changed drastically, making it impossible to find. During their conversation, Xue Tong discovered that beneath Chen Yan's strong and independent exterior, there was also vulnerability stemming from her parents' divorce, prompting Xue Tong to reflect on her own relationship with her mother.
Chen Yan recounted burying a beloved toy car, once her most precious possession, and reflected on the enduring happiness of that childhood memory, expressing a wish to never grow up. The next day, during a New Year's family dinner, Xue Tong arrived late again and was chided by her mother. Her grandmother interceded, offering Xue Tong a large piece of ribs.
Xue Tong's mother then defensively replied to the grandmother's suggestion of cooking, stating, "How would I know how to cook? If I didn't know how to cook, how did I raise you? !" Later, Xue Tong's mother received an urgent call and rushed to Donghu University Affiliated Hospital, with Xue Tong accompanying her. There, they learned that a female prisoner had attempted suicide by swallowing chopsticks after discovering her husband had a mistress and planned to divorce her.
Xue Tong's mother, a prison official, was concerned and introduced Xue Tong to Uncle He Ping, a security guard at the hospital who was assisting. Back home, Xue Tong's mother was unexpectedly cooking pork ribs, a dish Xue Tong loved and that she had learned from Xue Tong's grandmother. Xue Tong took this opportunity to bravely tell her mother she had a boyfriend.
To her surprise, her mother reacted calmly, merely stating she had "guessed so" and asked for the salt, with no further questions or advice, saying Xue Tong was a grownup now. Xue Tong apologized for being immature, and her mother softened, expressing her hope that Xue Tong would share more with her as she grew up, fearing they would become strangers after Xue Tong married and started her own family.
Feeling a connection, Xue Tong asked for her passport, revealing her plans for a trip with Mu Chenghe. Her mother, in turn, cautioned her not to rush into bringing him home until they were both certain, prompting Xue Tong to call her mother "cooler" than herself.
Episode 13 Recap
As Valentine's Day approached, Song Qi Qi's convenience store began selling roses, priced at 50 Yuan a stem. Her manager, noticing her fondness for flowers, joked that she should find a boyfriend. Meanwhile, Xue Tong was at home practicing diving terms and cooking, envisioning a future where she and Mu Chenghe could go diving together. The couple Bai Lin and Zhong Qiang faced challenges in spending Valentine's Day together during the winter break.
Bai Lin, frustrated that Zhong Qiang claimed he couldn't get a train ticket due to the Spring Festival travel rush, called him, threatening to break up and accusing him of not wanting to see her. She decided to travel to his city, Hua Guan. At the train station, after failing to secure a ticket, Bai Lin accepted an unofficial ride for 150 Yuan.
Upon arriving in Hua Guan, she called Zhong Qiang, who surprisingly told her he was already on his way to her house, leading to their unfortunate near-miss. Separately, Zhao Xiaotang's mother, Zhao Meizhi, urged her daughter to call her biological father to secure funds for her TOEFL studies abroad. However, the proud Zhao Xiaotang refused, asserting she would find a way to pay for her tuition herself and told her mother not to use her as an excuse.
Xue Tong prepared a meal for Song Qi Qi to taste, seeking her feedback. Song Qi Qi found the ribs a bit salty, but offered encouraging words, noting that Xue Tong was clearly practicing for Mu Chenghe's return for Valentine's Day. Xue Tong admitted her efforts were partly for him, leading to playful banter between the friends. Elsewhere, Fang Lijun joined Zhao Xiaotang for a study session.
He gave her a necklace as a Valentine's Day gift and invited her to dinner the following evening at Lin Jiang, which she accepted with a smile. Mu Chenghe reconnected with his cousin, Mu Hai, a 24-year-old who had surprisingly suspended his studies at Caltech in the US to return home and start a 3D printing business. Despite his carefree exterior, Mu Hai possessed strong self-esteem and business acumen, determined to succeed, and was also Zhao Xiaotang's first love.
The cousins, who shared a childhood bond, chatted warmly, with Mu Hai confidently stating he "never lost." While Bai Lin arrived in Hua Guan hoping to surprise Zhong Qiang, he was simultaneously en route to her house, resulting in a perfect missed connection. Upon realizing this, Bai Lin, stranded and unable to secure a hotel room, borrowed a phone and called Zhong Qiang.
He tried to reassure her he would return, but she was already in tears, feeling helpless and angry. Meanwhile, Chen Yan decided to host a Valentine's Day party and invited Xue Tong, but Xue Tong's focus remained solely on Mu Chenghe, prompting Chen Yan to tease her for prioritizing romance over friendship. On Valentine's Day, Xiao Zheng arrived at the convenience store where Song Qi Qi worked.
After lingering for a while, he presented her with a rose and wished her a happy Valentine's Day. Song Qi Qi was deeply moved, despite knowing that Xiao Zheng was a married man with a family; she couldn't control her feelings for him. Meanwhile, Bai Lin, feeling utterly alone in the unfamiliar city of Hua Guan, posted a tearful message on her social media. Li Jiahang, also from Hua Guan, saw her post and immediately rushed to find her.
He gently chided her for her impulsive travel, offered her a cup of warm tea at Xinming Tea House, and assured her he would help her find a ticket back home in the next couple of days. Valentine's Day brought an unexpected challenge for Mu Chenghe when his mother brought home a young woman named Wu Tong, intending to set them up on a blind date and refusing to let him leave.
Feeling helpless, Mu Chenghe called Xue Tong to explain the situation, mentioning his mother's insistence on the date. While Xue Tong appreciated his honesty, she couldn't help but feel a pang of anger that he had never mentioned having a girlfriend to his family. She went to Chen Yan to confide, who reassured her that Mu Chenghe's call indicated his commitment. On another front, Fang Lijun called Zhao Xiaotang to cancel their dinner plans due to an urgent work engagement.
Though disappointed, Zhao Xiaotang maintained her composure and accepted his apology calmly. Xue Tong attended Chen Yan's party. During the celebration, a person dressed as a teddy bear delivered a bouquet of roses to Xue Tong. She initially believed it was a romantic gesture from Mu Chenghe, but was disappointed to learn it was from Liu Qi, unaware that Liu Qi himself was inside the bear costume.
Meanwhile, Mu Hai strategically helped Mu Chenghe acquire his car keys from his mother. Mu Chenghe then candidly informed both Wu Tong and his mother that he already had a girlfriend, before rushing out to meet Xue Tong. Zhao Xiaotang, upon receiving a delivery, discovered a bouquet of roses at her house. The accompanying card specified a dinner date for that evening and listed Fang Lijun as the sender, but "Chen Qian" as the recipient.
Realizing Fang Lijun was two-timing, Zhao Xiaotang confronted him that evening, exposed his deceit, returned the necklace he had given her, and decisively ended their relationship. Li Jiahang continued to keep Bai Lin company until Zhong Qiang finally arrived. A crestfallen Li Jiahang then departed, while Bai Lin, overjoyed, remained oblivious to Li Jiahang's unspoken affection for her. Zhong Qiang initially came empty-handed, which displeased Bai Lin.
To surprise her, he suddenly removed his upper clothing, revealing a rose tattoo on his chest. Although deeply touched at first, Bai Lin quickly realized it was merely a sticker. Annoyed, she jokingly threatened to hit him, prompting Zhong Qiang to explain that all tattoo parlors were closed for the holiday, so he resorted to a temporary sticker, promising a real tattoo later. They eventually reconciled, and he took her to a hotel suite he had booked.
By the time Mu Chenghe arrived to meet Xue Tong, it was already evening. He apologized for being late, mentioning his blind date, and was relieved that Xue Tong was no longer upset, counting that her sighs of displeasure had ceased. Eager to buy her roses, they found that all the flowers had sold out. Undeterred, they bought a packet of Bulgarian rose seeds, holding onto the hope that they might sprout. As a meteor streaked across the night sky, Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong made a shared wish, hoping to spend every future Valentine's Day together.
Episode 14 Recap
Xue Tong shyly confided in Chen Yan that she and Mu Chenghe had not yet shared a kiss, and had only held hands once. Chen Yan smiled, realizing that Mu Chenghe's trip with Xue Tong for diving carried a deeper meaning. Feeling embarrassed, Xue Tong hesitantly asked what she should be mindful of if "something truly happened" during their trip. With a mysterious smile, Chen Yan handed Xue Tong a condom, leaving Xue Tong blushing intensely.
Soon after, Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe embarked on their romantic journey to Malaysia. Amidst the crystal blue waters and picturesque landscapes, Xue Tong, full of excitement, posed many questions. Mu Chenghe patiently explained everything, revealing it wasn't his first time diving there. He was well-acquainted with the local diving shop owner, Jack, who warmly welcomed them. Xue Tong, both excited and curious, eagerly inquired about the diving arrangements.
That evening, upon checking into their hotel, they discovered only a room with a king-size bed was available. Mu Chenghe appeared hesitant, but Xue Tong readily agreed to take it. Xue Tong had anticipated that something intimate might occur that night, but Mu Chenghe remained a perfect gentleman, opting to sleep on the sofa. The next morning, they happily went diving, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
During their outing, they encountered a happy couple dressed in matching outfits, which stirred a hint of envy in Xue Tong. Noticing her gaze, Mu Chenghe promptly took Xue Tong to buy matching outfits for themselves. Though the design was a bit old-fashioned, it still felt sweet. After a day full of activities, both Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong were exhausted.
Back in their room, Mu Chenghe once again slept on the sofa, while Xue Tong lay alone in bed, finding it hard to sleep. That evening, another couple they had met approached them to ask for a condom, but both Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong politely said they didn't have any, leaving Xue Tong feeling embarrassed. The following morning brought another beautiful day. Mu Chenghe received a call from his cousin, Mu Hai, who was back in Donghu.
Mu Hai praised Mu Chenghe's courage for going diving but also jokingly warned him about their aunt's potential reaction, hinting at Mu Chenghe's mother having forbidden him from diving due to a health condition. Mu Chenghe then told Xue Tong that his cousin had been studying abroad and wanted to meet. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaotang coincidentally spotted Mu Hai. He brazenly sat down opposite her, inquiring about her well-being.
Zhao Xiaotang, however, was unwilling to engage and quickly left, refusing his offer for dinner. Later, Mu Chenghe playfully pretended to collapse from a sudden illness. Believing he was genuinely in distress, Xue Tong panicked and began to administer CPR. Realizing she had been tricked, Xue Tong became furious, yelling that it was her first kiss. Mu Chenghe chuckled softly, then, before Xue Tong could react, he pulled her into a powerful embrace and kissed her.
Afterwards, as they relaxed by the sea, Mu Chenghe opened up, sharing his past about studying in Russia at 16, feeling lonely, and how diving became his escape from reality. He confessed that he had never shared his underwater world with anyone before her. Xue Tong then asked him to explain his earlier "temperature and time" quote from Valentine's Day.
Mu Chenghe explained the concept of heat transfer in general relativity, implying that once such a transfer occurs, the experience can never be erased, leading to a playful exchange of "heat transfer" with cold water. Their romantic trip concluded swiftly, and Mu Chenghe returned with Xue Tong to Donghu, heading directly to his place. To their surprise, they encountered Mu Chenghe's mother, who had come to tidy his apartment.
She was astonished to see her son with a female university student and became furious upon learning he had gone diving. Feeling awkward, Xue Tong decided to leave. Separately, Mu Hai arranged to meet Zhao Xiaotang at their old favorite spicy skewer spot. Over their meal, Mu Hai sought her assistance with his business venture.
He explained his 3D printing project and how bringing it back to China would fill a huge market gap, but he needed her as an assistant to add credibility and leverage their "tacit agreement." Zhao Xiaotang, wary of his past disappearances, agreed to help, but insisted on being paid per task. Later, Xue Tong, Chen Yan, and their friends uncovered a restaurant that illegally sold wild animal meat.
They tried to trick the owner into showing them wild snakes, then proceeded to track the restaurant's supplier to catch him red-handed at a market. Upon hearing this, Mu Chenghe became extremely worried and rushed to provide support. Fortunately, the police also arrived in time, ensuring Xue Tong and Chen Yan's safety without incident, and the restaurant owner was arrested.
As Mu Chenghe drove Xue Tong and Chen Yan back, after Chen Yan exited the car, Xue Tong quietly confessed to Mu Chenghe that she didn't want to be alone that night. Mu Chenghe took her back to his home, sternly advising her never to take such dangerous risks again and expressing his deep concern. Seeing his serious expression, Xue Tong couldn't help but lean in and kiss him. Mu Chenghe then lifted her into his arms, and they finally shared a sweet night together. The next morning, they greeted each other with "Good morning."
Episode 15 Recap
Zhao Xiaotang, remembering their past association, agreed to become Mu Hai's business partner and assist him with client negotiations. During a business meeting, Mu Hai spoke about building a robust marketing matrix, and Zhao Xiaotang presented a proposal highlighting 3D printing products in the healthcare and education sectors. An investor praised their well-crafted proposal and expressed interest in further collaboration. Afterwards, Mu Hai asked Zhao Xiaotang to prepare a detailed report for Director Wang, which she readily accepted.
Mu Hai then commented on how smoothly things progressed when they worked together, prompting Zhao Xiaotang to playfully accuse him of "bluffing." Mu Hai defended his presentation as "reasonable assumptions and prospects towards the future market," to which Zhao Xiaotang sarcastically rejoined that "the boss is always right." Observing her close bond with her roommates, Mu Hai then inquired if he could join one of their frequent gatherings.
However, Zhao Xiaotang politely declined, stating her desire to keep her professional and personal lives separate. Mu Hai then dropped her off. Donghu University reopened its doors, and Xue Tong's roommates happily reunited. Bai Lin lightheartedly complained about Zhong Qiang, remarking that his "brain is rather underdeveloped" and how Valentine's Day was "the most terrible" she'd ever had.
The conversation soon turned to Xue Tong's holiday, with her roommates teasing her about "sneaking off somewhere" and "sticking together every day" with Mu Chenghe. They offered belated congratulations on her new relationship, celebrating that another girl in their room now had a boyfriend. One roommate, poking fun, even asked if Xue Tong would continue to stay in the dorms and, in a suggestive tone, inquired, "How many beds are there in Mr. Mu's apartment?"
This made Xue Tong blush with embarrassment. Later, while attending class, students started passing their phones around. Curious, Xue Tong looked over and was horrified to see photos of herself and Mu Chenghe out together, posted on the university's online forum. The headline, "Donghu University Student Seduced Her Substitute Teacher," along with the numerous comments, left Xue Tong feeling utterly overwhelmed and deeply distressed. Feeling indignant on Xue Tong's behalf, Bai Lin sought out Li Jiahang.
She had assured Xue Tong that she would ask Li Jiahang, who was familiar with the "website operators," to remove the posts and identify the person responsible. When she confronted Li Jiahang, she demanded he delete the posts and investigate the original poster. Li Jiahang initially resisted, invoking "freedom of speech" and claiming he no longer actively "interfere with Students' Union affairs" as his term as Students' Union President was nearing its end.
Bai Lin argued forcefully that it was "fake news," not free speech, and declared that if the Students' Union wouldn't handle it, she would personally take action. Faced with her resolve, Li Jiahang agreed to look into it. He called Tao Tao, who informed him that the original poster had already "deleted the account," making it "hard to track" the IP address.
Li Jiahang relayed this information to Bai Lin, who, despite not being able to identify the culprit, was satisfied that the posts were gone, concluding that the person "deleted them out of fear." Chen Yan was preparing to depart for Africa, where she planned to work on animal sanctuaries. Mu Chenghe accompanied Xue Tong to the airport for the send-off.
Xue Tong was visibly unhappy about Chen Yan leaving, but Chen Yan comforted her, advising her not to be sentimental and to "grow up," stating that such matters were minor, as love was a private affair between two people. Xue Tong confided in Chen Yan, expressing that she felt ignorant compared to her and was still bothered by what Mu Chenghe's mother had said.
She also mentioned the secret photos and university rumors, which Chen Yan dismissed as "no big deal" since Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe were genuinely in a relationship. Chen Yan likened the situation to people being "unaware of their mistakes," drawing a parallel to their previous animal trafficking case, and encouraged Xue Tong to trust that she and Mu Chenghe could resolve the issue.
After seeing Chen Yan off, Xue Tong told Mu Chenghe she wanted to go directly back to school, worried his mother might suddenly return to his apartment. Mu Chenghe, noticing her lingering anger, explained that his parents had divorced when he was very young and they hadn't lived together much, so his mother sometimes struggled to express her concern appropriately, and asked her not to mind.
Xue Tong admitted her true fear was returning to school and facing "people's opinions," especially the accusations that she "seduced" her substitute teacher. Mu Chenghe gently smiled, dismissing the gossip, stating, "I was the one who pursued you." He declared they were a couple with nothing to hide and then handed Xue Tong his house key, explaining his mother had left it and he would be on frequent work trips.
He asked her to help care for his plants, which Xue Tong playfully accepted. He then teased her about not wanting to try the key. Xiao Zheng borrowed a car and took Song Qi Qi on a spring trip. Song Qi Qi had packed many snacks, reminding her of high school excursions. They checked into a hotel and later took a romantic stroll under the night sky.
Song Qi Qi expressed her delight in the serene mountain views, appreciating the clear starry sky away from city lights. Xiao Zheng quoted literary lines like, "All over the place was sixpence, but he looked up and saw the moon," and "Though God's wheel turns slowly, yet it grinds exceedingly fine." Song Qi Qi cherished being alone with him, free from worries. Xiao Zheng then apologized, expressing guilt that he could give her so little in their relationship.
Song Qi Qi, however, assured him she wasn't bothered, reiterating her promise not to interfere with his life. She stated she was "happy with what we have now," feeling "extremely lucky" to have encountered him again after years of waiting. Xiao Zheng replied that he was the luckier one. Song Qi Qi then confessed, "I love you," and Xiao Zheng reciprocated, "I love you too," before they shared a kiss.
Afterwards, Xiao Zheng dropped her off, and she declined his offer to walk her inside. Chen Ting found Mu Chenghe and, instead of going to the office, suggested they have a drink to talk. Chen Ting stated he had "sensed something was wrong" for a while and directly asked about his relationship with Xue Tong. Mu Chenghe frankly admitted, "Xue Tong and I are in a relationship."
Surprised by his candidness, Chen Ting warned him it was a "teacher-student relationship" and questioned if he truly believed it wasn't a big deal. Mu Chenghe dismissed the concern, explaining that Xue Tong was an undergraduate and he was a doctorate student, and since he was only a substitute teacher whose class had already ended, it couldn't be considered a teacher-student relationship.
Chen Ting expressed regret for having allowed Mu Chenghe to be his substitute, but Mu Chenghe insisted that even without that, they would have ended up together, perhaps even sooner. Frustrated, Chen Ting clarified that he wasn't against their relationship, but Mu Chenghe cut him off, saying, "There is no point in that." Mu Chenghe questioned why Chen Ting was so worried, as he and Xue Tong "are not bothered at all" by the situation.
Chen Ting, exasperated, complained that he had only been away for four months, and Mu Chenghe had already created such a "trouble," calling him a "troublemaker." Mu Chenghe retorted by asking why Chen Ting worried whether he was dating or not. They then continued drinking. The roommates gathered, celebrating their successful exam results. Bai Lin was particularly ecstatic, having passed all her subjects, as did Zhao Xiaotang and Song Qi Qi, whose scores were almost identical.
Bai Lin announced she was celebrating not only their academic success but also her 160th day of dating Zhong Qiang, which broke her "curse" of relationships never lasting beyond five months. She offered to treat everyone, jokingly suggesting Japanese food before settling on more affordable "steamed cold noodles." Meanwhile, unknown to her roommates, Song Qi Qi was enjoying a sweet, private date with Xiao Zheng by a tranquil river.
Both literature enthusiasts, they bonded over Lorca's poetry, imagining the poet's childhood by a similar river, and even fantasized about staying to teach the local children. Later, Song Qi Qi called her roommates to explain her absence, claiming she had returned to her "hometown" due to "something happened in my family" that had "been sorted out," and wished them well.
Back at the celebration, Bai Lin proudly displayed a necklace from Zhong Qiang, explaining its symbolism of "mutual love" and a key to "unlock someone's heart." Suddenly, Mu Chenghe unexpectedly arrived, making Xue Tong blush. He casually stated, "As your boyfriend, can't I join the party?" Bai Lin, though surprised by his uninvited presence, extended a warm welcome, acknowledging his busy schedule. Mu Chenghe then presented a gift, revealing it was for Xue Tong.
Bai Lin joked that he was "here to make us jealous," and everyone's curiosity was piqued, but Xue Tong shyly refused to show them. Mu Chenghe then gently fastened a beautiful bracelet onto Xue Tong's wrist. He explained that he bought it to commemorate the 272 days since they first met on June 18th, during their Marxism exam.
Bai Lin playfully challenged Zhong Qiang to recall how many days they had been together, to which he dodged by asking about the food. Zhao Xiaotang, however, complained about the couple's public display of affection. Mu Chenghe asked Xue Tong if she liked the bracelet, and she enthusiastically replied that she loved it and would "wear it forever." He then provocatively asked about "other things," and Xue Tong sweetly affirmed, "I like you too," complimenting his "good taste."
After a playful board game, Xue Tong fell asleep and Mu Chenghe carried her to bed. The next morning, she expressed her desire to return to school for classes, suggesting Mu Chenghe drop her off after dinner. However, new photos of Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe surfaced on the school forum under the headline "Underground Relationship, Second Exposure!"
Upon seeing these, Bai Lin immediately suspected Wu Man Xiao, confronting her and accusing her of being jealous because of her past unsuccessful confession to Mu Chenghe. Wu Man Xiao vehemently denied it, stating she no longer had feelings for Mu Chenghe and thus no motive.
She instead pointed suspicion towards Song Qi Qi, suggesting Bai Lin look "closer to home," noting that Qi Qi was absent from the controversial photo and was "competing with Xue Tong for the postgraduate recommendation spot." Although Bai Lin initially defended Song Qi Qi, she became unsettled, especially when Song Qi Qi quickly left, citing a tutoring session.
Xue Tong later admitted that while she believed Qi Qi, her evasive attitude made her "almost believe" the rumors of internal conflict within their dorm. Impulsively, Liu Qi confronted Song Qi Qi, accusing her of posting the photos and betraying Xue Tong's friendship. Song Qi Qi denied it, but Liu Qi pressed her, pointing out she hadn't gone home that day and demanding she "delete the post" and "apologise to Xue Tong."
Just as the situation escalated, Xiao Zheng arrived and diffused the tension by stating, "Qi Qi was with me on that day." Back in their dorm, Bai Lin apologized to Xue Tong for her earlier suspicion of Song Qi Qi, explaining that Song Qi Qi had revealed she was with her boyfriend that night. The roommates were astonished by this revelation, bombarding Song Qi Qi with questions like, "When did it happen? Who is he?"
Song Qi Qi explained he was a high school friend whom they "bumped into each other again in Donghu." Bai Lin, with a boast about her "keen observation skills," then recalled him as the one who bought her the book. Zhao Xiaotang teased Bai Lin for her overly dramatic reaction.
The roommates pressed Song Qi Qi to introduce her boyfriend, but she explained she "always wanted to tell you" but "didn't have the chance," promising to introduce him "when there is a chance." Zhao Xiaotang then advised Song Qi Qi not to heed Bai Lin's dramatic flair, emphasizing that "love is between the two of you," and if they were happy, that was all that mattered.
Bai Lin expressed her relief and dramatically declared, "Room 323 has finally risen from the ashes!" With rumors rampant across the university, Professor Wu summoned Chen Ting to his office, complaining about the trouble caused by Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong's relationship. He demanded that Chen Ting "discipline your students better." Chen Ting initially feigned ignorance, prompting Professor Wu to explicitly state it was about Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong.
Chen Ting defended Mu Chenghe, reminding Professor Wu that Mu Chenghe was also his student and that they shouldn't "chime in" with mere student gossip. However, Professor Wu, acknowledging Chen Ting's close relationship with Mu Chenghe, insisted there was "something wrong" with their relationship. Chen Ting maintained that it was a legitimate relationship between "two students," with "nothing wrong with it."
Professor Wu then showed him the online posts, pointing out that Xue Tong's dorm, 323, was now "famous," and drawing a connection to Zhao Xiaotang. He spoke disparagingly of Xue Tong, characterizing her as manipulative despite her quiet demeanor, and brought up a past cheating incident where the university had defended her because she was "the daughter of a hero," questioning if she truly hadn't cheated.
Professor Wu urged Chen Ting to advise Mu Chenghe to "step back a little" for Xue Tong's sake, warning that the "rumours have gone wild" and could "affect Xue Tong's postgraduate recommendation," potentially even "destroy a person." Chen Ting reluctantly agreed to "keep it low" and communicate this to Mu Chenghe.
Later, during drinks with his roommates, Liu Qi inadvertently discovered that his roommate, Zhao Jian, was the one who posted the photos, having done so to "do Liu Qi a big favor" and prevent Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe from getting together. Enraged, Liu Qi confronted and fought with Zhao Jian. Afterwards, Liu Qi brought a bruised Zhao Jian to Xue Tong, apologizing on his behalf and explaining Zhao Jian was the poster.
He made Zhao Jian apologize, who mumbled that he "was too impulsive." Xue Tong, displaying great magnanimity, simply said, "Let it be." When Liu Qi asked if she had any other requests, like a written apology, she again declined, choosing to forgive Zhao Jian. Liu Qi then checked on Xue Tong, advising her to go back and rest. Mu Chenghe asked Xue Tong if she was still upset about the recent events.
She said no, and he acknowledged the unexpected impact, confirming Chen Ting had also spoken to him. Xue Tong then asked about his plans. Mu Chenghe suggested they meet on weekends and "outside the campus for the time being," as he was no longer teaching there. Xue Tong agreed to this arrangement, deciding to stay on campus during weekdays. They bid each other goodnight. Later, a roommate asked Xue Tong about her relationship with Mu Chenghe.
Xue Tong explained it was good, but they now met less frequently near campus. She admitted to missing him but had to "put up with it." Meanwhile, Song Qi Qi was having a conversation with Xiao Zheng in a restaurant when Xiao Zheng's wife, Wang Zhi Hui, unexpectedly appeared. Xiao Zheng, feigning composure, introduced Wang Zhi Hui to Song Qi Qi as his wife.
Wang Zhi Hui complimented Song Qi Qi's beauty and intelligence, expressing admiration for her acceptance into Donghu University and her English major, noting it would lead to good job prospects. Xiao Zheng then concocted a lie, claiming he had met Song Qi Qi during a tuition class and had asked her to borrow a specific book from the Donghu University library, which he couldn't find elsewhere.
Song Qi Qi played along, confirming she had obtained the book for him and that he had until the end of the semester to return it. Wang Zhi Hui suggested they chat more, but Xiao Zheng quickly interjected that they were "done talking," then reminded Song Qi Qi that she had afternoon classes before leaving with his wife, leaving Song Qi Qi deeply hurt. The following day, Xiao Zheng went to the convenience store where Song Qi Qi worked.
She had already removed him from her WeChat contacts and ignored him when he tried to talk, insisting "everything can be communicated." A coworker asked Song Qi Qi about change, to which she vaguely responded. Xiao Zheng offered to drive her back to school, but she declined. He then confessed he understood her feelings and hadn't meant to lie, telling her, "The key to our relationship is in your hand. You can open it any time.
But I don't want you to lock it." Song Qi Qi responded, "I don't want to bring trouble into your life," and boarded a public bus alone, leaving Xiao Zheng calling after her. As heavy rain poured down on Donghu, Song Qi Qi was seen crying heartbrokenly in the rain. In contrast, Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong, after finding Xue Tong's bracelet she thought was lost, discussed how the rumors about them had died down.
Mu Chenghe rushed to protect his plants from the downpour, and Xue Tong, joining him with an umbrella, shared a sweet moment. She told him she almost lost the bracelet, and he replied, "It's all right if you lose it. Just don't lose yourself." She then confessed how much she missed him, and he reassured her that "everything will be okay if we face it together," even if they "have to brave the rain." While Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong enjoyed their loving time, Song Qi Qi's coworker checked on her in the rain.
Episode 16 Recap
Song Qi Qi fell ill with acute wind-cold after being caught in the rain. A male colleague from the convenience store where she worked took her to the hospital and attended to her. Xiao Zheng called, and the colleague informed him of the situation, telling him that Qi Qi had acute wind-cold and needed to take medicine with warm water. Xiao Zheng arrived shortly after, telling the colleague he would take over.
The colleague reminded Xiao Zheng to ensure Qi Qi took her medicine once she awoke, as he had already prepared the water. Xiao Zheng stayed by Song Qi Qi’s side. When she woke and asked why he was there, he responded, "You're up." She assured him she was much better and told him to leave, but he insisted he wouldn't go until she was well.
Song Qi Qi reminded him of their earlier agreement, but he brushed it off, stating that someone needed to care for her while she was sick. He urged her to stop overthinking and take her medicine. Song Qi Qi recalled a time in high school when she was sick and he took her to the hospital. Xiao Zheng claimed he found her pitiful being alone.
She then reminded him that he once told her he wanted to write a great novel and gave her a copy of "Kafka on the Shore." Xiao Zheng proceeded to tell her a story from his novel about a skilled barber and a girl with a bright smile who disappeared. Song Qi Qi critiqued parts of his story, prompting Xiao Zheng to admit it was his novel.
He explained his repetitive life in Donghu and how he felt compelled to change, though he initially bought an electric bike instead of writing. Song Qi Qi observed that he had finally begun writing. When she pressed for the story's continuation, Xiao Zheng confessed that he met her, and "everything changed."
She clarified she was asking about the barber, and he explained that the girl never returned, and the barber, after waiting for ten years, became blind due to a family disease, but still kept his shop open, sitting by the window, waiting. Song Qi Qi suggested naming the girl "Xiao Qi" and offered to be his first reader if he finished the novel. Xiao Zheng admitted he was stuck because he didn't understand the world of a blind person.
Meanwhile, Xue Tong and Bai Lin were taking selfies, playfully teasing each other. Mu Chenghe and his cousin, Mu Hai, joined Xue Tong, who was hesitant to stay but was told by Mu Chenghe that Zhao Xiao Tang was also coming. Over dinner, Mu Hai presented his investment project on 3D printing technology, highlighting its advanced development in America and its potential as a future trend in industrial design and the medical industry, despite current material limitations.
He expressed his desire to find "like-minded people" to join him. Mu Chenghe asked Zhao Xiao Tang if they were starting a business, to which she clarified she was only helping Mu Hai. Mu Chenghe, while acknowledging his limited understanding of the field, wished Mu Hai success. Mu Hai then invited Mu Chenghe to join his venture, emphasizing their family bond and trust. Mu Chenghe politely declined, stating his preference for lab research, but Mu Hai encouraged him to reconsider.
Zhao Xiao Tang later shared with Xue Tong that she had just discovered Mu Hai's cousin was Mu Chenghe, and Xue Tong remarked on what a small world it was. Mu Hai tried to persuade Zhao Xiao Tang to have Xue Tong convince Mu Chenghe, even offering more money, but Zhao Xiao Tang firmly refused, citing her friendship with Xue Tong as a reason not to interfere. Zhao Xiao Tang returned home, where her father, Xu Yao Hua, was visiting.
Her mother, Zhao Meizhi, immediately brought up her strong opposition to Zhao Xiao Tang's plan to study abroad, citing the good local university and the high expenses involved. Zhao Xiao Tang insisted her major required international study for better development and told her mother not to criticize what she didn't understand. Zhao Meizhi accused her daughter of rudeness and asked Xu Yao Hua to intervene. He attempted to calm the situation, suggesting they eat first and discuss it later.
However, Zhao Xiao Tang declared her decision was final and she was merely informing them, not seeking their approval. Zhao Meizhi vehemently disagreed. Angered by the escalating argument, Xu Yao Hua slammed his chopsticks down and left. Zhao Meizhi blamed Zhao Xiao Tang for her father's departure, but Zhao Xiao Tang retorted that her father's disinterest in the family was due to her mother, not her. Zhao Meizhi was left distraught and vulnerable.
Upset, Zhao Xiao Tang left her house and encountered Mu Hai, who had seen her father leave. Knowing her family situation, Mu Hai offered comfort and suggested they go for a drink. At the bar, Zhao Xiao Tang drank heavily. She bitterly asked Mu Hai if he wanted to see her cry and apologized for disappointing him. He said he simply wanted her to be happy. Mu Hai asked if she still harbored hatred for her father, Xu Yao Hua.
She implied that her father likely hated her more, believing he would be better off without her. She struggled to express her complex feelings about her mother, admitting confusion. Mu Hai tried to reassure her that she couldn't choose her family, but Zhao Xiao Tang defiantly declared her intention to leave. As she continued to drink and cry, she confessed to feeling like the unwanted result of her parents' long-term mistakes, believing her existence constantly reminded them of their wrongdoings.
She confessed to hating herself as much as she imagined they regretted her, wondering if their lives would be better if she simply disappeared. Mu Hai found her tears beautiful and pleaded with her not to disappear, stating he would live miserably without her. In a moment of raw emotion, Zhao Xiao Tang defiantly said she would disappear, precisely because she didn't want him to live well. She then called him an animal, to which he admitted, "I'm an animal.
. . An animal who's willing to do anything for you." Later, they embraced and spent the night together. Song Qi Qi asked Xue Tong to substitute for her tutoring Peng Yu over the weekend, as she had a date. Xue Tong agreed, reminding Qi Qi not to miss classes, while Bai Lin offered to help with attendance. Mu Chenghe accompanied Xue Tong to Peng Yu's house. Peng Yu, delighted to see Mu Chenghe, affectionately addressed him as "Mr. Mu."
He teased Xue Tong for forgetting her book. Peng Yu, suspecting a relationship, asked Mu Chenghe if he and Xue Tong were "seeing each other." Peng Yu eagerly showed Mu Chenghe his airplane models, identifying Su-27 and Su-30.
Mu Chenghe explained that the "Su" in the aircraft names referred to their designer, the Sukhoi Design Bureau, and detailed how Soviet and Russian aircraft were named after their design bureaus, each specializing in different aircraft types, such as Kamov for helicopters, Tupolev for transport aircraft, and MiG for bombers. Despite Xue Tong's attempts to start the lesson, Peng Yu continued to ask Mu Chenghe questions.
Mu Chenghe eventually promised to take Peng Yu to the planetarium another day to further discuss the topic, asking him to focus on English for now. Peng Yu, in an attempt to exclude Xue Tong, requested that she not be brought to the planetarium. Later, Song Qi Qi blindfolded Xiao Zheng, explaining she needed to experience the barber's feelings in darkness.
Xiao Zheng felt that the brief time she was gone felt much longer in darkness, observing that "the time in the world of darkness is longer than ours." They discussed the barber story, concluding that the barber's ten years were cruel and he deserved to wait for the girl. Xiao Zheng continued the narrative, describing how the girl eventually returned. The barber, now blind, pretended he could still see while giving her a haircut.
The girl, who knew he was blind, didn't expose him. She told him his haircuts were the best and asked for a beautiful cut because she was getting married the next day. As her "black and shiny short hair" was cut uglier and uglier, she smiled through her tears, which fell like shattered stars. The next morning, Qi Qi woke to find Xiao Zheng had already left for work. The following day, Song Qi Qi returned to the dorm.
Bai Lin lightly chastised her for her absence, while Qi Qi brought them breakfast. In class, Xue Tong and Bai Lin discussed Zhao Xiao Tang's decision to study abroad, abandoning a postgraduate offer from Donghu University. Qi Qi gently reminded them to keep their voices down. Suddenly, Wang Zhi Hui, Xiao Zheng's wife, entered the classroom, loudly demanding to see Song Qi Qi. She confronted Chen Ting, questioning the educational standards of Donghu University.
Chen Ting tried to calm her, suggesting Song Qi Qi might be a victim. Wang Zhi Hui vehemently rejected this, accusing Song Qi Qi of trying to destroy her marriage and threatening to call the police and have her jailed, explaining that Xiao Zheng, whom her father had supported, was now seeking a divorce.
Xue Tong and Bai Lin urged Song Qi Qi to deny any knowledge of Xiao Zheng's marriage, hoping to frame her as a victim, but Song Qi Qi quietly admitted, "I did." Her friends were shocked, still trying to get her to deny it, but Song Qi Qi insisted Xiao Zheng had never lied to her. She confessed that she had loved him since she was sixteen, came to Donghu University, and wanted to be a teacher because of him.
She knew he was married and wouldn't divorce for her, but she didn't care because she loved him "like her life." She declared that nothing else mattered to her. Later, outside, Bai Lin and Xue Tong discussed Zhao Xiao Tang's surprising anger, noting she seemed angrier than Wang Zhi Hui when she slapped Song Qi Qi. They regretted not being more attentive to Qi Qi earlier, feeling they had unintentionally contributed to her predicament.
Chen Ting called Xue Tong, informing her that the school had dealt with the matter and asking them to comfort Qi Qi. Xue Tong and Bai Lin tried to console Qi Qi, offering her comfort or a drink, but Qi Qi maintained she was fine.
She explained that she had anticipated this day ever since she decided to be with Xiao Zheng, and now that it had arrived, she felt a sense of relief and unburdened, though she admitted she didn't know what she would do next. As she spoke, she plucked a white hair from Xue Tong's head, calling it an "eyesore," and cut it off.
Zhao Xiao Tang, drinking alone, overheard other students discussing the scandal, lamenting, "a rotten apple spoils the barrel," reflecting her anger at Song Qi Qi. Song Qi Qi received a phone call from Xiao Zheng. He told her they should no longer contact each other, stating, "I love my wife very much" and "I'm not serious about you." He then apologized and told her to "take care."
Heartbroken, Song Qi Qi went to Chen Ting and submitted her application for academic suspension. Xue Tong and Bai Lin pleaded with her not to leave, promising to stay by her side and fear nothing. However, Song Qi Qi was resolute, explaining she needed time away to be alone and had already made up her mind. Chen Ting, seeing her determination, accepted the application.
As Song Qi Qi packed her belongings in the dorm, she realized she had more things than her luggage could hold and asked Bai Lin to lend her an extra suitcase. Bai Lin, tearfully, insisted that Qi Qi return the suitcase herself when she came back, rather than sending it. Both Bai Lin and Xue Tong hugged Song Qi Qi, sharing tearful goodbyes. Bai Lin, overcome with emotion, yelled at Qi Qi to "Get lost!" out of her deep sadness.
As Song Qi Qi was leaving, Zhao Xiao Tang unexpectedly appeared, offering to help with her luggage. Zhao Xiao Tang apologized for impulsively slapping her, admitting she might have done the same in Qi Qi's position. Song Qi Qi acknowledged their similarities. Zhao Xiao Tang reiterated her apology, expressing her certainty that Song Qi Qi would "be back for sure." They parted ways.
Episode 17 Recap
The absence of Song Qi Qi left a noticeable void in unit 323, making her roommates feel unaccustomed to the change. Bai Lin expressed her sadness to Xue Tong, wondering if Qi Qi would have still left if Zhao Xiaotang hadn't slapped her. Xue Tong believed dwelling on the past was fruitless, but Bai Lin admitted she deeply missed their friend.
Even their teacher noticed Qi Qi's absence in class after a student informed her that Song Qi Qi had suspended her studies. With Qi Qi gone, the responsibility of tutoring Peng Yu fell to Xue Tong, making her quite nervous. Mu Chenghe found Xue Tong studying hard and brought her food.
When he asked why she was still anxious about tutoring Peng Yu, Xue Tong explained that her previous lessons were just substitutes, and now, undertaking the task officially, she was afraid of embarrassing Qi Qi if she didn't do well. Mu Chenghe reassured her and encouraged her to eat and nourish her brain.
Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaotang's mother, Zhao Meizhi, called her, complaining about her tumultuous relationship with Zhao Xiaotang's father and urging her daughter to call him to apologize for their recent argument. Zhao Meizhi warned Zhao Xiaotang not to mention studying overseas, which angered Zhao Xiaotang, who declared that her plans were her own business. Zhao Meizhi grew frustrated, threatening to burn Zhao Xiaotang's books if she didn't call her father, leaving Zhao Xiaotang feeling utterly exasperated.
Bai Lin, too, was unhappy, telling Zhong Qiang that with Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe together, Qi Qi gone, and Zhao Xiaotang often absent, their four-person dorm felt like a lonely single room. Zhong Qiang playfully offered to stay with her, but Bai Lin quickly dismissed the idea, citing university rules.
As it was Friday, they couldn't find a hotel room, but Zhong Qiang mentioned he knew a place where they could spend the night, and they decided to go for hotpot first. Later, Xue Tong found Mu Chenghe working late into the night. He confided that he couldn't sleep until his work was done, admitting that even he, usually confident, felt nervous at times.
After sharing a meal, Mu Chenghe promised to take Xue Tong to watch a movie the next day as a reward for her hard work. The dorm manager soon assigned a new girl to unit 323. Bai Lin was determined to protect Qi Qi's bed, claiming the room was already full.
When the manager insisted, Bai Lin loudly feigned a severe flu, complete with exaggerated sneezes and coughs, telling the new girl that all her previous roommates had moved out due to her illness. The new girl, terrified, quickly left. Bai Lin later proudly recounted her "victory" to Xue Tong, who was told by the dorm manager that Bai Lin was unwell. Xue Tong's tutoring sessions with Peng Yu began.
Peng Yu initially seemed hesitant, but eventually admitted he understood her lessons and praised her teaching as being equally good as Ms. Song's, albeit in different styles. He also noted her serious demeanor was on par with Ms. Song's. Peng Yu’s mother expressed her gratitude and appreciation for Qi Qi's earlier efforts, adding that she trusted Ms. Song's recommendation in Xue Tong and insisted on paying her the first tutoring fee.
Concurrently, Mu Chenghe was deeply engrossed in a challenging experiment at a private lab with a colleague. He informed his colleague that he would take responsibility if anything went wrong and firmly stated that he respected science, not authority, when asked if Professor Wu knew of his absence from the university lab. Meanwhile, Mu Hai and Zhao Xiaotang were busy meeting clients to discuss a 3D printing project, strategizing to increase their price after successfully pitching the market potential.
During this, Zhao Xiaotang repeatedly ignored calls from her mother. Using her first tutoring earnings, Xue Tong bought movie tickets to surprise Mu Chenghe. He arrived late due to new data at the lab. During the movie, Mu Chenghe received another urgent call from the lab, explaining that despite the problems, they couldn't delay.
Understanding the criticality of his work, Xue Tong decided to leave the cinema with him before the movie ended, asserting that she could manage on her own. As they walked, she asked how long the experiment would last, and Mu Chenghe replied, "It will end in a few days if everything goes smoothly. It is a crucial time before the end." Xue Tong assured him it was fine, acknowledging his busy schedule.
Zhao Xiaotang received a call from her father, who was frustrated because Zhao Meizhi had been incessantly calling him after failing to reach their daughter. Her father mentioned he had set aside money for her to study abroad, but Zhao Xiaotang, ever proud, insisted she had her own funds. Later, Zhao Xiaotang invited Xue Tong to Qi Qi’s workplace.
While there, Zhao Xiaotang confided the true reason behind slapping Qi Qi: she didn't want Qi Qi to suffer the same fate as her mother, who became a mistress, destroying another family and her own life. Xue Tong was shocked to learn about Zhao Xiaotang's complicated family background. Later, Xue Tong visited Mu Chenghe, who was working late. She confided that she realized she didn't truly understand the people around her, including Qi Qi, despite spending so much time together.
Mu Chenghe reassured her that Qi Qi just needed time to figure things out. Upon returning home, Zhao Xiaotang found her mother, Zhao Meizhi, had prepared stewed belt fish for her, expressing how much she missed her. Zhao Xiaotang, moved by her mother's aging appearance, ate the fish and shared that she had contacted her father, who advised Zhao Meizhi not to stay cooped up indoors.
Zhao Meizhi mentioned her savings for Zhao Xiaotang's overseas education, but Zhao Xiaotang brushed it aside. Zhao Meizhi then thought of inviting Zhao Xiaotang's father to eat but decided against it, lamenting that he disliked being bothered and the fish would get cold. Professor Wu, having learned that Mu Chenghe had been working with Professor Han, was furious.
He confronted Mu Chenghe, reminding him to be practical and warning that his doctoral graduation was in Professor Wu's hands due to his lack of respect. Mu Chenghe, however, stood his ground, stating, "I respect science, not authority," further enraging Professor Wu. As Mu Chenghe's birthday approached, Zhao Xiaotang accompanied Xue Tong to pick out a gift. They decided on a small maze model, and Xue Tong planned to bake a cake for him herself.
Bai Lin and Zhong Qiang found a clean and comfortable apartment to rent. They discussed decorating and hosting Xue Tong and Zhao Xiaotang for hotpot and sleepovers, though Zhong Qiang humorously noted he'd be left to clean up. They quickly settled on the house, and Zhong Qiang called the agent. Xue Tong went to Zhao Xiaotang's home to bake the cake. The lemon-flavored cake didn't turn out as expected, looking more like a cake-flavored lemon.
While decorating, Xue Tong questioned Zhao Xiaotang about her relationship with Mu Hai. Zhao Xiaotang clarified they were merely business partners and that a romantic relationship was impossible, having tried it before and realizing they were not suited for each other. Despite Xue Tong's assertion that Zhao Xiaotang still liked him, Zhao Xiaotang denied it. Xue Tong then meticulously decorated Mu Chenghe's home with balloons and lights.
Zhao Xiaotang, visiting his home for the first time, was surprised by how "warm" it felt, attributing it to Xue Tong's care. They found Bulgarian rose seeds that Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe had bought on Valentine's Day. As Zhao Xiaotang and Mu Hai left, Mu Hai commented on the unusual pairing of Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe, suggesting they were from different worlds, but then acknowledged their mutual affection.
He also expressed concern that Xue Tong's elaborate birthday surprise might backfire, knowing Mu Chenghe's indifference to such ceremonies. Zhao Xiaotang asked why he hadn't warned Xue Tong, and he admitted he didn't want to dampen her spirits. Mu Hai invited Zhao Xiaotang to his place for a drink, but she declined, wanting to go home. Xue Tong waited eagerly with the cake for Mu Chenghe, but he didn't appear.
After texting him with no reply, she decided to take the cake to his lab to celebrate with everyone. Upon her arrival, Mu Chenghe and his colleagues were deeply immersed in the experiment. Despite his colleagues' exhaustion, Mu Chenghe insisted they continue working. Xue Tong, with the help of Mu Chenghe's colleagues, started a small celebration, singing "Happy Birthday" and urging Mu Chenghe to make a wish.
He blew out the candles quickly, wishing only for the data to be ready that day. He then coldly returned to his research without even cutting the cake, telling Xue Tong to go home. The other lab members looked on awkwardly. Xue Tong, embarrassed, eventually left the cake with his colleague and went home. The next morning, Mu Chenghe finally returned. His first action was to reprimand Xue Tong for coming to the lab unannounced.
Xue Tong, deeply hurt and confused, explained she had texted him, but he hadn't replied. She felt it wasn't fair for everything to be her fault, especially after he had recently told her things were going smoothly. Mu Chenghe retorted that he wasn't a genius and things don't always go smoothly, pointing out that everyone in the lab had to stop working and celebrate his birthday just to make her happy, even though they hadn't eaten.
Xue Tong, on the verge of tears, expressed her hurt and questioned what truly mattered to him if her efforts were so meaningless. The argument escalated, with Xue Tong calling his actions immature for forcing others to work when they needed rest, contrasting it with her "childish" act of celebrating his birthday. Mu Chenghe, claiming exhaustion, told her to rest. Xue Tong, utterly wounded, told him he didn't need to wait until tomorrow to discard things he deemed meaningless, implying the gift and celebration.
Episode 18 Recap
Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe had a heated argument, causing Xue Tong to leave Mu Chenghe's house in anger. Mu Chenghe retreated to his lab, where he was left alone, idly turning a maze model, feeling a sense of desolation. Meanwhile, Xue Tong poured her heart out to Mu Hai and Zhao Xiaotang.
Mu Hai explained that Mu Chenghe is simply a man who becomes oblivious to everything else when engrossed in a task, recalling a childhood incident where Mu Chenghe physically retaliated when disturbed from his reading. He concluded that everyone has a point they really care about. Elsewhere, Mu Chenghe confided in Chen Ting, who pointed out that it was Mu Chenghe's fault, as Xue Tong's intentions were good.
Chen Ting advised him that “there are no grudges between husband and wife,” and if an argument lingers for three to five days, the conflict would only escalate. Hearing this, Mu Chenghe grew anxious and rushed to find Xue Tong. Mu Chenghe called Mu Hai to confirm Xue Tong's location before waiting for her downstairs at the girls' dorm.
When she finally appeared, after initially not answering her phone while drying her hair, Mu Chenghe offered a heartfelt apology, admitting his wrongdoing. Xue Tong's eyes welled with tears as she confessed her own fault for disturbing him at a crucial moment. She then asked him to keep his phone with him at all times, explaining that it was “scary” when she couldn’t reach him. They both promised to never quarrel again, vowing it would be “the last time.”
Xue Tong expressed gratitude for the maze gift, realizing it mirrored her, and Mu Chenghe shared that he cherished the maze because, much like her, he couldn't quite figure out its “little thoughts.” Thanks to Zhao Xiaotang's assistance, Mu Hai's business negotiations progressed smoothly. He began socializing with other female clients, including Hu Yan Xue, a project director from the development department, and they planned to "have a meal together" for further discussions.
Later, Zhao Xiaotang discovered a social media post from Mu Hai, revealing he was still out entertaining Xiao Xue, which made her feel unhappy and a little jealous. At Bai Lin and Zhong Qiang's new apartment, Bai Lin felt a sense of melancholy over Song Qi Qi's absence. Xue Tong proposed participating in the Students' Union's dorm cultural week competition. They decided that if they won the "Best Dorm" trophy, they would send it to Song Qi Qi.
They planned to enter with a baking project, building on Xue Tong's recent attempts. Zhong Qiang suggested a clever strategy to win votes by generously distributing their baked goods to fellow students. However, Tao Tao, the new Students' Union President, created obstacles for unit 323's participation, citing limited space and hygiene concerns for their baking entry.
Bai Lin, incensed, confronted him, accusing him of 'flaunting his authority' and reminding him that if she had run for president, he wouldn't be in his position. Xue Tong stepped in to smooth things over, assuring Tao Tao of their commitment to hygiene, to which Tao Tao reluctantly agreed to consider their application after an internal discussion. Meanwhile, Mu Chenghe's experiment hit a formidable bottleneck, casting a dark cloud over his mood at home.
Despite not fully grasping the complexities of his work, Xue Tong made an effort to cheer him up, showing him a custom mug printing service and preparing a “vitality breakfast” for him. She reiterated that while she couldn't aid his scientific endeavors, she hoped he could find relaxation and peace at home. The project's stagnation deeply affected Mu Chenghe, leading to irritation and dismissiveness towards his colleague who suggested returning to Donghu University's lab.
Professor Han informed Mu Chenghe that the lab would be reclaimed by the end of the month, but Mu Chenghe was angered by this indirect communication, as he heard it from a colleague rather than directly from Professor Han. Li Jiahang, learning of Bai Lin's struggles with the cultural week application, intervened on her behalf. He successfully persuaded Tao Tao, whose lingering respect for Li Jiahang's former position was evident, to approve 323's entry.
Bai Lin was overjoyed and invited Li Jiahang to their booth. Xue Tong and her friends threw themselves into baking, experimenting with various cake flavors, some incorporating unconventional ingredients like candied dates, lean meat, and spicy gluten. Unfortunately, Xue Tong fell ill after sampling some of their experimental creations. Bai Lin promptly took Xue Tong to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with food poisoning.
Knowing Mu Chenghe was already under immense stress from his research, Xue Tong chose not to inform him about her illness. In a significant development, Professor Wu, who had previously been strict with Mu Chenghe, revealed that Professor Waltz from a German laboratory was impressed by his project's progress and extended an invitation for him to continue his research there. This presented a major career opportunity, but Mu Chenghe found himself torn.
He confided in Chen Ting that his hesitation stemmed partly from his reluctance to leave Xue Tong and partly from painful memories of his father, whose deep immersion in research contributed to a relapse that ultimately led to his death. He also admitted to drinking again due to the mounting pressure. During her recovery, Xue Tong stayed at Bai Lin's house. Bai Lin expressed surprise that Xue Tong wasn't “acting whiny” or complaining to Mu Chenghe.
Xue Tong explained that she understood his stress and didn’t want to burden him further, often observing him working late into the night. Chen Ting discreetly warned Xue Tong about Mu Chenghe’s history of heavy drinking during his time in Russia, urging her to keep a close eye on him, though Xue Tong reassured him that Mu Chenghe was doing better and she was actively trying to curb his excessive drinking.
Mu Hai invited Zhao Xiaotang for spicy skewers and attempted to reconcile, playfully teasing her about being jealous of Xiao Xue. Zhao Xiaotang, however, remained firm in her decision to pursue her studies abroad, asserting that she wouldn't abandon her dreams for him, just as he wouldn't for her. They raised their glasses, toasting to each other's success. The dorm cultural week commenced, but an unexpected rain forced the event indoors, limiting space.
As a result, unit 323's booth was canceled, much to the fury of Bai Lin and her friends, who confronted Tao Tao and Li Jiahang. Bai Lin called Tao Tao a "despicable person," but they could not get their booth restored. Upon returning home, Xue Tong discovered numerous empty liquor bottles and documents pertaining to Mu Chenghe's plans to study abroad. She confronted him, questioning him about secretly drinking and his intentions to leave the country.
Mu Chenghe confirmed the possibility of going abroad but steadfastly denied drinking heavily. Frustrated by his deception, especially after Chen Ting’s warning, Xue Tong’s anger flared. She accused him of treating her like an “underage girl” who merely makes breakfast and smiles. She insisted he should confide in her about everything, especially when facing pressure. In a moment of intense emotion, Mu Chenghe impulsively pulled Xue Tong to the lab.
There, he passionately explained the overwhelming technical hurdles of his experiment, detailing how the turbulence and variables now exceeded their previous data sum by "400 million times." He then delved into his lonely childhood, marked by skipping grades and a lack of companionship, finding solace only in physics. He spoke of his relentless pursuit of intelligence to please his father, who later divorced his mother. He described his formulas as "beautiful" and felt that a solution was "waiting for me."
Overwhelmed by this "unreasonable" and "unfamiliar" side of him, Xue Tong felt utterly unable to understand or connect with his world. In her distress, Xue Tong, unable to cope, proposed they “break up” and “go our separate ways.” She then ran out into the rain, crying as she returned to her dorm. Mu Chenghe, equally distraught, went home and continued to drink excessively to drown his sorrows.
Episode 19 Recap
Xue Tong's friends, Bai Lin and Zhao Xiaotang, rallied around her after her breakup with Mu Chenghe. Bai Lin urged her to drink, assuring her that a breakup was not the end of the world and she would get over it. Bai Lin promised to fill Xue Tong's schedule with activities. Though Xue Tong insisted she was fine, Bai Lin knew she was bottling up her emotions and advised her to let it all out.
Bai Lin then took Xue Tong shopping for new clothes, saying that making herself beautiful was the first step to recovery. Later, Zhao Xiaotang took Xue Tong to an archery range to help her release pent-up emotions. Zhao Xiaotang suggested envisioning the target as her ex, Mu Chenghe, and letting out her anger.
Xue Tong admitted she knew her breakup with Mu Chenghe was inevitable due to their many incompatibilities, recalling her own advice to Bai Lin that no one is irreplaceable. Mu Chenghe’s laboratory was indeed reclaimed. His visa for Germany came through, and he received his air ticket, confirming his imminent departure from Donghu.
He expressed surprise at how quickly things progressed, to which Professor Han encouraged him to embrace the opportunity in Germany, highlighting the superior resources and team available there. Professor Han also noticed Mu Chenghe looked pale and urged him to go home, take a hot shower, and prepare for his move after finishing the lab packing. Mu Chenghe returned home, looking blankly at the empty room and feeling a void as he began to pack.
Xue Tong struggled in class, appearing distracted and even bringing the wrong textbook, earning a reprimand from her teacher. She tried to calm herself in her dorm, only to receive a video call from Chen Yan, who excitedly shared news about a successful animal foundation application and her upcoming summer return. Chen Yan, unaware of the breakup, praised Mu Chenghe and Xue Tong's relationship, leaving Xue Tong feeling even more melancholic.
Meanwhile, Chen Ting confronted Mu Chenghe about the breakup, urging him to open up. Mu Chenghe confirmed the split, stating he was leaving for Germany in two days and wanted to see Xue Tong one last time because he was worried about her. However, when he tried to call her, her phone was off. Unbeknownst to him, Xue Tong had already visited his apartment, packed her belongings, and left, leaving Mu Chenghe to return to an even emptier, sorrowful space.
Later, Chen Ting summoned Xue Tong to his office. He instructed her to relay a message to Bai Lin, stressing that she must stop skipping classes due to her relationship and submit her proposal by the end of the semester. Chen Ting also offered Xue Tong advice, acknowledging her breakup with Mu Chenghe. He encouraged her to move on, focus on her future, and prepare for her postgraduate recommendation.
Xue Tong assured him she understood, stating she now intended to focus on her future and was considering literary translation for her proposal. At her shared apartment with Zhong Qiang, Bai Lin was cooking, praising herself as a good wife, while Zhong Qiang was engrossed in a video game. She eagerly suggested a fun outing for tomorrow, but Zhong Qiang seemed less enthusiastic, expressing that their daily routine of movies, dining, and shopping was getting repetitive.
Bai Lin grew emotional, questioning his love for her, which Zhong Qiang quickly denied, reaffirming his affection. Xue Tong called Bai Lin to inform her that Chen Ting had mandated the submission of proposals, a task Bai Lin found overwhelming and annoying, but agreed to meet Xue Tong the next day to work on it.
This meant canceling her plans with Zhong Qiang, who suggested she go back to university in the morning to focus on her proposal, and he would pick her up in the evening. As for Mu Chenghe, Chen Ting met him at the airport to see him off. Chen Ting mentioned he had spoken with Xue Tong, reassuring Mu Chenghe that she was doing well and had grown from the experience.
He also advised Mu Chenghe to take care of himself in Germany, especially regarding his diet and alcohol consumption, expressing concern for Mu Chenghe's tendency to keep things to himself. Mu Chenghe departed without seeing Xue Tong. Back home, a sorrowful Xue Tong was comforted by her mother, who had already sensed her daughter's heartbreak. Xue Tong tearfully confessed the breakup, and her mother gently stroked her hair, wishing for her quick recovery.
Later, Bai Lin was overwhelmed by the task of writing her proposal and decided to copy one from Xue Tong's notes before leaving to meet Zhong Qiang. Xue Tong urged Bai Lin to take her studies more seriously, reminding her that college was for more than just dating and that her future, including graduation, was at stake if she didn't focus.
Realizing the gravity of her situation, Bai Lin decided to call Zhong Qiang and inform him she needed to prioritize her future and studies. Zhao Xiaotang received her admission offer from a US university. While celebrating, a slightly inebriated Mu Hai expressed his reluctance for her to leave, suggesting they drink together. Meanwhile, Bai Lin unexpectedly returned home early, telling Zhong Qiang she missed him.
She discovered a picture of him with another girl on his phone, sparking a heated argument. Zhong Qiang explained it was just a group photo from a team gathering, but Bai Lin, convinced he was cheating, accused him of lying and being a jerk. To placate her, Zhong Qiang eventually agreed to give her his phone password. Separately, Xue Tong, while tutoring a child, discovered her own inspiration for her proposal topic.
The child, excited about Harry Potter, mentioned that J. K. Rowling, originally an English teacher, was inspired to write the series after seeing a mysterious wizard at a train station. This sparked an idea for Xue Tong: she realized she could write about her own experiences, especially her relationship with Mu Chenghe, for her proposal.
Mu Hai arranged to meet Zhao Xiaotang at Dujiang Pier, a place they frequented in their youth, to fulfill a promise from after their college entrance exam. He confessed that he didn't show up that day, or for three years, because he had two pimples on his face and felt too embarrassed to see her, wanting her to remember him as beautiful. He explained he later tried to find her but couldn't.
Zhao Xiaotang found his explanation absurd, questioning how two pimples could lead to a three-year disappearance without a word. Nevertheless, she agreed to meet him at the pier. Upon seeing him, she noticed he had two pimples again, which he quickly tried to hide. He had already bought two tickets for every ferry ride that evening, hoping she would stay. They reminisced about their younger days, taking ferry rides, and eating spicy malatang.
Mu Hai asked if she still hated him, and she replied she didn't, especially since she was also planning to leave. He wondered if she would have stayed if he had shown up back then, and she admitted she probably would have left anyway. They agreed to part ways gracefully, smiling as they did.
Zhao Xiaotang lamented that she had tried to forget him for three years, even his phone number, but hearing his voice recently brought all memories flooding back. She expressed frustration that after forgetting everything else, she now had to forget his voice too. Ultimately, Mu Hai decided to let her go with a smile, acknowledging that they were both too selfish to give up their dreams for each other.
He then asked her to take a photo of him, capturing his "jerkish" smile, as he had once vowed not to be a 'jerk' like her, but now found himself making a similar departure. During a family meal, Xue Tong's aunt subtly probed about her mother's male colleague, Uncle He Ping, asking if her mother was seeing someone.
The aunt expressed concern for Xue Tong's mother, who had raised her alone, but stressed the importance of careful consideration, especially given Xue Tong's grandmother's presence. Later that night, Xue Tong directly asked her mother if she and Uncle He Ping were dating. Her mother dismissed it as a joke, attributing the idea to gossip from Xue Tong's grandmother and aunt, and denied any romantic involvement. Xue Tong was left to believe it was impossible.
In a surprising turn, Zhao Xiaotang returned to the dorm early, stating she preferred working on her proposal over listening to family chatter. She then revealed to Xue Tong that she had decided not to go to the US for her studies, despite all her preparation. She felt there were more important things for her to do at home, implying it might be due to a newfound "power of love."
Mu Hai, still recovering from a leg injury, was forcefully taken to the bathhouse by his friends, who complained that he hadn't bathed in days and smelled terrible, joking that he'd become a "zombie."
Episode 20 Recap
As students began to settle into the new semester, Liu Qi, a civil engineering student, embarked on his internship at a bustling construction site. The environment was challenging, with calls to wear safety helmets and the reality that "upon graduation, we will have to come here to work," leading some classmates to lament how tiring their chosen path seemed.
However, Liu Qi, viewing it simply as "just a job," remained dedicated, attentively learning about digging deep grooves and forming underground continuous walls, prioritizing safety in every step. Meanwhile, Xue Tong visited Mr. Chen's office, where she was given a student employment planning questionnaire and offered an internship opportunity at the campus magazine, which she eagerly accepted as she had ample free time. Later, a junior from the English major, Fan Shimao, approached her, seemingly keen to talk.
He was the class representative for the Russian elective and needed to copy materials from Mr. Mu's flash drive, which Xue Tong had. He barraged her with questions about the difficulty of the Russian course, the need to recite poems, the challenges of producing spring tongue sounds, and her Russian name, "Rosa." Back at school, while retrieving a parcel, Liu Qi noticed Xue Tong's name on a package and, thinking he would help, called her.
To his surprise, Xue Tong flatly stated she didn't want it and told him to throw it away, leaving Liu Qi confused but still holding onto the item. At the swimming pool, Zhong Qiang was seen giving advice to a female junior from the sports school's training team, who was hoping for special admission. He advised her on exam strategies, emphasizing stability and speed, and even mentioned removing a temporary tattoo.
Bai Lin arrived, immediately accusing him of flirting and demanding to see their WeChat conversation. Zhong Qiang explained the girl was a teacher-recommended special admission candidate he was merely guiding, but Bai Lin remained unconvinced and angry. She expressed her frustration about her own uncertain future, feeling lost about her thesis and career prospects.
She jokingly lamented that if she couldn't find a job, she'd have to go home and help with her dad's wedding business, to which Zhong Qiang jokingly offered to join, only for Bai Lin to reject him fiercely. Suddenly, news spread about a massive 7. 8 magnitude earthquake in Wushan. Donghu also experienced aftershocks, causing panic across the campus. Liu Qi, caught in the chaos, instinctively grabbed Xue Tong's abandoned parcel.
He later found her near the bathhouse, a place he had once described as having the most stable structure. Xue Tong was surprised he still had the package and once again urged him to discard it. Liu Qi, however, insisted she cared, opened it in front of her, only to reveal two broken custom-made couple mugs bearing photos of Xue Tong and Mu Chenghe.
He expressed pity, for the mugs, and Xue Tong, with a resigned expression, acknowledged that these were merely relics of the past. The earthquake in Wushan was later upgraded to 8. 1 magnitude, leaving widespread devastation. Deeply moved, Liu Qi decided to organize a donation drive for the disaster area, feeling a personal connection as he had planned to run a marathon there. He approached Xue Tong, now interning at the campus magazine, asking her to publicize the initiative.
Xue Tong was touched by his passion and confirmed she was already working on it. The campus magazine, under the guidance of Ms. Hu, quickly decided to publish articles and photos on the school's official social media accounts and website to maximize impact. Fan Shimao was dispatched to photograph the donation efforts, with Xue Tong joining him.
Meanwhile, Bai Lin returned to the apartment she shared with Zhong Qiang, only to find it in disarray after he had hosted a party with his friends. Furious, she started sorting clothes for donation. Zhong Qiang tried to appease her by offering a shirt she had bought him, suggesting it was durable and suitable for the disaster area. This further angered Bai Lin, who insisted he save it to wear when meeting her father.
Zhong Qiang, however, was hesitant to meet her father due to his demanding training schedule. Bai Lin accused him of prioritizing training over their relationship, expressing her profound frustration at his lack of understanding and their widening emotional gap. Later, her father called, revealing he had bought a house in Donghu for her. Bai Lin, still upset with Zhong Qiang, made an excuse not to meet her father.
While these events unfolded, Li Jiahang was also actively involved in organizing disaster relief. He chanced upon Xue Tong and inquired about Bai Lin, expressing relief upon hearing she was well. Separately, Zhao Xiaotang had officially returned to Mu Hai's side, and their relationship blossomed into an inseparable and loving bond, as they embarked on a business venture together. Driven by a strong desire to contribute directly, Liu Qi decided to go to Wushan as a volunteer.
Before his departure, he made sure to bid farewell to Xue Tong, who was deeply impressed and proud of his commitment. During this time, Xue Tong's postgraduate recommendation slot was largely confirmed, news which pleased Bai Lin. Meanwhile, Liu Qi successfully arrived in Wushan and, as his first act, reported his safe arrival to Xue Tong, bringing her great comfort.
Later, Mu Hai planned a trip for Zhao Xiaotang, but their journey was stalled as the roads were filled with vehicles heading to the disaster zone, causing an awkward delay. Fortunately, Zhao Xiaotang didn't mind the inconvenience. News of two Donghu-licensed rescue vehicles being lost in a landslide in Wushan circulated among students, causing Xue Tong great anxiety about Liu Qi's safety. When she brought her concerns to Mr. Chen, he cautioned against untrained volunteers entering the hazardous zone.
Liu Qi eventually returned, safe but weary. Bai Lin expressed her relief to see him. Liu Qi shared photos from Wushan, recounting the rescue of a third-grade boy who, despite his injuries, only cried for his lost drawing board and pencils. This deeply impacted Xue Tong, highlighting that hope and creative tools could be as vital as basic necessities for the children. Inspired, Xue Tong promptly sent Liu Qi's photos and story to her teacher for publication.
Liu Qi, planning to return to Wushan, asked her to keep his identity anonymous. Undeterred by the earlier refusal and still determined to contribute, Xue Tong decided to join him as a volunteer, bringing along drawing supplies for the children. Liu Qi promised to protect her during their journey. On their way to Wushan, Liu Qi and Xue Tong were stopped at a checkpoint by a police officer.
The officer gently but firmly explained that all untrained volunteers were being turned back due to the extreme dangers. Despite their disappointment, Xue Tong, her voice full of conviction, asked the officer to deliver their drawing supplies to the children, emphasizing that "they need hope" beyond mere food and shelter. The officer, moved by her plea, agreed to help if a route opened.
With their mission altered but their spirits unbroken, Liu Qi and Xue Tong began their journey back to Donghu, Liu Qi reassuring Xue Tong to rest. At the swimming pool, Bai Lin approached Zhong Qiang again. She demanded he fulfill his Valentine's Day promise to get a rose tattoo on his chest. Zhong Qiang resisted, citing his professional swimming career and the risk of infection. Bai Lin, feeling his excuses were a sign he didn't truly care, became increasingly emotional.
She accused him of changing, and Zhong Qiang later accused her of torturing him. Finally, she dragged him to a tattoo parlor. Zhong Qiang, clearly uncomfortable during the process, abruptly stopped the artist at the last minute, declaring, "I don't want to bear with it anymore. Bai Lin, all you know is to torture me." He refused to get the tattoo. Heartbroken and furious, Bai Lin left the parlor in tears, later found crying by Xue Tong in their dorm.
She lamented that "this time, maybe it's really my fault," and also expressed her feeling of being left behind, noting that Xue Tong was getting a postgraduate recommendation and Zhao Xiaotang was starting a business, while she herself felt lost about her own graduation and future. Despite the personal turmoil, news reports from Wushan showed steady progress in reconstruction, with children like Pan Wang drawing their "future home," symbolizing the enduring hope amidst adversity.
Episode 21 Recap
Xue Tong woke up in the morning with a stiff neck, unable to move freely. Enduring the pain, she managed to get out of bed to tutor Peng Yu. During their English lesson, Peng Yu, a cheeky student, noticed her stiff neck and tried to get out of class by suggesting she go home to rest. Xue Tong, however, insisted on continuing the lesson, citing his poor grades.
After the tutoring session, Xue Tong returned to school and encountered Liu Qi in the cafeteria. Liu Qi immediately noticed her discomfort and suspected she had a stiff neck from playing on her phone at night. He offered to take her for a cupping session, mentioning the same place they had gone for foot washes, assuring her it was very effective.
Xue Tong declined, but Liu Qi continued to offer advice on how to improve her condition, explaining that a stiff neck indicated heavy dampness in her body. He promised to help her find a solution if she still felt uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Bai Lin approached Zhong Qiang after his training, apologizing for her behavior in the tattoo shop and claiming she was "possessed" at the time.
Zhong Qiang found her current demeanor "still weird" and tried to leave, stating he had an afternoon training session for an upcoming competition. Bai Lin, however, insisted on them having a meal together and taking a walk on the beach. She dragged him to a restaurant to eat steak, his favorite.
Zhong Qiang, clearly uninterested in eating, attempted to talk to her about their relationship, but Bai Lin constantly interrupted him, recalling their past plans and demanding he bring home a medal. Realizing he wanted to suggest a breakup, Bai Lin became desperate, apologizing for her past mistakes, especially forcing him to get a tattoo. Zhong Qiang clarified that he didn't want to break up but needed them to "calm down for a while."
Bai Lin grew frustrated, accusing him of being a liar for not daring to say "breakup" directly. Zhong Qiang, unable to continue the conversation, eventually walked away, leaving a distraught Bai Lin. Bai Lin returned to the dorm room, teary-eyed and miserable. She asked Xue Tong if she was annoying, to which Xue Tong gently reassured her, calling her "the cutest." Bai Lin confessed that Zhong Qiang wanted them to "calm down for a while," and she couldn't accept it.
Xue Tong suggested that a period of calm might actually be beneficial for them. She reminded Bai Lin that they were almost seniors and should think beyond just dating, focusing on their future plans. Bai Lin admitted she had no plans, only Zhong Qiang, and felt lost without him. Xue Tong acknowledged Bai Lin's insecurity but emphasized that Zhong Qiang, being a freshman, couldn't help her with everything. She urged Bai Lin to focus on her thesis proposal and exams.
Still clinging to hope, Bai Lin tearfully pleaded with Xue Tong to help her cover Zhong Qiang's apartment with their photos in an attempt to win him back. Reluctantly, Xue Tong agreed, but only after Bai Lin promised it would be the last time she’d resort to such actions, and that she would accept whatever the outcome. Later, in class, Liu Qi sat next to Xue Tong, continuing to offer advice about her stiff neck.
He explained that poor blood circulation was the cause and demonstrated his ability to spread his toes, teasing her for her lack of exercise. He enthusiastically invited her to jog with him every night, promising a more interesting experience than running on the track and suggesting they could chat. Xue Tong initially declined, but back in her dorm, she began doing yoga. That evening, Liu Qi took Xue Tong for a run along a scenic route he had mentioned.
However, Xue Tong, not accustomed to intense physical activity, quickly became breathless and struggled during the five-kilometer run, eventually opting to take a taxi back while Liu Qi continued. Mu Hai, working on his project, expressed concerns about a lack of startup funds. Zhao Xiaotang, who had returned to his side, confidently told him not to worry. She had converted all the money saved for her overseas studies into Chinese yuan, intending to fully support his venture.
Mu Hai was touched, but also worried about the practicality of using her savings. He wondered if the contract with potential investors would be signed. Zhao Xiaotang, ever the optimist, insisted there would be a way. Excited about the progress they had made in their recent factory visit, she declared that every drink they shared from then on would be a "celebration drink." Unbeknownst to Mu Hai, Zhao Xiaotang took the initiative to meet Director Yan for investment.
Director Yan, however, seemed more interested in Zhao Xiaotang personally than the project, suggesting she join his company due to her "young, beautiful, and capable" qualities. He implied that she should drink with him before discussing the project. Mu Hai arrived unexpectedly, interrupting their meeting. He confronted Zhao Xiaotang, questioning why she didn't involve him and asserting his superior understanding of the contract.
Director Yan observed their interaction, remarking that young people should be "street-smart," and noted that Zhao Xiaotang was more so than Mu Hai. He then excused himself. Mu Hai angrily accused Zhao Xiaotang of insulting him, stating he was "not that desperate to rely on a woman." Hurt and frustrated, Zhao Xiaotang left the money he needed, telling him to achieve his dream on his own.
Liu Qi, feeling threatened by Fan Shimao's growing closeness to Xue Tong, asked a friend to investigate him. The friend identified him as Fan Shimao, a freshman from the Foreign Language Department. In Ms Lang's class, Bai Lin was visibly distracted. Ms Lang gently called her attention, reminding her to concentrate. After class, Xue Tong found Bai Lin and they discussed their thesis proposals.
Fan Shimao then arrived, bringing interview materials for Xue Tong and offering to help with the school magazine layout. He also offered to walk Xue Tong back, citing the heavy materials, but Xue Tong declined his offer. Liu Qi, observing Fan Shimao's persistent attention to Xue Tong, grew increasingly annoyed. Later, Bai Lin went to the swimming pool, looking for Zhong Qiang. A team member, Zhao Xiao Qiao, falsely told her that Zhong Qiang had taken the day off.
Moments later, Zhao Xiao Qiao was seen calling Zhong Qiang, confirming his presence and hinting that he was hiding from Bai Lin. Liu Qi cornered Fan Shimao in the hallway, calling him by the nickname "Vaseline" and warning him explicitly to "not go after Xue Tong." Fan Shimao, startled, nearly fell. Xue Tong later learned about Liu Qi's aggressive behavior towards Fan Shimao and confronted him, calling his actions "improper."
Liu Qi tried to dismiss it, claiming Fan Shimao fell on his own and offered to apologize, then invited Xue Tong for another run. Xue Tong, however, refused. Bai Lin, still heartbroken, went back to the swimming pool. She remembered Zhong Qiang's past promises of staying by her side forever and gifts like a "mutual love" necklace and a "key to his heart" that he gave her.
She changed into her swimsuit and stood on the diving board, calling Zhong Qiang. When he arrived, she was filled with hope, believing he still cared for her and asking him to reconcile. Zhong Qiang, however, looked disgusted and told her to "stop torturing him," confessing he was "done playing" and desperately asked her to let him go. Devastated, Bai Lin jumped into the water. Panicked, Zhong Qiang immediately jumped in to save her.
Later, in a conversation, Zhong Qiang revealed he considered either drowning with her or breaking up completely at that moment. Bai Lin then revealed her secret: she actually knew how to swim, implying her jump was a desperate plea for attention. Zhong Qiang rescued her and brought her to safety, but then left without looking back, signaling the definitive end of their relationship.
Back at the dorm, Bai Lin was in despair, throwing away everything related to Zhong Qiang, crying that he was "unworthy." Xue Tong and Zhao Xiaotang comforted her, telling her she would find someone better. Bai Lin, realizing the preciousness of life, decided she wanted to "start a new life." They planned to go to karaoke or jogging to cheer her up. As the three girls headed to the elevator, it suddenly broke down, trapping them inside.
They tried to call for help, but their phones had no signal. Outside the dorm, Liu Qi and Mu Hai were waiting, Liu Qi for Xue Tong, and Mu Hai for Zhao Xiaotang. When their calls went unanswered, they realized something was wrong and rushed inside. After some effort, they managed to pry open the elevator doors, rescuing the three girls. Zhao Xiaotang, still upset with Mu Hai from their earlier argument, warned him "not to touch her."
Mu Hai sincerely apologized for his harsh words. Liu Qi, taking advantage of the moment, confessed his deep feelings to Xue Tong. He revealed that after she started dating Mu Cheng He, he was heartbroken and began running marathons on a specific route, hoping to forget her, but it was impossible. He admitted he constantly wished to do something for her and was glad he was the one to open the elevator door for her.
He then asked her to be his girlfriend, and Xue Tong accepted. Mu Hai then took Zhao Xiaotang to see his new office space. He excitedly described his plans for the different sections of the office, from workspaces to meeting rooms and a pantry. Zhao Xiaotang congratulated him on his dream coming true.
Mu Hai acknowledged that the success was partly due to her, as the company's owner decided to invest after seeing their proposal, overcoming Director Yan's attempts to hinder them. He then called Zhao Xiaotang his "lucky charm." Later, Liu Qi took Xue Tong to the scenic running route he had mentioned. After they completed the five-kilometer run, Xue Tong, having changed into comfortable sportswear, conceded that the scenery was indeed beautiful.
Liu Qi then repeated his heartfelt confession, asking Xue Tong to officially be his girlfriend and promising to always be the first one to appear by her side, in any situation. Xue Tong happily agreed.
Episode 22 Recap
Xue Tong was tutoring Peng Yu, who found studying during the summer break annoying. Peng Yu suggested they go to the planetarium, reminding Xue Tong that Mu Chenghe had once promised to take him. When Xue Tong refused, stating Mu Chenghe should fulfill his own promise, Peng Yu revealed that Mu Chenghe had gone abroad and insisted that Xue Tong, as a teacher, should keep her word. Xue Tong reluctantly agreed.
Later, Xue Tong was on the phone with Liu Qi, informing him she couldn't go to the movies because she was helping Bai Lin clear out things related to Zhong Qiang from her apartment. Liu Qi insisted on joining them, saying he couldn't let two girls do the heavy lifting. At Bai Lin's apartment, as they helped move boxes, Bai Lin shared that she wouldn't be returning home for the summer and planned to catch up on her studies.
She jokingly suggested Xue Tong stay with her, and Liu Qi, teasingly, asked about his own accommodation, to which they playfully dismissed the idea of him sleeping on the sofa. Bai Lin offered to cook dinner to thank them, but Liu Qi quickly objected to her cooking skills.
Meanwhile, Mu Hai and Zhao Xiaotang were also busy, setting up the signage for their new venture, Begonia Innovative Technology Co., Ltd. Zhao Xiaotang mentioned she had turned down her US scholarship, prioritizing her current endeavors. Mu Hai was deeply moved by her commitment, acknowledging it as her personal choice. Xue Tong kept her promise and took Peng Yu to the planetarium, inviting Liu Qi along.
When Liu Qi arrived, Peng Yu, unimpressed, asked who he was, to which Liu Qi proudly introduced himself as Xue Tong's boyfriend. Inside, Peng Yu showcased his knowledge of pulsars, confidently stating that Mu Chenghe had taught him everything. Xue Tong, however, became contemplative as she looked at an image of Voyager 1, lost in her own thoughts. Peng Yu later asked Xue Tong about Mu Chenghe's return, but she simply stated they no longer had any connection.
Leaving the planetarium, Liu Qi remarked that spending a day with a child was more exhausting than a day of construction work. He then acknowledged that Mu Chenghe had brought her to the planetarium before and offered to take her again if she wished. Xue Tong declined, saying she wouldn't return. Liu Qi, undeterred, promised to accompany her wherever she wanted to go.
He leaned in to kiss her, but Xue Tong's wide-eyed gaze made him pull back, mumbling that it was "too early." Chen Yan, Xue Tong's childhood friend, returned from abroad. Xue Tong eagerly met her at the airport. Chen Yan explained she was back to follow up on a documentary project she had filmed in Tanzania, which a domestic website wanted to turn into a series. She playfully teased Xue Tong about her new boyfriend.
Later, at dinner, Xue Tong introduced Chen Yan to Liu Qi. Chen Yan and Liu Qi exchanged a fist bump, with Chen Yan explaining it as an American greeting. Liu Qi, apologizing for his dirty hands from work, also offered to treat everyone to a foot massage, but Chen Yan, citing jet lag, politely declined, promising to take a rain check. Chen Yan then asked to stay at Xue Tong's place for the night, and Liu Qi readily agreed.
Upon arriving at Xue Tong's home, both girls noticed Xue Tong's mother was wearing makeup. Her mother explained it was for a work event, and Chen Yan complimented her, offering to do her makeup another time. That evening, Chen Yan showed Xue Tong her Pink Floyd tattoo, which she had gotten with an ex-boyfriend.
She morbidly joked that if she were to encounter a wild animal during her travels and only her arm remained, Xue Tong would be able to identify her by the tattoo. She also mused that sometimes wild animals were less frightening than people. Xue Tong later helped Chen Yan proofread subtitles for her documentary. Chen Yan, observing Liu Qi, expressed her approval, stating she liked anyone Xue Tong liked.
Zhao Xiaotang's mother, Zhao Meizhi, called her "again" about their broken TV, insisting that Mu Hai fix it. Zhao Xiaotang advised her mother not to bother him, suggesting she wait for her return. Ignoring her daughter, Zhao Meizhi called Mu Hai directly. Mu Hai promptly fixed the TV, much to Zhao Meizhi's delight.
Zhao Xiaotang later confronted her mother for calling Mu Hai, but Mu Hai defended Zhao Meizhi, explaining that her mother was often lonely and had not had a man to help with things like this for years. He reassured Zhao Xiaotang that he was happy to help and wanted to build a happy family with her, playfully asking if she'd shave her head for him as a sign of commitment, referencing a past argument.
Xue Tong and her friends planned a visit to Song Qi Qi, who was volunteering as a teacher at Liuya Primary School in Jia Nan Village. They packed many snacks for her. Liu Qi drove them in a robust van, jesting about its suitability for rural roads. After getting lost due to poor phone signal, Chen Yan, fluent in the local dialect, successfully asked a local for directions.
Upon arrival, they were joyfully reunited with Song Qi Qi, who greeted them warmly. Liu Qi flirted with Xue Tong, proclaiming she was the finish line of his "marathon." Song Qi Qi explained she had been teaching for two months, with students across various elementary grades. She apologized for her recent silence, saying she needed time to adjust her emotional state.
The girls planned to sleep together, but a student informed Liu Qi that Ms. Song had arranged for him to stay at her house for the night. Song Qi Qi, with a mischievous smile, bid Liu Qi goodnight, sending him off alone. The next day, Zhao Xiaotang and Chen Yan decided to explore a nearby wetland. Chen Yan reiterated her decision not to pursue studies in the US, emphasizing that her current reasons for staying were more important to her.
Meanwhile, Xue Tong, Bai Lin, and Song Qi Qi embarked on a hike up Mo Gan Mountain. Xue Tong and Bai Lin asked Song Qi Qi about her decision to volunteer there. Song Qi Qi revealed she had visited the area with Xiao Zheng previously and learned about the school's need for teachers. She confirmed that she was no longer in contact with Xiao Zheng.
Liu Qi then arrived to meet Xue Tong, and Bai Lin and Song Qi Qi tactfully left them alone. Xue Tong praised Song Qi Qi, assuring her she would be a wonderful teacher. That night, the girls gathered, and Chen Yan recounted a profound experience in Tanzania: finding an injured lioness with a newborn cub. Despite their initial desire to intervene, the nature reserve's rules prohibited interference in natural deaths. They returned later to find both animals had died.
Chen Yan reflected on the difficult lesson that death is a natural and beautiful part of life, and sometimes non-interference is the greatest act of protection. Before leaving, the friends took a group photo with Song Qi Qi, encouraging her to finish her teaching stint quickly and return to school, assuring her that her bed in the dorm was waiting. Later, as Liu Qi walked Xue Tong home, he leaned in for a kiss at her doorstep.
Just then, Xue Tong's mother unexpectedly returned and witnessed the scene. Liu Qi was mortified, while Xue Tong's mother, though surprised, understood her daughter was in a new relationship. The following day, while Xue Tong and Chen Yan were shopping, Xue Tong spotted her mother on a date with Uncle He. When her mother called Xue Tong on her phone, she casually referred to Uncle He as a "colleague."
Deeply disturbed, Xue Tong returned home and gazed at her father's framed photo. Chen Yan urged her to confront her mother directly. Accompanying Xue Tong to the prison where her mother worked, Chen Yan noticed a gaunt young man attempting to visit his mother but being turned away as visiting hours were over. Chen Yan offered him words of comfort. Inside, Xue Tong finally confronted her mother.
Her mother, with great difficulty, confessed a long-held secret: Xue Tong's father had an affair with a saleswoman from Li Hua Shopping Mall before his death. They had even discussed divorce, but chose to stay together for Xue Tong's sake. After his heroic death, her mother felt compelled to uphold his image as a hero for their daughter. Xue Tong was left stunned and heartbroken by the revelation.
As Xue Tong left the prison, still reeling from the conversation, Liu Qi called. He informed her that his parents had arrived in Donghu unexpectedly a day early and were waiting for her to join them for dinner. With no other choice, Xue Tong reluctantly headed to the dinner, while Uncle He drove Chen Yan home. At dinner, Liu Qi's parents were exceptionally warm and welcoming towards Xue Tong.
Later that night, while Xue Tong was on a video call with Liu Qi back in her dorm, Mu Chenghe's name suddenly flashed across her phone screen, leaving her wide-eyed in disbelief. Liu Qi, on his end, had just pledged to give Xue Tong a loving family, promising to "pay back what the world owes her."
Episode 23 Recap
Liu Qi was deeply immersed in a DOTA game at an internet cafe, yelling at his teammates, when Xue Tong arrived. She noted his loud voice and offered him water to calm himself down. Liu Qi, stating he had an upcoming business trip, decided to stop playing to spend more time with her. He asked a friend to log off his computer, then accompanied Xue Tong for a walk, treating her gently and attentively.
Xue Tong playfully chided him for being overly serious about games but not his internship. Liu Qi defended himself, explaining that the construction site work was dull, physically demanding, and he felt he wasn't learning anything meaningful. He expressed his reluctance to keep "moving bricks," but Xue Tong, jokingly calling him "supervisor," reminded him that he couldn't constantly escape reality through games. To shift her mood, Liu Qi then initiated a playful imagination game.
He asked her to close her eyes and led her on a fantasy journey to a narrow bridge in the middle of a dark lake. As lights appeared, a giant statue rose from the water, proclaiming Xue Tong a princess destined to find a magical knight to save a country. Xue Tong, delighted, found herself wearing a white gown in his story.
Later, Chen Yan, discussing work with Xue Tong, praised her efficiency in proofreading subtitles and entrusted her with more tasks. Chen Yan then mentioned seeing Mu Chenghe on a collaborating website, where he was working on an astronomy video. She asked if Xue Tong knew he was back; Xue Tong did not. Chen Yan shared her intention to ask Mu Chenghe for help with some Russian materials, and Xue Tong encouraged her to do so.
The following day, Liu Qi encountered an old man, Wu Dao Li, at the construction site. Wu Dao Li trespassed without a helmet, ignoring safety warnings, and claiming someone was stealing steel. Liu Qi tried to stop him from going further, but was unable to handle the situation, which led to the police being involved. At the police station, Liu Qi, Xue Tong, and Chen Yan were present.
Liu Qi explained the old man's disruptive behavior, while Wu Dao Li exaggerated his health conditions and refused to provide his address. Chen Yan, using a clever guessing game, provoked Wu Dao Li into revealing his name and address in Kang Hua Estate. Although the police offered to take him home, Chen Yan and Xue Tong volunteered, as it was on their way. At Wu Dao Li's house, his son, Wu, was surprised to see him with the young people.
The old man dismissed their presence as merely "friends." The students declined an invitation to enter, and Liu Qi again warned Wu Dao Li to stay away from the construction site before they left. Back at Chen Yan's studio, she showed Xue Tong and Liu Qi new footage sent by her colleagues from Africa. Liu Qi, eager to spend time with Xue Tong before his business trip, suggested they all travel to Africa for the holidays.
Xue Tong added that they could visit Chen Yan there. As they enjoyed snacks, Chen Yan explained her video was a promotional film for animal protection, acknowledging Xue Tong's contributions. The three then discussed their dreams: Liu Qi aspired to a career in e-sports, hoping to reach the TI's audition; Chen Yan wished to make the world a better place through her work; and Xue Tong, after some thought, simply wanted to be a happy person.
Liu Qi, teasing her that she had already achieved her dream, promised to video call her for fifteen minutes every night during his long trip. The next day, Wu Dao Li returned to the construction site, this time wearing a helmet, still determined to find his box. Liu Qi again confronted him. Wu Dao Li tried to hit Liu Qi with a pole, but Liu Qi managed to wrestle it away.
Liu Qi then called Xue Tong and Chen Yan, who arrived at the site. Wu Dao Li finally explained to Chen Yan that his old house used to be on the site, and he had buried a very important box there. Using a pre-construction photo, they pinpointed the general area behind Dong Nong Street. Despite Liu Qi's complaints about their canceled date, Xue Tong found the "treasure hunt" exciting. They successfully dug up the box.
Chen Yan then offered to deliver it to Wu Dao Li herself, insisting that Liu Qi and Xue Tong go on their date. They bid each other farewell, and Chen Yan reminded Xue Tong about the subtitle proofreading due on Friday. Instead of a date, Liu Qi took Xue Tong to his dorm. There, he revealed a beautifully designed and crafted miniature house, explaining it was the "perfect home" he had promised her, a symbol of his unwavering commitment.
Xue Tong was deeply touched by his thoughtful gesture. Their intimate moment was briefly interrupted by a friend, but Liu Qi proudly affirmed their relationship. Later, Bai Lin called Xue Tong, announcing her return and excitedly inviting Xue Tong and Zhao Xiaotang to see the new house her father had bought for her. Xue Tong, still occupied with work, promised to call her back.
Xue Tong's mother woke her up with porridge, playfully scolding her for working late on Chen Yan's documentary. That night, Xue Tong called Liu Qi to ask if Chen Yan had delivered the box, but he didn't know. He shared that his supervisor praised his work and wished he would stay. The next day, Xue Tong went to Chen Yan's office, hoping to find her, but Chen Yan had not yet arrived.
Xue Tong didn't think much of it, and a colleague speculated that Chen Yan might just be exhausted. Xue Tong then joined Bai Lin and Zhao Xiaotang at Bai Lin's new house. They admired the spacious rooms, and Bai Lin declared it the new "323 gang branch," welcoming them to stay anytime. As they chatted, Xue Tong received an urgent call from her mother, who was crying and asked her to come to the hospital.
A premonition of dread filled Xue Tong. At the hospital, her mother cautiously informed her that Chen Yan had died. Xue Tong was utterly devastated, staring blankly at Chen Yan's covered body. Zhao Xiaotang, learning the news online, was equally shocked. Later, Mu Chenghe found a grief-stricken Xue Tong sitting outside her home. He sat beside her, but she remained unresponsive, eventually retreating inside to sit alone until morning.
Xue Tong's mother informed her that Chen Yan's killer had turned himself in but refused to disclose his motive. Determined to understand, Xue Tong insisted on visiting him at the police station. To her horror, she recognized the killer as the gloomy young man she had seen outside the prison. Granted permission, she entered the interrogation room and confronted him.
The killer eventually confessed that Chen Yan's kind words about his mother's love had pierced his heart, leading him to kill her because she was "a good person" and "the only one willing to talk to him." Xue Tong was shattered by this senseless and illogical explanation for her friend's death. Liu Qi, upon hearing the news, was overcome with grief.
He wept, apologizing profusely to Xue Tong for not being by her side and agonizing over his role in suggesting they dig for the box, believing it contributed to Chen Yan's death. Xue Tong, equally heartbroken, lamented that Chen Yan would never witness the world's beauty again. She wished Chen Yan had been more selfish, lived a simpler life, and not cared about making the world a better place, if it meant she would still be alive.
Liu Qi continued to blame himself, but Xue Tong insisted it wasn't his fault. Distraught, Liu Qi quit his internship, declaring he would no longer work there. Meanwhile, Chen Ting tried to convince Mu Chenghe to pack for his flight back to Germany, reminding him of his successful career and breakthroughs there. Mu Chenghe, however, firmly stated he was staying.
Chen Ting suspected his decision was for Xue Tong, but Mu Chenghe denied it, explaining that Xue Tong was happier with Liu Qi, and his only wish was for her happiness. He then clarified that his decision was for himself. Later, at the start of their final year, a professor lectured Xue Tong and her classmates on focusing on their future and thesis. He apologized to Xue Tong for running over class time.
The professor then gave Xue Tong some English materials prepared by Chen Yan, requesting her help with transcription. He also mentioned that the documentary on the injured leopard, which Chen Yan had worked on, was ready for a preview, but Xue Tong declined to watch it. At the "Ark of Hope" screening, organized by Xue Tong and Bai Lin to honor Chen Yan, Wu Dao Li unexpectedly appeared.
Unbeknownst to Xue Tong, Mu Chenghe was also present, quietly watching the film in the screening room. Wu Dao Li expressed his gratitude to Xue Tong for helping him find the box, which contained a wooden carving he had made for his late wife when they were young. He told Xue Tong how much his wife used to love it and asked her to convey his thanks to "the other awesome young lady" (Chen Yan), unaware of her fate.
Xue Tong tearfully informed him that Chen Yan was no longer with them. Song Qi Qi also arrived, having taken an early bus to attend the screening, where she reunited with her friends. Liu Qi later spoke with Xue Tong about his upcoming Donghu District DOTA Competition. He was excited about the possibility of advancing to the TI's audition if he won, and hoped she would attend.
Xue Tong, though not enthusiastic and admitting she hoped he wouldn't win, agreed to be there. Later, Liu Qi called Mu Chenghe, asking why he hadn't attended Chen Yan's film screening. Mu Chenghe claimed he wasn't aware of it. Liu Qi, having seen Mu Chenghe's name in the film's credits, genuinely thanked him for his contribution.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Song Qi Qi returned to her studies at school, demonstrating her persistent diligence. Her classmates remarked on her transfer, noting she had previously taken a leave of absence, though details of what happened remained vague to them. Her professor, acknowledging her consistently good grades and prior completion of his course, suggested she needn't attend, but Song Qi Qi insisted on joining her classmates.
Later, she confirmed to Professor Chen that she remained dedicated to becoming a teacher, having even volunteered in a rural village during her time away, a commitment Professor Chen recognized and supported by recommending her for a part-time teaching position at a training institution. Meanwhile, Liu Qi was engrossed in a gaming competition. After a hard-won victory, he decided to celebrate with his teammates over hotpot, canceling his plans to study at the library with Xue Tong.
Xue Tong, frustrated, expressed her disappointment, feeling that Liu Qi was more concerned with gaming than his impending graduation. Despite his apologies and explanation that qualifying for TI was a long-held dream he wanted to pursue while he still had the chance, Xue Tong remained concerned about his lack of a stable future, though she ultimately allowed him to pursue his dream.
She then went to the library alone as planned, where Mu Chenghe, noticing her, subtly left to give her his seat in the crowded hall. Xue Tong later met with a representative from a cultural company, Ms. Quan, who, impressed by her detailed translations and love for fairy tales, invited Xue Tong to write a script for an animated series. Xue Tong, hesitant due to her lack of experience and upcoming graduation, agreed to try.
Back in their dormitory, the four friends from unit 323 gathered for a lively hotpot celebration to mark Song Qi Qi's return. They shared their dreams and aspirations, from Zhao Xiaotang's ambitious entrepreneurship to Bai Lin's desire for a simple life, and Song Qi Qi's wish to remain a student forever. Their noisy reunion was briefly interrupted by their dorm supervisor, who humorously chided them for cooking hotpot.
Song Qi Qi began her new role, albeit a bit nervously, as an English teacher, confidently standing before a large class. Around the same time, Bai Lin's father suddenly fell seriously ill and was hospitalized. Xue Tong and Song Qi Qi saw her off at the bus station, concerned for her and her family. In her professional life, Zhao Xiaotang expressed strong reservations about a potential business partner, Mr. Liu (Liu Gongzi), whom Mu Hai was considering.
She cited Mr. Liu's rude and unreliable character, noting his disrespectful behavior towards service staff. Mu Hai, however, prioritized the connections and profits Mr. Liu could bring, leading to a heated disagreement, with Zhao Xiaotang feeling her opinions were disregarded. Chen Ting, observing Xue Tong's recent lack of focus on her postgraduate application, sought out Mu Chenghe, hoping he could persuade her.
Chen Ting reminded Mu Chenghe of his past influence, specifically recalling how he had previously guided Xue Tong when she gave up a postgraduate opportunity while competing with Song Qi Qi, urging him to guide Xue Tong towards the "correct" path again. After some hesitation, Mu Chenghe met with Xue Tong, advising her to cherish her postgraduate opportunity.
He also sincerely apologized for his past behavior, acknowledging that he shouldn't have taken out his research frustrations on her and that he was learning to separate work from his personal life. He invited her to a Voyager 1 exhibition he organized, a "farewell to an old friend" as the probe left the solar system. Xue Tong calmly informed him that the exhibition coincided with her postgraduate interview, making her unable to attend.
Although her expression remained composed, deep down, she knew her feelings for Mu Chenghe were still profound. Later, Xue Tong gave a speech about her father, but this time, she diverged from the usual narrative of his heroism.
She spoke of his more human, ordinary side, revealing a poignant memory of him "stealing" a phone for her, pretending it was left by a passenger, and how his joyful smile at being able to give her a "precious" gift was an image she would never forget. She concluded by stating that if one truly knows when a moment is the last, one should live without regret.
Song Qi Qi's student from the convenience store job approached her after class, inviting her to dinner to express gratitude. He explained that her English class had helped him pass an interview for a promotion to supervisor at a Western restaurant, a dream she was happy to see him achieve. Meanwhile, Mu Hai's chosen business partner, Mr. Liu (Liu Gongzi), proved exactly as unreliable as Zhao Xiaotang had predicted, leaving Mu Hai furious and regretful, finally acknowledging Zhao Xiaotang's discernment.
Bai Lin returned to school after her father recovered and was discharged. Li Jiahang observed that she seemed much more mature, and the two enjoyed a pleasant stroll together. Xue Tong then surprised Chen Ting by declaring her decision to withdraw from the postgraduate program, stating her desire to pursue something she truly loved. Chen Ting was taken aback, finding himself powerless to change her mind.
Xue Tong immersed herself in writing her animation picture book but found herself stuck on the ending. As her postgraduate interview day arrived, Xue Tong was absent. Chen Ting, frustrated, called her repeatedly. Liu Qi, too, learned of her decision from a peer and desperately sought her out. Xue Tong, however, was at Mu Chenghe's Voyager 1 exhibition. Mu Chenghe was surprised but pleased to see her.
She shared her picture book story with him, where the little star chose to stay in the sea with its new friends and happy memories, rather than return to the sky. Mu Chenghe found this ending a "pity," suggesting the star was abandoning its old friends. As Mu Chenghe began his lecture on Voyager 1, describing its epic journey and its significance as a "unique memory" for all humanity, Xue Tong listened intently from the audience.
After the lecture, as the lights came on, Mu Chenghe realized Xue Tong was gone. Liu Qi then rushed in, joining Mu Chenghe in the search for her. They found Xue Tong sitting by the water, lost in thought, her draft beside her. As Liu Qi knelt to comfort her, her drawings were blown into the water.
Without hesitation, Liu Qi jumped in to retrieve them, and in that moment, he had an idea for the story's ending: the little star's new friends could help it float on the water's surface, reflecting the night sky, so it could experience both its old home and its new one. Xue Tong, watching Liu Qi in the water and Mu Chenghe in the distance, realized it was time to make her own decision. Three years passed swiftly.
The four friends from unit 323 reunited for a gathering, all having undergone significant changes. Zhao Xiaotang continued to build her career with Mu Hai, Bai Lin had found her true love, and Song Qi Qi, though still single, was successful in her profession. Xue Tong, meanwhile, had found her lifelong partner. As they reminisced, Xue Tong mixed a special, personalized cocktail for each of them, naming it "Unique Memory." Just then, the doorbell rang.
Xue Tong, with a sweet smile, went to open it, playfully chiding her husband, Mu Chenghe, for forgetting his keys again. Mu Chenghe then sweetly replied that he forgot his keys on purpose, just so he could see her the moment he walked in. They exchanged affectionate glances, marking the happy conclusion of their story.
