Somewhere Only We Know Episode 15 Recap
> Somewhere Only We Know 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.
