Summit of Our Youth Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Summit of Our Youth Synopsis

Summit of Our Youth Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Gu Xuejiao, who had always dreamed of excelling academically and attending Capital University, found her aspirations challenged as her grades consistently fell short, leading to disappointment. Even in her professional life, it took her five years to secure a full-time position in the core tech department, a role many fresh graduates entered directly.

On September 5, 2024, her 28th birthday and the day she was set to sign her full-time contract for the core tech department, her excitement, having just resigned from her previous position to take this new role, turned to dismay when she was informed that her submitted program contained a critical bug.

Despite the general manager, Lin Zhihua, offering to re-submit her for a full-time position in her original department, Gu Xuejiao, in a fit of pique, refused and immediately quit, regretting later that she hadn't negotiated her severance first. As she prepared to leave the office, her ex-boyfriend, Yi Tianyu, approached, pleading for reconciliation. He claimed he hadn't played games for two weeks for her.

Gu Xuejiao, however, recalled how she had once changed her college application and rejected two overseas promotion offers for him, recognizing that she had been the only one sacrificing in their relationship. She inwardly chastised herself for being "blinded by love," a path that led to being "broke by choice and die young." Soon after, at the stairwell, she overheard a conversation between an HR manager and Zhou Shiyun.

The HR manager was thanking Lin Zhihua for walking him out, revealing that he had to remove a contractor to make room for Zhou Shiyun in the tech department, and confirming that a critical bug had been intentionally planted in Gu Xuejiao's program, an order that came directly from Lin Zhihua. Enraged, Gu Xuejiao resolved to confront Lin Zhihua. She followed Lin Zhihua into the elevator.

With just the two of them inside, she demanded to know why he had sabotaged her. Lin Zhihua, in turn, criticized her, stating he didn't hire her because she lacked priorities and cracked under pressure, traits he believed would make her a liability in the tech department. She shot back, accusing him of planting the bug solely to get his "precious Zhou Shiyun" hired. Before their argument could escalate further, the elevator malfunctioned, plummeting erratically.

As she hit the alarm button, Gu Xuejiao wished she could go back ten years and "slap herself." She awoke to find herself in a high school classroom. Yi Tianyu was sleeping at the desk opposite hers. The setting, Jinghai No.7 High School in 2014, with "Senior Year" on a blackboard, felt incredibly real. To confirm she wasn't dreaming, she pinched Yi Tianyu, and they both felt the pain.

She realized she had indeed traveled back to her regret-filled eighteen-year-old self. Determined not to repeat her past mistakes, she scribbled a note for Yi Tianyu, submitted her exam early, and ran out. Later, Yi Tianyu met her at the pedestrian bridge, confirming her note and her presence. Her first thought was to get rich by remembering lottery numbers. However, at the lottery station, she couldn't recall the winning numbers for that day.

She then remembered it was September 5th, her 18th birthday, a day that coincided with a crucial turning point for her father's job. A news report on a nearby TV announced that Yano, a famous button-phone brand, had declared bankruptcy, causing massive cancellations for its largest component supplier, the South District Component Factory, which had now ceased paying salaries.

Realizing this was the event that sent her family's finances spiraling for the next decade, she vowed to stop her father from signing a detrimental contract he had chosen over severance. Returning home, she found her father looking younger, having just signed the "Intention Form" to stay with the factory. She tried to convince him to reconsider, arguing that everyone was switching to smartphones.

Her father, holding up an old phone he won for her tenth birthday, explained that some things, like people, could stand the test of time. He also told her that Mr. Sun from the canteen had made her a large birthday cake. That night, after her parents were asleep, Gu Xuejiao secretly took the contract and modified it. Her brother, Gu Mingze, attempted to sneak out to play the beta version of "Roller Blast" at an internet cafe.

Gu Xuejiao intercepted him, locked the door, and hid the key in her sock, determined to prevent him from leaving. The next morning, Gu Xuejiao found herself asleep on the living room sofa, having apparently failed to keep Gu Mingze contained, as he was now at an internet cafe. Her parents, unaware of Gu Mingze's whereabouts and believing he had gone to buy breakfast, hurried off to work.

Before leaving, her dad informed Gu Xuejiao that Mr. Gao, a Capital University student, was coming to tutor Gu Mingze and insisted she join the lessons, hoping both siblings would get into Capital University. Inspired by this, Gu Xuejiao resolved to achieve her academic dreams. She cleared her desk of cosmetics and magazines, replacing them with motivational maxims, vowing to focus solely on her studies. Later that morning, the tutor who arrived was none other than Lin Zhihua.

He explained that Mr. Gao had a family emergency and he was covering all his tutoring gigs. Gu Xuejiao, still resentful, tried to provoke him, questioning his teaching abilities and demanding his resume and diploma, noting he was just "barely twenty." Lin Zhihua calmly stated he was a direct-entry Ph. D. student who hadn't graduated yet, thus lacking a diploma.

Seeing her uncooperative demeanor, he simply turned and left, ignoring her pleas to stay and tutor her, reiterating that his student was Gu Mingze and Gao Rui would return. Back at school, Zhou Shiyun feigned sadness about not being in the same class as Gu Xuejiao, claiming she would miss her. Gu Xuejiao dismissed her insincerity, pointedly stating, "who'd fall into the same trap twice?" and declared her world was now solely focused on studying.

She also directly confronted Chen Xiao, a known school bully, telling her that the "enemy of my enemy is my friend." Gu Xuejiao and Sun Tiantian, a daughter of her father's co-worker, were assigned seats together in Class Eight.

In class, Sun Tiantian, holding a small photo of Lin Zhihua, explained he was known as the "Class 7 Study God," who went from being a failing student to a top scorer in just one year, eventually getting into Capital University despite a fierce competition with Tsinghua University. Sun Tiantian claimed she had prayed to his photo for three days before a math exam and scored above 80 for the first time.

Gu Xuejiao scoffed at the idea of a "study god," attributing Sun Tiantian's success to mere luck. After school, Gu Xuejiao found Lin Zhihua working part-time at a coffee shop. She approached him, apologizing for her previous behavior and earnestly asking him to tutor her, even offering to buy him a sugar-free cappuccino. Lin Zhihua remained indifferent, simply pointing to the menu or the door when she wasn't ordering.

As he left, Gu Xuejiao followed him on her bicycle, persistently trying to convince him, explaining their shared goal of getting into Capital University and her desire to replicate his "comeback legend" from flunking to becoming a top scorer. Lin Zhihua, however, claimed there was "no legend," and that he merely "managed his scores," achieving top results whenever he desired. He sped away on his bicycle, exasperated by her persistence.

Later, Zhou Shiyun, having secretly gone to an arcade, met Gu Mingze on her way home. She had taught him a "claw machine hack" and slyly revealed that Gu Xuejiao had scored dead last in her recent monthly exam, even lower than Yi Tianyu. Gu Mingze, returning home, used this information to tease Gu Xuejiao, demanding snacks in exchange for not telling their parents. Their argument escalated into a playful tussle over the snacks, attracting their mother's attention, who emerged to ask about the commotion.

Episode 2 Recap

Gu Mingze teased Gu Xuejiao about her recent exam score, which was even lower than Yi Tianyu's, placing her last in their class. When Gu Xuejiao questioned how he knew about her school life, Gu Mingze revealed that Zhou Shiyun, whom Gu Xuejiao considered a close friend, frequently updated him, and he had promised Zhou Shiyun to keep Gu Xuejiao's secrets.

Gu Xuejiao, having been reborn, recognized Zhou Shiyun's true intentions: she wanted to spread embarrassing information about Gu Xuejiao, using Gu Mingze as an unwitting pawn. Gu Xuejiao reflected on her past, realizing Zhou Shiyun had always been jealous, particularly since Gu Xuejiao often outscored her in exams. Zhou Shiyun secretly believed that if Yi Tianyu hadn't entered the picture, Gu Xuejiao might have been accepted into Capital University instead of her.

Their mother often compared them, fueling Zhou Shiyun's resentment. Later, their mother intervened in an argument between Gu Mingze and Gu Xuejiao, who spoke different dialects, urging them to focus on their studies. The next morning, Li Sitong, who worked as a housekeeper for Zhou Shiyun's family, arrived late, citing urgent family matters, subtly blaming Gu Xuejiao. Zhou Shiyun, however, exaggerated Gu Xuejiao's recent diligence, claiming she had ordered so many study guides they blocked their doorway.

Hearing this, Zhou Shiyun's mother grew stricter with her own daughter, demanding she work harder too. To distract Gu Xuejiao, Zhou Shiyun presented her with an electronic dictionary, claiming it was a late birthday gift preloaded with romance novels and assuring her parents wouldn't find out. Gu Xuejiao, however, understood Zhou Shiyun's manipulative intent and instead downloaded English vocabulary words onto the device.

Zhou Shiyun was visibly frustrated when she later saw Gu Xuejiao diligently studying words on the electronic dictionary. Upon returning home from school, Gu Xuejiao found her father, Dad, furious. He had just received his severance pay after being laid off from the component factory and was upset that someone had tampered with his intention form, causing him to lose his job.

Gu Xuejiao denied it, suggesting he might have made a mistake himself, but he showed her the identical checkmarks. As Dad angrily pursued Gu Xuejiao, threatening to hit her, a news report on TV announced the bankruptcy of Yano, a prominent phone brand. The report detailed how the South District Component Factory, Dad's workplace and Yano's largest supplier, was devastated by massive order cancellations, leading to no legal recourse. The news intensified Dad's distress, causing him to collapse.

Dad was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with sudden high blood pressure. While waiting for him to stabilize, Gu Mingze questioned Gu Xuejiao about her recent unusual actions, suggesting she had a premonition that saved their family's financial situation. Gu Xuejiao joked about being able to predict the future and become wealthy. As she pondered her explanation, she spotted Lin Zhihua passing by the room and immediately followed him.

Gu Xuejiao found Lin Zhihua in a hospital room visiting Gao Rui, who lay unconscious. Lin Zhihua had been deeply affected by Gao Rui's accident, which was implied to be a result of a safety oversight involving the project team, not solely Lin Zhihua's fault. Gao Rui's teacher or supervisor suggested that since Gao Rui was working multiple part-time jobs to support himself, Lin Zhihua could take over these jobs.

This way, when Gao Rui recovered, his life would remain unchanged, serving as a meaningful form of compensation. Lin Zhihua agreed to tutor Gu Xuejiao, but only if she could find a specific list of out-of-print study materials. Gu Xuejiao expressed doubt, but remembered Gao Rui's earlier encouragement to "never give up." Lin Zhihua, however, refused to add her on WeChat, stating he had no room for "ineffective socializing."

Back home, Gu Xuejiao consulted Gu Mingze, who had taken the college entrance exam three times, hoping he had insights into rare study materials like "Top Student's 300 Must-Do Questions." Gu Mingze, however, claimed to have too many books to remember which ones were which. He then took the opportunity to steal some cash Dad had hidden in his shoe, claiming he also needed money for study materials.

At the basketball court, Gu Xuejiao was unusually subdued, more focused on her quest for study materials than on cheering. Yi Tianyu, noticing her lack of attention, tried to get her notice by deliberately throwing a basketball toward her, but it accidentally hit Sun Tiantian instead. Chen Xiao quickly offered Yi Tianyu an ice pack, showing concern. Gu Xuejiao, observing Yi Tianyu's popularity with other girls, decided to capitalize on his "value."

She created a "Barter Sharing Group" and began sharing photos and updates about Yi Tianyu, using "hunger marketing" to attract more members. Her ultimate goal was to acquire rare review materials by offering "Top Student's 300 Must-Do Questions" as a reward to anyone who could provide class notes from past top scorers.

Zhou Shiyun, also seeking the "300 Must-Do Questions," realized Gu Xuejiao was after the same material and determined to prevent her from getting it, believing Gu Xuejiao was trying to compete with her. One day after school, Gu Xuejiao and Sun Tiantian witnessed Chen Xiao bullying Liu, their class representative. Despite Sun Tiantian's hesitation, Gu Xuejiao decided to intervene, noting they outnumbered Chen Xiao.

Gu Xuejiao confronted Chen Xiao, accusing him of bad manners by pointing, and then, after a brief countdown, she and Sun Tiantian physically intervened. Gu Xuejiao, wielding a smelly object implied to be a bag of garbage and claiming to have Parkinson's making her hands shake erratically, repelled Chen Xiao and his companions, who fled in disgust. Liu, grateful for their intervention, offered Gu Xuejiao the "300 Must-Do Questions" as a reward.

Unbeknownst to them, Zhou Shiyun secretly filmed the entire encounter. Gu Xuejiao soon acquired all the necessary study materials and met Lin Zhihua at a cafe. Lin Zhihua immediately gave her a diagnostic test to assess her initial level. Gu Xuejiao performed poorly, prompting Lin Zhihua to advise her to quit, stating she wasn't cut out for academics and should "face reality," given her drop from a top-20 student in Grade 10 to near the bottom.

However, Gu Xuejiao refused to leave, determined to solve a challenging problem she was working on. As Lin Zhihua prepared to close the shop, he observed her perseverance. He checked her work, noting her approach was correct but could be simplified. Just then, they heard the door being locked from the outside, trapping them in the cafe. Meanwhile, Gu Mingze noticed Gu Xuejiao hadn't returned home.

When their mother came to check on Gu Xuejiao, Gu Mingze quickly slipped under Gu Xuejiao's blanket, pretending to be her to avoid their mother's "room check." He secretly texted Gu Xuejiao, who replied that she was at Zhou Shiyun's house and to "do not disturb." Gu Mingze then tried to call her but her phone was off.

He then texted Zhou Shiyun, assuring them both he had things covered at home so they could continue studying without worrying about being caught. Gu Xuejiao, though initially worried about her mother's "room check," decided to ignore the distraction, powered off her phone, and focused on solving the problem, believing it was better to study than to fret.

While waiting for the door to be unlocked, Lin Zhihua questioned Gu Xuejiao's commitment, suggesting she was impulsive and prone to short-lived enthusiasms. Gu Xuejiao accused him of stereotyping and giving her difficult problems to test her. She finally solved the problem, only to find Lin Zhihua had fallen asleep. Noticing his phone screen, she saw he only had five contacts. Attempting to "help him connect with the entire world," she accidentally deleted all of them.

Lin Zhihua then woke with a start from a vivid nightmare about Gao Rui, seeing a clear "time of death" for him. Gu Xuejiao reassured him, then proudly showed him her solved problem. Just then, the door clicked open. Gu Xuejiao, startled, grabbed a chair, fearing a "monster," and prepared to protect Lin Zhihua. He stopped her, introducing the new arrival: his sister, Lin Zhiyue, who also goes by the nickname "Petal."

Lin Zhiyue expressed surprise at seeing Gu Xuejiao with her brother, playfully asking if he had deleted her contact to make room for Gu Xuejiao. Gu Xuejiao explained that Lin Zhihua was her tutor, a claim Lin Zhihua confirmed.

Episode 3 Recap

Continuing from the previous night, Lin Zhiyue questioned Lin Zhihua about his relationship with Gu Xuejiao. Lin Zhihua quickly explained that he was her tutor, helping her with schoolwork. Upon hearing his confirmation, Gu Xuejiao promptly presented him with various supplements, including ginseng and cordyceps, which she had brought from home that morning. She insisted he take them, emphasizing he looked "worn out" and needed to "take good care of himself."

Lin Zhihua clarified to Lin Zhiyue that Gu Xuejiao was just a younger student from his high school. Later, Lin Zhiyue informed Lin Zhihua that their parents would be returning in a few days for a shareholder meeting and instructed him to move back home from his school dorms for a while to welcome them, asserting that the house would feel less lonely with them around.

Lin Zhihua agreed to have the house cleaned for their return but added he would stay in his dorm for a few days once they arrived. Jinghai No. 7 High School held its college prep rally, where the Director delivered a speech emphasizing the importance of hard work in senior year and urging students to reflect on their dedication.

When it was Class 8's turn for their student representative to speak, the class president was absent due to a stomachache, leading students to speculate he was nervous. Gu Xuejiao, arriving late, was mistakenly called onto the stage by her teacher as the class representative.

Recalling how she had been replaced as an outsourced employee by Zhou Shiyun in her previous life, and how her lack of academic qualifications led to constant setbacks in her career, Gu Xuejiao boldly declared, "I'm going to the Capital University!" Her announcement was met with widespread laughter from the audience, who openly mocked her, asking if she meant "Jinghai TV University," which her father had said shut down years ago.

Gu Xuejiao firmly clarified she meant "Capital University," her "Dream School." Soon after, the class president arrived, and the Director regained control, announcing important news for the students. Back in the classroom, students continued to buzz about Gu Xuejiao's bold declaration. The class president, having recovered, announced that a parent meeting for the entire Grade 12 would be held the following afternoon.

Gu Xuejiao instantly recalled how her parents had lost all their money in the stock market after a parent meeting in her previous life, lamenting their trust in a so-called expert who had promised "huge upside potential." Determined to prevent a repeat of that tragedy, she sought out Lin Zhihua at a cafe.

She presented him with a "protective doll," explaining she got it for him after he had a nightmare in the bookstore, hoping it would ward off a "big disaster." Despite Lin Zhihua's teasing remarks about the doll's appearance, Gu Xuejiao insisted it was "both ugly and cute." She then revealed her "tiny request": for him to attend the parent meeting in her stead.

After much pleading from Gu Xuejiao, who described her potential humiliation and helplessness, Lin Zhihua eventually agreed to attend the meeting the next day at 3 p. m. On the day of the parent meeting, Yi Dafa, Yi Tianyu's father, arrived early, actively distributing business cards and promoting his construction business to other parents, proudly proclaiming, "Big projects, no sweat, Yi Dafa's your bet!"

Gu Xuejiao almost addressed him as "Second Dad" but caught herself, recalling his past support during arguments with Yi Tianyu and her former familiarity with him. A few minutes later, Lin Zhihua entered the classroom, surprising Gu Xuejiao. He claimed to Yi Dafa that he was Gu Xuejiao's "biological uncle," prompting Yi Dafa to compliment his fine appearance and exchange business cards.

Yi Tianyu, surprised by Lin Zhihua's presence, questioned Gu Xuejiao about why she hadn't mentioned her "Study God" uncle before, leading her to admit he was just a "stand-in." As parents took their seats and students exited, Yi Tianyu expressed concern about his father discovering his low grades and possibly having a stroke, but Gu Xuejiao assured him that his father, who drinks ginseng tea daily, would be fine.

While students waited outside the classroom, the Director addressed the parents about their children's college aspirations, noting some goals were ambitious and others more realistic. Lin Zhihua interjected, asserting that "having a major goal is already half the battle won." He explained the "Zeigarnik Effect," stating that ambitious goals push people forward and increase their chances of success, concluding that life would "not be worth much" if all goals were easily achievable.

From outside, Gu Xuejiao silently cheered him on, agreeing that "big dreams need bold spirit" and that one must "aim high to reach high," while Yi Tianyu, uninterested, walked away. The Director commended Lin Zhihua's viewpoint, acknowledging that parents' vision influences a child's horizon and that setting higher goals is not necessarily a bad thing. Following the Class 1 parent meeting, Zhou Shiyun's mother received envious glances as the Director lauded Zhou Shiyun for achieving the highest English score.

She humbly claimed her daughter's success was entirely due to self-study, without any tutoring, emphasizing her brilliance. However, once the other parents dispersed, her demeanor drastically changed; she reprimanded Zhou Shiyun for only her English being "decent," declaring the money spent on her was "for nothing." Zhou Shiyun then went to the car to retrieve a gift for her teacher, where she encountered Gu Mingze.

Gu Mingze boasted about his reliability, mentioning how he had helped cover for her and Gu Xuejiao the other night, describing it as a demanding task involving "running back and forth between two rooms and switching between two genders." Zhou Shiyun then inquired if his own parent meeting was over.

Gu Mingze nervously evaded the question, claiming his class, the repeaters' class, didn't have one, and making excuses about his mother lingering after Class 8's meeting due to chatting too long about Zhou Shiyun's achievements. Zhou Shiyun's mother then appeared, looking for her daughter, and asked if Gu Mingze was her friend, to which Zhou Shiyun dismissively replied, "Not really."

Feeling pleased after the parent meeting, Gu Xuejiao returned home to find her parents excitedly examining a new computer, which her father called "the cash cow for our family." Her mother revealed that Uncle Zhou, Zhou Shiyun's father, had recommended a "promising stock," prompting them to invest all their savings and an additional 30,000 yuan borrowed from her grandma.

Gu Xuejiao instantly realized the impending disaster, recalling how this very stock, '6003135', had led to their financial ruin in her past life by plummeting. She lamented that she had dodged the parent meeting but "didn't see this coming," determined there had to be a way to fix it. Later, while at a cafe, she sought Lin Zhihua's advice. She showed him K-line charts, explaining she needed to identify the correct "neighboring stock" to '6003135' that would surge.

She quickly eliminated one stock that clearly signaled a drop. When asked to choose between the remaining two, Lin Zhihua, seemingly knowledgeable in various fields, pointed to one, stating, "Two negatives make a positive." Gu Xuejiao remained skeptical, questioning his quick, seemingly casual decision. While at a bookstore, Yi Dafa ran into Gu Xuejiao and asked for her help picking out some review materials for his son, Yi Tianyu, stating he had "no clue" what to choose.

At the checkout, Yi Dafa recognized Lin Zhihua, who was working there part-time. Gu Xuejiao clarified that Lin Zhihua was a Capital University student majoring in autonomous driving. Yi Dafa, impressed by Lin Zhihua's qualifications, asked him to pick more books for Yi Tianyu, acknowledging his authority. Yi Dafa profusely thanked them both for their help. Outside the bookstore, Lin Zhihua asked Gu Xuejiao when they could drop the "uncle" pretense.

He then inquired about her relationship with Yi Tianyu, and she insisted they were "just classmates." Lin Zhihua warned her not to get distracted with the college entrance exam approaching. Shortly after, Yi Tianyu joined his father at the bookstore, casually remarking that his own ranking was last in school, and Gu Xuejiao was only "a bit better, second to last." His father, taken aback, then questioned if Gu Xuejiao was merely a "plant from the bookstore" to boost sales.

That night, Gu Xuejiao remained preoccupied with the stock selection. Knowing her brother Gu Mingze had consistently bad luck, she asked him to pick one stock to eliminate for their parents, explaining that he always missed the college entrance score by one point, making him like "a walking bad luck charm." Gu Mingze chose '6003136'. This left '6003134', which aligned with Lin Zhihua's earlier advice. With the stock chosen, Gu Xuejiao needed funds.

She unilaterally sold Gu Mingze's valuable game code and equipment for 8,000 yuan. When he discovered his missing items and accused her of being a "thief," she justified it by stating that the game, Roller Blast, would shut down soon, rendering his virtual assets worthless. Adding her own 3,000 yuan in New Year's money, she amassed 11,000 yuan to invest in the chosen stock, telling him she was trying to make him rich.

The next day, a video of Gu Xuejiao interacting with Chen Xiao (which Zhou Shiyun had secretly filmed) was uploaded to the school forum by an anonymous account, which Sun Tiantian speculated was Chen Xiao herself, seeking revenge after Gu Xuejiao had thwarted her plans twice. Sun Tiantian, visibly scared, urged Gu Xuejiao to apologize, but Gu Xuejiao firmly refused, asserting she had done nothing wrong and that "crying doesn't mean she's innocent."

She explained that bullying persists because bullies face no consequences and that constant appeasement only leads to further humiliation. Soon after, Gu Xuejiao was summoned to the academic affairs office, where Chen Xiao's mother had arrived, demanding an explanation for her daughter being "bullied." Chen Xiao tearfully displayed her arm, claiming injury.

Gu Xuejiao, however, calmly pointed out that the "bruises" were merely nose shadow powder, even the same shade she used, and wiped some onto her own arm as proof. Mr. Fu warned Chen Xiao not to exaggerate. Seeing her ruse exposed, Chen Xiao's mother ceased her demands. During a physical education class, Gu Xuejiao accidentally hit Zhou Shiyun with a ball. Chen Xiao immediately stepped forward, accusing Gu Xuejiao of bullying, which escalated into a fight among the students.

Yi Tianyu jumped in to defend Gu Xuejiao, but despite Gu Xuejiao's attempts to stop the brawl, no one listened. Spotting Mr. Fu approaching, Zhou Shiyun deliberately pushed the ball towards him, then dramatically fell to the ground, feigning injury. When Mr. Fu inquired who had hit her, Zhou Shiyun, feigning kindness, quickly explained that Gu Xuejiao "didn't mean it" and pleaded with him not to blame her.

Gu Xuejiao was once again summoned to the academic affairs office, this time accompanied by Yi Tianyu. Yi Dafa arrived shortly after, immediately approaching other parents, eagerly distributing his business cards, and showing no concern for the student dispute at hand, simply apologizing for his delay due to being at the bank.

Zhou Shiyun feigned kindness, defending Gu Xuejiao to the other parents and Mr. Fu, claiming it must be a misunderstanding and that Gu Xuejiao, her "best friend," would never intentionally hit her. Yi Dafa, upon seeing Gu Xuejiao and Yi Tianyu, playfully teased Yi Tianyu about "saving damsels," which Yi Tianyu quickly corrected, stating Gu Xuejiao had saved him.

Yi Dafa then offered to resolve the issue with money, stating there was "nothing money can't fix," and offered to cover Gu Xuejiao's part, a suggestion Mr. Fu immediately dismissed, explaining such actions were not permitted at their school. Despite an upset parent calling her a liar and accusing students from her class of dishonesty, Gu Xuejiao maintained her innocence.

She then logically explained to Mr. Fu that based on the laws of physics and the direction Zhou Shiyun fell, she could not have been the one to throw the ball. Gu Xuejiao then challenged Zhou Shiyun, reminding her of their supposed friendship and asking if they could go back to the scene and reenact the incident for everyone to see.

Episode 4 Recap

When accused of throwing a ball at Zhou Shiyun, Gu Xuejiao clearly stated her innocence, explaining that based on the principles of parabolic motion, if she had thrown the ball from her position, the direction Zhou Shiyun fell would not have been towards Mr. Fu. Gu Xuejiao asserted that school surveillance cameras could easily verify the truth.

She further stated that she had recorded the entire interaction, including the accusations, and reserved the right to pursue legal action for slander and mental distress. With Mr. Fu's permission, she then left for her duty, and Yi Dafa, a fellow student, also confirmed Gu Xuejiao's thorough explanation and reserved his own legal rights regarding the slander.

After Zhou Shiyun's parents departed, Lin Zhihua met with Mr. Fu, who was initially dealing with the parents and reassuring them he would resolve the issue. Mr. Fu noted Lin Zhihua's apparent growth and then extended an invitation for Lin Zhihua to give a motivational speech to the high school seniors, drawing on his experiences at Capital University.

Mr. Fu lamented the increasing difficulty in managing students, mentioning he had just suspended a "troublemaker" on the spot, a decision he wouldn't reverse. To Mr. Fu's surprise, Lin Zhihua then revealed that he too had been suspended from his own studies. Later, Gu Xuejiao's mother, Li Sitong, having heard about the school incident from Zhou Shiyun's mother, rushed to the school to confront Gu Xuejiao.

Li Sitong immediately tried to force Gu Xuejiao to apologize to Zhou Shiyun, believing it would smooth things over, regardless of who was at fault. However, Gu Xuejiao adamantly refused to apologize for something she didn't do, asserting that it would mean always being subservient to others.

Zhou Shiyun then approached, feigning concern for Gu Xuejiao's dropping grades and subtly revealing that Gu Xuejiao had stayed out until past midnight previously, causing Li Sitong to erupt in anger and scold her daughter for her secretiveness and suspected involvement with Gu Mingze. Gu Xuejiao, feeling provoked, refused to explain further and left the school. Gu Xuejiao sought refuge at a bookstore, where Lin Zhihua found her.

Noticing her dejected demeanor, a stark contrast to her earlier confident confrontation, he offered her a hot chocolate. Gu Xuejiao admitted her suspension, but Lin Zhihua reassured her it was temporary. Despite her predicament, Gu Xuejiao reaffirmed her dream of attending Capital University.

Lin Zhihua then suggested they go to Capital University, and upon arriving, Gu Xuejiao expressed awe at its size and a desire to explore the lab buildings, to which Lin Zhihua replied she could wander freely once she was admitted. On the university field, Lin Zhihua proposed an informal basketball game: if Gu Xuejiao scored just one point, he would grant her a wish, provided it was legal.

Initially claiming ignorance of the game and professing to be a mere bookworm, Gu Xuejiao then feigned a surrender. Capitalizing on this, Lin Zhihua used a common maneuver to score. Gu Xuejiao then revealed her true wish: she desperately needed Lin Zhihua's help to convince the school to lift her suspension, as her goal of attending Capital University would be impossible otherwise. They lay on the field, continuing their conversation.

Lin Zhihua quizzed Gu Xuejiao on various academic topics, including literature, astronomy, history, and physics. While Gu Xuejiao answered some questions correctly, she struggled with others, jokingly conceding that Lin Zhihua was truly the embodiment of "all-round development." Their discussion was cut short by the sound of a security patrol, prompting Lin Zhihua to pull Gu Xuejiao away as they ran from the field.

Gu Xuejiao expressed her gratitude for the evening, reiterating that despite the recent setback, nothing would deter her from her Capital University aspirations. As it was late, Lin Zhihua insisted on walking her home. The next day, despite being suspended, Gu Xuejiao was seen standing outside her classroom in a raincoat, listening intently to the lesson. Her classmate, Yi Tianyu, expressed confusion over Gu Xuejiao's sudden zeal for studying.

Unbeknownst to him, Gu Xuejiao had anticipated heavy rain and hoped her "sick but persistent" appearance would garner sympathy, though the sun was shining, making her uncomfortably warm. Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua was in Mr. Fu's office, attempting to intercede on Gu Xuejiao's behalf. Mr. Fu expressed his frustration that Gu Xuejiao's parents hadn't shown up, leaving Lin Zhihua, her tutor, to plead her case.

Mr. Fu remained firm, asserting that academic focus was paramount at No. 7 High and any distractions would be removed. Lin Zhihua then suggested they take a walk around campus, subtly guiding Mr. Fu past Gu Xuejiao, who was still enduring her self-imposed "sympathy play" in the sun. Mr. Fu, noticing her, commented on her apparent dedication, which Lin Zhihua affirmed was "eagerness to learn."

Soon after, Mr. Fu called Gu Xuejiao to his office and reinstated her classes, but with a stringent condition: she had to rank within the top 100 in the upcoming mock exam. Gu Xuejiao was stunned by the challenge, considering her previous academic performance, which included a disheartening 58 in math and a second-to-last ranking in her grade of over 400 students. She immediately sought out Lin Zhihua, pleading for his assistance.

Lin Zhihua, seemingly anticipating her need, had already prepared a detailed and customized study plan for her, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Ebbinghaus curve for effective review. As the Chinese New Year approached, Lin Zhihua's sister, Lin Zhiyue, informed their parents that she would not be returning home for the holidays and had already booked a flight for Lin Zhihua to join her in Hawaii.

Lin Zhihua, however, had no intention of leaving, as he had already made plans. Around the same time, Gu Xuejiao sent him a text, inviting him to her home for a "thank-you feast" before the New Year. Lin Zhiyue, talking to someone else on the phone, expressed her bewilderment at Gu Xuejiao's apparent influence, wondering what "high merits" she possessed to make Lin Zhihua, who was typically reserved and detached, seem like a completely different person.

On New Year's Eve, Lin Zhihua continued to supervise Gu Xuejiao and Gu Mingze's studies, even as Gu Mingze dozed off. Gu Xuejiao secretly checked her phone and discovered that the stock her brother had bought had surged, indicating a significant profit. Later, Lin Zhihua joined the Gu family for their New Year's Eve dumpling dinner. Gu Xuejiao's parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Lin Zhihua for his dedicated tutoring.

During dinner, Gu Xuejiao and Lin Zhihua exchanged New Year wishes, with Gu Xuejiao wishing him success and good fortune, and Lin Zhihua wishing her academic progress and a smooth college entrance exam. Gu Xuejiao, feeling a bit full, excused herself to go for a walk downstairs, a cue also taken by Gu Mingze, who attempted to sneak away.

Gu Mingze headed straight to an internet cafe, where he was photographed, and the image was promptly reported online, leading Mr. Fu, who happened to be dining nearby with his family, to the internet cafe. Gu Xuejiao quickly arrived with Lin Zhihua to retrieve Gu Mingze. Seeing Mr. Fu at the entrance, Lin Zhihua strategically engaged him, using the opportunity to agree to give the previously declined speech at school, buying time.

Meanwhile, Gu Xuejiao found a doll ornament and attached it to her head, trying to obscure Mr. Fu's view of Gu Mingze, who attempted to discreetly slip away. However, Mr. Fu still spotted Gu Mingze, who, when confronted, audaciously claimed to have already graduated and was attending "Galidon College in the UK," leaving Mr. Fu to wonder if such a school even existed.

Episode 5 Recap

Gu Mingze was approached by Mr. Fu, who asked about his university. Gu Mingze's apprentice quickly interjected, claiming Mingze graduated from Galidon College in the UK, a "prestigious newcomer." Mr. Fu, momentarily confused, let them go, and Gu Xuejiao swiftly pulled Lin Zhihua away from the scene. Later, Gu Xuejiao found Gu Mingze and his apprentice squatting on the roadside eating from meal boxes.

Gu Xuejiao began to scold her brother, but the apprentice fiercely defended Mingze, stating he was the best game designer he had ever seen and that he was working to bring their game, "Roller Blast", to mobile. Inspired, he declared he was changing his name to Flag. Gu Xuejiao suddenly recalled seeing that "Flag" would become the Best Designer at the 2023 Hangzhou Game Expo, realizing Mingze's early, positive influence on his apprentice.

She was surprised that her seemingly aimless brother could inspire such talent. After pulling an all-nighter gaming, Gu Mingze quietly sneaked back home in the morning. Gu Xuejiao opened the door for him, only for their dad to catch them. They quickly concocted a story about doing "morning exercises" to cover their tracks, though their dad found their attire suspicious and forced Mingze to go for a jog.

Days later, Mingze received a new smartphone as a reward from the stock exchange. Gu Xuejiao found it curious that the stock exchange would be so generous, but she was not particularly envious, stating she had "bigger dreams." Lin Zhihua received news that Gao Rui had finally regained consciousness and rushed to the hospital, with Gu Xuejiao following shortly after. Seeing Gao Rui lively enough to playfully complain about his lack of humor, Lin felt a sense of relief.

Later, Gao Rui teased Gu Xuejiao over text, suggesting she wanted him to stay in the hospital longer so Lin could continue tutoring her without interruption. Lin later brought fried chicken to the hospital, but revealed it was for Gu Xuejiao, not for Gao Rui who, as a post-surgery patient, couldn't eat it, prompting Gao Rui to playfully complain about the preferential treatment.

Gao Rui informed Gu Xuejiao that Professor Tan had removed Lin from the C1 Lab months ago, believing Lin's mental state wasn't right after the accident. He pleaded with Gu Xuejiao to help convince Lin to return, as the project was their joint effort and couldn't be completed without him. Recalling that a decade later Lin would be in management rather than engineering, Gu Xuejiao resolved to prevent that future.

She prepared notes on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder counseling, hoping to inspire Lin, but he dismissed her efforts and flatly refused her request to give an alumni speech at their old high school. Gu Xuejiao later found Lin working part-time at a coffee shop. When he made intricate latte art for a delivery order, she remarked that his talent was being wasted, like "making latte art for takeout coffee."

Unfazed, Lin simply told her she lacked a "craftsman's spirit" and urged her to focus on her homework. Meanwhile, at the school, Mr. Fu was visibly upset that Lin was not coming to give the alumni speech as Gu Xuejiao had guaranteed. Just then, Lin Zhihua arrived. Lin delivered his speech at Seven High, emphasizing that memorizing formulas was the foundational step in physics. Afterwards, a crowd of female students swarmed him for photos.

Zhou Shiyun approached, offering a drink and asking him to be her tutor, mentioning their family connections and offering double his rate. Lin declined, stating he already had his hands full with one student and couldn't waste time on someone "irrelevant" so close to the mock exam. During the First Mock Exam, Gu Xuejiao diligently applied Lin's methods and achieved an impressive rank of ninety-ninth in her grade.

Her parents, who had been bracing for a poor result, were astonished and delighted, immediately offering to treat her to a hotpot dinner. Inspired by her success, Yi Tianyu surprised his basketball friends by announcing he was quitting the team to focus on studying, even passing on his old cheat sheet.

Gu Xuejiao excitedly pulled Lin Zhihua to the hospital to share the news with Gao Rui, only to learn he had been discharged and gone straight to the lab for a test drive. Extremely worried, Lin knew the program still had a critical flaw that could cause a system crash. He rushed to the training ground, where Gao Rui was preparing to enter the test vehicle.

Lin vehemently tried to stop him, but Gao Rui, desperate after learning he had only a low chance of a full recovery, was determined to proceed. Stepping in, Gu Xuejiao claimed that Lin had been secretly debugging the program all along. Despite Lin's initial, sarcastic denial that he was just "watching dramas," he relented and declared he needed just "ten minutes" to implement a safer version.

True to his word, a new version of the program was ready within ten minutes. Professor Tan, observing the scene, was satisfied and formally asked Lin to rejoin the C1 Lab. Lin, who had already been planning to return, readily accepted. Gu Xuejiao, proud of her role in his return and her exam score, playfully demanded a celebration gift. Lin jokingly offered her "a hundred" sets of mock exams, which she declined. That night, Lin Zhihua had a vivid dream.

He found himself in the future, attending the funeral of his best friend, Gao Rui, who he learned had died in a tragic car accident on September 5, 2014. Later in the dream, at a low point in his career, he encountered a job-seeking Gu Xuejiao. She encouraged him not to give up, saying, "as long as you're alive, you always have the chance to start again." Lin woke up and saw the date: September 5, 2014.

Realizing he had returned to the very day of the accident from his dream, he saw his chance to alter fate. He immediately called Gao Rui and, in a serious tone, warned him that the road test scheduled for that day "must be canceled" because he feared there would be an accident. Gao Rui, however, was dismissive, jokingly asking if Lin was hallucinating from debugging all night. He insisted on proceeding, noting that Professor Tan and other experts were already waiting to begin.

Episode 6 Recap

At Capital University's autonomous driving test, Gao Rui began the test as scheduled. The cruise system was initially normal, but as the vehicle's speed rapidly accelerated, Lin Zhihua, the lead supervisor, rushed to the scene. He immediately ordered a stop, citing that the 0. 01% failure rate in simulations was too high for a live test. When the operations team hesitated, the vehicle became uncontrollable, accelerating past eighty-five kilometers per hour.

Lin Zhihua attempted remote intervention, but Gao Rui, regretting not heeding Lin's earlier warnings, found the emergency brake unresponsive. To minimize damage, Lin Zhihua instructed Gao Rui to side-swipe the barrier. After the vehicle collided with a wall of tires, medics rushed to Gao Rui, and a horrified Lin Zhihua heard an announcement of "time of death." However, the scene shifted, and Lin Zhihua was told that Gao Rui had been revived.

Now in a coma, he was transferred to the ICU. As Lin Zhihua paid the hospital fees, he reflected that while everything seemed like a repeat of the past, thankfully, it wasn't entirely the same. Acting on this sense of rebirth, he recalled a set of lottery numbers and won the third prize, viewing the money as a "life trade."

Driven by a sense of destiny, Lin Zhihua sought out Gu Xuejiao's house and was relieved to find her still a high school student. He mused that fate's gifts always came with a price and that as long as one lived, there was always a chance to turn things around. Days later, Gao Rui was discharged from the hospital in a wheelchair. Back at the lab, he found Lin Zhihua packing a bag.

Mistaking it for snacks, Gao Rui was surprised when Lin revealed it contained "work gear" for tutoring Gu Xuejiao. When Gao Rui noticed a fire extinguisher inside and questioned its purpose, Lin Zhihua jokingly warned that its contents were "explosive." Startled, Gao Rui leaped out of his wheelchair, prompting Lin Zhihua to guess that using the wheelchair had been Gu Xuejiao's mischievous idea. Meanwhile, Yi Dafa celebrated Gu Xuejiao's excellent mock exam results with a custom banner.

At a celebratory rooftop barbecue, Gu Xuejiao learned from Yi Tianyu that his father, inspired by a guru's advice to "ride trends," was planning to invest in a movie starring Tang Jingjing. Remembering Yi Dafa's past bankruptcy, which she suspected stemmed from a similar bad investment, Gu Xuejiao strongly advised against it, calling it a "total disaster." Elsewhere, Gu Mingze tried to persuade Gu Xuejiao to invite Zhou Shiyun, but she flatly refused.

Lin Zhihua arrived at the party with two fire extinguishers, humorously explaining they symbolized "red and fiery" good fortune and served as a precaution. As Gu Xuejiao's father prepared the charcoal, he discussed his plan to buy a car and become a premier ride-hailing driver, an idea sparked by a flyer Gu Xuejiao had shown him. His wife, Li Sitong, strongly opposed it, reminding him their savings were tied up in the volatile stock market.

Later, Lin Zhihua asked Gu Xuejiao about any promises she had made to Gao Rui, reassuring her he had already committed to tutoring her until her college entrance exam. Seeing their growing closeness, Yi Tianyu grabbed a guitar to serenade Gu Xuejiao. When Lin Zhihua thoughtfully wiped barbecue sauce from Gu Xuejiao's hand, Yi Tianyu playfully splashed them with a water gun, sparking a joyous water fight.

Gu Xuejiao reflected on her reborn youth, grateful that her friends' companionship had replaced romance novels. Later, Lin Zhihua gifted her his high school notes, filled with insights on rising from the bottom of the class to a top scorer through "talent, hard work, and luck." That night, Gu Xuejiao stayed up late, eagerly studying them. The next day, Yi Dafa took Yi Tianyu for a massage after a successful mahjong game.

He gave his son pocket money and a signed photo of Tang Jingjing. Yi Tianyu then conveyed Gu Xuejiao's warning about the film investment, explaining her analysis: the production company's previous failed films were all backed by bosses born in the Year of the Tiger, just like Yi Dafa. Yi Tianyu argued that from both a "scientific and mystical" perspective, it was a bad idea.

However, Yi Dafa dismissed the advice, asserting that a man with his own judgment is more attractive, and declared he would sign the contract. As Yi Dafa prepared for his business trip, Yi Tianyu booked a premier ride-hailing car. To their surprise, Gu Xuejiao's father arrived as the driver. En route to the airport, Yi Dafa received a notification that his flight, CA171, had been canceled.

The unexpected event made him reconsider his son's warnings, concluding it might be "heaven's will." Their problems compounded when they realized his luggage was never loaded into the car. They rushed back, with Mr. Gu shifting into sport mode to make up for lost time. Back at the university, Lin Zhihua accompanied Gao Rui during a stress test.

Gao Rui noted Lin's distracted state and mentioned that Gu Xuejiao hadn't attended tutoring for a week, showing him her social media post from a basketball game. He remarked on how vibrant high school life had become. At the game, Jinghai No. 7 High School faced their rivals. With his focus on studying, Yi Tianyu admitted his skills were rusty.

When Gu Mingze suffered an injury, leaving their team without substitutes, Gu Xuejiao enthusiastically urged the coach to put Yi Tianyu in. Seeing Gu Xuejiao in the spotlight, a jealous Chen Xiao decided to cause trouble. She took a pack of cigarettes from Zhou Shiyun's bag and slipped them into Gu Xuejiao's backpack. Lin Zhihua, who had just arrived to get Gu Xuejiao for tutoring, witnessed the act and discreetly informed a teacher, Mr. Fu.

When Mr. Fu confronted Gu Xuejiao, she claimed to have found the cigarettes. However, Mr. Fu noticed a distinct nail polish color on the pack that matched Chen Xiao's. Both she and Zhou Shiyun were severely reprimanded. As Gu Xuejiao mused on the potential family chaos for Zhou Shiyun, Lin Zhihua feigned a plea to Mr. Fu not to call their parents, which only strengthened the teacher's resolve to do so.

Episode 7 Recap

Following his arrival at the basketball game to retrieve Gu Xuejiao for tutoring, Lin chastises her for skipping their sessions. Gu Xuejiao, however, insists that even amidst the cheering crowd, she was diligently memorizing English vocabulary, comparing herself to a great scholar studying in a bustling market. She declares her unwavering focus, stating that nothing can hinder her progress, slow her "sword-drawing speed," or disrupt her "money-making train of thought."

Meanwhile, Zhou Shiyun returns home to an irate mother, who scolds her for attending the game instead of studying. Despite Zhou Shiyun ranking ninth in the grade, her mother is unimpressed, warning that Gu Xuejiao could still surpass her. She demands that Zhou Shiyun secure a spot in the top five in the upcoming placement test, or she will be barred from coming home.

When Zhou Shiyun tries to defend herself by mentioning Gu Xuejiao was also at the game, her mother angrily silences her for talking back. Gu Xuejiao's parents, who rent their home from an old factory colleague, Mr. Liu, receive a visit from him. Fearing he has come to collect overdue rent, they are surprised when he instead offers to return a portion of their payment, as he plans to sell the house.

Returning home at that moment, Gu Xuejiao immediately urges her parents to buy the property. She explains that based on urban development trends like "spatial spillover effects," their location is prime for a new embassy district and a major subway junction. She confidently predicts the house will be slated for demolition within a year, resulting in a massive payout. Her father's skepticism vanishes when she reveals that Lin had calculated these trends with his sophisticated algorithm model.

Recalling how Lin's accurate prediction about the telecom market had previously saved their family, they agree to trust his judgment again. When her father asks if the algorithm can also predict stock trends, Gu Xuejiao confirms, citing a stock (6003134) that soared after Lin's recommendation. Despite her father's confession of recent stock losses leaving him short on funds, his wife insists they find a way to purchase the house.

Yi Tianyu's performance in the basketball game catches the eye of a coach from the University of Finance and Economics (UFE). The coach informs Yi Tianyu that if he can score over 300 on the cultural exam, he will be admitted. Desperate, Yi Tianyu finds Gu Xuejiao and kneels, begging her to tutor him.

Sun Tiantian joins his plea, humorously holding up a photo of Lin and claiming that being tutored by Gu Xuejiao would make them akin to Lin's "grand-students." Overwhelmed, Gu Xuejiao agrees, on the condition that they complete two full practice tests before school ends that day. Li Sitong approaches Zhou Wanjun for a loan to cover her house down payment.

A condescending Zhou Wanjun offers a mere 500 yuan, suggesting Li Sitong use it to hire a haggling agency for the "dark and rundown" property. Just then, Gu Mingze arrives with two large bags of cash for his mother, explaining that their father, following Gu Xuejiao's precise instructions, had successfully "bought the dip" in the stock market and cashed out at the perfect time. Li Sitong is overjoyed.

Intrigued by Gu Xuejiao's stock market insights, Zhou Wanjun tries to inquire further, but Li Sitong quickly leaves with Gu Mingze to finalize the house purchase. Scornfully dismissing the Gu family as "bumpkins," Zhou Wanjun immediately orders her company's finance department to invest heavily in the same stock they just sold, confident she can outperform them. On the way home, Li Sitong expresses her lingering anxiety about selling the stock.

Gu Mingze reassures her, explaining that Lin's algorithm has predicted a stock market crash next year with a "great probability," and that they needed to avoid becoming "the last bag holders." The mention of Lin's name completely alleviates Li Sitong's worries. Later, Gu Xuejiao brings Yi Tianyu and Sun Tiantian's test papers to Lin. He questions why she is diverting her focus to help others and asks if she is confident about her own upcoming mock exam.

Gu Xuejiao explains she was cornered into tutoring them. Lin advises that to be an effective role model, she must first be stricter with herself and strive for greater academic excellence, assigning her additional practice. With only 26 days until the college entrance exam, the results of the final mock exam are announced.

Ms. Yin, the teacher, expresses disappointment with the class's overall performance before revealing a stunning development: Gu Xuejiao has emerged as a "dark horse," soaring to tenth place in the entire grade. After Gu Xuejiao shares her study strategies, Ms. Yin announces that Zhou Shiyun ranked eleventh, just missing the top ten. Students, including a jubilant Yi Tianyu and Sun Tiantian, flock to Gu Xuejiao, hailing her as a "Study God" and their "benefactor."

After school, a disheartened Zhou Shiyun is approached by Gu Mingze. She quickly hides her report card when he asks about her results. Moments later, her mother calls, having already learned Zhou Shiyun's score from her head teacher. She harshly berates her for being outscored by Gu Xuejiao and threatens severe consequences if she doesn't perform better on the actual exam, causing Zhou Shiyun to rush home in distress.

During their next session at Summit Cafe, Lin challenges Gu Xuejiao to create exam questions for him without using any reference materials. While grading the test, Lin makes a single mistake. Gu Xuejiao realizes she has finally "surpassed her master." Lin confirms this and announces it is their final tutoring session, advising her to focus on building confidence in the remaining time.

On the day of the college entrance exam, Gu Xuejiao's parents see her off at the school gate, with her mother wearing a traditional qipao for good luck. Brimming with confidence, Gu Xuejiao declares her ambition to get into Peking University. Unbeknownst to her, Lin is also at the test site, quietly watching her enter the examination hall.

As she begins the exam, Gu Xuejiao calmly observes that the questions are different from those in her previous life, but she is undaunted, armed with newfound knowledge and the conviction that she can now make her choices the right ones. On results day, Gu Xuejiao's family gathers nervously with two cakes prepared—one for celebration, the other for consolation. They have two different scripts ready depending on the outcome. Gu Xuejiao checks her scores online, revealing a total of 679.

The house erupts in celebration. Shortly after, Yi Tianyu calls, exclaiming that his admission to UFE is "stable" and eagerly asks if her score is high enough for her dream school, Peking University.

Episode 8 Recap

Gu Xuejiao was deep in thought about her college applications, especially her dream of attending Capital University. Her father, concerned about the high cut-off scores which had exceeded 690 for Capital University annually, advised her to consider other top 985 universities, suggesting she shouldn't get overly fixated on just one. Her mother added that with Gu Xuejiao's scores, she could get into almost any top school in the country.

Meanwhile, her friend Yi Tianyu, confident in his application to Capital University of Finance and Economics (UFE), treated his friends to hotpot. He was preoccupied with Gu Xuejiao and tried contacting her, playfully quizzing his friends on the distance between UFE and Capital University, which he claimed was "walking distance" if he just "gritted his teeth." One of his friends advised him that "good things take effort," likening it to college entrance exams where one must "keep practicing."

He then explained how to pursue someone, describing a relationship where a "pretty girl" persistently "kept popping up" in the life of a "cold as ice, thick as brick" scientist, showering him with "attentiveness" and pulling him into her world beyond research. He recommended Yi Tianyu try a "graduation trip" to increase his "presence."

Yi Tianyu excitedly called Gu Xuejiao, but she was too worried about her applications to consider a trip, feeling that being even "one point short means nothing" if she couldn't get into Capital University. She expressed that her current mood was "negative infinity," believing her high scores would mean nothing if she couldn't achieve her goal. Concerned, Lin Zhihua borrowed Gao Rui's laptop, which prompted Gao Rui to jokingly suggest Lin was "sugar-daddying" him.

Lin used the laptop to send Gu Xuejiao a message, which he called a "joke virus," asking her to meet on the rooftop. Gu Xuejiao, initially thinking it was a Trojan, arrived to express her anxieties. Despite being 136 points above the first-tier cut-off, she felt she'd "let him down" if she failed to get into Capital University after all his advice.

Lin, however, encouraged her, explaining that with the new college application policy—where students now knew their scores before applying, unlike previous years' estimated scores—there were "new rules, new chances," and she had "infinite possibilities." Their conversation was interrupted when Li Sitong, Gu Xuejiao's mother, and Gu Mingze, her brother, came to collect laundry. Worried about being discovered, Lin pulled Gu Xuejiao to squat between two bedsheets, and Gu Xuejiao shyly withdrew her hand.

Gu Mingze, seeing something suspicious, distracted his mother by pretending a cat was stealing their socks, allowing Lin and Gu Xuejiao to hide. Once alone, Gu Mingze confronted them, accusing Gu Xuejiao of having a secret relationship and claiming he now understood why she was so fixated on Capital University. He even joked about their "slaps" (referring to their synchronized reactions) being in sync.

Gu Mingze then asked about Zhou Shiyun's potential university choice, to which Gu Xuejiao sarcastically remarked that with his "impressive 184 points," he could secure a "security guard gig anywhere." Lin tried to smooth things over, but Mingze declared that if Gu Xuejiao was still unsure about her choices, she should meet Lin at Capital University at 3 p. m. the next day, implying it was a date.

The next day, Lin took Gu Xuejiao to Capital University's Autonomous Driving Lab, which impressed her with its state-of-the-art yet historically rich atmosphere. He asked her to be his "assistant for a day," a "fair trade" for his past tutoring. While working, Gu Xuejiao accidentally flattened her chair, nearly falling, but Lin quickly caught her by putting his arm around her.

They shared an awkward moment, blushing, before Gu Xuejiao hastily resumed work, feeling self-conscious while typing and flipping through books. Later, Lin subtly suggested she consider an Artificial Intelligence major, which would make them "direct juniors," adding that the lab had the country's top tech and professionals and that AI was an "up-and-coming industry." As they spoke, Gu Mingze passed by, prompting Gu Xuejiao to quickly hide behind a pillar, asking Lin to "cover for her."

Gu Mingze then invited Lin for drinks, leading to a frank discussion where Mingze asked if Lin had someone he liked. Lin admitted, "Not sure yet," which Mingze found puzzling. Mingze, frustrated that his parents didn't understand his passion for digital media design—to the point his father smashed his phone—got increasingly drunk. He mistakenly thought Lin agreed he could "be smart and kind and make something of myself."

Mingze, now completely intoxicated, offered Lin two tickets, urging him to bring the girl he liked to his "show" the next day. Gu Xuejiao then emerged from her hiding spot, realizing Mingze was too drunk to get home. Lin offered to help send Mingze home. On their way home, Gu Mingze vomited on Lin Zhihua, who quickly cleaned himself while Gu Xuejiao tried to help. Gu Xuejiao struggled to support her "dead weight" brother, who then collapsed.

Lin instinctively helped, accidentally embracing Gu Xuejiao for a brief, awkward moment before pulling away. Upon reaching home, Gu Xuejiao, not wanting her parents to discover Mingze's state, begged Lin to quietly carry her brother to his room, as she couldn't lift him. She also offered him one of Mingze's shirts to change into since his own was soiled. The next morning, a groggy Gu Mingze exclaimed, "Pentakill!"

and then claimed to have dreamed of Lin "hugging a girl," congratulating him on his "first spring." Lin retorted that he also dreamed of Gu Xuejiao "hugging a guy," which prompted Mingze to fiercely declare he'd "break the legs" of anyone who dared touch his sister. Gu Xuejiao, amused, likened Mingze's multiple dreams to "Inception," before wishing Lin luck on achieving his "big breakthrough."

Mingze, still protective, warned Gu Xuejiao against any "breakthroughs" of her own, threatening to "break her legs." Lin promised to explain everything to Mingze later and walked Gu Xuejiao out. Back home, Gu Xuejiao's mother wondered why Gu Mingze was acting like he had "runaway" after hearing him come home the previous night.

Her father, furious at Mingze's perceived lack of ambition, began dismantling his computer, declaring that if Mingze didn't get into college that year, all his "junk" (referring to his computer and notes) would be gone. He angrily stated Mingze's score was "not even as high as his height" and insisted they needed to be "on the same team" to help him. Gu Mingze arrived home to find his computer destroyed.

He protested that his "junk" was notes he'd poured his "youth" into, asking why they couldn't see he wasn't "cut out" for studying and simply wanted to do what he loved. Gu Xuejiao intervened, revealing that Gu Mingze had signed up for a digital design contest and had been preparing so intensely that his hands were "wrecked" with tenosynovitis, yet he didn't give up.

Mingze, on the verge of tears, admitted he knew they thought he was a "loser" and "good for nothing," but pleaded for just "one word of praise," for them to say, "Son, you're amazing. We're proud of you." His mother, touched, responded, "I see it. I know what you've done." Mingze then tearfully added, "This is the first championship I've ever won," as if he had already achieved something.

Ultimately, his parents agreed to give him one month during the summer. If he could successfully develop his "Roller Blast mobile" game, they would respect his chosen path. This development echoed Lin's earlier words about "new rules, new chances," where some "gamble" and some "play safe," suggesting that "anything's possible" if you "dare to crack it," like a crab. The final scene shows Gu Xuejiao submitting her college application, implying she, too, decided to "dive in to try" for her dream university.

Episode 9 Recap

Auntie Wanjun hosted a dinner, ostensibly to treat the kids who had just finished their college entrance exams, but also to subtly compare her daughter, Zhou Shiyun, with Gu Xuejiao. She brought out a dish she claimed was the signature "boiled cabbage soup" from a fancy restaurant. Gu Xuejiao immediately noted its inauthenticity, pointing out the layer of fat floating on top and stating it wasn't made from fresh stock, even suggesting her own mother's soup tasted better.

Auntie Wanjun then pressed Gu Xuejiao about her exam results. Gu Xuejiao initially downplayed her score, saying she was "a dozen points short." Auntie Wanjun, assuming she meant the first-tier university cutoff, feigned sympathy, suggesting Gu Xuejiao could still aim for a "decent third-tier" university, mentioning that Zhou Shiyun's family had hired a consultant and decided on Veritas University for her, emphasizing playing it safe.

Gu Xuejiao then clarified that she was "a dozen points short of Capital University's usual cutoff," revealing her exact score as six hundred seventy-nine. Upon hearing that Gu Xuejiao's score was higher than Zhou Shiyun's, Auntie Wanjun was visibly upset and quickly pulled Zhou Shiyun aside into the living room, scolding her for not outscoring Gu Xuejiao despite years of effort.

Gu Mingze, overhearing, commented that Auntie Wanjun always seemed to be competing with their family, attributing it to her underlying insecurity despite her wealth, as their Mom was very accomplished in her youth. After the strained dinner, Auntie Wanjun continued to prod, implying that even with her high score, Gu Xuejiao's chances of getting into Capital University were slim, and if she failed, her family wouldn't be able to afford her repeating the year alongside Gu Mingze.

Gu Xuejiao calmly responded that her family's finances were not an issue. Just then, news on the television announced the demolition and relocation plan for the former Jinghai mobile factory's employee housing complex, which was their family home. The government was offering favorable policies, including housing and education subsidies. Back at their home, the family discussed their compensation, realizing they would receive eight apartments, including a commercial unit, making them financially secure.

Gu Xuejiao humorously told Auntie Wanjun that her Mom might no longer be working for her, as she'd be too busy collecting rent. As they deliberated on where to relocate, Dad initially suggested returning to the original site or choosing East City, while Gu Mingze favored West City for its academic environment near Veritas University.

However, Gu Xuejiao advocated for North City, explaining that it was designated as the focus of the city's next ten-year development plan, set to become a new central business district, attracting major internet firms and landmark buildings. She emphasized the importance of looking towards the future, noting that her calculation was based on Lin Zhihua's algorithm model.

During the waiting period for admission results, Sun Tiantian, inspired by a visit to a new high-end dessert shop, decided to pursue her dream of becoming a pastry chef, abandoning her college plans. She then excitedly called Gu Xuejiao, claiming to have uncovered a "big secret" about Lin Zhihua. Sun Tiantian reported seeing Lin Zhihua getting into a rich lady's car near the dessert shop and followed them to a villa, where she witnessed him being affectionate with the woman.

Soon after, the "man of the house" returned, and fighting sounds erupted from inside. Believing Lin Zhihua was caught in a family dispute and possibly in danger, Gu Xuejiao rushed to the villa. Upon arriving, she clarified to the family that she was not an accomplice. Lin Zhihua emerged and explained that it was his own house, and his parents were in the middle of a heated argument, smashing their expensive porcelain.

Lin Zhihua's parents, initially in conflict, immediately became exceptionally polite and hospitable upon seeing Gu Xuejiao, as it was Lin Zhihua's first time bringing a friend home. They warmly shared his childhood photo album, showing pictures of him as a cute child, including one where he was crying. Lin Zhihua's mother proudly stated that Capital University was "our Petal's school" and that Gu Xuejiao would be his junior.

Lin Zhihua attempted to get Gu Xuejiao to leave quickly, citing his parents' frequent overseas travel and an urgent departure. As Lin Zhihua walked Gu Xuejiao home, the evening shadows stretched long behind them, and he took a subtle photo of their silhouettes. Gu Xuejiao playfully suggested he should learn to relax, as he always appeared serious, even having to "play along" with his parents' facade at home.

She then insisted on taking a picture of him smiling, tickling him until he genuinely laughed, and captured the moment, quoting a poem that played on his name, "At a horse raising red dust the imperial concubine smiled; No one knew it was for the 'Lin Zhi' it had brought," celebrating his rare smile. The next day, Lin Zhihua visited Gao Rui in the lab, bringing him medicine and a thermometer as Gao Rui was sick with a fever.

Gao Rui mentioned that an important industry exchange meeting was scheduled to take place at Mount Jun Hotel, an ideal location for his recovery. On the day of the exchange meeting, Lin Zhihua led his team from Capital University's Autonomous Driving Lab. Lin Jiadong diligently distributed flyers about their latest projects.

One investor from Junlian Investment Co., Ltd. directly asked about the project's return on investment, which Lin Jiadong was unable to answer immediately, so he took the investor's business card, promising to contact him after calculating it. Coinciding with the exchange meeting, Gu Xuejiao, Sun Tiantian, Gu Mingze, Yi Tianyu, and Qi Lei embarked on their graduation trip to Mount Jun. Gu Mingze had specially invited Zhou Shiyun, and she rode with them in his car.

Qi Lei brought a camera and took a group photo to commemorate their senior year. Gu Xuejiao later posted the photo online, and Lin Zhihua, at the exchange meeting, quickly saw it. As the exchange meeting concluded, Lin Jiadong complained about the limited number of business cards he had collected. Meanwhile, Dr. Cai, the chief technology officer of B&C Motors, captivated the attendees with his presentation.

Lin Zhihua then presented Capital University's innovative C1 system for autonomous driving, which deeply impressed Dr. Cai, who expressed interest in a private meeting to learn more. At the picnic site on Mount Jun, Gu Xuejiao busily arranged the area. Yi Tianyu, noticing a tent peg nearby, conspired with Sun Tiantian to intentionally trip over it, hoping to fall into Gu Xuejiao's arms.

However, just as Lin Zhihua arrived at the picnic after his meeting, Yi Tianyu, seeing Lin Zhihua approaching Gu Xuejiao, rushed forward to intervene, but instead collided with Qi Lei, causing both to tumble to the ground. Back at Lin Zhihua's home, his sister, Lin Zhiyue, went to retrieve some documents for their parents. Hearing sounds from a bedroom, she initially feared a thief had broken in and texted Lin Zhihua.

He quickly clarified that a feverish classmate, Gao Rui, was isolating there to avoid infecting others. Lin Zhiyue found Gao Rui and helped him with a cold compress before leaving. Later, as Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao were barbecuing, Lin Jiadong called, informing Lin Zhihua that investors were seeking to discuss their project. Lin Zhihua instructed him not to engage with anyone other than Dr. Cai from B&C Motors, prioritizing their lead. Gu Xuejiao excused herself to use the restroom.

On her way back, Zhou Shiyun intercepted her, angrily accusing Gu Xuejiao of intentionally announcing her high score at the previous dinner to mock her, which had resulted in Zhou Shiyun being grounded by her mother. Gu Xuejiao calmly explained that she had simply stated the truth and advised Zhou Shiyun not to misinterpret her intentions.

She further asserted that she never considered Zhou Shiyun a rival due to her "poor eyesight" for "petty people," and bluntly told Zhou Shiyun that she should confront her mother, who grounded her, rather than misdirecting her anger, calling such behavior "either weak or stupid." Gu Xuejiao then walked away, leaving Zhou Shiyun to reflect on her words.

Episode 10 Recap

Mountain weather changes rapidly. As Gu Xuejiao headed to the restroom, a strong wind blew the directional sign in the opposite direction. Lin Zhihua soon noticed Gu Xuejiao's prolonged absence and began asking if anyone had seen her. When everyone confirmed they hadn't, he organized a search party, sending the female students back to the hotel. Gu Mingze and Yi Tianyu were assigned to search towards the restroom area, while Lin Zhihua ventured into the forest.

An emergency broadcast announced an impending thunderstorm and landslide, urging visitors to evacuate. Unaware, Gu Xuejiao had wandered deep into the woods, where the slippery ground caused her to twist her ankle. She found temporary refuge, leaning against a tree. Lin Zhihua grew increasingly anxious, vowing to himself that he could not lose another important person. He pressed deeper into the forest, eventually finding a drenched Gu Xuejiao.

He quickly removed his jacket, wrapped it around her, and carried her back to the hotel. At the hotel, Gu Mingze was beside himself with worry until he saw Lin Zhihua return with Gu Xuejiao, at which point he visibly relaxed. Yi Tianyu immediately offered to help dry Gu Xuejiao's hair. Gu Mingze then confronted Zhou Shiyun, suspecting she had seen Gu Xuejiao while heading to the restroom but said nothing.

He insisted she apologize to Gu Xuejiao, but Zhou Shiyun defiantly stated she didn't need to and walked away. As dusk deepened, Gu Mingze remained uneasy and drove back to pick up Zhou Shiyun, bringing her back to the hotel. Zhou Shiyun, upon getting into the car, expressed that she didn't want to go to the hotel nor return home.

Gu Mingze gently told her that Gu Xuejiao had already mentioned seeing her by the sign and that everyone believed it wasn't intentional. No longer able to hide, Zhou Shiyun admitted her deep jealousy of Gu Xuejiao, a feeling that had consumed her since childhood, and confessed that her mother, Zhou Wanjun, placed immense pressure on her.

Gu Mingze tried to cheer her up, playfully squeezing a smiling face onto a piece of bread with ketchup, which finally made Zhou Shiyun laugh. He told her she didn't need to put on a front, advising her to openly confront her feelings, whether she liked or disliked someone. Meanwhile, Sun Tiantian brought Gu Xuejiao instant noodles to warm her up, playfully asking if she was excited about being carried back by Lin Zhihua.

Gu Xuejiao tried her best to appear calm. A messenger then arrived, delivering medicine and chocolate from Lin Zhihua, who was busy at the moment. Soon after, Qi Lei announced in the group chat that university cutoff scores were released. Gu Xuejiao eagerly checked Capital University's scores. Overjoyed by her admission, she rushed to share the news with Sun Tiantian, but in her excitement, she mistakenly entered Gu Mingze's room.

Unbeknownst to her, Sun Tiantian had just given Gu Mingze's replacement key to Lin Zhihua, who was showering inside. Gu Xuejiao, believing she was alone, began pouring out her excitement, mentioning her wish to share the news with Lin Zhihua first, and hinting at a fluttering feeling when he carried her from the forest. Lin Zhihua then emerged from the bathroom, startling Gu Xuejiao, who, realizing her mistake, shyly dashed out of the room.

The next morning, Lin Zhihua left a congratulatory note for Gu Xuejiao at her room door, celebrating her admission to Capital University, and sent her a cold Coke, noting that he was the first to hear her good news. Elsewhere, Gu Mingze accompanied Zhou Shiyun on a walk. Zhou Wanjun called Zhou Shiyun, harshly reprimanding her for not performing as well as Gu Xuejiao in the college entrance exam and accusing her of being a disappointment.

Zhou Shiyun's university application was indeed impacted, leading to her missing out on Veritas University, and for several years after, no one saw Zhou Shiyun again. Yi Tianyu, however, successfully enrolled in UFE as an athletic student. Gu Mingze, as expected, did not get into university. He spent the summer developing a 3A game with a group of like-minded friends, forging a different path.

Sun Tiantian, supported by her parents who were impressed by Capital University's reputation, chose not to re-study and instead became an apprentice at a dessert shop located at Capital University. Gu Xuejiao, true to her goal, was admitted to Capital University. On her first day of military training at Capital University, Gu Xuejiao was singled out for extra drills.

Back in the dormitory, she immediately found herself at odds with her roommate, Shu Lan, who insisted that keeping the air conditioning on would lead to "AC sickness" and cold-related health issues. Gu Xuejiao, having won a math olympiad and scored perfectly on her high school math exams, presented data to logically refute Shu Lan's claims.

Another roommate, Zhao Feifei, who was also a high-achiever from Seven High, quickly sided with Gu Xuejiao, pointing out the flaws in Shu Lan's statistical interpretation. Zhao Feifei recognized Gu Xuejiao as the "rebel queen" of Seven High, and they bonded over their shared experiences and quick wit. The next day, Shu Lan went to complain to their instructor.

Gu Xuejiao was surprised to discover that their temporary instructor was none other than Lin Zhihua, who was filling in for their regular instructor, his university classmate. Lin Zhihua noted that Gu Xuejiao had been intentionally avoiding him since classes started and asked for her reasons. Unsure how to answer, Gu Xuejiao quickly made an excuse and fled, privately considering Lin Zhihua a "variable" she needed to control to avoid distraction.

Later, Sun Tiantian visited Gu Xuejiao at the campus cafeteria, revealing she had started an apprenticeship at a dessert shop located there. She brought them egg yolk pastries and discussed dorm dynamics, suggesting games like "Truth or Dare" to break the ice with Shu Lan. Sun Tiantian proudly shared that her parents supported her apprenticeship at Capital University due to the university's prestigious reputation.

She then lightheartedly advised Gu Xuejiao on the three dangers for first-year female students: fire, theft, and boys, suggesting that if she were to date someone, it should be someone she truly knew, like Lin Zhihua.

Episode 11 Recap

With military training nearing its end, Gu Xuejiao, Yi Tianyu, and Sun Tiantian gather at the dessert shop where Sun Tiantian works as a pastry apprentice. Yi Tianyu, eager to celebrate, suggests several outings, from driving his dad's Benz to hitting a bar or the beach, but Gu Xuejiao dismisses them all as "cringe" or "unhealthy," preferring something "classy."

Gu Xuejiao then inquires about Zhou Shiyun, and Sun Tiantian reveals that Zhou Shiyun failed to get into Veritas University and is now attending UFE, where Yi Tianyu is also a student. While Sun Tiantian remarks it "sucks" for Zhou Shiyun, Yi Tianyu, despite his own enrollment at UFE, concedes that for Zhou Shiyun, it is indeed "a letdown."

After Yi Tianyu departs, Gu Mingze calls Gu Xuejiao, expressing his frustration that he can't locate Zhou Shiyun at UFE and demanding to know why she "disappeared" and what caused their falling out. Gu Xuejiao, however, simply tells him to leave her alone. While Gu Xuejiao and Sun Tiantian are working at the dessert shop, Lin Zhihua enters. Gu Xuejiao, startled, quickly ducks behind the counter, seeking an escape, but there is no back door.

Lin Zhihua, seemingly aware of her presence, subtly asks Sun Tiantian if Gu Xuejiao is there, but Sun Tiantian covers for her. He then purchases a cake and leaves. After he departs, Sun Tiantian presses Gu Xuejiao for an explanation, threatening to withhold her favorite cakes if she doesn't reveal why she hid from Lin Zhihua, but Gu Xuejiao simply dismisses her questions. In their dorm, Gu Xuejiao observes her roommates' ambitious academic plans.

Shu Lan is diligently preparing for the school's Elite Program, aiming to study abroad by her junior year, and proudly displays a list of prestigious partner universities. Siqi is already engrossed in study materials for the civil service exam, having been the top scorer in the province.

Zhao Feifei, who skipped a grade in high school, expresses her dissatisfaction with her current major and reveals her intention to pursue a master's degree in aerospace flight control, aspiring to build rockets and become an astronaut. Gu Xuejiao, who admits she "barely scraped into Capital University," feels a stark contrast to her driven peers, realizing she lacks a clear objective for her own future. While coding, Gu Xuejiao accidentally sends Lin Zhihua a 521 yuan red packet.

She immediately calls him, asking him to return it and claiming it was a mistake. When he inquires about the intended recipient, she quickly hangs up. Her dorm mates, Zhao Feifei and Siqi, tease her about the incident, playing a game to try and uncover the mystery recipient, humorously referring to him as "Mr. Life Is Precious."

Shu Lan, annoyed by their boisterousness, interrupts them, reminding them of the upcoming placement test after military training and the dorm's strict quiet hours, stating that anything over 40 decibels between 10 PM and 6 AM is considered disturbing the peace. She also subtly comments that Gu Xuejiao's current attitude reminds her of someone from the past.

Recalling Gu Xuejiao's past wish to see him often in college, Lin Zhihua calls her late at night, instructing her to pick up her squad's banner at the playground. Despite her complaints about the late hour, Gu Xuejiao complies. After she retrieves the banner and attempts to leave, Lin Zhihua stops her and presents her with a birthday cake.

When she asks how he knew it was her birthday, he reveals he saw her ID during their graduation trip hotel check-in. Gu Xuejiao is visibly embarrassed by the memory of the trip but, despite being touched by his gesture, silently resolves to focus on her "second shot" at life and avoid repeating past mistakes by getting involved in a relationship.

Yi Tianyu, attempting to join the birthday celebration, tries to scale a dorm wall but gets stuck due to his fear of heights, calling out to Lin Zhihua for help. Lin Zhihua assists him down. Yi Tianyu then wishes Gu Xuejiao a happy birthday, urging her to make a wish, but admits he left her gift in his dorm. He also mentions an upcoming dorm check.

Gu Xuejiao, in turn, makes a silent wish to "stay clear of my ex" and to "get completely over my crush," subtly glancing at Lin Zhihua, a gesture Yi Tianyu notices. Lin Zhihua then reminds them of the military training showcase the following day and the potential for an earlier dorm check, as the school gates close at midnight. Lin Zhihua offers to walk Gu Xuejiao back to her dorm, but she declines.

He then walks Yi Tianyu out of campus instead, instructing him to meet him at the cafeteria the next day. Yi Tianyu, delighted, brags about receiving a macaron from Gu Xuejiao. As Gu Xuejiao walks back alone with her cake, she is suddenly intercepted. Mistaking the person for a security guard, she is startled, but Lin Zhihua quickly covers her mouth, revealing his identity. He reiterates his birthday wishes and tells her to enjoy her cake slowly.

This close encounter leaves Gu Xuejiao flustered. Gu Xuejiao discovers a last-minute change to her class schedule, adding an early morning English class. Upon arriving at the classroom, she finds it completely empty. The teacher, arriving late, informs her that freshman English is largely a formality, as any student scoring over 90 on the placement test is exempt.

To her dismay, Gu Xuejiao realizes she is the sole student who did not qualify for this exemption, a rarity that even surprises the teacher. Gu Mingze joins his team at a bar to celebrate their AAA game's imminent launch, though he abstains from alcohol due to an allergy. He spots Zhou Shiyun dancing and approaches her, initially asking if she's there to upset her mother, which she denies.

He tries to inquire about her university, to which she defiantly replies, "A second-tier college. Happy now?" Despite his efforts to connect, Zhou Shiyun rebuffs him, telling him to stop following her and declaring that her life is "none of his business," even adding that her own mother has stopped caring. During elective course selection, Gu Xuejiao's roommates successfully secure their desired classes, but Gu Xuejiao fails to get a spot in a three-credit course, despite using a custom code.

Shu Lan explains that many three-credit courses have grade requirements, implying Gu Xuejiao's "bottom-tier placement test score" is a hindrance. She suggests Gu Xuejiao settle for easier one-credit options like dance or music. Desperate to meet her ten-credit requirement, Gu Xuejiao notices the "Autonomous Driving Lab: Programming Practicum" taught by Professor Tan Ze.

Shu Lan immediately warns her against it, describing it as a "swamp of electives" and a "death trap for freshmen" with a ruthless reputation, citing a past student who failed eight times and was eventually expelled. Despite the ominous warnings, Gu Xuejiao feels she has no other choice. Zhao Feifei accompanies Gu Xuejiao to her interview for the Autonomous Driving Lab.

Zhao Feifei identifies the interviewer as Lin Jiadong, describing him as the lab's "chief of staff" who "plays power games" and "pulls strings," noting that every new person falls under his control and she herself has suffered at his hands. Lin Jiadong scrutinizes Gu Xuejiao's transcript, remarking that while her high school math was decent, her probability and statistics scores are poor, which is crucial for the lab's required "algorithmic thinking."

He then disdainfully comments on her "by far the lowest" college entrance score, questioning how she even gained admission. When Gu Xuejiao retorts that he enjoys "embarrassing people" and she got in by luck, Lin Jiadong dismisses her, declaring her "good luck ends here" and inventing a new Capital University rule on the spot: "juniors never question seniors." Gu Xuejiao vents her frustration to Lin Zhihua about Lin Jiadong, describing him as sarcastic and petty.

Lin Zhihua, while acknowledging Lin Jiadong's faults, suggests Gu Xuejiao doesn't truly know him and shouldn't rush to judgment. Gu Xuejiao, however, insists she knows him well and claims the lab's recruitment methods are flawed, causing them to miss out on "talents like me." Lin Zhihua questions her sudden interest in his lab, given her previous avoidance, to which she replies she needs the credits. He firmly states he won't grant her special treatment, emphasizing the need for "real skills."

Gu Xuejiao confidently asserts her "true talent" in getting into Capital University, but Lin Zhihua reminds her of her recent failure on the English placement test and her ill-advised attempt to join Professor Tan Ze's lab without proper course selection. He advises her to "start with the basics," suggesting she wait for vacancies in other courses, as the Autonomous Driving Lab is currently "out of her league."

Undeterred, Gu Xuejiao defiantly vows to appear on the lab's roster within a month. Lin Zhihua challenges her to pass Professor Tan Ze's traditional freshman programming problem, which will be given in his public programming class the very next day. Gu Xuejiao accepts the challenge and immediately leaves to prepare. Gu Mingze continues to wait for Zhou Shiyun outside the bar. When he finally gets her to talk, she ironically asks why he's avoiding her.

He initially replies that he doesn't care about her, but then, when she challenges him to drink, he agrees, despite his alcohol allergy, stating he'll do whatever she wants. He quickly becomes intoxicated and passes out. Zhou Shiyun struggles to load him into a large trash can and pushes him through the streets.

As they go, a partially lucid Gu Mingze reiterates his willingness to do anything for her, even "die," and fondly reminisces about her brilliant high school days, calling her "pretty and smart," "the queen of the school." Zhou Shiyun, clearly uncomfortable with the memory, tells him he's "dumb" and drops him at the entrance of a residential area. The following morning, Li Sitong steps out to dispose of trash and discovers Gu Mingze lying unconscious in a large trash can.

She pulls him out, scolding him fiercely, questioning how much he drank and why he's "lying dead" there. She demands to know about Zhou Shiyun, then berates him for his obsessive focus on her, telling him he was almost mistaken for a "dead body" and carted away.

Episode 12 Recap

Gu Xuejiao diligently studied English, often staying late at Sun Tiantian's dessert shop where Sun Tiantian thoughtfully prepared cake and bubble tea for her. Gu Xuejiao expressed frustration about struggling to earn enough credits and being turned away from Professor Tan's lab by the "doorkeeper," Lin Jiadong.

She refused Lin Zhihua's suggestion to pull strings for her, insisting she wanted to get in on her own merit to avoid being looked down upon by Lin Zhihua or bullied by Lin Jiadong. When Yi Tianyu arrived to offer her more sweets and a ride back, Gu Xuejiao declined, opting to return to the library, but Yi Tianyu persisted, only to receive a parking ticket notice that forced him to leave to move his car.

In Professor Tan's first programming class, a complex virus infected the system as a test for students. Gu Xuejiao recognized it as an updated version of a "textbook virus" from an old university test, noting its underlying logic remained unchanged from a problem she had encountered before her rebirth. With Professor Tan's permission, she used his computer to explain how the virus added data to the database, causing memory overflow and system collapse.

She further detailed how a specific algorithm using binary XOR operations could bypass its trigger conditions. Impressed, Professor Tan offered her the position of class representative, but Gu Xuejiao instead requested to join his Autonomous Driving Lab elective course. Professor Tan noted her courage, mentioning that only one person, Lin Zhihua, had successfully entered the lab as a freshman before.

Soon after, Gu Xuejiao excitedly informed Lin Zhihua of her success, prompting him to humorously remind her that he was the first freshman to join the lab. Lin Zhihua welcomed her and instructed Lin Jiadong to handle her paperwork. Lin Jiadong, visibly surprised, having previously rejected Gu Xuejiao in an interview, warned her about the lab's "wide entry, strict exit" policy, betting that she had a 99. 99999% chance of failing the course.

Meanwhile, Shu Lan, who had previously looked down on Gu Xuejiao, now admitted that Gu Xuejiao didn't seem so "stupid" anymore, indicating a change in her attitude after Gu Xuejiao's impressive performance in the programming class. Later, Lin Zhihua and Gao Rui attended a meeting with B&C Motors regarding a university-enterprise collaboration. Gao Rui was impressed by the luxurious office and B&C's apparent sincerity, but Lin Zhihua, sensing trouble, dismissed it as a "Hongmen Banquet," a deceptive feast.

Ms. Zheng, B&C's General Manager, presented a contract with highly unfavorable terms: B&C would contribute minimal investment, demand significant equity, and only offer a shared test track in Germany, with visas only for Lin Zhihua and Gao Rui. Lin Zhihua realized B&C intended to exploit their technology and talent. Although Gao Rui expressed doubts about outmaneuvering such a large corporation, Lin Zhihua believed they could leverage B&C's intent to their advantage. Lin Zhihua then left to meet someone else.

Back at the lab, Zhao Qiansun, the general manager of Junlian Investment Co., Ltd., awaited Lin Zhihua. Having heard about B&C Motors' interest, Zhao Qiansun, known for his keen investment insight, immediately wanted to invest in the project, despite not understanding the technology itself. Lin Zhihua explained that B&C's primary appeal was its top technical team, acknowledging that no single team or technology could remain cutting-edge indefinitely.

That weekend, Yi Tianyu’s father, Yi Dafa, criticized his son for not having a girlfriend and wasting time. Yi Dafa praised Gu Xuejiao, suggesting she was a good match and different from Yi Tianyu’s mother, whom he implied "loves shopping and wasting money." Yi Tianyu complained that Gu Xuejiao ignored him, especially since he was focused on his CET-4 and CET-6 exams. Yi Dafa, seeing an opportunity, urged Yi Tianyu to ask Gu Xuejiao for tutoring.

Realizing the potential, Yi Tianyu immediately asked his father to stop the car so he could rush to a bookstore. Lin Zhihua sought clarity of thought by working at a coffee shop. Gu Xuejiao found him there and astutely analyzed B&C Motors' business strategy, describing them as an "industry bully" creating "path monopoly" and exploiting top talents.

She revealed that such corporations aimed to minimize their marginal costs by turning talented individuals into "mere screws in the machine," ultimately reducing their marginal benefits and even discarding them. Lin Zhihua was surprised by her deep understanding of business tactics. After Gu Xuejiao accidentally spilled coffee, an older student from the Physics and Electronics department approached her, trying to get her WeChat. Lin Zhihua quickly intervened, humorously warning Gu Xuejiao to "be on guard against fire, theft, and seniors."

Later, Lin Zhiyue arrived at the lab to visit Lin Zhihua. Gao Rui, recognizing her as the "goddess" he saw in a fever-induced dream, clumsily tried to impress her by pretending to be busy with a critical phone call from the university principals regarding Lin Zhihua's academic achievements. Amused, Lin Zhiyue then called Lin Zhihua, exposing Gao Rui's charade.

Lin Zhihua and Lin Zhiyue went to the Jingda University canteen for a meal, only to encounter Gu Xuejiao, who was tutoring Yi Tianyu there. Yi Tianyu tried to impress Gu Xuejiao by offering her spicy food, which made her choke. Lin Zhihua, observing Gu Xuejiao wiping her nose, thoughtfully handed her a cup of hot water, a gesture she clearly appreciated more.

Lin Zhiyue noticed Lin Zhihua's interest in Gu Xuejiao and subtly advised him against "dimensionally crushing" Yi Tianyu, implying Yi Tianyu was no match. Gu Xuejiao then left with Yi Tianyu to continue their English tutoring. Back at the lab, Gao Rui discreetly asked Lin Zhihua if Lin Zhiyue had a boyfriend. Lin Zhihua simply stated that the word "man" did not exist in a "strong woman's dictionary," much to Gao Rui's dismay.

Lin Jiadong then gave Gu Xuejiao a tour of the lab, introducing her to other members and explaining the lab's two main sections: his collision-avoidance module group and Lin Zhihua's C1 project team. He informed her that Lin Zhihua would soon be leaving for Germany to continue the C1 project's physical vehicle simulation at B&C Motors' headquarters, implying he wouldn't be returning.

Lin Jiadong assigned Gu Xuejiao the task of cleaning and maintaining a newly upgraded processor, specifying that she must carefully clean all its internal dust and external components, then mop the entire lab, expecting to inspect it within an hour. Gu Xuejiao looked disheartened by the cleaning duties. While Gu Xuejiao was mopping, she encountered Lin Zhihua leaving Professor Tan's office. She asked if he was truly going to Germany.

Lin Zhihua, who had just received a new contract from B&C Motors with slightly better details but still unfavorable main terms, cryptically remarked that he would consider staying if someone gave him a reason. Gu Xuejiao hesitated, not daring to interpret his words, and only expressed regret for Professor Tan losing such a talented student. Meanwhile, Yi Tianyu, nearby practicing his English, deliberately made mistakes in his homework to ensure Gu Xuejiao would continue to tutor him.

Episode 13 Recap

Lin Zhihua was determined to go to Germany. His friend, Gao Rui, expressed his surprise that Lin Zhihua had not mentioned his departure earlier and questioned if his sister, Lin Zhiyue, would see him off, to which Lin Zhihua simply replied, "No." Meanwhile, in the lab, Gu Xuejiao was diligently cleaning, carefully wiping down a machine. Her gaze fell upon a label on the equipment, "Custodian: Lin Zhihua," a relic from his freshman year.

Simultaneously, Lin Zhihua was looking at a calendar, marked with Gu Xuejiao's study notes from the month before her college entrance exam. Both seemed to realize their unspoken feelings and rushed towards each other, but unfortunately, they took different paths. As Gu Xuejiao ran back to the lab, she muttered that she had left something behind, while Lin Zhihua, seemingly speaking to her spirit, asked for a reason to stay.

Upon returning to the lab, Gu Xuejiao was informed by a classmate that a boy had been waiting for her downstairs by the dorm. Turning around, she saw Yi Tianyu, who had come to hand in the homework from their last tutoring session. Yi Tianyu bragged about his efficiency, claiming it was because "You assigned me homework." Gu Xuejiao began to review his work, immediately pointing out an error in one of his answers.

Unbeknownst to them, Lin Zhihua stood nearby, observing their interaction, but he chose not to approach. Elsewhere, Zhou Shiyun held a grim "Warning Letter for Dismissal." Just then, Gu Mingze burst in, excitedly announcing that his game had topped the download charts for three consecutive weeks and eager to share his joy. Zhou Shiyun, however, was dismissive of his achievement and showed him the warning letter, sarcastically asking if he wanted a "poor student" like her to congratulate him.

Gu Mingze tried to explain his true intentions, but she angrily told him to leave. He then tried to persuade her to get bubble tea and talk, but Zhou Shiyun was cynical. Gu Mingze expressed his concern over her "letting herself go," constantly drinking and dancing, and doing "nothing serious." He quickly clarified that he never truly thought she deserved her fate, emphasizing that "no matter what you do, I'll stand by you."

He affirmed that whether she was the "well-behaved person she once was" or the "troublemaker facing expulsion now," she would always be herself to him, asserting that she had "never changed." Zhou Shiyun, however, dismissed his words as "hypocritical," claiming she barely recognized herself anymore. Gu Mingze reiterated his sincerity, insisting that he would always love her, regardless of how she saw herself. Later, a farewell party was held for Lin Zhihua's team in the laboratory building.

Gu Xuejiao, feeling unfamiliar with most of the attendees, chose to drink alone in a corner. Lin Zhihua, noticing her, approached. Gu Xuejiao seized the opportunity to pose a complex mathematical question, asking about the most efficient way to make variables within a linear function quickly return to their starting point without data overflow or CPU overheating.

Lin Zhihua explained that there were multiple solutions, emphasizing that it ultimately "depends on the code logic" and the ability to "fully utilize the CPU's bandwidth." He then added, with a subtle undertone, "But as long as you want, we can get the target function quickly returned." Feeling overwhelmed and increasingly intoxicated, Gu Xuejiao continued to drink. Eventually, seeing her heavily inebriated state, Lin Zhihua decided to escort her back to the university dorm.

Back on campus, they sat down by the sports field. Under the influence of alcohol, Gu Xuejiao impulsively kissed Lin Zhihua. She stopped calling him "Senior Lin" and repeatedly called him by his full name, "Lin Zhihua." She then gave him her high school emblem as a parting gift, explaining that it was special because it bore her name and she had never worn it before due to her sister's strong aversion to holes in clothes.

As Lin Zhihua carried her back to the dorm, Gu Xuejiao began to reveal a deeply personal secret: "Actually, I came back from ten years in the future." She rambled on about future events, including a significant technological rise and a project that could bring honor to the country, and recounted her past life struggles, where she had been a replaceable outsourced worker and believed Lin Zhihua had "picked on" her.

She expressed her conflicted feelings towards him, admitting she didn't know whether to hate him or thank him. She emphatically stated that she would "absolutely no way" like him if he were the future version of himself. Lin Zhihua, however, calmly responded, "It's okay. It's fine. Anyway, you're not that person from ten years later." The next morning, Gu Xuejiao woke up feeling groggy and could not recall the events of the previous night.

She was attempting to reconstruct her memories by drinking during the day when Sun Tiantian arrived with a new milk tea recipe she had just concocted. Sun Tiantian playfully teased Gu Xuejiao about her drunken state the night before and tried

Episode 14 Recap

Gu Xuejiao was approached by Zhao Feifei, who spoke to her mysteriously. Gu Xuejiao's heart pounded, fearing her secret of rebirth had been revealed to the entire school. However, Zhao Feifei simply proposed they go to the cafeteria to buy a new bubble tea recently launched by Gu Xuejiao's high school friend, who was an apprentice there. Relieved, Gu Xuejiao agreed to go the next day.

The following day, Gu Xuejiao and Zhao Feifei joined the long queue at the bustling cafeteria bubble tea shop. Even Shu Lan, usually stern and reserved, was seen purchasing and enjoying a bubble tea, prompting Gu Xuejiao and Zhao Feifei to tease her about being drawn in by the "fall in love at first sip" slogan. The seller, also named Sun Tiantian, meticulously managed the queue. She eventually announced that all the bubble tea for the day was sold out. However, she secretly provided a complimentary cup to Gu Xuejiao and her friend, stating it was a special favor for Gu Xuejiao. The friends praised the bubble tea, and Sun Tiantian, the seller, mentioned an investor had approached her, but she had dismissed him as a scammer, recalling Gu Xuejiao's recent "drunk kiss disaster" as a cautionary tale.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua arrived in Germany. In the quiet of a foreign night, he couldn't help but recall the shocking secret Gu Xuejiao had revealed a few nights prior when she was intoxicated: in her previous life, he was her most hated boss, but in this life, by a twist of fate, he had become her respected senior. Lin Zhihua mused that if destiny had arranged it this way, then it was best for them both to continue their relationship in their current roles.

Back in the lab, Gu Xuejiao busied herself cleaning, but her mind wandered to Lin Zhihua. She reminded herself, as an adult, to let go of idle fantasies and consider the events of the farewell party night as having been blown away by the wind. Just as she was deep in thought, Lin Zhihua suddenly appeared behind her, startling everyone in the lab, including Dr. Cai. Lin Zhihua explained that he disliked working for others and had come fully prepared. His return to China was primarily to exert pressure on B&C Motors. He revealed that their German trip was not for a job offer, but to secure B&C Motors' investment in their C1 project. He had used a risky strategy, having Junlian Capital as a backup, which ultimately led B&C Motors to concede significantly. They had agreed to establish a startup team in China, led by Lin Zhihua's team, eliminating the need for them to work abroad. While Dr. Cai commended his audacious tactics, Lin Zhihua proposed that in addition to the original C1 team, he would need an assistant, specifically asking for Gu Xuejiao, citing her as the only other person capable of cracking Professor Tan's complex virus code.

Gu Xuejiao's first task as Lin Zhihua's assistant was to proofread over ten thousand lines of code. In the process, she thought to herself that this also reconfirmed she hadn't been talking nonsense at the farewell party. This led her to exclaim about his robotic efficiency and calling his presence a nightmare. When Lin Zhihua probed if she remembered anything from the farewell party, Gu Xuejiao quickly dismissed it as "pure drunk talk" and denied everything. He then instructed her to import the code into the simulator for testing the next day and provided her with a hard drive. Gao Rui later commented to Lin Zhihua that Gu Xuejiao didn't seem interested in him, suggesting she wouldn't have just dropped off a drive and left without a word if she were. Gu Xuejiao, overhearing, asked Lin Zhihua to leave, stating his presence made her uncomfortable, to which he playfully remarked about his assistant's haughtiness before departing.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhiyue prepared to invest in Sun Tiantian's new bubble tea venture, now rebranded "Tiantian's Tea," and invited Lin Zhihua to join her for the inspection. Lin Zhiyue was impressed by the business proposal's detailed analysis of future consumer trends and market爆发点, noting its professional quality surpassed even her dedicated market research team. This led her to suspect the actual creator might be a "time traveler," though Lin Zhihua dismissed it as fanciful. Recalling seeing similar topics on Gu Xuejiao's computer, Lin Zhihua deduced that Gu Xuejiao must have helped with the plan. Taking the opportunity, Lin Zhihua subtly inquired about Lin Zhiyue's views on dating for career-focused women, claiming it was for a roommate who liked a woman similar to her. Lin Zhiyue explained that for career-oriented women, men start at a zero score, gaining points only through effort and true impact, needing to reach a perfect hundred to be accepted. Lin Zhihua, finding hope in this difficult metric, mused that humanity had, after all, made it to the moon. As Lin Zhihua left in a hurry, Lin Zhiyue greeted Gao Rui warmly, but Gao Rui, seemingly spooked, abruptly fled.

Yi Tianyu, eager to confess his feelings to Gu Xuejiao, practiced various approaches, from direct declarations to grand gestures, but found each one too cheesy or aggressive. He ultimately decided to invite her to his city college league final, where he would be a starter, and presented her tickets. However, Sun Tiantian intercepted the tickets, claiming she would deliver them herself to Gu Xuejiao, who was busy in the lab, and even kept one for herself despite Yi Tianyu's protests.

Back in the lab, Lin Zhihua and Gao Rui introduced their new AI monitoring system, designed to detect a driver's heart rate changes via a seatbelt sensor, enabling the AI to take control in emergencies like driver unconsciousness or intoxication. Following lab protocol, the patent holder tests first, so Lin Zhihua invited Gu Xuejiao to test with him. They each drank a glass of wine, simulating a real-life scenario. As the test began, Gu Xuejiao's heart rate spiked, bringing back memories of the farewell party. Lin Zhihua, worried Gu Xuejiao might realize he too had traveled from the future, also experienced a rapid heart rate. Their synchronized heart rate fluctuations reflected their shared emotional turmoil. After the test, Gu Xuejiao, overwhelmed, rushed outside for air. Lin Zhihua followed her, telling her he understood her reluctance for romance and assuring her he would not be an obstacle to her goal of becoming a better person, regardless of her past experiences. He proposed they could find another way to interact. Gu Xuejiao confessed her desire for a structured, error-free life, like a mathematical equation, after experiencing an uncertain past. Lin Zhihua then pulled her into an embrace and kissed her deeply, reminding her of an "answer" from that fateful night. Unbeknownst to them, students filming a campus promotional video nearby captured their kiss.

Yi Tianyu arrived at Capital University to find Gu Xuejiao, only to witness her kissing Lin Zhihua. Angered, he ran off. On his way back to school, he was tragically hit by a truck. The next day, pixelated photos of Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao kissing circulated widely on the school forum. Gu Xuejiao immediately messaged Lin Zhihua, who promptly intervened, embedding a program to remove the photos from the forum.

Gu Mingze’s game launch conference was a success. Zhou Shiyun made a special stop to meet him. Gu Mingze struggled to offer words of encouragement. Zhou Shiyun, understanding his unspoken sentiment, calmly told him she planned to return to school and no longer considered herself a failure, emphasizing that one’s life should not be defined by others. Gu Mingze was visibly elated by her rare smile.

Later, Gu Xuejiao accompanied Sun Tiantian to an investment negotiation. Initially, only one company showed interest, offering terms that would significantly diminish Sun Tiantian's control. Though internally anxious, Gu Xuejiao outwardly maintained an air of confidence, guiding Sun Tiantian on how to project composure. Just as the initial investor presented their unfavorable full acquisition proposal, Lin Zhiyue unexpectedly arrived. She decisively offered Linqi Capital's investment at a price twenty percent higher than the other company, outmaneuvering their rival, Huanhui Capital. With Lin Zhiyue's powerful intervention, the agreement was happily reached, leaving Sun Tiantian amazed at how easily the deal concluded under Gu Xuejiao's guidance.

Soon after, Sun Tiantian suddenly remembered Yi Tianyu’s basketball game. Gu Xuejiao immediately rushed to the court, only to find the game had already ended and Yi Tianyu was injured. Frantically, she tried calling him, but his father, Yi Dafa, answered the phone, informing her that Yi Tianyu had been in a car accident.

Episode 15 Recap

Gu Xuejiao, worried about Yi Tianyu, went looking for him and was told he was injured and hadn't participated in the game. She tried calling him repeatedly, but her calls went unanswered. Eventually, Yi Tianyu's father, Yi Dafa, called her back. Gu Xuejiao apologized, having mistaken him for Yi Tianyu, then expressed her concern about Yi Tianyu's injury, asking if it was serious.

Yi Dafa, downplaying the injury, stated it was "nothing" and casually revealed that Yi Tianyu had been selected by an overseas basketball league and had already gone abroad for training, having simply forgotten his phone. Gu Xuejiao expressed her pleasant surprise at the sudden news, noting that Yi Tianyu was usually bad at keeping secrets, which Yi Dafa confirmed by saying he had applied a while ago but hadn't had the chance to tell her.

Yi Dafa promised that Yi Tianyu would contact her once he was settled abroad. Gu Xuejiao smiled, feeling relieved. Even though she had no romantic feelings for Yi Tianyu in this life, seeing both of them moving towards a better future made everything worthwhile. Meanwhile, in the rehabilitation ward, Yi Tianyu lay distraught. His father chided him for getting out of bed, to which Yi Tianyu insisted he was fine.

Yi Dafa told him Gu Xuejiao was thrilled to hear about his overseas training, and admired him. Yi Tianyu saw through the facade. He thanked his father for lying to make him look good, though Yi Dafa insisted Yi Tianyu was his greatest pride. Yi Tianyu knew deep down that this injury meant he could never gallop on the basketball court again.

Yi Dafa then detailed the overseas rehabilitation facility he had arranged, encouraging his son to remain calm and focus on training his mind, even if he couldn't play basketball. Yi Tianyu promised to try, but after his father left for work, he angrily smashed a framed team photo, revealing his true despair. Gu Xuejiao felt a profound sense of introspection as she saw her friends embarking on new life stages. She questioned her own path.

Meanwhile, a topic selection meeting was taking place in the lab, unknown to her. Afterward, Lin Zhihua, confronting Lin Jiadong, demanded to know why Gu Xuejiao hadn't been informed. Lin Jiadong casually dismissed the query, stating that as a freshman, she didn't need to attend, implying she wasn't ready. Lin Zhihua, who had attended as a freshman himself, challenged this, but Lin Jiadong persisted, advising Gu Xuejiao to focus on basics and wait until her later years.

This dismissal ignited a fierce resolve in Gu Xuejiao; recalling her previous life where she was merely delivering lunchboxes during such meetings, she vowed not to wait and to actively change her destiny. Lin Zhiyue met Lin Zhihua for dinner and noticed his distraction. Lin Zhihua, still using the pretense of his "roommate," explained his predicament: the "roommate" and a girl were "kinda together," but the girl had become secretive.

Lin Zhiyue immediately deduced the problem was the lack of a formal confession, emphasizing that "no girl wants to be in a vague relationship. Even career women aren't exceptions." This realization spurred Lin Zhihua to abruptly leave, stating he needed to return to the lab. Upon arriving, he inquired about Gu Xuejiao, only for Lin Jiadong to inform him she had taken a day off and then disparage her, suggesting she lacked passion and was merely seeking credits.

Meanwhile, Gu Xuejiao was indeed at home, engrossed in finding a thesis topic. She struggled, feeling all topics were exhausted and wary of going to the lab for fear of further scolding from Lin Jiadong for "jumping the line" with her ambitious topic. Gu Mingze arrived, excitedly showing Gu Xuejiao a hair tie given by Zhou Shiyun, and declared that a "wise person" had taught him the importance of family over career.

Gu Xuejiao immediately guessed the "wise person" was Zhou Shiyun, and though Gu Mingze insisted Shiyun had "acquiesced" to him taking the hair tie, Gu Xuejiao sarcastically warned him against presumptuous behavior, even joking about him ending up on the crime news. Despite her lack of interest in his romantic musings and his continued talk about visiting her in "prison," Gu Mingze eventually left after she teased him about missing dinner.

Later that day, Lin Zhihua was in the lab to fix equipment. He noticed Gu Xuejiao cautiously sneaking in and quietly followed her. She was absorbed in reviewing past thesis topics, looking both focused and anxious. Lin Zhihua approached her, advising her not to push herself so hard as a freshman and that "there'll be plenty of chances later."

Gu Xuejiao disagreed, asserting that "chances don't come often," expressing her urgent desire as an "underdog" to succeed and avoid being suppressed by Lin Jiadong. Just then, Lin Jiadong arrived, bringing milk tea for Lin Zhihua, having heard from Gao Rui that he was there. Unable to find Lin Zhihua, he left. Concerned about being discovered by Lin Jiadong, Gu Xuejiao realized their clandestine meeting was a bigger secret than her research efforts.

Once Lin Jiadong was gone, Lin Zhihua jokingly asked for "hush money," then the two shared a tender embrace and kiss. Gu Xuejiao consulted Lin Zhihua about data models and algorithms. He provided guidance, offering to share developer sites and his own curated data models.

Gu Xuejiao, grateful, remarked that she wished there was an AI "just like you that could answer everything," which in turn sparked Lin Zhihua's realization that her idea was akin to "the language model in ten years." Despite her initial doubts about her ability as a "newbie," Lin Zhihua's subtle challenge about quitting only fueled her resolve. Meanwhile, Gu Mingze visited Zhou Shiyun at UFE, even joining her class.

When the professor called on them, Zhou Shiyun gave a correct answer. Gu Mingze, when prompted, cleverly likened himself to an "elastic body," amusing the professor with his vivid, if unconventional, example. After class, as they walked, several girls recognized Gu Mingze and approached him for photos, much to Zhou Shiyun's subtle irritation. She then retrieved her hair tie from him, reminding him how he had taken it during a previous visit when she had forgotten it.

During Professor Tan's topic selection meeting, he announced that, after reviewing all submissions, he would prioritize forward-looking ideas. He called out several names, and then discovered one outstanding submission that was missing a name. Gu Xuejiao stepped forward, confirming it was hers. Professor Tan lauded her for her "truly impressive" and "forward-looking topic" as a freshman, deciding to discuss her project first.

Lin Jiadong, whose own topic was dismissed as "old technology," was instructed to assist Gu Xuejiao and refine his own ideas. Gu Xuejiao then presented her "AI language processing program based on a neural network architecture" which could interact and communicate like a real human, and handle tasks like scriptwriting and coding. She proposed integrating her AI framework into the C1 in-car system.

Lin Zhihua, who had been discreetly listening from outside the meeting room, voiced his agreement, much to Professor Tan's amusement, who playfully teased him about eavesdropping and being one of the university's "hidden talents." Lin Zhihua expressed his pride in Gu Xuejiao. During testing, Gao Rui called Gu Xuejiao in a panic, informing her that the AI model had caused the car to veer off track, reporting a "300% positioning error."

Gu Xuejiao immediately rushed to the location, a beautiful field of flowers, wondering how the car ended up there. Upon arrival, she found Lin Zhihua waiting, the 'malfunction' revealed to be an elaborate setup for a formal proposal, though the car was indeed stuck. He presented her with flowers and formally asked, "Can you be my girlfriend?"

Gu Xuejiao, initially surprised that he was asking again, listened as Lin Zhihua confessed his rare uncertainty when it came to matters of the heart, admitting his fear that she might stop liking him or prefer someone else, even someone who played sports. Touched by his sincerity, she encouraged him to ask again, and when he did, she joyfully accepted. After they kissed, Gu Xuejiao playfully asked if this elaborate setup was merely to confirm their relationship.

Lin Zhihua then revealed a special gift: he had integrated her voice into the C1 system, ensuring that everyone using their cars would hear her voice. Gu Xuejiao was delighted with this unique present. She then teased him about his "probation period" as her boyfriend, to which he playfully insisted on a "lifetime contract," challenging her to see if he could make her happy. Two years passed. In 2018, Shu Lan, a mechanical engineering junior, joined the Autonomous Driving Lab.

Lin Zhihua announced the successful delivery of their second-generation autonomous driving model, celebrating its official launch into the market and the potential for financial freedom if performance targets were met. Later, Lin Zhihua and Gao Rui found themselves in a high-stakes meeting with B&C Motors, who were once again seeking a partnership. During the meeting, Zheng Qin insisted Lin Zhihua drink baijiu, despite his polite refusal, stating he didn't drink at work.

She pressed him, equating not drinking with a bad attitude and suggesting that bonding over drinks was essential to becoming "true family" at B&C Motors. Sensing trouble, Gao Rui covertly sent a text to Gu Xuejiao, alerting her that Lin Zhihua was "trapped in a den of cougars" (Spider Cave). Upon receiving the urgent message, Gu Xuejiao immediately declared her intention to intervene and rushed to the restaurant, ready to protect Lin Zhihua.

Episode 16 Recap

Gao Rui and Lin Zhihua were forced by Ms. Zheng to participate in drinking games at a dinner. Gao Rui felt trapped, jokingly calling for help as he saw Ms. Zheng and her associates as predators in a "spider's cave." Lin Zhihua attempted to refuse a drink by toasting with tea, but Ms. Zheng insisted he drink it to acknowledge her as his "big sister."

Just as Lin Zhihua was pressured, Gu Xuejiao burst in, announcing herself as Mr. Lin’s assistant and immediately taking a drink. She then engaged in more rounds of toasts, even proposing she and Ms. Zheng become "sworn siblings," until Ms. Zheng became thoroughly intoxicated. As Lin Zhihua pulled Xuejiao away, he questioned her apparent high alcohol tolerance, recalling her poor performance at a previous party.

Xuejiao explained she took hangover pills to "be prepared," adding that the last time she got drunk, it wasn't from alcohol but from "Mr. Lin's handsome face." She also claimed her high tolerance stemmed from childhood, as her father used to let her taste wine. Lin Zhihua then jokingly offered to "cure" her dizziness, leading to a kiss. The success of Lin Zhihua’s contract signing with B&C Motors was celebrated.

Gu Xuejiao, with the help of Sun Tiantian, custom-ordered a cake. She admitted she needed to "recharge her energy" from the stress of Series A funding. Despite the celebration, Lin Zhihua remained serious, stating he couldn’t fully relax until final victory was achieved. Xuejiao tried to comfort him and leaned in for a kiss. Their intimate moment was interrupted when Gao Rui and Lin Zhiyue unexpectedly burst into the room with confetti, exclaiming "Surprise!"

The atmosphere immediately turned awkward, and Gu Xuejiao quickly retreated into a nearby room. After the celebration, Lin Zhiyue tried to arrange for Lin Zhihua to drive Gu Xuejiao home. However, Gao Rui, oblivious, suggested riding back to school with Lin Zhihua. Lin Zhiyue, seeing Gao Rui's lack of awareness, pulled him into her own car, feigning a need to return to the office.

As she drove, Lin Zhiyue mused that young love, despite its "secret ops" and "tangled" nature, was also "beautiful." Lin Zhihua dropped Gu Xuejiao off at her house. She complained about the difficulty of their "underground work" and how close they came to being caught by Lin Zhiyue and Gao Rui. Lin Zhihua playfully reminded her of her ability to "talk your way out of anything."

Just then, Li Sitong, Gu Xuejiao's mother, came out to dispose of trash, forcing Xuejiao to hide behind some bushes. Later, Lin Zhihua coincidentally got a ride from Gu Xuejiao's father, who was unaware of the young couple's relationship. Gu Xuejiao's father praised Lin Zhihua and cordially invited him to visit their new home. At home, Gu Xuejiao’s family enjoyed their new affluent lifestyle.

Li Sitong treated herself and two others to massages, much to Gu Mingze’s chagrin, as he was left without a masseur. Her father enthusiastically shared his encounter with Lin Zhihua, prompting Gu Mingze to suspect Lin Zhihua and Xuejiao were dating. Li Sitong quickly defended Xuejiao, asserting her daughter was also excellent. Gu Mingze later complained about Xuejiao’s willful nature and expressed regret that someone as outstanding as Lin Zhihua would endure her.

Li Sitong, however, maintained that Xuejiao was "excellent, too." Back at the lab, the C1 project failed B&C Motors’ technical department acceptance. Lin Zhihua insisted that the project's technology was robust and had been thoroughly tested. Gao Rui attempted to arrange a direct meeting with B&C's technical department, but Ms. Zheng informed them that B&C would seize all the lab's technology and patents to continue the C1 project internally, citing a contract breach.

She presented a notice of contract violation, demanding a hefty penalty if they refused to surrender the patents. Recognizing B&C's intention to acquire their technology for free, Lin Zhihua and Gao Rui immediately walked out of the meeting. Following the disastrous meeting, Gao Rui returned to the lab, but Lin Zhihua was nowhere to be found. Shu Lan informed Gu Xuejiao that Lin Zhihua had turned off his phone and was unreachable.

Xuejiao, understanding that a man facing career setbacks could be vulnerable, speculated that Lin Zhihua was likely at the Summit coffee shop, working on a solution. She found him there, making coffee. When asked about his plans to "artistically fight back against B&C," Lin Zhihua vaguely replied, "One step at a time." Xuejiao pressed him, expressing her frustration that he was "acting cool" while the team was busy trying to find solutions and a lawyer.

She reminded him that C1 represented years of his hard work and that the failure could cause the "whole team to fall apart." Lin Zhihua suggested the team take a break, but Xuejiao insisted this was "not the time to slack off." She even offered to cover his shift at the coffee shop so he could return to the lab. Meanwhile, Shu Lan’s boyfriend introduced them to Lawyer Zhang, an alumnus of Capital University, who specialized in such cases.

Lawyer Zhang noted the "overlord clauses" in B&C’s contract, offering a potential legal angle. However, he warned that B&C’s legal team was formidable and that litigation would be costly, potentially costing at least five percent of the claim amount. Determined to fight, Gu Xuejiao immediately contacted Sun Tiantian to cash out her "creative shares," declaring, "We're taking this to court. This time, I'm fighting back."

Lin Zhihua met with Mr. Zhao of Junlian Company, an alumnus of Capital University who had also lost a patent to B&C two decades ago. Lin Zhihua brought up B&C's first locally-developed model, which Mr. Zhao had spearheaded. Mr. Zhao, initially dismissive, admitted his past experience with B&C had turned him away from discussions not related to "making money." Lin Zhihua probed, asking if Mr. Zhao's project had its funding cut before delivery.

Mr. Zhao pointed out that Lin Zhihua had initially rejected Junlian's interest in C1 to partner with B&C. Lin Zhihua confessed that C1's "delivery failure was part of my plan all along" and revealed his ultimate goal: to "have them gone from China for good." He then requested Mr. Zhao's original contract and termination agreement from his past dealings with B&C. Back at the lab, B&C employees arrived and began moving out all the equipment.

Gu Xuejiao furiously confronted them, but they simply stated that the equipment now belonged to B&C due to the contract violation. Anxious and angry, Gu Xuejiao rushed to Lin Zhihua’s home and demanded he meet the lawyer with her the next morning, reminding him she had already paid the legal fees. Concurrently, Gao Rui invited Lin Zhiyue to dinner. After several drinks, he gathered his courage and asked her to be an investor in their project.

Lin Zhiyue cautioned him that if their patents were stolen, her "big boss" would likely not approve of investing in a "worthless" company, but she offered to try to persuade him. Gao Rui, still somewhat drunk, insisted that Lin Zhihua wouldn't dare refuse her family's investment and promised that he would personally ensure the deal went through.

After a night of heavy drinking, Gao Rui woke up disoriented in a hotel room, finding Lin Zhiyue’s earring nearby, leading him to believe they had a sexual encounter. Lin Zhihua also had a discussion with his father about family investment. He refused his father’s offer, stating he didn't want to be "tied up" by family business and the emotional baggage of his parents' strained, "in-name-only" marriage.

His father and mother later argued about his decision, with his mother calling his father a "coward" for not intervening. His father retorted that their son had "figured us out long ago" and refused to "keep acting in front of him" like they had "all our lives." The next morning, Gu Xuejiao and Lawyer Zhang waited impatiently for Lin Zhihua. Lawyer Zhang reminded them that his consultations were "charged by the hour."

When Lin Zhihua finally arrived late, Xuejiao reprimanded him outside. Lin Zhihua calmly explained that he needed to "act the part" of giving up to make B&C "let their guard down." He revealed that he had already begun gathering evidence of their unethical business practices from other teams that B&C had wronged. His plan was to "unite all their enemies and work together to take B&C down," a strategy inspired by a game he played.

Xuejiao, now understanding his cunning strategy, agreed to continue the act for the lawyer's benefit. To maintain appearances, she loudly reprimanded him for his tardiness as they headed inside. Once seated in the lawyer's office, Xuejiao playfully corrected Lin Zhihua's "slack" posture, demonstrating how to "slack off right" and teasing that he learned it from her brother, who also pretends not to care to "run away from reality."

Episode 17 Recap

Gu Xuejiao observed Lin Zhihua's formal sitting posture and deemed it insufficient for "slacking off." She took it upon herself to instruct him, demonstrating how to properly relax his legs. Lin Zhihua playfully suggested she had learned these techniques from her brother, a claim Gu Xuejiao hastily confirmed, fearing Lin Zhihua's suspicion, and admitted that her brother often acted indifferent to reality as a means of escaping it. As they conversed, Lin Zhihua unexpectedly kissed Gu Xuejiao.

She jokingly asked if this was part of "slacking off," to which he replied it was "meaningful slacking off." Gu Xuejiao then sat on his lap, warning him that he was "playing with fire." Undeterred, Lin Zhihua kissed her again, but their moment was interrupted by a call from Shu Lan. Gu Xuejiao answered, and Shu Lan informed her that the national contest's participation rules had been sent via WeChat.

Noticing Lin Zhihua's curiosity, Gu Xuejiao confidently declared her intention to transform their prolonged battle against Bochi Motors into a "swift strike." She envisioned winning the national contest using Lin Zhihua's patented technology, thereby proving its viability to the entire nation's media and experts and leaving Bochi Motors with no room for dispute. She proudly stated that she excels at fighting uphill battles. Meanwhile, Gu Ming frequently visited Zhou Shiyun, who gradually developed feelings for him.

A female classmate attempted to have a confession letter delivered to Gu Ming by placing it in Gu Xuejiao's book, hoping she would pass it on. Zhou Shiyun, however, did not transfer the letter and angrily warned Gu Ming to stop coming to her university, as it disturbed her studies. She also discreetly rejected the classmate, claiming Gu Ming had a girlfriend.

Gu Ming, feeling he was hindering Zhou Shiyun's social life, reflected that his frequent visits might be "misleading" her. Gu Xuejiao applied to the school to lead the national contest team, a move that directly usurped Lin Jiadong's presumed role. Enraged, Lin Jiadong accused her of overstepping and challenging his authority, asserting that he was the guaranteed team leader.

Gu Xuejiao calmly retorted that Professor Tan intended for them to compete internally for the position, highlighting Lin Jiadong's poor psychological resilience. She suggested he spend less time complaining and more time seeking guidance from Professor Tan. Lin Jiadong, in turn, threatened to make her lose badly. Despite Gu Xuejiao's determination, most lab members sided with Lin Jiadong for contest preparation. Only Shu Lan remained.

Gu Xuejiao, believing Shu Lan supported her, was told that Shu Lan was busy preparing for her postgraduate exams and didn't want to get involved in a situation that might result in a loss, especially since she didn't want 'losing' to appear in her life's dictionary. Backing Lin Jiadong, his aunt Zheng Qin, guaranteed his team would win if he secured the captaincy. Undeterred, Gu Xuejiao began recruiting.

Sun Feifei and Siqi were initially focused on civil service exams, but Gu Xuejiao strategically pointed out that a strong showing in the national contest would significantly boost their resumes. While Shu Lan initially refused, Gu Xuejiao provoked her by stating that Shu Lan wasn't indispensable, leveraging Shu Lan's own competitive spirit and aversion to losing to convince her to join. Wenbo, intrigued by Gu Xuejiao's innovative freshman-year topic, also joined the team, completing their roster.

To celebrate, Gu Xuejiao treated her team to a hot pot meal. Gu Xuejiao’s mother, Li Sitong, concerned that her daughter hadn't been home for three weeks, bought her new clothes. Gu Xuejiao's father, Dad, suspected she was dating Lin Zhihua, noting their constant proximity in the lab. They decided to visit the university to confirm their suspicions. At the university, they encountered Lin Zhihua. He informed them that Gu Xuejiao was out having hot pot with friends.

Li Sitong, cutting to the chase, asked Lin Zhihua if he had a girlfriend. Lin Zhihua, initially evasive, eventually confessed that he was pursuing Gu Xuejiao. Both parents were visibly pleased with this news. During their hot pot meal, Wenbo attempted to assign roles, but the three female team members immediately objected, expressing dissatisfaction with his suggestions and their respective fields of study for specific tasks.

Their bickering quickly escalated, and they all stormed out, leaving Wenbo crestfallen and contemplating rejoining Lin Jiadong’s team. After the others left, Lin Zhihua appeared at the hot pot restaurant, having learned from her parents that they had visited her at school. He revealed that he had confessed to her parents that he was pursuing her. Gu Xuejiao frowned, expressing her reluctance to make their relationship public, fearing scrutiny as a "lab romance" from classmates and extended family.

Lin Zhihua reassured her, agreeing to keep their relationship under wraps until after her thesis defense. He also playfully asked if she was feeling insecure, implying that even she could have such moments. Lin Jiadong, seizing the opportunity while Gu Xuejiao's team was out, successfully secured daytime lab usage rights from Professor Tan. Upon learning this, Gu Xuejiao realized her oversight and began brainstorming solutions.

Lin Zhihua brought her a new tea drink, and she confided in him about the difficulty of managing her talented but headstrong team. Lin Zhihua advised her that truly exceptional individuals are hard to impress with technical prowess alone; they need to share a common struggle. This sparked an idea in Gu Xuejiao, who decided to intentionally create challenging conditions for her team.

That night, as Gu Xuejiao and her team worked late, Shu Lan and Siqi grew weary and prepared to head back to the dorms. Gu Xuejiao, with a mischievous glint in her eye, posted on her social media about a "historic breakthrough" in their work, knowing it would pique Lin Jiadong's jealousy. As anticipated, Lin Jiadong, consumed by envy, cut the power and attempted to scare them with a "dead programmer" ghost prank.

Gu Xuejiao, recognizing his antics, seized the moment. When Lin Jiadong opened his laptop, she startled him with a terrifying prank, causing him to retreat hastily. The next day, Gu Xuejiao and her team put on a performance for Professor Tan, fabricating a story about Lin Jiadong's scare tactics and the power outage. Unable to counter their four combined accounts, Lin Jiadong received a stern reprimand from Professor Tan.

Following this, Lin Jiadong sought out his aunt, Zheng Qin, at her office. She was in a meeting but conveyed her continued support, dismissing Lin Zhihua's contest participation as a desperate attempt for prize money and vowing to deny him even that. Energized by their shared "hardship," Gu Xuejiao's team, unable to use the lab during the day, relocated their work to the hot pot restaurant. Their combined efforts led to rapid progress, and they quickly developed the source code.

As they returned to school that evening, Lin Zhihua called Gu Xuejiao. Their sweet exchanges were overheard by Sun Feifei, who immediately questioned Gu Xuejiao about her mysterious "boyfriend." Before Gu Xuejiao could fully deflect, several muscular men emerged from the darkness of the trees, blocking their path. The leader demanded Wenbo's laptop. A scuffle ensued, but Lin Zhihua arrived just in time. Recognizing the Bochi Motors work uniforms worn by the men, he quickly subdued them.

Gu Xuejiao, attempting to help with a wooden stick, stumbled and fell, accidentally pushing Lin Zhihua down and injuring his hand. In the ensuing chaos, a teammate, rushing to assist, accidentally hit Lin Zhihua's head with a stick, necessitating his immediate hospitalization. At the hospital, Gu Xuejiao attentively fed Lin Zhihua. He calmly revealed that he had long known Zheng Qin was Lin Jiadong's aunt.

He explained that he kept Lin Jiadong close because while Lin Jiadong was easily swayed and prone to petty tricks, he wasn't inherently malicious, just easily manipulated. Gu Xuejiao, relieved by his explanation, playfully accused him of "doting on his fans."

Episode 18 Recap

Lin Zhihua, still recovering in the hospital, inquired about the data breach. Gu Xuejiao reassured him that the B&C Motors assailants only damaged their physical computers, as all data had been securely uploaded to the cloud. She also revealed that Ms. Zheng from B&C Motors, who had previously made unwanted advances toward Lin Zhihua, was Lin Jiadong's aunt.

Lin Zhihua questioned why Gu Xuejiao continued to keep Lin Jiadong on the team given this connection, but Gu Xuejiao explained that while Lin Jiadong was often indecisive and easily manipulated, she didn't believe he was directly involved in the attack. She added that the incident, rather than hindering them, had surprisingly strengthened their team's cohesion and spirit. Gu Xuejiao had prepared a meal for Lin Zhihua, but he playfully rejected several dishes, citing health concerns or bad omens.

Gu Xuejiao then offered him a balanced meal she had personally cooked, which he praised. As they leaned in for a kiss, a female student in the adjacent bed playfully interrupted, reminding them they were in a public hospital room and teasing them about their obvious affection. Gu Xuejiao, in turn, playfully chided the student for not focusing on her homework, even offering to get her exam prep books.

Realizing the mounting pressure of the upcoming competition and her backlog of classwork, Gu Xuejiao decided it was time to return to campus. Their romantic moment was again playfully interrupted by the student, prompting Gu Xuejiao to finally make her departure. Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua discreetly slipped out of his hospital room and headed to B&C Motors. Despite the staff's attempts to stop him, he barged into a meeting where Ms. Zheng was present.

Without a word, he projected security footage from the previous night's incident onto the conference room screen. Ms. Zheng's face immediately fell, and she ordered her assistant to shut off the projector. Lin Zhihua calmly warned her that if B&C Motors continued their underhanded tactics, the video would be released across all major social media platforms. He implied that while Ms. Zheng might disregard her own reputation, B&C Motors as a company would certainly care about the public backlash.

Back in his hospital room, Lin Zhihua, concerned the young patient in the next bed might report his unauthorized outing, offered to help him with his homework. The boy, however, quickly used his phone to find the answers online. Lin Zhihua then noticed a book on the boy's table, disguised with a different cover, which turned out to be "Messi's Legendary Journey."

He jokingly threatened to tell the boy's mother, but then proposed a deal: if the boy kept his secret, Lin Zhihua would reveal when Messi would win his next title. To establish credibility, Lin Zhihua accurately predicted the result of an upcoming World Cup qualifier match, a revelation that astonished the young fan, solidifying their unlikely agreement.

With the competition drawing near, Gu Xuejiao and her team enthusiastically gathered in the lab, eager to watch the World Cup qualifiers after their internal practice match. Their excitement quickly turned to dismay when Lin Zhihua informed them their firewall source code had been leaked. Upon checking her computer, Gu Xuejiao confirmed the breach, suspecting that lingering data from their previously damaged computers had been recovered and exploited. Lin Jiadong's team then arrived, openly mocking and challenging them.

Gu Xuejiao confronted Lin Jiadong about the leak, though he denied involvement. Realizing the severity of the situation, Lin Zhihua quickly contacted Lin Zhiyue, asking her to investigate other teams' collaboration details with B&C Motors. He then proposed new competition rules to Professor Tan, hinting at a "mystery guest judge" to oversee the competition. Before the competition began, Lin Zhihua, acting as Professor Tan's assistant, announced the revised rules.

Due to an "unforeseen circumstance" affecting Gu Xuejiao's team, both teams' firewalls would be disabled. The new challenge involved infiltrating a specific computer within the university's local area network, using hundreds of idle classroom PCs, which were currently being used for a "Citizenship & Conduct Assessment," as a distributed server matrix. Shortly after the challenge began, Lin Jiadong's team successfully breached Professor Tan's computer.

Just as Professor Tan was about to declare Lin Jiadong's team the winner, Gu Xuejiao's team executed a brilliant counter-attack, projecting a live World Cup football match video onto every computer screen in Capital University's classrooms. Gu Xuejiao appeared on screen and explained that while Lin Jiadong's team had precisely targeted one computer, her team had exploited a vulnerability he created to compromise all computers in the entire building.

The result, with students across campus cheering for the football game, clearly demonstrated Gu Xuejiao's decisive victory. After the competition, Lin Zhihua went to the teaching building to disable the live feed, where Gu Xuejiao joined him. They shared a sweet embrace and nearly kissed, but Lin Zhihua accidentally triggered a video feed, inadvertently broadcasting their private moment to the entire laboratory, much to the amusement of their teammates who quickly began recording.

Later, at Lin Zhihua's home, they celebrated by eating luosifen. Lin Zhihua, initially put off by the strong smell, eventually tried the dish, and Gu Xuejiao playfully fed him. As they leaned in for another kiss, a visibly troubled Gao Rui suddenly appeared in the living room in his pajamas, explaining he was staying for a few days as he was feeling "emo." While Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao quietly discussed Gao Rui's mood, Lin Zhiyue arrived at the door.

Gao Rui, flustered, opened the door and awkwardly tried to discuss an earring he had found and offer Lin Zhiyue his new phone number, before quickly retreating to his bedroom. Lin Zhiyue then handed Lin Zhihua the list he had asked her to investigate, containing information about other teams' dealings with B&C Motors, without explaining its contents to Gu Xuejiao. As they talked, Gao Rui reappeared, now dressed in a suit.

Recognizing Gao Rui's obvious romantic intentions towards Lin Zhiyue, Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao quickly devised a plan, feigning a need for soy sauce and sending Lin Zhiyue and Gao Rui out together to buy it. On the way to buy soy sauce, Lin Zhiyue was busy with several business calls. After she finished, Gao Rui nervously brought up "that night," expressing his guilt and offering to take responsibility for her.

Lin Zhiyue finally understood his misconception and clarified that nothing intimate had transpired between them. She explained that he was simply too drunk, so she had taken him to a hotel for his safety, and the money she left was purely for his cab fare home, not "hush money" as he had assumed. She also stated that as Lin Zhihua's sister, she felt a responsibility to look out for him after he had been previously injured due to Lin Zhihua.

Gao Rui, thoroughly embarrassed by his misunderstanding, requested to be dropped off at the next intersection. Before exiting the car, he returned an earring to Lin Zhiyue. Watching his hasty and flustered departure, Lin Zhiyue could not help but smile and laugh to herself. Sun Tiantian invited Gu Xuejiao to dinner to celebrate their advancement to the finals of the National College Intelligent Security Competition.

The official announcement had confirmed the finalists: Capital University, led by Gu Xuejiao, and UFE, which included Zhou Shiyun. Sun Tiantian expressed her desire to attend the final but admitted her boba shop was too busy. While chatting, Sun Tiantian teased Gu Xuejiao, predicting a dramatic showdown given their high school rivalry, but Gu Xuejiao dismissed the notion, emphasizing her team's "powerhouse" status compared to UFE's "dark horse" and her captaincy over Zhou Shiyun's role as a team member.

Nevertheless, Gu Xuejiao acknowledged Zhou Shiyun's impressive performance in reaching the finals and stressed the importance of not underestimating her. While Gu Xuejiao went to the front counter to get more beer, she encountered Gu Mingze and Zhou Shiyun. Gu Mingze remarked that the final's challenges were rumored to be exceptionally difficult, but Gu Xuejiao confidently asserted they would overcome any obstacle.

Zhou Shiyun praised Gu Xuejiao's team for their clear commands and seamless teamwork, stating she was glad to face them in the final but made it clear that despite their past, she would not hold back. Gu Xuejiao confidently reciprocated the sentiment. After Gu Mingze and Zhou Shiyun sat down, Zhou Shiyun, with a hint of underlying resentment towards Gu Xuejiao, directly asked Gu Mingze whom he would support in the final.

Gu Mingze, caught between his sister Gu Xuejiao and Zhou Shiyun, hesitated to choose a side. He initially claimed he would cheer for both, and when pressed by Zhou Shiyun to pick only one, he faltered before saying he would support her. To further avoid the awkwardness of the situation, Gu Mingze feigned a prior engagement on the day of the final, stating he would be unable to attend the competition.

The long-awaited final competition finally arrived, featuring intelligent cars provided by B&C Motors. Initially, Gu Xuejiao's team established a commanding lead. However, Zhao Feifei on UFE's team soon detected a critical anomaly: UFE's command injection speed was inexplicably outpacing their firewall's processing capabilities. Gu Xuejiao's team quickly panicked as their data became sluggish. Lin Zhihua, observing from the sidelines, promptly deduced that the remote control signal was the root of the problem.

Shortly after, Lin Jiadong sent diagnostic logs, confirming that over fifty percent of their main commands were being lost due to a hardware issue, which appeared to be with the host-provided equipment. When Lin Zhihua confronted the organizers, they refused to allow any hardware replacements mid-match, stating that teams were responsible for resolving their own technical difficulties.

Thinking quickly, Lin Zhihua instructed Lin Jiadong to find an optimal external location to act as an auxiliary support for Gu Xuejiao's team's operations. By rigging a makeshift signal booster, Gu Xuejiao's team managed to stabilize their connection and regain control. With the signal issue resolved, Capital University rapidly reclaimed its dominant position in the competition, quickly turning the tide in their favor.

Episode 19 Recap

The competition entered its final countdown, and in the decisive round, Capital University emerged victorious. Everyone cheered for their efforts. Before stepping onto the podium, Gu Xuejiao mysteriously told Lin Zhihua she had a big surprise for him. As she passed Zhou Shiyun, Gu Xuejiao mentioned the final maintenance system, asking if it was specifically designed. Zhou Shiyun replied that if their positions were reversed, Gu Xuejiao would also show no mercy, a straightforwardness Gu Xuejiao appreciated.

The two congratulated each other, with Gu Xuejiao acknowledging Zhou Shiyun’s strong performance. During the award ceremony, Zheng Qin, though outwardly smiling, presented the trophy to Gu Xuejiao. While Gu Xuejiao's win was unexpected to her, she quickly composed herself with a smile, accepting the award. After Gu Xuejiao's team thanked Zheng Qin, a reporter pressed Zheng Qin on whether the award was prearranged due to the collaboration between Capital University and B&C Motors. Zheng Qin denied it, assuring fairness.

Gu Xuejiao then politely asked Zheng Qin if the competition represented the highest national standard, which Zheng Qin confirmed. Gu Xuejiao then publicly announced that Capital University’s intelligent information technology would be applied to the C1 autonomous vehicle project, a collaboration between Capital University and B&C Motors, spearheaded by honorary captain Lin Zhihua. Facing a technology selected as champion by her own company, Zheng Qin could only force a bitter smile and concur.

Zheng Qin, looking displeased, exchanged tense glances with Gu Xuejiao before warning her after the ceremony that their issues weren't over. Lin Zhihua approached Gu Xuejiao, asking if this public announcement was her "surprise." Gu Xuejiao confirmed, and Lin Zhihua found it "super satisfying." Worried about Zhou Shiyun’s spirits, Gu Mingze rushed to comfort her, admitting he was awkward with words and had even searched online for phrases to console a second-place winner.

Zhou Shiyun, seeing his genuine efforts to cheer her up, eventually managed a smile and made him promise that in his heart, she would always be number one. With the busy competition days behind them, Lin Zhihua planned a date with Gu Xuejiao. However, Gu Xuejiao deemed it too time-consuming, expressing her desire to gain more experience before Lin Zhihua graduated.

As they talked, a news notification appeared, stating that Capital University had been disqualified from the National Intelligent Safety Competition (NISC) and stripped of its championship due to rule violations. Gu Xuejiao exclaimed, "Shameless!" Lin Zhihua immediately suspected Zheng Qin was behind it and, without hesitation, pulled Gu Xuejiao to B&C Motors for an explanation. At B&C Motors, Zheng Qin claimed to have received complaints about Capital University's cheating during the competition, stating that the disqualification was a committee decision.

Just then, Dr. Cai from B&C headquarters unexpectedly entered the meeting room. He sternly reprimanded Zheng Qin for consistently damaging B&C's reputation and appropriating the technical achievements of startup teams. As Zheng Qin tried to defend herself, Dr. Cai produced a joint letter of complaint. Lin Zhihua revealed he had asked Lin Zhiyue to collect statements from all the teams B&C had wronged, presenting irrefutable evidence. Zheng Qin was left speechless and forced to accept civil penalties.

Regarding the cooperation with Capital University, Dr. Cai stated it would not be affected. However, Lin Zhihua informed him that they wished to terminate the partnership, citing B&C’s prior breach of contract as the reason. Dr. Cai respected Lin Zhihua's decision, offering future help if needed. After resolving the dispute with B&C Motors, Lin Zhihua suggested they celebrate.

Gu Xuejiao, however, stated she had coursework to complete and also expressed a desire for Lin Zhihua to inform her earlier about such matters in the future, asking for his complete trust. Hearing "trust," Lin Zhihua considered revealing his secret about being a transmigrator to Gu Xuejiao but was hesitant. He initially thought of consulting Lin Zhiyue but ultimately decided against asking her for advice, instead calling Gu Xuejiao directly to tell her in person.

Gu Xuejiao was waiting on campus when she unexpectedly encountered the little girl who had been in the same hospital room as Lin Zhihua. The girl mentioned that Lin Zhihua had accurately predicted the score of the World Cup match between China and Korea. Gu Xuejiao recalled Lin Zhihua mentioning a secret before he went abroad, confirming her suspicion that he had been hiding something from her.

When Lin Zhihua found a visibly upset Gu Xuejiao, he tried to explain that he had intended to tell her the truth after the C1 project was launched, and that he had feared mixing memories and affecting their relationship. Gu Xuejiao, however, felt that Lin Zhihua still treated her like a fool, just as in his previous life, and, regardless of his explanations, walked away angrily. Lin Zhihua sought comfort from Gu Mingze.

Gu Mingze suggested Zhou Shiyun console Gu Xuejiao. Lin Zhihua admitted he had only told "white lies," but Gu Mingze argued that lovers should have no secrets and that such lies, even with good intentions, still breach trust. The next day at the lab, Lin Zhihua wrote an apology letter, but Gu Xuejiao refused to even look at it. She updated her social media status with, "What's a boyfriend? Sisters should be self-reliant."

Yi Tianyu, seeing Gu Xuejiao's post, immediately booked a flight back to China, even buying a bouquet of yellow roses to "celebrate" Gu Xuejiao's breakup. Lin Zhihua sent Gu Xuejiao an apology message, only to discover he had been unfriended. Back at the lab, Yi Tianyu appeared at the doorway with flowers. After a brief altercation, Lin Zhihua entered the lab to work. Yi Tianyu then called Sun Tiantian for help.

Within minutes, he returned with new milk teas from Sun Tiantian's shop, delivering one to Gu Xuejiao with its precise, elaborate order (zero sugar, less ice, pearls replaced with popping boba plus milk foam, peach oolong tea). He expected a surprise, but Gu Xuejiao only felt awkward, telling him to distribute the milk teas and leave quickly so as not to disrupt their work. Meanwhile, Zhou Shiyun’s family business went bankrupt, forcing them to sell their villa to repay debts.

As Zhou Shiyun packed her belongings at home, her mother continued to chastise her for not being good enough, constantly comparing her to Gu Xuejiao and accusing her of deliberately trying to embarrass her. Finally, Zhou Shiyun found the courage to stand up, asserting that no matter what she achieved, it would never earn her mother's approval. She declared that from now on, she would only follow her own heart and would not live with her parents anymore.

As she walked out of the house, Gu Mingze followed her quietly, hesitant to ask why she was upset. Zhou Shiyun eventually stopped and confided in Gu Mingze, who simply stayed by her side, assuring her that her feelings mattered, and seeing her safe was paramount.

Episode 20 Recap

Gu Mingze's game launch event was taking place, but he chose not to attend, telling someone on the phone that the press conference had fallen through and he would only get scolded if he answered. He stated he preferred not to be in crowds anyway, as he was with Zhou Shiyun, who was crying. Zhou Shiyun explained that her tears were not due to an argument with her mother, but because she was happy.

She expressed that after so many years, she could finally breathe freely and be herself, without caring about others' opinions. She then encouraged Gu Mingze to return to his launch event, asserting that from now on, she would not let anyone change who she was and hoped he would do the same. News spread throughout the lab about Zheng Qin's incident, and suspicions arose regarding Lin Jiadong's familial connection to B&C Motors' VP (his aunt).

Accused of implanting hidden code, Lin Jiadong vehemently denied it, but the other lab members were quick to point fingers, demanding an apology and explanation. Gu Xuejiao, however, stood up for him, stating she would only believe what she saw with her own eyes and requested that the in-car command logs be pulled from the server. She then subtly implied that such tricky hidden code was beyond Lin Jiadong's capabilities.

Lin Jiadong then confessed that his aunt had indeed asked him to modify the code to subtly tweak the car system's communication protocol and destroy the data afterward to make him seem more reliable, but he ultimately decided against it and hit the undo key. Lin Zhihua confirmed that the malicious code had, in fact, never run.

Lin Zhihua took the opportunity to discuss the importance of honesty and trust, reflecting on how people sometimes hide the truth, fearing it might upset others. While Lin Jiadong apologized for his actions, Gu Xuejiao redirected the conversation, emphasizing that if trust was so important, there should be no "white lies" from the start. She questioned how they could face problems and find solutions together without honesty.

Realizing the conversation had shifted from him, Lin Jiadong started to respond, but Gu Xuejiao cut him off, asserting she wasn't talking to him. Lin Zhihua tried to mediate, suggesting they let it go, but Gu Xuejiao insisted she was only discussing the matter at hand, not reconciliation. With that, she left the lab, leaving Lin Zhihua contemplating their unresolved issues.

Outside the lab, Yi Tianyu attempted to talk to Gu Xuejiao, offering to carry her bag, but she dismissed him and told him to spend time with his father. Gu Xuejiao then realized she forgot her phone and had to return to the lab. On her way back, she overheard Yi Tianyu on a phone call with his father, Yi Dafa, who was urging him to come home and learn to manage the shop accounts.

Yi Tianyu informed his father that he was at Capital University with his girlfriend. Overhearing this, Gu Xuejiao felt happy that he had found a new direction in life. She then approached Yi Tianyu, congratulating him on having a girlfriend. Yi Tianyu, however, misinterpreted her reaction, thinking she was jealous. Gu Xuejiao clarified that she was going to have dinner with Tiantian (Sun Tiantian) and invited him to join sometime with Lin Zhihua.

She then noticed him reading an economics book and learned that his father had steered him away from professional basketball into business. Gu Xuejiao offered him advice, explaining that while theoretical knowledge was important, foresight was key in investment. She hinted at future trends like open AI, digital currency, and e-commerce, considering it a good deed to help her "ex get a second chance." Yi Tianyu seemed to struggle to grasp her advice as she left once more.

As the lab closed for the day, other team members promptly left, leaving only Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao. Lin Zhihua approached her, expressing his frustration with her silence and stating he would prefer an argument over being ignored. Gu Xuejiao accused him of childishly cutting the power, but he insisted the outage was real. With the access control system disabled, Gu Xuejiao began looking for a tool to pry open the door.

Lin Zhihua offered to help, explaining that he had already contacted security, but Gu Xuejiao, unwilling to wait, questioned if he was that desperate to be with her. With Lin Zhihua's assistance, she managed to almost open the door, then criticized him for not using the funds from the C1 project's sale to upgrade the lab's equipment. Lin Zhihua revealed that his strategy against B&C Motors was never about winning, but about ensuring C1 was acquired at a high price.

He explained his long-term plan was to use those funds to develop C2, enabling a "precise targeted strike" against B&C in three years, and credited her championship win for C1's high valuation. Gu Xuejiao remained unimpressed, stating that wasn't what she wanted to hear.

Lin Zhihua then shifted to a deeper apology, admitting he had been avoiding telling her about his rebirth, just as he had avoided other difficult truths, like his C1 strategy and the incident involving his past self. He expressed remorse for believing that ignoring these issues would make them disappear and sincerely apologized. Gu Xuejiao's demeanor softened as she confessed to also running away from her past, admitting she disliked her past self rather than him.

She felt his presence constantly reminded her of memories she wished to erase, but couldn't. Lin Zhihua countered that she shouldn't try to erase the past, as both her past and present selves contributed to who she was now. Still frustrated, Gu Xuejiao asked why he had kept his secret for so long if he truly believed that.

To further mend their relationship and confront the past, Lin Zhihua then asked her to meet him at the group building, specifically mentioning it was the place where she had suffered humiliation in her previous life. The following day, Gu Xuejiao arrived at the specified building. Lin Zhihua presented her with a program, reminding her of the code she wrote for a previous transfer application, where she was wrongly accused of a critical bug.

He revealed that after she had quit in her previous life, he had reviewed her code and recognized her unique style. He further explained that the malicious code found in the recent competition, attributed to Lin Jiadong, was implanted in the same place and was clearly not her doing. Gu Xuejiao remained indifferent, sarcastically telling him to thank Lin Jiadong.

Lin Zhihua then swiftly explained that he had rented the entire building before Xintu could, declaring it the location for their new startup company. Lin Zhihua then asked Gu Xuejiao to "interview" him. He presented an idea for an in-car smart app inspired by her father's experiences as a ride-hailing driver, highlighting the importance of catering to niche user groups like the elderly and those with special needs.

He explained that their developing C2 system would incorporate such adaptive modes and formally offered her a chance to license her app idea, confessing that his past self missed the opportunity to help her realize it and hoped this time she would give him a chance. Gu Xuejiao asked about the duration, and he replied "unlimited renewal," leading to a handshake and a happy reconciliation.

Afterward, Lin Zhihua demonstrated his intimate knowledge of her preferences, listing the exact way she liked her coffee. Gu Xuejiao jokingly accused him of secretly observing her for a long time, mentioning he even knew about her previous transfer application code, and questioned his intentions. He admitted wanting to explain earlier but never found the right moment, which she dismissed as an excuse, reminding him to fight for opportunities.

As he held her hand, she teasingly told him to let go, but he refused, saying she only heard what she wanted. Gu Xuejiao then took her turn to probe into his past, asking about his ex-girlfriends. He claimed his circle was limited to male colleagues, in contrast to her, whose "ex-boyfriend," Yi Tianyu, was "still haunting," implying Yi Tianyu's continued presence in her current life.

Gu Xuejiao, referring to the "past crimes," asked how he knew Yi Tianyu was her ex from her previous life. Lin Zhihua revealed he knew because her previous self had a picture with Yi Tianyu at work and Yi Tianyu used to bring her snacks. Back at the lab, Gu Xuejiao assured Lin Zhihua that she and Yi Tianyu were "just friends" this time and that their past was behind them.

Lin Zhihua probed, asking if she thought Yi Tianyu might be different in this new life. Gu Xuejiao playfully accused him of jealousy, then elaborated that since they both had a second chance at life, there was no need to dwell on the past. She expressed that she was living a fulfilling life without regrets and was genuinely happy for Yi Tianyu, especially now that he had a girlfriend and was doing well.

Lin Zhihua questioned their trust, asking if they could have some between them, to which she affirmed. Gu Xuejiao then heard sounds outside and suggested someone was there, but Lin Zhihua, thinking she was trying to trick him, denied it. She teased him, calling him a "cunning little fox," unaware that Yi Tianyu was standing right outside the door, having overheard their entire conversation and looking visibly upset.

Six years later, in 2024, B&C Motors withdrew entirely from the autonomous driving market, as their C1 technology was completely overshadowed by the advanced C2 system developed by Huachuang, co-led by Gu Xuejiao and Lin Zhihua. Huachuang had emerged as a leading force, with Lin Zhihua explaining in an interview that this was merely the market's natural selection, where innovation replaces the old.

Gao Rui questioned Gu Xuejiao's decision to make the V2X protocol public, concerned about the potential loss of licensing profits, but Gu Xuejiao argued that freely licensing their cutting-edge private protocol would expand Huachuang's market influence and share.

Meanwhile, Lin Jiadong tried to remind Lin Zhihua about the arrival of Jason Yi, project lead at Blue Mountain Capital, for a business lunch, but Lin Zhihua dismissed it, instructing Gao Rui to handle the reception as he had "more important matters" to attend to. Gu Xuejiao was on a call with Lin Zhihua, discussing gifts for his parents in preparation for their upcoming formal family meeting, expressing her confidence that his parents would make her family feel welcome.

Lin Zhihua, on the other hand, was nervous, asking her opinion on two keychains. Suddenly, Gu Xuejiao spotted Yi Tianyu, exclaiming his name. Yi Tianyu, now known as Jason Yi, revealed he was the Blue Mountain Capital project lead and that their business lunch was in the same mall. He subtly hinted at his lingering feelings for Gu Xuejiao by asking if "she" liked some items, even as he congratulated her on her impending marriage to Lin Zhihua.

Lin Zhihua arrived shortly after, having heard Gu Xuejiao say Yi Tianyu's name on the phone. He presented a bouquet of flowers, which Yi Tianyu jokingly claimed was for his "future mother-in-law" (Gu Xuejiao's mother), prompting Lin Zhihua to urge him to hurry before the flowers wilted. As Lin Zhihua took the gifts Gu Xuejiao had picked, he playfully chided both her and Yi Tianyu for skipping a crucial business lunch, asserting that meeting their parents was far more important.

Meanwhile, the four parents were already gathered, attempting to maintain a facade of harmonious family life. Lin Zhihua's parents discreetly received separate phone calls that revealed their divorce, sparking a heated argument between them. As Gu Xuejiao's parents returned from the restroom, they witnessed the escalating fight. Lin Zhihua's parents then retreated into a private room to continue their dispute, locking the door.

Unable to open it, Gu Xuejiao's parents sought help from the hotel manager, who turned out to be Yi Dafa, Yi Tianyu's father. Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao arrived at the chaotic scene just then. Lin Zhihua intervened to calm his parents, while Gu Xuejiao’s parents were shocked to learn about the divorce, asking Gu Xuejiao if she was aware.

Yi Dafa, recognizing Gu Xuejiao's father, became effusive, drunkenly recounting a previous life incident where Gu Xuejiao's father, then a taxi driver, indirectly saved him from an investment trap by causing him to miss a flight. He also revealed that Gu Xuejiao had tutored his son, Yi Tianyu, into getting into university. As the situation remained tense, Yi Tianyu arrived and greeted Gu Xuejiao's parents, adding another layer of complexity to the already awkward gathering.

Episode 21 Recap

Lin Zhihua’s parents left the dinner, their faces grim. Meanwhile, Yi Dafa, Yi Tianyu's father, attempted to ingratiate himself with Gu Xuejiao’s parents. As Gu Xuejiao expressed her desire to return to her company, Yi Tianyu suddenly appeared. Yi Dafa lavishly praised his son, highlighting Yi Tianyu's exceptional foresight in the investment world, mentioning the business models he devised for their restaurant chain and his consistently profitable investments.

Gu Xuejiao's mother, Li Sitong, interested in small investments, immediately took a liking to Yi Tianyu and urged him to drive Gu Xuejiao back to her company, overriding Gu Xuejiao's polite refusal. During the drive, Yi Tianyu revealed he had cancelled his attendance at a Huachuang business lunch because of a minor dispute at his father's restaurant, where he unexpectedly found his father drinking with Gu Xuejiao's.

Qi Lei, who was driving for Yi Tianyu, remarked on Gu Xuejiao's unchanging competitive nature since their high school days. Gu Xuejiao then discovered Yi Tianyu was already advising her mother on investments via WeChat, prompting her to warn him against giving "wild" advice. At the company parking lot, Lin Jiadong was irate to find his designated spot occupied. He confronted Qi Lei, who was still in Yi Tianyu's car.

Their exchange quickly escalated, with Lin Jiadong asserting his authority as the GM's assistant. Qi Lei, however, revealed he was Yi Tianyu’s driver, representing Blue Mountain Capital, a major investor, implying a higher status. Lin Jiadong, feeling his authority undermined, stormed off. Inside the office, Lin Zhihua was examining Yi Tianyu's impressive investment record, which detailed a series of exceptionally accurate market predictions across various sectors, leading to significant wealth accumulation. Lin Zhihua described him as having a "crystal ball."

Lin Jiadong entered, delivering the weekly meeting agenda, and was instructed to receive Mr. Yi later. After leaving Lin Zhihua's office, Lin Jiadong vented his frustrations, accusing Lin Zhihua of forgetting his loyalty and being an exploitative capitalist. Observing this, Yi Tianyu approached Lin Jiadong, suggesting that "not all capitalists are bad," hinting at an opportunity. Gao Rui gave Yi Tianyu a tour of the company.

They encountered Gu Xuejiao’s technical team and Zhou Shiyun’s technical team embroiled in a heated argument over the C3's V2X module's real-world performance. Yi Tianyu attempted to enter the meeting room to catch up, but Lin Zhihua refused, citing it as an internal meeting. Lin Zhihua arrived, having just fired his own assistant. He then announced the board's decision to merge the two frequently clashing teams due to their ongoing disputes over protocol efficiency.

Both Gu Xuejiao and Zhou Shiyun immediately expressed strong opposition, forming a united front against the decision. Later that evening, Gu Xuejiao and Zhou Shiyun met at a bar, where they reconciled their earlier work-related argument, agreeing to keep professional and personal matters separate. Sun Tiantian joined them, bringing a rare bottle of Romanée-Conti wine. Gu Xuejiao shared her plan to move in with Lin Zhihua, hoping to alleviate her parents' concerns about their relationship.

Zhou Shiyun, frustrated by Gu Mingze’s lack of romantic initiative, concocted a plan to fake being drunk. She applied excessive blush and asked Gu Xuejiao and Sun Tiantian to call Gu Mingze to pick her up. Gu Mingze arrived, questioning if Zhou Shiyun's "drunkenness" was a result of him. Gu Xuejiao playfully told him to ask his girlfriend himself and then, with a hint of sarcasm, told him not to bother coming back for her, asserting her own independence.

Gu Xuejiao's hopes for a romantic evening with Lin Zhihua were dashed as he chose to work late, a decision she accepted. The following morning, Lin Zhihua accidentally walked in on Gu Xuejiao in the bathroom, prompting her to ask for greater consideration in their shared living space, to which he agreed to use a signal on the door.

Zhou Shiyun, still feeling dejected, confided in Gu Xuejiao that Gu Mingze had merely driven her home without a kiss, questioning his romantic interest. Gu Xuejiao reassured her. Zhou Shiyun also mentioned seeing Lin Zhihua working until 4 AM in their work group chat. Meanwhile, Gu Xuejiao received a call from her former Director Fu from Seven High, who had been promoted to Principal Fu. At the school, Gu Xuejiao noticed numerous new scholarship programs.

Principal Fu revealed these were funded by an education fund initiated by successful alumni, specifically mentioning her former tablemate, Yi Tianyu. Just as he spoke, Yi Tianyu arrived at the school. Outside Principal Fu's office, Gu Xuejiao directly asked Yi Tianyu about the education fund. They briefly reminisced about their high school days, and Gu Xuejiao acknowledged the positive changes at the school, remarking there was "nothing to regret."

Yi Tianyu attempted to reignite their past, reminding her of watching him play basketball, but Gu Xuejiao claimed not to remember. As Gu Xuejiao tried to leave for work, suggesting a class reunion later, Yi Tianyu stopped her, demanding to know what she was afraid of. He confessed that his return to China was for her and accused her of avoiding him because she knew his feelings.

Gu Xuejiao clarified that her avoidance was to spare him embarrassment, firmly stating that she was happily in a relationship with Lin Zhihua. She told him that if he couldn't maintain an appropriate distance, they should stop seeing each other. Yi Tianyu insisted he was her best choice, but Gu Xuejiao unequivocally declared that they had always been, and would only ever be, ordinary classmates.

Refusing to accept this, Yi Tianyu asserted he had changed everything she disliked about him, even giving up basketball, to become the person she liked, and asked for a chance. Gu Xuejiao, however, remained resolute, telling him not to romanticize a path she never chose and reiterating her love for Lin Zhihua, making it clear that a future together was impossible. Facing her definitive rejection, Yi Tianyu, still reeling, vowed to reclaim his happiness, and "their" happiness.

Gu Xuejiao returned to Lin Zhihua's house to find her parents, Dad and Li Sitong, already there. Lin Zhihua had invited them for dinner to make amends for the previous unpleasant encounter. Lin Zhihua offered his apologies for the past incident. Li Sitong assured him it was not his fault, explaining that Gu Xuejiao had told them about his family dynamics, where his mother "disciplines" his father, which had eased their worries about potential conflicts.

Dad happily toasted Lin Zhihua as his future son-in-law, welcoming him into the family. The next day, a news report broke, detailing a severe car accident involving Yi Tianyu in a Huachuang C2 model, with suspected brake failure. Lin Zhihua, Gu Xuejiao, and Gao Rui immediately went to the hospital. Yi Tianyu's driver, Qi Lei, initially prevented their entry, stating Yi Tianyu refused to see anyone from Huachuang.

Lin Zhihua explained their responsibility, as the C2 was a gift to Yi Tianyu's company. Gu Xuejiao then stepped forward, clarifying that she was there both as a Huachuang representative and as a concerned classmate. Qi Lei then allowed only Gu Xuejiao into the room. Inside, Yi Tianyu questioned her presence. Gu Xuejiao apologized to him as a friend and as a member of the C2 technical team, promising a thorough explanation once the accident's cause was determined.

Yi Tianyu, appearing weary, then asked her to leave. As Gu Xuejiao departed, Qi Lei sarcastically remarked that Lin Zhihua should be the one apologizing. A nurse intervened, warning them about Yi Tianyu's spinal injury and the risk of secondary damage. Lin Zhihua convened a meeting, demanding a swift investigation into the C2's brake failure before the upcoming accident briefing.

He assigned Gao Rui to hardware, Zhou Shiyun to software, and Gu Xuejiao to environmental modeling of the crash site, emphasizing the need for speed. Lin Jiadong, now aligned with Blue Mountain Capital and Yi Tianyu, interrupted the meeting, bringing police with him to investigate and handle Lin Zhihua. He announced that negative publicity about Huachuang was rampant, C2 orders were being cancelled, and investors were questioning Lin Zhihua's leadership. He declared he was there to "clean up their mess."

In response, Wenbo and other employees announced their resignation, choosing to stand with Lin Zhihua. Gu Xuejiao urged them to stay and focus on uncovering the truth, rather than acting impulsively. However, Gao Rui revealed that the accident investigation team's access had been revoked, and Lin Jiadong confirmed that Gu Xuejiao's personal access had been downgraded to "limited low-risk access" due to her relationship with Lin Zhihua. Gu Xuejiao reluctantly accepted the company's decision.

Later, Gu Xuejiao revisited Yi Tianyu in the hospital. He directly asked if her visit was an attempt to intercede for Lin Zhihua. Gu Xuejiao clarified that her apology was purely personal, and she believed Lin Zhihua was capable of overcoming the crisis on his own, without her interference. Yi Tianyu mockingly wished Lin Zhihua "to survive the crisis." After Gu Xuejiao departed, Yi Tianyu called his public relations contact, emphasizing the urgency.

He ordered that Huachuang's accident remain the top trending topic, leveraging the "explosive news" of an investor's crash in their C2 model to prevent Lin Zhihua from recovering. At Lin Zhihua’s apartment, where Gu Xuejiao and Zhou Shiyun were working late, Gu Mingze arrived with breakfast and light-heartedly chided Lin Zhihua for overworking his employees, noting that Zhou Shiyun was also working at his home. Lin Zhihua explained that with their investigation access restricted, they were depending on Zhou Shiyun.

Gao Rui pointed out that Zhou Shiyun's past workplace friction with Lin Zhihua had ironically led Blue Mountain to allow her to continue the software investigation. He speculated whether Lin Zhihua had anticipated Blue Mountain's restrictions, but Lin Zhihua deflected. Zhou Shiyun then presented a critical discovery: after analyzing all simulated driving trajectories, none aligned with Yi Tianyu’s actual path, which was unusually straight.

The team concluded that such a straight trajectory in an emergency suggested two possibilities: either the driver was too shocked to react, or he had prior knowledge that the vehicle would lose control. The most alarming detail, Zhou Shiyun added, was that the company’s servers had coincidentally been under maintenance at the exact time of the accident, resulting in the irreversible loss of the accident vehicle's program logs.

Episode 22 Recap

During a discussion about the recent C2 vehicle accident, concerns were raised about the missing program logs from Yi Tianyu's car. One person noted that the company's server had been undergoing maintenance at the exact time of the accident, leading to the logs' disappearance. Given that Yi Tianyu works in finance, not technology, Gu Xuejiao suggested, "If this car accident was a man-made one, he must have a technical helper in Huachuang."

Lin Zhihua, clearly agitated by the situation, pondered, "We can track the technical issues. But the traitor…" Another person pointed out the urgency, stating that the accident briefing was in two days and that 72 hours was the golden window for crisis PR. They worried that after the briefing, there would be no way to turn the tables. Lin Zhihua, however, told everyone, "Let's put this on hold. Wait for my update.

I need some fresh air," before abruptly leaving the meeting. Watching him go, Zhou Shiyun expressed her concern, "He's already given up?" but Gu Xuejiao confidently replied, "You underestimate him." Back at the villa, Gu Xuejiao reflected on the incident, asking Lin Zhihua if he truly believed Yi Tianyu orchestrated the car accident himself. She admitted she was clueless but suspected if it was Yi Tianyu's doing, he was likely targeting her, which made her feel obligated to solve it.

Lin Zhihua reassured her, reminding her to never blame the victim and encouraging her to rest. He then asked if she trusted him and believed they could overcome this challenge together, to which she affirmed. " Of course," he said, "Just like every time before. This time, we'll surely get through it, too." He urged her to stop thinking and rest.

Later, Gu Xuejiao decided to "tackle a problem at its source" by visiting Yi Tianyu, who had just been discharged from the hospital. She reasoned they couldn't let the matter drag on. Qi Lei helped her carry a seemingly inebriated Yi Tianyu into his home. Gu Xuejiao commented on his heavy drinking so soon after being discharged, but Yi Tianyu only demanded more alcohol.

As Yi Tianyu feigned unconsciousness, Gu Xuejiao's inner thoughts revealed her intent: "Although the program log stored in the cloud is lost, there must be clues left in his mobile phone, more or less." She tried to unlock his phone using her birthday, thinking it was the same as before. However, Yi Tianyu suddenly recovered, revealing he had tricked her. He taunted her, "Someone's a pro at typing passwords," and then accused her of trying to trick him too.

When Gu Xuejiao confronted him, demanding the truth about the C2 accident, he mocked her, claiming, "Everything's gone." She tried to leave, threatening to call the police, but Yi Tianyu produced a USB drive containing the C2 virus program. He threatened that if she walked out that day, the brake failure incident would escalate into a national public crisis involving all sold C2s. Trapped, Gu Xuejiao was forced to stay.

Yi Tianyu confiscated her phone, telling her he had already informed Lin Zhihua she was going to her parents. He then mockingly offered her the sofa if she wasn't comfortable in his single-bedroom apartment. Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua tirelessly pursued the truth. With Gao Rui's help, he managed to retrieve partial surveillance footage from outside the company's server room. Though some segments were overwritten, he used Dr. Tan's lab computers to accelerate data recovery.

The restored video shocked him, revealing Siqi as the inside mole. He quickly learned from Human Resources that Siqi had taken a long leave. He tried calling Gu Xuejiao, but her phone was off. Then he called Li Sitong, who told him Gu Xuejiao hadn't been home recently, further deepening his unease. At the hospital, Siqi's mother was undergoing expensive treatment, including imported medicine.

When asked about the source of the funds, Siqi vaguely explained that the company had offered her equity and a raise, leading her mother to assume Gu Xuejiao had helped her once again. Siqi's mother expressed her gratitude for Gu Xuejiao and regretted how her illness had forced Siqi to give up her dream of becoming a civil servant for a high-paying job at Huachuang. Lin Zhihua frantically tasked Gao Rui with finding Gu Xuejiao, but all attempts were fruitless.

He then considered Yi Tianyu's home. Upon his arrival, Yi Tianyu quickly hid Gu Xuejiao in the bathroom, instructing her to make showering sounds to mislead Lin Zhihua into believing they were intimate. Gu Xuejiao, eager to obtain the crucial USB drive, reluctantly complied, loudly reaffirming her trust in Lin Zhihua, "Do you believe that we can get through this together? Of course. Just like every time before." Yi Tianyu smugly told Lin Zhihua, "She's in the shower.

You can't go in there." Lin Zhihua searched the apartment, but Yi Tianyu blocked him from entering the bedroom. During their conversation, Yi Tianyu taunted Lin Zhihua about the impending accident briefing and his impending downfall. Lin Zhihua subtly hinted that Siqi might be the mole, suggesting they had tea from Siqi, whose hometown was known for tea production. Yi Tianyu, angered by the veiled accusation, retaliated, "You made me do this."

Understanding Lin Zhihua's hint, he then excused himself and stealthily waited in the basement of Yi Tianyu's complex, confident that Gu Xuejiao would find a way to communicate. He told Gao Rui over the phone that he believed Gu Xuejiao had a plan and they should let events unfold according to Yi Tianyu's wishes to give her an opportunity to find a weakness. Gu Xuejiao, realizing that Yi Tianyu responded better to a softer approach, changed her strategy.

When Yi Tianyu, still acting smitten, suggested skipping work because Huachuang was already "in his possession" and she was "most important," Gu Xuejiao bluntly told him, "I don't like love-struck guys." She urged him to focus on his career. Slightly deflated, Yi Tianyu agreed to handle company matters and sent Qi Lei to drive Gu Xuejiao around with his add-on card. Once in the car, Gu Xuejiao discovered Yi Tianyu had deleted all navigation history.

She then found a blood test report from First Hospital, belonging to Siqi's mother, and discreetly hid it. Unbeknownst to her, Lin Zhihua was following their car. At a women's clothing store, Gu Xuejiao carefully selected items. At checkout, she deliberately entered Lin Zhihua's phone number as the member account to accumulate points, avoiding Qi Lei's watchful eye. Back at his home, Yi Tianyu, delighted by her spending, cooked a meal for her.

That evening, Gu Xuejiao tried once more to reason with Yi Tianyu, asserting that any issues between them were her personal choices and had nothing to do with Lin Zhihua. She insisted he should target her, not him. Yi Tianyu, angered by her defense of Lin Zhihua, declared, "The more you defend him, the less I want to let him go."

He then revealed he had overheard a conversation about him being her boyfriend in a previous life, confirming her suspicions about his underlying resentment. Yi Tianyu spoke of his years of asking himself why he couldn't be better than Lin Zhihua, believing it would change everything. Gu Xuejiao countered passionately, explaining her eight-year relationship with Lin Zhihua was about growing together, not his achievements.

Despite her plea, Yi Tianyu stubbornly maintained, "Even if it's a terrible mess, that's what I want. Because you're with me in that world." As Yi Tianyu, in a fit of despair, drank himself into a stupor at the table, Gu Xuejiao carefully removed the USB drive hanging around his neck. Meanwhile, Lin Zhihua, analyzing the shopping expenses from earlier, deciphered the numbers using a T9 keypad conversion, which spelled out "First Hospital." He surmised that Siqi might be there.

With only thirty minutes remaining until the accident press conference, Lin Zhihua rushed to the First Hospital's hematology department, only to be informed that Siqi's mother had been transferred days ago, and the new hospital could not be disclosed. He immediately contacted Lin Zhiyue, asking her to search for recent hematology experts in Jinghai. Lin Zhiyue quickly found that Professor Wei, a prominent hematology expert, had just checked into a hotel opposite Xiehe Hospital.

With only thirty minutes remaining until the press conference, Yi Tianyu arrived confidently at the Huachuang office. He instructed Lin Jiadong to remove Lin Zhihua's outstanding alumni trophy and even discard the teleprompter. After Lin Jiadong left, Yi Tianyu glanced at a USB drive locked securely in a safe, secretly pleased that the one Gu Xuejiao had taken was merely a decoy. At the hospital, Siqi, seeing her mother's pain, offered to wash some fruit.

As she stepped out, taking deep breaths to compose herself, Lin Zhihua appeared, calling her name. Siqi instinctively flinched, attempting to flee, but Lin Zhihua stopped her, asking to sit down and talk. She reluctantly turned to face him.

Episode 23 (Ending) Recap

Outside a hospital room, Lin Zhihua asked Siqi why she hadn't informed Gu Xuejiao and him about her mother's illness, assuring her they would have helped. Siqi, lowering her head, explained that her mother's medical expenses were a bottomless pit, and while they could help once or twice, they couldn't help for a lifetime. She added that she had been a burden to her mother for years and didn't want to become a burden to them as well.

Lin Zhihua surmised that the cost was the main issue. His expression then turned serious as he questioned her about the tampered data. He reminded her that even if data traces were cleaned thoroughly, they would eventually be discovered, making it only a matter of time. He urged her to reveal the truth about Yi Tianyu's accident. Siqi, however, responded that the accident briefing was scheduled for ten o'clock, and it was almost time, so everything was already decided.

Suddenly, a painful groan came from the room. Inside, Siqi's mother's face contorted in pain, her hands gripping the bedsheet as her body shook. Lin Zhihua quickly rushed to her side, his eyes filled with anxiety, and immediately recognized the severity of the situation. He gestured urgently to Siqi to call a doctor. Siqi's mother was rushed into surgery. While Lin Zhihua busily handled the various procedures, Siqi's eyes reddened.

Seeing Lin Zhihua's enthusiastic help, her guilt and gratitude overwhelmed her. Trembling slightly, she confessed to Lin Zhihua that she had helped Yi Tianyu tamper with the data. Lin Zhihua stopped his actions, looked at her gently, and patted her shoulder, assuring her that it was not too late. Hope rekindled in Siqi's eyes as she told Lin Zhihua that she had kept data residue.

Due to her good attitude in confessing, the company did not pursue criminal charges against Siqi. Meanwhile, with only ten minutes left until the press conference, Yi Tianyu paced anxiously backstage. He stopped and sharply questioned Lin Jiadong about Lin Zhihua's actions. Lin Jiadong helplessly shook his head, admitting Lin Zhihua had not yet appeared and suggesting he might be too embarrassed to face Yi Tianyu.

Yi Tianyu scoffed, remarking that he had overestimated Lin Zhihua and that students from Capital University were overpraised, with one getting cold feet and another being ungrateful. Noticing the numerous media present, Lin Jiadong tentatively proposed extending the Q&A session by twenty minutes, but Yi Tianyu, frowning, decisively shortened it to ten minutes. The atmosphere at the press conference was tense. Yi Tianyu stood on stage, displaying a triumphant and arrogant demeanor, announcing Lin Zhihua's expulsion.

Just as the final Q&A session began, Gu Xuejiao calmly and firmly walked onto the stage, followed shortly by Lin Zhihua. Yi Tianyu's expression changed, a flicker of panic in his eyes, as he reminded Gu Xuejiao that he possessed the USB drive. Gu Xuejiao confidently raised her chin, pulling out a device from her bag. She revealed that she had already cracked the cloud control lock, disabling Yi Tianyu's control over the vehicles.

Lin Jiadong, observing from the side, subtly nodded with a hint of relief. Yi Tianyu, desperate, claimed Gu Xuejiao had no access, but Lin Zhihua then asserted that he did, and urged someone to act swiftly to the server room. Witnessing Yi Tianyu's downfall, Qi Lei, who believed Yi Tianyu was on a path to self-destruction, felt a sense of regret but ultimately turned and walked away, allowing Gu Xuejiao to proceed.

Meanwhile, Lin Jiadong, perhaps speaking to himself, expressed his frustration with Yi Tianyu, accusing him of forgetting his roots and becoming an ungrateful capitalist. Shortly after, the police arrived and apprehended Yi Tianyu for deliberately causing a traffic accident and fabricating evidence. Lin Zhihua then took over the briefing, clarifying to the public that the C2 car accident was not due to technical reasons but was, in fact, a deliberate setup.

Returning home, Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao embraced, shedding the heavy burdens they had carried. They shared a passionate kiss and made a pact to never discuss work at home again, generously taking all their annual leave. Gu Xuejiao playfully asked Lin Zhihua why he was so certain she wouldn't change or cherish him more, to which he responded that she was one of a kind. This decision, however, caused distress for the company's remaining leaders.

Lin Zhiyue, shaking her head at the stacks of documents, called Gao Rui to invite him to dinner, but he replied that he was swamped with work. Gu Mingze enthusiastically called Zhou Shiyun, offering movie tickets for a date, but she was preoccupied with a multitude of tasks on her computer, making her too busy for such an outing.

Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao even established a rule: whoever checked work first would be at the other's disposal, a rule Gu Xuejiao later used when she caught Lin Zhihua sending a work-related message, to which he playfully pleaded for just "one more look" at his work. Lin Zhihua and Gu Xuejiao later revisited Capital University. Under the bright sun, two male students playfully rolled a basketball towards Gu Xuejiao and then approached to chat.

Lin Zhihua quickly stepped in front of her, a vigilant look in his eyes. Gu Xuejiao chuckled, tugging at his sleeve, and reminded him that she was a senior, not a junior as the students mistook her for. Lin Zhihua then joked that she hated basketball players and that it was too dangerous with "so many young guys" around, steering her away. They then walked to the flower field where they had first confessed their feelings.

As a gentle breeze rustled the petals, Gu Xuejiao, with a mischievous glint in her eye, tugged at Lin Zhihua's sleeve, teasing him about a secret he'd supposedly revealed when she was drunk. After some playful dodging, Lin Zhihua confessed that he had told her he had "been into her for ten years."

Gu Xuejiao feigned disbelief at his "bad math," pointing out they hadn't known each other that long, to which he responded by showing her old photos, to "walk her through it." Gu Xuejiao then "caught" Lin Zhihua discreetly checking his phone for a work message and invoked their established rule, declaring that he had lost. Lin Zhihua, accepting his fate, produced a ring box and asked her to marry him.

Playfully, Gu Xuejiao responded that since she was at his disposal, she would "reluctantly" say yes, but she still questioned if he would have proposed if he hadn't "lost." Lin Zhihua assured her he would wait "for as long as it takes." With a joyful nod, she accepted, and he placed the ring on her finger. They embraced happily.

Some time later, Gu Xuejiao slowly opened her eyes from a hospital bed, repeatedly calling out Lin Zhihua's name, only to find Gu Mingze by her side. Startled and disoriented, she frantically asked Gu Mingze about his startup plans. Gu Mingze, looking bewildered, scratched his head and told her that he worked as an internet cafe administrator. Feeling a profound sense of unreality, Gu Xuejiao quickly discharged herself and rushed to the group's corporate building.

The building still bore the name of "Xintu Company" from her previous life. As Lin Zhihua walked past her, he merely glanced at her like a stranger and continued on his way. Nearby, Lin Jiadong unintentionally mentioned that Lin Zhihua was resigning, citing injuries from an elevator fall as the reason. Gu Xuejiao's heart seized. She quickly followed Lin Zhihua into the elevator. Despite his cold, unfamiliar gaze, she rushed inside and stood pressed against him.

The elevator suddenly lurched and swayed, threatening to fall. Gu Xuejiao's body froze in fear. However, Lin Zhihua swiftly reached out and firmly grasped her hand. In that instant, Gu Xuejiao remembered his past words: when she once asked how long she would have to wait, perhaps "another ten years," he had replied, "for as long as it takes." She now believed that the Lin Zhihua before her was indeed the one she had been searching for.

Meanwhile, after finishing his shift as an internet cafe administrator, Gu Mingze realized he hadn't even had a meal. He casually sat on the hood of a car, preparing to eat his bread, when he realized it belonged to Zhou Shiyun. Upon seeing her, Gu Mingze instinctively tried to flee, but Zhou Shiyun called out to him. They stood staring at each other, stunned.