Tears In Heaven Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Tears In Heaven Synopsis

Du Xiaosu, a journalist, meets Shao Zhenrong, a doctor, and they fall in love, but are strongly opposed by Shao’s mother. When Shao Zhenrong was depressed, he died in a mudslide on his way to the mountains with a medical team for free medical treatment.

Du Xiaosu worked hard to free herself from the pain, and she ended up in the hospital with physical exhaustion. All this was seen by Shao Zhenrong’s best bud Lei Yuzheng, who was touched by Du Xiaosu’s kindness and persistence and helped her in secret.

This has caused the discontent of Jiang Fanlu, a rich girl, who uses various reasons to make things difficult for Du Xiaosu at work.

In order to make a name for himself, Lin Xiangyuan tries to frame Lei Yuzheng, causing the Yutian Group to nearly go bankrupt.

Du Xiaosu uses a trick to expose Lin Xiangyuan’s plot. With Du Xiaosu’s help and encouragement, Lei Yuzheng revitalizes the Yutian Group and solves Lin Xiangyuan’s schemes one by one.

In the process, Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng eliminate the misunderstanding and prejudice between them.

Tears In Heaven Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Du Xiaosu was abruptly woken by her friend, Zou Siqi, who informed her that their boss, Mr. Mo, was on the phone. Mr. Mo sternly reminded a groggy Du Xiaosu that today was her crucial interview with actress Yan Jingjing. He castigated her for her unpunctuality, noting that Yan Jingjing's flight was due to arrive in 20 minutes. He then warned Du Xiaosu that if she failed to reach the airport by 9:45, he would prepare her resignation letter.

Du Xiaosu, promising good news, quickly agreed and urged Zou Siqi to drive her to the airport. During their drive, Du Xiaosu confessed her fear of losing her job and having Zou Siqi become her sole breadwinner, to which Zou Siqi teased her for not acting like a lady. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng and Shao Zhenrong were engaged in their morning routine.

As Lei Yuzheng drove and Shao Zhenrong rode his motorcycle, Shao Zhenrong questioned Lei Yuzheng about his early rising habits. Lei Yuzheng replied by asking if Shao Zhenrong had ever witnessed the sunrise over the Bund at 4:00 AM, stating he saw it every single day. He revealed that he worked tirelessly not for money, but to prove his own identity.

Later, during a fencing match, Lei Yuzheng critiqued Shao Zhenrong's hasty attack and careless defense, which led to his loss. Lei Yuzheng then probed whether Shao Zhenrong's mother, Aunt Shao, was once again forcing him into blind dates. Shao Zhenrong recounted a recent bewildering experience where his date immediately asked about marriage and marriage certificates, which left him utterly shocked. Lei Yuzheng remarked on Shao Zhenrong's attractiveness but lamented his high standards.

Shao Zhenrong countered that he prioritized quality over quantity, implying Lei Yuzheng had the opposite approach. Before parting ways, Lei Yuzheng offered Shao Zhenrong a new T-shirt, which Shao Zhenrong accepted, though he noted he rarely got to wear such clothes due to his uniform. Shao Zhenrong wished Lei Yuzheng a safe trip to Beijing. At the airport, Du Xiaosu arrived to find fellow reporter Mr. Bi already securing a prime spot.

Mr. Mo called her again, instructing her to avoid Mr. Bi and revealing insider information that Yan Jingjing would be exiting through the staff entrance. He reiterated his threat of dismissal if she failed to secure the interview. Du Xiaosu reassured him, promising success. She rushed towards the staff exit, camera in hand, and accidentally collided with Lei Yuzheng. She quickly apologized, but Lei Yuzheng, concerned, asked if she was alright.

Du Xiaosu, startled by his voice, quickly fled, leaving Lei Yuzheng momentarily lost in thought, remembering a girl he had once rescued on a rainy night. Du Xiaosu reached the parking lot just as Yan Jingjing's car was leaving. She jumped into Zou Siqi's car, only to be joined by the persistent Mr. Bi. Despite the rivalry, Du Xiaosu urged Zou Siqi to chase Yan Jingjing's vehicle.

Yan Jingjing’s driver noticed the pursuit and sped up, causing Zou Siqi to exclaim about the dangerous speeds. Shortly after, Lei Yuzheng received an urgent call informing him that his father, the chairman, was in danger. He rushed to the hospital, where he saw his father lying unconscious and was flooded with memories of their past arguments.

Shao Zhenrong met him, assuring him that his father had been saved, though his recovery was uncertain due to his age and the nature of his illness. Lei Yuzheng’s assistant then informed him that Yan Jingjing had been involved in a car accident on her way from the airport. Shao Zhenrong was called away by the director to attend to Yan Jingjing.

Reporters swarmed the hospital as Yan Jingjing was admitted to the ICU, and Shao Zhenrong took charge of her surgery. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu woke up in the emergency room. Mr. Mo called, angrily scolding her for failing the interview and getting into an accident, explicitly stating her pursuit indirectly led to Yan Jingjing's crash. He hung up, still demanding she obtain the interview. Later, Shao Zhenrong returned to Du Xiaosu’s bed to find it empty.

The board meeting for Yutian Group was in disarray, with members debating whether to cancel the film "Demon Slayer" due to Yan Jingjing's car accident and the chairman's hospitalization. Lei Yuzheng arrived, calmly announcing that he would now be in charge of Yutian's operations. He firmly declared that the film "Demon Slayer" would proceed as planned, but with a new lead actress. This decision was met with opposition from Mr. Xie, who cited Yan Jingjing's contract.

Lei Yuzheng asserted that if the actress wasn't changed, Mr. Xie would be the one facing a lawsuit. He then presented Mr. Xie with a confidential file detailing "Customer Account Transactions," the contents of which prompted Mr. Xie to immediately resign, a resignation Lei Yuzheng readily accepted. After the meeting, Lei Yuzheng looked out at the city lights, recalling his father's words about Yutian belonging to them both and needing to be protected, solidifying his resolve to safeguard the company.

Later, Du Xiaosu visited a noodle shop. Noticing Shao Zhenrong heartily enjoying his noodles, she inquired about his order and then placed an order for the same, in addition to her initial choice, claiming she was famished. Shao Zhenrong, dumbfounded, watched her eat. Mr. Mo called again, pressing her for information on Yan Jingjing's agent and emphasizing the time-sensitive nature of news. Du Xiaosu, having barely touched her food, left to continue her pursuit.

She soon realized she had left her phone behind. As she turned back, she bumped into Shao Zhenrong, who was returning it to her. Moments later, Du Xiaosu nearly stepped into the path of an oncoming car but was pulled back to safety by Shao Zhenrong. They shared a charged look, and he urged her to be more careful. Back at the hospital, reporters vied for information.

Mr. Bi distracted other reporters by shouting about an inspector, then approached Du Xiaosu, informing her that Yan Jingjing had been moved from the ICU to the third floor of the inpatient department. Du Xiaosu, suspicious of his intentions, was surprised when Mr. Bi revealed he had a nurse uniform for her, explaining his own inconvenience. Du Xiaosu then encountered Shao Zhenrong, who had just finished checking on Yan Jingjing.

Du Xiaosu recognized him from their previous encounters, but Shao Zhenrong did not appear to recognize her. Later, Du Xiaosu, disguised in the nurse's uniform, managed to enter Yan Jingjing’s room. Shao Zhenrong, realizing something was amiss, returned to the ward and found Du Xiaosu. She quickly fabricated an excuse and fled, with Shao Zhenrong giving chase, but she eluded him. Concurrently, Lei Yuzheng had begun his search for a new lead actress for "Demon Slayer."

His assistant informed him they had contacted Xu You, Lei Yuzheng's ex-girlfriend, who insisted on a personal meeting, to which Lei Yuzheng agreed. His assistant voiced concerns that Mr. Xie might inform Yan Jingjing, causing trouble, but Lei Yuzheng remained unconcerned, suggesting Yan Jingjing could do little after her collusion with Mr. Xie. Meanwhile, a rival company, upon hearing rumors of Yutian's production troubles and Lei Yuzheng's intention to replace Yan Jingjing, saw an opportunity.

Mr. Jiang, the rival executive, decided to offload a particularly challenging and problematic demolition project onto Yutian, viewing Yutian's crisis as their chance to deal with a difficult project and also hoping to find another person to help them make a deal with the Lei Family. Undeterred, Du Xiaosu made another attempt to get her story. She climbed to the third floor and, finding a window unlocked, opened it to take photos of Yan Jingjing.

Shao Zhenrong was in the room and discovered her. Du Xiaosu nearly fell but was pulled to safety by Shao Zhenrong. They landed on the floor as a nurse entered, who, misinterpreting the scene, left in distress. Shao Zhenrong, refusing to believe Du Xiaosu's flimsy explanations, pressed her repeatedly about her true identity. Du Xiaosu finally confessed to being a reporter, desperate to get a photo of Yan Jingjing. Shao Zhenrong rejected her plea for a single photo.

She then shifted her approach, asking for details about Yan Jingjing's injuries, including whether her face was disfigured or scarred. Shao Zhenrong firmly refused, stating that as a doctor, he would never disclose private patient information. Du Xiaosu, undeterred, threatened to "make things irreparable" if he continued to prevent her from taking a picture.

Episode 2 Recap

Du Xiaosu attempted to coerce Shao Zhenrong into letting her photograph Yan Jingjing by threatening to spread rumors that he was her abusive boyfriend. Shao Zhenrong, however, remained unmoved, even suggesting he would welcome a chance to rest if she were to expose him. He firmly dismissed her, asserting that his actions were guided by professional ethics. Despite her persistent pleas for just one photo, Du Xiaosu eventually conceded.

Later, Lei Yuzheng and Shao Zhenrong engaged in a five-minute fencing match, which Shao Zhenrong lost. Lei Yuzheng advised him to rely on himself to win, rather than modesty. Following the match, Lei Yuzheng informed Shao Zhenrong that Yan Jingjing should receive the best medical care, and he would cover all expenses. Shao Zhenrong confirmed that Yan Jingjing's recovery would span several months, making it impossible for her to work.

Lei Yuzheng explained that filming for "The Demon Slayer" had already begun, and with shareholders scrutinizing progress, replacing the actress was a necessary decision. He articulated his philosophy: "no pain, no gain," believing that trying to have everything ultimately results in nothing, a logic Yan Jingjing seemed not to grasp.

Shao Zhenrong expressed concern about potential backlash or accusations of ruthlessness, but Lei Yuzheng brushed it off, stating that as long as he knew his own principles, rumors wouldn't harm him. Shao Zhenrong assured Lei Yuzheng of his unwavering support, echoing Lei Yuzheng's sentiment that "pain is inevitable, suffering is optional." The next day, Du Xiaosu arrived at the hospital bearing a selection of coffees for Shao Zhenrong, claiming it was a gesture of gratitude for saving her life.

When Shao Zhenrong mentioned he preferred mocha over latte, Du Xiaosu produced a variety of options, including Americano, Cappuccino, and Caramel Macchiato, leaving him unable to refuse. His colleagues looked on with envy. Shao Zhenrong, however, saw through her pretense, acknowledging she was there about Yan Jingjing and reiterating that an interview was out of the question.

When his colleagues teasingly suggested Du Xiaosu was his girlfriend, she embraced the role, acting affectionately and telling him not to get thinner lest he "break her heart." She then distributed the remaining coffees to the staff, thanked them for their care of Shao Zhenrong, and departed. Fanlv unexpectedly arrived at Lei Yuzheng's office. Lei Yuzheng, surprised by her unannounced visit, instructed his assistant, Qunfei, to inquire why he hadn't been informed.

He then claimed to be too busy to accompany Fanlv, offering to meet her after work. Fanlv insisted she could wait, but Lei Yuzheng, feigning forgetfulness about her presence, prolonged his work, knowing she would grow impatient. When Fanlv finally suggested he continue working without her, Lei Yuzheng gladly agreed and asked Qunfei to see Miss Jiang out.

Later, while Lei Yuzheng was driving, Shao Zhenrong excitedly told him about a girl he had met, praising her humor, diligence, resourcefulness, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Lei Yuzheng quickly deduced that Shao Zhenrong had fallen in love. Shao Zhenrong, flustered, denied it, saying they had only met a few times and he simply felt "lucky."

Lei Yuzheng playfully retorted that the girl was the lucky one and warned Shao Zhenrong that he would only approve of them dating if she was a truly good person. Du Xiaosu was amusing the hospital nurses in the cafeteria with anecdotes from film sets when Shao Zhenrong entered for his meal. She enthusiastically greeted him, remarking on their "destiny" to meet.

Shao Zhenrong, seemingly embarrassed, quickly left, prompting Du Xiaosu to tell the nurses that her greatest hobby was watching handsome young men. Soon after, Mr. Mo called Du Xiaosu, confirming that Yutian was replacing Yan Jingjing in "The Demon Slayer." He pressed Du Xiaosu to secure an exclusive interview with Yan Jingjing to uncover the truth, promising a promotion for her success.

Du Xiaosu, however, expressed sympathy for Yan Jingjing, a sentiment Mr. Mo dismissed, reminding her of her journalistic responsibilities. Suddenly, a commotion erupted as nurses rushed out, responding to a severe bus accident involving a school bus. Many children were injured. Shao Zhenrong diagnosed one girl with massive internal bleeding, requiring Rh-negative AB blood, which was not immediately available. Du Xiaosu, overhearing this, immediately volunteered, confirming she had the rare blood type.

Despite her assurances of strength, she collapsed in Shao Zhenrong's arms during the donation, jokingly requesting meat buns and milk tea with extra pearl and jelly before losing consciousness. Upon waking, Du Xiaosu found Shao Zhenrong by her bedside. He playfully teased her, fabricating a story about her commenting on his "watermelon-sized head" before she fainted.

He then gently chided her for skipping breakfast while having time to chat with the nurses, to which she claimed she was "building ties with the mass." Shao Zhenrong brought her pan-fried pork buns and a drink. As she eagerly ate, he pointed out some food on her face, and when he tried to wipe it away, she instinctively recoiled. Shao Zhenrong watched her eat with a happy expression.

Later, Du Xiaosu voiced her deep guilt over Yan Jingjing's accident and her impending replacement in the film. She wondered if the accident could have been avoided had she not chased Yan Jingjing so closely. Shao Zhenrong reassured her that Yan Jingjing's injury was due to not wearing her seatbelt. Still, Du Xiaosu felt immense responsibility, fearing Yan Jingjing’s hatred. Shao Zhenrong simply advised her to rest and stop overthinking.

Yan Jingjing, having secretly arranged for reporters to be present, slipped away from her sleeping bodyguard. Du Xiaosu arrived at Yan Jingjing's room to find it empty. Shao Zhenrong also appeared, and a nurse quickly informed them that Yan Jingjing was threatening to jump from the building. Shao Zhenrong and Du Xiaosu immediately rushed to the sixth floor. Below, emergency services and a crowd of reporters had gathered.

Lei Yuzheng also learned of Yan Jingjing's apparent suicide attempt, but he was already aware of her manipulative tactics, telling his assistant that this was her own doing and he would repay her in kind. On the ledge, Shao Zhenrong and Du Xiaosu attempted to dissuade Yan Jingjing, highlighting her youth and quick recovery. Yan Jingjing, however, insisted she was better off dead and threatened to jump if they came closer.

As Shao Zhenrong and Du Xiaosu cautiously approached from different sides, Du Xiaosu's phone rang, startling Yan Jingjing. Seizing the moment, Shao Zhenrong quickly pulled Yan Jingjing back from the edge. In doing so, he lost his own footing, but Du Xiaosu managed to grab him. Lacking sufficient strength, both fell from the sixth floor onto an inflatable rescue cushion below. Miraculously, they were unharmed.

Yan Jingjing's assistant commented to her that their stunt had become "too big" and that Lei Yuzheng was anxious. Lei Yuzheng, infuriated by Yan Jingjing’s ploy, instructed his team to warn her that he understood her "tricks" and would pursue legal action if anyone was harmed. As reporters swarmed them, Shao Zhenrong took Du Xiaosu's hand, and they fled the scene together.

After their fall, Shao Zhenrong checked on Du Xiaosu, expressing his admiration and asking for her phone number, suggesting he might call her for her "monologue comic talk." She readily gave it to him. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng, having arrived at the hospital, found Shao Zhenrong and, visibly upset, led him to a high railing—a spot where Shao Zhenrong, at 12 years old, had almost fallen and was saved by Lei Yuzheng.

Lei Yuzheng angrily relayed how worried Shao Zhenrong's mother had been, questioning his reckless actions and emphasizing the severe consequences if he had been injured. Shao Zhenrong defended his actions, stating his duty as a doctor to save patients. Lei Yuzheng countered by revealing that Yan Jingjing's "jump" was a calculated performance. He stressed that if Shao Zhenrong had been hurt while saving an actress Lei Yuzheng had brought in, he couldn't face his family.

He then reflected that while he had always felt compelled to protect Shao Zhenrong, he realized that day that Shao Zhenrong no longer needed his protection. Shao Zhenrong, however, affectionately assured him, "Brother, you're always my big brother." Later that evening, while Du Xiaosu looked at a picture of Shao Zhenrong, he, having saved her number, called her. She answered, playfully asking if he was off work or still treating patients.

Du Xiaosu then lamented her lonely life, working late with "nobody caring" about her. Shao Zhenrong disagreed, believing she should be loved by many. She playfully boasted that she hadn't given others a chance, waiting for "fate" as a fortune-teller had predicted she'd meet a man in the southwest this year, holding "a scalpel… no, a butcher’s knife." Shao Zhenrong humorously suggested he'd ask the hospital cook, whose dining hall was in the southwest, if he wanted to date her.

Feigning annoyance, Du Xiaosu threatened to hang up, but Shao Zhenrong stopped her, thanking her for saving his life and inviting her to lunch at the South's Cafe. Du Xiaosu accepted, agreeing to meet him at 11:00 a. m. the following day. Du Xiaosu and Shao Zhenrong met at the South's Cafe for lunch. Du Xiaosu complimented the restaurant, then playfully asked Shao Zhenrong if he often brought his girlfriend there, to which he clarified he didn't have one.

She pressed further, wondering why a good man like him was single, and he explained he was waiting for "the right time." Shao Zhenrong shared his belief in destiny, quoting that one meets their destined person "not too early nor too late, but at the very moment when you realize the person you've been waiting for is also there waiting for you."

Du Xiaosu offered a more complex view of destiny, questioning whether meeting and falling in love but not ending up together still counted as fate. She teased him, saying a handsome man like him wouldn't understand, as girls would naturally flock to him. Mid-meal, a waiter presented a cake, and Shao Zhenrong wished Du Xiaosu a happy birthday, revealing he knew her birth date from her blood donation card. As she made a wish, he watched her intently.

Afterward, he gave her a small pig figurine as a birthday gift, remarking that they looked alike. Du Xiaosu thanked him. Shao Zhenrong then subtly hinted at his feelings, asking, "Xiaosu, if. . . there is only one girl that I would fall in love with, what would you do?" Du Xiaosu, visibly flustered, quickly excused herself to the washroom, where she privately wondered why she was so nervous since he hadn't explicitly stated he liked her.

Episode 3 Recap

Du Xiaosu emerged from the washroom and spotted the famous star Xu You walking intimately with Lei Yuzheng, laughing and chatting. Unfamiliar with Lei Yuzheng, Du Xiaosu secretly photographed them as they left. She thought to herself, "Who is this guy next to her? Who on earth is he?" Later, Du Xiaosu excitedly shared her "breaking news" with Shao Zhenrong.

She recounted seeing Xu You looking very close with a man and believed he must be her secret boyfriend, showing him the photos. Shao Zhenrong recognized Lei Yuzheng, Junior President Lei of Yutian, but downplayed their relationship, stating they were probably not a couple. Du Xiaosu disagreed, pointing out their apparent intimacy and suggesting it was why Yan Jingjing had been replaced.

She felt Lei Yuzheng was going too far and declared she would "do something big" to help the weak and seek justice for Yan Jingjing, despite Shao Zhenrong's warning that the entertainment industry was too complex for her to understand. During their meal, Shao Zhenrong offered her a drink, but she declined due to an alcohol allergy, accepting lemon water instead.

As Shao Zhenrong walked Du Xiaosu home, he noticed she was cold and gently put her hand in his pocket to warm it. Du Xiaosu playfully resisted at first, but then Shao Zhenrong confessed, "I have a crush on you." She tried to dismiss him, saying she could walk home alone, but he insisted on warming her hand a little longer. He then referenced the pig toy he had given her, calling her "Xiaozhu (piggy) Du."

They exchanged playful banter, with Shao Zhenrong reaffirming his affection for her no matter what. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng visited his father, Lei Ting, at the hospital. Lei Ting was still in a coma, prompting Lei Yuzheng to reflect on his father's unwavering strength, comparing him to the mythical figure Kuafu who chased the sun. He never imagined a day when his father, who always seemed indefatigable, would fall.

When Lei Ting finally awoke, he angrily ordered Lei Yuzheng to leave, just as he had left Yutian. Lei Yuzheng admitted Yutian was in deep trouble and pledged to remain until his father recovered, promising to return the company to him intact. Lei Ting, however, accused him of only returning after failing elsewhere. Shao Zhenrong then arrived, calming the tense father-son dynamic.

Outside the room, Lei Yuzheng explained to Shao Zhenrong that despite his initial reluctance, he felt a responsibility to do something for his family, acknowledging that life sometimes involved compromise. The next morning, Du Xiaosu arrived at her newspaper office, reviewing the photos of Xu You and Lei Yuzheng. She realized that Xu You was replacing Yan Jingjing and felt a renewed determination to champion Yan Jingjing's cause.

Ignoring her manager, Mr. Mo, who was demanding a press release and accusing her of picking a fight, Du Xiaosu rushed to the Yutian Group building. There, she saw large promotional photos of Yan Jingjing being replaced by Xu You's. After inquiring at the front desk, she learned Lei Yuzheng was at the Riverside Hotel for a luncheon. Du Xiaosu intercepted Lei Yuzheng's car on the street, demanding an interview and justice for Yan Jingjing.

Lei Yuzheng's assistant, He Qunfei, tried to intervene, but Du Xiaosu loudly accused Lei Yuzheng of wrongdoing. Lei Yuzheng countered, exposing Du Xiaosu's own role in Yan Jingjing's predicament. He reminded her that she was the one who chased Yan Jingjing, leading to the car accident, and then disguised herself for an interview. He accused her of hypocrisy, suggesting she was merely seeking fame and questioning her true motives. Du Xiaosu was left speechless as Lei Yuzheng drove away.

Later, Shao Zhenrong, having finished a surgery, tried calling Du Xiaosu, but she was too distraught to hear her phone ring, replaying Lei Yuzheng's harsh words in her mind. When she eventually cleared her head, she received a call from a colleague, who excitedly informed her that Mr. Mo had published her photos of Xu You and Lei Yuzheng online, causing the website to nearly crash. Upon seeing the viral photos, Lei Yuzheng immediately suspected Du Xiaosu.

He instructed He Qunfei to contact lawyers and sue Du Xiaosu for defamation, explicitly stating he would not accept an out-of-court settlement and wanted to see her in court. He Qunfei found Du Xiaosu and relayed Lei Yuzheng's decision, criticizing her for provoking him. Du Xiaosu, furious, lashed out at Lei Yuzheng, calling him unreasonable. She insisted she was only seeking justice for Yan Jingjing, who Lei Yuzheng had wronged.

He Qunfei then revealed the truth: Yan Jingjing had conspired with senior management to manipulate a contract for financial gain, which was why Lei Yuzheng removed her from the role. This revelation left Du Xiaosu stunned. Du Xiaosu went to the hospital to confront Yan Jingjing. Outside her room, she overheard Yan Jingjing and her assistant discussing how their "risky move" to pressure Lei Yuzheng had backfired, but Du Xiaosu's photo scandal had inadvertently helped their cause.

Enraged, Du Xiaosu stormed in and confronted Yan Jingjing, who retorted sharply before leaving with her assistant. Overwhelmed with sorrow and guilt, Du Xiaosu nearly fainted but was caught by a concerned Shao Zhenrong, who had rushed to her side. Heartbroken, Du Xiaosu decided to resign from her job as an entertainment reporter. She expressed a desire to return to her college major of architectural design and become a real designer, though she doubted her chances.

Shao Zhenrong encouraged her and suggested she apply to Boyuan, a major design company, offering to help submit her resume. He promised to support her, even if it meant feeding her. The next morning, Du Xiaosu submitted her resignation to Mr. Mo, who tried to persuade her to stay, even offering a bonus. Du Xiaosu, however, was resolute in her decision to pursue architectural design and thanked him for his care before leaving.

That evening, Du Xiaosu waited for hours to apologize to Lei Yuzheng. She acknowledged her mistake in misunderstanding him and admitted she had been naive and taken advantage of by Yan Jingjing. Lei Yuzheng, however, was dismissive, accusing her of only apologizing out of fear of the lawsuit and calling her overconfident. Du Xiaosu, frustrated, called him "unreasonable." Later, Shao Zhenrong presented Du Xiaosu's resume to Lei Yuzheng, recommending her for an architectural designer position at Boyuan.

Lei Yuzheng immediately suspected Du Xiaosu was special to Shao Zhenrong, noting his quick efforts to help her. Shao Zhenrong admitted they were close but defended Du Xiaosu as a "nice and simple girl." Lei Yuzheng remained skeptical, warning Shao Zhenrong that Du Xiaosu might be manipulative and could eventually deceive him. Shao Zhenrong argued against Lei Yuzheng's bias towards women, insisting Du Xiaosu was different. Lei Yuzheng reluctantly agreed to notify Boyuan about her application.

Lei Yuzheng then gave Du Xiaosu's resume to Mr. Ning at Boyuan. During this time, Lin Xiangyuan, Jiang Jin's assistant, visited Lei Yuzheng's office and overheard Mr. Ning discussing Du Xiaosu's appointment to Boyuan, noting she was "assigned by the higher-ups." Recognizing her name as his former college girlfriend, Lin Xiangyuan called their old professor to inquire about her.

Shortly after, Du Xiaosu received an offer from Boyuan for an internship, thrilling her, though she was unaware of Shao Zhenrong's intervention. At her new company, Mr. Ning praised her design works, explaining that Boyuan valued aspiration and ability over experience or academic background, which pleased Du Xiaosu. The same day, Jiang Fanlv arrived at Yutian to see Lei Yuzheng, but the new front desk staff insisted she follow visitor registration procedures.

Jiang Fanlv, annoyed, asserted her status as Jiang Jin's daughter and a friend of Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan quickly intervened, easing the situation and escorting her upstairs. As they waited for the elevator, Du Xiaosu stepped out, catching Lin Xiangyuan's eye, but she pretended not to recognize him and walked past with a confident stride. At the hospital, Lei Yuzheng continued his daily visits to his father.

Seeing Lei Ting showing signs of recovery, Lei Yuzheng urged his father to be discharged and resume control of Yutian. However, Lei Ting wanted Lei Yuzheng to stay at the company and manage the business while he was still hospitalized. He instructed Lei Yuzheng to play golf with Jiang Jin. Lei Yuzheng expressed concern about a project Jiang Jin had seemingly given Yutian without clear reason, finding it unusual.

Lei Ting dismissed his son's reservations, implying Lei Yuzheng questioned his judgment, and firmly stated he had already signed the contract with Jiang Jin, leaving Lei Yuzheng to implement it. Meanwhile, Jiang Jin, at the golf course with Lin Xiangyuan, confidently discussed how Lei Ting's agreement secured their project for Yutian, believing Lei Yuzheng, despite his competence, would not dare disobey his father. Lei Yuzheng soon arrived at the golf course, where Jiang Jin introduced him to Lin Xiangyuan.

Episode 4 Recap

Lei Yuzheng was ordered to meet with Jiang Jin at the golf course. Lin Xiangyuan presented a project proposal that Lei Yuzheng found impressive, leading him to question why Jiang Jin wasn't undertaking it himself. After excusing Lin Xiangyuan to retrieve a scarf, Jiang Jin candidly explained to Lei Yuzheng that despite Lin Xiangyuan's capabilities, he views him as an outsider.

He revealed that he had already discussed the project with Lei Ting, and it was intended to be Lei Ting's final masterpiece. Lei Yuzheng observed that Jiang Jin was maneuvering Yutian to be the vanguard while remaining in the background. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan went to the restroom where he was recognized by a cleaner, Lin Qiang, as a former coworker from a repair shop. Lin Qiang called out to him, reminding him of their shared village and past.

Lin Xiangyuan, however, feigned ignorance and denied knowing him. Lei Yuzheng entered the restroom and overheard this exchange. Separately, Jiang Jin expressed confidence that Lei Yuzheng would agree to the collaboration, noting that Lei Ting still had influence. Du Xiaosu's first day at Boyuan was uneventful, as her manager, Ning 总, hadn't assigned specific tasks. She spent the day helping colleagues and fetching drinks.

As she left work, she found Shao Zhenrong waiting downstairs, eager to take her to dinner and introduce her to his closest friend. Shao Zhenrong then showed Du Xiaosu a photo of Lei Yuzheng, causing her to freeze in surprise. When Lei Yuzheng arrived, he met Du Xiaosu's gaze but pretended not to recognize her, warmly greeting Shao Zhenrong. Du Xiaosu was further astonished to learn that Lei Yuzheng was her new boss.

She attempted to apologize for her previous report about him, but Lei Yuzheng quickly diverted the conversation, claiming he didn't personally know her, only that she had written an article about him. He congratulated Shao Zhenrong on finding love and urged Du Xiaosu to treat him well, ensuring he would never be hurt. Du Xiaosu affirmed that being with Shao Zhenrong made her happier than anything else.

As Lei Yuzheng left, he quietly warned Shao Zhenrong to be cautious in his new relationship and not to misjudge Du Xiaosu, prompting Shao Zhenrong to question if he thought he would be "robbed of money or sex." Later, Du Xiaosu expressed her desire to resign, worried that her relationship with Shao Zhenrong might lead to misunderstandings at work. Shao Zhenrong gently dissuaded her, reminding her that her dream was to be an architect and Boyuan offered the best platform.

He asked her to promise not to give up, and she reluctantly agreed. She then wondered if Lei Yuzheng had a bad impression of her, but Shao Zhenrong assured her that his brother had praised her as very nice and talented. Lei Yuzheng learned that Jiang Fanlv had been causing disturbances at the company. He instructed He Qunfei to arrange an easy position for her at Boyuan to keep her away from him.

He then asked He Qunfei to summon Du Xiaosu to his office after work, a request He Qunfei found inappropriate but carried out. Du Xiaosu nervously arrived at Lei Yuzheng's office. He directly confronted her, implying that she was hired solely because of Shao Zhenrong's influence, despite the numerous applicants Boyuan received daily. Du Xiaosu insisted she was unaware of Shao Zhenrong's intervention and would not have accepted the job if she had known.

Lei Yuzheng questioned her frequent job changes, suggesting that her career moves were opportunistic. He implied she might abandon Shao Zhenrong if someone "better" came along, accusing her of using Shao Zhenrong's affections for personal gain. Infuriated, Du Xiaosu declared that their love was genuine and forbade him from insulting their relationship, then stormed out.

Lei Yuzheng, however, made a veiled reference to "knowing who you really are" and reminded her to cherish what she had, warning that he would never allow anyone to hurt his friend and brother for personal gain. Shao Kaisuan, Shao Zhenrong's mother, called Lei Yuzheng to inquire about her son's recent activities, asking if he had a girlfriend and urging Lei Yuzheng to keep an eye on him. Lei Yuzheng confirmed that Shao Zhenrong indeed had a girlfriend.

Shortly after, Shao Zhenrong returned home, and his mother confronted him about hiding his relationship, telling him to bring his girlfriend home for dinner the next day so she could meet her. Shao Zhenrong wanted to take Du Xiaosu home to meet his mother. Du Xiaosu was nervous, especially upon arriving at his luxurious villa, which left her stunned by his wealthy family background. Shao Zhenrong reassured her that his family wealth had nothing to do with their relationship.

Inside, Shao Kaisuan was warm and hospitable, immediately putting Du Xiaosu at ease. Shao Kaisuan explained that Shao Zhenrong was headstrong and preferred to make his own way, even keeping his family background private from hospital colleagues. She also revealed that she used to be an associate professor of history and took over the family business after her husband fell ill. The conversation flowed easily until Du Xiaosu mentioned she was from Pingtan, which caused Shao Kaisuan to pause thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng took Lin Xiangyuan to a remote, undeveloped piece of land. Lei Yuzheng bluntly pointed out that their company lacked the necessary government approvals for the project, rendering their plans baseless. He accused Lin Xiangyuan of using a deceptive tactic to involve Yutian, stating it was like "a mantis to catch a cicada, the oriole is behind."

Lin Xiangyuan insisted that the project was a genuine collaboration between the seniors and, despite challenges, would become a monument to Lei Ting. Lei Yuzheng sarcastically acknowledged his "forethought." Shao Zhenrong bought a house and called Du Xiaosu to invite her for dinner at a restaurant after work. However, just as Du Xiaosu was preparing to leave, she received a phone call from Shao Kaisuan, who requested to meet her immediately at a nearby coffee house.

Du Xiaosu promptly left to meet her. At the coffee house, Shao Kaisuan made Du Xiaosu promise not to disclose their conversation to anyone. Du Xiaosu's phone rang repeatedly with calls from Shao Zhenrong, which she ignored. Shao Kaisuan then confirmed Du Xiaosu's father's name as Du Maokai. She recounted her past with Du Maokai, revealing they were once lovers who planned to move to Shanghai together.

However, Du Maokai failed to meet her as promised, leaving her to return to Shanghai alone before eventually marrying Shao Zhenrong's father. Distraught by this revelation, Du Xiaosu walked to the riverside. She called her father, who, unaware of her distress, asked about her well-being and her relationship with Shao Zhenrong. Du Xiaosu, choking back tears, lied that everything was fine and that she missed him and her mother. After hanging up, she broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. Upon returning home, her roommate noticed her distress but Du Xiaosu simply claimed she was tired and needed to sleep.

Episode 5 Recap

Shao Zhenrong waited late into the night for Du Xiaosu, but she never appeared. His calls went unanswered, and his WeChat messages unread, leaving him in a state of deep anxiety. Du Xiaosu finally returned home very late, and her roommate, Zou Siqi, noticed her unusual behavior. Du Xiaosu, unwilling to explain, simply locked herself in her room. Shao Zhenrong arrived downstairs at Du Xiaosu's building and called Zou Siqi, who informed him that Du Xiaosu was already asleep.

Shao Zhenrong was greatly perplexed. From her window, Du Xiaosu watched Shao Zhenrong's lonely figure depart, tears streaming down her face in sorrow. The next morning, Shao Zhenrong waited for Du Xiaosu outside her company, pressing her for an explanation for standing him up. Du Xiaosu was reluctant to talk, but Shao Zhenrong forcefully pulled her into his car, insisting they talk there since it was not convenient where they were.

As Lei Yuzheng arrived for work, he witnessed the scene from his car, arousing his suspicion. Shao Zhenrong stopped the car midway and continued to push Du Xiaosu for answers. Without a word, Du Xiaosu kissed him passionately before pulling away. Just then, a traffic officer approached to address their illegally parked car. Du Xiaosu seized the moment to declare their breakup, then tearfully got out of the car and ran off. Ignoring the officer's warnings, Shao Zhenrong pursued her.

Du Xiaosu remained resolute about ending their relationship, which Shao Zhenrong struggled to accept. She falsely claimed her ex-boyfriend had returned and she never truly loved Shao Zhenrong, asserting he was merely a substitute for her loneliness. Shao Zhenrong refused to believe her, pointing out that if she didn't love him, she wouldn't be so upset. Du Xiaosu reiterated her decision to break up and walked away. The traffic officer then returned to instruct Shao Zhenrong to move his car.

Lei Yuzheng was unable to reach Shao Zhenrong by phone and, worried, decided to postpone his afternoon meeting to go look for him. Lei Yuzheng drove to a spot they frequented in childhood and found Shao Zhenrong there, drowning his sorrows with alcohol under a large banyan tree.

Shao Zhenrong confirmed they had broken up, and when Lei Yuzheng asked for the reason, Shao Zhenrong shared Du Xiaosu's claims: that he wasn't the one she loved, that she was in love with her ex-boyfriend, and that he was just a spare. However, Shao Zhenrong expressed his belief that Du Xiaosu was lying and hiding something from him, suggesting that she must be keeping something secret.

Lei Yuzheng responded, "She broke up with you and you're still making excuses for her!" He then advised Shao Zhenrong that Du Xiaosu was not as simple as he thought, and that letting her go was not a bad outcome. Shao Zhenrong, still deeply attached, informed Lei Yuzheng of his decision to join a medical team for a free clinic in Yunnan, explaining it was a long-planned trip he decided to start early due to a need for extra hands.

Shao Zhenrong returned home in a daze, where his mother, Shao Kaixuan, learned of his breakup with Du Xiaosu. She advised him that some things don't work out just because you insist on them, but Shao Zhenrong remained unwilling to give up. Lei Yuzheng arranged a meeting with Du Xiaosu at a golf course, where he confronted her about the breakup.

Unbeknownst to Lei Yuzheng, Du Xiaosu had previously been pressured by Shao Kaixuan, who revealed that Du Xiaosu's father, Du Maokai, was Shao Kaixuan's first love and had deeply betrayed her. Shao Kaixuan made it clear she could not accept Du Xiaosu as part of their family, as it would constantly remind her of her past pain, and insisted that leaving Shao Zhenrong was Du Xiaosu's only choice to avoid putting Shao Zhenrong in a difficult position.

Despite this heavy burden, Du Xiaosu insisted to Lei Yuzheng that she no longer loved Shao Zhenrong, stating it was none of his business. Lei Yuzheng, furious, scoffed at her, pointing out that she had previously said she loved Shao Zhenrong and wouldn't give up on him, and now her promise seemed worthless. He accused her of fabricating stories, particularly about an ex-boyfriend, and suggested she had merely found a richer man and wanted to discard Shao Zhenrong.

He stated that she didn't deserve Shao Zhenrong at all. Lei Yuzheng demanded she reconcile with Shao Zhenrong, warning her not to make herself suffer. Du Xiaosu adamantly refused, even threatening to resign. Lei Yuzheng retaliated by vowing to make it impossible for her to continue working in the industry. Later, Du Xiaosu, overcome with sadness, found herself at the hospital, watching Shao Zhenrong busy at work. Memories of their happy times together brought her to tears.

She decided to resign from her job. Zou Siqi urged her to reconsider, encouraging her to speak with Shao Kaixuan directly and explain the situation to Shao Zhenrong, but Du Xiaosu did not want to put Shao Zhenrong in a difficult position between her and his mother. Lei Ting, having recovered, was discharged from the hospital. Lei Yuzheng suggested he take over Yu Tian so Lei Yuzheng could pursue his own ventures, but Lei Ting refused.

Lei Yuzheng expressed his concerns about the entertainment center project involving Jiang Jin, fearing unclear land ownership could create problems. However, Lei Ting revealed that Jiang Jin had already visited him, promising to secure government approval soon. Lei Ting encouraged Lei Yuzheng to pursue the project, seeing it as an opportunity for him to make his own name. Later that night, grieving, Du Xiaosu went to a bar to drink alone and became heavily intoxicated.

She sat by the roadside, crying to herself. Lei Yuzheng happened upon her and again pressed her to reconcile with Shao Zhenrong, urging her not to let him suffer further. Du Xiaosu steadfastly refused, prompting Lei Yuzheng to berate her as heartless. Du Xiaosu begged Lei Yuzheng to leave her alone, claiming she was crying for joy at being rid of Shao Zhenrong, before hailing a taxi and departing.

Shao Zhenrong unexpectedly received a call from the taxi driver, who informed him that Du Xiaosu had left her bag in the car. Shao Zhenrong promptly retrieved the bag and brought it to Du Xiaosu, finding her sitting blankly outside her home.

Episode 6 Recap

Shao Zhenrong watched Du Xiaosu, who looked utterly heartbroken. He couldn't help but embrace her tightly, telling her that he was leaving for Yunnan and urging her to eat on time, three meals a day, and never stay up late, no matter how tired or busy she became. Du Xiaosu leaned into his arms, overcome with sorrow, and they shared a tearful farewell. Shao Zhenrong told her he felt their connection would always remain.

As he left, Du Xiaosu quickly came to her senses and chased after him, but he had already driven away. Shao Zhenrong headed to the airport for his trip to Yunnan. Lei Yuzheng came to see him off. Shao Zhenrong specifically asked Lei Yuzheng to take good care of his mother, Shao Kaixuan, while he was gone, and also asked him to check on Du Xiaosu from time to time.

He hoped Du Xiaosu would come to the airport, but she never appeared. Shao Zhenrong was visibly disappointed, yet he resolved to reconcile with her once he returned from Yunnan. As the boarding time approached, he had to follow his colleagues through security, but not before reiterating to Lei Yuzheng that Du Xiaosu, being on her own and carrying her grievances alone, needed care, and he still hoped she would understand things.

Lei Yuzheng expressed frustration that Du Xiaosu hadn't shown up, but Shao Zhenrong suggested it was for the best, allowing her time to think. That morning, Du Xiaosu was restless. Zou Siqi, noticing her anxiety, urged her to go after Shao Zhenrong, reminding her how rare it was for a girl to find a man who truly loved her, and warning her she'd regret it if she didn't go. Taking Siqi's advice, Du Xiaosu rushed to the airport.

Upon arriving, Du Xiaosu frantically inquired about Shao Zhenrong's flight to Yunnan, only to be told that it had departed five minutes earlier. Devastated, she immediately tried to call Shao Zhenrong, but his phone was off. She sent him a message, promising to wait for him to return. At that moment, Lei Yuzheng spotted her. He approached her, sarcastically asking if she had also come to see someone off. Du Xiaosu, late and upset, apologized for missing Zhenrong.

Lei Yuzheng scoffed at her apology, accusing her of not caring about Shao Zhenrong's feelings and manipulating him. He claimed she purposefully approached his brother, took advantage of his kindness, and then dumped him without consideration. Du Xiaosu repeatedly insisted that her feelings for Shao Zhenrong were serious, but Lei Yuzheng dismissed her sincerity as "cheap." He warned her fiercely that if anything happened to Shao Zhenrong, he would hold her accountable.

Later, Du Xiaosu received a phone call from a jewelry store. A salesperson informed her that Shao Zhenrong had ordered a diamond ring about two weeks prior and it had been ready for a week, but he hadn't picked it up and they couldn't reach him. Du Xiaosu remembered Shao Zhenrong's earlier proposal and realized his profound intentions.

Overcome with regret for their breakup, she immediately began packing her bags, determined to go to Yunnan and confess her mistakes to him. Zou Siqi tried to persuade her to calm down and not act impulsively, reminding her of the pain of their separation. However, Du Xiaosu was resolute, lamenting that she had given up too easily and now realized how real all of Shao Zhenrong's promises and visions for their future had been.

She told Siqi she had to go tell him she was wrong, but she couldn't reach him by phone. Siqi expressed concern about the heavy rain in Yunnan, urging her to be careful. As heavy rain poured outside, Lei Yuzheng felt a sudden, inexplicable unease. He inadvertently pulled off a shirt button, a sign that intensified his growing sense of foreboding about Shao Zhenrong.

Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu arrived at the airport, only to learn that flights to Kunming, Yunnan, were severely delayed due to continuous heavy rainfall. She waited anxiously overnight. After finally arriving in Yunnan, she immediately called Shao Zhenrong, but a doctor from Shilin People's Hospital answered instead. The doctor informed her that Shao Zhenrong had been gravely injured in a mudslide while on his way to a mountain area and was currently undergoing emergency rescue at the hospital.

Du Xiaosu was utterly terrified. Upon seeing news reports of mudslides in parts of the Kunming mountain area, Lei Yuzheng repeatedly tried to call Shao Zhenrong, but there was no answer. Du Xiaosu rushed by taxi to Shilin People's Hospital. As she arrived, doctors were desperately trying to resuscitate Shao Zhenrong.

Ignoring the nurses who tried to stop her, Du Xiaosu burst into the emergency room and collapsed by Shao Zhenrong's bedside, calling his name and begging him to wake up. A doctor sorrowfully informed her of their loss. Du Xiaosu refused to accept it, pleading with the doctors to try again, insisting they could save him. But all efforts were in vain, and Shao Zhenrong was declared dead.

Overwhelmed by grief, Du Xiaosu cried out that he couldn't leave her and then collapsed, fainting on the floor. Shao Kaixuan, devastated by the loss of her beloved son, fell ill from grief. Lei Yuzheng ensured she was settled at home before immediately flying to Yunnan to handle Shao Zhenrong's funeral arrangements. Du Xiaosu woke up in the hospital, realizing she had slept for most of the day.

A nurse handed her a death certificate to sign, but Du Xiaosu couldn't accept the reality, accusing the nurse of hiding Shao Zhenrong. She frantically searched for him and eventually found his body in the morgue. She embraced him tightly, sobbing his name, reminding him of his promise to marry her. She pulled out the diamond ring he had ordered for her, crying that she knew he was about to propose, and promised to change for him.

Lei Yuzheng arrived at the morgue and, upon seeing Du Xiaosu, harshly told her she didn't deserve Shao Zhenrong before pushing her away from him. He then spoke with a nurse, who explained that Shao Zhenrong's car had overturned in a debris flow on his way back from Dake Country, causing severe internal injuries, and he had already been beyond help when they found him. Lei Yuzheng was consumed by sorrow.

Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv learned of Shao Zhenrong's death and expressed her deep sadness to Lin Xiangyuan, reminiscing about having dinner with him just days earlier. Lin Xiangyuan callously dismissed it as fate. Jiang Fanlv, recalling how Shao Zhenrong had been like a brother to her, insisted on attending his final send-off. Lei Yuzheng brought Shao Zhenrong's ashes back home to Shao Kaixuan, who was still unwell from grief.

He gently told her that she had two sons, and now that Zhenrong was gone, he would step into that role and take care of her. Du Xiaosu watched the somber scene from a distance, hesitant to approach. Lei Yuzheng caught her eye and glared at her, and she quietly left.

Episode 7 Recap

Lei Yuzheng stood alone under a large banyan tree, lost in memories of the joyful times he shared with Shao Zhenrong. He imagined Zhenrong sitting there, deep in thought, and his heart ached, knowing that Zhenrong was now gone. Sometime later, Jiang Fanlv found Lei Yuzheng, remarking on how drawn he looked. She expressed her sadness, recalling that the three of them grew up together and Zhenrong always treated her like a sister.

She urged Lei Yuzheng not to blame himself too much and to take care, reminding him that he still had her. Meanwhile, Zou Siqi felt deep sorrow for Du Xiaosu. He Qunfei was also affected, acknowledging the suddenness of Dr. Shao's death and Lei Yuzheng's profound grief. He observed how vulnerable life could be, prompting him to cherish his own happiness more.

He suggested to Zou Siqi that they should value their good days and that, after two or three years of working, they could afford a down payment for a house, hoping to marry her soon. A month later, Lei Yuzheng visited Zhenrong’s grave to pour out his heart. He spoke to Zhenrong, asking why he had run away and given up.

He reminisced about their promise to grow old together, to go fishing, and to talk about their childhood memories, lamenting that Zhenrong had broken their pact. He wondered why fate had chosen Zhenrong. Du Xiaosu also arrived at the cemetery, bringing Zhenrong’s favorite tulips. Lei Yuzheng immediately confronted her, forbidding her from disturbing Zhenrong and accusing her of hypocrisy. Xiaosu stated she was there to visit Zhenrong and that he liked tulips.

Lei Yuzheng retorted that she didn't deserve to mention him, blaming her heartlessness for Zhenrong’s trip to Yunnan, where he was caught in the mudslide, leading to his death. Xiaosu acknowledged she owed Zhenrong an apology, but Lei Yuzheng dismissed it as further hypocrisy. Xiaosu insisted she had been serious about Zhenrong. Lei Yuzheng then provocatively asked if she was serious when she "lied on the street while drunk."

Xiaosu denied his slander, but Lei Yuzheng revealed he hadn't unearthed the truth about her earlier, hoping she would treat Zhenrong better. Now that Zhenrong was gone, he felt he could speak frankly about "what kind of person she was." He reminded her of a rainy night a year ago when she was too drunk and fell in front of his car.

Xiaosu, realizing he was the one who drove her to the hotel that night, tried to explain, but Lei Yuzheng cut her off, refusing to listen. He told her to leave and never bother Zhenrong again. Later, a colleague, cleaning Dr. Shao's office, discovered a Shanghai Commercial Housing Sales Contract and Subscription Agreement in his drawer. It was in Xiaosu's name, something Dr. Shao had been unable to give her. The colleague handed the contract to Xiaosu.

Xiaosu was filled with profound regret, realizing Zhenrong had bought a house for them. She broke down, confiding in Zou Siqi her sorrow and persistent feelings of guilt. Zou Siqi comforted her, assuring her that Zhenrong would never hate her and would only wish for her well-being. Xiaosu lamented that she couldn't even save the house.

Xiaosu then received a phone call from a real estate agent, who informed her that their houses in Anman western suburb were highly sought after and urged her to pay the down payment soon, or the house would be sold to someone else. Xiaosu explained her family's recent difficulties and pleaded for more time, promising to sign the contract as soon as she collected the money. The agent reluctantly gave her three more days.

Unbeknownst to Xiaosu, Lei Yuzheng, having seen a document indicating Shao Zhenrong had paid a deposit for a house at Yipinmingcheng, instructed He Qunfei to contact the sales manager of the real estate company immediately. Desperate to secure the house, Xiaosu borrowed over 300,000 yuan from her parents. Zou Siqi generously offered her entire dowry, despite Xiaosu’s reluctance to accept it, insisting it was her share of Xiaosu's new home.

Even with this, Xiaosu was still short by about half the amount needed. Zou Siqi then told He Qunfei to transfer his marriage money to Xiaosu to help with the emergency, brushing aside Xiaosu's protest by saying his money might not be used on her anyway. Still needing more, Xiaosu turned to Brother Mo, her former boss. He playfully chided her for not calling, then, acknowledging her difficulties, encouraged her to stay positive and confident.

He gave her a bonus she was owed from a past project, adding some of his own money as a gift. With these efforts, Xiaosu finally gathered enough for the down payment. However, when she arrived at the sales office, she was told the house had already been sold, as she was half a day late. Furious, she was then discreetly informed by a staff member that Lei Yuzheng had bought the house.

Du Xiaosu immediately went to confront Lei Yuzheng at his company. After his assistant initially tried to turn her away, Lei Yuzheng agreed to see her for five minutes. Xiaosu laid out the money she had collected—over 710,000 yuan, including the deposit on her card—explaining that she could get a business loan for the rest needed for a down payment. She begged him to sell her the house Zhenrong had bought.

Lei Yuzheng flatly refused, asking why he would help her. He then tore up the purchase contract and deposit receipt in front of her. Xiaosu demanded an explanation for tearing up "her contract." Lei Yuzheng declared it was because she had "let Zhenrong down," telling her to sue him if she had objections. He also informed her that she no longer needed to work at Boyuan from the next day.

Xiaosu vehemently argued that he couldn't fire her or take "our house." Lei Yuzheng ridiculed her use of "our house," reminding her she had broken up with Zhenrong and asserting the house belonged only to Zhenrong, and he was simply "returning it to its owner." Xiaosu swore she would take the house back, no matter the cost, and would not leave until she did. Lei Yuzheng asked if she was challenging him, to which she defiantly said yes.

He warned her not to "play with fire," but Xiaosu declared she didn't care what he thought of her; the house was Zhenrong's and her home. Lei Yuzheng accused her of being shameless for mentioning Zhenrong, reiterating that Zhenrong was "murdered by her." Xiaosu acknowledged she might be a killer in his mind and, embracing that notion, stated that a killer would do anything to achieve their goal. She vowed to be back.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan met with Mr. Xie to discuss their plans for Yutian's Universal Entertainment Center project, hinting at grand ambitions. Later, Jiang Fanlv called Lin Xiangyuan on the phone, rushing him to pick up a pair of shoes for an important party, despite his own commitments. Reluctantly, Lin Xiangyuan went to the mall. There, he encountered He Qunfei and Zou Siqi, who were shopping for clothes. He Qunfei's card was declined.

Lin Xiangyuan generously offered his own card for their purchase, stating they were like brothers. He then inquired about Xiaosu, asking He Qunfei to keep him informed if anything else happened to her. As he left with Jiang Fanlv's shoes, Lin Xiangyuan wryly commented to He Qunfei that at least He Qunfei was working for his girlfriend, while he was in a "much worse situation," fetching shoes for Miss Jiang Fanlv.

Back at her apartment, Du Xiaosu tried to make nori egg soup, but memories of Shao Zhenrong—his cooking for her, their happy moments—overwhelmed her, and she slumped to the floor, heartbroken. Zou Siqi and He Qunfei returned to find her distraught, noticing her injured hand and the burnt pot. Xiaosu lamented her inability to save the house, revealing it had been taken by Lei Yuzheng.

Zou Siqi continued to console her, assuring her that Zhenrong would only want her to be well. The next morning, Xiaosu confronted Lei Yuzheng again at his company. He expressed his impatience, but she reminded him of her earlier vow to return for the house. Lei Yuzheng firmly stated he would not give her the house and Boyuan would never employ her again.

Xiaosu presented her contract with Boyuan, explaining that the company could only terminate her employment unconditionally if she broke rules or the law; otherwise, 30 days' notice was required. Lei Yuzheng officially gave her 30 days' notice. Xiaosu, undeterred, asserted that 30 days offered "numerous possibilities" and likened her determination to a moth flying into a flame, a moment of rebirth that many powerful people lacked the courage to embrace. She challenged him to a "gambling" for these 30 days.

Lei Yuzheng accepted: if she could collect all the money for the house within 30 days, he would give it to her; otherwise, she would have to leave Boyuan and this city forever. Xiaosu accepted the terms. Later, Zou Siqi questioned Xiaosu's audacity, wondering how she could possibly collect a million yuan within 30 days, but Xiaosu remained resolute in her "moth to flame" philosophy.

Episode 8 Recap

Du Xiaosu urgently sought Mr. Ning for a position that offered quick financial gain, explaining her pressing need for money within 30 days. Mr. Ning acknowledged her work ability but expressed hesitation about a personnel transfer. He eventually suggested the demanding role of supervising the Entertainment Center construction site, warning her about the strenuous conditions of working from dawn to dusk in all weather with laborers.

Despite his concerns, Du Xiaosu confidently accepted, affirming her capability and the job's quick payment suited her needs perfectly. From that day on, Du Xiaosu diligently worked at the construction site, enduring the elements without complaint. Later, Du Xiaosu appeared at the construction site to confront Lei Yuzheng. He questioned her about her progress in gathering money for the house, to which Du Xiaosu retorted, asking if he was already backing out of their agreement.

Lei Yuzheng denied it, reiterating that he would hand over the house if she secured the funds within the agreed timeframe, but he would also gladly accept her defeat if she faltered. Du Xiaosu remarked that her suffering must bring him satisfaction. Lei Yuzheng countered that being hated meant someone still cared about her existence, urging her to remember that hatred as a source of strength.

Du Xiaosu defiantly declared that no matter the hardship, she would see the gamble through to the end and never surrender, promising him good news. Seeking additional income, Du Xiaosu confided in Siqi, asking if she knew of any part-time jobs. Siqi expressed doubt that any job could help her raise millions of yuan in such a short time, advising Du Xiaosu not to fight Lei Yuzheng or fate. Du Xiaosu insisted she had no other choice.

Siqi then mentioned a friend's bar in the Bund, known for good business and pay, and offered to inquire for her. Du Xiaosu gratefully accepted. At the bar, the manager bypassed her resume, asking directly if she could drink a lot. Du Xiaosu admitted she couldn't, but highlighted her strong sales record from her college days. Convinced by her assertiveness, the manager offered her a trial shift that very night, which Du Xiaosu eagerly accepted.

That night, Lei Yuzheng arrived at the same bar, ordering two glasses of Brandy. While drinking, he had flashbacks of Shao Zhenrong at a bar, talking about unwinding and enjoying whiskey, and their bond of friendship. Lei Yuzheng then spotted Du Xiaosu working, enduring pressure from a customer named Mr. Shangguan, who was making her drink heavily without any intention of buying. Disgusted, Lei Yuzheng forcefully pulled Du Xiaosu away.

She struggled, bewildered by his intervention, claiming she owed him nothing as she had lost everything – her lover, her job, and even her house. She hysterically declared herself a "crazy person with nothing left," a "lonely soul" who could die anywhere, urging him to leave her alone. Lei Yuzheng retorted that he wouldn't bother if it weren't for Shao Zhenrong, questioning whom she was trying to impress with her self-destructive behavior.

He asked if she truly believed he would give her the house key if she drank herself to death. Du Xiaosu accused him of hating her and wishing for her defeat, then tearfully expressed her profound pain, asserting that with Shao Zhenrong gone, her heart was gone too, leaving her like a "zombie." Lei Yuzheng sternly commanded her to stand up, reminding her that she was not alone in her suffering.

Du Xiaosu mocked his words, claiming his heart was a "cold rock" incapable of pain. Ignoring her protests, Lei Yuzheng dragged her out, stating he was taking the "ghost" to release her soul from suffering, and shoved her into his car. In the car, Du Xiaosu began to vomit profusely. Lei Yuzheng, visibly annoyed, gave her a bottle of water, instructing her to open it.

As she slowly sobered, she spitefully told Lei Yuzheng how good it felt to torture him, calling him a "psycho." She continued, claiming he was just like her—a "lonely ghost," "half dead inside," and questioned if he ever cried at night or wondered what he was living for. She concluded that both their lives "sucked" because the person they loved most was gone, leaving an empty void in their hearts, like carrying "ruins" while living.

Lei Yuzheng, after listening to her drunken ramblings, asked for her address, but she was too incoherent to reply clearly. Faced with her inability to articulate where she lived, he threatened to abandon her on the street. Lei Yuzheng then took her to a hotel. Du Xiaosu woke up in the room, disoriented. Seeing Lei Yuzheng and her own disheveled state, she mistakenly assumed he was harassing her.

In response, Lei Yuzheng grabbed the showerhead and sprayed her with cold water, telling her to look in the mirror and asking, "Whose hair is as messy as a shredded squid?" She eventually calmed down. He then called his assistant, Gu, asking for women's clothes to be sent, admitting he didn't know the size. After the clothes arrived, he found Du Xiaosu sound asleep in the bathtub.

The next morning, Du Xiaosu woke up and admired the panoramic view of the Huangpu River from the hotel window. She quietly put on the new clothes and attempted to sneak out. However, Lei Yuzheng was also awake and stopped her. She apologized, stating she needed to leave, and promised to return the clothes later. Lei Yuzheng informed her that it was too early to catch a taxi, and the earliest bus was still an hour away.

He offered her breakfast. Hesitantly, she took a bite, then listened as he lectured her about her reckless behavior at the bar, warning her of the dangers she narrowly avoided. Du Xiaosu retorted that she was not a child and capable of protecting herself. She acknowledged his help at the bar but chastised him for scolding her, insisting she never asked for his intervention and he should have left her alone.

Lei Yuzheng exasperatedly asked if she thought he wanted to bother with her. Du Xiaosu finished eating and departed. Later that morning, Du Xiaosu received a substantial bonus from the bar owner. The owner praised her performance, noting that her sales from the previous night alone exceeded a week's worth. He encouraged her to continue, promising good pay. Feeling a mix of emotions, Du Xiaosu found herself at the noodle shop where she and Shao Zhenrong had first met.

There, she was overwhelmed by memories, particularly of Shao Zhenrong playfully calling her "Xiaozhu (piggy) Du" and promising to never leave her, even if she literally turned into a pig. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan spoke with Lei Yuzheng, subtly inquiring about the progress of the Entertainment Center project. Lei Yuzheng pressed him for his own thoughts on the matter.

Lin Xiangyuan, with a hint of flattery, suggested a grand groundbreaking ceremony, inviting social elites and media to showcase Lei Yuzheng's achievements for Yutian and boost the company's stock price. Lei Yuzheng, however, saw through his intentions and sarcastically questioned whether such an idea was truly meant to help or undermine him. Frustrated by Lei Yuzheng's discerning response, Lin Xiangyuan called Xie Li.

He complained that Lei Yuzheng was not cooperating and had rejected his proposal for a grand opening ceremony, even blaming him. Xie Li calmly reminded him that Lei Yuzheng was "very low-key" and assured Lin Xiangyuan that he had already arranged for people to cause trouble, telling him to just "sit and wait." Lin Xiangyuan, somewhat apprehensive, cautioned Xie Li not to create problems for him.

At the construction site, a group of unruly protestors suddenly appeared, stopping work and threatening to harm anyone who resisted. Du Xiaosu, who was on patrol, was alerted by Engineer Wang about the disruption. She quickly told the workers to temporarily cease their work and then went to confront the group. The protestors angrily claimed that Yutian had demolished their factory and destroyed their livelihood, demanding more money for relocation.

Du Xiaosu tried to explain that the contract was with Xinsheng, and Yutian was not directly responsible. However, the protestors refused to listen, insisting that whoever demolished the building was accountable and threatened to take their demands directly to the Yutian company headquarters. Du Xiaosu, attempting to block their path, was physically pushed and hit by the mob. Just then, Lei Yuzheng, who had already been alerted to the potential "noise" at the site, arrived.

He swiftly intervened, physically subduing the ringleader and warning him of severe consequences, demanding to know who sent them. He then identified himself as "President of Yutian, Lei Yuzheng." He acknowledged their grievances regarding the relocation fees but sternly warned them that engaging in unlawful protests and disrupting construction would result in significant repercussions. The protestors, however, continued to clamor for their money, insisting on their right to live.

Amidst the chaos, Du Xiaosu, who had been trying to reason with them, suddenly collapsed from sheer exhaustion. Lei Yuzheng immediately noticed her fall and rushed to her side, asking if she was alright. He then ordered his men to surround the protestors, declaring that they had caused "big trouble" and would not be allowed to leave. The protest leader attempted to deflect blame, claiming Du Xiaosu fell on her own, but Lei Yuzheng disregarded him.

Lei Yuzheng quickly transported Du Xiaosu to the hospital. The doctor informed him that she had suffered temporary shock due to prolonged fatigue, severe malnutrition, hypoglycemia, and dizziness. He confirmed she had received a nutrient solution and required ample rest. As Du Xiaosu regained consciousness, she murmured Shao Zhenrong's name, reaching out and clinging to Lei Yuzheng's clothes, pleading with him not to leave. Lei Yuzheng, visibly softened by her raw grief and confusion, quietly remained by her side.

Episode 9 Recap

Lei Yuzheng convened an urgent meeting to address the issue of workers protesting demolition fees. Lin Xiangyuan expressed feigned concern, but Lei Yuzheng quickly pointed out that Lin Xiangyuan had been responsible for coordinating with the demolition households regarding the costs. Lin Xiangyuan retorted that the workers were "not well-educated" and their words "can't be trusted," regretting that his company, Xinsheng, had trusted them.

Lei Yuzheng revealed he had communicated with Lin Xiangyuan about the costs, and Lin Xiangyuan had assured him the workers were fine with it, making Lin Xiangyuan's current stance contradictory. Lei Yuzheng then announced the resolution: the company would pay discretionary placement fees for older workers, and offer jobs at the Entertainment Center to the young and able-bodied once it was completed. He also voiced his suspicion that someone with an ulterior motive might be instigating the conflict.

Du Xiaosu awoke in the hospital, disoriented. A nurse informed her that she had fainted due to low blood sugar and a high fever, and a man had brought her in. The nurse mentioned he had been in a hurry, running up and down for her, and stayed all night watching over her before leaving early that morning after buying her food.

Du Xiaosu found a note on the table, explicitly stating, "Back to work at Boyuan," which filled her with warmth. Later, when she went to settle her medical and hospital bills, she was surprised to learn that the fees had already been paid that morning, with Lei Yuzheng's name on the record. When Lei Yuzheng returned home from work, he found Jiang Jin and his daughter, Jiang Fanlv, visiting Lei Ting.

Jiang Fanlv diligently tried to charm Lei Ting, offering him health supplements and a VIP card for a spa resort, highlighting its benefits for his cardiovascular health. Lei Ting was quite pleased, openly remarking that it was "better to have a daughter," and expressing envy toward Jiang Jin for having such a considerate child, unlike his own son who was still a bachelor.

Jiang Fanlv and her father defended Lei Yuzheng, attributing his ambition and busy schedule to Lei Ting's own example. Lei Yuzheng, uncomfortable with the conversation, quietly entered, interrupting the flattering exchange. Jiang Fanlv tried to bridge the gap, suggesting Lei Yuzheng call her "Miss Jiang at home" instead of being a "stranger." Zou Siqi and He Qunfei arrived to pick up Du Xiaosu from the hospital.

Zou Siqi, having heard that Lei Yuzheng brought Du Xiaosu in and stayed with her all night, immediately concluded it was a "realistic version of the domineering president falling in love with a clerk." Du Xiaosu vehemently denied it, reiterating that she and Lei Yuzheng were adversaries. He Qunfei defended Lei Yuzheng, suggesting his seemingly cold and then kind demeanor, as well as his loneliness, stemmed from his mother leaving him at a young age.

After being discharged, Du Xiaosu immediately took on a chauffeur side job. She personally handed Lei Yuzheng 1,700 yuan, explaining it was to repay the medical bill he covered. Lei Yuzheng suggested the company should bear such expenses, but Du Xiaosu firmly insisted on repaying him, stating her seriousness about not owing him. Lei Yuzheng then encouraged her to work hard at Boyuan.

Du Xiaosu returned to Boyuan, where her colleagues enthusiastically welcomed her back, praising her bravery at the demolition site. However, Jiang Fanlv summoned Du Xiaosu to her office. Jiang Fanlv informed her that Lei Yuzheng allowed her to return "for the sake of Zhenrong," implying it was out of pity.

She then assigned Du Xiaosu a demanding task: to produce several new design options for the core functional areas of the Universal Entertainment Center within three days, as she and Lei Yuzheng were dissatisfied with the previous submissions. Du Xiaosu acknowledged the tight deadline. She worked late into the night and over the weekend to complete the task.

Zou Siqi, pitying Du Xiaosu's long hours, informed her via phone call she couldn't keep her company because He Qunfei had asked her out shopping for a New Year's gift. Du Xiaosu urged Zou Siqi to take He Qunfei's sincerity seriously and consider formalizing their relationship, but Zou Siqi, unwilling to be rushed into marriage, brushed off her advice. During their shopping trip, He Qunfei presented Zou Siqi with a limited edition handbag.

Zou Siqi, admiring the expensive bag, teasingly asked if he felt "pain when you swiped your card." He Qunfei assured her it was worth it as long as she was happy. He then took the opportunity to propose that Zou Siqi come home with him for Chinese New Year to meet his parents. Zou Siqi immediately declined, stating it was "not appropriate for us to meet our parents yet" and she wouldn't go home with him.

He Qunfei argued that they had been together for a year, and his mother wanted to meet her. Zou Siqi expressed frustration over the inevitable questions about marriage and children that would follow. Despite He Qunfei's promise to handle everything, Zou Siqi remained adamant, saying "Marriage? What marriage? I'm not going home with you anyway. It's useless even if you buy me a bag." She then stormed off without eating.

Lei Yuzheng later went to a bar alone, where he reflected on memories of Shao Zhenrong. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu was still working late on her design plans. A surge of inspiration, sparked by thoughts of Shao Zhenrong and a flashback to him describing an island school and the children he sponsored, briefly ignited in her. However, she received a chauffeur order and, needing the money, put her work aside to rush off. To her surprise, the client was Lei Yuzheng.

Despite her reluctance, she helped the heavily intoxicated Lei Yuzheng into his car. As Du Xiaosu drove, Lei Yuzheng's drunken taunts began. He criticized her slow driving, comparing it to a "senior mobility scooter," and warned her of perverts targeting "pretty female drivers." Du Xiaosu, already unfamiliar with his Lincoln's controls, including its keyless ignition, became distracted by his remarks. Her momentary lapse in attention caused her to swerve and hit a roadside flowerbed. Despair washed over Du Xiaosu.

She started to cry, lamenting her bad luck and the added financial burden of car repairs, especially when she was trying to earn enough money to get "that house"—the one Shao Zhenrong had left her. Lei Yuzheng, though annoyed, called for a tow truck. He then chided her for crying, pointing out that he was the one whose car was damaged, yet he hadn't asked her for compensation.

Du Xiaosu reiterated that she couldn't afford to pay even if he asked. Later, Lei Yuzheng was obliged to attend a dinner hosted by Lin Xiangyuan for several investment funds interested in the Entertainment Center project. Simultaneously, Jiang Fanlv brought Du Xiaosu to a separate gathering with media group clients. Jiang Fanlv introduced Du Xiaosu to Mr. Wei, a prominent media figure, as a "talented girl" and "popular figure," encouraging her to treat him well.

The clients, impressed by Du Xiaosu's beauty and talent, pressured her to drink multiple toasts. Feeling unwell, Du Xiaosu retreated to the bathroom, where she became sick. Stumbling out, she collided with Lei Yuzheng, who was also taking a break from his meeting nearby. Lin Xiangyuan observed their encounter and greeted Du Xiaosu, revealing to Lei Yuzheng and Jiang Fanlv that he and Du Xiaosu were university alumni, having known each other for a long time.

Episode 10 Recap

Zou Siqi waited anxiously at home for Du Xiaosu, who was late from work. She called He Qunfei, learning Du Xiaosu was still working overtime. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng pulled up to Du Xiaosu's building. Seeing that she had fallen asleep, he patiently waited for her to wake up, not wanting to disturb her. When Du Xiaosu finally awoke, she quickly thanked him for the ride and apologized for her drunken remarks, asking him to forget them as a joke.

Lei Yuzheng assured her that he appreciated hearing her unfiltered thoughts, remarking that it was good to hear someone speak the truth. As she was about to leave, Lei Yuzheng asked about her sudden breakup with Shao Zhenrong, wondering if it was due to another person or a secret trouble. Du Xiaosu simply attributed it to "destiny" and the need to "let it go" to find freedom.

She also reminded Lei Yuzheng to shed his own mental burdens and move forward lightly, to which Lei Yuzheng questioned who could truly let go. The next morning at the office, Du Xiaosu tried to avoid Lei Yuzheng, Lin Xiangyuan, and Jiang Fanlv by waiting for another elevator, but Lei Yuzheng called her into theirs. Inside, Jiang Fanlv attempted to impress Lei Yuzheng by proudly displaying a contract, secured quickly thanks to her efforts the previous night.

She then inquired why he had left without telling her, expressing worry. Lei Yuzheng casually revealed he had given Du Xiaosu a ride home, claiming he saw her walking alone. This revelation, along with Lin Xiangyuan's question to Du Xiaosu about her well-being the previous night, enraged Jiang Fanlv, who accused Du Xiaosu of deliberately waiting for Lei Yuzheng. When the elevator unexpectedly stopped due to a power outage, Du Xiaosu instinctively grabbed Lei Yuzheng, further fueling Jiang Fanlv's fury.

She lashed out at Du Xiaosu, accusing her of scheming to win Lei Yuzheng's attention, before Lei Yuzheng intervened and told her to stop. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan enthusiastically pitched the Entertainment Center project to Lei Yuzheng, highlighting the interest from several investment companies eager to address Yutian's cash flow issues and facilitate Series A Financing. Lei Yuzheng, however, remained cautious, believing that superficially risk-free ventures often harbored the greatest inherent risks.

He requested two days to carefully consider Lin Xiangyuan's proposal, but Lin Xiangyuan pressed him to make a swift decision to avoid potential "accidents." Later, Jiang Jin visited Lei Ting, expressing concern that Lei Yuzheng had not yet approved Lin Xiangyuan's cooperation plan for the Entertainment Center. Jiang Jin stressed the importance of proceeding with the Yutian and Xinsheng agreement, and Lei Ting promised to resolve the issue with Lei Yuzheng.

Du Xiaosu continued to work diligently at Boyuan during the day, then rushed to a bar for a part-time job in the evenings. Despite her tireless efforts, a check at a bank ATM revealed that her savings, even with additional income, amounted to less than one-fifth of her required down payment, indicating how far she was from achieving her goal. Lei Ting confronted Lei Yuzheng, pressuring him to marry Jiang Fanlv, praising her beauty and intelligence as ideal for marriage.

Lei Yuzheng firmly rejected the idea, stating he only saw Jiang Fanlv as a younger sister and found the constant pressure from both his father and Uncle Jiang embarrassing. He attempted to divert the conversation to business, expressing his deep concerns about the Entertainment Center project. He detailed that Boyuan's financial reports showed a gradual increase in revenue but an alarming rise in corporate debt and a redundancy issue, which he considered "two bombs" making a large project risky.

Lei Ting, understanding the deeper reason for his son's reluctance, finally brought up Lei Yuzheng's mother, suggesting his fear of marriage stemmed from their tumultuous past and her abandonment. Lei Yuzheng became agitated, dismissing his mother, stating he had "already forgotten her," and declaring that "in my heart, she's already dead." This painful memory was underscored by flashbacks of his mother leaving during a stormy argument.

On Shao Zhenrong's birthday, Du Xiaosu, having bought a cake, went alone to visit his grave. Zou Siqi remarked on their "fairy tale love story," but Du Xiaosu, feeling the weight of her struggles, confided in Zou Siqi about her weariness, expressing envy for Zou Siqi's relaxed life with He Qunfei and lamenting the seemingly impossible financial task Lei Yuzheng had set for her, which Zou Siqi described as Lei Yuzheng "torturing her."

Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng canceled all his appointments, including an important meeting, to also visit Shao Zhenrong. From a distance at the cemetery, he watched Du Xiaosu pour out her heart to Shao Zhenrong. She regretted breaking up with him due to their families' grudges, wishing she had insisted on their love instead of giving up easily.

She confessed her exhaustion, implying she might have to abandon their dream apartment, and tearfully asked Shao Zhenrong for forgiveness, promising to live well and to meet him in her dreams before saying a final goodbye. Lei Yuzheng watched her, visibly pained by her sorrow. After much introspection, Du Xiaosu decided to concede the thirty-day bet with Lei Yuzheng. She went to his office, admitted defeat, and handed him her resignation letter, stating she had "overestimated herself."

She also shared her plan to leave the city to start anew, feeling that "every place is the same" now that her beloved Zhenrong was gone. Lei Yuzheng accepted her resignation, noting her resolve, but also reminded her that the bet wasn't due yet and questioned her decision to give up after vowing she never would. Later, as Du Xiaosu was informing He Qunfei and Zou Siqi about her resignation, they tried to persuade her to reconsider.

He Qunfei believed Lei Yuzheng was merely trying to temper her spirit and suggested she apologize. At that moment, a delivery arrived for Du Xiaosu. Inside the package, to their astonishment, they found the keys to the Yiping apartment along with Du Xiaosu's resignation letter. He Qunfei exclaimed that Lei Yuzheng was not only returning the apartment but also implicitly inviting her back to Boyuan. Overjoyed, Zou Siqi eagerly proposed they go check out the apartment immediately.

Episode 11 Recap

Du Xiaosu, feeling Shao Zhenrong's presence, entered the apartment Lei Yuzheng had returned to her. She imagined Shao Zhenrong's words about their dream home: an apartment for just the two of them, with her in charge of the design, a photo wall for their trips and future babies, a garden with flowers, and a swing built just for her. He had envisioned them raising a dog and growing old together in a warm, comfy home. "

Zhenrong, I'm home," she whispered. Soon after, Du Xiaosu received a parcel for Shao Zhenrong from his hospital. It contained drawings and a birthday card from the children on Star Island, along with a voice message from Teacher Sun wishing Shao Zhenrong a happy birthday and expressing the children's desire to meet their "Uncle Zhenrong" and Miss Du.

This reminded Du Xiaosu of Shao Zhenrong's wish to take her to that beautiful island to visit Teacher Sun and the lovely children at the primary school. She felt a pang of regret that she never got to go with him. Du Xiaosu later arranged to meet Lei Yuzheng, surprising him once again. She invited him to a small, unique noodle restaurant, which was also the place where she and Shao Zhenrong first met, promising him an unforgettable meal.

She then presented him with a deposit book containing all her savings, enough for the first installment on the apartment, along with a signed IOU for the remaining balance, promising to pay him back monthly with bank interest. Lei Yuzheng jokingly called it a "selling herself" contract, to which Du Xiaosu readily agreed, stating she did so of her own free will.

The restaurant owner, recognizing Du Xiaosu, inquired about Dr. Shao, prompting Du Xiaosu to lie, saying he was busy with work at the hospital. Du Xiaosu ordered her favorite shredded eel noodles. For Lei Yuzheng, she suggested chicken and coriander noodles, which he agreed to order. As they ate, Du Xiaosu was overcome with emotion and began to cry silently, recalling memories of Shao Zhenrong in that very place.

Later, she thanked Lei Yuzheng for returning the apartment, though he downplayed it, saying he merely lost a bet and was being "kind for once," reminding her that she still had to pay him back. Du Xiaosu then requested another favor, presenting him with a ship ticket. She explained that Shao Zhenrong had supported impoverished children on a remote island and promised to visit them before the new year.

She pleaded with Lei Yuzheng to accompany her, stressing the importance of his presence for the children. He initially refused, citing company work and offering to donate money or even build a school instead, questioning if his personal visit truly mattered. However, Du Xiaosu insisted that "there are things money can't buy" and that "having company is more important than money" for the children. Du Xiaosu prepared books and daily necessities for the children.

Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng was visibly distracted during a company meeting, eventually dismissing it abruptly. Despite an urgent inquiry from Lin Xiangyuan regarding the Entertainment Center negotiations, Lei Yuzheng brushed it off and instructed his assistant, He Qunfei, to prepare a car. Du Xiaosu, already at the pier, repeatedly looked back, hoping Lei Yuzheng would change his mind and join her. Just as she was about to give up hope, Lei Yuzheng arrived.

Surprised, she asked why he was there, and he teasingly responded that he had to come because she treated him to a meal. They then boarded the boat hand-in-hand. Back in the city, Lin Xiangyuan went to Lei Yuzheng's office looking for him regarding an urgent document, but He Qunfei claimed not to know his whereabouts. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng arrived on the small island, where Teacher Sun and the children eagerly greeted them.

Teacher Sun, mistakenly assuming Lei Yuzheng was Shao Zhenrong, addressed him as "Dr. Shao," a misconception Lei Yuzheng did not correct. The children, overjoyed, also called them "Sister Du and Uncle Shao." Du Xiaosu recognized several children from photos, including Mei and the "naughty boy" Doudou. Teacher Sun led Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng on a tour of the village and school.

He explained that many parents had moved to cities for work, leaving their children behind, and sadly, some children like Mei and Doudou had parents who went fishing and never returned. The school, in an effort to protect the children, tells them their parents are working in the city.

At the "Angu Township Pass the Dream Elementary School," Teacher Sun formally introduced Du Xiaosu as "Teacher Xiaosu" and Lei Yuzheng as "Dr. Shao or Uncle Shao" to the children, who then happily showed them around. Back in the city, Jiang Fanlv complained to her father, Jiang Jin, that Lei Yuzheng was ignoring her calls and seemed to be avoiding her.

Jiang Jin, however, advised his daughter to be more understanding of Lei Yuzheng's demanding career, suggesting that a more thoughtful and considerate approach would make him cherish her more. That evening, Teacher Sun arranged for Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng to stay in his dorm room, apologizing for the small space. Du Xiaosu, hesitant to share a room with Lei Yuzheng, suggested they sleep with the children.

However, Lei Yuzheng cheerfully declared the room "nice" and "like a sea-view hotel room." After Teacher Sun left, Du Xiaosu closed the door. Lei Yuzheng, sensing her discomfort, jokingly asked if she intended for him to sleep outside. To ease her mind, he quickly offered to sleep on the floor while she took the bed, dismissing her concern about the cold by mentioning his experience sleeping on the ground during hiking trips.

Du Xiaosu thanked him for coming, and he clarified that he was there for Shao Zhenrong. In the middle of the night, Lei Yuzheng was startled awake by a nightmare of his mother abandoning him during a severe thunderstorm, which mirrored the actual storm raging outside. As he got up to close the window, he discovered Du Xiaosu curled on the floor, trembling from fear of the thunder.

He teased her for her fright, but she admitted her lifelong fear of thunderstorms. He helped her up and wrapped a blanket around her, noting the cold and humidity on the floor. Sensing his sadness, Du Xiaosu gently asked about his nightmare. He revealed he had dreamed of a woman whose face he couldn't clearly see, surrounded by thunder and lightning.

He confirmed she was family who "left him long ago" and "passed away," but then abruptly ended the conversation, stating it was a painful memory from the distant past. The next morning, Teacher Sun and a child named Shanwa rushed to Lei Yuzheng, explaining that Shanwa's father was suffering a severe rheumatic heart attack and struggling to breathe. Lei Yuzheng immediately responded, carrying Shanwa's father to the island's small clinic.

The doctor there confirmed it was a typical rheumatic heart disease and, due to limited medical facilities, advised transferring the patient to a larger hospital in the city. Teacher Sun revealed that Shanwa's mother had left two years prior and never returned. Overriding Teacher Sun's reluctance, Lei Yuzheng insisted on helping and handed him a bank card to cover the expenses for Shanwa's father's transfer and hospitalization. Du Xiaosu, also worried about Shanwa, arrived at the clinic.

Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu accompanied Shanwa to the city. Lei Yuzheng expressed profound empathy for Shanwa, noting that the boy, abandoned by his mother and left to face sadness alone, had matured quickly and kept his feelings to himself. He spoke about the struggles of life, likening it to "sailing in the dark," where one must "bear all difficulties by yourself." Du Xiaosu noticed his words seemed to come from personal experience, though he simply attributed it to "imagination." He understood Shanwa's deep-seated pain, reflecting on how the boy, having been rejected by his own mother, might struggle to trust anyone else.

Episode 12 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan, unable to reach Lei Yuzheng, went directly to Lei Ting's residence. He presented Lei Ting with a global limited edition golf club, which Lei Ting greatly admired. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Xiangyuan complained that the financing agreement for the Entertainment Center project had been submitted to Lei Yuzheng a long time ago, yet there had been no response. He also mentioned that Lei Yuzheng had been unreachable, expressing concern that valuable business opportunities might be lost.

Lei Ting acknowledged Lin Xiangyuan's worries, attributing the delay to Lei Yuzheng's youth, and encouraged Lin Xiangyuan to continue assisting him with the project, which Lin Xiangyuan readily accepted as his duty. On the island, where evening illumination relied solely on a generator due to limited resources, Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng were sketching with the children. Suddenly, the power went out due to a generator malfunction.

Lei Yuzheng volunteered to repair it, with Du Xiaosu providing light with a flashlight. Impressed by his capability, Du Xiaosu asked if he, a doctor, could really fix a generator. Lei Yuzheng, recounting a past experience with similar old-style generators during a mountain climbing expedition, efficiently fixed the machine. Upon restoring power, he playfully asked Du Xiaosu if she had underestimated him. Later, Lei Yuzheng spoke with Shanwa, who was worried about his father in the hospital.

Lei Yuzheng revealed his true identity, explaining that he was Lei Yuzheng, a friend of Dr. Shao Zhenrong, and not Dr. Shao himself. He apologized for the initial deception and promised to find the best doctor for Shanwa's father, sealing the promise with a pinky swear. Meanwhile, He Qunfei had invited Zou Siqi to dinner, secretly planning to propose with a diamond ring he had bought after recalling her admiring such a ring in a shop once.

Before he could speak, Zou Siqi asked to borrow one hundred thousand yuan for an investment, promising a quick return. He Qunfei, wary of scams, pressed her for details about the investment's purpose. Zou Siqi, however, refused to disclose specifics, becoming agitated and demanding to know if he would lend her the money. He Qunfei, trying to explain his own financial strain from helping Du Xiaosu with her down payment and daily expenses, showed her his empty wallet.

Zou Siqi, accusing him of bluffing given their expensive dining setting, angrily told him to consider his decision and stormed out, declaring "No dating before you figure it out!" As He Qunfei wandered the streets, still reeling from the encounter, Lin Xiangyuan approached him. Lin expressed curiosity about Lei Yuzheng's recent absence, noting it was unusual for him to be away for so long.

Lin then presented He Qunfei with a proposal, explaining that several investment firms were interested in the Entertainment Center project. He suggested that as Lei Yuzheng's personal assistant, He Qunfei could sign the proposal on his behalf, hinting at significant rewards for his cooperation. Back on the island, Du Xiaosu expressed her gratitude to Lei Yuzheng, telling him that Teacher Sun had observed a positive change in Shanwa's demeanor since Lei Yuzheng's arrival.

Lei Yuzheng then shared a deeper truth about his recurring dream, revealing it was about his mother who had left him when he was five or six, leaving him, much like Shanwa, without a clear memory of her appearance. He confessed his conflicted feelings about a potential reunion, unsure whether he would embrace her, forgive her, or question her long absence. Du Xiaosu gently suggested his mother might have had compelling reasons for her departure.

Lei Yuzheng questioned what could justify a mother abandoning her child. Du Xiaosu, appreciative that he shared such a personal story with her, encouraged him to seek her out. Lei Yuzheng thanked her for being the first person he had ever confided in. As their time on the island drew to a close, Lei Yuzheng hoped their trip would leave Du Xiaosu with a cherished memory, to which she replied it would be not only beautiful but unforgettable.

That night, they, along with the children, enjoyed a joyous bonfire by the sea, fishing and grilling their catch. Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv, unable to contact Lei Yuzheng, went to his house. The butler informed her that Lei Yuzheng had left for a holiday two days prior but did not disclose his destination. Frustrated and perplexed by his prolonged absence, Jiang Fanlv left. Upon Du Xiaosu's return from the island, she quickly prepared to go to work.

Zou Siqi, eager for details, questioned her about the trip with Lei Yuzheng. Du Xiaosu, remarking on Lei Yuzheng's surprisingly considerate and child-friendly side, admitted he was "actually a pretty nice person," a stark contrast to his intimidating corporate persona. Zou Siqi, sensing a deeper sentiment, playfully suggested Du Xiaosu was falling for him, which Du Xiaosu vehemently denied, insisting they were from different worlds and could never be together.

Lei Yuzheng was summoned home by his father, Lei Ting, who pressed him to accelerate the Entertainment Center project and urged him to marry Jiang Fanlv. Lei Ting sternly reminded him of the project's importance for his standing with shareholders. Lei Yuzheng assured his father he had solutions for the project's financing challenges, promising not to disappoint him. Lei Ting then shifted to his desire for grandchildren, pushing Lei Yuzheng for a marriage plan with Jiang Fanlv.

Lei Yuzheng made excuses, citing the project's difficulty and Jiang Fanlv's recent return, claiming marriage wasn't a trivial matter. Lei Ting expressed his fear of not living long enough to hold his grandchildren, but Lei Yuzheng playfully reassured him. As Lei Yuzheng left, Lei Ting also asked him to check on Shao Kaixuan, Shao Zhenrong's mother, knowing she was struggling. Lei Yuzheng promised to visit her soon.

During lunch at BoYuan's staff cafeteria, Lei Yuzheng unexpectedly appeared and sat opposite Du Xiaosu. Noticing the jealous glances from her female colleagues, Du Xiaosu tried to leave. Lei Yuzheng stopped her, revealing he had ordered an imported generator for the island children. Du Xiaosu was overjoyed by this news and thanked him profusely, calling him a kind-hearted person. He insisted she sit and finish the meal with him. Just then, Jiang Fanlv arrived, observing their interaction.

She confronted Lei Yuzheng about his recent disappearance, expressing her worry. Du Xiaosu seized the opportunity to excuse herself, leaving Jiang Fanlv to question Lei Yuzheng's presence in the staff canteen. Jiang Fanlv then tried to arrange a dinner with him that evening to discuss work, but Lei Yuzheng politely declined, citing other commitments, further frustrating her. Later, Lei Yuzheng visited a banyan tree, lost in thought, remembering Shao Zhenrong.

He reflected on how he wished he could turn back time and trade his life for Shao Zhenrong's, imagining their shared future and past activities. He then went to visit Shao Kaixuan (Aunt Shao), who was delighted to see him, holding his hand warmly. She insisted on cooking his favorite steamed perch. As she prepared the meal, she fondly recalled how he and Shao Zhenrong used to playfully fight over her steamed fish as children.

Lei Yuzheng, advising Aunt Shao to take care of her health, promised to visit more often as he left. As Lei Yuzheng departed, the housekeeper mentioned that someone anonymously delivered carnations every few days. Outside, Lei Yuzheng spotted Du Xiaosu lingering near the house. He confronted her, and she admitted to leaving the flowers.

Du Xiaosu explained her routine of placing the carnations at the door, finding comfort in seeing them taken inside, a gesture not only for Shao Zhenrong but also for herself, as she was hesitant to face Aunt Shao directly. She hoped the flowers would remind Aunt Shao that another "child" still loved her dearly. Lei Yuzheng expressed his understanding and offered to take her to a special place.

Meanwhile, at Du Xiaosu and Zou Siqi's apartment, their landlord, Mr. Li, and his wife arrived to inform Zou Siqi of their intention to sell the apartment as part of a "fake divorce" scheme to purchase a new, more expensive property by the Huangpu River. The landlord's wife demanded they move out within three days. Distraught by the sudden eviction notice, Zou Siqi immediately called Du Xiaosu back for help.

Episode 13 Recap

Lei Yuzheng led Du Xiaosu as they climbed over the wall into an old primary school. He eagerly took her to a big banyan tree where he and Shao Zhenrong had buried a treasure box years ago. The box, filled with childhood memories, was dug up. Lei Yuzheng fondly recounted stories from their past, and Du Xiaosu listened intently, not wanting to miss a single detail.

He recalled how they once deflated a teacher's bike tires out of mischief, and Du Xiaosu teased him and Shao Zhenrong for being naughty. She also noticed a swimming medal, learning from Lei Yuzheng that Shao Zhenrong initially couldn't swim at all until Lei Yuzheng's forceful methods made him overcome his fear of water, eventually leading him to join the school team and win that medal.

Du Xiaosu expressed gratitude for sharing these memories, feeling it was a luxury for her to hear about Shao Zhenrong's past. Lei Yuzheng questioned her feeling of being unqualified to care, stating that if she wasn't qualified, who else would be, and spoke of how time heals loss and that all pains eventually end. After their shared remembrance, Du Xiaosu decided to rebury the box, suggesting Shao Zhenrong might want to revisit it one day.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan accompanied Jiang Fanlv on a shopping trip for a dress for the company's annual convention. Jiang Fanlv's main goal was to outshine others and capture Lei Yuzheng's attention. She meticulously tried on many dresses, rejecting one for being too exposed and another for being "dull and old-fashioned," fearing she might look like Lei Yuzheng's mother. After a long search, she finally found a luxurious white gown priced at 27,500 yuan.

When she asked Lin Xiangyuan to pay, he instructed the salesperson to issue an invoice for "office supplies" under Yutian Group's name. Enraged, Jiang Fanlv accused him of violating principles and stomped off, refusing the dress. Lin Xiangyuan tried to explain that the invoice was a way to manage expenses and was for the company's good, but she remained upset, insisting she wouldn't accept a dress that could be perceived as a gift from him or purchased unethically.

Separately, Zou Siqi and He Qunfei faced a housing crisis. After much effort, they had secured a new rental, but the landlord unexpectedly withdrew the offer as they were preparing to pack. Zou Siqi was caught off guard, and Du Xiaosu, arriving home, was equally frustrated. Zou Siqi lamented her inability to afford a home despite working hard in Shanghai.

He Qunfei, eager to buy a house and marry Zou Siqi, bravely approached Lei Yuzheng to inquire about purchasing a Yutian property at an employee discount. However, Lei Yuzheng advised him against indulging a materialistic woman, suggesting that a relationship where money is the deciding factor would not last. He declined to help, urging He Qunfei to reconsider his priorities. Lin Xiangyuan, noticing He Qunfei's distress, approached him and showed concern.

He Qunfei confided in Lin Xiangyuan about the rental troubles faced by Zou Siqi and Du Xiaosu. Lin Xiangyuan, expressing empathy by recalling his own past struggles as a tenant, offered to let them stay in a company apartment allocated to him. Later, a desperate Zou Siqi bought gifts to mediate between their current landlord, Mr. Li, and his wife, who were feuding over their "fake divorce" to sell the apartment.

While Mr. Li found Zou Siqi's reasoning sensible, his wife vehemently scolded him and insisted they move out within three days. Overwhelmed, Zou Siqi called He Qunfei for help. After a full day of unsuccessful apartment hunting, Zou Siqi received a call from He Qunfei, telling her about a friend's apartment suggested by Lin Xiangyuan and asking her to view it alone.

Upon arrival, Lin Xiangyuan was there, explaining that a rich friend living abroad wanted someone to look after his luxurious apartment for free. Zou Siqi, suspicious of his motives and past behavior, initially refused, doubting his "swear to God" promises. Lin Xiangyuan then revealed his true intention: he wanted to help Du Xiaosu but knew she would never accept assistance directly from him, so he asked Zou Siqi to take the apartment on her behalf.

Reluctantly, Zou Siqi accepted the keys. That night, Zou Siqi returned home very late to find Mrs. Li at their doorstep, causing a scene and demanding they vacate the apartment as soon as possible. Du Xiaosu managed to calm Mrs. Li down with a lot of persuasion, agreeing to move out in half a month. Zou Siqi then shared the good news about the new, rent-free apartment.

The next morning, Zou Siqi and He Qunfei took Du Xiaosu to see it. Du Xiaosu was impressed by the spacious and luxurious apartment but worried about the cost. Zou Siqi lied, claiming it belonged to her "little aunt's cousin's colleague's friend," an engineer abroad who simply needed someone to care for it. Du Xiaosu suggested Zou Siqi and He Qunfei live there, stating she didn't want to join in the fun.

He Qunfei quickly intervened, stating it would be inappropriate for him to live with Zou Siqi alone, effectively leaving Du Xiaosu no choice but to accept the offer herself. During a board meeting, Lei Yuzheng publicly rejected Lin Xiangyuan's proposal to finance the construction of the Global Entertainment Center.

Lei Yuzheng then addressed concerns about the already approved Global Entertainment Center project's high risk and financing, assuring the directors that it would not require additional shareholder investment and would be implemented in stages, making the risks controllable. While acknowledging his own incomplete planning for the staging, he emphasized the importance of respecting the board's prior decision and urged everyone to collaborate for Yutian's future.

Shortly after the meeting, Lin Xiangyuan went to the financial department to finalize the reimbursement for the white dress as "office supplies" via a phone call. He then personally visited Zou Siqi at her new apartment. He explained that Yutian's annual convention was approaching, and he had purchased a dress for Du Xiaosu, knowing she would be too busy to prepare and would refuse a gift directly from him.

He implored Zou Siqi to give the dress to Du Xiaosu without revealing his involvement, citing Du Xiaosu's strong character. Simultaneously, Jiang Fanlv, still determined, called the department store and purchased the white dress she had previously tried on.

Episode 14 Recap

As the annual Yutian company gala approached, Zou Siqi insisted on giving Du Xiaosu a makeover. She presented Du Xiaosu with an elegant white gown, falsely claiming it was a reward from Mr. Mo for her good work performance. Du Xiaosu, though surprised by its high price of at least 10,000 RMB, trusted Zou Siqi and changed into the dress, feeling a bit nervous before entering the event.

Zou Siqi encouraged her, telling her to be confident and not nervous, reminding her that "being pretty is more important than being talented." After dropping off Du Xiaosu, Zou Siqi's car was involved in a minor fender bender with Jiang Fanlv's vehicle. Jiang Fanlv, unwilling to settle the matter quickly, demanded Zou Siqi's contact information and home address. When Zou Siqi provided the address "Fu Long Jing Yuan, Building 23, Apartment 2001," Jiang Fanlv became suspicious.

She immediately called someone named Dai Meng to investigate, having likely realized the address belonged to a company-provided apartment for Lin Xiangyuan. Zou Siqi, irritated by the inquiry, simply stated she lived there and that was it. Jiang Fanlv made a grand entrance at the gala, wearing the white gown and immediately drawing everyone's attention. Lin Xiangyuan was stunned, not expecting her to have bought the same dress she had previously rejected.

The guests were admiring Jiang Fanlv when Du Xiaosu appeared in an identical white gown. The striking similarity instantly sparked hushed whispers and gossip among the attendees, who found the situation highly embarrassing. Jiang Fanlv immediately suspected that Lin Xiangyuan had given the dress to Du Xiaosu. To alleviate Du Xiaosu's awkwardness and the mounting tension, Lei Yuzheng stepped forward and invited Du Xiaosu for the first dance.

Despite Du Xiaosu's initial hesitation, admitting she was not good at dancing, Lei Yuzheng reassured her to just follow his lead. This public display of attention from Lei Yuzheng only fueled Jiang Fanlv's anger, making her seethe with fury. Jiang Fanlv found Lin Xiangyuan to confront him about the dresses, expressing her deep annoyance at clashing outfits with Du Xiaosu. Lin Xiangyuan initially feigned ignorance, claiming he knew nothing about Du Xiaosu's gown.

Jiang Fanlv then revealed her knowledge, accusing him of using company-reimbursed funds to buy the dress for Du Xiaosu, and further exposing that he had given his company-provided apartment to Zou Siqi, where Du Xiaosu was also living. Cornered, Lin Xiangyuan apologized profusely. Not content with a private confrontation, Jiang Fanlv then publicly interrupted the gala, calling out Lin Xiangyuan to confirm that he had indeed given Du Xiaosu the gown and the apartment.

Lin Xiangyuan reluctantly admitted to both, shocking Du Xiaosu, who was caught completely off guard by the public revelation. Lei Yuzheng quickly instructed He Qunfei to remove Jiang Fanlv from the scene to prevent further chaos. He then pulled Du Xiaosu aside, accusing her of being manipulative and inconsistent, implying she was exploiting Lin Xiangyuan. Without a word of explanation, Du Xiaosu slapped Lei Yuzheng across the face and walked away without looking back.

Lei Yuzheng pursued her, finding her in tears, clearly wronged. Du Xiaosu, crying, explained that she had no idea the apartment or the dress were from Lin Xiangyuan and would never have accepted them if she had known. Lei Yuzheng voiced his suspicion that Lin Xiangyuan had ulterior motives for her. Angered by his continued mistrust, Du Xiaosu abruptly turned and left again. Lei Yuzheng caught up to Du Xiaosu and draped his coat over her.

Enraged, Du Xiaosu vehemently rejected his gesture, perceiving it as "cheap compassion." She accused him of not trusting her and questioned why he had shown her kindness in the past, such as returning the apartment, comforting her on the island, and sharing childhood memories, if he still held such negative views. When he stated they were "friends," she retorted with bitterness, asking if he could admit he had no prejudice against her and acknowledge his true feelings.

Lei Yuzheng conceded he had emotions. Du Xiaosu then admitted that Lin Xiangyuan had pursued her in college, but she never reciprocated his feelings. She insightfully suggested that Lei Yuzheng's deeply rooted prejudice against her stemmed from a specific rainy night when he rescued her, an event he had witnessed.

She expressed her disappointment, believing his past kindness meant his attitude had changed, but now felt she was unworthy in his eyes, concluding that a "no-class employee" like her discussing relationships with a boss like him might seem laughable. Lei Yuzheng tried to interject, but she cut him off, stating no explanation was needed.

He then agreed with her, acknowledging that no one, regardless of status, has the right to mock another's self-respect, and that in that moment, they were equals. Du Xiaosu, however, simply stated that there were many unfair things in the world and that she might be too sensitive, before deciding it was late and she needed to go home.

Du Xiaosu returned home dispirited, where Zou Siqi immediately apologized for everything that had happened at the gala, admitting her fault in trusting Lin Xiangyuan and expressing her sadness at seeing Du Xiaosu upset. Du Xiaosu, though not blaming her, declared her intention to move out the next day. Zou Siqi, regretting her choices, readily agreed to move back to their old apartment with her.

The next morning at work, Du Xiaosu had to endure sarcastic remarks and snide comments from female colleagues, who openly gossiped about her "easy life" and implied she gained advantages by "acting lovey-dovey," but she chose to ignore them. The next morning, Lei Yuzheng summoned Lin Xiangyuan, demanding to know why he had bought Du Xiaosu the dress and arranged her living situation. Lei Yuzheng's primary concern was whether Du Xiaosu was aware of Lin Xiangyuan's actions.

Lin Xiangyuan admitted that Du Xiaosu had no prior knowledge of either the dress or the apartment, confirming it was all his unilateral doing. Satisfied, Lei Yuzheng dismissed him. Later, He Qunfei reported to Lei Yuzheng about the rampant gossip and harsh words being spread about Du Xiaosu by some female colleagues. Upon identifying the individuals, Lei Yuzheng immediately ordered them to be fired, with three months' salary as severance.

Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv repeatedly tried to call Lei Yuzheng, but he wouldn't answer. Distraught, she asked her father, Jiang Jin, to call him. Lei Yuzheng, guessing Jiang Fanlv was nearby, agreed to meet her that evening to talk things over. Jiang Fanlv was overjoyed and meticulously dressed up for the appointment. Later that evening, Lei Yuzheng met Jiang Fanlv. He immediately chastised her for publicly embarrassing Du Xiaosu at the gala, which made Jiang Fanlv jealous.

She questioned why Du Xiaosu was so attractive that he kept saving her and accused him of disappearing with a "no-class employee" during the party. Changing the subject, Jiang Fanlv confessed her long-held desire to ask him a question, despite Lei Yuzheng's warning that the answer might hurt her. She then asked if he liked her. Lei Yuzheng admitted that he did like her, but explicitly stated it had nothing to do with romantic love.

He explained that having grown up together, his care for her was real, but he had always seen her as a little sister, a feeling that would never change. Heartbroken, Jiang Fanlv refused to believe he never had romantic feelings for her. A new housing purchase restriction policy was enacted in Shanghai, which prompted the apartment owner, Mr. Li, to visit Du Xiaosu and Zou Siqi.

He apologized for his previous insistence on them moving out, explaining that with the new policies, it was more advantageous to collect rent. He confirmed his willingness for them to continue living there, much to their relief, and they eagerly agreed to renew the lease. After much consideration, Du Xiaosu submitted her resignation to Mr. Ning, explaining that she was exhausted and needed a rest.

Mr. Ning, sympathetic, suggested she take a vacation instead and held onto her resignation letter, hoping she would reconsider. Du Xiaosu then packed her bags to visit the children on the island. Before leaving, she called Zou Siqi, asking her to keep her resignation a secret from both He Qunfei and Lei Yuzheng. However, Lei Yuzheng soon learned of Du Xiaosu's resignation directly from Mr. Ning.

Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv, distressed by Lei Yuzheng's rejection, began spending her nights drinking heavily at bars. Her father, Jiang Jin, worried by her behavior, confided in Lin Xiangyuan, asking if he knew what was troubling her. Lin Xiangyuan, promising to speak with her, later found Jiang Fanlv drinking alone at a bar. He tried to persuade her to stop, concerned for her safety, and offered to drink in her place. Under the influence of alcohol, Jiang Fanlv drunkenly turned to him and asked, "Do you like me?"

Episode 15 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan confessed his long-held affection for Jiang Fanlv, who, fueled by alcohol, questioned his sincerity and whether he wanted to marry her. He reaffirmed his feelings and asked for a chance. They ended up spending the night together. The following morning, Jiang Fanlv awoke filled with regret over her impulsive actions and quietly left the hotel. A few days later, Lei Ting noticed Jiang Fanlv hadn't visited him recently and suspected Lei Yuzheng had upset her.

Lei Yuzheng denied any problems, but Lei Ting insisted he invite Jiang Fanlv and her father, Jiang Jin, for dinner that weekend, to which Lei Yuzheng agreed before leaving for the office. Later, while at a mall, Lei Yuzheng inquired about buying quilts. Coincidentally, he ran into Jiang Fanlv, who sarcastically commented on his presence, suggesting such activities didn't suit him. Lei Yuzheng retorted, "What's wrong with buying quilts? I wanted to buy it."

He purchased ten single quilts for the children on a distant island and an additional double quilt, which was later revealed to be for their teacher. He then instructed He Qunfei to manage the payment and delivery. Jiang Fanlv pressed him on his choice of quilts for the southern islands, but he deflected the question. As Lei Yuzheng tried to leave, Jiang Fanlv confronted him about his unanswered calls, expressing her frustration that he didn't seem to care.

Lei Yuzheng wanted to avoid a public argument. She suggested he direct his care towards those in need of wool quilts, prompting Lei Yuzheng to state he was going to the island for Shao Zhenrong. Jiang Fanlv, however, accused him of doing it all for Du Xiaosu. Lei Yuzheng, irritated, asked why she connected everything to Du Xiaosu and then questioned if Du Xiaosu’s resignation had anything to do with her.

Jiang Fanlv implied that his sadness over Du Xiaosu's departure stemmed from his inability to see her, despite his past claims of having no feelings. Lei Yuzheng, deeming her irrational, walked away, leaving her still calling after him. Meanwhile, He Qunfei met Zou Siqi for dinner. Zou Siqi complained about her exhausting job and the constant need to earn money. He Qunfei then abruptly presented her with a diamond ring and proposed.

Flustered, Zou Siqi found the proposal too hasty and embarrassing. She explained that their financial realities, with both living in rented apartments and facing worries about rent increases or eviction, made it an unsuitable time for marriage. He Qunfei asked why she was with him if she didn't consider him suitable for marriage. She admitted she liked him for his qualities—he was handsome, could cook, was kind, and had a decent job—but reiterated that the timing was simply not right.

A dejected He Qunfei later received a phone call from his mother, who pressed him about his marriage plans. He falsely told her he was working on it and that Zou Siqi had said yes, trying to reassure her. At the same time, Zou Siqi, eager to make money for a house, met Shangguan Boyao, a financial expert, through her friend Huanhuan. Shangguan Boyao was clearly taken with Zou Siqi.

After Huanhuan praised Shangguan Boyao's successful stock recommendations, Zou Siqi sought his advice on investments, expressing a preference for steady funds given her limited savings. Shangguan Boyao promised his full support and offered to introduce her to other influential figures in the finance industry, which delighted Zou Siqi, who dreamt of a big house and financial independence. Throughout this period, He Qunfei repeatedly tried to call Zou Siqi, but she did not answer, leaving him sleepless and worried.

The next morning, Lei Yuzheng noticed He Qunfei's pale and tired appearance, attributing it to his "realistic girlfriend" and advising him to end the relationship. Soon after, Teacher Sun called Lei Yuzheng to thank him for the quilts, mentioning that the children loved them and the double quilt was for him. Teacher Sun also shared that Du Xiaosu was doing well on the island but seemed preoccupied and mentioned her upcoming birthday, hinting at a surprise celebration.

Inspired, Lei Yuzheng informed He Qunfei he would be away for a few days on a provisional business trip abroad, emphatically reminding him to keep their collaboration with S. G. a secret. He Qunfei was left wondering about Lei Yuzheng's mysterious departure. Unexpectedly, He Qunfei’s parents arrived in Shanghai and called him only after they were already on their way to see Zou Siqi.

When they met Zou Siqi, they warmly embraced her as their future daughter-in-law, even mentioning that He Qunfei had told them they were already married, which shocked Zou Siqi. They praised her beauty and presented her with 30,000 yuan as a "meeting gift," explaining it was an initial payment of a larger sum. Zou Siqi, overwhelmed, pulled He Qunfei aside.

She angrily confronted him for fabricating their marriage and bringing his parents to her apartment without her knowledge, making her feel pressured. He Qunfei apologized profusely, explaining his mother's heart condition and his inability to reach her earlier. Zou Siqi attempted to return the money, but He Qunfei insisted she keep it, fearing his mother's reaction.

Instead, Zou Siqi suggested investing the money with a contact of hers, but He Qunfei was skeptical, fearing scams and the loss of his parents' hard-earned money. Frustrated, Zou Siqi declared she would not take the money and threatened to reveal the truth to his parents. He Qunfei desperately begged her not to, promising to keep her secret if she would accept the funds.

She retorted that he was being irrational and again threatened to tell his parents the truth, leading to an angry parting. Later, as He Qunfei walked despondently down the street, he was robbed. He struggled with the thief, who ultimately fled, leaving money scattered across the pavement. As he collected the bills, Lin Xiangyuan drove by, stopped, and offered comfort.

He Qunfei confided in him, explaining that the money was a gift from his parents to his girlfriend, and how he had proposed to Zou Siqi, then falsely told his parents she had accepted. Feeling like a "joke," he expressed his frustration at being an ordinary employee without family wealth or an elite background, lamenting his inability to succeed.

Lin Xiangyuan empathized, sharing that he, too, had faced similar struggles and that despite his executive title, he had only managed to buy a house for his mother in a small town. He encouraged He Qunfei to believe in miracles, cultivate ambition, and work harder, assuring him that in this city, if he strove forward, he would eventually achieve everything he desired, including a fulfilling relationship, and would no longer have to compromise.

On Du Xiaosu's birthday, spectacular fireworks suddenly lit up the night sky. Teacher Sun and the children gathered to surprise her with a handmade birthday cake, proudly explaining it was their first attempt. Du Xiaosu was deeply touched, declaring it the prettiest cake and the happiest birthday she had ever celebrated. She made three wishes: for the children's health and happiness, for Teacher Sun's girlfriend to return, and for all lovers to have happy endings.

Just then, Lei Yuzheng arrived, much to Du Xiaosu's surprise. The children eagerly asked if he brought a gift, and while he admitted he forgot, he promised to make it up to her later. Teacher Sun then revealed that Lei Yuzheng had arranged all the fireworks, further warming Du Xiaosu's heart. They all joyfully shared the cake together. The next morning, before dawn, Lei Yuzheng woke Du Xiaosu and brought her to the beach to watch the sunrise.

He explained it was his personal tradition to watch the sunrise on his birthday for good luck, and he wanted to share that experience and luck with her. Du Xiaosu thanked him. She then brought up her feelings of unease since she left and apologized for "that night," but Lei Yuzheng insisted it was in the past. Du Xiaosu, however, suggested he was mad, otherwise she wouldn't have left without saying goodbye, and implied he was there to criticize her.

Lei Yuzheng denied this, but pointed out her earlier desire to stay at Yutian forever, questioning her sudden departure. Du Xiaosu maintained that quitting was her own decision, simply because she was too tired. Lei Yuzheng then mentioned he knew Jiang Fanlv spoke with her, which Du Xiaosu confirmed, downplaying it as a "short chat." As the sun dramatically rose, both were captivated. She thanked him again, expressing her immense happiness. Afterwards, as they walked, Lei Yuzheng carried two washbasins.

He grew impatient with her attempts to bargain for a lower price, urging her to hurry so they could return before the weather changed. Du Xiaosu, annoyed, suggested he go back without her if he didn't wish to shop.

Episode 16 Recap

After watching the sunrise, Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu strolled through the streets. Du Xiaosu wanted to buy daily necessities for the children and haggled over prices. She expressed frustration when Lei Yuzheng, eager to pay quickly and leave, waited patiently as she debated a purchase.

She was particularly interested in a pearl necklace but found the two-thousand-yuan price too steep, commenting on its expense compared to other stores on the island, despite the vendor's insistence on its high quality and natural origin. She ultimately decided not to buy it, but Lei Yuzheng discreetly purchased it later. Meanwhile, He Qunfei arrived early downstairs at Zou Siqi's place, preparing to apologize for having lied to her about his parents, who now understood his situation.

Zou Siqi, however, casually dismissed his apology, suggesting they simply forget it happened. She then excitedly ran towards Shangguan Boyao's car, greeting him warmly before they drove off together, chatting happily. He Qunfei recognized Shangguan Boyao and was seething with anger. He later confided in Lin Xiangyuan, expressing his hurt and frustration that despite his unwavering devotion, Zou Siqi was seeing another man.

He Qunfei lamented that he was always obedient to her and admitted his financial struggles, but felt she shouldn't cheat on him. Lin Xiangyuan tried to placate him, explaining that Zou Siqi was not unrealistic but simply yearned for a stable home. He Qunfei revealed that he had even asked Lei Yuzheng for a discount on an apartment, which Lei Yuzheng refused, leading him to believe that if he had an apartment, Zou Siqi might have married him already.

Lin Xiangyuan commented on Lei Yuzheng's easy ability to provide a discount, criticizing him for not helping his assistant of many years. He Qunfei, in turn, labeled Lei Yuzheng as a man of principle and "heartless," though he quickly recanted, taking responsibility for his own lack of success. Lei Yuzheng prepared to leave the island and return to Shanghai. He affectionately bid farewell to the children, giving them individual advice, and then Du Xiaosu came to see him off.

He embraced her lightly, calling it a "goodbye hug." Before he left, Du Xiaosu stopped him, asking him to keep her presence on the island a secret, which he understood and agreed to. When Lei Yuzheng asked about her return, Du Xiaosu mused that she might stay on the island indefinitely.

Lei Yuzheng then suggested the island would be a good vacation spot for him, clarifying that he had traveled there specifically to see her this time, not for a vacation together. As he departed, he gave Du Xiaosu a small package. Upon opening it, she asked if it was a necklace, to which he replied, "Happy birthday!" She was deeply touched by the gift, realizing it was the pearl necklace she had admired earlier.

He Qunfei had been experiencing anxiety and sleepless nights. He sought help from a psychological doctor, describing how he felt as if "something is spinning above" him every night. The doctor suggested he might have a psychological disorder syndrome, warning that if ignored, it could develop into depression, phobia, or OCD. He Qunfei, in denial, insisted he was not sick.

Determined to win Zou Siqi back, He Qunfei then booked a luxury suite in a five-star hotel, decorating it with roses and preparing champagne and red wine. He knelt with a diamond ring, proposing to Zou Siqi, asking if this grand gesture was "satisfied" and "grand enough" since she had found his previous proposal insufficient. However, Zou Siqi was furious, accusing him of being "sick" and mocking her for being "vulgar."

She made it clear that she didn't want superficial displays of wealth; her only desire was a home of their own, asking if it was her fault to want a secure home. She reminded him they had been together for over three years and she had been patiently waiting for him to secure an apartment, expressing her desperation. She questioned his efforts and sarcastically asked how long more she had to wait.

Interpreting his elaborate proposal as sarcasm directed at her perceived vanity, Zou Siqi declared she had no time to waste and stormed out, leaving He Qunfei heartbroken. He called out, asking if she would marry him if he had a big apartment, to which she ambiguously replied, "We'll see."

Early the next morning, He Qunfei received a phone call from Lei Yuzheng, who informed him of his return to Shanghai and instructed He Qunfei to pick him up in half an hour for a visit to the Entertainment Center's construction site. He Qunfei then rushed to the hotel front desk to check out, only to be shocked by the bill totaling 32,800 yuan for the flowers, package, drinks, and room.

He tried to pay with his credit card, but it was declined due to overspending. Desperate, he inquired if the hotel offered credit, but they refused. He then called Lin Xiangyuan for help. Later, He Qunfei arrived at the company reeking of alcohol and disheveled. He presented the S. G files, but Lei Yuzheng quickly noticed a page missing.

Lei Yuzheng immediately admonished him for his appearance and state, although He Qunfei attributed it to a class reunion and a printer error. Lei Yuzheng sternly warned him not to appear in the office in such a state again, emphasizing the importance of diligence with crucial documents and setting an example as his assistant.

He advised He Qunfei to drink less, not just for his health but because it significantly impacts his work, stressing that he judges based on behavior, not the person. He Qunfei apologized and promised to improve. Lin Xiangyuan sympathized with He Qunfei, admitting he too had experienced similar financial struggles, racking up credit card debt.

He expressed understanding that real-life problems had driven Zou Siqi away from He Qunfei and offered to help, sharing that Lei Yuzheng, despite trusting He Qunfei, would never truly understand his plight as he had not experienced such a life. He pressed a bank card into He Qunfei's hand, calling it a "life-saving straw" and encouraging him to use the money to improve his situation and achieve his desires.

He Qunfei, deeply appreciative of Lin Xiangyuan's understanding, initially refused, saying that was help enough, but Lin Xiangyuan insisted, urging him to take the money to "get more" and promising his worries would vanish within two months. He Qunfei finally accepted with gratitude. Later, He Qunfei secretly followed Shangguan Boyao and Zou Siqi to a restaurant, where they were enjoying a meal and lively conversation.

Zou Siqi repeatedly asked Shangguan Boyao about the fund's returns, visibly thrilled when he assured her of a 10% profit. She calculated her 50,000 yuan investment had yielded 5,000 yuan in just over ten days and excitedly asked if it would double this year, prompting Shangguan Boyao to playfully tease her about prioritizing financial performance over their dinner. As He Qunfei watched, he accidentally knocked over a tea cup.

Shangguan Boyao turned, recognized him, and cordially greeted "Assistant He," even attempting to introduce him to Zou Siqi, who in turn feigned not knowing He Qunfei beyond a general familiarity with Yutian Group staff. Shangguan Boyao invited He Qunfei to join them and share a bottle of wine. He Qunfei quickly drank the glass offered and then abruptly left the table. Shangguan Boyao was annoyed, accusing He Qunfei of disrespect and threatening to report him to Lei Yuzheng.

Zou Siqi rushed out after He Qunfei, confronting him for "following" her. He Qunfei retorted, accusing her instead and demanding to know the nature of her relationship with Shangguan Boyao. She claimed Shangguan Boyao was merely a new business acquaintance and angrily defended her right to pursue a "better life," asking why he wouldn't believe her.

He Qunfei warned her to stay away from Shangguan Boyao, whom he called a "notorious playboy" with many girlfriends, predicting she would eventually get hurt. He argued that Shangguan Boyao's offers to invest and help her make money were merely attempts to "take advantage" of her youth and beauty. Zou Siqi, in turn, accused He Qunfei of being jealous of Shangguan Boyao's wealth and questioned why he hadn't revealed their relationship in the restaurant if he truly felt that way.

He Qunfei admitted his pain, confessing he desperately wanted to claim her as his girlfriend but didn't, out of fear of losing her. Their argument was unproductive, and Zou Siqi concluded by telling him it was his decision how their relationship would end, leaving him heartbroken as they parted ways unhappily. Lei Yuzheng paid a visit to Jiang Jin.

Jiang Jin expressed his trust in Lei Yuzheng to take over the business as he felt he was getting old, and hoped Lei Yuzheng would not retire. Jiang Jin then voiced his deep concern about Jiang Fanlv, lamenting that she was never home, always returning drunk, and not showing up at Yutian despite his hopes that volunteering there would cure her laziness. Jiang Fanlv then appeared, elegantly dressed and ready to go out.

She sarcastically greeted Lei Yuzheng and, ignoring her father's pleas to stay and have dinner, declared that many "handsome and young men" were waiting to date her, mocking her father for implying no one wanted his daughter. Lei Yuzheng tried to diffuse the tension by suggesting it was good for Fanlv to date, but Jiang Jin urged Lei Yuzheng to talk to her, recalling their closeness as children and believing she still listened to him.

Lei Yuzheng, after stating they were "not on the same track" and he was "not able to control her," agreed to speak with her. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu arrived at the company to complete her resignation procedures. She encountered Lei Yuzheng, who, after being informed of her purpose, expressed his disappointment that Yutian wasn't attractive enough to make her stay. He offered her assistance at Yutian should she ever need it in the future, and Du Xiaosu thanked him before leaving.

Du Xiaosu returned to her office to pack her belongings. Her colleagues expressed their sadness at her departure, and Mr. Ning tried to persuade her to reconsider. However, Du Xiaosu's decision was firm. She thanked Mr. Ning for transforming her from a rookie to a professional, promising not to bring shame upon him as his apprentice, despite not yet having found a new job. Mr. Ning welcomed her to return to Boyuan anytime she faced difficulties.

Du Xiaosu contemplated whether she should personally say goodbye to Lei Yuzheng, but feeling unsure of how to face him, she decided to leave it to fate by flipping a coin. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng, anticipating her visit, asked his assistant if anyone was looking for him, but was told no. He then went to her office to find it empty. At the same time, Du Xiaosu went to Lei Yuzheng's office to find him absent, having missed each other.

She asked He Qunfei if Mr. Lei was inside, and He Qunfei confirmed he was not. Jiang Fanlv and her friend emerged from a drinking session to find a heavy rainstorm outside. Lin Xiangyuan promptly arrived to pick her up, bringing fresh tomato and pomegranate juice to help her sober up, and Nanxiang steamed buns with crab meat, which he remembered she liked. Jiang Fanlv, recalling his consistent and meticulous care, was deeply moved.

Episode 17 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan went to great lengths to please Jiang Fanlv, bringing her favorite Nanxiang steamed buns with crab meat and mixed congee. He told her that he remembered their first meeting on a rainy day, just like this one, when she had spontaneously given him Jiang Jin's clothes because he was soaked. From that moment, he felt she was "the one" and vowed to always take good care of her, saying, "I want to."

Jiang Fanlv, feeling tired, asked him to drive, but Lin Xiangyuan remained undeterred, gently covering her with a blanket so she wouldn't catch a cold. Lin Xiangyuan drove Jiang Fanlv home, where Jiang Jin thanked him for bringing her back safely and invited him to stay for dinner. Lin Xiangyuan politely refused, saying he had to leave.

Once Lin Xiangyuan was gone, Jiang Jin immediately confronted Jiang Fanlv about her relationship with him, believing Lin Xiangyuan had a crush on her. He repeatedly reminded Jiang Fanlv not to let Lin Xiangyuan make her miss Lei Yuzheng, as he considered Lin Xiangyuan unfit. Jiang Fanlv denied any such relationship, but Jiang Jin insisted they were "people of two worlds" and should maintain clear boundaries, beyond professional matters.

Jiang Fanlv reminded her father that he had previously praised Lin Xiangyuan's ambition, but Jiang Jin distinguished between professional admiration and personal suitability, stating, "Lin Xiangyuan, he's very smart, ambitious, and clever, but his horizon is narrow, difficult to become a big weapon, not a good match." He urged her to be cautious and clearly convey to Lin Xiangyuan that a relationship between them was impossible. Uninterested in further discussion, Jiang Fanlv retreated to her room.

From that day on, Lin Xiangyuan relentlessly pursued Jiang Fanlv, trying every way to make her happy, even presenting her with a limited-edition gift brought from overseas. Jiang Fanlv, however, was more interested in Lei Yuzheng's reaction to Du Xiaosu's resignation, a topic Lin Xiangyuan could not shed light on. Jiang Fanlv noted Du Xiaosu's courage in leaving the protective "big tree" of Yutian and asked Lin Xiangyuan if he, as a former classmate, would help her.

Lin Xiangyuan replied that they hadn't been in touch and Du Xiaosu was an adult capable of handling her own affairs. Jiang Fanlv then probed about Lei Yuzheng's attitude, to which Lin Xiangyuan admitted he didn't know. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu, having completed her resignation, reflected on her new status as a "free woman," albeit without income or benefits. She found herself trying to mediate between Zou Siqi and He Qunfei.

Du Xiaosu mentioned that He Qunfei was in pain over Zou Siqi ignoring him and spending time with Shangguan. Zou Siqi dismissed He Qunfei's feelings, accusing him of stalking her, but Du Xiaosu insisted it was a sign of his care. Zou Siqi, however, had seemingly been swayed by Shangguan's influence. She argued that "we cannot live long just with feelings," contrasting He Qunfei's meager offerings with Shangguan's wealth and generosity.

Despite Du Xiaosu's assertion that she would choose love over money, Zou Siqi felt that being with He Qunfei meant facing a "hard life," whereas Shangguan was "rich, handsome, and capable." Just then, Shangguan called, inviting Zou Siqi to dinner, which she eagerly accepted, ignoring Du Xiaosu's warning that finance people like Shangguan were "smart and insidious" and could lead to financial ruin.

Lei Yuzheng waited for Du Xiaosu to call him but, receiving no word, decided to call her himself. Her phone was busy as she was calling around to rent an apartment for her new studio. Unable to reach her by phone, Lei Yuzheng sent her a text message, asking to meet if she wasn't busy. Du Xiaosu saw his message only after finishing her calls.

They met at a noodle shop, where the landlady mistakenly assumed Lei Yuzheng was Du Xiaosu's new boyfriend. Lei Yuzheng apologized for the late invitation. He inquired about her plans after leaving Yutian. Du Xiaosu explained that she had earlier intended to quit Yutian, but Lei Yuzheng had encouraged her to use her expertise to prove herself.

She found joy and fulfillment working on projects like the Entertainment Center, but on the island, she realized she wanted to start her own business—an interior design studio. This was not just for survival, but a dream to create "a sweet and warm home with love" for every client. Lei Yuzheng cautioned her that while her ideal was noble, "the reality is cruel," and starting a business was difficult.

Du Xiaosu acknowledged the high failure rate but insisted she had to try. When Lei Yuzheng offered to help her find a place, Du Xiaosu politely declined, saying his time was too valuable for such a small task and the "cost performance is too low" for him to help. She appreciated his kindness and promised to seek his help for truly important matters.

Lei Yuzheng then reminded her of their existing "contractual relationship" and her "mortgage" (debt), urging her to pay on time. Du Xiaosu playfully assured him she wouldn't run away and would "pay it back even while kneeling." Du Xiaosu spent an entire day with a real estate agent, but none of the available properties met her standards; one even had chicken coops near the entrance, which she found unacceptable for a design studio. Exhausted, she returned home.

Zou Siqi remarked on the difficulty of being a boss and suggested Du Xiaosu ask Lei Yuzheng for help, describing him as a "big boss" who could easily resolve her issues. Du Xiaosu firmly refused, stating she wanted to rely on her own abilities and build her business independently. Zou Siqi then pivoted, suggesting they ask Shangguan to invest, even a small amount, to guarantee the studio's success and secure a steady flow of clients.

Zou Siqi even hinted at wanting to buy a small share for herself. Du Xiaosu, however, criticized Zou Siqi for her obsession with money and reaffirmed her commitment to finding a suitable place through her own efforts. The next morning, as Du Xiaosu continued her search by bicycle, she had a chance encounter with her university senior sister. Her sister expressed delight at seeing her after so long.

Du Xiaosu explained she was looking for a space to open her own design studio. Her senior sister revealed she had a studio with a year left on its lease but had just received an invitation to study abroad and would be leaving soon. Du Xiaosu eagerly asked if she could rent it.

To Du Xiaosu's surprise, her sister refused to rent it, instead offering it for Du Xiaosu to "just use it," without rent, suggesting she become a shareholder due to her confidence in Du Xiaosu's talent. She even offered her network of friends in China for support. Du Xiaosu, deeply appreciative, still insisted on paying rent, feeling that the free use of the studio was already an immense help.

On the day Du Xiaosu's studio officially opened, He Qunfei requested two hours off from Lei Yuzheng to attend, revealing the friend was Du Xiaosu. Lei Yuzheng initially resisted, questioning his priorities given an upcoming meeting. At the studio, Zou Siqi, teasing Du Xiaosu about her new boss status, presented her with a lavish bouquet of roses, claiming she "spent a fortune" out of love.

Du Xiaosu, touched, then asked Zou Siqi to act as hostess while she attended to other matters. Shortly after, He Qunfei arrived with flowers. Zou Siqi immediately tried to turn him away, declaring he was unwelcome and only his flowers could stay. Du Xiaosu intervened, welcoming He Qunfei inside. Zou Siqi, asserting her role as a shareholder, reiterated her unwillingness to see him.

He Qunfei then made a "solemn apology" to Zou Siqi, explaining that his anger stemmed from his care for her and promising he had developed a "preliminary plan for their future," asking for her forgiveness "once more." Du Xiaosu urged Zou Siqi to make peace on her special day, and Zou Siqi reluctantly agreed to forgive him. Just then, a delivery arrived with several large flower baskets.

The accompanying card read, "Lei Yuzheng: Miss Du, Congratulations," prompting Zou Siqi to jokingly ask Du Xiaosu if someone had a crush on her. Du Xiaosu soon welcomed her first clients, a couple, to her new studio. They immediately demanded a significant discount due to being her first clients. The renovation project was for an "old house" and primarily involved the bathroom. Upon visiting their home, Du Xiaosu realized the main issue was clogged toilets and floor drains.

She suggested they contact a plumbing company, but the client insisted that as a decorator, it was an "easy fix" for her. Du Xiaosu initially estimated a week for the work, but the client, accusing her of seeking higher labor costs, demanded it be completed in two days and threatened to hire another company if she refused. Du Xiaosu, though unwilling, accepted the two-day deadline.

She successfully completed the bathroom renovation, unclogging the drains and even replacing an old bath heater. The satisfied clients paid her 800 RMB and gifted her a bottle of perfume. Meanwhile, Zou Siqi continued her clandestine meetings with Shangguan. She brought Du Xiaosu foie gras sushi, boasting about a "super-premium Japanese food" meal she had with Shangguan, and asked Du Xiaosu to keep it a secret from He Qunfei.

Du Xiaosu chastised her, suggesting she be honest with He Qunfei if she didn't like him, rather than "having a foot in two camps." Zou Siqi defended her actions, stating Shangguan helped her make money, and she simply wanted a "better life," to which Du Xiaosu replied that she should rely on herself. Later, with her first payment in hand, Du Xiaosu wanted to celebrate with Zou Siqi, but she was still out.

He Qunfei, unable to reach Zou Siqi, called Du Xiaosu, asking about her whereabouts and wondering if she was with Shangguan again. Du Xiaosu, caught off guard, lied and said Zou Siqi was at home, "in the bathroom just now," promising to have her call him back. Du Xiaosu suddenly received a call from the property management of her client's building, informing her that something had occurred at their home.

She rushed over to investigate, only to be met by the client, who immediately and furiously accused her of being a "thief" disguised as a designer. The client claimed Du Xiaosu had stolen her "ancestral jade bracelet," which she had left on a partition above the bathroom sink. Du Xiaosu was bewildered, denying any knowledge of the bracelet or ever seeing it.

The client refused to listen, attempting to physically search Du Xiaosu and escalating into a physical assault, hitting Du Xiaosu who protested that her actions were illegal. The dispute moved to the police station, where the client vehemently maintained Du Xiaosu's guilt, demanding her arrest and a harsh sentence.

Du Xiaosu adamantly denied the accusations, insisting there was no evidence and that she was being framed, especially given this was her first project, from which she had earned a mere 800 RMB. She even offered to provide surveillance footage and allow a search of her own home. The police assured them of a thorough investigation, but the client continued to verbally abuse Du Xiaosu, painting her as a materialistic young graduate resorting to theft.

The police then instructed Du Xiaosu to call a family member to the station as part of the procedure. Du Xiaosu first tried to reach Zou Siqi and then He Qunfei, but neither answered their phones. Left with no other choice, she called Lei Yuzheng, explaining her predicament and asking him to come to the police station. Lei Yuzheng arrived at the police station with Lawyer Wang.

Du Xiaosu tried to explain, but Lei Yuzheng cut her off, instructing her to "leave everything to me." He informed Lawyer Wang that he had already paid the bail, confirming Du Xiaosu's innocence, and ordered him to thoroughly investigate the matter and "sue the shrew outside for defamation and malice," promising to "take on her to the end" if she continued to be unreasonable.

As Lei Yuzheng prepared to take Du Xiaosu home, the client created a scene, yelling at the police for releasing Du Xiaosu without the bracelet being found. However, her husband then arrived and informed his wife that "the bracelet has been found!" , admitting, "We really wronged this girl." Back home, Lei Yuzheng gently bandaged Du Xiaosu's wounds, telling her to "bear it."

He scolded her for trying to handle such situations alone, warning her about the complexities of society and the possibility of encountering even more difficult clients in the future, expressing his worry. Du Xiaosu, though in pain, acknowledged her lesson learned, saying she now understood "society is so complicated" and that she believed "everything will get better."

Touched by his concern and help, Du Xiaosu thanked Lei Yuzheng, declaring him "the first honorary guest member in my studio" and promising him a "friendship discount at the lowest price" for any future renovations. Lei Yuzheng, with a slight smile, questioned, "Just friendship?" before telling her to fasten her seatbelt as they drove off.

Episode 18 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan persistently pursued Jiang Fanlv, even showing up at her doorstep. He offered her flowers and confessed his feelings, asking for a chance. Jiang Fanlv, though annoyed, accepted the flowers and sent him away quickly. Her father, Jiang Jin, witnessed this from his balcony and confronted her, disapproving of her involvement with Lin Xiangyuan. Jiang Fanlv then confessed that she had a one-night stand with Lin Xiangyuan when she was upset and drunk after Lei Yuzheng had rejected her.

Jiang Jin severely reprimanded her, emphasizing that abandoning oneself wouldn't make Lei Yuzheng love her more and that she shouldn't be with Lin Xiangyuan. Du Xiaosu's new studio remained without clients, leading her to playfully chant for customers to arrive. Lei Yuzheng visited, noting the studio's quiet state and suggesting she return to Boyuan as he could speak to Ning Weicheng. Du Xiaosu, however, was resolute in pursuing her own path, refusing to give up on her dream.

Unbeknownst to Du Xiaosu, Lei Yuzheng then met with his boss, Ye Shenkuan, for drinks. Lei Yuzheng strongly recommended Du Xiaosu's design studio to him, suggesting her for an office renovation project. Ye Shenkuan, surprised by Lei Yuzheng's unusual request—as Lei Yuzheng never asked for favors, especially for a woman—jokingly asked if he was in love. Lei Yuzheng instructed Ye Shenkuan not to reveal that he was the one who connected them.

After much consideration, Jiang Fanlv decided to get engaged to Lin Xiangyuan. She personally delivered a wedding invitation to Lei Yuzheng at his office. When Jiang Fanlv initially congratulated Lei Yuzheng, he offered congratulations in return. However, upon seeing Lin Xiangyuan's name on the invitation, Lei Yuzheng became concerned. He warned Jiang Fanlv to reconsider, stating that Lin Xiangyuan might not be as simple as she perceived and was "not good for her."

He urged her to "think twice," expressing his desire for her happiness. Jiang Fanlv, however, dismissed his concerns, confidently stating that she believed she would be happy and was not taking marriage lightly. While Du Xiaosu and Zou Siqi were shopping, with Du Xiaosu expressing frustration over her studio's lack of clients, Du Xiaosu received a phone call from Ye Shenkuan. He offered her a lucrative contract to renovate an office building.

Du Xiaosu was absolutely ecstatic, seeing it as a sign that she wouldn't "starve" and could keep her studio afloat. She didn't inquire how he knew about her, simply embracing the opportunity. During their conversation, Zou Siqi revealed she would be accompanying Shangguan Boyao on a business trip to Guangzhou the next day. Du Xiaosu strongly objected, reminding Zou Siqi of her loyalty to He Qunfei.

Zou Siqi, however, confessed that she couldn't live like Du Xiaosu, "begging every day for a big contract out of nowhere" and living "without tomorrow," implying her desire for a more stable or prosperous life. Du Xiaosu, seeing Zou Siqi's mind was made up, could only caution her to "be careful." Du Xiaosu had planned a picnic celebration in the park with Zou Siqi, but Zou Siqi canceled at the last minute.

Undeterred, Du Xiaosu went alone, bringing food and drinks. She joyfully toasted to herself, declaring that she had "finally settled in Shanghai," established her own studio, and secured a significant contract, believing her parents would be proud and that she was on her way to becoming a "real architect." She soon became quite drunk. Lei Yuzheng called her, and upon learning she was in the botanical garden, drove there to meet her.

He found her in a relaxed and happy state and, after playfully chiding her for not inviting him to celebrate her "big contract," joined her. Du Xiaosu exuberantly recounted her success, even boasting about her talent being "wasted" at Boyuan. Lei Yuzheng, amused by her childlike happiness, jokingly suggested that Boyuan now had a competitor and even proposed they "join forces," noting that "Yutian is always waiting for you." Du Xiaosu replied she needed time to think.

They continued to drink and chat happily, with Du Xiaosu expressing surprise at her own newfound value. Lei Yuzheng simply told her he was happy for her and dismissed her concerns about being "mean" to her client. Prior to the engagement, Jiang Jin summoned Lin Xiangyuan to his home. He bluntly told Lin Xiangyuan that he was "not the son-in-law I was expecting" but would accept him if he promised to be good to Jiang Fanlv.

Lin Xiangyuan pledged his devotion, promising to "favor her and love her forever" and treat Jiang Jin as his own father. Jiang Fanlv had prepared an invitation for Du Xiaosu and entrusted Lin Xiangyuan to deliver it, since Lei Yuzheng had already received his. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu successfully completed the office renovation for Ye Shenkuan, who expressed great satisfaction with her work, playfully remarking that "it turns out that he likes this type."

Shortly after, Du Xiaosu received a phone call from Lin Xiangyuan. She met with him, and he handed her the engagement invitation. Du Xiaosu offered her congratulations to the couple, expressing her well wishes and confirming she would attend the ceremony on time, also stating that Shao Zhenrong would always be in her heart. On the day of the engagement, Lin Xiangyuan diligently greeted arriving guests, while Jiang Fanlv appeared noticeably unhappy.

Lin Xiangyuan, with Jiang Jin by his side, was introduced to prominent guests as Jiang Jin's son-in-law and an employee at Yutian. Lei Yuzheng arrived with Lei Ting and Shao Kaixuan. Lei Ting lamented Jiang Fanlv's engagement to Lin Xiangyuan, expressing his belief that she had long admired Lei Yuzheng, and criticized Lei Yuzheng for letting a "good marriage" slip away. Lei Yuzheng dismissed his father's complaints, stating it was "none of my business."

Shao Kaixuan also urged Lei Yuzheng to find a girlfriend and settle down, cautioning him "not to be like our Zhenrong." Jiang Jin approached Lei Yuzheng, offering apologies for any past annoyances caused by Jiang Fanlv and promising they would not recur. Lei Yuzheng gracefully steered the conversation, extending his congratulations to Jiang Jin on the celebratory occasion.

Inside the banquet hall, Lei Yuzheng noticed Du Xiaosu and expressed surprise at her presence, quickly realizing Lin Xiangyuan must have invited her. Du Xiaosu, in turn, playfully asked if he was there for "bride kidnapping," to which Lei Yuzheng retorted that Jiang Fanlv was "not his type."

Du Xiaosu then jokingly described Lei Yuzheng's ideal partner: a beautiful woman resembling a Hollywood actress, from a well-bred family, with a gentle and obedient character capable of tolerating his "bad temper," causing him to call her "insane" for teasing him. The engagement ceremony then commenced with Jiang Jin delivering a brief speech.

He thanked the guests for attending his daughter Fanlv's engagement to Lin Xiangyuan, highlighting their love and commitment, and asked the attendees to support his new son-in-law, Xiangyuan. Du Xiaosu was deeply moved by the emotional atmosphere, to the point of tearing up. Lei Yuzheng, observing her, teased her for being "sentimental" and "naive," questioning if she truly believed one could "live on fate and love" alone. She then confessed she was "starving" and found the cake "tasty."

The engagement ceremony concluded with a spectacular fireworks display. As they watched the vibrant bursts in the night sky, Du Xiaosu mused that happiness, much like fireworks, was "just one moment," dazzling yet "less possible to keep." Lei Yuzheng, however, countered that it didn't matter if it was fleeting, as long as "it was dazzling." Later, Du Xiaosu's studio became incredibly busy with a constant stream of clients. One evening, Lei Yuzheng visited her studio and found her asleep, hunched over her desk, clearly exhausted from overwork. He looked at her with a tender, pitying expression.

Episode 19 Recap

Lei Yuzheng gently brushed a strand of hair from Du Xiaosu's temple before quietly departing. When Du Xiaosu awoke, she noticed a bag of food on her table, realizing it was a thoughtful gesture from Lei Yuzheng, who had already left. Later, Du Xiaosu brought Ye Shenkuan to inspect the renovation work on an office building. Ye Shenkuan expressed his satisfaction, remarking on her good taste.

He specifically praised a unique pentagon-shaped table and a light design in the meeting room, as well as the cozy ambiance created by her choice of decorations and plants. Du Xiaosu admitted that without his contact, she might not have had the confidence to continue her work. Ye Shenkuan then revealed that someone had specifically requested him to find her for the project, implying that this person cared deeply about her.

Upon receiving a substantial payment for the successful renovation, Du Xiaosu immediately called Lei Yuzheng to share her good news and invite him to dinner. Lei Yuzheng arrived for the dinner, which Du Xiaosu intended as a grand celebration with simple dishes like small steamed buns. However, he interjected with his own order, including crab meat bean curd, salmon nori, and a sashimi set.

Du Xiaosu playfully complained about his expensive choices, while Lei Yuzheng teased her about her newfound wealth from the "large-scale project" she recently completed. He casually mentioned it was an office building, which made Du Xiaosu suspect he might have helped her secure the job. Lei Yuzheng, however, denied it, claiming he had merely guessed.

Du Xiaosu then shared her dream of studying abroad at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar to meet her idol, Professor Ohm, the renowned architect and author of "Introduction to Architecture." Lei Yuzheng was leaving for a business trip abroad the next day, which prompted her to share her aspirations. After the meal, Du Xiaosu went to pay, only to discover that Lei Yuzheng had already settled the bill.

As he drove her home, Lei Yuzheng hesitated, seemingly on the verge of expressing his feelings, but ultimately held back. Instead, he asked her to see him off at the airport the following morning. Du Xiaosu didn't give a direct answer, but Lei Yuzheng assured her he would wait for her. He told her his flight was at 10:00 a. m. Meanwhile, He Qunfei's father unexpectedly arrived in Shanghai, prompting He Qunfei to introduce him to Zou Siqi.

His father revealed the reason for his visit: He Qunfei’s second brother was getting married, but the bride's family required a house. Despite pooling all their savings, his parents were still 200,000 yuan short. His father, reluctant but desperate, asked He Qunfei for a loan, highlighting his brother’s past sacrifices to put him through university. He Qunfei promised to find the money.

After their father left, Zou Siqi vehemently objected to He Qunfei lending the 200,000 yuan to his brother, pointing out that their own combined savings barely reached that amount and they needed the money for their own home. He Qunfei tried to explain his brother's kindness and the urgency of the situation, suggesting they could wait a little longer.

Zou Siqi, however, was fed up with waiting, arguing that his family never considered her feelings and that he was failing as a competent boyfriend by not prioritizing their future. She declared she was tired of waiting and left in anger, stating he could lend the money, but he must buy a house for them first.

The next morning, Lei Yuzheng came to the office and gave He Qunfei detailed instructions, particularly regarding the Entertainment Center project, before heading to the airport. He Qunfei noted Lei Yuzheng's improved mood and increased cheerfulness. From his window, Lin Xiangyuan observed Lei Yuzheng’s departure and tried to ascertain his destination but failed. He suspected He Qunfei knew more and decided to approach him.

Du Xiaosu, after receiving and watching a video from her old teacher Sun on her phone, suddenly remembered Lei Yuzheng’s flight. She hailed a taxi and urged the driver to rush to the airport. Lei Yuzheng waited patiently, and just as he was about to board, Du Xiaosu arrived, breathless. Lei Yuzheng was visibly delighted, embracing her gently and expressing his satisfaction that she had come. He waved goodbye and boarded the plane under her watchful gaze.

Noticing He Qunfei's distracted state, Lin Xiangyuan invited him for a drink. He Qunfei confided his family's financial predicament. Lin Xiangyuan, pretending empathy by relating it to his own past regrets, produced a bank card with one million yuan, instructing He Qunfei to use it to buy a house for Zou Siqi. As He Qunfei quickly became inebriated, Lin Xiangyuan subtly probed him about Lei Yuzheng’s trip.

In his drunken stupor, He Qunfei disclosed that Lei Yuzheng was abroad to finalize a collaboration with SG for the Entertainment Center project, which would resolve its financial issues. Lin Xiangyuan carefully stored this crucial information. Lei Yuzheng, at the SG company headquarters, successfully discussed and finalized a cooperation intent with Linton, the project leader. Linton agreed to travel to Shanghai with Lei Yuzheng to taste Shanghai buns.

During their conversation, Lei Yuzheng took the opportunity to inquire about Professor Ohm. Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv had been avoiding Lin Xiangyuan. While out drinking with a friend, Lin Xiangyuan appeared outside the bar to pick her up. Jiang Fanlv admitted she was deliberately avoiding him and that their engagement was out of necessity, but Lin Xiangyuan interrupted her, vowing to treat her well, protect her, and ensure she would not regret marrying him.

He Qunfei and Zou Siqi later visited a real estate office and successfully put down a deposit for a house. Zou Siqi was overjoyed, feeling like she was dreaming, and eagerly discussed renovation plans. In her excitement, she even offered to gather an additional thirty to fifty thousand yuan to help He Qunfei’s brother and suggested buying gifts for his father to show off. He Qunfei was immensely pleased by her change of heart.

Upon his return to China, Lei Yuzheng arranged a meeting with Du Xiaosu, who was surprised and thrilled to find her idol, Professor Ohm, also present. Du Xiaosu, excitedly, asked Professor Ohm many questions about architectural design, and they quickly found they had much in common. While Lei Yuzheng stepped away to the restroom, Professor Ohm revealed to Du Xiaosu the extraordinary lengths Lei Yuzheng had gone to bring him to Shanghai.

He explained that since his wife Anna’s passing, he had become a recluse, but Lei Yuzheng's persistent efforts—waiting outside his home for an entire day after being initially turned away—had deeply moved him. Professor Ohm, touched by Lei Yuzheng’s sincerity, believed it was a testament to his true love for Du Xiaosu.

Episode 20 Recap

Lei Yuzheng's genuine efforts deeply moved Professor Ohm, who not only welcomed him into his home but also agreed to accompany him to Shanghai. Professor Ohm shared that Lei Yuzheng's persistent spirit reminded him of his younger self, recounting a story about his late wife, Anna, and his unwavering dedication to her, demonstrating an "if I don't achieve my goal, I won't give up" attitude.

Recognizing Lei Yuzheng's profound affection for Du Xiaosu, Professor Ohm gave his blessing, expressing his hope that she would appreciate the lengths Lei Yuzheng had gone to for her. When Du Xiaosu later learned the full extent of Lei Yuzheng's efforts, she was deeply touched. Professor Ohm told her that Lei Yuzheng loved her with the same intensity he had loved Anna, and urged her to treasure him. After dinner, Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng strolled together.

She thanked him, happy about the outcome, but confessed she didn't understand why he treated her so exceptionally well. Lei Yuzheng admitted he couldn't pinpoint a specific reason, only that Du Xiaosu was different from others, and he found himself uncontrollably drawn to her. He recalled once being scornful of the idea of profound love, believing money and material desires held more sway. However, meeting Du Xiaosu made him realize that true love existed, something he had never experienced before.

He reflected on the complexity of human relationships, especially between men and women, and how he now understood the enduring nature of love. Du Xiaosu, however, admitted to being a particularly insecure person. Lei Yuzheng argued that a man's love for a woman often needed no specific reason, but Du Xiaosu countered that there was always a reason for mutual affection. He acknowledged their initial misunderstandings but felt they had led to a deeper understanding.

He found himself accustomed to her presence, sharing her joys and sorrows, and felt a compelling desire to care for her, pamper her, and do everything in his power for her—something he had never done before. When he asked if she trusted him, she affirmed she did. But when he asked for her answer regarding his feelings, Du Xiaosu remained silent. Understanding her need for time, Lei Yuzheng promised he could wait and then offered to take her home.

Back in Shanghai, Yutian Group's stock had seen a significant surge, leading shareholders to speculate about major overseas developments. Upon his return, Lei Yuzheng convened a board meeting and announced that his recent trip had successfully finalized a partnership with the renowned S. G. Group. The official signing ceremony for the Universal Entertainment Center project would take place the following day at Bin Jiang Hotel, with S. G. committing substantial investment to establish a new global entertainment brand.

The shareholders were overjoyed, relieved that the project's financial pressures would be alleviated, and they enthusiastically praised Lei Yuzheng, connecting the recent stock market activity to this impending deal. Later, Lei Ting, Lei Yuzheng's father, was excitedly selecting an outfit for the ceremony. Despite Lei Yuzheng's concerns about his father's recent recovery, Lei Ting insisted on attending, overjoyed by the cooperation. Lei Yuzheng suggested a black suit and presented him with a tie, which Lei Ting gratefully accepted.

The next morning, Lei Yuzheng, accompanied by He Qunfei, arrived at the Bin Jiang Hotel. The highly anticipated signing ceremony with S. G. Group attracted numerous journalists and industry figures. Just as Lei Yuzheng and S. G. President Linton were about to sign the contract for the Universal Entertainment Center, police officers dramatically entered the hall. They announced that Lei Yuzheng was suspected of illegal trading and needed to cooperate with an investigation.

He Qunfei protested, suggesting a misunderstanding, while Jiang Fanlv also attempted to intervene, even offering to accompany him. Lei Yuzheng, though visibly confused, remained composed. He stated his innocence and willingness to comply, instructing He Qunfei to care for his father, Lei Ting, and assuring Lei Ting that he would only be making a statement and would return soon. Witnessing Lei Yuzheng's arrest, Lei Ting, overwhelmed with shock, collapsed and was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv and Jiang Jin tasked Lin Xiangyuan with finding out the cause of the arrest. Lin Xiangyuan reported that Lei Yuzheng was suspected of exploiting the impending S. G. cooperation news to manipulate Yutian's stock, buying shares to artificially inflate prices. Jiang Fanlv and Jiang Jin vehemently denied this, asserting that Lei Yuzheng would never commit such a blatant crime. Lin Xiangyuan, however, insisted his information was accurate, calling it a crime.

Jiang Fanlv, refusing to believe the accusations, declared she would investigate the matter herself. At the police station, investigators explained to Lei Yuzheng that the insider trading charges stemmed from someone knowing about the S. G. cooperation before the official signing, using this non-public information to boost stock prices. They warned him of severe legal consequences, including fines, detention, or imprisonment. Despite having previously confided in He Qunfei about the finalized S. G.

cooperation due to the Entertainment Center's capital needs, Lei Yuzheng protected his assistant, stating that no one else knew about the deal besides him. Simultaneously, at the hospital, doctors informed a distraught He Qunfei that while Lei Ting’s surgery was successful, there was a possibility he might never regain consciousness. A colleague, discussing Lei Yuzheng's predicament, mentioned that Lin Xiangyuan had learned from the Public Security Bureau that Lei Yuzheng was accused of using the S. G.

cooperation news to short-sell stocks, believing Lei Yuzheng did this to raise company funds. This revelation struck He Qunfei, who suddenly recalled getting drunk and disclosing the S. G. cooperation details to Lin Xiangyuan, realizing with horror that his actions might have led to Lei Yuzheng's frame-up. Consumed by guilt and anger, He Qunfei confronted Lin Xiangyuan in the heavy rain. He accused Lin Xiangyuan of deliberately using the S. G.

cooperation news to frame Lei Yuzheng, reminding him that only Lei Yuzheng and he knew the details, and that Lin Xiangyuan had overheard him "spill the beans" while He Qunfei was drunk. Lin Xiangyuan, however, feigned ignorance, dismissed the accusation, and demanded evidence. Although He Qunfei admitted he had no concrete proof, he was convinced that Lin Xiangyuan had long planned this, purposefully getting him drunk to extract information. Enraged, He Qunfei struck Lin Xiangyuan.

Lin Xiangyuan then retaliated by reminding He Qunfei of his financial struggles and how he had loaned him one million yuan to buy a house, threatening to sue for defamation if He Qunfei continued making baseless accusations. Lin Xiangyuan then chillingly asserted that he was not the one who framed Lei Yuzheng, but rather Lei Yuzheng's own ego was to blame.

Du Xiaosu, wanting to thank Professor Ohm, bought several gifts for him, but was unable to reach Lei Yuzheng, whose phone was off—an unusual occurrence for him. Meanwhile, a drenched and dishevelled He Qunfei arrived at Zou Siqi’s home, where Du Xiaosu was also present. He told Zou Siqi to return the house deposit, stating they wouldn't buy the house. Zou Siqi, confused and upset, questioned his motives and insisted they could buy it and repay any debts later.

Just then, a news report on TV announced Lei Yuzheng's arrest, stating he was suspected of profiteering through undisclosed information related to the S. G. contract, an event expected to impact the Universal Entertainment Center project. Overwhelmed, He Qunfei confessed that he had "spilled the beans" while drunk, implicating Lei Yuzheng. He also revealed that Lin Xiangyuan had given him the money for the house, making Zou Siqi realize that Lin Xiangyuan might have orchestrated Lei Yuzheng’s downfall.

He Qunfei admitted he wasn't sure, but acknowledged his drunken disclosure of sensitive information. Du Xiaosu, however, adamantly stated her trust in Lei Yuzheng and vowed to find a way to help him. Separately, Jiang Fanlv desperately pleaded with Jiang Jin to help Lei Yuzheng, but he explained that due to the stock money originating from an offshore account, many influential contacts were unwilling to get involved.

He also cautioned Jiang Fanlv, as Lin Xiangyuan’s fiancée, not to interfere too much, but she dismissed his concerns, saying she wasn't in the mood to consider Lin Xiangyuan's feelings. Despite her trust in Lei Yuzheng's innocence, Du Xiaosu was frustrated by the lack of concrete evidence to clear his name. She resolved to take a risk and confront Lin Xiangyuan, sending a text to He Qunfei about her plan.

Meanwhile, in the detention center, Lei Yuzheng mentally replayed the events and police questioning, specifically his denial that anyone else knew about the S. G. cooperation. During a visit from Attorney Fang and He Qunfei, Lei Yuzheng learned that all evidence pointed to him, making his situation precarious.

Resigned to the likelihood of imprisonment, he declared he would accept full responsibility to protect Yutian's reputation and ensure the successful continuation of the Entertainment Center project, which was his father's lifelong dream. A distraught He Qunfei repeatedly apologized, confessing his role in the leak and offering to tell the police the truth and go to jail in Lei Yuzheng’s place.

Lei Yuzheng, however, firmly silenced him, stating that his sacrifice would be futile and urged him instead to care for Lei Ting, concealing the truth from his fragile father for as long as possible. Later, He Qunfei reiterated his willingness to endure years in jail to save Lei Yuzheng, but Attorney Fang reminded him that legal outcomes relied on evidence, not impulsive acts, and that Lei Yuzheng had prioritized the company's survival.

Xie Li called Lin Xiangyuan regarding Lei Yuzheng's arrest, but Lin Xiangyuan, while feigning surprise, dismissed it as Lei Yuzheng's bad luck, reassuring Xie Li that Lei Yuzheng was too proud to let anyone else take the blame. He instructed Xie Li to remain calm and avoid gloating. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu contacted Lin Xiangyuan, arranging to meet for coffee.

Lin Xiangyuan correctly surmised she wanted to discuss Lei Yuzheng, but Du Xiaosu initially deflected, claiming she merely wished to catch up with an old classmate. She probed him about a million-yuan loan he made to He Qunfei for a house, implying he had recently come into a lot of money. Lin Xiangyuan explained it away as a "windfall" from a successful real estate investment.

Du Xiaosu then directly questioned if Lei Yuzheng had been framed, to which Lin Xiangyuan vehemently denied any involvement, stating Lei Yuzheng's troubles had nothing to do with him. Just then, He Qunfei appeared, returning the million-yuan bank card and kneeling to beg Lin Xiangyuan to save Lei Yuzheng, admitting it was all his fault. Lin Xiangyuan, however, maintained his innocence and disavowed any ability to help. Enraged, He Qunfei lunged at Lin Xiangyuan, but Du Xiaosu quickly intervened, holding him back. Lin Xiangyuan then nonchalantly walked away as they watched.

Episode 21 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan went to a bar to drown his sorrows, where Xie Li found him. Xie Li congratulated him, wishing him an early presidency of Yutian, and noting that Lei Yuzheng had "quite a fall this time" and would take a while to recover. He encouraged Lin Xiangyuan to seize the opportunity.

Lin Xiangyuan responded that he would "never take advantage of other people" and had wanted to "fight with Lei Yuzheng face to face" to prove his capability, adding that he felt no joy in this victory. Xie Li, however, emphasized that "the result means everything," and as long as Lin Xiangyuan became the president of Yutian, no one would care about the means he took.

He added that with Lei Ting in the hospital and Lei Yuzheng in jail, it was Lin Xiangyuan's time to take charge. Later, Lin Xiangyuan urged Jiang Jin to take full control of the Entertainment City project. Jiang Jin was hesitant, admitting he didn't know much about the project and feared taking over hastily might trap him. He joined a board meeting where, in the absence of Lei Ting and Lei Yuzheng, the directors were anxious.

Jiang Jin suggested electing a temporary president, and the board unanimously recommended him. Jiang Jin, despite his initial reluctance, accepted, stating he would "take this position for now" for the "overall interests of the company." He then highly recommended Lin Xiangyuan to oversee the Entertainment City project, citing Lin Xiangyuan's many years as his assistant and his proven ability.

Jiang Jin acknowledged that people might gossip because Lin Xiangyuan was his future son-in-law, but he believed entrusting Lin Xiangyuan with the task would benefit Yutian and the project. Lin Xiangyuan confidently stated he would not let anyone down. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng was sentenced to eight months of detention for disclosing confidential information. He was transported to the Jiangkan Detention Center. Upon arriving at his cell, his cellmate, Liu Siyang, introduced himself and noted Lei Yuzheng's unaccustomed silence.

Lei Yuzheng, however, remained unresponsive. Du Xiaosu learned of Lei Yuzheng's imprisonment and was deeply saddened, regretting her inability to help him, especially since there was no evidence to benefit him and he had taken all responsibility himself. Around the same time, He Qunfei decided to break up with Zou Siqi. He felt responsible for Lei Yuzheng's imprisonment and Lei Ting's coma, stating he couldn't "just sit here and have dates" with her while others suffered.

Zou Siqi, angrily upset, agreed to go their separate ways, warning him not to regret it, but He Qunfei insisted there was "nothing to regret." That night, Lei Yuzheng couldn't sleep. Liu Siyang tried to engage him in conversation, remarking that if Lei Yuzheng continued to be silent in their small cell, they would both "go crazy."

When Lei Yuzheng remained indifferent, Liu Siyang provoked him, saying Lei Yuzheng seemed like "someone who has power and can't bear with living in jail." He scorned "rich people" who are "arrogant when nothing happens" but "wilt like a frosted eggplant" when trouble strikes, declaring he looked down on such "too weak" people. Lei Yuzheng, enraged, started a fight with Liu Siyang until prison guards intervened. Jiang Fanlv reported to Jiang Jin about He Qunfei violently beating Lin Xiangyuan.

Jiang Jin suspected Lin Xiangyuan might have framed Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan vehemently denied it, expressing disbelief that Jiang Jin, after all their time together, wouldn't trust him. He suggested He Qunfei was simply distraught over Lei Yuzheng and mistakenly saw Lin Xiangyuan as an enemy due to his association with Xinsheng. Jiang Jin defended Lin Xiangyuan, calling He Qunfei "shortsighted." Jiang Fanlv didn't believe him at all.

Lin Xiangyuan challenged her, asking if she truly believed he was capable of harming Lei Yuzheng or was cunning. He emotionally reminded her that he loved her despite her past affections for Lei Yuzheng, and he couldn't bear her mistrust. He even swore he had done nothing against Lei Yuzheng and offered to go to jail in Lei Yuzheng's place if they didn't believe him. Jiang Jin calmed him down and urged Jiang Fanlv to trust her fiancé.

Jiang Fanlv, still upset, angrily retreated to her room. Lin Xiangyuan reaffirmed to Jiang Jin his commitment to taking care of Jiang Fanlv his whole life. At the medical room, the guard questioned Lei Yuzheng and Liu Siyang about their fight, but both remained silent. The guard scolded Lei Yuzheng, warning him not to vent his anger on his cellmate and reminded him to read the prison rules.

He explained that they were housed together because they had similar charges and needed to reflect. He also revealed that Liu Siyang had a serious heart condition, which meant he was excused from strenuous work, and warned Lei Yuzheng of the severe consequences if he continued such behavior. Du Xiaosu went to the detention center to visit Lei Yuzheng.

However, the guard informed her that Lei Yuzheng refused to see her and asked her not to come again, though he was worried about his father. Du Xiaosu reassured the guard that Lei Ting was doing well and asked him to convey this to Lei Yuzheng, also entrusting him with some books and food for Lei Yuzheng. Afterward, Du Xiaosu contacted He Qunfei to find out Lei Ting's hospital. She then visited Lei Ting, who was still in a coma.

Du Xiaosu held his hand, tearfully imploring him to wake up soon, as Yutian was at risk of being lost and Lei Yuzheng would have gone to jail for nothing. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan was appointed Yutian's General Manager. One of his first actions was to dismiss He Qunfei. He Qunfei confronted Lin Xiangyuan, demanding a reason for his termination. Lin Xiangyuan claimed it was a board decision to simplify the company structure and reduce staff due to Yutian's difficulties.

He Qunfei challenged whether it was the board's decision or Lin Xiangyuan's, asserting that only Lei Yuzheng could decide his employment. Lin Xiangyuan mocked Lei Yuzheng's current inability to protect himself, let alone others. He then bluntly told He Qunfei that given the punch he received from him, it was impossible for He Qunfei to stay at Yutian, advising him to find work elsewhere.

He Qunfei threatened to appeal to the board, but Lin Xiangyuan scoffed at the idea that they would care. Just then, Jiang Fanlv arrived. She confronted Lin Xiangyuan for firing loyal employees and now He Qunfei. Lin Xiangyuan dismissed it as normal staff reduction, but Jiang Fanlv insisted he could not fire He Qunfei. She threatened to appeal to powerful old shareholders like Mr. An and Uncle Wang.

Faced with her determination, Lin Xiangyuan reluctantly agreed to let He Qunfei stay. Jiang Fanlv clarified to He Qunfei that she intervened not for him, but for Lei Yuzheng, to protect his people. During recreation time in the detention center, an inmate leader was rude and started a fight with Liu Siyang. Lei Yuzheng, unable to tolerate the injustice, intervened and severely beat the inmate leader.

Du Xiaosu returned to the detention center, insisting to He Qunfei that she had to see Lei Yuzheng. Captain Liang informed Lei Yuzheng that He Qunfei was there, accompanied by the girl who frequently visited him despite his rejections. Lei Yuzheng, despite a visible nosebleed which he dismissed as "not a big deal," eventually agreed to meet them.

Du Xiaosu expressed her concern, telling Lei Yuzheng that they all missed him and wished him well so he could get out soon. Lei Yuzheng, however, spoke harshly, saying there was "no such need" for her visit if it was only to tell him these things. He accused her of being "self-righteous" and questioned her intentions, asking if she wanted to be friends with a criminal. He belittled her efforts, asking if she could "stay in jail for me, or.

. . help me fly out of here." Du Xiaosu countered, asserting that her friendship was not based on his fame or social status. He Qunfei tried to intercede, explaining how worried and "pined away" Du Xiaosu had been while trying to help him. Lei Yuzheng continued his tirade, calling her "mawkish" and suggesting her visits were merely to witness him, a once proud man, "fall to the bottom" to satisfy her "curiosity and compassion."

He concluded by telling her to "live your life well and don't think about me again, or come here to visit me. Not to mention caring about me. Please leave." Tearfully, Du Xiaosu responded, "Lei Yuzheng, I. . . we will wait for you." She then asked He Qunfei to speak with Lei Yuzheng while she left the visiting room. He Qunfei advised Lei Yuzheng not to treat Du Xiaosu that way, acknowledging her struggles.

Lei Yuzheng admitted he knew how hard it was for her, and precisely "because I know it, I have to push her away." He felt it would be "too selfish to waste all her time and effort on a criminal" and didn't want to involve her. He explained that since He Qunfei had brought her, he had "no choice other than to say all those words." Troubled, Lei Yuzheng returned to his cell.

Liu Siyang noticed his preoccupation and tried to initiate a conversation, but Lei Yuzheng was reluctant. Liu Siyang candidly remarked on the fleeting nature of women's concern for prisoners. He asked Lei Yuzheng about his crime, learning it was a "financial case" involving "disclosing confidential information of a public company," for which Lei Yuzheng claimed he earned "not a cent." After lights out, Liu Siyang lit a candle to continue reading.

When Lei Yuzheng questioned if it was allowed, Liu Siyang admitted it was against regulations but claimed he had "never been caught." Lei Yuzheng recognized his books as "When Genius Failed" by Roger Lowenstein and "The Money Game" by Adam Smith, surprising Liu Siyang. Lei Yuzheng couldn't help but become curious about him, but Liu Siyang remained silent.

Episode 22 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan, after securing investment for the entertainment center, was set to host a press conference. Reporters gathered early, but Lin Xiangyuan deliberately made a late entrance. His assistant urged him to hurry as Jiang Jin was already there, but Lin Xiangyuan remarked that Jiang Jin was "really free" and could wait, justifying his tardiness as "reasonable" given his work.

Jiang Fanlv, waiting with her father, Jiang Jin, grew impatient, asking why Lin Xiangyuan was so late and emphasizing that they shouldn't have to wait for him. When Lin Xiangyuan finally arrived, he was immediately surrounded by a barrage of reporters, eager to ask about the conference, his thoughts on Lei Yuzheng's imprisonment, and how he managed to bring in such significant investment.

Jiang Fanlv observed her fiancé with resentment, lamenting to her father that all the attention was on Lin Xiangyuan, despite Jiang Jin being the one who "steered Yutian." Lin Xiangyuan, however, publicly credited Jiang Jin, calling him his "teacher" and "leader" and stating that without Jiang Jin's crucial help at a critical moment, the press conference wouldn't have been possible. Jiang Jin, in turn, dismissed his own contribution, allowing Lin Xiangyuan to bask in the spotlight.

Lin Xiangyuan concluded his public statement by reiterating his gratitude, acknowledging that his success was entirely due to Jiang Jin's "help and support behind the scenes." Inside the detention center, Lei Yuzheng and the other inmates watched the entertainment center’s press conference on television. One prisoner recognized Lei Yuzheng as the former Yutian president, remarking, "Now he is in jail with us."

The cell leader mocked Lei Yuzheng, implying that his imprisonment had created an opportunity for Lin Xiangyuan and adding, "You can't blame others." When another inmate observed that Lei Yuzheng was wealthy, the cell leader continued to provoke him, suggesting he give an "interview" about his feelings and threatening to beat him now that he knew Lei Yuzheng was rich. As Lei Yuzheng, angered by the taunts, seemed ready to fight, Liu Siyang intervened, reminding him about the guards.

Moments later, Liu Siyang clutched his chest and collapsed, seemingly suffering a heart attack. Lei Yuzheng quickly sprang into action, calling for a doctor and instructing others to open windows for ventilation, confirming Liu Siyang's condition was "real." Meanwhile, at the hospital, Du Xiaosu and He Qunfei were by Lei Ting’s bedside.

He Qunfei expressed his reluctance to attend the Yutian press conference, citing his guilt over the misfortunes of the Lei family and his disgust with Lin Xiangyuan's triumphant demeanor. Suddenly, Du Xiaosu noticed a flicker of movement in Lei Ting's hand. Filled with joy, they immediately summoned a doctor, who confirmed that Lei Ting had finally regained consciousness.

During the press conference, as Lin Xiangyuan grandly introduced Jiang Jin as his mentor, Jiang Fanlv, observing Lin Xiangyuan's arrogant demeanor, confided to her father that she "regretted" their engagement. She suddenly felt an "upset stomach" and excused herself to the restroom, where she was heard vomiting by Xie Li, who had followed her.

After the conference concluded and Jiang Fanlv made an early exit, Lin Xiangyuan instructed Xie Li to "put the Entertainment Center project aside" and then, upon hearing about Jiang Fanlv's vomiting, ordered Xie Li to "keep an eye on her these days" and report "no matter what happens." Meanwhile, Lei Ting was discharged from the hospital.

The doctor warned Du Xiaosu and He Qunfei that due to his condition, Lei Ting would need constant supervision as he was "incapable now and can't express himself." True to the warning, Lei Ting was volatile and called strangers "bad guys," even attempting to strike He Qunfei with his stick.

He Qunfei blamed himself for the Lei family's hardships, but Du Xiaosu reassured him, explaining that Lei Ting's erratic behavior was a "sequela of a cerebral hemorrhage" and that he "has no idea what he is talking about." She encouraged He Qunfei to remain hopeful, asserting that they would care for Lei Ting until he fully recovered, believing he would "be fine one day." Back in the detention center, Liu Siyang returned to the cell.

Lei Yuzheng confronted him, asking if he had deliberately feigned illness to prevent Lei Yuzheng from being punished. Liu Siyang ambiguously replied that he would have been "gone" if not for Lei Yuzheng that day. He then revealed his past, stating he had "graduated from Lancaster University in the UK" and worked at "BlackRock in the UK," admitting he had grown "too arrogant."

He then drew a parallel between their situations, implying that Lei Yuzheng, "just like" him, had "taken all the responsibilities on your own" as the "chief trader in one of the fund management companies."

Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan, having heard of Lei Ting's discharge, decided to visit him, explaining to Xie Li that they "should come sooner or later" as Lei Ting "was the president of Yutian after all," and clarifying that his animosity was solely for Lei Yuzheng, not Lei Ting. They arrived at the Lei residence with gifts. Although Lei Ting was initially napping, he soon awoke. Lin Xiangyuan greeted him, asking if he remembered him.

Lei Ting, however, immediately branded them "Bad guys" and angrily tried to chase them away with his cane. Xie Li wondered aloud if Lei Ting was "really out of his mind," observing his intense hostility. Lin Xiangyuan attempted to placate Lei Ting by claiming to be "Lei Yuzheng's colleague," but this only agitated Lei Ting further. He demanded to know, "Where is Yuzheng? Bad guy. Give Yuzheng back to me! I'll kill you!"

Duan the butler quickly intervened, explaining Lei Ting's confused state and escorting Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li out. As they left, Lin Xiangyuan told Xie Li not to "take offense at a patient," viewing the incident as "an apology I made to him." Reflecting on Lei Ting's confused state, Lin Xiangyuan, with Xie Li, declared that with "Lei Yuzheng in jail" and Lei Ting "so sick," Yutian would now "count on" him, effectively making him "the manager of Yutian."

Xie Li further reminded him that Jiang Jin, his future father-in-law, would "be on your side." Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv received shocking news at the hospital: she was pregnant, already "two months" along. Disoriented, she immediately went to the detention center to visit Lei Yuzheng. Seeing him there, she was visibly distraught, admitting, "I just didn't expect that we would meet here."

She grew tearful, recalling their carefree childhood days, how he loved lemon soda, teased girls with caterpillars, and defended Zhenrong. Lei Yuzheng suggested it was "fate," but Jiang Fanlv disagreed, stating she used to believe she could make "fate submit," but had now realized that "fate will always give you a surprised shock." Lei Yuzheng, sensing her distress, reassured her, "Fanlv, remember that, no matter when, I'm your family," and wished her "to be happy."

Jiang Fanlv, acknowledging her past resistance to being seen as just family, now admitted her deep reliance on him, feeling safe in his presence. She explained she had come for "peace" and, despite his probing, deflected his questions about what was wrong, simply saying, "Some things are meant to happen." She promised him that she would "be good" and "wait for you to come out," urging him not to worry about her.

Xie Li delivered Jiang Fanlv's ultrasonography report to Lin Xiangyuan, who reacted with overwhelming joy upon confirming the pregnancy, exclaiming, "I can be a father!" However, his elation quickly turned to fury when Xie Li informed him that Jiang Fanlv was scheduled for an abortion the next day. " That is my child! It's my family's blood. How dare she?" he fumed.

Lin Xiangyuan then visited Jiang Jin, bringing an assortment of Jiang Fanlv's favorite foods from his hometown, but asked Jiang Jin not to reveal he was the one who brought them, fearing she "will lose her appetite." He subtly expressed his concern about Jiang Fanlv's continued connection to Lei Yuzheng, feigning worry that he was "wasting her time" since they were not yet married.

Lin Xiangyuan claimed that even if Jiang Fanlv regretted their engagement, he only wished for her to find true love. Jiang Jin, perceiving that Jiang Fanlv's mind "won't settle" until they were married, encouraged Lin Xiangyuan to "hurry up with your marriage" and prepare, promising to speak with Jiang Fanlv himself. Meanwhile, back in the detention center, Lei Yuzheng refused to see Du Xiaosu, admitting he was afraid she would visit him.

Lei Yuzheng explained that if he saw her once, she would return, and he believed he had to "be cruel" to "be responsible for others" by pushing her away. Liu Siyang observed that Lei Yuzheng was "not cruel at all," concluding that he loved her "deeply." Separately, Shao Kaixuan returned from her convalescence abroad and was shocked to learn from her maid about the series of misfortunes that had befallen the Lei family.

At Lei Ting's home, Du Xiaosu was patiently coaxing him to take his medicine by rewarding him with cotton candy, which led Lei Ting to affectionately call her "Cotton candy, good guy." Duan the butler recounted Lin Xiangyuan's recent visit to Du Xiaosu, describing him as a "boss named Lin" who claimed to be "Yuzheng's colleague." Shao Kaixuan visited Lei Ting and was surprised to find Du Xiaosu already there.

Lei Ting, delighting in Du Xiaosu's presence, laughed happily and called her "Cotton candy." However, when Shao Kaixuan introduced herself, Lei Ting, in his confused state, did not recognize her, asking, "Who is Kaixuan?" Du Xiaosu gently explained that Shao Kaixuan was "a good friend." Witnessing Lei Ting's confusion saddened Shao Kaixuan. Du Xiaosu reassured her that it was merely a "sequela of a cerebral hemorrhage" and that he would eventually improve with proper care.

While Duan the butler took Lei Ting for a walk, Shao Kaixuan expressed her worry about how Lei Ting would react to Lei Yuzheng's imprisonment once he fully recovered. Du Xiaosu admitted she couldn't foresee that, choosing to take "one day at a time." Shao Kaixuan then thanked Du Xiaosu for "helping Yuzheng in this difficult time," to which Du Xiaosu replied it was her "responsibility" given Lei Yuzheng's past help.

Du Xiaosu then entrusted Shao Kaixuan with a photo of Lei Ting, asking her to deliver it to Lei Yuzheng during her next visit, explaining that while he was stubborn and didn't want pity, his father was "what he is most worried about" so he could serve his sentence with peace of mind. Meanwhile, Jiang Fanlv, despite a doctor's advice against it, arrived at the hospital determined to have an abortion.

Lin Xiangyuan, having tracked her, intercepted her outside the hospital. He tearfully pleaded with her to "keep the baby," stating that it was "ours after all" and "innocent," regardless of her feelings for him. He swore to her, promising not to "fight back or swear back" no matter how she treated him.

In a desperate attempt, he even offered to "resign at once, leave the company and the city" if she would keep their child, vowing to "love him and protect him" with all his might. Moved by his fervent pleas, Jiang Fanlv paused, indicating she was reconsidering her decision.

Episode 23 Recap

Jiang Fanlv, swayed by Lin Xiangyuan’s persuasive words, abandoned her decision to have an abortion and agreed to marry him immediately. The couple joyfully informed Jiang Jin of their plans, and Lin Xiangyuan added the good news that Jiang Fanlv was pregnant, making Jiang Jin ecstatic to become a grandfather.

Jiang Jin urged Lin Xiangyuan to expedite the wedding preparations, which Lin Xiangyuan promised to do by booking the prestigious Binjiang Hotel, the best in Shanghai, and inviting not only friends but also business partners for a grand celebration befitting the Jiang family. Lin Xiangyuan, engrossed in wedding preparations, made calls to his mother and various associates, including Mr. Wei, to share the news and discuss future business collaborations.

However, Jiang Fanlv unexpectedly canceled the wedding plans, expressing her unwillingness for Lin Xiangyuan's mother to attend. This angered Lin Xiangyuan, who went to a bar to drink. Xie Li found him there, offering counsel and emphasizing that Jiang Fanlv's disrespect towards his mother was unacceptable, yet Lin Xiangyuan remained too distressed to be comforted, eventually getting drunk and needing a driver to take him home.

The next morning, as Lin Xiangyuan was driving Jiang Fanlv to the civil affairs bureau to register their marriage, Jiang Jin’s car broke down. Needing to meet Mr. Xu, Jiang Jin opted to ride in Lin Xiangyuan’s car. In his haste, Lin Xiangyuan left his mobile phone behind. Xie Li called, and Jiang Jin answered, only to hear Xie Li excitedly report that a Mr. Yu had made a substantial profit thanks to Lin Xiangyuan.

This revelation immediately triggered Jiang Jin’s suspicion, leading him to realize that Lin Xiangyuan had stolen company secrets, inflated Yutian Group's stock for personal gain, and framed Lei Yuzheng. Enraged, Jiang Jin promptly called Jiang Fanlv, only to be stunned by her announcement that she and Lin Xiangyuan had just obtained their marriage certificate. Later that day, Jiang Fanlv brought Lin Xiangyuan home for dinner.

Jiang Jin arrived shortly after, sent Fanlv out on an errand, and then confronted Lin Xiangyuan, returning his phone. Jiang Jin accused Lin Xiangyuan of a triple scheme: ruining Lei Yuzheng, promoting himself, and making a fool of Jiang Jin by marrying his daughter. Lin Xiangyuan immediately fell to his knees, vehemently denying any intentional wrongdoing, claiming he merely disliked Lei Yuzheng for disrespecting Jiang Jin.

Jiang Jin, drawing on his decades of business acumen, dismissed these excuses, stating he could not trust a man with no moral bottom line or allow his daughter to live with him. Lin Xiangyuan then played his trump card, reminding Jiang Jin that he and Fanlv were married and she was pregnant with his child, threatening that Jiang Jin's grandson would be born fatherless if he were jailed.

He then swore to treat Fanlv well and vowed to return Yutian Group to Lei Yuzheng once he was released. Cornered, Jiang Jin reluctantly accepted Lin Xiangyuan's terms. During dinner, Jiang Jin advised Fanlv to be sharp and vigilant, always protecting herself, and assured her of his continuous support. He then cautioned Lin Xiangyuan, now his son-in-law, to cherish his current position and avoid excessive ambition, warning that such greed could lead to greater loss.

Fanlv noticed her father’s unusual demeanor, but he brushed it off as mere business advice. Meanwhile, Shao Kaixuan visited Lei Yuzheng in the detention center. Lei Yuzheng anxiously inquired about his father's health. Shao Kaixuan, showing a photo provided by Du Xiaosu, reassured him that Lei Ting was well and enjoying a vacation abroad. Although somewhat relieved, Lei Yuzheng still felt guilty for causing his aging father worry.

Shao Kaixuan reminded him that his actions were necessary to save Yutian, urging him to take care of himself. With only two weeks remaining until the Spring Festival, Du Xiaosu’s studio was bustling with orders, preventing her from returning home for the holidays, a fact she relayed to her parents via phone. In contrast, Lin Xiangyuan meticulously maintained his image as a doting husband, showering Jiang Fanlv with attention.

Colleagues openly praised his solicitous care for the pregnant Fanlv, hailing him as a model husband. Witnessing this, Jiang Jin felt some relief. Before embarking on a business trip abroad until Spring Festival’s Eve, Jiang Jin entrusted Lin Xiangyuan with the full authority to manage the company, reiterating his earlier warning about learning from past mistakes. In the detention center, Lei Yuzheng, upon reviewing his father's photograph, began to question Shao Kaixuan's account.

He suspected Lei Ting was seriously ill, reasoning that his father would never fail to visit him otherwise. Liu Siyang advised Lei Yuzheng to channel his pain into a resolve to live a meaningful life upon his release. At home, Jiang Fanlv's pregnancy-related mood swings made her increasingly demanding and critical of Lin Xiangyuan, even forcing him to sleep on the sofa due to his snoring.

Despite his publicly affectionate persona, Lin Xiangyuan silently endured her temper, secretly drinking alcohol to cope at night. Meanwhile, at Xie Li's instigation, Lin Xiangyuan further demoted He Qunfei, reassigning him from the data room to the logistics department to manage building hygiene, a deliberate attempt at humiliation. He Qunfei openly accused Lin Xiangyuan of being "mean" and "small-minded."

Unable to tolerate this, He Qunfei secretly sought new employment but found himself blacklisted by other companies in the industry, who, aware of his conflict with Lin Xiangyuan, advised him to change professions. Shangguan Boyao took Zou Siqi shopping. When they encountered an acquaintance, Shangguan Boyao introduced Zou Siqi as his cousin, much to her annoyance. She confronted him, feeling embarrassed, but he defended himself by explaining his friend was gossipy and he preferred to keep their relationship low-key.

He then earnestly swore his sincerity to her. Just then, He Qunfei, disheartened by his job search, passed by and witnessed their interaction, feeling a pang of mixed emotions. Zou Siqi spotted He Qunfei and quickly pulled Shangguan Boyao away. Du Xiaosu’s parents, Du Maokai and Ruohua, arrived in Shanghai unexpectedly. After learning from Du Xiaosu's colleague that their daughter was caring for an elderly man at the Lei residence, they immediately rushed over.

They arrived to find Lei Ting throwing a tantrum, smashing a medicine bowl and shouting for "Yuzheng!" As Du Xiaosu cleaned the broken pieces, she accidentally cut her finger. Ruohua rushed to her daughter's side, upset that Du Xiaosu had lied about being busy and was secretly working as a convalescent nurse for Lei Ting, whose son was in jail.

Du Xiaosu, while trying to soothe Lei Ting, explained to her parents that she could not leave him alone and asked them to return home first, promising to explain everything later once the butler returned. As her parents left, they encountered Shao Kaixuan, whom Du Maokai recognized. Shao Kaixuan, who also came to visit Lei Ting, appeared troubled. Du Xiaosu noticed her distress, but Shao Kaixuan offered a vague excuse about Lei Ting.

Unable to find stable employment due to his conflict with Lin Xiangyuan, He Qunfei started working as a waiter at a bar. One evening, Shangguan Boyao and Zou Siqi arrived for drinks, and He Qunfei quietly served them. Shortly after, Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li also entered the bar. Xie Li, noticing He Qunfei in his waiter uniform, publicly mocked his reduced circumstances.

Shangguan Boyao seized the opportunity to confront Lin Xiangyuan, making a pointed remark about individuals who "have done bad things from behind someone's back," subtly alluding to Lin Xiangyuan's role in framing Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan dismissed Shangguan Boyao's comment, telling him not to waste his time there.

Episode 24 Recap

After a heated confrontation, Lin Xiangyuan and Shangguan Boyao nearly came to blows in a bar. Zou Siqi quickly intervened, pulling He Qunfei away. She urged He Qunfei not to self-destruct by working as a waiter, directly asking if Lin Xiangyuan was torturing him, to which He Qunfei admitted yes. Despite this, he insisted it was his own business and told her to leave him alone. Zou Siqi then questioned if he hated her, suggesting his behavior was intentional.

He Qunfei denied hating her, asserting that she deserved a better life. He described himself as a loser and a failure, concluding that their separation was the right choice. Meanwhile, Du Maokai was preoccupied after his encounter with Shao Kaixuan. Ruohua complained to him about Du Xiaosu’s late return and how she was acting as a "babysitter" for someone else, but Du Maokai was distracted.

When Du Xiaosu eventually arrived home late, Ruohua scolded her, demanding she close her studio and return to their hometown. She criticized Du Xiaosu for caring for a "prisoner's family," deeming it shameful and fearing gossip if they were in their hometown. Du Maokai tried to mediate, suggesting they discuss it later. Du Xiaosu, frustrated, retreated to her room, leaving Ruohua angry at Du Maokai for his lack of support.

Du Xiaosu later spoke with her father, noting her mother's continued anger. While Du Maokai acknowledged Du Xiaosu’s good intentions, he also advised her that helping should not be indefinite. Du Xiaosu then cautiously asked her father about his past relationship with Shao Kaixuan, revealing she knew Shao Kaixuan was Zhenrong's mother and that they were once in love. She urged him to clarify any misunderstandings with Shao Kaixuan to avoid future regrets.

Afterwards, Du Xiaosu tried to appease her mother by recounting how Lei Yuzheng had helped her, from sending her to the hospital when she fainted at a construction site to saving the house she shared with Zhenrong. She portrayed Lei Yuzheng as a good person who had been set up, and his father, Lei Ting, was deeply affected.

Ruohua, recognizing Du Xiaosu’s affection for Lei Yuzheng, grew concerned, reminding her that her youth was precious and questioning why she would choose such a difficult path after being hurt once before. Ultimately, Ruohua expressed her desire for Du Xiaosu's happiness above all else. Lin Xiangyuan, eager to fulfill his mother's wish, had Xie Li book two plane tickets for him and Jiang Fanlv to his hometown for the Lunar New Year.

He shared his excitement with Xie Li, stating that he had worked hard for years for this moment. Upon Jiang Jin's return from abroad, Lin Xiangyuan sought his approval to take Jiang Fanlv home for the holiday. Jiang Jin agreed, emphasizing that it was important for his mother to finally meet her daughter-in-law, especially since their wedding had been simple.

However, Jiang Fanlv vehemently refused, claiming his hometown had poor transportation and that her pregnancy made long travel, even by modern means, impossible. She insisted she was not going there for hardship and suggested Lin Xiangyuan either go alone or have his mother come to Shanghai instead. Lin Xiangyuan explained the local customs, stressing that a new daughter-in-law must visit the husband's family for the first Lunar New Year, otherwise his mother would be ridiculed.

Jiang Fanlv dismissed his concerns, prioritizing her child's safety and her own delicate condition, citing doctor's orders for quiet rest and stable emotions. Jiang Jin, siding with his daughter, suggested Lin Xiangyuan's parents visit Shanghai. In the end, Jiang Jin conceded to Jiang Fanlv's refusal but instructed her to buy gifts for her mother-in-law and call to extend her greetings and explanations on New Year's Eve.

Jiang Jin also offered Lin Xiangyuan some nourishing tonics he had brought back from abroad to take to his mother. Du Maokai and Shao Kaixuan met, and he finally explained why he had broken their promise years ago. He apologized for his past actions, but Shao Kaixuan initially reacted with anger, wishing they had never met. Du Maokai then recounted how, on his way to meet her, he was involved in a tractor accident where Ruohua was injured.

He took Ruohua to the hospital, intending to leave after ensuring her safety, but the doctor insisted he stay until she woke up. He learned Ruohua was an orphan and, after she temporarily lost her sight due to the accident, he felt obligated to care for her until she recovered, which took until the following spring. He confessed that he tried to contact Shao Kaixuan but failed, believing she blamed him and wished to end their relationship.

He ultimately gave up and married Ruohua, with whom he had Du Xiaosu. Shao Kaixuan expressed regret, stating she would not have blamed him if she had known the true reason. Du Maokai concluded by saying that after so many years, with both of them middle-aged, they should let go of the past.

As Lunar New Year approached, He Qunfei confided in Du Xiaosu that he couldn't go home because he had broken up with his girlfriend and lost his job, leaving him no courage to face his family. Du Xiaosu, whose parents were already in Shanghai, suggested they all celebrate the New Year's Eve dinner together at Lei Ting’s house, specifically inviting Shao Kaixuan.

On New Year's Eve, Du Xiaosu’s parents, Du Maokai and Ruohua, arrived at Lei Ting’s house early with many delicious dishes. Ruohua, now in a more relaxed mood, engaged in playful banter with Du Maokai, jokingly attributing their daughter’s kindness to his influence. He Qunfei also expressed gratitude to Du Xiaosu for organizing the gathering, noting that the house hadn’t been so lively in a long time.

They helped Lei Ting paste festive decorations and enjoyed the lively atmosphere, though He Qunfei gently reminded another guest, Uncle Duan, not to mention Lei Yuzheng’s absence and upset Lei Ting. Du Xiaosu then went to check on her parents' cooking. Shao Kaixuan arrived shortly after, completing the gathering. Ruohua, surprised, asked Du Xiaosu if this was the mysterious friend she mentioned, and Du Xiaosu confirmed it.

Shao Kaixuan wished Lei Ting a Happy New Year and expressed hope for Lei Yuzheng’s swift return. Then, she turned to Du Xiaosu and sincerely apologized for her past misunderstandings. Du Xiaosu gracefully accepted, stating that Shao Kaixuan was like a mother to her. The group then raised their glasses, toasting to a happy and prosperous new year.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan, wrestling with the guilt and pressure of not taking Jiang Fanlv home for the new year, found himself alone by the riverside, watching fireworks. He called his mother, fabricating an excuse about an urgent company matter requiring him to go abroad, making it impossible for him to return home for the holiday, and mentioned Jiang Fanlv was not in good health. His mother, however, refused to believe him and adamantly insisted he bring Jiang Fanlv back.

Unable to convince her, Lin Xiangyuan abruptly ended the call. Later, Lin Xiangyuan went to a quiet restaurant to drink alone. The owner, a woman from Guizhou, politely urged him to finish so she could close and go home to her husband. Recognizing their shared hometown, Lin Xiangyuan asked if he could stay a little longer, explaining he had nowhere to go.

He poured out his heart to her, confessing that despite achieving material success, owning a house in Shanghai, and marrying a Shanghai woman, he felt empty. He lamented his wife's refusal to have a wedding ceremony in his hometown or to visit his mother for the New Year, contrasting his own perceived poverty of spirit with the owner's simple happiness of having someone waiting for her.

He recounted his lifelong struggle against poverty, his relentless pursuit of academic and professional success, and the emotional scars of being looked down upon, concluding that he had worked so hard only to feel like he had nothing left. The owner offered words of comfort, suggesting that life cannot be perfect. Lin Xiangyuan thanked her for listening and, after leaving a generous payment, wished her a Happy New Year before departing.

Back at Lei Ting's residence, Lei Yuzheng called his father from abroad to wish him a Happy New Year. Lei Ting, deeply moved, was happy to hear his son's voice. He then passed the phone to Du Xiaosu, who joyfully informed Lei Yuzheng that his parents, Aunt Shao, and He Qunfei were all gathered for dinner, sharing stories of a fun evening and reassuring him that everyone was doing well.

He Qunfei and Shao Kaixuan also briefly spoke to Lei Yuzheng, all wishing him a Happy New Year before he hung up. Separately, Jiang Jin and Jiang Fanlv were having their New Year's Eve dinner. Jiang Jin called Lin Xiangyuan, who lied again, claiming he had just gotten off a plane in his hometown. Jiang Jin passed the phone to Jiang Fanlv, who noticed the quiet background but accepted Lin Xiangyuan's excuse that everyone was home for the holidays. She instructed him to convey her greetings to his mother.

Episode 25 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan unexpectedly encountered his old friend Li Mengnan. They had dinner together, during which Li Mengnan happily shared details of her family life, showing pictures of her husband, an IT technician, and their five-year-old son, Dudu. Lin Xiangyuan expressed his envy, noting her perfect family. He then revealed that he was married to Jiang Fanlv from Shanghai, who was pregnant, and that her father was the company's chairman.

Li Mengnan showered him with praise for his success in Shanghai and for marrying a wealthy woman, though Lin Xiangyuan found himself unable to voice his true feelings about his marriage. Li Mengnan then asked for his help with a business meeting, and Lin Xiangyuan readily agreed. Lin Xiangyuan accompanied Li Mengnan to her meeting with Shangguan Boyao, a childhood friend of Lei Yuzheng.

Shangguan greeted Lin Xiangyuan with thinly veiled sarcasm, acknowledging him as the "big shot" President of Yutian Group. Li Mengnan presented her project, describing an ultramodern design for Shanghai architecture. Although Shangguan initially found the project "very good," he then questioned Lin Xiangyuan's potential involvement. When Li Mengnan confirmed she planned to invite Lin for his business expertise, Shangguan stated he would reconsider their cooperation.

He proceeded to publicly accuse Lin Xiangyuan of manipulating his way to power, replacing Lei Yuzheng at Yutian, and relentlessly pursuing Jiang Fanlv, sarcastically asking Lin to teach him his "scheming mind and means." Lin Xiangyuan, visibly angered, told Shangguan not to involve innocent people in their feud and promised not to interfere if Shangguan cooperated with Mengnan. Shangguan scoffed, warning Li Mengnan to stay away from Lin to avoid betrayal.

Displeased by Shangguan's disrespectful attitude, Li Mengnan asserted that her company would not force a partnership and demanded respect for her friend, then decided to leave with Lin Xiangyuan. Outside, Li Mengnan asked why Shangguan Boyao had judged Lin Xiangyuan so harshly and inquired about Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan explained that Lei Yuzheng was the former president of their company, now in jail due to a case.

He claimed he was merely entrusted with the presidency when the company was in disarray, but Shangguan, as Lei Yuzheng's close friend, believed Lin had stolen Lei's position and refused to hear otherwise. Li Mengnan, however, viewed Lin's rise to presidency as a sign of his ability. Lin Xiangyuan apologized for Li Mengnan's wasted trip and offered to help with her project, but she dismissed his apology, suggesting he instead take her sightseeing around Shanghai. Lin Xiangyuan happily agreed.

Meanwhile, Zou Siqi, having waited all day for Shangguan Boyao's call, eventually called him herself. Shangguan claimed to be too busy and abruptly hung up, leaving Siqi frustrated. At the detention center, Shangguan Boyao visited Lei Yuzheng, proudly recounting how he had humiliated Lin Xiangyuan in front of a business associate and terminated a cooperation as a way to "help out."

Lei Yuzheng questioned why he targeted an innocent person, but Shangguan merely stated these were "small troubles," eagerly anticipating Lei Yuzheng's release so they could "do something big." Lei Yuzheng sternly told him to stop causing trouble, emphasizing that he was a prisoner with no future plans and asked Shangguan not to visit him anymore, suggesting they could meet after his release. As Shangguan left, Lei Yuzheng told him to go back.

In another part of Shanghai, the housekeeper found a hotel receipt with Lin Xiangyuan's name on it in his pocket and gave it to Jiang Fanlv. From the receipt, Jiang Fanlv realized that Lin Xiangyuan had not returned home for the Spring Festival, instead staying in a hotel. Lin Xiangyuan spent several happy days showing Li Mengnan around Shanghai. He confessed that these days were the happiest and most relaxed he'd had in a long time.

Sensing his underlying unhappiness, Li Mengnan asked how he was truly faring. Lin Xiangyuan lamented that despite achieving the success he once dreamed of – wealth, a nice car, an apartment, and a rich wife – he was "not happy at all," feeling bored and lacking common ground with his wife. Li Mengnan advised him to let go of the past and believe that things would get better.

Later, as Lin Xiangyuan walked Li Mengnan back to her hotel, she got sand in her eye, and he gently helped blow it out. Unbeknownst to them, Jiang Fanlv and her friends, who were having tea nearby, witnessed this interaction. Her friends remarked on their "affectionate" appearance, leading Jiang Fanlv to mistakenly believe Lin Xiangyuan was being intimate with another woman.

When Lin Xiangyuan returned home late that night, Jiang Fanlv confronted him with the hotel receipt from the Spring Festival. He admitted to staying in a hotel instead of going home. Jiang Fanlv then angrily revealed what she had seen that afternoon, accusing him of having an affair. Despite Lin Xiangyuan's attempts to explain that Li Mengnan was merely an old friend, Jiang Fanlv became enraged, calling Li Mengnan a "home-wrecker."

Jiang Jin, alerted by the commotion, came out to intervene. Lin Xiangyuan tried to explain to Jiang Jin that Li Mengnan was merely an old friend he was accompanying. However, Jiang Fanlv refused to believe him, angrily threatening divorce. Lin Xiangyuan, in turn, became furious, accusing her of deliberately embarrassing him, slandering him, and insulting his friend.

He exclaimed that he didn't need to explain, as she never listened or treated him as her husband, and accused her of wishing he had affairs so she could divorce him. He pleaded with Jiang Jin for fairness, stating he could tolerate Jiang Fanlv's temper but not her fabricating stories to force a divorce or mocking his innocent friend. Jiang Jin tried to calm Jiang Fanlv, suggesting she might have misunderstood.

Later, Jiang Jin spoke with Lin Xiangyuan privately about the hotel stay during the Spring Festival. Lin Xiangyuan explained that his mother had insisted he bring his wife home, or not come home himself. Caught between his mother's demands and Jiang Fanlv's refusal to travel, he felt embarrassed and decided to stay in a hotel to calm down.

Jiang Jin acknowledged that they had overlooked Lin's feelings and advised him against hastily seeking divorce, believing that Fanlv, though wayward, was not inherently bad and would understand with a proper explanation. He encouraged Lin to bring his mother to Shanghai when the weather improved, emphasizing her sacrifices in raising him, and suggesting both he and Fanlv should care for her, with Fanlv offering a sincere apology to his mother. Eight months quickly passed, and Lei Yuzheng's sentence was complete.

An officer, Liu Siyang, congratulated him on his newfound freedom. Lei Yuzheng reflected on how "luxurious" freedom felt and stated he would never forget his time in detention. Liu Siyang encouraged him to view his time there as a period of suffering or practice, urging him to leave and move forward without looking back once he walked out.

Another officer, Officer Liang, also wished him well, hoping he would live a good life and never have to return, despite the detention center's door always being open. Lei Yuzheng revealed he hadn't informed his family of his release, deeming it "not a glorious thing." Officer Liang advised him not to dwell on the past and urged him to leave soon to catch the bus from the remote location.

Lei Yuzheng then stepped out of the detention center and observed the bustling street, a mix of emotions swirling within him. With heavy steps, Lei Yuzheng returned to his long-absent home. The butler, Duan, rushed out, embracing him in tears, overjoyed at his return and attributing his father's earlier intuition to telepathy. Inside, Lei Yuzheng found his aging father, Lei Ting.

During dinner, Lei Ting asked if he was back from abroad and if his affairs were settled, showing no clear sign of recognition but acting as if Lei Yuzheng had simply been away on a trip. He then worriedly inquired if Lei Yuzheng was hungry and instructed Duan to prepare a celebratory meal, including Lei Yuzheng's favorite crystal shrimp. Later, Lei Yuzheng offered to wash his father's feet.

While doing so, Lei Yuzheng apologized, acknowledging he had caused his father suffering and damaged Yutian, and promised to take care of him. However, Lei Ting dismissed his apologies and rejected his offer of care, suggesting he should focus on the company, almost treating him like a child. Lei Ting then suddenly looked at him and asked, "Who are you? You are not my son."

Lei Yuzheng frantically tried to explain that he was his son, Yuzheng, and reminded his father about how his nose used to resemble his. But Lei Ting refused to believe him, claiming many noses look similar, and calling him a "liar," demanding that Duan drive him away. Duan tried to remind Lei Ting of his daily anticipation for his son's return, but Lei Ting remained adamant.

Distraught, Lei Yuzheng confessed his past mistakes, accepting any punishment but desperately pleaded with his father not to disown him. Du Xiaosu arrived at the Lei residence to visit Lei Ting and found Lei Yuzheng sitting outside the door, looking despondent. Overjoyed to see him released from prison, she rushed forward and embraced him tightly. However, noticing his troubled expression, she asked what was wrong, quickly deducing that his father had likely driven him out.

Du Xiaosu tried to comfort him, explaining that Lei Ting's inconsistent memory was due to his illness and that many others, including herself and the butler, had been similarly "kicked out." She urged Lei Yuzheng to stand up from the cold. Lei Yuzheng replied that he couldn't go inside and didn't want Du Xiaosu to go in either, saying that Uncle Duan was enough and he didn't want to further upset his father.

He then thanked Du Xiaosu for caring for his father during his absence but firmly stated that he was now capable of handling his father's care himself. Without waiting for her response, Lei Yuzheng abruptly walked away, leaving Du Xiaosu calling out his name in frustration.

Episode 26 Recap

Lei Yuzheng went to a bar alone, drinking heavily. Du Xiaosu, who had been following him, approached and urged him to stop, offering to take him home. Lei Yuzheng angrily pushed her away, expressing his hatred for the pity he perceived in her eyes. He said he was unlucky and brought misery to everyone near him, citing Zhenrong and now his father.

Du Xiaosu, frustrated, argued that she wasn't pitying him but caring for him, and reminded him that as a man, he needed to take responsibility for his father's illness, as self-blame wouldn't help. She then defiantly grabbed a bottle of liquor, intending to drink with him. Lei Yuzheng snatched the bottle, smashing it, and called her crazy. When she refused to leave, he pulled her into a forceful kiss.

Despite his volatile behavior, Du Xiaosu reaffirmed her unwavering support, telling him, "No matter what you become and no matter what you want to do, I'm here for you!" The next morning, Lei Yuzheng prepared breakfast for his father, Lei Ting. However, Lei Ting, suffering from his illness, didn't recognize him and refused to eat, instead asking for "Cotton Candy" (Du Xiaosu). Meanwhile, in a phone call, Du Xiaosu's assistant informed her about the dire situation at her studio.

The real estate market was slow, leading to a lack of customers, and the studio was facing closure if new contracts weren't signed soon. Du Xiaosu, though realizing the seriousness, remained preoccupied with Lei Ting's well-being. Lei Ting later began searching for candy, explaining to Lei Yuzheng that he wanted to make up for forgetting to buy him candies when he was little.

He then repeatedly watched current news, and when Lei Yuzheng suggested he rest, Lei Ting started looking for someone in various rooms. Lei Yuzheng found an old photo album, and Lei Ting immediately recognized his wife, Wanhua, insisting they go find her. Du Xiaosu arrived and managed to gently settle Lei Ting back into bed. Lei Ting then urged Lei Yuzheng to marry Du Xiaosu quickly, fearing such a good prospective daughter-in-law would leave.

Lei Yuzheng could only smile and evade the question. After Lei Ting finally fell asleep, Lei Yuzheng expressed his gratitude to Du Xiaosu. As Du Xiaosu looked at a photo of Wanhua, Lei Yuzheng shared stories of his parents' early love and how their relationship strained as his father became consumed by work. Du Xiaosu advised him to face the present with optimism and cherish the people around him.

Before leaving, she emphasized that she was willingly helping to care for Lei Ting and would return the next day. Elsewhere, Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li taunted He Qunfei, who was cleaning the restrooms. They ordered him to clean Lei Ting's former office, but He Qunfei steadfastly refused.

He declared his belief that Lei Yuzheng would return and submitted his resignation on the spot, telling Lin Xiangyuan that he would never return to work for him, even if he became a beggar. Back at the Lei residence, Lei Ting expressed a craving for dumplings. Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu happily prepared them together. Their lighthearted moment was interrupted by Lin Xiangyuan, who arrived to visit Lei Ting.

Lei Yuzheng forcefully ejected him, leading to a heated exchange and a physical altercation between the two men. Du Xiaosu brought the cooked dumplings to Lei Ting, but Lei Yuzheng entered the room with a somber expression. He abruptly told Du Xiaosu that the family no longer needed her and insisted she leave. Despite Lei Ting's protests, Lei Yuzheng forcibly escorted Du Xiaosu out of the house.

Before departing, Du Xiaosu placed Lei Ting's medicine at the doorway and told Lei Yuzheng not to forget to give it to his father, adding that she would see him tomorrow. Meanwhile, Zou Siqi was at a boutique looking for a bag. She learned from the salesperson that Shangguan Boyao had pre-ordered a limited edition pink bag for someone named "Meimei," confirming her suspicions by seeing the name on the purchase order.

Furious, Zou Siqi bought a different bag and headed to confront Shangguan Boyao. He Qunfei, now working as a service person at a bar, spotted Shangguan Boyao with a woman. He warned Shangguan Boyao not to hurt Zou Siqi, or he would face severe consequences. Zou Siqi, undeterred by He Qunfei's attempts to stop her, stormed into Shangguan Boyao's private room, where she saw him embracing the other woman.

The woman instantly recognized the bag Zou Siqi was carrying as one Shangguan Boyao had given her. Heartbroken and enraged, Zou Siqi walked out. Shangguan Boyao quickly followed, offering her a bank card and suggesting they maintain a "simpler" and "freer" relationship, implying he could provide for her materially but not commit exclusively. Zou Siqi, disgusted, threw the card on the ground and left, with He Qunfei close behind her.

Episode 27 Recap

He Qunfei persistently urged Zou Siqi to leave Shangguan Boyao, but Zou Siqi rebuffed his advice, telling him to get a proper job and not to interfere in her affairs. When Shangguan Boyao learned that He Qunfei had been Lei Yuzheng's loyal assistant and was subsequently dismissed by Lin Xiangyuan, he decided against pursuing any action, acknowledging He Qunfei's steadfast loyalty to his friend during difficult times.

Du Xiaosu arrived to visit Lei Ting but hesitated at the entrance, concerned Lei Yuzheng might turn her away. From a window, Lei Yuzheng spotted her and, despite Lei Ting's protests, instructed Butler Duan to send her away. Lei Ting, however, was eager to see "Cotton Candy," his affectionate nickname for Du Xiaosu, and repeatedly asked for her to be let in.

Refusing to be dismissed, Du Xiaosu loudly confronted Lei Yuzheng from the doorstep, demanding to know why he was treating her this way and his father so poorly. Unable to defy Lei Yuzheng's orders, Butler Duan apologized and explained he could not allow her entry. Du Xiaosu then handed Lei Ting's favorite cotton candy to Butler Duan, asking him to give it to Lei Ting with instructions to eat it sparingly, and vowed to return.

At Yutian Group, Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li compiled a list of employees for dismissal, causing widespread fear and discontent. Employees openly criticized Lin Xiangyuan's leadership and expressed a desire for Lei Yuzheng's return. Lin Xiangyuan, overhearing Old Xia complain and voice his hopes for Lei Yuzheng to take over Yutian, immediately ordered Xie Li to fire him, expressing his disdain for those who relied on their seniority.

Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu and her design team successfully secured a renovation project from Mr. Liu, saving their studio. The team celebrated their achievement with great joy and thanked Mr. Liu. Unable to reach Lei Yuzheng, Du Xiaosu called He Qunfei, expressing her concern about Lei Yuzheng's unresponsiveness and his refusal to let her visit Lei Ting, especially given Lei Ting's fragile health. He Qunfei located Lei Yuzheng at a bar called Phoebe, where he was drinking heavily, surrounded by hostesses.

Du Xiaosu and He Qunfei quickly went to find him. Upon seeing Du Xiaosu, Lei Yuzheng deliberately pulled a hostess close to him. When a drunk man harassed Du Xiaosu, Lei Yuzheng sprang into action, fighting off the assailant. However, he then returned to his group of hostesses, dismissively telling Du Xiaosu that his actions were not for her benefit and that his associations were none of her concern.

Hostesses mocked Du Xiaosu, calling her a "backup" and suggesting she was "dumped." Heartbroken, Du Xiaosu called him a jerk, to which Lei Yuzheng cruelly agreed, stating he was "not serious at all" with her and mockingly questioning if she truly loved him, telling her to "wake up." Du Xiaosu left in tears. He Qunfei then forcibly dragged Lei Yuzheng away, sternly admonishing him for his behavior.

He reminded Lei Yuzheng that Du Xiaosu had tirelessly cared for Lei Ting during Lei Yuzheng's imprisonment, handling critical hospital notices, finding the best doctors, and ensuring his father's recovery, emphasizing that even if he couldn't appreciate her, he had no right to hurt her. Back at the Lei residence, Lei Ting was restless, calling out for "Wanhua" and "Cotton Candy," and "Yuzheng." He struggled to reach a water glass and fell from his bed.

Butler Duan rushed to help him, and the fall seemed to clear Lei Ting's mind. Now lucid, Lei Ting eagerly asked for Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu, elated that he had "come back to himself," and urged Butler Duan to contact them both. Lei Yuzheng hurried home, blaming himself for his father's condition and the struggles of Yutian. Lei Ting reassured him, saying Lei Yuzheng's return was paramount.

He then revealed a long-held secret: it was his fault, not Wanhua's, that their family broke apart, expressing deep regret for not having given Lei Yuzheng a complete home. Du Xiaosu, having arrived, quietly left the house after witnessing this poignant exchange. Lei Yuzheng stayed by Lei Ting's bedside, eventually dozing off. He awoke later to find his father's hand cold and unresponsive, realizing Lei Ting had passed away, and was consumed by overwhelming grief.

Du Xiaosu arrived at the Lei residence to find Lei Yuzheng, solemn and grief-stricken, shaving his deceased father's face. The scene stirred painful memories, including Lei Yuzheng's earlier self-reproaches and Lei Ting's past advice on resilience. Lei Yuzheng, suppressing his sorrow, proceeded with Lei Ting's funeral arrangements. Friends and family came to pay their respects, with Auntie Shao offering her condolences to Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan arrived with Jiang Jin and a pregnant Jiang Fanlv.

Lin Xiangyuan attempted to prevent Jiang Fanlv from entering the funeral, citing a superstition. However, Jiang Jin intervened, stating that Lei Ting had watched him grow up and deserved respect, instructing Lin Xiangyuan to wait outside with Jiang Fanlv. An old friend of Lei Ting's delivered a moving eulogy, expressing regret that Lei Ting had passed before they could fulfill their retirement plans of fishing together.

After waiting for some time, Lin Xiangyuan attempted to enter the funeral, only to be blocked by He Qunfei. He Qunfei accused Lin Xiangyuan of insincerity, while Lin Xiangyuan countered, blaming He Qunfei for the current situation. Their heated exchange quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Du Xiaosu intervened, sternly rebuking Lin Xiangyuan for his disrespectful behavior at the funeral and telling him to leave. Lin Xiangyuan, dejected, departed, promising to explain himself later.

With the support of others, Lei Yuzheng then buried his father. Later, at the grave, Lei Yuzheng was seen asking his deceased father what final words he had wished to share. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan returned home, where Jiang Fanlv immediately questioned him about Lei Yuzheng. Annoyed by her persistence, Lin Xiangyuan snapped, questioning her constant preoccupation with Lei Yuzheng and angrily shoved her. Jiang Fanlv fell, experiencing severe abdominal pain, and Lin Xiangyuan rushed her to the hospital.

Despite the medical team's best efforts, Jiang Fanlv's baby could not be saved. Jiang Jin arrived at the hospital, and though Jiang Fanlv tried to cover for Lin Xiangyuan by claiming she fell accidentally, Jiang Jin remained unconvinced. He sternly warned Lin Xiangyuan, reminding him that his career owed much to Jiang Jin's support and that he knew Lin Xiangyuan's true character. He threatened severe retribution if Lin Xiangyuan ever harmed his daughter.

Later, Lin Xiangyuan tried to feign affection for Jiang Fanlv at home, but she saw through his pretense. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng discovered Lei Ting's old diary. Reading it, he learned a heartbreaking truth: his mother, Wanhua, had passed away, and his father had carried immense guilt for their strained relationship, her passing, and for not having given Lei Yuzheng a complete home. This revelation plunged Lei Yuzheng into profound sorrow.

Episode 28 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan took a day off, preparing a nourishing soup early in the morning to appease Jiang Fanlv. He repeatedly apologized to her, promising to love her well and vowing never to hit her again, expressing his immense love. Jiang Fanlv, however, questioned if he believed hitting her was an act of love, telling him not to utter the word "love" in her presence. Despite her harsh words, she eventually softened and accepted his apology.

Since Lei Ting's death, Lei Yuzheng had been consumed by grief and distracted. He visited Shao Kaixuan, inquiring about his mother, Wanhua. Shao Kaixuan tried to conceal the truth, claiming she and Wanhua hadn't been in contact for a long time and no one knew her whereabouts. However, Lei Yuzheng suspected his mother was dead, pressing Shao Kaixuan about hiding the truth for twenty years and asking if she felt any guilt.

Eventually, Shao Kaixuan brought out a piece of clothing embroidered with "Yuzheng," which Wanhua had left before her death, explaining that it was the right time to give it to him. Shao Kaixuan then revealed the truth, starting from a stormy night when Lei Yuzheng's parents had a heated argument. His father, Lei Ting, had angrily told his mother to leave and get out, leading to Wanhua's departure despite young Lei Yuzheng's pleas for her not to go.

Lei Yuzheng had held a grudge against her for years, unaware that she had been hit by a speeding car moments after leaving. Shao Kaixuan informed Lei Yuzheng that his mother was buried at Huaxi Cemetery, also expressing that Lei Ting had been guilty his whole life, wishing to atone for Wanhua. She also told Lei Yuzheng that if he had resentment in his heart, he should resent her instead.

Lei Yuzheng drove to Huaxi Cemetery to visit his mother Wanhua's grave, where his tears flowed freely. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he went to a bar to drown his sorrows, drinking excessively. Du Xiaosu arrived shortly after and joined him for a drink. Lei Yuzheng lashed out at her, calling himself a "monster," but Du Xiaosu encouraged him to pull himself together and consider his deceased father, as well as the people who cared about him.

Lei Yuzheng rejected her advice, telling her he didn't need her sympathy and to go away, then abruptly left, stating he didn't want any relationship with her or anyone else. Du Xiaosu struggled to get Lei Yuzheng home, noticing he seemed to have a fever. Uncle Duan went to fetch medicine while Du Xiaosu cared for him. He awoke confused and tightly held her hand, calling out "Mom, please don't go!" and "Mom, please stay with me."

Du Xiaosu promised not to leave. He then had a dream where his mother, Wanhua, told him she had never forgotten him and that he was her son, but hoped he could forget her, reminding him that to forget one person is to love another more. She urged him to cherish the people around him and not to hate his dad, assuring him that she and Lei Ting were now together and very happy.

When Lei Yuzheng fully awoke, he found Du Xiaosu asleep by his bedside and gently carried her to the bed. Upon waking, Du Xiaosu discovered Lei Yuzheng had left without a word, leaving only a letter addressed to her. In the letter, Lei Yuzheng expressed gratitude for her care of his father and her presence in his life, confessing that before meeting her, he hadn't understood loneliness or emptiness.

He wrote that she brought sunshine into his life, but his heart remained dark, and he didn't want to be a burden. He asked her not to look for him and to operate the studio well, making his efforts meaningful, wishing her happiness. Heartbroken, Du Xiaosu searched for him aimlessly in the streets, but found nothing. She collapsed onto the ground in despair.

Zou Siqi and He Qunfei rushed to her side, consoling her and promising to stay with her until Lei Yuzheng returned. They discussed Lei Yuzheng's departure, with He Qunfei suggesting Lei Yuzheng chose to leave to be alone, but Zou Siqi criticized him for running away from his feelings instead of facing difficulties with Du Xiaosu.

The next morning, Du Xiaosu went to the studio early, trying to busy herself with work to forget Lei Yuzheng, but he remained in her thoughts. A problem arose when the supply chain for imported eco-friendly materials broke, and no immediate substitutes could be found, threatening project delays. Du Xiaosu made numerous phone calls to contacts, eventually resolving the issue and securing the materials.

However, she later faced another challenge when a design change by Mr. Liu introduced security risks and affected the overall design. Despite her concerns, Mr. Liu dismissed her during a phone call, attributing it to her inexperience and asserting his changes were improvements, instructing her to catch up on work after previous material-related delays. Meanwhile, a colleague showed off a large diamond ring to Zou Siqi, announcing her upcoming marriage to a man she met online, making Zou Siqi envious.

Later, Shangguan Boyao called Zou Siqi and met with her, presenting her with a large diamond ring. He clarified that the ring was just a gift and he wasn't thinking about marrying anyone at the moment. Zou Siqi realized the disparity in their expectations.

She told him that they might not belong to the same world and that she was the one who needed to figure things out, expressing gratitude for his favor and the chance to dream of a good life before bidding him farewell and breaking up. Feeling despondent, Zou Siqi went to a bar to drink. He Qunfei arrived to take her home, concerned for her safety as she was drunk.

Zou Siqi, heavily intoxicated, confessed her regret for prioritizing trivial gains over him and expressed her love for him, asking if there was a chance to rekindle their relationship. He Qunfei, citing the recent passing of Lei Ting and Lei Yuzheng's disappearance, said he wasn't in the mood and tried to take her home, but she persisted in affirming her feelings. Du Xiaosu constantly checked Lei Yuzheng's social media and tried calling him, but he didn't answer.

She canceled all her appointments and went to the Lei residence to inquire about his whereabouts from Uncle Duan, who also had no information. Just then, Liu Siyang, recently released from prison, arrived at the Lei home looking for Lei Yuzheng. He also heard that Lei Yuzheng was missing. He introduced himself as Siyang, saying Lei Yuzheng called him that.

While Du Xiaosu searched, Lei Yuzheng had gone to a primary school where he was greeted warmly by the children, Mei and Doudou, who called him "Uncle Lei" and seemed to know him well, bringing them many presents. He was also involved in teaching them a game, and a teacher commented that it was hard for everyone, and every family faced difficulties.

Episode 29 Recap

Lei Yuzheng returned to the small island after traveling, where Teacher Sun and the children warmly welcomed him. Teacher Sun mentioned that Lei Yuzheng hadn't informed them of his arrival, but expressed gratitude for the money, footballs, projectors, and generators he had sent to the school, which resolved their blackout issues. The children, who often asked about "Uncle Lei" and "Auntie Xiaosu," were delighted to see him.

Lei Yuzheng inquired about Shanwa, learning that his father had recovered and Shanwa had gone to the city with his parents, reuniting the family. Seeing a family photo, Lei Yuzheng was deeply relieved. He then declared his intention to live on the island. Teacher Sun, sensing his seriousness despite his busy life, believed the peaceful environment might do him good, and the children eagerly asked him to play.

Teacher Sun also asked about Du Xiaosu, but Lei Yuzheng quickly found an excuse to avoid the topic. Meanwhile, Liu Siyang shared with Du Xiaosu his experiences with Lei Yuzheng in the detention center. He initially believed Lei Yuzheng was a coddled and pampered child who wouldn't endure the harsh environment, even betting he wouldn't make it.

However, Lei Yuzheng displayed remarkable resilience; despite being targeted and beaten once due to his family's reputation, he quickly earned respect, and no one dared to provoke him again. Liu Siyang admitted his profound respect for Lei Yuzheng, noting his underlying toughness but also his need for support in desperate times. He advised Du Xiaosu that Lei Yuzheng’s current struggles were internal, and he needed to overcome them himself, but assured her he would return when ready.

At the same time, Jiang Jin confronted Lin Xiangyuan about the dismissal of Mr. Xia, a company veteran. Lin Xiangyuan claimed Mr. Xia resigned voluntarily and questioned his father-in-law's anger, highlighting improved company performance under his leadership. Jiang Jin, however, warned him against future arbitrary dismissals of long-time employees and insisted that Lin Xiangyuan seek his advice before taking any significant actions. Lin Xiangyuan reluctantly agreed. Du Xiaosu and her team successfully completed Mr. Liu’s renovation project.

Mr. Liu, initially skeptical of her capabilities, was deeply impressed by her professionalism and the fact that she had personally covered costs twice. He offered her compensation, but Du Xiaosu politely declined, asserting that money was not the most important thing to her. She then informed Mr. Liu that she would be closing her studio temporarily and would not be taking any new orders, even turning down a two-million-yuan contract.

She explained that a friend needed her, and she had to be with him, implying a romantic motivation. Mr. Liu admired her loyalty and offered her future collaborations. Later, Du Xiaosu confirmed her studio’s closure on a call, much to Zou Siqi’s dismay. Zou Siqi confronted her, reminding her that Lei Yuzheng, despite his imprisonment, still had wealth, while closing the studio would leave Du Xiaosu destitute.

Du Xiaosu calmly responded that without Lei Yuzheng’s support, her studio wouldn’t exist, and she wouldn’t have the heart to design if she couldn't find him. Ignoring Zou Siqi's concerns, Du Xiaosu packed her bags to go to the island to find Lei Yuzheng. Teacher Sun, noticing Lei Yuzheng’s melancholic mood, invited him for a drink and a heart-to-heart conversation.

Teacher Sun praised Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu for their kindness to the children and for his dedication to the island. He shared his own past heartbreak, revealing that his girlfriend had left him because she found life on the island too difficult and wanted him to move to the city, which he couldn't do, leading to their breakup.

He then pointed out that Lei Yuzheng was still living in the house he shared with Du Xiaosu, suggesting he hadn't truly forgotten her. Teacher Sun urged Lei Yuzheng to cherish Du Xiaosu, who he described as a genuinely good and persistent girl, warning him not to regret losing her as he did. Meanwhile, feeling bored, Zou Siqi tried her hand at online dating.

Her first encounter was with a man who was shockingly rude, criticizing her appearance and offering her money for plastic surgery to become his mistress. Her subsequent dates were equally disappointing, with men having unrealistic expectations, such as one who expected his partner's salary to be at least half of his own paltry 4,000 yuan. These experiences left her disheartened. Later, at a bar with one of her online dates, Zou Siqi spotted He Qunfei drinking alone.

She approached him, jokingly commenting on his casual attire. After some banter, she tried to make him jealous by showing him a picture of a supposed new boyfriend on her phone. He Qunfei, seeing through her act, made to leave. Zou Siqi called him back, asking how he had been. He Qunfei acknowledged their long breakup and asked if she was still waiting for him.

She suggested he could have an affair if he didn't want a relationship, but he insisted he wasn't that kind of person. As Zou Siqi got increasingly drunk, He Qunfei took her home. In her intoxicated state, she praised him for being a loyal friend to Lei Yuzheng, but questioned if his devotion was worth sacrificing his own happiness and being single for life. He Qunfei affirmed his choice.

Zou Siqi then confessed that the man at the bar was not her boyfriend and that despite trying online dating, she couldn't let anyone else into her heart. She admitted she was taking her frustration out on him because she couldn't understand why a good girl like her had no admirers. She then asked if they could see each other again, to which He Qunfei agreed, offering to meet anytime she wished.

Zou Siqi, understanding his unstated hesitation, said she understood and promised to treat him to dinner later. Jiang Jin convened a meeting with the company's long-time elders at his home, apologizing for past grievances and recalling his contributions to them over the decades. He announced his decision to temporarily suspend Lin Xiangyuan from his duties, citing Lin Xiangyuan's actions as a reason for needing a change in leadership.

He clarified that the specifics of Lin Xiangyuan's future would be discussed later, and offered an option for anyone who wished to remain uninvolved in the matter. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu arrived on the island, finding Lei Yuzheng living in a simple house. She expressed surprise at his living conditions and admiration for his work in repairing the typhoon-damaged houses on the island, as told by Teacher Sun.

She brought him food and supplies, trying to engage him in conversation about Shanwa. Lei Yuzheng remained silent and distant. When she followed him, he confronted her, asking why she was there and accusing her of constantly bothering him. Du Xiaosu declared her intention to "keep an eye on him" from then on, explaining that his sudden disappearance had caused everyone immense worry, fearing for his safety.

Lei Yuzheng, wanting to be left alone, sharply told her that he didn't need her help and pushed her away. Undeterred, Du Xiaosu firmly stated that she would not leave him, vowing to stay with him on the island for life, even if he chose to live as a fisherman. Du Xiaosu saw Lei Yuzheng standing alone on a large reef, gazing out at the sea, and mistakenly believed he intended to commit suicide.

Panicked, she rushed over and tightly embraced him, pleading with him not to jump. Lei Yuzheng, startled, explained that he was merely looking at the ocean. He expressed frustration at her constant presence, from Shanghai to the island, claiming she was more annoying than anyone else and that her persistence was the only thing making him lose his mind. Du Xiaosu refused to let go until he swore he wouldn't jump, which he did.

She then released him, confirming he wasn't contemplating suicide. As they talked on the reef, they suddenly realized the tide had risen, submerging their path back to shore and trapping them. Their phones had no signal, as Du Xiaosu had forgotten hers. With no immediate escape, they could only wait. Lei Yuzheng soon noticed Du Xiaosu shivering violently and developing a high fever, prompting him to take off his outer jacket and cover her with it.

As evening fell and Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng had not returned, Teacher Sun grew worried. Realizing something might be wrong, he gathered people to search the coastline. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng held the shivering Du Xiaosu close and began to open up. He described how he had often come to the isolated reef, feeling a kinship with the lonely rocks, much like his own life.

He reflected on his privileged background, believing that such fortune meant he was destined for unhappiness, to lose his mother, and to never know how to love or be loved. He confessed that he had contemplated ending it all, thinking death would bring relief. However, he soon realized that the most painful reality was the inability to change the past, no matter how much effort was expended.

He spoke of his lifelong ambition to become excellent, driven by a desire to prove to his mother that her abandonment twenty years ago was a mistake. The crushing realization that his mother had already passed away, rendering his decades of love and hate meaningless and irreversible, deeply grieved him. Du Xiaosu listened, offering gentle words of comfort.

Shivering uncontrollably and drifting into semi-consciousness from her fever, Du Xiaosu pleaded with Lei Yuzheng, asking him to promise he would never leave her, especially if they "couldn't make it." Lei Yuzheng, urging her to stay awake, promised to take her back and never leave her alone. Just then, Teacher Sun and his search party arrived at the beach, having located them. They rescued Lei Yuzheng and Du Xiaosu from the reef.

Du Xiaosu later awoke in bed, feeling Lei Yuzheng gently rubbing her hands to warm them. She wondered if she had spoken nonsense during her fever, but inwardly cherished his promise. Lei Yuzheng confirmed her fever had broken. When she asked why he was being so kind to her, he simply replied that he had to be.

She confessed that his kindness made her feel both less secure and more afraid, to which he responded that she might have to feel that way for a while, as he intended to always be good to her. On the weekend, Lin Xiangyuan, accompanied by Jiang Fanlv, visited Jiang Jin. Upon entering, Lin Xiangyuan immediately knelt before Jiang Jin, tearfully apologizing for his immaturity and past mistakes.

He acknowledged Jiang Jin’s profound generosity, admitting that without his help, he would be nothing. He specifically expressed remorse for firing the old employees and embarrassing Jiang Jin, and particularly for failing as a husband to Jiang Fanlv and a son-in-law. He vowed to dedicate himself to his work at Yutian and to take excellent care of Jiang Fanlv, promising to never cause Jiang Jin worry again. Two days later, Lei Yuzheng drove Du Xiaosu back to the city.

As they parted ways, Lei Yuzheng tried to dismiss their shared experience on the island, suggesting they pretend nothing had happened. However, Du Xiaosu stopped him, expressing her gratitude for the happiness she had felt during those days, despite catching a cold. Lei Yuzheng, in turn, subtly thanked her for being there. They bid each other a heartfelt farewell. Lei Yuzheng visited Liu Siyang in the hospital, who had suffered a recurrent heart attack.

Before entering the room, he overheard several patients enthusiastically thanking Liu Siyang. They explained that Liu Siyang, not a doctor, had "cured" a patient's nightly heart attacks by advising him to buy shares of Tianhua New Energy instead of Baogang, leading to a significant profit that doubled all their previous stock losses. Lei Yuzheng interrupted their "meeting," reminding them it was a hospital, and urged them to leave.

He then confronted Liu Siyang, playfully calling him a "real-world Shawshank" for helping others make money from stocks while in the hospital. Liu Siyang, bored, admitted he was just "playing around." When Liu Siyang lit a cigar, Lei Yuzheng cautioned him, reminding him it caused his heart attack. Liu Siyang, frustrated with the nurses' supervision, retorted by asking if Lei Yuzheng would just let him die.

Lei Yuzheng offered him the cigar to just "smell" and promised to quit, but then used the cigar as a metaphor for opportunity, urging Liu Siyang to come home with him to reclaim his life and "smoke his Cuban cigar" in comfort. Liu Siyang, eager to leave, quickly agreed.

After Lei Yuzheng took Liu Siyang back to his home, Liu Siyang, familiar with the place, observed Lei Yuzheng and remarked that he knew Lei Yuzheng couldn't let go of Du Xiaosu, evident by his immediate return after she came for him. He teased Lei Yuzheng, stating he was right that Lei Yuzheng would eventually fall for her.

When Du Xiaosu sent Lei Yuzheng a text message, Liu Siyang playfully chided him for being busy with his "beauty and career" and not "keeping him on a leash." Lei Yuzheng typed an invitation for Du Xiaosu to have dinner together that night. Liu Siyang, seeing the message, continued to tease him, commenting on his refreshed appearance and wondering if it was the island's view or a specific person who had made it such a "good place."

Episode 30 Recap

Since her return from the island, Du Xiaosu seemed changed, often caught smiling secretively at her phone, a fact that Zou Siqi couldn't help but tease her about. Lei Yuzheng then had a new red dress delivered to Du Xiaosu, which Zou Siqi enthusiastically urged her to try on, praising its beauty and apparent high cost. Du Xiaosu felt the dress was too ostentatious for a simple dinner, but Zou Siqi insisted she looked stunning.

Despite the gift, Du Xiaosu chose to wear her own clothes to the welcome dinner, explaining to Lei Yuzheng that while the dress fit, she wasn't accustomed to it. Lei Yuzheng reassured her that she looked good regardless, adding that her presence with him would naturally draw attention. Realizing many people would be present, Du Xiaosu wondered if she could still change, but Lei Yuzheng dismissed her concerns, again complimenting her appearance.

She then asked him to stop giving her such expensive gifts, and he agreed, prioritizing her happiness. At the dinner, Shangguan Boyao, Liu Siyang, and other friends toasted Lei Yuzheng's return to Shanghai and wished him a bright future. Lei Yuzheng introduced Du Xiaosu to Liu Siyang, calling him his best cellmate, and Liu Siyang expressed his pleasure at meeting her.

Ye Shenkuan then joined them, jokingly scolding Lei Yuzheng for not revealing his relationship sooner, recalling a previous instance where Lei Yuzheng had asked him for a favor regarding Du Xiaosu. Ye Shenkuan insisted Du Xiaosu drink a toast, but Lei Yuzheng quickly intervened, claiming she was allergic to alcohol and drinking on her behalf, amidst playful remarks from another guest about her being carried home drunk again.

The celebration was interrupted by the arrival of Xu You, a renowned celebrity, who expressed delight at seeing Lei Yuzheng, attributing their encounter to fate. Lei Yuzheng formally introduced Du Xiaosu as his girlfriend to Xu You. After a brief exchange of greetings, Xu You requested a private conversation with Lei Yuzheng, leading him away from the table and promising Du Xiaosu he would return shortly.

Outside, Xu You explained her desire for a private talk was due to the crowd inside. Lei Yuzheng directly told her he now had a girlfriend. Inside, Liu Siyang, observing Du Xiaosu's discomfort, tried to engage her in conversation. Du Xiaosu, increasingly uneasy, found herself watching Lei Yuzheng and Xu You talking animatedly from afar. Feeling out of place and disturbed by Xu You's lingering presence, she quietly slipped away from the dinner.

After seeing Xu You off, Lei Yuzheng returned to find Du Xiaosu gone. He immediately called her, and Du Xiaosu, already en route home, falsely claimed she was tired and had left first, assuring him not to worry when he offered to drive her. Shangguan Boyao, noticing Lei Yuzheng's concern, advised him not to fret and to go home to appease Du Xiaosu.

He also updated Lei Yuzheng on Jiang Fanlv, revealing her recent struggles including a miscarriage, weight loss, and marital problems with Lin Xiangyuan, urging him to visit her as she had always looked up to him. That night, Lin Xiangyuan was tormented by a vivid nightmare where Lei Yuzheng confronted him over his actions at Yutian, declaring himself the true master and Lin Xiangyuan merely an employee, asserting that Lin Xiangyuan's efforts were futile and he was destined to fail.

Lin Xiangyuan woke up in a panic, realizing Jiang Fanlv was not in bed beside him. Lei Yuzheng messaged Du Xiaosu, inviting her to meet a friend involved in the building materials industry, suggesting it could be beneficial for her. Du Xiaosu politely declined, citing her busy schedule at the studio and her aversion to socializing, asking him to go alone. Later, Lei Yuzheng visited a bar and found Jiang Fanlv, visibly drunk, being harassed by a man.

He intervened, expressing concern for her and asking about Lin Xiangyuan. Jiang Fanlv, feeling neglected, claimed Lin Xiangyuan was too consumed with work to care for her. Lei Yuzheng offered his help, stating he knew of her recent hardships and wanted to speak with Lin Xiangyuan. Fanlv, however, lashed out, accusing Lei Yuzheng of caring only about his own victories and defeats, disregarding her feelings, and bitterly called him a coward for giving up Yutian to others.

Just then, Lin Xiangyuan arrived and, upon hearing Fanlv's words, quickly stepped in. Lei Yuzheng instructed Lin Xiangyuan to take his intoxicated wife home. Lin Xiangyuan defensively asserted his marital rights, stating it was his decision whether to take her home. Lei Yuzheng, emphasizing his familial concern for Fanlv, reiterated his request for Lin Xiangyuan to ensure her well-being and take her home.

At home, Lin Xiangyuan meticulously prepared millet porridge and personally fed it to a surprised Jiang Fanlv, mentioning it was from his mother's hometown and good for her health, given his demanding work and frequent drinking. Seeing her astonishment, he then recounted his past struggles after college, eventually buying an apartment in Shanghai and bringing his mother to live with him, only for her to become ill from not being acclimatized.

He expressed regret for the people he had hurt in his pursuit of success, including his wife. Fanlv questioned his sudden change, asking who the real Lin Xiangyuan was, and if his newfound kindness was due to Lei Yuzheng's return. He denied being scared of anyone, claiming his change was genuine, though perhaps unexpected, and promised to prove his sincerity. Unable to answer her persistent questions about the reason for his abrupt transformation, Lin Xiangyuan remained silent.

Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng discussed his observations with Liu Siyang, confirming that Lin Xiangyuan was indeed feeling apprehensive. Lei Yuzheng acknowledged Lin Xiangyuan's ambition and initial control over Yutian but believed such power wouldn't last. He revealed his strategy, learned from his time in prison, was to patiently wait for his opponent to falter and expose their vulnerabilities, especially considering Jiang Jin's involvement as a major shareholder.

Lei Yuzheng stated he would not reclaim Yutian until he fully understood the underlying complexities. Liu Siyang, impressed by Lei Yuzheng's renewed determination, pledged his unwavering support. Separately, Du Xiaosu confided in Zou Siqi that she felt a growing incompatibility with Lei Yuzheng. Zou Siqi agreed, highlighting the challenges of marrying into wealth and navigating high society, implying that Du Xiaosu might not be suited for such a life.

She urged Du Xiaosu to consider withdrawing if she felt overwhelmed, and chided her for leaving the dinner abruptly, which could have embarrassed Lei Yuzheng. Later, He Qunfei approached Du Xiaosu, eagerly inquiring about Lei Yuzheng's current status. Zou Siqi, in response, reiterated her earlier sentiment, stating that Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng belonged to different social circles, and it might be better for Du Xiaosu to seek a partner of similar social standing.

Driven by his precarious situation, Lin Xiangyuan made concerted efforts to appease Jiang Jin. Jiang Jin, acknowledging the past conflicts between himself, Lin Xiangyuan, and the Lei family, believing it essential for Yutian's future, proposed that both he and Lin Xiangyuan personally apologize to Lei Yuzheng and invite him to return to Yutian as his assistant, allowing Lin Xiangyuan to remain president. Lin Xiangyuan reluctantly agreed to arrange the meeting.

Lin Xiangyuan later confided in Xie Li about his fear, revealing a prenuptial agreement that would strip him of all shares and assets in Yutian if he initiated a divorce. He felt his achievements were illusory and everything was in vain. Xie Li, attempting to reassure him, praised his capabilities and urged him not to give up hope. As Lei Yuzheng and Liu Siyang were fishing, Lei Yuzheng received a phone call from Lin Xiangyuan, arranging their meeting.

Jiang Jin, accompanied by Lin Xiangyuan, met with Lei Yuzheng. Lin Xiangyuan offered a sincere apology for his past actions and vowed to manage Yutian responsibly. Jiang Jin, reflecting on his long-standing rivalry with Lei Yuzheng's father, stated that he was now old and believed Yutian should be led by the younger generation.

Back home, Jiang Jin presented Lin Xiangyuan and Jiang Fanlv with a will, stipulating that all his Yutian shares would be inherited by Fanlv, while the house property would be shared between them. Lin Xiangyuan, quick to react, promised Jiang Jin a grandchild soon, to which Fanlv quietly urged her father to be well. Later, distraught, Lin Xiangyuan revealed to Xie Li that Fanlv was secretly using contraceptives despite his promise to Jiang Jin.

He then expressed his fear that Jiang Jin's will, which primarily benefited Fanlv and included him in joint property, meant his efforts were in vain unless they had a child, making him feel that all his achievements were illusory and everything was for naught. Xie Li tried to comfort Lin Xiangyuan, praising his talent and assuring him of future opportunities. In a moment of desperation, Lin Xiangyuan vowed to remain at Yutian.

Episode 31 Recap

Lei Yuzheng brought Liu Siyang to the construction site of the Entertainment Center, observing that it had begun to take shape but was now stalled. He reflected on his father's dedication to the project, stating that Yutian was his father's life, and his father had envisioned the Entertainment Center countless times.

Lei Yuzheng expressed his determination to restart the project, but Liu Siyang cautioned him about the difficulties, including securing board approval and substantial funding, and warned that Lin Xiangyuan would likely create obstacles. Liu Siyang also reminded Lei Yuzheng that despite being the majority shareholder, he couldn't participate in decision-making. Lei Yuzheng acknowledged the challenges, realizing he first needed to prove his innocence and regain a position within Yutian.

He declared his unwavering resolve to return to Yutian, enter the decision-making layer, and fulfill his father's last wish by building a great monument from the project. During a board meeting, Jiang Jin proposed appointing Lei Yuzheng as his assistant. A board member raised a legal objection, citing Lei Yuzheng's previous arrest for information leakage and a five-year ban from top management.

However, Lin Xiangyuan spoke up, clarifying that while Lei Yuzheng couldn't be in top management, the law didn't prevent him from working for the company, and he agreed to the appointment. The board then approved. Lei Yuzheng and He Qunfei returned to Yutian, heading directly to Lei Ting’s former office, where Lei Yuzheng noted the office had not been cleaned since his father's passing.

Shortly after, Weicheng, a senior staff member, visited Lei Yuzheng, expressing relief at his return and sorrow over the stalled Entertainment Center project. Lei Yuzheng thanked the staff for their hard work during his absence and assured them that Yutian would improve. Lin Xiangyuan, having seen Lei Yuzheng's car, hurried back to the office, outwardly composed but inwardly troubled.

From the window, Lei Yuzheng watched Lin Xiangyuan's reaction, and He Qunfei speculated that Lin Xiangyuan was surprised by his swift return. Lei Yuzheng noted that Lin Xiangyuan had agreed to his return days earlier, so surprise was unwarranted. Meanwhile, Xie Li reported Lei Yuzheng's return to Lin Xiangyuan, who, feigning indifference, claimed to have invited Lei Yuzheng back himself to keep a close eye on his intentions.

Lin Xiangyuan explained to Xie Li that having Lei Yuzheng within Yutian's building allowed them to monitor his plans more effectively, cementing his position as CEO. Lin Xiangyuan then encountered He Qunfei cleaning Lei Yuzheng's office, and sarcastically questioned his role and whether he had completed the HR onboarding process. He Qunfei retorted, suggesting that if Lei Yuzheng were stopped from entering Yutian without an access card, it would be embarrassing.

Lin Xiangyuan, frustrated, left, asking He Qunfei to inform Lei Yuzheng of his visit. Concurrently, Lei Yuzheng met with Jiang Jin to discuss restarting the Entertainment Center project. Jiang Jin initially expressed surprise that the project was on hold, claiming he had been too preoccupied with Lei Yuzheng's situation to follow all company matters. Lei Yuzheng showed him photos of the stagnant construction site.

Lei Yuzheng graciously accepted Jiang Jin’s apology, acknowledging that the project’s stagnation was understandable given the circumstances following his father's death and his own absence. Jiang Jin promised his full support to restart the project, viewing its completion as a significant achievement during his tenure. Lei Yuzheng then asked Jiang Jin to persuade Lin Xiangyuan. Jiang Jin assured Lei Yuzheng that Lin Xiangyuan, despite being his son-in-law, would support any decision beneficial to the company, especially with the board’s approval.

Unbeknownst to them, Lin Xiangyuan had been listening outside the door and left angrily. Lei Yuzheng hired a private detective to investigate Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li. Lin Xiangyuan sent people to follow Lei Yuzheng, who soon discovered he was being watched. Lei Yuzheng met the detective discreetly, emphasizing the importance of secrecy due to the substantial amount of money involved, which could provoke desperate actions from their opponents.

Shangguan Boyao visited Lei Yuzheng at a fencing club, reflecting on Zhenrong and Lei Yuzheng's absence from the club. Lei Yuzheng, in turn, challenged Shangguan Boyao to a fencing match, despite Shangguan’s reluctance. After a vigorous bout, Lei Yuzheng revealed his true purpose: to restart the Entertainment Center project and asked Shangguan Boyao for financial backing to provide external funding to secure board approval. Shangguan Boyao readily agreed, promising to arrange the funds immediately.

Meanwhile, Jiang Jin, aware of Lin Xiangyuan's displeasure over Lei Yuzheng's return, advised his daughter Jiang Fanlv not to actively approach Lei Yuzheng, fearing it would exacerbate tensions with Lin Xiangyuan. He expressed his hope that Lei Yuzheng and Lin Xiangyuan could reconcile and work together for Yutian's future. Lin Xiangyuan and Xie Li presented Jiang Jin with a proposal to partner with Green Investment, an emerging company, to produce new energy vehicles.

Lin Xiangyuan argued that Yutian's traditional business profits were plateauing and a new breakthrough was needed. Despite Jiang Jin's initial concerns about shareholder approval and Yutian lacking the necessary technical expertise, Lin Xiangyuan pressed him to submit the plan to the board, assuring him that this partnership would bring Yutian to a new stage and generate profits for shareholders. Shangguan Boyao informed Lei Yuzheng about Lin Xiangyuan's new energy vehicle project with Green Investment.

Liu Siyang, having investigated Green Investment, suspected it was a dubious company, potentially secretly established by Lin Xiangyuan. Lei Yuzheng deduced Lin Xiangyuan's scheme: to use Green Investment for money laundering. He explained that Yutian's funds would be transferred to Green Investment through the new energy project.

Once Yutian ran out of money, Green Investment would then invest the laundered funds back into Yutian to acquire a majority stake, ultimately making Lin Xiangyuan the legal representative and de facto controller of Yutian. Despite Liu Siyang suggesting Lei Yuzheng use his majority shareholder veto power, Lei Yuzheng declined, preferring to "lure the big fish out of the net" and let Lin Xiangyuan reveal his true intentions.

To further his plan, Lei Yuzheng decided to accept Shangguan Boyao's offer to host a welcome-back party, despite his earlier reservations about it being too high-profile. He intended to use the event to feign resignation and complacency, making Lin Xiangyuan believe he had given up on the Entertainment Center project after two setbacks and was merely seeking relaxation. Later, Lin Xiangyuan, having sent two law books—Criminal Law and Securities Law—to Lei Yuzheng’s office, confronted him about the Entertainment Center project.

He explained that Yutian's significant investment in the new energy project meant there were currently no funds to restart the Entertainment Center. Lei Yuzheng, however, calmly informed Lin Xiangyuan that funding was no longer an issue for the project. Lin Xiangyuan then announced the board's decision to appoint Lei Yuzheng as Jiang Jin’s special assistant, putting him in charge of the Entertainment Center project.

Lei Yuzheng, showing no gratitude, dismissed Lin Xiangyuan, pointedly asking him to take the law books with him. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan clashed with Jiang Fanlv over attending Shangguan Boyao's party. He later apologized to Jiang Jin, explaining that he simply worried about Jiang Fanlv going out drinking. Jiang Jin, aware the party was for Lei Yuzheng, insisted that both Jiang Fanlv and Lin Xiangyuan attend.

He saw it as an opportunity for Lin Xiangyuan to meet new people and foster future business cooperation. Jiang Fanlv initially refused, but Jiang Jin persisted, asking Lin Xiangyuan to ensure Jiang Fanlv didn't drink too much. Shangguan Boyao personally invited Du Xiaosu to the party. She brought a tie as a gift for Lei Yuzheng. Shangguan Boyao playfully presented it, suggesting it symbolized "tying up" his friend. Lei Yuzheng expressed his appreciation for the gift. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Du Xiaosu tried to leave, but Lei Yuzheng pulled her hand, stopping her.

Episode 32 Recap

Shangguan Boyao introduced Du Xiaosu to a gathering of industry elites, praising her as a renowned architect and talented lady. The guests, impressed, began discussing famous architectural landmarks like the Dancing Towers and asked if Du Xiaosu had designed similar buildings. Feeling embarrassed, Du Xiaosu clarified that Zaha designed the Dancing Towers and she herself had only just started her own studio, handling mostly small cases. The guests, however, brushed it off as modesty.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Lei Yuzheng invited Du Xiaosu to dance. During their dance, Lei Yuzheng remarked on their long time apart, but Du Xiaosu simply congratulated him on his return to Yutian. She expressed that they seemed to be running out of topics and that he appeared different, more at home in this kind of high-society environment. Lei Yuzheng urged her to try and get used to it for his sake.

Du Xiaosu firmly disagreed, stating that such an environment was vastly different from her own life and that she didn't need to adapt. She pointed out that his friends came from strong backgrounds and famous universities, making them comfortable there, but she had her own life. Lei Yuzheng confessed he had invited her to these parties hoping she would get accustomed to them, but Du Xiaosu questioned if that was truly possible.

When he suggested she might be biased against his friends, she retorted that their perceptions of things remained different, and perhaps she had misunderstood their past relationship, considering it merely a dream. She suggested he had only needed someone to rely on during a vulnerable time. Offended, Lei Yuzheng questioned if she saw him as a heartless man who would abandon her once his troubles passed.

Du Xiaosu concluded it wasn't a good day for such a conversation, and despite Lei Yuzheng calling her name, she turned and left the party. Outside, Xu You noticed Lei Yuzheng had been drinking and offered to drive him home. As they drove, He Qunfei, who was accompanying them, urged Xu You to drive faster, having spotted someone following them.

Lei Yuzheng then deliberately invited Xu You to stay at his place for the night, reiterating that she could spend the night there. Later, Lei Yuzheng saw someone taking pictures of his house from downstairs. He changed into workout clothes and left, instructing Xu You to stay put, as he was going out for some exercise. Feeling down after the party, Du Xiaosu called Lei Yuzheng. However, he had forgotten his phone, and Xu You answered.

Upon hearing Xu You's voice, Du Xiaosu immediately hung up. Lei Yuzheng rushed back home, where Xu You handed him his phone, mentioning it had rung while he was out. Shortly after, Lei Yuzheng received a call from his private detective, who had crucial information and asked to meet immediately in the underground garage. At the meeting, the detective provided some files, confirming progress in the investigation.

As Lei Yuzheng was leaving, two men confronted him, demanding the evidence he had just acquired. Lei Yuzheng questioned if they were after money and dared them to try and take it. After a brief scuffle, Lei Yuzheng easily overpowered both men, telling them to inform their boss to confront him directly instead of resorting to dirty tricks. Immediately, Lei Yuzheng called Liu Siyang, asking him to come to his house at once.

Upon arriving home in the rain, Lei Yuzheng first spoke to Butler Duan, expressing concern for him and suggesting he take a long-overdue rest in his hometown for a while. Lei Yuzheng also mentioned he would ask He Qunfei to book the tickets and drop him off at the airport, subtly ensuring the butler's temporary absence. Once alone with Liu Siyang, Lei Yuzheng shared the private detective's findings.

He explained that a list of client accounts showed a large volume of Yutian shares being purchased before the company's contract with SG was signed. He also presented an article by reporter Li Lu, written a year ago, which revealed Lei Yuzheng's alleged leaking of company secrets, dated the day before the SG contract. Lei Yuzheng concluded that someone must have provided Li Lu with insider information.

Liu Siyang confirmed that Li Lu had resigned from the newspaper in a hurry about a year ago, shortly after the report was published, suggesting he feared being discovered. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan received a call from Mr. Yu. Mr. Yu informed him of their intention to acquire Yutian, detailing their plan to restructure the company for relisting. He offered Lin Xiangyuan the position of CEO if he would cooperate and support the acquisition.

Lin Xiangyuan firmly refused, expressing regret for having previously provided Mr. Yu with information about Lei Yuzheng's cooperation with SG, and stating he couldn't engage in such "immoral behavior" or betray Yutian. Mr. Yu retorted that it was too late for regrets, reminded Lin Xiangyuan that Lei Yuzheng was already investigating, and warned that if anything was uncovered, both of them would face severe consequences.

He then declared that they would formally submit the acquisition plan to the CSRC in a few days and expected Lin Xiangyuan to cooperate, implying dire repercussions if he didn't. Reflecting on the unusual stock activity—large-scale purchases of Yutian shares that were never sold for profit, even when the stock rose, and further purchases when it hit rock bottom during his imprisonment—Lei Yuzheng realized the true motive.

He shared his deduction with Liu Siyang: the ultimate goal was not to make quick money, but to acquire Yutian. Lei Yuzheng tasked Liu Siyang with investigating the sources of funds for all the suspicious accounts, while he himself planned to ask Shangguan Boyao to locate reporter Li Lu. A short while later, Lin Xiangyuan received a call from Xie Li, who informed him that Lei Yuzheng had been followed and almost got into a car accident.

Afterward, a package was delivered to Lin Xiangyuan, containing a bank card and a transaction statement showing a million-yuan deposit. Mr. Yu called again, confirming receipt of the money and suggesting it was just a portion. He reiterated his demands, instructing Lin Xiangyuan to monitor Lei Yuzheng's handling of the acquisition and report every move he made. Lin Xiangyuan, feeling cornered and helpless, begrudgingly accepted.

Shangguan Boyao successfully located Wang Mian, Li Lu's girlfriend, and immediately informed Lei Yuzheng, sending him her photo and address. They went to intercept her after work. As Wang Mian left her workplace, two menacing men confronted her, telling her to claim Li Lu was dead if anyone asked, and threatening her if she refused. Lei Yuzheng intervened, urging Wang Mian to run. A struggle ensued, during which Lei Yuzheng was stabbed in the arm while protecting her.

Terrified, Wang Mian fled. Shangguan expressed concern for Lei Yuzheng's injury and speculated that the attackers were sent by Xie Li and Lin Xiangyuan. He worried that Wang Mian's disappearance would make it harder to find Li Lu, and that their opponents were desperate and might harm others. The incident solidified Lei Yuzheng's resolve to keep Du Xiaosu from danger, leading him to decide to push her away for her safety.

Determined to push Du Xiaosu away for her safety, Lei Yuzheng invited Xu You to dinner and presented her with a large bouquet of flowers. Xu You found his behavior unusually gentle and wondered if he needed her help with something, but Lei Yuzheng simply stated he wanted to be a nice person and invite her to dinner. Unbeknownst to them, He Qunfei had invited Zou Siqi and Du Xiaosu to dinner at the very same upscale restaurant. As they settled in, Du Xiaosu looked out the window and saw Lei Yuzheng and Xu You, laughing and talking together, leaving her stunned.

Episode 33 Recap

Zou Siqi, unable to bear seeing Du Xiaosu upset, pulled her to the restaurant where Lei Yuzheng and Xu You were having dinner. He Qunfei tried to intercede, suggesting they find another place to eat, hinting at the current restaurant's high cost. However, Zou Siqi adamantly refused and, to everyone's surprise, sat down to join Lei Yuzheng and Xu You.

She sarcastically introduced herself as an entertainment journalist to Xu You, who retorted with sharp remarks about Zou Siqi's "sharpness" and questioned if she was seeking comfort after a failed relationship abroad. Du Xiaosu, mortified, tried to pull Zou Siqi away. Before leaving, Zou Siqi sternly told Lei Yuzheng that while Xu You might be his friend, he clearly understood Du Xiaosu's feelings and should know what to do.

Outside, Du Xiaosu chastised Zou Siqi for her meddling, but Zou Siqi defended her actions, claiming she was standing up for Du Xiaosu. Overwhelmed with emotion, Du Xiaosu walked away, leaving Zou Siqi and He Qunfei behind. Xu You then directly confronted Lei Yuzheng, realizing he was using her to make Du Xiaosu jealous, and suspected a more dangerous purpose behind his actions. Lei Yuzheng acknowledged the danger ahead and asked if she wished to be involved.

Intrigued, Xu You decided to stay, declaring her intention to witness this "life-and-death play." Du Xiaosu hurried home, followed by Zou Siqi who continuously apologized, blaming He Qunfei and her own thoughtless words. Du Xiaosu, tired and heartbroken, ignored her and locked herself in the bathroom to cry. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangyuan woke up from a disturbing nightmare, calling out Jiang Fanlv's name.

He found Jiang Fanlv awake and distraught, expressing a desire to end her life, believing that "if people are gone, they will have no worries." Lin Xiangyuan pleaded with her to stop, inadvertently blurting out, "Leave me alone." Jiang Fanlv, feeling he saw her as a "troublemaker," was deeply hurt.

Lin Xiangyuan quickly apologized, promising to be good to her and suggesting they leave the country to start a new life in places like Bali, Chiang Mai, or Dubai, "where nobody knows us." Jiang Fanlv, however, replied that "it's too late." Lin Xiangyuan later observed Jiang Fanlv's erratic behavior, including constant overeating and talking to herself. He sought medical advice and learned that Jiang Fanlv was suffering from severe depression with a strong suicidal tendency.

The doctor emphasized the need for constant family companionship and supervision. Lin Xiangyuan then replaced the existing nannies with Mrs. Wang, instructing her to carefully look after Jiang Fanlv, who felt she was being monitored, despite Lin Xiangyuan's explanation that it was for her company. Lei Yuzheng and Liu Siyang continued their investigation, discussing the difficulty Shangguan Boyao was having in finding Wang Mian.

Lei Yuzheng suggested focusing on Xie Li, explaining Xie Li's past financial misconduct at Yutian that led to his departure and a deep-seated grudge against him. He believed Xie Li, who had been closely following Lin Xiangyuan, would possess crucial information about Lin Xiangyuan's activities, including any involvement with the Yutian-S. G. cooperation and potentially acquiring Yutian shares himself.

Lei Yuzheng tasked Shangguan Boyao with handling Xie Li, asserting that a "shameless man" required an even "more shameless" individual to deal with him. Meanwhile, a "General Manager Yu" contacted Lin Xiangyuan, offering him the CEO position at Yutian if he cooperated with their acquisition plan. Lin Xiangyuan initially refused, regretting his earlier act of leaking information about Lei Yuzheng's collaboration with S. G. , which now left him in a difficult position.

Despite Lei Yuzheng already suspecting a takeover, he hadn't identified the adversary. General Manager Yu then sent Lin Xiangyuan a bank card with a large sum of money, pressuring him to comply. Lin Xiangyuan, though feeling conflicted and unwilling to engage in such unethical behavior, felt threatened and couldn't openly refuse. Lei Yuzheng also reaffirmed his decision to keep Du Xiaosu safe by allowing her to misunderstand his recent actions, accepting that it might cause her pain.

Shortly thereafter, Jiang Jin received urgent news from his employees about Hengshan Fund's public announcement to acquire Yutian, which caused an uproar in the industry. Lei Yuzheng also saw the news and deduced that their adversaries, aware of his investigation, were attempting to cover their tracks and divert public attention. He remained resolute, however, in his commitment to the investigation.

Jiang Jin, facing intense pressure from shareholders, met with Lei Yuzheng, who advised holding a press conference to control the media narrative and restore market confidence. At the press conference, Jiang Jin faltered under reporters' questions regarding Yutian's response to the takeover. Lei Yuzheng calmly stepped in, explaining that acquisition was a common commercial practice and that Yutian would make its decision after consulting the Board of Directors and shareholders.

He then abruptly concluded the conference, effectively stealing the spotlight from Jiang Jin and leaving Lin Xiangyuan, who had accompanied Jiang Jin, seething with frustration. Lei Yuzheng later met with Wang Mian, who confirmed that Li Lu had returned to his hometown in Guizhou. However, Wang Mian revealed she hadn't been able to contact him for months and suspected he had changed his phone number.

To evade the continuous surveillance, Lei Yuzheng devised an elaborate "golden cicada shedding its shell" plan with Liu Siyang. He instructed Liu Siyang to purchase two identical sets of clothes and an international flight ticket. Lei Yuzheng then deliberately spread news of his impending international trip by asking his assistant to book the ticket and arrange a driver, ensuring the information reached those who were tracking him. Lin Xiangyuan's operatives, falling for the deception, prepared to stake out the airport.

The next day, at the airport, Lei Yuzheng, dressed in one of the identical outfits, entered a restroom where Liu Siyang was waiting. They exchanged clothes, and Liu Siyang, now impersonating Lei Yuzheng, proceeded to the boarding gate, drawing away the trackers. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng discreetly exited the airport with He Qunfei, confirming their true destination: Guizhou. During this time, Du Xiaosu immersed herself in work, trying to distract from her heartache over Lei Yuzheng and Xu You.

Zou Siqi, noticing Du Xiaosu's exhaustion and dark circles, urged her to confront Lei Yuzheng about his actions. Du Xiaosu, however, dismissed her concerns, claiming that work and money were more reliable than love, which didn't always offer a return. She insisted she was too busy and tired to discuss such painful matters. Zou Siqi pointed out that the lack of clarification from Yutian's PR or Xu You's agent regarding the rumors implied their acquiescence.

Du Xiaosu stubbornly maintained that "a clean hand wants no washing" and that she and Lei Yuzheng, as adults, would resolve their issues privately. When Zou Siqi asked if Lei Yuzheng had contacted her, Du Xiaosu asserted his freedom to contact anyone. Zou Siqi pressed on, reminding Du Xiaosu that her distress when she saw Lei Yuzheng and Xu You together had revealed everything.

Despite Zou Siqi's persistent attempts, Du Xiaosu, unwilling to delve deeper into her feelings, firmly sent her away. Lin Xiangyuan received a frantic phone call from the nanny, reporting Jiang Fanlv's suicide attempt. He rushed home and drove her to the hospital, pleading with her to hold on. After the medical team managed to save her, Jiang Fanlv expressed disappointment at being alive, reiterating her wish to die.

The doctor sternly reprimanded her, emphasizing the preciousness of life and the wasted medical resources. Lin Xiangyuan then called Jiang Jin to inform him of the dire situation. He also spoke with the doctor, who confirmed Jiang Fanlv suffered from severe depression with a strong suicidal tendency.

The doctor recommended immediate and long-term treatment, suggesting medication, despite potential side effects like trigeminal neuralgia, memory loss, and organ damage, and highlighting the critical need for constant family companionship and psychological support to alleviate her anxiety and ensure her safety. He also advised against informing her of the severity of her illness to prevent further distress. Jiang Jin arrived at the hospital in a rage, pushing Lin Xiangyuan aside.

He tearfully pleaded with his unresponsive daughter, heartbroken by her condition. Afterwards, Jiang Jin confronted Lin Xiangyuan, demanding an explanation. Lin Xiangyuan admitted his failure to properly care for Jiang Fanlv. Jiang Jin furiously blamed Lin Xiangyuan for concealing her depression and for the past conflicts that had led to her miscarriage, warning that he would never forgive him if anything happened to her. Overwhelmed, Lin Xiangyuan profusely apologized for his shortcomings.

Episode 34 Recap

Jiang Jin, considering Jiang Fanlv's well-being, instructed Lin Xiangyuan to divorce her. Lin Xiangyuan, however, expressed his desire to care for Fanlv and only proceed with the divorce after her recovery. Jiang Jin, stating that Lin Xiangyuan should consider himself fortunate that Fanlv was unharmed, blamed him for her unhappiness and insisted that once Fanlv was discharged from the hospital, they should immediately proceed with the divorce.

He even offered to transfer the mutual shares he and Fanlv owned back to Lin Xiangyuan. Lin Xiangyuan, hurt by Jiang Jin's assumption, asserted he wasn't refusing divorce for the shares. He explained that Fanlv's doctor mentioned significant side effects from medication, necessitating constant care if she didn't take it. Jiang Jin, unmoved, cut him off and reiterated his demand for a swift divorce once Fanlv was out of the hospital.

Meanwhile, Zou Siqi saw intimate photos of Lei Yuzheng and Xu You online. She immediately called He Qunfei, asking if the rumors of them being together were true and accusing Lei Yuzheng of "investment diversification" in his relationships. He Qunfei, confused by the photos, didn't know how to explain, as these were Lei Yuzheng's deliberate attempt to keep Du Xiaosu away from troubles. He tried to dismiss them as gossip.

Zou Siqi, however, cited eight articles from City Entertainment with photographic evidence. She then urged He Qunfei to tell Lei Yuzheng not to hurt Du Xiaosu anymore, revealing that Du Xiaosu was sick. He Qunfei was taken aback by this news and quickly asked Lei Yuzheng about Du Xiaosu's condition, suggesting he call her. Lei Yuzheng speculated that Du Xiaosu's illness was likely anxiety-related and without a cure.

He Qunfei offered to call Xiaosu to clarify the photos, but Lei Yuzheng refused, emphasizing that their current presence in Guizhou must remain a secret from everyone, including Du Xiaosu. He Qunfei worried that the misunderstanding would not be rectified. Lin Xiangyuan specially prepared bamboo rice and porridge, Jiang Fanlv's favorite dishes, and patiently fed her, while Jiang Jin did not stop him.

After the meal, Lin Xiangyuan asked Jiang Jin if he could stay and care for Fanlv, but Jiang Jin firmly refused, once again urging him to divorce Fanlv as soon as possible. Later, Jiang Fanlv went downstairs and wanted to go out for a walk, with Lin Xiangyuan closely following her. Lei Yuzheng and He Qunfei traveled to Lin Xiangyuan's hometown in Guizhou.

They asked a local villager for directions to "Mr. Lin's house," learning that Lin Xiangyuan was affectionately known as "Scholar Lin," the village's only successful college graduate. The villager proudly spoke of Lin Xiangyuan's contributions, mentioning how he funded the construction of the village road and primary school, showcasing his continued remembrance of his roots. He also informed them that Lin Xiangyuan had bought a house in the city the previous year and his mother sometimes lived there.

Upon finding Lin Xiangyuan's house, they discovered a "Honor Wall" adorned with his certificates and awards. Lin Xiangyuan's mother soon returned home, and Lei Yuzheng, feigning exhaustion from travel, asked for water. While Lin's mother prepared lunch, Lei Yuzheng noticed a photo on the wall and recognized Li Lu, realizing he was a classmate of Lin Xiangyuan.

Fearing they might alert Lin Xiangyuan if they stayed, Lei Yuzheng decided they had to leave immediately, despite Lin's mother's enthusiastic offer of a meal. He Qunfei expressed regret over disappointing her, but Lei Yuzheng insisted, concerned about Li Lu's family. He Qunfei, reflecting on Lin Xiangyuan's generosity to his village, questioned Lei Yuzheng's earlier harsh judgment of him.

Lei Yuzheng conceded that Lin Xiangyuan might not be entirely bad, noting his efforts to inspire children in his village through education and success. He also deduced that Lin Xiangyuan kept his mother in the village as she was his greatest weakness, strategically shielding her from the turbulent affairs of his life in Shanghai, a reasoning he implied he applied to his own actions with Du Xiaosu.

Later, Jiang Fanlv went to a bar and drank, with Lin Xiangyuan closely following her. She told him to stop, saying she was not sick and didn't need saving. She insisted they finalize the divorce, stating that once they were divorced, he would no longer be bound by her father's wishes. Lin Xiangyuan, however, explained that he cared for her not to salvage their relationship, but because she was family.

He expressed deep regret for not cherishing her, recalling his early career aspirations and the profound sadness he felt after her miscarriage. He yearned to walk with her forever and said he had promised her father they would divorce once she recovered. He reiterated that he did not want a divorce, but if their fate together only caused her pain and despair, he would rather remove himself from her life.

He suggested their marriage was a fundamental mismatch, like "ocean versus fire," where one must eventually disappear for things to end. He believed the best way for her to heal was to forget the past, and he promised to watch over her from afar until she found a new life. Jiang Fanlv was deeply moved by his words. Meanwhile, Jiang Jin tried to call Jiang Fanlv but couldn't reach her and was extremely anxious.

Eventually, Lin Xiangyuan brought her back home. Seeing how late it was, Jiang Jin invited Lin Xiangyuan to stay in the guest room. The next day, Lin Xiangyuan tried hard to engage Jiang Fanlv in conversation, mentioning the beautiful orchids in his hometown of Guizhou. Jiang Fanlv, however, did not appreciate his efforts and instead brought up their lost child, musing that everything would be different if their child were still alive. They then went to the Marriage Registration Office.

The staff inquired about their reasons for divorce, and both Jiang Fanlv and Lin Xiangyuan selflessly took the blame, stating they wanted the other to be happy. The surprised staff suggested they reconsider, but Jiang Fanlv insisted on divorce due to their fundamentally different characteristics. Lin Xiangyuan elaborated, highlighting his humble origins from a small Guizhou village compared to her upbringing in Shanghai and education abroad. He admitted that wealth was partly his initial motivation to get close to her.

He then presented Jiang Fanlv with the ring his mother had given him for their marriage, offering it as a memory, fearing she might not like its style. Just as they were about to proceed, the staff intervened, falsely claiming the computer system was down and they couldn't process the divorce that day. She urged them to cherish their fate and fight for their marriage. Lin Xiangyuan vowed to fight and to be her husband in the next life.

Jiang Fanlv, touched, took the ring and agreed to "go back and think about it again." The staff then prompted Lin Xiangyuan to follow her. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng and He Qunfei returned to the village where Li Lu's family lived. A neighbor informed them that Li Lu had recently returned and bought his father a house in Shanghai's Happy Neighborhood. Without delay, Lei Yuzheng and He Qunfei headed back to Shanghai.

They eventually located Li Lu in an underground parking garage. When Li Lu spotted them, he tried to flee. A flashback showed Lin Xiangyuan providing Xie Li with 200,000 yuan, instructing him to give it to Li Lu and have Li Lu write an article alleging Lei Yuzheng was involved in stock insider trading. In the present, two unknown men suddenly appeared and abducted Li Lu.

Lei Yuzheng and He Qunfei tried to intervene, fighting the men, but Li Lu was forcibly driven away in their car. Back at home, Jiang Jin asked Jiang Fanlv if the divorce had been finalized. She confirmed it had not, asserting it was her own decision and not due to any threats from Lin Xiangyuan. She reflected on their marriage, acknowledging its complexities and the unfairness within it.

She expressed a desire to calmly reconsider things, recognizing Lin Xiangyuan's efforts, from pursuing her to tolerating her during their marriage and caring for her daily. Jiang Jin, pleased that she was no longer being headstrong, reassured her that he would support her decision, whatever it may be.

Episode 35 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan, having prepared company documents for Lei Yuzheng, proposed to Jiang Jin that he would step back from work at Yutian to care for Jiang Fanlv, entrusting the company entirely to Lei Yuzheng. To his surprise, Jiang Jin had already decided to transfer his and Jiang Fanlv's joint shares to him, viewing Lin Xiangyuan as family. Jiang Jin encouraged him to work diligently and establish a strong foothold in Yutian.

Overwhelmed by this gesture, Lin Xiangyuan was moved to tears. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu, battling a persistent high fever and a cough, continued to work. While watching a video, she saw Xu You being interviewed by reporters. Xu You publicly acknowledged her relationship with Lei Yuzheng, hinting at an impending good event. Overcome with sorrow, Du Xiaosu fainted. Concerned about Du Xiaosu's health, Lei Yuzheng asked He Qunfei to call Zou Siqi for an update, but Siqi's phone went unanswered.

Lei Yuzheng then tried calling Du Xiaosu, but she also didn't pick up. Lei Yuzheng eventually learned that Du Xiaosu had been hospitalized. He rushed to the hospital and saw Zou Siqi by her bedside. A nurse informed him that Du Xiaosu had a lung infection, severe fever, and dehydration, and needed ample rest. Despite his concern, Lei Yuzheng chose to leave without being seen.

Separately, Xie Li advised Lin Xiangyuan to cooperate with the Hengshan Group in their acquisition of Yutian, but Lin Xiangyuan vehemently rejected the idea, forbidding Xie Li from interfering further. Later that night, Lei Yuzheng returned to the hospital to check on Du Xiaosu, who was still unconscious. He silently stayed by her side throughout the night, only to quietly depart early the next morning. Liu Zong arrived to visit Du Xiaosu and helped her with the discharge procedures.

From a nurse, Du Xiaosu learned that a man had stayed by her bedside all night, and she mistakenly believed it was Liu Zong. As Yutian's stock continued to surge, Lei Yuzheng suspected the Hengshan Group was behind the manipulation. His hope rested on the outcome of negotiations between Liu Siyang and Linton of SG Company. Linton called Lei Yuzheng, revealing that Hengshan Group representatives had also approached SG for cooperation.

Linton implied that SG would favor the stronger party, but Lei Yuzheng appealed to him not to take advantage of Yutian's predicament. Lei Yuzheng then sought Jiang Jin's advice, proposing to unite both major and minor shareholders to resist the stock price manipulation. Jiang Jin, however, urged Lei Yuzheng to forgive Lin Xiangyuan and suggested they join forces to fight against Hengshan Group's acquisition.

Jiang Jin also revealed that he had transferred his and Jiang Fanlv's joint shares to Lin Xiangyuan, believing Lin Xiangyuan had genuinely changed after caring for Fanlv through her depression. Upon learning that Jiang Fanlv was suffering from depression, Lei Yuzheng went to visit her. Jiang Fanlv showed him their childhood photos, and Lei Yuzheng encouraged her to recover quickly, promising to always be there for her.

However, Jiang Fanlv expressed concern for him and Du Xiaosu, having seen online photos of him with Xu You and witnessing Du Xiaosu's sadness. Lei Yuzheng avoided discussing the matter. As he left, Jiang Fanlv cautioned him not to repeat her mistakes, having learned that some things come at too high a price. Meanwhile, Xie Li, after being reprimanded by Lin Xiangyuan, sought solace in a nightclub, drinking heavily.

When he got into an altercation, Ye Shenkuan intervened to help him. Grateful, Xie Li and Ye Shenkuan bonded over drinks, with Xie Li confiding his frustrations about Lei Yuzheng stopping a profitable "plan." Unbeknownst to Xie Li, Ye Shenkuan was discreetly live-streaming their entire conversation to Lei Yuzheng. Xu You called Lei Yuzheng, requesting a meeting in a quiet place. Lei Yuzheng apologized for the trouble caused by the online rumors, but Xu You dismissed his apology.

She then accused him of hurting Du Xiaosu by his avoidance and asked why he wasn't protecting her. Feeling troubled by her words, Lei Yuzheng made an excuse and left. Later, Lei Yuzheng reviewed the company materials Lin Xiangyuan had given him and thanked him for his help. Lei Yuzheng congratulated Lin Xiangyuan on becoming a Yutian shareholder.

However, Lin Xiangyuan expressed his unhappiness, stating that becoming a shareholder wasn't his true goal; he merely wanted to understand the gap between their ambitions. Seeing Lei Yuzheng's evasive attitude, Lin Xiangyuan grew disappointed and angrily called him a coward for not facing his own feelings. Lin Xiangyuan visited Du Xiaosu, showing concern for her well-being. Du Xiaosu, in turn, asked about Jiang Fanlv's recovery.

Lin Xiangyuan explained that after experiencing difficulties with Fanlv, he felt he understood things better and now cherished his relationship with Fanlv. He proposed that they redefine their relationship, offering Du Xiaosu a chance to see him anew, suggesting they could be friends or confidants. Du Xiaosu agreed. Lei Yuzheng observed this interaction from a distance. From that day forward, Lei Yuzheng consistently followed Du Xiaosu, silently protecting her.

Du Xiaosu sensed she was being followed, but Zou Siqi playfully dismissed her concerns as "persecutory delusions." At dinner with Liu Zong, Du Xiaosu confessed that her boyfriend had disappeared, yet she constantly felt his presence, though she feared it was an illusion. Liu Zong, sensing her deep affection for Lei Yuzheng, then admitted his own feelings for Du Xiaosu.

He also revealed that it wasn't him who had stayed by her side in the hospital that night, implying that it might have been Lei Yuzheng. As he spoke, Du Xiaosu glanced up and saw Lei Yuzheng's familiar figure flash by in the distance.

Episode 36 Recap

Du Xiaosu rushed out and indeed saw Lei Yuzheng. She was furious, sarcastically asking if this was how he cared for someone by secretly following her instead of calling or messaging, leaving her to suffer in pain. She listed all the things he had done for her, like visiting her in the hospital and paying her bills, but then demanded to know why he hadn't contacted her directly.

She accused him of wanting to see her in pain and declared she couldn't afford such "care," asking him to stop following her. Lei Yuzheng remained silent. Meanwhile, Mr. Yu called Lin Xiangyuan to inquire about Yutian's financial situation. Lin Xiangyuan claimed ignorance, stating that the chairman managed the company's finances. Mr. Yu, growing impatient, threatened him, saying they were "on the same boat" and if anything happened, Lin Xiangyuan wouldn't be spared.

At the same time, Lei Yuzheng met with Jiang Jin. Lei Yuzheng, looking tired, explained that he had investigated and discovered Lin Xiangyuan was connected to an internal information leak a year ago. He revealed that a reporter, Li Lu, a classmate of Lin Xiangyuan, had disappeared—kidnapped, to be precise—after publishing details about Lei Yuzheng's planned negotiations with S. G.

on the Universal Entertainment Center project, which then prompted Hengshan Fund to continuously acquire Yutian's shares with the intention of a takeover. Jiang Jin initially found it hard to believe Lin Xiangyuan would betray the company, but Lei Yuzheng's firm assertion caused him to waver. Lin Xiangyuan, still on the phone with Mr. Yu, told him not to threaten him, insisting he truly knew nothing about Yutian's finances.

Mr. Yu said he trusted him but urged him to call if any issues arose. Lin Xiangyuan returned home late that evening. Jiang Jin, feeling uneasy, had earlier asked Jiang Fanlv about Lin Xiangyuan's recent behavior. Jiang Fanlv reassured her father that Lin Xiangyuan was kind to her and truly repentant.

However, Jiang Jin remained worried, questioning why Lin Xiangyuan hadn't come home for dinner or even called, fearing he might have made another mistake that could destroy both Fanlv and Yutian. Upon Lin Xiangyuan's arrival, he explained his lateness by saying he had waited in a long line to buy Jiang Fanlv her favorite egg tarts.

After Jiang Fanlv went upstairs, Jiang Jin spoke with Lin Xiangyuan, reminding him of his multiple responsibilities as Fanlv's husband, his son-in-law, and Yutian's CEO and director. He stressed the importance of upholding his conscience and being worthy of his family and position, subtly warning him not to betray Yutian. Lin Xiangyuan assured his father-in-law that he understood and would heed his advice. Liu Siyang returned from abroad and immediately reported to Lei Yuzheng that S. G.'

s Linton, while appearing polite, had passed their cooperation proposal to the S. G. board and was secretly negotiating with Hengshan Fund to jointly acquire Yutian. Lei Yuzheng had anticipated this, acknowledging that Hengshan Fund alone couldn't manage such a large acquisition and they needed to find another approach. Liu Siyang also informed him that Li Lu, the reporter, had been found but was kidnapped, indicating Hengshan Fund was aware of Lei Yuzheng's investigation and had started taking action.

Lei Yuzheng expressed hope that Shangguan Baoyao and Ye Shenkuan could get information from Xie Li. Shortly after, Shangguan Baoyao arrived, confirming that Ye Shenkuan had made contact with Xie Li. Lei Yuzheng cautioned them not to rush, knowing Xie Li was shrewd and wouldn't easily confess, especially when his life and fortune were at stake. Soon, He Qunfei sent a message to Lei Yuzheng, informing him that Hengshan Fund was holding a press conference.

Lei Yuzheng, Shangguan Baoyao, and Liu Siyang watched the broadcast. The Hengshan Fund spokesperson officially announced their acquisition plan for Yutian, detailing reforms such as focusing on new energy, selling the Global Finance Port to raise funds, and dispatching a new management team to reorganize Yutian's top leadership. One of Lei Yuzheng's companions called it "robbery," while the spokesperson confidently stated their goal to transform Yutian into one of the world's top 500 companies within three to five years.

Watching the news, Du Xiaosu worriedly observed that Lei Yuzheng was in trouble. Xie Li, having spread rumors that Lei Yuzheng would give up and Yutian was doomed, then urged Lin Xiangyuan to sell his shares to profit. Lin Xiangyuan reacted furiously, warning Xie Li not to speak irresponsibly or engage in "stupid things," reminding him that they were Yutian staff and should not undermine the company during a crisis.

Dissatisfied with Lin Xiangyuan's response, Xie Li later met Ye Shenkuan for drinks, complaining bitterly about his boss. He called Lin Xiangyuan a "bumpkin" and threatened to expose how he had sent their previous CEO to jail to make "dirty money." Xie Li then bragged about making his own "pennies" through a securities broker friend by providing internal information. Ye Shenkuan, feigning disinterest in stocks, subtly obtained the broker's phone number.

After watching the Hengshan Group's press conference, Jiang Jin became visibly distressed, causing Jiang Fanlv much anxiety. She spoke with Lin Xiangyuan, urging him not to get too tired and to share more of her father's workload, as Jiang Jin was old and stressed. Lin Xiangyuan promised to ease "the old man's" burden.

Jiang Fanlv then pleaded with Lin Xiangyuan to put aside his long-standing prejudice and competition with Lei Yuzheng, emphasizing that Yutian was in deep trouble and they needed to work together to save it. Lin Xiangyuan agreed to listen to her and promised to take her abroad to relax after the crisis was over. Liu Siyang continued to monitor Hengshan Group's movements, confirming they had acquired 15% of Yutian's tradable shares and would soon become a majority shareholder.

Lei Yuzheng decided against relying solely on Xie Li, doubting his willingness to tell the truth or if his testimony would be legally admissible. He concluded they couldn't "put all eggs in one basket." Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu had lost her appetite, clearly worried about Lei Yuzheng. Zou Siqi, noticing her friend's distress, teased her about being "incurable" in her love for Lei Yuzheng.

Du Xiaosu, not wanting to bother Lei Yuzheng directly, asked Zou Siqi to invite He Qunfei out so she could discreetly ask about Yutian's situation. Lei Yuzheng had already contacted Halifax, a foreign bank, but their representative, James, had regretfully informed him they couldn't help with a mortgage despite his personal appeal and an offer of 50% of the Entertainment Center's shares as collateral, citing their procedures and unfamiliarity with the Chinese market.

Lei Yuzheng hoped domestic banks would offer a different outcome. Lei Yuzheng then called He Qunfei, asking him to arrange a meeting with several bank managers at the club, including Mr. Cao from Dafeng Bank, and to ensure no other guests were present, and to pick him up at 6:00. Just then, Zou Siqi surprised He Qunfei, making him drop his phone, which was still connected to Lei Yuzheng. Lei Yuzheng overheard their conversation.

Du Xiaosu asked He Qunfei if Yutian had been acquired and how Lei Yuzheng was doing. He Qunfei reassured her that Lei Yuzheng was optimistic and had a plan. Du Xiaosu then gave He Qunfei a peace amulet, asking him to pass it to Lei Yuzheng as if it were from He Qunfei himself.

She explained that she feared Lei Yuzheng would refuse it if he knew it came from her, as he had been avoiding her, and she didn't want to bother him. She simply wished for him to be healthy and safe, and for everything to go smoothly, adding that other things didn't matter. Overhearing her heartfelt words, Lei Yuzheng was deeply touched. Despite his hopes, Lei Yuzheng's meeting with the domestic bank managers did not go well.

Only Mr. Cao from Dafeng Bank showed up, out of respect for Lei Yuzheng's late father, Lei Ting. Mr. Cao informed Lei Yuzheng that he and the other bankers were aware of Yutian's precarious situation and, despite Lei Yuzheng's offer of 50% of the Entertainment Center shares as mortgage, they were unable to provide a loan. He politely declined dinner and left. Lei Yuzheng's plan for a breakthrough was stalled.

After dismissing the submitted evidence as too damaging, Lei Yuzheng decided he needed to "ask for help again!" Soon after, Mr. Yu called Lin Xiangyuan again, expressing doubts about his sincerity and questioning his ignorance about Lei Yuzheng's dinner with bank executives. Lin Xiangyuan defended himself, pointing out his strained relationship with Lei Yuzheng and reiterating that he wouldn't necessarily be informed of Lei Yuzheng's private meetings.

Mr. Yu then confidently declared that the banks would not help Yutian and urged Lin Xiangyuan to stop hesitating. Shao Kaixuan visited Lei Yuzheng, observing his exhaustion and red eyes. She confirmed she knew about his struggles and presented him with a "Group Trust Fund Plan." She explained that his father, Lei Ting, had started this trust fund for him when he went to university abroad.

She told Lei Yuzheng that how he chose to use it was up to him, as long as he was worthy of his father. Lei Yuzheng, recognizing its significance, saw it as a godsend. Following a discussion with Jiang Jin, Lei Yuzheng quickly scheduled a press conference to publicly address Hengshan Group's acquisition attempt. Lin Xiangyuan was utterly shocked when he received the news.

Episode 37 Recap

Jiang Jin instructed Lei Yuzheng to issue a public statement to address the Hengshan Group's acquisition of Yutian. At the press conference, Lei Yuzheng announced the board's decision: they would accept benevolent acquisitions but would pursue legal action against any malicious takeover attempts. His impassioned speech resonated widely. Immediately after the press conference, Mr. Yu called Lin Xiangyuan, accusing him of bad faith.

Lin Xiangyuan, infuriated, condemned Mr. Yu's ruthless tactics and severed ties, declaring that the terms of cooperation were his to decide. Mr. Yu, however, reminded him that they were in the same boat, having invested over a billion yuan, and warned him of consequences, mentioning his "hometown friend" was under their control.

Lin Xiangyuan retorted that he was no longer begging Mr. Yu and that he was happy to break off their relationship, telling him not to lecture him on how to conduct his business. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng flew to Malaysia to meet Uncle Lin.

Uncle Lin, who had been entrusted with a trust fund established by Lei Ting after Lei Yuzheng's mother passed away, returned the documents to Lei Yuzheng, stating it was now time for them to be returned to their rightful owner. Lei Yuzheng apologized for his father's death, but Uncle Lin reassured him it wasn't entirely his fault.

Uncle Lin spoke highly of Lei Ting, emphasizing his tolerance, even towards opponents, and urged Lei Yuzheng to embody these qualities as he took charge of Yutian, wishing him success in overcoming the current crisis. Lei Yuzheng confirmed the documents were in order and the fund was at his disposal, though he had not yet decided how to use it.

Declining Uncle Lin's offer to show him around Malaysia, Lei Yuzheng explained the urgency of the situation required him to return home that very day. Upon his return, Lei Yuzheng met Liu Siyang for dinner. They stayed up until the foreign stock markets opened in the early hours of the morning. Lei Yuzheng asked Liu Siyang to monitor SG's stock, noting its unusually rapid rise.

Liu Siyang quickly realized Lei Yuzheng was behind the strange stock movements, using his father's fund to acquire SG shares. She understood he was diverting attention and directly targeting Hengshan's backer, effectively "taking away their fuel." Liu Siyang was impressed by his strategy, remarking that Linton would not be able to tolerate this move. Lei Yuzheng then called Jiang Jin, advising him to instruct Yutian's security agent not to buy Yutian's stock if it dropped sharply the following day.

He promised to explain everything in two days. As predicted, Yutian's stock plummeted at market open. Xie Li rushed to Lin Xiangyuan, panicked. Lin Xiangyuan, however, feigned indifference, asking why Xie Li was worried about Yutian's stock when it was about to be acquired. He then accused Xie Li of secretly buying Yutian shares, which Xie Li denied, citing Lin Xiangyuan's prior instructions not to. Lin Xiangyuan believed him and let him leave.

Mr. Yu called Lin Xiangyuan, demanding an explanation for Yutian's stock plunge. Lin Xiangyuan again feigned ignorance, citing the inherent risks of the stock market. Mr. Yu reiterated his threats, urging Lin Xiangyuan to sell his Yutian shares and cooperate with the acquisition, promising him he'd lose more if he didn't give up Hengshan. Lin Xiangyuan defiantly stated that he chose Hengshan to improve Yutian, not to destroy it, and accused Mr. Yu and Hengshan of abusing his trust.

He also asserted that his current position was thanks to Lei Yuzheng, not Mr. Yu, and vowed to stand with Yutian. From abroad, Linton watched SG's stock continue to climb. He called Lei Yuzheng, urging him to show mercy. Lei Yuzheng acknowledged he was behind the acquisition of SG shares and declared his absolute determination to succeed. He reproached Linton for breaking their agreement and colluding with Hengshan Group to scheme against Yutian.

Linton expressed regret and proposed flying to Shanghai for a face-to-face meeting. Lei Yuzheng issued an ultimatum: Linton must cease cooperation with Hengshan Group immediately to cut his losses, or face dire consequences. A news report later broadcast Lei Yuzheng's statement to Linton: "Cut the loss and cut the capital with Hengshan; otherwise, that will be lose-lose situation. It's up to you." Lin Xiangyuan tried to call Xie Li, only to discover he had left without a word.

Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu was closely monitoring Yutian's stock. Zou Siqi, noticing her friend's preoccupation, revealed that Lei Yuzheng and Xu You were reportedly getting married, advising Du Xiaosu to move on. Du Xiaosu feigned indifference, claiming she was "done with him a long time ago," and that his happiness was her greatest wish, stating she only wanted to focus on her studio.

Zou Siqi, however, expressed her disbelief at Du Xiaosu's generosity, lamenting that if their love story ended this way, it would be a great pity, and urged her to seek clarification from Lei Yuzheng. He Qunfei was swamped with work, leaving no time for Zou Siqi. Annoyed, Zou Siqi insisted on meeting him, pressing for information on Lei Yuzheng's relationship with Xu You.

He Qunfei, unaware of any marriage plans, admitted that Xu You had been in close contact with Lei Yuzheng recently and had used her connections to help him significantly. Zou Siqi, sympathizing with Du Xiaosu, urged He Qunfei to discreetly inquire about Lei Yuzheng's true feelings for Du Xiaosu, but he refused, fearing for his job. At that moment, Lei Yuzheng called, instructing He Qunfei to return to the company immediately, cutting short his conversation with Zou Siqi.

Lei Yuzheng's efforts successfully saved Yutian. The shareholders enthusiastically welcomed his return. Linton conceded defeat to Lei Yuzheng, announcing the abandonment of Hengshan's acquisition plan, which was confirmed by a news report detailing Hengshan's withdrawal due to "unprecedented pressure and obstruction." The shareholders rejoiced and congratulated Lei Yuzheng. Lei Yuzheng thanked everyone for their support and courage, announcing his intention to dedicate all his energy to the Entertainment Center project, aiming for Yutian's reform and further development.

They all raised their glasses to celebrate. Lin Xiangyuan, after witnessing the scene, quietly left. Lei Yuzheng pursued him, inviting him to join the celebration of Yutian's rebirth. Lin Xiangyuan offered his sincere congratulations for Yutian's safety but declined to join. He Qunfei later reflected on Lei Yuzheng's generosity and broad-mindedness, a quality he deeply admired. Later, Du Xiaosu visited Lei Ting's grave.

She spoke to the tombstone, recalling Lei Ting affectionately calling her daughter-in-law and acknowledging her happiness at the time, despite his illness. She lamented that fate had been unkind and that it was time to let go of Lei Yuzheng, wishing him happiness now that he was supposedly married. Afterward, Lei Yuzheng and Shangguan Boyao also visited Lei Ting's tomb. Shangguan Boyao noticed a fresh bouquet of flowers and correctly deduced that Du Xiaosu had been there.

He commented on Du Xiaosu's devoted nature and her sadness at being kept in the dark about Lei Yuzheng's recent struggles, explaining her understandable coldness. Shangguan Boyao urged Lei Yuzheng to offer Du Xiaosu an explanation, emphasizing that men should be more proactive in love and questioning whether Lei Yuzheng truly intended to never see her again. Lei Yuzheng dismissed his friend's advice, asserting he was clear about his own affairs. Late that night, Lin Xiangyuan wandered the streets alone.

He called his mother, who was already in bed, to check in on her. His mother, concerned about his well-being and the cold weather in Shanghai, asked why he was calling so late. He told her he missed her and promised to return home that weekend. His mother then asked him to bring his wife, Jiang Fanlv, along, as she had never met her and had gifts to give. Lin Xiangyuan promised to bring Fanlv back with him. His mother reminded him to take good care of himself while away from home.

Episode 38 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan found himself outside Jiang Fanlv's apartment, noticing her lights were still on. He quietly went up to check on her, finding her asleep and sitting silently by her bed. Jiang Fanlv soon woke up, surprised to see him. Lin Xiangyuan explained he was worried about her reexamination the next day and had stopped by. He offered to take the day off to accompany her to the hospital.

Jiang Fanlv initially said her father would go with her and urged him to focus on his work, but Lin Xiangyuan insisted that she was the most important thing he wanted to focus on. Feeling scared, Jiang Fanlv asked if she would get better. Lin Xiangyuan reassured her, encouraging her not to overthink and promising to stay by her side until she fully recovered, no matter the outcome. He then told her to sleep well.

After Lin Xiangyuan settled Jiang Fanlv back to sleep, he was about to leave when Jiang Jin called out to him. Jiang Jin asked if Fanlv was asleep and then urged Lin Xiangyuan to set aside his worries and return to help Lei Yuzheng at Yutian, citing the company's planned reforms and need for talent. Lin Xiangyuan expressed doubt that Lei Yuzheng would want him back.

Jiang Jin then offered Lin Xiangyuan a position at his own company, Xinsheng, noting his familiarity with their business. Lin Xiangyuan deferred, saying he couldn't answer at the moment. When Jiang Jin pressed, asking if he was still concerned about his past actions and even offered to plead with Lei Yuzheng on his behalf, Lin Xiangyuan firmly refused. He stated that he deserved whatever consequences Lei Yuzheng had in store for him.

He then redirected the conversation, reminding Jiang Jin of Jiang Fanlv's reexamination and advising him to get some rest. Zou Siqi was frustrated that He Qunfei had not yet proposed to her, and her friend encouraged her to take the initiative. Zou Siqi invited He Qunfei for a BBQ, where he enthusiastically talked about his bright future at Yutian. He boasted about his contributions to Yutian's defense against the acquisition, envisioning himself noted in China's acquisition-resistance history.

Zou Siqi praised him, calling him handsome and cool when he spoke of Yutian. She then subtly hinted about planning their future together, but He Qunfei seemed oblivious to her intentions. During their meal, a nearby couple got engaged with a violin serenade, deeply affecting Zou Siqi. However, He Qunfei derided the public proposal at a BBQ restaurant, calling the couple "idiots."

Zou Siqi grew angry, calling herself an idiot for knowing him and emphasizing that she valued the romantic atmosphere. She pressed He Qunfei about what she meant to him. He Qunfei, recognizing her underlying desire, confessed that she was the most important woman in his life but explained his reluctance to propose.

He revealed his dream of owning a house in Shanghai and his belief that he couldn't offer her happiness or a sense of safety without providing a home first. Zou Siqi, understanding his deep-seated reasons, became somewhat appeased. Du Xiaosu received a phone call from Teacher Sun, who shared exciting news. His teaching tenure on the small island was over, and all the children had moved to a town school.

He was also planning to return to his hometown to take the civil service exam, having reconciled with his girlfriend, and they intended to marry next year. Teacher Sun, assuming Du Xiaosu and Lei Yuzheng would also be marrying soon, invited them to his wedding. Du Xiaosu readily accepted, promising they would definitely be there. Lin Xiangyuan and Jiang Jin accompanied Jiang Fanlv for her hospital reexamination.

The doctor delivered the good news that Jiang Fanlv had fully recovered, attributing much of her swift recovery to her family's care, particularly Lin Xiangyuan's unwavering support. Everyone rejoiced. Lin Xiangyuan then announced his decision to move out of the Jiang family home, return to his hometown to visit his mother, and then go "where he belongs" to "pay his debt." Jiang Fanlv pleaded with him to stay, but he was resolute.

She then urged him to at least return home for dinner before leaving. At the Yutian company, Lei Yuzheng instructed He Qunfei to invite a few close friends to the victory banquet. He Qunfei, who had been discreetly checking house prices on his phone, asked if Du Xiaosu should be invited. Lei Yuzheng assented. He Qunfei also noted Lei Yuzheng's recent distraction.

Later, after dinner at the Jiang family home, Lin Xiangyuan requested to speak with Jiang Jin alone, while Jiang Fanlv listened from outside the door. Lin Xiangyuan revealed his intention to resign and accept responsibility for his past mistakes, preferring this to being chased away by Lei Yuzheng. Jiang Jin worried about Lin Xiangyuan going to jail and leaving Jiang Fanlv, who was so dependent on him, without support. He offered to intercede with Lei Yuzheng.

Lin Xiangyuan, however, refused, expressing his constant fear and inability to meet Lei Yuzheng's gaze, acknowledging himself as a culprit. He insisted on taking responsibility for his actions. Jiang Jin, though proud of Lin Xiangyuan's maturity, was torn, having spent his life hoping for their happiness and a grandchild. Lin Xiangyuan apologized to both Jiang Jin and Jiang Fanlv. Jiang Jin still wanted to talk to Lei Yuzheng, but Lin Xiangyuan reiterated his desire to handle it himself.

Jiang Fanlv then confronted Lin Xiangyuan, asking if he was truly determined, reminding him that everyone makes mistakes. Lin Xiangyuan confirmed his decision and announced his desire to divorce her before confessing to Lei Yuzheng. When Jiang Fanlv asked if he regretted marrying her, he emphatically said no, recalling their beautiful wedding and feeling undeserving of such a perfect woman.

He then urged her to go inside, as it was getting cold, and expressed his hope that she would take care of herself and find happiness even if he were "gone." At the Yutian celebration, a gift arrived from Xu You. Shangguan Boyao and other friends praised Xu You, highlighting her elegance, wisdom, and attractiveness, and playfully urged Lei Yuzheng to be with her.

They contrasted her with Du Xiaosu, suggesting Lei Yuzheng was "truly himself" and had a "cold aura" when with Xu You, but seemed "not like himself" and "warm" when with Du Xiaosu. Lei Yuzheng clarified that he didn't want to hurt Xu You again, seeing her as a "comrade" rather than a romantic partner. After the banquet, Lei Yuzheng met with Xu You.

She spoke of their frequent interactions and her assumption that a relationship might be possible, but ultimately sought a clear answer from him. Lei Yuzheng apologized, explaining that his heart and choice had never changed, confirming his enduring feelings for Du Xiaosu. Xu You, understanding, gracefully bade him farewell. Jiang Jin later learned of Lin Xiangyuan's insistence on divorcing Jiang Fanlv.

Jiang Fanlv shared with her father that Lin Xiangyuan believed divorce was for her benefit, offering her freedom now that she had recovered. Jiang Jin admitted he couldn't sway Lin Xiangyuan's decision and advised his daughter that loving someone sometimes meant respecting their choices. Jiang Fanlv then asked if Jiang Jin had gone to speak with Lei Yuzheng as he had planned. Jiang Jin confirmed he did, but Lei Yuzheng was unwilling to discuss the matter.

Jiang Fanlv wondered if Lei Yuzheng sought revenge. Jiang Jin, feeling his age, stated he couldn't comprehend the young people's thoughts and felt they could only "follow fate." Du Xiaosu was having lunch with Mr. Liu, who had introduced her to a promising design project. She confidently assured him she could handle his high-standards friend, having dealt with difficult clients before. Lei Yuzheng unexpectedly appeared at the same restaurant.

Du Xiaosu noticed him, but when Mr. Liu asked if they knew each other, she denied it. She ordered a bottle of red wine to express her gratitude to Mr. Liu and quickly drank a glass. Lei Yuzheng immediately approached their table, announcing he was her boyfriend and trying to prevent her from drinking further, claiming she had a low alcohol tolerance and a bad temper when drunk.

Du Xiaosu pulled him aside, warning him not to interfere with her business meal. Lei Yuzheng insisted he had to be present whenever she drank and tried to forcefully take her away, but she refused to go. Mr. Liu intervened, asking Lei Yuzheng to release Du Xiaosu. Lei Yuzheng then questioned Mr. Liu about his relationship with Du Xiaosu and warned him to know his "limitations" and stay away from her.

Enraged, Du Xiaosu confronted Lei Yuzheng, accusing him of treating her like a toy, coming and going as he pleased. She demanded to know why he was questioning her friend and told him to find excitement with other people. Lei Yuzheng then forcibly dragged Du Xiaosu out of the restaurant and to the riverside. There, Du Xiaosu unleashed her pent-up frustration and pain.

She spoke of her constant waiting and fear, how she longed to call him but was always afraid he was with someone else. She pleaded with him to simply tell her if he wanted to break up, as she was tired of the emotional torment. Lei Yuzheng, claiming he understood her pain and felt worse when he couldn't see her, insisted she listen to his explanation.

He vowed that if she was still angry after hearing him out, he would never bother her again. He then kissed her passionately. Meanwhile, Zou Siqi decided to propose to He Qunfei and booked an expensive restaurant for their date. He Qunfei arrived, expressing surprise at the lavish setting and concern about the cost.

Zou Siqi, mustering her courage, repeatedly tried to propose, but the words faltered on her tongue, even as she mentally rehearsed "He Qunfei, marry me" or "He Qunfei, let me marry you."

Episode 39 Recap

Zou Siqi, having meticulously practiced her proposal speech, found herself unable to utter the words to He Qunfei. She excused herself, retreating to the rooftop to openly voice her feelings, unaware that He Qunfei was within earshot. She acknowledged his desire for greater success before marriage but passionately declared that love couldn't wait. For her, material possessions like houses were secondary; they could rent, or even embark on an adventure to Australia as farm owners, or travel the world.

She emphasized that home was wherever He Qunfei was and that marriage required the shared effort of two people, urging him to work hard together. Overhearing her heartfelt confession, He Qunfei was deeply moved but then unexpectedly ran off, leaving Zou Siqi disheartened. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng apologized to Du Xiaosu for his abrupt disappearance and for concealing the truth, explaining it was an attempt to shield her from danger. However, Du Xiaosu, deeply hurt, found it difficult to forgive him.

She challenged his protective methods, asserting that hiding from her was not the solution. She confessed that her greatest fear was him vanishing from her life and that the thought of him in peril while she remained ignorant left her heartbroken. She believed that two people in love should face everything together. Lei Yuzheng, touched by her words, promised to never hide anything from her again.

Despite this, Du Xiaosu confessed her exhaustion from waiting and questioned their future, suggesting that perhaps they were better suited as friends. Later, He Qunfei, having processed Zou Siqi's earlier confession, returned to her. She confronted him, frustrated by his reaction to her proposal. He initially tried to be practical, agreeing he was moved but highlighting the realities of their financial situation and the impracticality of her more whimsical suggestions, like becoming farmers.

Zou Siqi, sensing his reluctance, accused him of finding excuses if he simply didn't want to marry her. At this, He Qunfei's demeanor shifted. He declared he had truly thought it through, thanking her for giving him confidence. He proclaimed that while an apartment might be out of reach for a decade, it wouldn't be for fifty years, and firmly told her, "you need to be my wife."

Kneeling before her, he presented a ring and asked her to marry him. Zou Siqi, overwhelmed with joy, tearfully accepted, and they shared a loving embrace. The next day, a beaming He Qunfei proudly showed off his "proposal ring for men" to Lei Yuzheng at the company. He humorously recounted Zou Siqi's proposal, which had evolved into a mutual one filled with promises, noting her newfound disregard for the housing issue.

Positioning himself as a seasoned expert in relationships, He Qunfei advised Lei Yuzheng to actively pursue Du Xiaosu, emphasizing that happiness is fleeting and pain lingers, urging him not to let regret spoil their potential love. Lei Yuzheng mentioned they were starting as friends, which He Qunfei considered a positive step. He then invited Lei Yuzheng to be his wedding witness, highlighting that Du Xiaosu would be present, making it an excellent opportunity for Lei Yuzheng to further his pursuit.

Lei Yuzheng accepted, promising a great speech. Later, Lei Yuzheng and Shangguan Boyao were at the fencing club. Shangguan Boyao noticed Lei Yuzheng's distraction. Shangguan Boyao himself, having spotted a pretty girl there, approached her and got her contact information. Lei Yuzheng then, seeking advice, asked Shangguan Boyao how to win a girl's affection, surprising Shangguan Boyao, who remarked that girls typically pursued Lei Yuzheng. Lei Yuzheng confessed he was trying to win over Du Xiaosu.

Shangguan Boyao offered his first piece of advice: avoid driving his imposing Bentley, as its dark, shiny appearance and Lei Yuzheng's poker face could intimidate girls. Following Shangguan Boyao's advice, Lei Yuzheng eschewed his usual Bentley and formal attire, arriving at Du Xiaosu's on a motorcycle. He insisted she join him for a ride despite her initial reluctance and fear, especially in the cold weather, advising her to hold him tight.

After their ride, a shivering Du Xiaosu chided him for his "crazy" idea. He apologized and draped his jacket over her, a subtle nod to Shangguan's advice about being approachable and creating a romantic atmosphere. Du Xiaosu, noticing his changed attire, found it unlike him. Lei Yuzheng then announced he had a surprise and left her momentarily to retrieve it. While waiting, Lei Yuzheng's phone rang.

Du Xiaosu answered to hear the girl from the fencing club complaining he hadn't called her after she'd given him her number, suggesting they meet for a meal. When Lei Yuzheng returned, eager to reveal his surprise, Du Xiaosu furiously confronted him about the call. The girl called again, and Du Xiaosu answered, learning the girl claimed Lei Yuzheng had been "very proactive" and that she had gotten his number from Shangguan Boyao before giving Shangguan her own.

Lei Yuzheng frantically tried to explain that Shangguan Boyao was actually the one interested in the girl, and the situation with his phone number was a misunderstanding. Du Xiaosu, however, was past listening, convinced of his infidelity. She rejected his attempts to apologize or explain, asserting that his friendships were his own business and he didn't need to change for her. She told him to focus on his work at Yutian and stop wasting his efforts on her.

Demanding to be taken home, Du Xiaosu was dropped off by Lei Yuzheng, who, despite her cold demeanor, promised to win her over in his own unique way. Separately, Lin Xiangyuan drove Jiang Fanlv, ostensibly to the Civil Affairs Bureau for their divorce, but Jiang Fanlv redirected him. She explained that their marriage had been rushed, and they never had a proper wedding. Feeling she owed him this, she proposed they hold a wedding ceremony before finalizing their divorce.

Later, Lin Xiangyuan visited Du Xiaosu, bringing wedding candies from Jiang Fanlv and inviting both her and Lei Yuzheng to their upcoming wedding. He explained that he intended to make up for the wedding they never had, and after the ceremony, he planned to leave Shanghai and Yutian, as Lei Yuzheng's return rendered his presence at the company unnecessary. Du Xiaosu inquired about Jiang Fanlv's feelings regarding his departure.

Lin Xiangyuan confidently stated that Jiang Fanlv was a strong woman who would understand his decision, reiterating that they would divorce after the wedding as he didn't want to burden her. Du Xiaosu wished them happiness. Lin Xiangyuan then shared his newfound realization that he had pursued too much, and true love sometimes meant letting go.

He acknowledged it might be late for him but committed to following fate, thanking Du Xiaosu for her well wishes and expressing his hope for her happiness. Du Xiaosu later initiated a dinner invitation to Lei Yuzheng, where she presented him with wedding candies from Jiang Fanlv and informed him of Lin Xiangyuan's plan to leave Yutian after his wedding. Lei Yuzheng, surprised by Lin Xiangyuan's decision, stated that Yutian still needed him.

Du Xiaosu pressed him on whether he genuinely wanted Lin Xiangyuan to stay, prompting Lei Yuzheng to explain that he saw no legitimate reason to fire him. He then challenged Lin Xiangyuan to address him directly if he intended to leave. Du Xiaosu clarified she wasn't interceding for Lin Xiangyuan and, like any outsider, found it difficult to forgive his past actions, questioning Lei Yuzheng's true sentiments.

Lei Yuzheng revealed that while he initially sought revenge upon his return to Yutian, he had since realized that Lin Xiangyuan, despite having multiple chances to betray the company during its vulnerable moments, had refrained. He also mentioned that Jiang's father and Jiang Fanlv had urged him to forgive Lin Xiangyuan.

Lei Yuzheng concluded that these experiences had brought him a clearer understanding of the world's harshness and the transient nature of everything, leading him to prioritize what truly mattered in life. Shifting to a lighter topic, Lei Yuzheng suggested a joint wedding for He Qunfei and Lin Xiangyuan, an idea Du Xiaosu warmly endorsed, promising to relay it to Zou Siqi.

The highly anticipated wedding day arrived, with the ceremony set to take place on a cruise ship for both couples. Du Xiaosu helped a visibly excited Zou Siqi get ready, teasing her about gaining weight, to which Zou Siqi jovially replied that finding true love had simply boosted her appetite. Jiang Fanlv also looked radiant in her red wedding gown.

A moment of panic ensued when Jiang Fanlv discovered her high heels were missing, and Du Xiaosu quickly volunteered to help search. While hurrying, Du Xiaosu unexpectedly bumped into Lei Yuzheng. She noticed he was wearing a tie she had given him, and her spirits lifted. Lei Yuzheng, observing her gaze, confirmed that he always kept his favorite things close, hinting at his feelings for her.

The wedding ceremony commenced on the cruise ship's deck, with Zou Siqi and Jiang Fanlv walking down the aisle to enthusiastic cheers from their loved ones. As the emcee prepared for the ring exchange, Jiang Fanlv revealed a special surprise for Lin Xiangyuan: she had invited his mother to attend, a gesture that moved Lin Xiangyuan to tears. After the emotional ring exchange, Lei Yuzheng, serving as a witness, delivered a heartfelt speech.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone for witnessing the union and urged both couples to persevere in their marriages. Significantly, he took a moment to publicly thank "someone" for teaching him "how to love and how to forgive," implicitly acknowledging Du Xiaosu's profound influence. He then extended his best wishes for the couples' lasting happiness.

Addressing He Qunfei, Lei Yuzheng praised him as a valued colleague and a truly good person, presenting him with a gift as a token of his appreciation. He Qunfei, upon opening the gift, discovered it was a set of keys to a new apartment, an incredibly generous gesture that left him emotional and prompted him to vow his unwavering loyalty and dedication to Yutian. Finally, the emcee invited the two brides to toss their bouquets to the single women present.

Du Xiaosu found herself catching one of the bouquets, sparking joyous shouts of "Together! Together!" from the crowd as Lei Yuzheng, amidst the cheers and encouragement, began to walk purposefully towards her.

Episode 40 Recap

Lin Xiangyuan arrived at Lei Yuzheng's home in the rain, finding Lei Yuzheng deep in thought, commemorating Lei Ting. Lin Xiangyuan knelt before Lei Ting's portrait, lit a joss stick, and expressed his sincere apologies to Lei Yuzheng. He felt immense guilt for the trouble he had caused Lei Yuzheng and Yutian, stating that he couldn't forgive himself even if the world could. To take responsibility for his mistakes, Lin Xiangyuan announced his decision to leave Yutian.

Lei Yuzheng, however, did not accept his departure as an act of atonement. He reminded Lin Xiangyuan that true apology for a man meant working harder to make up for his mistakes. He insisted that the only way for Lin Xiangyuan to truly atone was to remain at Yutian. Lei Yuzheng encouraged him to work harder to achieve his redemption, and, disregarding past grievances, he gave Lin Xiangyuan the evidence from the investigation against him.

He urged Lin Xiangyuan to look forward, acknowledging him as a man taking responsibility. The next morning, as Lin Xiangyuan was preparing to clear his desk, Lei Yuzheng called him, urging him to come to an emergency shareholder meeting. At the meeting, a shareholder expressed confidence in Lei Yuzheng and hoped for his swift return. Lei Yuzheng addressed everyone, stating that he had found his answer regarding his return.

Recalling his father's words that business is about people's hearts, not just interests, Lei Yuzheng also referenced Lin Xiangyuan's past sentiment that people's hearts are won, not given. He then praised Lin Xiangyuan's achievements over the years and announced his temporary departure from Yutian, resigning as Chairman's assistant. He declared that Lin Xiangyuan would now lead Yutian to glory.

The shareholders were stunned, but Lei Yuzheng clarified that Yutian belonged to everyone, not just the Lei family, and bid them farewell. Meanwhile, Du Xiaosu received a call from her assistant, who had been sent to supervise the construction site. The assistant reported that Mr. Wang was satisfied with their modified plans and eager to start construction.

The assistant then informed Du Xiaosu that she had found a free assistant to help while she was away, assuring her that she would be pleased. Moments later, Lei Yuzheng appeared at her door, introducing himself as the new assistant. Du Xiaosu was shocked to see him and tried to send him away, claiming she didn't need an assistant and that her studio was broke.

Lei Yuzheng, undeterred, observed her home office, commending her dedication, and offered to work without a salary. Du Xiaosu accused him of pitying her, but he insisted he was there to learn. She tried to dismiss him, saying her studio was too ordinary for him and begged him not to make a mess.

Lei Yuzheng persistently pleaded for a trial period, reducing his request from three months to one, and finally to ten days, promising to leave if he couldn't meet her expectations within that time. Du Xiaosu, though skeptical, eventually agreed to the ten-day trial. From that day on, Lei Yuzheng officially joined Du Xiaosu's studio, diligently following her instructions, meticulously taking care of her diet and daily life, and performing various tasks, including making copies.

Lin Xiangyuan later approached He Qunfei, expressing his surprise that Lei Yuzheng had allowed him to stay at Yutian. He admitted that he was staying not for personal gain but to make up for his past mistakes. He Qunfei, acknowledging that both of them had wronged Lei Yuzheng, listened as Lin Xiangyuan apologized for his past actions, explaining that he had been driven by a desire for money and respect.

He Qunfei, who also came from humble beginnings, shared his perspective, emphasizing Lei Yuzheng's trustworthiness as a boss and his own loyalty. Lin Xiangyuan once again apologized, and He Qunfei, stating there was no end to revenge, asked Lin Xiangyuan if he still considered him a friend. He Qunfei then extended his friendship, suggesting they let go of the past. That evening, Lin Xiangyuan's mother, who was returning to her hometown the next day, prepared a special reunion dinner.

Jiang Fanlv praised her mother-in-law's cooking, making Lin mother happy. Jiang Jin also expressed his gratitude to Lin mother. Lin Xiangyuan, becoming emotional, toasted Jiang Jin, thanking him for bringing him into the business and for allowing him to marry Jiang Fanlv. He tearfully expressed his hope to remain Jiang Jin's son-in-law and continue sharing family meals. Jiang Fanlv tried to calm him, while his mother asked if something was wrong. Jiang Fanlv quickly interjected, attributing his emotion to excitement.

Jiang Jin reminded Lin Xiangyuan of his bright future as Yutian's president. Lin mother encouraged him to work hard to repay Jiang Fanlv, her father, and their friends. Lin Xiangyuan then attempted to toast Jiang Fanlv, but she, sensing his distress, feigned illness and excused herself from the table. Both Lin mother and Jiang Jin were puzzled by the unusual atmosphere. The following morning, Lin Xiangyuan drove his mother to the airport.

His mother, suspecting his emotional distress from the night before, pressed him to confess if he had done anything wrong. She recalled Lei Yuzheng's visit to their home, sensing something amiss. Lin Xiangyuan finally admitted that he had been "out of his mind" and had done "something bad" to Lei Yuzheng. His mother was dismayed, reminding him of Lei Yuzheng's kindness, especially in giving him his position. Lin Xiangyuan acknowledged his wrongdoing.

His mother urged him to correct his mistakes, apologize to Lei Yuzheng, and earn his forgiveness. She offered him powerful words of encouragement, reminding him to stay strong in the face of difficulties and assuring him that she would always be there for him to cry to. Lin Xiangyuan, deeply moved, promised to take care of everything before returning home to stay with her. Back at Du Xiaosu's studio, Lei Yuzheng meticulously prepared a delicious dinner for her.

Du Xiaosu enjoyed the meal, praising his cooking, and Lei Yuzheng promised to prepare all her future meals, even presenting her with dessert. As it was the last day of his ten-day trial period, Lei Yuzheng confessed his desire to stay by her side and continue cooking for her every day. However, Du Xiaosu gently refused, telling him he could stop coming tomorrow.

When he asked why, she explained that he was doing "too good," but that this version of him felt unreal. She didn't want him to change because of her, believing he should pursue work more suited to him. Lei Yuzheng probed if she was unmovable. Du Xiaosu then questioned if he still believed in love after all they had been through.

Lei Yuzheng confessed that he hadn't believed in love until he met her, Du Xiaosu, and then truly understood its meaning. Du Xiaosu, however, stated that she used to believe love meant unconditionally choosing, waiting for, and forgiving someone, but after everything, she felt she could no longer do that. She apologized, and Lei Yuzheng, understanding her stance, simply said "It's okay," and bid her good night before leaving.

Lin Xiangyuan, resolved to turn himself in, presented Jiang Fanlv with divorce papers. Jiang Fanlv was devastated, pleading with him not to go to jail. She reminded him that Lei Yuzheng himself suggested he stay at Yutian to make amends. Lin Xiangyuan explained that Lei Yuzheng's forgiveness stemmed from his good nature, but that he needed to take responsibility for his crime to clear Lei Yuzheng's name, allowing Lei Yuzheng to return to Yutian as the innocent party.

Jiang Fanlv, terrified at the thought of him in prison, still refused to divorce him. She tore up the divorce papers and revealed a pregnancy test report, confirming she was pregnant. Lin Xiangyuan was overwhelmed with emotion and shock. Worried about her suffering, he urged her not to keep the baby. Jiang Fanlv staunchly refused, declaring that she had made her decision and would wait for him with their child, no matter how long he was gone.

They embraced, both weeping. Meanwhile, Lei Yuzheng contacted his friends, including Shangguan Boyao and Ye Shenkuan, to enlist their help for a charity donation. He explained that after leaving his position, he had reflected on how to become a different person. He shared his experience of visiting an island where he met optimistic and strong children who greatly influenced him.

He expressed his desire to do something for these children and hoped his friends would join him in this philanthropic endeavor, to which they readily agreed. At the same time, Lin Xiangyuan, having made his decision, bravely walked into the police station to surrender himself.

Episode 41 (Ending) Recap

Before Lin Xiangyuan surrendered, he left all the documents for the entertainment center project with Lei Yuzheng. Lei Yuzheng returned to Yutian, where He Qunfei and other staff welcomed him back warmly. Jiang Jin then informed Lei Yuzheng about Lin Xiangyuan's situation, revealing that Lin Xiangyuan had no intention of staying after the project was arranged, knowing it was the joint work of Lei Yuzheng and his late father.

Lei Yuzheng worried about the impact on Jiang Fanlv, but felt a sense of relief when Jiang Jin confirmed that she was aware of Lin Xiangyuan's decision to turn himself in. Jiang Jin expressed Yutian's and everyone's need for Lei Yuzheng and thanked him on Lin Xiangyuan’s behalf. Lei Yuzheng, in turn, stated he would keep Lin Xiangyuan's office as it was. Du Xiaosu successfully completed a design project for a client introduced by Mr. Liu.

Mr. Liu called to thank her and encouraged her to participate in the Young Architect Competition. He mentioned that the winner would get a year of study in Paris and, most notably, that her idol, Professor Ohm, would be leading the team this year. Du Xiaosu, despite being busy, became very excited and eager to try upon hearing Professor Ohm's name. Later, Mr. Ning proactively approached Du Xiaosu with a significant project offer from Yutian.

He presented a contract with favorable pricing, but Du Xiaosu politely declined, suspecting Lei Yuzheng's indirect involvement. She clarified that she wasn't unwilling to collaborate with Yutian because of the company itself, but rather because she didn't want to come across Mr. Lei. She expressed her desire to achieve her goals through her own efforts, one step at a time. Mr. Ning understood and did not press the issue.

Lei Yuzheng sent Du Xiaosu a text message, asking to meet that evening. Du Xiaosu arrived at the agreed time, but Lei Yuzheng was late. She called him, but his phone was constantly busy. On his way to meet Du Xiaosu, Lei Yuzheng suddenly received a call from Jiang Fanlv, informing him that Jiang Jin had suffered a heart attack, possibly triggered by Lin Xiangyuan's surrender. Jiang Fanlv added that Jiang Jin wanted to speak with Lei Yuzheng.

Without hesitation, Lei Yuzheng rushed to Jiang Jin's side, casually leaving his phone in the car and thus missing Du Xiaosu’s subsequent calls. At Jiang Jin’s home, Lei Yuzheng found Jiang Jin weakened but recovering, and showed him great care. Jiang Jin, concerned about his declining health and Jiang Fanlv's future, earnestly requested Lei Yuzheng to look after her like his own sister.

Lei Yuzheng readily agreed, assuring Jiang Jin that he would always care for Jiang Fanlv like a sibling. He also informed Jiang Jin that he had already arranged for the best lawyer for Lin Xiangyuan. Jiang Jin was relieved and expressed his appreciation for Lei Yuzheng's compassion, noting his similarity to his own father in forgiving past grievances and still treating him so well.

Lei Yuzheng urged Jiang Jin to focus on his recovery, reminding him that the past was behind them. Jiang Fanlv also thanked Lei Yuzheng for his help with her father and Lin Xiangyuan. She then reminded Lei Yuzheng about his date with Du Xiaosu, prompting him to rush off. However, by the time he arrived at the meeting spot, Du Xiaosu had already left.

The next morning, Lei Yuzheng went to Du Xiaosu's home to explain his absence from their date. Du Xiaosu, however, immediately confronted him about his hidden attempts to help her with projects, specifically mentioning the one from Ning Weicheng. Lei Yuzheng admitted to recommending her to Ning Weicheng, urging her not to let such a good opportunity pass.

Du Xiaosu vehemently refused his assistance, stating that her persistence was important and that she was not "any designer" but Du Xiaosu, determined to succeed independently. She firmly told him she was tired and asked him to leave, insisting that she had her own career and pursuits and wanted him to stop interfering with them. She felt he had been trying to understand her life and dreams but had never truly understood her.

Du Xiaosu then focused on preparing for the Young Architect Competition. She quickly completed her design work and submitted it to the committee. Lei Yuzheng was also preoccupied with his work, and they did not proactively communicate with each other. Upon her return from honeymoon, Zou Siqi visited Du Xiaosu, bringing her coconut candy and an amulet she got to protect Du Xiaosu's love with Lei Yuzheng from obstruction.

Du Xiaosu confided in Zou Siqi that she felt her background, thoughts, and experiences were too different from Lei Yuzheng's. Zou Siqi reassured her that differences could make a relationship more interesting. Soon after, Du Xiaosu received a congratulatory call from Mr. Liu, informing her that her design had been selected, and she was invited to Paris for the finals.

Du Xiaosu was overjoyed, but Zou Siqi cautioned her, asking if she truly cared for Lei Yuzheng and urging her to explain things to him before leaving, warning that a missed opportunity in love could be gone forever. Du Xiaosu, however, seemed determined, asserting that if the relationship couldn't withstand separation, it wasn't strong enough, and that she might regret it for life if she didn't pursue this competition.

He Qunfei excitedly reported Du Xiaosu's selection for the Paris competition to Lei Yuzheng. Hearing this, Lei Yuzheng immediately went to Du Xiaosu, pleading with her to stay. Du Xiaosu, however, reiterated that their life paths were fundamentally different from the very beginning, like two parallel lines that could never meet.

She asked him to let her go, saying she sought a change of environment in Paris to find what she truly desired for her studio, which had been facing difficulties. Lei Yuzheng, feeling her resolute words, left in frustration without looking back. As Du Xiaosu packed her bags for Paris, Zou Siqi once again urged her to reconsider her decision about Lei Yuzheng.

Du Xiaosu admitted that if she kept thinking, she wouldn't be able to leave, emphasizing that his life was full of possibilities while she only had this one chance. Later that night, Butler Duan found Lei Yuzheng troubled and joined him for a drink and a chat.

Lei Yuzheng confessed his anxieties, feeling like a coward in relationships and struggling with his inability to openly express his love while also fearing he might become an obstacle to Du Xiaosu's dreams, even though he couldn't let go of her. Butler Duan offered him sagely advice, comparing the gap between people to ice in a drink that needs slow warming to melt.

He also reminded Lei Yuzheng of his father's enduring love for his late wife and warned against the lifelong regret of missed destiny and people. Lei Yuzheng acknowledged his words, saying he didn't mind any gap between them, only wishing for Du Xiaosu to pursue the life she desired. Du Xiaosu called Teacher Sun, expressing her desire to visit the island children before she left for a while.

Teacher Sun welcomed her, and the day after tomorrow, Du Xiaosu arrived at the island. There, she was deeply moved to see the numerous learning supplies, a projector, and many other items that Lei Yuzheng had donated to the school. Teacher Sun further revealed that Lei Yuzheng had established the "Du Xiaosu Foundation," planning to recruit volunteers and gather donations to aid the island's children, and that a new school building would be completed next year.

Du Xiaosu was astonished, realizing she had been completely unaware of this significant gesture. As Du Xiaosu walked alone along the beach, she saw Lei Yuzheng waiting in the distance. He approached her, playfully teasing her about missing him. She retorted that she was simply out for a walk and if she seemed unhappy, it was only because she would miss the children.

Lei Yuzheng then admitted he was waiting for the sunset, desiring to watch it with the person he liked. Taking her hand, Lei Yuzheng poured out his heart, confessing that since meeting her, he understood love to be simple and ordinary. He wished only to spend his life with her, free from worries, watching the sunrise and sunset on Star Island.

He promised that she no longer needed to make sacrifices or betray her inner thoughts, as he would change for her. He declared that he would stay in Shanghai if she did, or wait for her if she went to Paris, vowing to follow her wherever she went. He sincerely asked her to give him the chance to care for her for the rest of his life. Moved to tears by his heartfelt words and unwavering commitment, Du Xiaosu let go of her self-imposed harshness. Their past misunderstandings melted away, and they embraced in a passionate kiss.