Ten Years Late Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Ten Years Late Synopsis
Jin Ran gives up his high salary abroad to become the chief operating officer of a travel company for love and dreams and reunites with his first love, Yuan Lai.
Finally, after clearing up all the misunderstandings, they regain the love and finally enter into a marriage.
Xu Xinyi, an elite in the workplace, and Ding Ang, an E-Sports expert, reunite and start a beautiful married life.
But as fate would have it, Ding Ang dies in a car accident. The stubborn Xu Xinyi resolutely quits her job and takes over Ding Ang's gaming club to fulfill Ding Ang's legacy.
Zhao Chengzhi, a lawyer, and Shen Shuangshuang, a trainee lawyer, meet each other and start an amusing marriage.
With the encouragement of Shen Shuangshuang, Zhao Chengzhi decides to leave his heavy workload as a lawyer and travels the world with Shen Shuangshuang, recording the wonders of the world through his camera.
Ten Years Late Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In a cold Japanese setting, a man named Yamaki stood on the edge of a building, threatening to jump after being caught for embezzlement. Jin Ran, a powerful and successful young CEO, arrived at the scene. He tried to reason with Yamaki, telling him that his suicide would not solve anything and would leave his family without compensation, especially since his actions were illegal.
Jin Ran warned that the company would not be liable for any compensation if he committed suicide. He urged Yamaki to take responsibility for his crime. When Yamaki remained defiant, Jin Ran pressed, reminding him of the implications for his family. Ultimately, Jin Ran successfully diffused the crisis.
Back in his office, Jin Ran instructed his assistant to prepare a Letter of Understanding for Yamaki's family and personally provided a sum of money to help them, though he made it clear this was an emergency fund, not a relief fund. He also sternly warned that any future actions detrimental to the company would result in severe punishment. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Yuan Lai was at a photoshoot with Zhao Chengzhi, taking "wedding photos" for a company promotion.
Yuan Lai received an urgent call from Ji Aoting, her general manager, asking her to "put out a fire." She left quickly, telling Zhao Chengzhi to select the photos. Yuan Lai rushed to a hotel to help Mr. Ji, who had all his belongings, including his clothes, wallet, and a USB drive containing an important bidding proposal, stolen by a woman he had spent the night with.
Yuan Lai deftly handled the situation, even taking the liberty of discarding Mr. Ji's old clothes, noting his preference for "breaking ties" with the past. Her exceptional performance led to a rapid promotion, making her the youngest manager in the company, handling high-end tourism routes. However, this also fueled office gossip, with colleagues speculating that her success was due to an inappropriate relationship with Mr. Ji. Her assistant, Fei, often defended her against these rumors.
Jin Ran's schedule was packed, but while browsing a website, he came across an article featuring Yuan Lai and Zhao Chengzhi's "wedding photos." This sight stirred old memories and emotions, recalling his sweet college romance with Yuan Lai and her bold confession of love. Unable to believe Yuan Lai would forget him, he called his assistant and canceled all his upcoming appointments, agreeing to meet with Mr. Wen of Feitu Travel the next morning before heading to Shanghai.
Before leaving, Jin Ran visited his mother, who ran a Japanese restaurant. He told her he planned to work in Shanghai for a while. His mother, guessing he was going to find "that girl," fully supported his decision, reminding him that a girl's youth is short and she might not wait. They agreed he would arrange everything and then bring her back to Shanghai. In Shanghai, Yuan Lai met with her close friends, Xizi and Shaonan.
Xizi announced her upcoming wedding and asked Yuan Lai to be a bridesmaid. As they reminisced, Shaonan inadvertently brought up Jin Ran, creating an awkward silence. Yuan Lai brushed it off, joking that he was just an ex. Shaonan, however, continued, mentioning Xu Xinyi's past feelings for Jin Ran. The four women—Yuan Lai, Xu Xinyi, Shaonan, and Xizi—were once best friends, but Yuan Lai and Xu Xinyi's relationship had since become strained.
At the same time, Xu Xinyi, a top sales representative, was at a business dinner, enduring discomfort as she drank heavily to secure a 10 million order for Savino Company. She chugged an entire bottle of alcohol, impressing her client, Mr. Zhao, and winning the contract, ensuring she would be the best salesperson again. Just as her colleagues prepared to celebrate, Xinyi received a call from her landlord, who was canceling her lease.
While waiting for her boyfriend, Zifu, to pick her up, she got into a dispute with someone trying to take a floor lamp she had left on the roadside. Yuan Lai, coincidentally passing by, intervened to help. Despite Yuan Lai's kindness, the proud Xinyi initially refused her offer of help. Eventually, they returned to Yuan Lai's apartment together. Yuan Lai treated Xinyi with her usual warmth. Xinyi was surprised to learn that Yuan Lai and Jin Ran had broken up.
Later, Xinyi received a call from her boyfriend, Zifu, who promised to pick her up, revealing she was staying at Yuan Lai's. Yuan Lai and Zhao Chengzhi were preparing for a business trip to Turkey. Zhao Chengzhi excitedly described his fantasies about the trip, including hot air balloons and kebabs, but Yuan Lai was too busy with work to pack. Zhao Chengzhi went to her house to collect her luggage.
Yuan Lai’s parents were fond of Zhao Chengzhi, and a neighbor jokingly assumed they were a couple, prompting Yuan Lai’s mother to clarify that Zhao Chengzhi was just her daughter's university classmate and colleague and that the "wedding photos" were for work. They were just friends. Upon landing in Shanghai, Jin Ran unexpectedly saw Yuan Lai and Zhao Chengzhi at the airport, laughing together.
Feeling disheartened, he immediately called Mr. Wen, requesting Yuan Lai's assistance with a client issue in Japan. Yuan Lai received a call from Mr. Ji, informing her that she needed to go to Japan to handle a problem with a tour group on a new route, which was a key project for her.
She had to cancel her flight to Turkey and calm a frustrated Zhao Chengzhi, who only agreed to go because of her and insisted he wouldn't go without her. Yuan Lai explained that the company had already booked appointments with the local tourism bureau in Turkey that Zhao Chengzhi needed to attend for legal terms, and another person would join him later. In Japan, Yuan Lai arrived at the hotel to resolve a dispute with an unhappy tour group.
As she tried to calm the tourists, Jin Ran, hiding nearby, discreetly provided her with a better solution by suggesting she switch the dissatisfied group with another of their company's groups staying at a nearby hotel whose night activities were wrapping up. Yuan Lai, shocked, realized the "helpful stranger" was Jin Ran when he revealed himself. This unexpected reunion of former lovers brought back painful memories.
Their past breakup was due to a misunderstanding and stubborn pride, during which Yuan Lai had told Jin Ran she was in love with his good friend, Zhao Chengzhi. Yuan Lai informed Mr. Ji that the problem was resolved and she planned to return to China the next day. However, Mr. Ji told her to remain in Japan, explaining that a VIP client requested her to stay and accompany him to experience the company's new high-end custom tour route.
The next morning, Yuan Lai discovered that Jin Ran was the VIP client she was tasked with accompanying. Jin Ran began to make unreasonable demands, first taking her to Fukuura Bridge and refusing to board a cruise, instead asking her for fresh oysters to eat right there on the bridge. Yuan Lai, determined to provide excellent client service, found a nearby fish market.
Jin Ran gave her money, and as she paid, she found a button mixed in with the change. She recognized it as a gesture from an ex-boyfriend seeking forgiveness, stirring a faint hope within her. Jin Ran continued to challenge her, first wanting raw oysters, then changing his mind to roasted oysters, and finally asking for raw oysters with ketchup, a flavor unique to China. Yuan Lai, suppressing her anger, brought out an array of condiments for him.
Jin Ran then tried to appeal to her emotions, mentioning her old habits and offering her roasted oysters because of her sensitive stomach. Yuan Lai, however, remained professional, stating that as his tour guide, her role was to offer advice and solve problems, not to be a companion for meals. She firmly told him he had "asked the wrong person." Later that night, both Jin Ran and Yuan Lai reflected on their past and present.
Jin Ran pondered why Yuan Lai had treated him so coldly four years ago, having returned to China specifically for her. Yuan Lai, for her part, wondered why Jin Ran had reappeared in her life when it had taken her four full years to forget him.
Episode 2 Recap
Ding Ang, a wealthy playboy, was with his girlfriend when two children accidentally bumped into him, spilling coffee on her new purse. His girlfriend loudly berated the children, refusing to accept the parents’ apologies. Displeased, Ding Ang told the parents to leave, then chastised his girlfriend for her unreasonable behavior. As they drove, she tried to convince Ding Ang to buy an apartment in his mother’s new development for her own mother, referring to her as his "future mother-in-law."
Angered, Ding Ang broke up with her and made her get out of the car. Unwilling to accept the breakup, she followed him to the sales center of his family’s new property development, where Ding Ang, frustrated by her persistence, angrily dismissed her. At the sales office, Ding Ang unexpectedly encountered Xu Xinyi, his former college crush, and her boyfriend, Gao Zifu, who were looking at apartments.
Zifu recognized Ding Ang as the heir of Aimei Group and tried to engage him in conversation. However, Ding Ang mostly ignored Zifu, focusing on Xinyi. He learned that she was doing well, that her boyfriend was very caring, and that they were planning to get married soon. Xinyi also shared that Zifu wanted her to quit her job after marriage to focus on raising children.
Ding Ang congratulated them, though he felt a pang of sadness, recalling their first meeting and how Xinyi, who once envisioned a home with him, was now choosing a wedding home with someone else. As Zifu and Xinyi left to see other apartment layouts, Ding Ang watched them, visibly affected. Later, Ding Ang, feeling pressured by his mother to go on a blind date, met Zhao Chengzhi at a bar.
Chengzhi, a witty lawyer, teased Ding Ang about his reputation as a college playboy and then about his renewed interest in Xinyi, recalling her success as a marketing manager and her boyfriend in finance. Ding Ang clarified that he had simply seen Xinyi and her boyfriend at his mother’s property looking to buy an apartment. Ding Ang then proposed that Chengzhi pretend to be him for the blind date.
Chengzhi initially hesitated, joking about his own handsomeness and loyalty to Yuan Lai, but eventually agreed after Ding Ang offered a single five-day trip to Bali and a Canon 100mm zoom lens. Chengzhi warned Ding Ang about the expenses of keeping a woman and being passionate about photography, then playfully said he had nothing to worry about since he had Ding Ang.
That night, Jin Ran called Yuan Lai to his room, explaining it was to build a good company image. Yuan Lai, citing it was her rest time, initially suggested he contact the front desk, but eventually complied, though she was reluctant to enter a male client's room alone late at night. Once inside, Jin Ran pointed to a painting on the wall and demanded they visit that location the next day, canceling their previously scheduled garden tour.
When Yuan Lai asked where it was so she could make arrangements, Jin Ran curtly replied that he didn't know and that she, as the tour guide, should figure it out. The next day, Zhao Chengzhi received his expensive Canon camera lens via delivery at his law office, confirming the payment for his arrangement with Ding Ang. Reading the details of the blind date, he prepared to carry out his task.
Meanwhile, Yuan Lai and Jin Ran arrived at Ginzan Onsen, a place that served as inspiration for Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away," though not an exact replica. Yuan Lai explained the history, noting that Jin Ran’s wish to explore an animated world couldn’t be fully realized but he could visit the artist’s source of inspiration. Jin Ran, seemingly pleased, instructed Yuan Lai to stand for a photo.
After taking a picture, he showed her a postcard of Kasafuku, a cultural heritage site in Sakata, Yamagata, and insisted they go there next. Yuan Lai expressed frustration at his "fickle" changes, reminding him of their scheduled art museum visit. Jin Ran defended his request, stating he wanted to experience local culture and that a "high-end customized tour" should allow for flexibility. Yuan Lai, for the sake of the company, reluctantly agreed and started making new arrangements.
Zhao Chengzhi arrived at the coffee shop for the blind date, where he met Shen Shuangshuang. Shuangshuang was immediately taken by his handsome appearance, believing herself lucky. Chengzhi, pretending to be "Simon," spoke Cantonese, described his Hong Kong-Shanghai background, and mentioned his interests in fitness and volleyball, all to portray an eccentric persona. Shuangshuang, however, quickly deduced that he was either faking or possibly gay, but she found him charming and interesting regardless.
She explicitly asked if he was "faking it," to which Chengzhi confessed he was forced into the situation. Shuangshuang, unfazed, complimented his handsomeness and expressed her desire to be friends, insisting on exchanging WeChat details for future shopping and coffee outings. Just then, Xizi, Yuan Lai's friend, walked in. She immediately called out "Zhao Chengzhi," expressing surprise at his unusual attire. She then handed him wedding invitations for her own marriage, asking him to deliver Ding Ang's.
Xizi further exposed Chengzhi's true identity and embarrassed him by recounting how he and Ding Ang were inseparable in college, even accidentally swapping clothes. Shen Shuangshuang, misunderstanding the situation, cheerfully concluded that Chengzhi was pretending to be Ding Ang because he liked him. She then offered them her blessings, encouraging them to ignore societal judgments and "stick to their own style," promising to support them and stay in touch on WeChat.
Later, Shen Shuangshuang excitedly recounted the date to her friend, describing Zhao Chengzhi as "super handsome," "chic," with an earring and skinny pants, and calling him "gentle" despite his peculiar behavior. Her friend was skeptical, but Shuangshuang was thrilled, stating she would gladly go on ten more "blind dates for nothing" if it meant meeting someone like him, and was determined to keep in contact.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi confronted Ding Ang at his workplace, complaining about the "crazy" blind date and demanding another Leica 50mm lens as compensation for his "suffering." Ding Ang initially refused, but Chengzhi argued that he had tried to help Ding Ang regain confidence after Yuan Lai, yet Ding Ang couldn't even handle a "naïve new graduate."
Ding Ang dismissed the date as "brain-damaged" for asking about his sock color, but eventually, in frustration, he agreed to Chengzhi's demand for the extra lens. Yuan Lai and Jin Ran then visited Kasafuku. They admired the exquisite, wish-granting umbrellas. As they crafted their own prayer umbrellas, Jin Ran teasingly offered Yuan Lai a pink cherry blossom pendant, symbolizing a good marriage, suggesting it was "suitable for her."
Yuan Lai rebuffed him, joking that he shouldn't worry about her marriage as she knew "who was reliable and who was a scumbag," and suggested he offer it to other girls. Jin Ran then offered a black lion pendant, which he claimed symbolized fire prevention and was suited for "hot-tempered girls." Yuan Lai retorted that its large mouth made it suitable for him, implying he was talkative. After this playful exchange, neither accepted the other's offering.
Yuan Lai then reminded him about their tight schedule and the waiting car. Jin Ran, however, decided against the private car and chose to take a local train. As they waited in the falling snow, Jin Ran shared insights about the five different train colors that passed through the station, each representing a different meaning: yellow for eternal friendship, blue for health, red for family harmony, and white for removing unhappiness and misfortune.
He then teased Yuan Lai by refusing to reveal the meaning of the fifth, pink train, which coincidentally arrived soon after. On the train, they observed other couples, sharing knowing glances, as if some of their emotional barriers had begun to ease. Upon arrival at their next destination, they learned that only one hotel room was available due to the heavy snow. Jin Ran, implying Yuan Lai could sleep on the sofa if she wished, announced he needed his rest.
Later, they coincidentally met at the hot spring. Yuan Lai questioned his presence, given his earlier claim of being tired. Jin Ran playfully asked if she was hiding from him or waiting for him. He then helped her tie her yukata, explaining that tying it left-over-right with a bow at the waist was basic Japanese etiquette, subtly teasing her about not knowing. Yuan Lai retorted that she hadn't lived in Japan for years like him.
In the elevator, a group of drunk Japanese men stumbled into them. Jin Ran instinctively shielded Yuan Lai, injuring his arm. While bandaging his arm, Yuan Lai noticed his phone's lock screen displayed their candid photo from earlier that day at Ginzan Onsen, which made her ponder.
As they settled into their shared room for the night, Yuan Lai recalled an elderly Japanese woman who had told her that the button Jin Ran had given her previously was a sign that her ex-boyfriend sought forgiveness. With a mix of emotions, she quietly placed the button between them as they slept.
The next morning at the airport, chaos erupted when it was discovered that five members of Yuan Lai's tour group had invalid ticket numbers and couldn't board the flight to Shanghai. Yuan Lai's assistant, Zhong, confirmed that while 15 tickets were purchased from the supplier, five were untraceable, and the supplier was now closed. With passengers growing anxious and the gate about to close amidst a snowstorm that had already canceled many flights, Yuan Lai struggled to reassure everyone.
Jin Ran, stepping in, calmly suggested that instead of trying to resolve the ticket issue at that moment, Yuan Lai should send the other passengers through customs with Zhong, while she took the five affected passengers to another airport, such as Osaka, which has frequent flights to Beijing and other major cities, from where they could then transfer back to Shanghai.
Yuan Lai quickly adopted his solution, instructing Zhong to proceed with the valid ticket holders while she handled the rest. Jin Ran acknowledged her decisive action, remarking, "Nicely done." The group successfully boarded flights back to China. Upon their arrival in Shanghai, Zhao Chengzhi was waiting to pick up Yuan Lai. As they walked, he inquired about her "perverted client," playfully threatening to "teach him a lesson" using legal means for daring to bully his "goddess."
Yuan Lai, amused, challenged his ability to do so without breaking the law. Jin Ran, who had followed them from the airport, observed their affectionate banter and saw Yuan Lai's mother greet Chengzhi warmly, having prepared chicken soup for him. Chengzhi, in turn, boasted about being naturally "cute and lovable," prompting Yuan Lai to playfully call him "thick-skinned" and pinch him, to which he retorted he would hit her. Watching their close and playful interaction, Jin Ran was consumed by silent sorrow.
Episode 3 Recap
Yuan Lai arrives at the office where her colleague, Fei, is gossiping about the imminent arrival of a new Chief Operating Officer. Fei mentions that President Wen personally recruited this mysterious individual from abroad, and despite her efforts, she couldn't find any information about him online, leading to speculation that he might be unattractive. Fei also suggests the new COO might be a former "hunk on campus" from East University, but Yuan Lai states she doesn't recognize him.
Soon after, Jin Ran makes his grand entrance, surprising Yuan Lai and everyone else, as he is revealed to be the new COO. His assistant, Wen Ya, greets him, informing him that his office is ready and the necessary files are on his desk. As Jin Ran walks past, someone notes that he seems polite and gentle, not "harsh" as rumored, though another warns that rumors often have some truth.
Upon settling into his office, Jin Ran instructs Wen Ya to replace the tea set with coffee and change all the furnishings in the room. From his panoramic glass office, Jin Ran looks down at Yuan Lai and states to himself, "I'm back." During the all-hands meeting, Jin Ran introduces himself as Martin, the new COO, and immediately sets a demanding tone.
He emphasizes that he prioritizes results over qualifications or degrees, promising to work alongside everyone to achieve a significant leap for the company, but also sternly warns that he will not be lenient if he finds the company is not worth saving. Whispers circulate about his true intentions.
Jin Ran then publicly singles out Lisa, the Deputy Manager of Division Two of the Product Department, detailing her six-year tenure, five of which were in Finance, and her lack of new tourist routes since transferring. He scolds her for focusing on gossip rather than work.
Wang Lida, the Assistant Manager of Division One of the Product Department, attempts to defend Lisa, but Jin Ran quickly cuts him off, instead praising Wang Lida for developing six new routes in just two years and promising to report his excellent performance to Human Resources. Next, Jin Ran turns his attention to Yuan Lai, asking about her high-end tour routes.
Yuan Lai confidently states her routes boast a 92% customer satisfaction rate and no prior complaints, despite a recent minor error. Jin Ran then produces a complaint letter, revealing five missing tickets on a Japan tour that Yuan Lai had personally overseen. He questions why she allowed clients to almost be stranded at the airport. Yuan Lai explains that the Product Department is only responsible for route planning and accommodation, while the Purchase Department handles ticket bookings with suppliers.
Dismissing her explanation as an attempt to shift blame, Jin Ran criticizes her for supervising poorly. He orders her to immediately go to the Purchase Department to identify the cause of the discrepancy, terminate the company's contract with the responsible ticket agency, demand full compensation, and submit a detailed report to him afterward. He then tells her to leave the meeting.
Yuan Lai immediately heads to the Purchase Department to address the ticket issue, but she is unable to reach Bob, the manager, who isn't answering his phone and is reportedly out "developing new suppliers." His subordinate, Li Wen, is uncooperative, deflecting blame and suggesting Yuan Lai's department might have forgotten to book the tickets themselves. Frustrated by their lack of accountability, Yuan Lai decides to visit the ticket agency directly.
After waiting for two hours, she confronts Mr. Li, the agency's representative, threatening legal action for commercial fraud if the matter isn't resolved. Under pressure, Mr. Li confesses that the fake ticket numbers were orchestrated by Bob, who had signed off on the plan and received kickbacks. Separately, Jin Ran proposes a major overhaul of the company's personnel structure and management, which President Wen cautiously but fully supports.
This includes new, transparent bidding rules for suppliers, which directly threatens the vested interests of managers like Bob and Mr. Ji. Mr. Ji later meets with Jin Ran, attempting to subtly warn him to "go with the flow" within the company's existing culture. Yuan Lai, after uncovering the truth from the supplier, manages to privately resolve the compensation and ensures the agency will apologize to the affected customers.
Later that day, as heavy rain begins to fall, Yuan Lai finds herself without an umbrella. Jin Ran, driving past, spots her and is about to offer her a ride when Zhao Chengzhi arrives first, holding an umbrella. Zhao Chengzhi expresses concern for Yuan Lai's well-being, remarking on her exhaustion since returning from Japan and urging her not to overwork. He also offers her warm milk and her favorite bear biscuits, which he has in his car.
Yuan Lai, aware that Zhao Chengzhi has been monitoring her activities with Fei's help, humorously suggests he should hire Fei to simplify things. Zhao Chengzhi admits he's just worried about her. While at a cafe, Jin Ran overhears a headhunter discussing his successful attempt to poach He Fei, the second-in-command of Fei’ang E-Sports, Ding Ang's team.
The headhunter gloats that He Fei, despite publicly claiming close friendship with Ding Ang, is secretly jealous and driven by money, intending to cripple Ding Ang's team for the upcoming Global Open. Jin Ran discreetly records this conversation on his phone. Later, Ding Ang is deeply saddened by He Fei's decision to leave, causing dismay among his teammates. Jin Ran finds Ding Ang drowning his sorrows at a bar. It's been five years since they last met.
Ding Ang laments He Fei's betrayal, questioning their years of close friendship. Jin Ran scolds Ding Ang for not understanding what real brotherhood means and for not confiding in him or Zhao Chengzhi, reminding him of their shared past in college. The next day, Jin Ran brings popular bread for the female employees, earning him praise for his thoughtfulness, which he attributes to fostering corporate culture. However, Yuan Lai dismisses it, accusing her colleagues of being "easily bought over."
Shortly after, news spreads online, accompanied by a video Jin Ran recorded, exposing He Fei's betrayal and his conversations with the headhunter. This effectively ends He Fei's career in e-sports. Realizing Jin Ran's intervention, Ding Ang personally thanks him. Jin Ran then advises Ding Ang to reorganize his e-sports club into a partnership model and even suggests changing its "corny" name. Later, Yuan Lai approaches Jin Ran to give him an invitation to an event at the Garden Hotel.
As he takes it, he overhears her on the phone with Zhao Chengzhi, discussing wedding invitations. Misinterpreting this as her upcoming wedding to Zhao Chengzhi, Jin Ran's mood sours, and he angrily throws the invitation into a trash bin. During a subsequent sales data review, Jin Ran is visibly distracted, his mind consumed by thoughts of weddings and invitations.
Despite his emotional turmoil, he still manages to spot a discrepancy in the sales figures for February, impressing his subordinate with his sharp eye. Jin Ran follows Yuan Lai's car, trying to speak with her, but she maintains her distance. Later, Jin Ran confides in a friend at a cafe, lamenting that he's still stuck in the past while Yuan Lai has "moved on." His friend advises him to let go of the past.
Undeterred, Jin Ran waits outside Yuan Lai's apartment building. When she arrives, he confronts her, asking if she feels any guilt about her relationship with Zhao Chengzhi. Yuan Lai, realizing he's been following her, firmly tells him to respect her privacy and warns him she will report him to the company if he continues to interfere. Jin Ran apologizes but then emotionally accuses her of "torturing" him and playing the "blame game."
Yuan Lai, weary of the conversation, retorts that their relationship ended five years ago. She bluntly tells him she no longer loves him and is now in love with Zhao Chengzhi, insisting there's no need for them to see each other again and to stop bothering them. The invitation was for Xizi's wedding, where Yuan Lai and Xinyi are bridesmaids. Xinyi arrives late, having overslept. Moments before the ceremony, a problem arises: the bridal bouquet is missing, stuck in traffic.
Yuan Lai and Xinyi volunteer to rush to a nearby flower shop to procure a new one. They sprint through the streets, with Yuan Lai, a former long-distance runner, effortlessly keeping pace, while Xinyi struggles to catch her breath. This moment sparks a memory for Xinyi, recalling their first meeting in college when Yuan Lai, with similar speed and determination, chased down a taxi to retrieve Xinyi's forgotten bag, thus beginning their close friendship.
Taking a moment to speak privately, Xinyi apologizes for her past actions, admitting that she did have a crush on Jin Ran in college because he was "outgoing and perfect," but she asserts that she never intended to betray Yuan Lai's friendship or steal him away. She explains that she let go of her feelings once she knew Yuan Lai liked him, only regretting keeping it secret.
Yuan Lai, having long since come to terms with the past, acknowledges her own youthful immaturity, and the two friends reconcile, reaffirming their invaluable bond. Xinyi then expresses her sincere wish for Yuan Lai and Jin Ran to reunite, feeling they are a perfect match. However, Yuan Lai states firmly that her relationship with Jin Ran ended five years ago and that he is "no longer the same," indicating there's no going back for them.
Jin Ran, dressed handsomely, arrives at the wedding venue. Spotting a bride from behind, his heart filled with despair and determination, he rushes forward, grabs her, and cries out "Yuan Lai!" Only then does he realize, to his shock, that the bride is actually Xizi.
Episode 4 Recap
Jin Ran arrived at the wedding, and upon realizing the bride was not Yuan Lai, he visibly relaxed and smiled. Xinyi, observing him, teased that he always became flustered around Yuan Lai. Xizi's wedding was a romantic and heartfelt affair, with Xinyi serving as both bridesmaid and hostess. In her speech, Xinyi spoke about the couple's ten-year journey, highlighting the beauty of childhood sweethearts and love at first sight.
Zhao Chengzhi noticed Jin Ran among the guests, while Ding Ang found his gaze drawn to Xinyi. While getting food, Ding Ang informed Gao Zifu that Xinyi was allergic to oysters and suggested he get her desserts instead, which she loved. Gao Zifu, her boyfriend, was surprised and wondered why he was unaware of Xinyi's allergy. Xinyi caught the bridal bouquet, prompting guests to excitedly chant for Gao Zifu to propose.
Gao Zifu kissed Xinyi, but when pressed for a proposal, he demurred, stating that such a sacred matter required the right time and place. Xinyi appeared visibly disappointed, and Ding Ang also seemed disheartened by the exchange. During the toasts, some guests deliberately challenged Yuan Lai, asking her to drink multiple glasses.
Although Zhao Chengzhi and Jin Ran both quickly stepped forward to shield her, Yuan Lai firmly insisted on drinking herself, stating that it was her way of showing friendship. Feeling unwell from the alcohol, Yuan Lai retreated to the restroom, where Jin Ran followed her. He boldly declared his intention to pursue her again, but Yuan Lai rebuffed him, reminding him that he was the one who abandoned her five years ago and calling him a hypocrite.
Jin Ran countered, asking if she was truly happy with Zhao Chengzhi and why she had chosen him. In a moment of impulse, he embraced her. Just then, Zhao Chengzhi knocked on the door, concerned for Yuan Lai. To avoid any misunderstandings, Yuan Lai urged Jin Ran to wait inside until she had left. As Jin Ran exited the restroom, Zhao Chengzhi confronted him, warning him to stop harassing Yuan Lai and asserting that the past was over.
Jin Ran retorted, accusing Zhao Chengzhi of hypocrisy. Their heated argument quickly escalated, nearly turning physical, but Ding Ang arrived just in time to break them up, reminding them it was a wedding. The three men then dispersed in anger. Upset by Gao Zifu's refusal to propose, Xinyi later sought him out. She questioned his intentions, asking if he truly planned to marry her, especially after she had been a bridesmaid three times for others.
Gao Zifu evaded her direct question and instead brought up Ding Ang, pointing out that Ding Ang knew about her oyster allergy while he, her boyfriend, did not, and questioned their relationship. Xinyi expressed her deep disappointment in Gao Zifu, stating he was not a qualified boyfriend. Later, Zhao Chengzhi inadvertently overheard a conversation between Xizi and Yuan Lai.
Yuan Lai confessed that while she was touched by Zhao Chengzhi, she did not love him and only considered him a good friend. She expressed a strong desire for him to find true happiness, admitting she herself was not suitable for him, and also stated her unwillingness to discuss Jin Ran. Zhao Chengzhi then entered the room, feigning ignorance of their conversation. While surveying a commercial property, Ding Ang spotted Gao Zifu walking hand-in-hand with another woman.
He followed them discreetly and witnessed Gao Zifu angrily telling the woman to stop following him. Ding Ang later waited for Xinyi outside her building and confronted her, accusing her of behaving like an ostrich by ignoring reality. Though flustered, Xinyi dismissed his theory. Ding Ang pressed further, asking if her current life and partner were what she truly desired, to which Xinyi affirmed that they were.
Shen Shuangshuang's plans to see a movie were cancelled by her friend, who mentioned a fortune-telling prediction that her soulmate would appear carrying a bag of chips. Later, Shen Shuangshuang bumped into Zhao Chengzhi. After a playful exchange about their respective strengths, she pulled him into the cinema. While watching a horror movie, Zhao Chengzhi was visibly scared and continuously ate chips, much to Shen Shuangshuang's amusement. She then remembered her friend's prophecy, making her wonder about Zhao Chengzhi.
Yuan Lai confronted Bob regarding the fake ticket numbers for the Japan trip, presenting a recorded phone conversation with the supplier who admitted the practice was authorized by Bob to secure lower discounts and kickbacks. Bob, initially defiant, became flustered. He arrogantly warned Yuan Lai not to overstep her authority and told her to take the matter to Mr. Ji. As Yuan Lai left, she overheard Fei comforting Li Wen, one of Bob's female subordinates.
Li Wen tearfully revealed that Bob had been sexually harassing her and other female colleagues. Enraged, Yuan Lai vowed to help her seek justice, encouraging her not to be weak. Jin Ran and Mr. Ji had a tense conversation over tea. Mr. Ji sarcastically praised Jin Ran's "boldness" for cancelling a 20-million order. Jin Ran, in turn, subtly questioned if Mr. Ji had a special relationship with the supplier.
Their conversation was charged with veiled accusations as they maneuvered around the issue of finding new suppliers. Zhao Chengzhi's partner, Chen Zhengli, arranged for a new intern for him, a beautiful and wealthy law graduate from their alma mater, East University. Zhao Chengzhi initially declined, wary of a "princess," but changed his mind upon learning she was a beauty. To his shock, the intern was Shen Shuangshuang.
She threatened to expose a secret from a past encounter—where he pretended to be gay—if he didn't let her stay. Blackmailed, Zhao Chengzhi reluctantly agreed, but under three strict conditions: she must not cause trouble, must obey all his orders, and must carry all his belongings. Yuan Lai went to Mr. Ji's office to report on the fraudulent ticket issue and Bob's sexual harassment, with Jin Ran also present.
She detailed Bob's actions, and Mr. Ji assured her of a thorough investigation. However, Jin Ran interjected, questioning the lack of concrete evidence and arguing it was inappropriate to dismiss an eight-year veteran employee based on "one-sided" accounts, criticizing Yuan Lai's approach as immature. At that moment, Bob entered, presenting falsified documents that framed Yuan Lai's department for underreporting the number of travelers. He claimed Yuan Lai had threatened the supplier into making false statements.
Surprisingly, Jin Ran sided with Bob, even suggesting he be assigned a major new project. News of the incident spread, with employees mocking Yuan Lai for allegedly framing Bob to cover her own mistake. Bob became even more arrogant, smugly warning Yuan Lai to stay out of his affairs. Despite her indignation, Yuan Lai was at a loss. Fei tried to defend Yuan Lai to her colleagues, while Li Wen worried that she had inadvertently caused more trouble for her.
Episode 5 Recap
Fei urgently calls Zhao Chengzhi, informing him that Yuan Lai is being harassed by Bob at Feitu Travel. Chengzhi rushes to the company, where he, as Feitu's legal representative, confronts Bob with an attorney letter regarding defamation against Yuan Lai. Bob, undeterred, claims he wants to sue a manager for defamation. Chengzhi clarifies that Yuan Lai is his client and warns Bob about spreading rumors, threatening legal action.
Bob insults Chengzhi, but Yuan Lai intervenes, preventing a physical altercation and pulling Chengzhi away. As they leave, Chengzhi expresses frustration that Jin Ran allows someone like Bob to remain at the company, and Yuan Lai sadly notes that Jin Ran has changed. Later, Yuan Lai visits a coffee shop that holds sentimental value as the place where she and Jin Ran first got together. She recalls her past joy and openness about their relationship.
Unexpectedly, Jin Ran is there, covering for Gu Yang. Yuan Lai tries to leave, but Jin Ran stops her, stating he remembers their entire past. He produces a prism, an item he once gave her, reminding her of her promise to forgive him if she saw a rainbow. He asks if she will accept it again, suggesting a fresh start. However, Yuan Lai advises him to direct his affections toward someone else and stop wasting his time on her.
Ding Ang arranges a dinner to reconcile Zhao Chengzhi and Jin Ran, but both are annoyed to see each other. Chengzhi accuses Jin Ran of being vicious and disloyal, while Jin Ran counters by mentioning Chengzhi's past misdeeds. They argue over college memories, including Chengzhi using Jin Ran's meal card and Jin Ran's actions causing a cold war between him and Yuan Lai. Despite their bickering, they eventually get drunk, repeatedly calling each other "good buddies."
Ding Ang calls Xinyi and Yuan Lai for help, assigning Yuan Lai to take Jin Ran home while he and Xinyi take Chengzhi. Struggling to get the drunken Jin Ran into his apartment, Yuan Lai discovers his door code is her birthday. Meanwhile, Gao Zifu brings flowers to reconcile with an upset Xinyi. He apologizes for his neglect, but she feels he is avoiding the main issue.
Zifu argues that he is focusing on his career to build their future, believing she needs a pragmatic partner. Despite his sidestepping, Xinyi forgives him. Jin Ran's associate, Chen Zhi, confirms that the company's purchasing director has solicited kickbacks. Jin Ran instructs Chen Zhi to secure irrefutable evidence. Fei informs Yuan Lai that Li Wen resigned emotionally after a meeting with Jin Ran, speculating that Jin Ran dismissed her to protect Bob.
Yuan Lai confronts Jin Ran, accusing him of forcing Li Wen out and distorting the truth, prioritizing profit over integrity. She states she no longer recognizes him. Jin Ran argues that maximizing company interests is his managerial responsibility and criticizes her immaturity. Yuan Lai retorts that if maturity entails becoming heartless like him, she prefers to remain "immature," asserting she would never reconcile with him, even if he were the last man on earth.
Zhao Chengzhi overhears this heated exchange and promptly calls Yuan Lai, requesting to meet at 4 PM, which she accepts. Jin Ran tries to stop Yuan Lai for further discussion, but a work call interrupts him. Shen Shuangshuang demonstrates her attentiveness by remembering Zhao Chengzhi's elaborate breakfast preferences. While Chengzhi is secretly shopping for a ring online, he keeps his screen hidden from her.
He assigns Shuangshuang to the Feitu case, but her lack of legal knowledge prompts him to patiently teach her basic concepts, solidifying his "god-like" image in her eyes. While walking, a burst water pipe drenches Shuangshuang after Chengzhi uses her as a shield. Despite her annoyance, Chengzhi realizes the flower shop where the incident occurred is an ideal spot for a proposal. He buys a ring and flowers, then tells Jin Ran of his intention to propose to Yuan Lai.
Yuan Lai attempts to leave for her appointment with Chengzhi but Jin Ran forcibly detains her for an "urgent" discussion on a Japan tour optimization. He revokes her leave and demands she compile all relevant data by the end of the day, working with him in the archive room. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi waits for Yuan Lai, recalling their college days when he first admired her as an athletic "goddess." As evening falls, a cleaner locks the archive room.
Yuan Lai's phone is in her office, and Jin Ran's phone is dead, leading her to suspect he engineered the situation. They argue again about Bob; Yuan Lai accuses Jin Ran of protecting Bob despite his harassment and bribe-taking, but Jin Ran demands proof. Yuan Lai tries to retrieve her phone, only to find the door locked. Jin Ran, inwardly pleased, tells her they must simply wait. Yuan Lai grows anxious. Zhao Chengzhi, after waiting fruitlessly, leaves the restaurant.
Eventually, the archive room door is opened. Yuan Lai immediately checks her phone and sees a message from Chengzhi, stating he's waiting at her home. Ding Ang concludes his e-sports training, his thoughts turning to Xinyi with concern. Later, during a date on her birthday, Xinyi's boyfriend, Gao Zifu, tells her he has to work. While Zifu is distracted by colleagues, Xinyi answers his ringing phone. A woman named Tina asks about his upcoming Sunday travel arrangements, raising Xinyi's suspicions.
Zifu quickly retrieves the phone, explaining that Tina is a client for a business trip, and pacifies Xinyi with sweet words. Yuan Lai's parents announce they have bought a new house. Her father, recently appointed as a hospital director, suggests Yuan Lai live alone in their old house to foster independence, which she readily accepts. That evening, as Yuan Lai sees Zhao Chengzhi off, he presents her with a ring, expresses his love, and asks her to be his girlfriend.
Yuan Lai honestly tells him she views him only as a good friend and advises him not to waste his time, as she does not love him. Chengzhi, undeterred, vows not to give up, confident that she will eventually fall in love with him.
Episode 6 Recap
While Jin Ran is exercising, he receives a phone call from Gu Sa. She asks about his sudden return to Shanghai, wondering if it's for an acquisition and offering her assistance. Jin Ran assures her he can handle it himself and promises to contact her upon his return. Alone, Gu Sa muses about what Jin Ran is still holding onto. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting has tasked Bob with investigating Jin Ran.
Bob reports that Jin Ran comes from a single-parent family with no significant background. He adds that Jin Ran had a girlfriend at East University but abandoned her upon moving to Japan to marry a rich woman, concluding that Jin Ran lacks principles. Ji Aoting sternly questions who authorized Bob's investigation, advising him to mind his own business.
Bob expresses his hope for future promotion, to which Ji Aoting responds that he only promotes individuals who are genuinely beneficial to the company. Later, while discussing a report with Fei, Yuan Lai spots Li Wen looking disheveled and distributing flyers on the street. Fei confirms it is Li Wen. Yuan Lai then notices Jin Ran conversing with Mr. Li, a ticket supplier, which causes her disappointment. Yuan Lai visits Zhao Chengzhi’s office to deliver a contract.
Upon entering, she witnesses Shen Shuangshuang playfully squeezing a blackhead from Zhao Chengzhi's nose. Embarrassed, Yuan Lai attempts to withdraw, but Zhao Chengzhi quickly explains that Shen Shuangshuang was merely helping him with a pimple. Shen Shuangshuang introduces herself as Zhao Chengzhi's intern, and Yuan Lai reciprocates. Zhao Chengzhi invites Yuan Lai to dinner, but she declines, stating she has to work overtime.
Yuan Lai then requests that Zhao Chengzhi keep an eye out for an assistant job for Li Wen. Overhearing this, Shen Shuangshuang expresses outrage that Li Wen was fired after being sexually harassed at their company. Zhao Chengzhi admonishes Shen Shuangshuang to behave more ladylike. Shen Shuangshuang further mentions that Fei told her Bob is still targeting Yuan Lai, but Yuan Lai dismisses him as a mere clown.
Shen Shuangshuang, angered by the injustice, urges Zhao Chengzhi to devise a plan, and he agrees that they need to get rid of that "bastard." While Yuan Lai works late at the office, Jin Ran observes her from a distance, reminiscent of past times. He gently covers the sleeping Yuan Lai with his jacket, an act noticed by Ji Aoting. Unbeknownst to Yuan Lai, Jin Ran has moved into the apartment next door to her.
Zhao Chengzhi briefs Shen Shuangshuang on their plan against Bob, explaining that Bob is a cautious but lecherous man who frequently uses a private room in a specific bar to entertain young women, many of whom are reluctant. Zhao Chengzhi instructs Shen Shuangshuang to attract Bob's attention, coax information from him, and record it as evidence, while also prioritizing her safety. He equips her with a communication device. Shen Shuangshuang then proceeds to the bar.
She intentionally bumps into Bob, who confronts her. Shen Shuangshuang apologizes, claiming she mistook him for someone else. Bob, however, finds her appealing and pulls her into his private room, dismissing her attempts to leave. He insists they drink together, boasting about how he often brings "innocent girls" from his company, especially recent graduates, to the bar. He then makes a move on Shuangshuang, talking about a "big bad wolf and an innocent sheep."
Shuangshuang warns him that she will scream if he comes any closer. Bob ignores her, turning up the music to drown out her cries as he attempts to force himself on her. Hearing Shuangshuang's repeated screams through her communication device, Zhao Chengzhi rushes into the room, punches Bob, and pulls Shen Shuangshuang out, ignoring Bob's threats. Yuan Lai meets Li Wen to offer her an assistant position through Zhao Chengzhi's friend.
However, Li Wen informs her that she has already found a job at a design company. Yuan Lai expresses surprise, recalling seeing Li Wen looking disheveled just a few days prior. Li Wen clarifies that she was in a sample room testing colors and credits Jin Ran for encouraging her to pursue her dreams and introducing her to this new design firm.
She also corrects Yuan Lai's assumption, stating that she chose to resign, and Jin Ran did not ask her to quit. Later, in a department meeting, as Jin Ran presents his proposals, Yuan Lai, remembering Li Wen's explanation, unexpectedly supports his direction. A colleague remarks on the rare consensus, calling it "strange" for "Mars and Earth" to make peace. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting prepares for a trip to the United States and warns Bob not to cause trouble in his absence.
Bob, overconfident, dismisses the warning, claiming Jin Ran can't touch him and defiantly plans a wild night. In a romantically decorated hotel room, Gao Zifu proposes to Xinyi. He expresses his regret for not proposing sooner and lovingly speaks of his desire to spend his life with her, protecting her and sharing every moment. Deeply moved, Xinyi accepts his proposal. Jin Ran concludes a business meeting with Mr. Li, a ticket supplier.
Soon after, Bob confronts Jin Ran, demanding to know why his suppliers' collaborations were halted. Jin Ran calmly informs Bob that he's been fired, stating that he, as the COO, has the authority to terminate a director without needing prior approval. When Bob defiantly asks for the reason, Jin Ran presents him with compelling evidence: bank transfers between Bob and various suppliers, along with written documentation of kickbacks. Bob, initially dismissive, then accuses Jin Ran of setting him up.
Jin Ran clarifies it was a "plan," not a "setup." Bob admits to past corruption, claiming many knew but did nothing, and warns Jin Ran to stay out of his affairs. Jin Ran responds by advising Bob to worry about his own impending troubles. At that moment, police arrive, identify Bob, and request his cooperation for an investigation. Bob is forcibly led away, cursing Jin Ran as a "bastard" and threatening him.
Overhearing the commotion, colleagues confirm that Bob was fired for taking kickbacks, with solid evidence found against him. Witnessing Bob's dramatic arrest, Yuan Lai finally grasps the true intention behind Jin Ran's recent actions. Later, as she walks home, a male assailant attacks her with a stick. A confused and injured Yuan Lai confronts him, and he tells her to think about who she has offended.
She warns him that the police are on their way, and both he and whoever hired him will be caught. Ignoring her, the attacker prepares to strike again, but Jin Ran intervenes, saving Yuan Lai. He checks if she's alright and suggests they go to the hospital. Yuan Lai declines, thanking him and insisting she just wants to go home. She then asks Jin Ran why he is in her neighborhood.
He simply replies, "Home," and unlocks the door to the apartment right next to hers. Xinyi's colleagues gather around, admiring her sparkling engagement ring and congratulating her on her successful career and sweet boyfriend. Xinyi happily promises to invite them to her wedding. However, the joyful moment is shattered when a pregnant woman storms in, shouting Xinyi's name and slapping her.
The woman accuses Xinyi of being shameless and asserts that she is Gao Zifu's true fiancée, pointing to her pregnant belly as proof. She claims Xinyi is the reason Gao Zifu refuses to marry her and demands the ring back. Ding Ang quickly arrives, intervenes, and tells the woman she is mistaken. He publicly declares Xinyi as his girlfriend, stating he bought the ring, and warns the woman about the public disturbance and potential legal action.
He then escorts Xinyi away. Later, at an amusement park, Ding Ang finds a distressed Xinyi venting her frustrations. He repeatedly urges her to confront Gao Zifu and clarify the situation. Xinyi refuses, saying there's nothing to discuss. Ding Ang accuses her of self-deception, but Xinyi, while grateful for his earlier help, tells him to leave if he intends to continue lecturing her.
Ding Ang visits Jin Ran's new apartment with a bottle of wine, asking Jin Ran to persuade Xinyi. Ding Ang expresses frustration that Xinyi is avoiding confronting Gao Zifu. Jin Ran explains that Ding Ang holds a special place in Xinyi's heart, leading her to suppress her true feelings. He clarifies that Xinyi likes Ding Ang but lacks confidence due to Ding Ang's past relationships, choosing to avoid a potential relationship to remain "perfect" in his eyes.
Ding Ang then advises Jin Ran to focus on his own "messy" life and not get involved in his. Jin Ran responds by jokingly asking if he should invite "the one next door" (Yuan Lai) over for a drink. Later, Jin Ran meets Xinyi at a sushi restaurant. He urges her to stop acting like an "ostrich" and face her problems. Jin Ran suggests breaking up with Gao Zifu, calling him irresponsible and disloyal.
Xinyi admits she is aware of Gao Zifu's infidelity but tearfully explains that unlike their friends, she has nothing in Shanghai and simply seeks a stable home to avoid being evicted. Jin Ran challenges whether Gao Zifu's house truly counts as her home and suggests she consider Ding Ang. Xinyi confesses she doesn't "like" Ding Ang in that way and believes he deserves a better woman. Jin Ran encourages her to be brave and give them both a chance.
As Xinyi cries on Jin Ran's shoulder, Yuan Lai unexpectedly arrives. Xinyi quickly pulls away and hastily tries to explain, but Yuan Lai appears visibly displeased as Jin Ran orders two salmon sushis to go. Xinyi witnesses a heated argument between Gao Zifu and the pregnant woman. The woman exposes his past: he pursued her for her wealth and then abandoned her after her company went bankrupt. Gao Zifu cruelly dismisses their child. Intervening, Xinyi confronts Gao Zifu.
Despite his attempts to explain, Xinyi throws her engagement ring at him, declaring him a cheat and "dirty," and demands he never appear before her again. Later, Shen Shuangshuang complains to Zhao Chengzhi about his ceaseless work. Yuan Lai walks in, prompting Shen Shuangshuang to suggest dinner. Zhao Chengzhi opts to cook at his place. At his apartment, as he serves a grand meal, Shen Shuangshuang asks him to photograph her with the food.
While taking the pictures, Zhao Chengzhi is reminded of a similar moment he shared with Yuan Lai, which seems to spark an idea in his mind. Ji Aoting returns to the company earlier than expected. He meets Jin Ran and, against his true feelings, expresses support for Jin Ran's "decisive" action regarding Bob. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang notices Zhao Chengzhi browsing apartment listings. Later, she discovers "girlfriend" in his chat history and tracks the address to Yuan Lai's apartment.
Shen Shuangshuang confronts Yuan Lai, assuming she is Zhao Chengzhi's girlfriend. Yuan Lai clarifies that they are merely good friends. Shen Shuangshuang reveals her previous misunderstanding that Zhao Chengzhi might be gay, which Yuan Lai dispels. Relieved and emboldened, Shen Shuangshuang declares her intention to confidently pursue Zhao Chengzhi. Yuan Lai, charmed by Shen Shuangshuang's bold personality, encourages her.
Episode 7 Recap
Xu Xinyi was chatting with her colleagues when a cluster of balloons ascended outside the office building. Her colleagues were curious, but Xu Xinyi immediately recognized that the banner on the balloons was a marriage proposal directed at her. Soon after, Gao Zifu appeared, holding a large bouquet of roses, begging for Xu Xinyi’s forgiveness.
He swore he had already dealt with their past issues, but Xu Xinyi was exhausted and told him she did not want to discuss it further. She reminded him that they had broken up and asked him to stop bothering her. She questioned how he could "deal with" an alive child. Gao Zifu persisted, but Ding Ang stepped in to help Xu Xinyi.
Gao Zifu became verbally abusive, accusing Xu Xinyi and Ding Ang of having an improper relationship behind his back. Ding Ang, infuriated, struck Gao Zifu and forcefully told him to get out and never show his face to Xu Xinyi again, calling him a jerk for causing Xu Xinyi such pain. Gao Zifu reluctantly left. Ding Ang took Xu Xinyi to an apartment she had lived in right after graduation. She was surprised to find it completely unchanged.
She realized that Ding Ang must have kept the apartment for her. Xu Xinyi, remembering her younger self, thought she was being scammed by a landlord for such a nice place and tried to call a real estate agent using Ding Ang's phone, only to discover he knew the apartment's Wi-Fi password. She then realized that Ding Ang had rented the apartment back then and sub-let it to her, making him her landlord.
Ding Ang confirmed this, stating that he had kept the place vacant all these years, hoping she would one day return. Xu Xinyi agreed to stay, insisting on paying rent, to which Ding Ang jokingly replied he was honored to be her landlord again. Later, Ding Ang accompanied Xu Xinyi for a drink by the river. Xu Xinyi, becoming emotional, confessed she was no longer the optimistic girl she once was.
She cried about her relentless efforts to establish a life and career in Shanghai over the past five years, working overnight and traveling constantly, only to feel it was all in vain, especially after meeting a "jerk" like Gao Zifu. Ding Ang tried to comfort her, but Xu Xinyi angrily told him that as a rich second-generation, he couldn't possibly understand her struggles.
She recalled discovering he was wealthy at his lavish birthday party in college, which made her feel unworthy and led her to leave him. Ding Ang acknowledged her words, admitting he might not understand everything, but assured her that her hard work would pay off. He promised to always be by her side, offering warmth and support, even if the rest of the world abandoned her.
That night, after Xu Xinyi fell asleep, Ding Ang gently kissed her on the forehead and left a USB drive in her bag with a comforting note. The next morning, Xu Xinyi found the USB. She saw a folder titled "World Famous Sights" and, recalling a past misunderstanding where she thought it contained adult content, she decided not to open it, unknowingly missing the photos of them together that Ding Ang had saved for her.
Later, Xu Xinyi ran into Jin Ran at a coffee shop, and they chatted amicably about the past. Ding Ang, who had stopped by to bring coffee to the owner, saw them laughing together from a distance but chose not to interrupt. During their conversation, Xu Xinyi urged Jin Ran to find out the real reason Yuan Lai left him years ago, while Jin Ran, in turn, advised her to seriously consider Ding Ang.
Meanwhile, at FeiTu Travel, Fei complained about the company's choice of Mountain Dai for the annual team building, deeming it unexciting. Yuan Lai, however, urged everyone to participate to foster team understanding and spirit. On the day of departure, Yuan Lai declined Jin Ran's offer of a ride to the company bus. However, her own ordered taxi never arrived, causing her to miss the bus. She reluctantly accepted a ride from Jin Ran.
Throughout the journey, Yuan Lai remained cold, largely ignoring Jin Ran's attempts at conversation or offering her water. Upon arrival at the resort, they were met with a chaotic scene. A male tourist was vehemently demanding compensation from FeiTu, explaining that his sister had been disfigured during a drifting accident on Mountain Dai.
The situation escalated when a call from the hospital reported that the injured girl had attempted suicide by cutting her wrists and was in critical condition, causing her mother to collapse. Jin Ran, identifying himself as FeiTu's Chief Operating Officer, immediately took charge. He instructed Yuan Lai to take the distraught mother to the hospital, promising to follow after gathering information.
Jin Ran then called his assistant, Wenya, tasking her with a thorough investigation into the patient's background, habits, insurance, and crucially, any violations of safety instructions before and during the accident. Wenya soon reported that a bystander had filmed the incident in the lobby and posted it online, leading to widespread negative comments about FeiTu's ethics. Yuan Lai visited the girl in the hospital, who was emotionally volatile.
Yuan Lai tried to console her, acknowledging her pain but urging her not to cause further harm to herself or her family, particularly her mother. The girl, however, was highly agitated, accusing FeiTu of ruining her life and shouting for Yuan Lai to leave. Yuan Lai retreated, letting the girl calm down. Later, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai discussed how to handle the crisis.
Yuan Lai recounted that while the facial injury was severe, the hospital staff had provided appropriate and timely treatment, and FeiTu's trip arrangements, catering, and tour guide's efforts were all in order, confirming it was a "100 percent accident." Despite this, Yuan Lai expressed deep pity for the 23-year-old girl, now disfigured and abandoned by her boyfriend, suggesting FeiTu offer "humanitarian compensation" from their annual charity fund to pacify the family and avoid negative publicity.
Jin Ran adamantly refused, stating that since the company was not at fault, they had no reason to pay. He argued that any compensation would be perceived by the public as an admission of guilt, especially in the current digital age where information spreads rapidly. He then showed Yuan Lai a video of the injured girl's brother publicly defaming FeiTu to the media, calling them a "black-hearted, irresponsible company."
Jin Ran asserted that those attempting to blackmail or scam FeiTu would not receive a single penny, and announced that FeiTu would officially sue the family for public defamation. The family reacted with outrage, but Jin Ran remained firm, ending the discussion by offering Yuan Lai a ride back to the resort. Separately, Shen Shuangshuang’s infatuation with Zhao Chengzhi became increasingly evident, though he seemed oblivious.
Shen Shuangshuang drastically changed her behavior, diligently organizing all his work, arranging client meetings, and stocking his office with his favorite snacks and temperature-controlled low-sodium mineral water. When Zhao Chengzhi finally questioned her sudden change, asking what she wanted, she boldly declared she was pursuing him. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi was struggling to find suitable housing, unaware that Shen Shuangshuang had bribed real estate agents to withhold available properties from him.
Taking advantage of his low spirits, Shen Shuangshuang, using information she got from Yuan Lai, took him on a fast drive to his favorite trampoline park, a place he enjoyed to relieve stress. Back at FeiTu, the company prepared for its team-building outdoor "team battle." Employees were divided into departments, forming two main teams led by Jin Ran and Ji Aoting. Both leaders appeared confident and competitive, ready to vie for the prize for the winning team.
The rules were simple: a one-hour paintball match where players were eliminated if hit by a colored pellet, and the team with the most surviving members would be declared the winner, with a reminder to prioritize safety and sportsmanship.
Episode 8 Recap
Feitu company employees engaged in an outdoor team confrontation, with teams led by Jin Ran and Ji Aoting. In the initial laser tag round, Jin Ran’s team gained an early advantage. However, when Yuan Lai, upset by Jin Ran’s targeting of a female teammate, removed her helmet to confront him, an opponent unexpectedly aimed at her. Jin Ran quickly protected Yuan Lai, resulting in his own elimination, and Ji Aoting's team took the lead for that round.
An official chided Yuan Lai for taking off her helmet during the game, but she retorted that it was none of his business. The competition then moved to archery, where Jin Ran and Ji Aoting were evenly matched. With a final, impressive 10-ring shot, Jin Ran secured a tie for his team, earning all participants an award. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang tried to lift Zhao Chengzhi’s spirits by taking him to an arcade, where he initially enjoyed himself.
However, his mood soured abruptly when Fei sent him photos of Jin Ran and Yuan Lai together at the team-building event. Zhao Chengzhi became withdrawn, stating he had work to do and telling Shen Shuangshuang to take a taxi back to the company as he needed to leave. Shen Shuangshuang, who had only wanted to make him happy, felt her kindness was misunderstood.
Later, Wen Ya informed Yuan Lai that the disfigured girl's mother and brother had agreed to speak with the media to clear Feitu's name, likely due to the lawsuit threat. Yuan Lai, pleased by the news, then overheard Jin Ran on a phone call arranging a free plastic surgery quota for the girl through a friend at a clinic, which deeply touched her. Yuan Lai approached Jin Ran, who confirmed he was securing the quota.
Believing his actions stemmed from genuine goodwill, Yuan Lai went to share the good news with the family. Separately, Xinyi went to Ding Ang's company to return the U disk he had given her. She found Ding Ang's team taking promotional photos with a "gorgeous" female photographer who was openly flirting with him. Xinyi intervened, playfully expressing that Ding Ang seemed quite popular.
Ding Ang was happy to see her and asked if she had watched the U disk's contents and if she had any "feelings." Still under the impression that the U disk contained action movies, Xinyi defensively questioned why she should have any feelings and called him a "pervert," leaving Ding Ang utterly confused.
Back at Feitu, the positive news coverage about Jin Ran's handling of the disfigured girl's case earned him widespread praise among employees, though some still suspected it was a calculated PR move. That evening, Yuan Lai decided to go for a swim instead of joining her colleagues for dinner. At the gym, Jin Ran encountered Ji Aoting, who subtly advised him against rushing in his endeavors, hinting that opportunities, once missed, might not return.
Jin Ran, however, maintained his belief in persistence and seizing moments. Yuan Lai later overheard Jin Ran on the phone confirming that he had orchestrated the news report. She confronted him, accusing him of manipulating the girl's family and using the surgery offer as a PR stunt. Jin Ran defended his actions, explaining that as a manager, he had to consider Feitu's interests and that a win-win outcome benefited everyone.
Yuan Lai, however, remained convinced that he was self-serving and viewed people as tools, declaring she could not communicate with someone so focused on profit. Emotionally charged, she abruptly dove into the pool without warming up. Moments later, Jin Ran, who had started to walk away, had a sudden intuition and rushed back to find Yuan Lai unconscious due to a leg cramp. He rescued her and performed CPR, his mind replaying memories of their college romance.
After she recovered and thanked him, Jin Ran invited her for a walk on the beach the next morning. When she declined, he playfully threatened to loudly knock on her door if she didn't show up. He then earnestly declared, "Yuan Lai, this time, it's my turn to pursue you. I won't give up!" Yuan Lai left, visibly emotional. The next morning, Yuan Lai did appear, to Jin Ran's delight.
He confessed that he had returned for her and hoped they could restart their relationship. Yuan Lai, still wary, accused him of using company matters for personal gain. Jin Ran then shared a profound experience from a business trip in Sarasota, where he met an elderly man mourning his recently deceased wife and regretting unfulfilled travel dreams. This encounter made Jin Ran fear losing Yuan Lai and experiencing similar regrets.
He realized that true travel was about experiencing with one's heart, not just seeing sights. He proposed a new vision for Feitu, offering unique, heartfelt journeys, and invited Yuan Lai to help him build it. She agreed to cooperate professionally. Moved by his words, Jin Ran reached for her hand, but Yuan Lai, though affected, gently pulled away, unable to fully open up. He then asked her to watch the sunrise with him the following morning.
Later, Yuan Lai reported to Ji Aoting on Peixin Island's development, suggesting guesthouses over five-star hotels to allow tourists a more authentic experience, a view Ji Aoting supported, implicitly disagreeing with Jin Ran's approach. That night, Jin Ran brought Yuan Lai a jacket, concerned about the cold for their planned sunrise viewing. Yuan Lai discovered a necklace in the pocket and rushed to return it, only to overhear Jin Ran on a video call.
A young boy, Alex, called Jin Ran "Daddy," and Jin Ran asked Alex if he had been listening to his "mommy." Hearing this, Yuan Lai was utterly devastated. The next morning, Jin Ran waited for Yuan Lai, but she had already taken an early bus back to the company, ignoring his calls. Jin Ran learned of her departure from Ji Aoting. Soon after, he overheard hotel staff discussing a severe bus accident on the highway from Mountain Dai to Shanghai.
Overcome with worry, he sped to the scene. Police prevented him from entering the cordoned-off area. Spotting a severely injured, blood-covered woman resembling Yuan Lai, Jin Ran frantically tried to push through, claiming she was his girlfriend. Just as he was being restrained, he heard Yuan Lai call his name from nearby. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, he rushed to her and embraced her. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang had been playfully taking many photos of Zhao Chengzhi, much to his embarrassment.
He became alarmed when he saw the news report about the bus accident and rushed out, worried about Yuan Lai. After Yuan Lai was found safe, Jin Ran asked her why she had left so suddenly. Yuan Lai candidly replied that she couldn't move past what had happened five years ago and did not want any relationship with him beyond that of colleagues, pushing his hand away. Jin Ran was perplexed by her sudden coldness.
Zhao Chengzhi, after calling Jin Ran for Yuan Lai's location, arrived with Shen Shuangshuang and helped escort Yuan Lai home. Shen Shuangshuang, still clinging to Zhao Chengzhi despite his attempts to send her away, continued to annoy him. At Yuan Lai's doorstep, Jin Ran tried to express concern for her injury, but she remained cold and dismissive. Zhao Chengzhi playfully teased Jin Ran about his romantic woes, while Shen Shuangshuang remained optimistically attached to Zhao Chengzhi.
Later, Jin Ran and Zhao Chengzhi met at a boxing gym. Zhao Chengzhi playfully teased Jin Ran about his "sad face" and then casually mentioned that Yuan Lai had gone to Japan to find Jin Ran years ago, and he thought they would have married there. Jin Ran was stunned, revealing he had never seen her in Japan.
He recounted that while working illegally in Japan, he was detained after being framed for theft by a colleague he had reported for stealing. After being bailed out, he was so disillusioned that he returned to China, only to encounter Yuan Lai and Zhao Chengzhi seemingly together. Zhao Chengzhi vehemently denied any romantic involvement with Yuan Lai at the time and, realizing the profound misunderstanding, pressed Jin Ran to explain the full story of his time in Japan.
Episode 9 Recap
Mr. Wen convened a company meeting, praising Jin Ran for his abilities. He announced that the company's main focus would now be on business operations, with the key project being the development of tourism on Peixin Island. Yuan Lai began to report on the Peixin Island project, but finding herself unable to continue under Jin Ran's gaze, Ji Aoting stepped in to complete her presentation.
Ji Aoting detailed their plan for a "comfort and sweet tour," targeting newlyweds and families who prioritize high-quality dining and accommodation. Jin Ran, however, presented a different perspective. He proposed an "immersive experience" that would allow tourists to connect with Peixin Island's stunning natural beauty and truly relax. To decide between the two proposals, Mr. Wen suggested a competition: each would lead a team on a three-day trial, and the route with higher customer satisfaction would be chosen.
Both Jin Ran and Ji Aoting agreed. Jin Ran then requested an assistant, prompting Ji Aoting to reluctantly lend him Yuan Lai, accurately guessing Jin Ran's true intention. Later, Jin Ran and Ding Ang engaged in a boxing match, where Ding Ang proved no match for Jin Ran. As they rested, Ding Ang teased Jin Ran about his "wisdom" in using company matters to keep Yuan Lai close.
Jin Ran retorted by encouraging Ding Ang to be bolder in pursuing Xinyi, warning him against regrets if Xinyi were to marry someone else. Meanwhile, Yuan Lai and Xinyi were out running. Xinyi, quickly exhausted, started talking about Jin Ran. Yuan Lai confided that she had believed a reconciliation with Jin Ran was possible after their trip to Mountain Dai, only to discover he had a wife and a son in Japan, making her realize she was nearly his mistress.
Xinyi was furious, vowing to expose Jin Ran as a "jerk." Later, she called Yuan Lai to share her plan to confront Jin Ran. Jin Ran, who had arrived at Yuan Lai's door to deliver medicine for her injured hand, overheard their conversation. Yuan Lai quickly ended the call and tried to dismiss Jin Ran, rejecting his concern.
Jin Ran pressed her about her emotional distance, mentioning the car accident in Mountain Dai and his realization that he couldn't live without her, believing she felt the same. Yuan Lai, however, remained guarded, remarking on his improved flirting skills but stating they wouldn't work on her. Shen Shuangshuang continued her relentless pursuit of Zhao Chengzhi, appearing by his side in the office, offering him soup and openly admiring him.
Zhao Chengzhi, visibly uncomfortable, asked her to stop staring at him like an "animal in a zoo." He gently tried to dissuade her, telling her not to waste her time on him, as he would never love her. Shuangshuang, however, firmly declared that her feelings were her own and that she was willing to "waste" her time on him, confident that one day he would be hers. Jin Ran met Ji Aoting at a teahouse, despite his preference for coffee.
Jin Ran proposed that while their Peixin Island proposals were competing, they should collaborate on securing airline resources. Ji Aoting agreed, emphasizing that they should work together against external parties to get the best deals before competing internally. Later, Xinyi met Jin Ran for dinner, having ordered a lavish meal to make him pay while intending to confront him.
Jin Ran, arriving late, soon realized Xinyi's anger stemmed from Yuan Lai's misunderstanding about his video call with his "son" in Japan. He found it amusing, yet also appreciated that Yuan Lai cared enough to be upset. When Xinyi mentioned Yuan Lai was meeting President Bai of Xingcheng Airlines at the Crystal Hotel, Jin Ran immediately grew worried. He abruptly left, asking Xinyi to pay the bill.
Ding Ang soon arrived and paid for Xinyi, who clarified that her confrontation with Jin Ran was solely to "avenge" Yuan Lai and not out of any lingering feelings for Jin Ran himself. Meanwhile, Yuan Lai met with President Bai at a cafe, but he, claiming the setting was inconvenient for business, moved them to a private room at the Crystal Hotel.
There, President Bai pressed Yuan Lai to drink a 1992 wine, despite her protests about her low alcohol tolerance, stating she needed to show "sincerity" for cooperation. He gradually invaded her personal space, moving his chair closer, touching her hand, and then attempting to embrace her. Yuan Lai, furious, pushed him away and accused him of deliberate harassment.
He threatened to withdraw the advantageous cooperation terms with Feitu, but Yuan Lai remained defiant, stepping on his foot and pushing him into his chair. Just as the situation escalated, Jin Ran burst into the room, relieved to see Yuan Lai defending herself. He coolly informed President Bai that it was too late to discuss business and they would talk another time. Jin Ran drove a visibly inebriated Yuan Lai home. On the way, Zhao Chengzhi called.
Jin Ran answered and informed Chengzhi of Yuan Lai's state, prompting Chengzhi to rush over. Upon arrival, Chengzhi confronted Jin Ran, demanding to take Yuan Lai in himself, but Jin Ran insisted on carrying her inside. Inside Yuan Lai's apartment, Jin Ran saw a framed photo of their five friends from university. After ensuring Yuan Lai was settled, Jin Ran left, passing a despondent Zhao Chengzhi who was waiting outside.
Back at the office, Shen Shuangshuang waited for Zhao Chengzhi, offering him wontons she had waited two hours in line for, and skin care products. Zhao Chengzhi, still saddened by the evening's events, tried to dismiss her, eventually shouting at her to leave him alone. Shuangshuang, wiping away tears, defiantly told him that her feelings were her own and that her time spent on him was "absolutely not a waste," vowing that he would fall in love with her someday.
The next morning, President Bai of Xingcheng Airlines surprisingly showed up at Feitu, not to complain, but to offer even better terms for the Peixin Island project, including a 10% increase in flights and a 10% discount on prices, praising Yuan Lai's intelligence, courage, beauty, and strength. Yuan Lai was bewildered by his sudden change of heart. Later, she encountered Jin Ran at a cafe and shared the baffling development.
Jin Ran immediately suspected foul play, noting that Xingcheng, once ranked top three for airline meals, now offered terrible service. He speculated that President Bai was intentionally degrading service to cut costs and expand routes, preparing to sell Xingcheng to Fiat Air for a higher price, with the Feitu partnership serving to inflate its value. He also joked that President Bai might be a masochist who found Yuan Lai's fierce personality appealing.
Yuan Lai quickly called her assistant to cancel the partnership with Xingcheng Airlines, citing their failure to meet service quality demands. She instructed her assistant to contact Eagle Air, a smaller, private airline they had previously flown with from Japan, to explore cooperation. Yuan Lai planned to return to Shanghai immediately after landing on Peixin Island to prepare for the upcoming client trials.
Jin Ran, however, confiscated her phone and turned it off, insisting they stay to experience the entire route on Peixin Island. Meanwhile, Xinyi had a work assignment that required her to travel to Peixin Island for location scouting, causing her to forget her planned lunch with Ding Ang. Ding Ang tracked her down at her company and insisted on joining her trip to Peixin Island. Given the time constraints, Xinyi reluctantly agreed.
Upon arriving at Peixin Island, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai began their immersive experience. They visited Lover's Cliff, one of the island's most famous scenic spots. Yuan Lai enthusiastically shared her ideas for the tourism project, and Jin Ran listened, a smile in his eyes as he looked at her.
Episode 10 Recap
Jin Ran and Yuan Lai arrived on Peixin Island for a project inspection. Yuan Lai was very pleased with the guesthouse and arrangements Jin Ran had made. Dressed in local attire, they walked to the beach, making up for a missed sunrise by watching the beautiful sunset of Peixin Island together. Back at their guesthouse, Jin Ran sensed Yuan Lai's misunderstanding about his personal life.
He intentionally entered her room to make a video call to his godson, Alex, in Japan, introducing Yuan Lai as his girlfriend. Alex's innocent conversation clarified that Jin Ran was only a guardian to him and a friend to Alex's mother, Gu Sa, effectively resolving Yuan Lai's long-standing misunderstanding. As the romantic tension grew between them, and they leaned in for a kiss, Zhao Chengzhi called, interrupting the moment.
Jin Ran answered, and Zhao Chengzhi angrily accused him of unfair competition and "abducting" Yuan Lai, expressing his intent to come to Peixin Island. After the call, Jin Ran tried to playfully flirt with Yuan Lai again, but she shyly sent him back to his room. At Feitu company, Fei accidentally bumped into Linda, causing Linda's documents to scatter. Fei noticed a contract showing the clients' departure date was the 20th, not the 30th as she had been informed.
Linda quickly dismissed it as an "old version" of the document. The next morning, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai were in high spirits, chatting happily. Unexpectedly, Ding Ang and Xinyi also arrived on Peixin Island for a scouting trip. The four friends met and playfully teased each other. The group then went to Darling Cliff, where they experienced Jin Ran's immersive travel philosophy. Later, they strolled along Sunset Beach.
Zhao Chengzhi called, having arrived on Peixin Island, and told them to wait for him for dinner. As they sat on the beach, Yuan Lai expressed her desire to stay there indefinitely. Jin Ran sincerely told her that he would do anything she wanted. Soon after, Zhao Chengzhi arrived with a backpack, even bringing a change of clothes for Yuan Lai. Jin Ran had arranged a beach camping experience, complete with tricycles delivering barbecue supplies.
Ding Ang and Xinyi began grilling meat together, looking like a sweet couple. The five friends enjoyed the barbecue, reminiscing about their decade-long friendship and taking photos. Ding Ang sent Xinyi a photo of them together. Xinyi noticed Ding Ang's contact name for her was "Qian Qiu Sui" (Thousands of Years) and asked Yuan Lai about its meaning. Yuan Lai explained it was from a Song Dynasty poem, signifying a man's unwavering and eternal love for someone he cherishes deeply.
Zhao Chengzhi took Yuan Lai aside, pulled out a ring, and confessed that his heart had only ever been hers for the past ten years. Yuan Lai urged him to cherish Shen Shuangshuang instead. At this moment, Jin Ran walked over, declared that Zhao Chengzhi and Yuan Lai were unsuitable, and led Yuan Lai away.
Jin Ran took Yuan Lai into a tent and used lights to create a "rainbow at night," reminding her of a college promise where she said she would forgive him if he made her see a rainbow at night. He reiterated his unwavering love and asked to start over. Yuan Lai, however, walked out of the tent, tearfully explaining that the pain from his past departure was unforgettable, and she couldn't fully trust him again, fearing another heartbreak.
Jin Ran, standing outside, told her he would wait. Separately, Linda and Lisa plotted to sabotage Jin Ran and Yuan Lai's project. Linda revealed she had advanced the clients' trip to the 20th to catch them off guard. Lisa worried about angering Jin Ran, but Linda reassured her, implying that if Ji Aoting secured the Peixin Island project, Mr. Wen would favor him over Jin Ran, providing them with protection.
Yuan Lai and Xinyi shared their emotional dilemmas by the sea. Simultaneously, Jin Ran, Ding Ang, and Zhao Chengzhi discussed their recent rejections. Zhao Chengzhi's teasing comments led to Jin Ran and Ding Ang playfully punching him. The next morning, Fei, at the office, was surprised to hear that Linda had already departed with the clients.
Realizing Linda's deception, Fei immediately called Yuan Lai on Peixin Island to inform her that the clients had already left and would arrive that afternoon. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai quickly gathered the others to devise a plan. Jin Ran said he would try to arrange an early check-in at Bo Re Valley, a high-end guesthouse he had booked. Yuan Lai decided to check other five-star hotels as a backup.
Xinyi and Ding Ang were tasked with informing the scenic spots about the clients' early arrival. Zhao Chengzhi volunteered to handle the leasing company. Meanwhile, at the airport, Fei confronted Linda, who was boarding a bus with the clients. Linda feigned ignorance about the date change, claiming Fei's memory was faulty and that she was merely helping send "their" clients. She then ominously suggested that after today, their colleague status might change.
Jin Ran went to Bo Re Valley to request an early check-in. The manager refused, explaining that the establishment was a private retreat for Buddhist practitioners, not a commercial hotel, and had only accepted the booking for the 30th due to a friendship with Jin Ran's contact. Concurrently, Yuan Lai found that all other five-star hotels on the island were fully booked. She learned that a generous client with the surname Ji had booked numerous rooms across several hotels.
Jin Ran and Yuan Lai quickly realized that Ji Aoting was behind this, attempting to monopolize accommodations to sabotage their project. With the clients arriving soon and no available lodging, they decided to head to the airport to pick them up first and strategize from there.
Episode 11 Recap
Linda arrived on Peixin Island, handing over the guests from Team B to Jin Ran with a sarcastic tone. She then departed with her own guests from Team A. The trial customers in Jin Ran's group expressed their excitement, mentioning they had heard that their accommodations would be in five-star hotels. Aware of the looming hotel problem, Jin Ran arranged for Zhao Chengzhi and Xinyi to engage with the customers, buying time while Yuan Lai searched for available hotels.
Yuan Lai called Jin Ran, confirming that no hotels could be booked. She suggested that Jin Ran approach Ji Aoting directly to negotiate for hotel resources, emphasizing that customer satisfaction was paramount, regardless of the competition's outcome. Linda, meanwhile, checked her team into the luxurious Wanyue Hotel.
In Jin Ran's group, a guest named Mrs. Liu complained, noting that her friend had already checked into a five-star hotel while they still had no accommodation, and voiced concerns about staying in a common guesthouse. At this point, Yuan Lai spotted some unused sea cabins, and an idea sparked. She promptly arranged for workers to quickly prepare them as alternative lodging.
Ji Aoting later arrived at the Wanyue Hotel and reprimanded Linda for simply handing over the guests to the hotel staff without further involvement. Jin Ran led his customers to the newly arranged sea cabins. Despite their initial surprise, the guests found the unique, on-sea accommodation to be a novel experience. The team rallied together to help: Ding Ang addressed the poor 4G signal by cleverly naming the Wi-Fi "Will you be my girlfriend."
Everyone playfully urged Xinyi to input the password. Xinyi tried "I do," but it was incorrect, to her confusion. Ding Ang then revealed the password was "haode," which was met with laughter from the group. Meanwhile, in Ji Aoting's group, guests were taken to an old and expensive seafood market where the seafood was not fresh.
Mrs. Liu's friend, Mrs. Zhang, called Mrs. Liu, complaining about their incredibly boring itinerary and expressing envy over Mrs. Liu's authentic photos from Jin Ran's group. Late that night, Linda, dressed provocatively, attempted to approach Ji Aoting but he dismissed her, uninterested. The next morning, Zhao Chengzhi brought local specialty breakfast for the team. Mrs. Liu mentioned her back was sore from sleeping in the cabins.
Yuan Lai offered to arrange a local ancient-style massage for her, but Mrs. Liu also wanted to take photos and still insisted on a five-star hotel. Yuan Lai reassured her that the sea cabins were just an experience and that a proper solution for their accommodation would be found. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai then arranged paragliding for the guests. Ding Ang helped Xinyi with her gear, and their relationship grew closer.
Xinyi, despite being scared, initially refused to admit it. When they were in the air, Xinyi screamed in fear, and Ding Ang responded by kissing her, a moment that visibly advanced their relationship. Elsewhere, Jin Ran visited the local guesthouse owner, bringing fine tea. The owner remained firm in his refusal for early check-in. Noticing a chessboard, Jin Ran challenged the owner to a game.
As they played, they discussed life philosophies, and Jin Ran's "adventurous" playing style led him to a victory, winning over the owner's appreciation. Ji Aoting had instructed Mr. Chen, the Wanyue Hotel manager, to ensure his guests were well-treated. However, his team's guests were far from satisfied and demanded refunds. Linda struggled to calm them, and Mrs. Zhang pointedly contrasted Linda's handling of the situation with Yuan Lai's attentive service.
Stung by the comparison, Linda impulsively agreed to Mrs. Zhang's request to go diving. Later, Yuan Lai called Ji Aoting directly to confront him about booking all the five-star hotels on the island. Ji Aoting openly admitted it was a strategic move, claiming he merely helped friends from large travel agencies book team rooms, effectively killing two birds with one stone in the competition. Yuan Lai expressed her profound disappointment.
Just then, Jin Ran called Yuan Lai with good news: he had successfully secured accommodation for their guests, and everyone was overjoyed. The guesthouse owner later revealed to Jin Ran that he had discerned Jin Ran's true purpose from his aggressive chess moves and was impressed by his subsequent candor. While everyone relaxed, Zhao Chengzhi jokingly suggested Ding Ang and Xinyi share a room, which Xinyi vehemently rejected.
Chengzhi continued to tease, warning Ding Ang about Xinyi's temper and offering to introduce him to other women. Yuan Lai playfully turned the tables, prompting Xinyi to consider Chengzhi's proposal, and Xinyi joked about pitying Zhao Chengzhi instead. Tragically, Mrs. Zhang suffered a heart attack during her dive. A furious Ji Aoting immediately fired Linda. Yuan Lai thanked Jin Ran for his efforts, and they discussed Ji Aoting's tactics.
Jin Ran questioned how Ji Aoting would cover the substantial hotel expenses incurred by monopolizing the island's accommodations. At that moment, Zhao Chengzhi arrived with urgent news: Feitu had terminated all tour guide contracts related to the Peixin Island routes. Yuan Lai was shocked and angered by this development. Jin Ran, however, had anticipated this move.
He instructed Zhao Chengzhi to notify all laid-off employees and tour guides to immediately come to Peixin Island, hinting that they would soon have a new purpose. Later that evening, at a bar, Zhao Chengzhi sat alone, drinking heavily, disheartened by the increasing intimacy between Jin Ran and Yuan Lai. He showed no interest even when Fei called, attempting to set him up with Yuan Lai. Meanwhile, Ding Ang sweetly pressed Xinyi to acknowledge him as her boyfriend.
They finally cleared up a long-standing misunderstanding: Xinyi confessed she had attended Ding Ang's 20th birthday but had left prematurely, feeling humiliated by the condescending attitude of his wealthy friends. Ding Ang vowed to protect her, ensuring no one would ever look down on her again. Xinyi, in turn, explained that her relentless efforts over the years were her way of feeling worthy of his affection. The five friends then played Truth or Dare.
When it was Ding Ang's turn, he chose "truth" and openly admitted he had liked Xinyi since their university days, prompting good-natured teasing from the others. Next, the bottle pointed to Jin Ran. He designated Yuan Lai to ask him a question, but she declined. Xinyi then seized the opportunity to directly question Jin Ran about his relationship with an older woman five years ago while he was abroad.
Yuan Lai revealed that she had visited him in Japan and had seen him with this woman, making her believe he had lied to her. Jin Ran, however, asserted his conscience was clear. He explained that the woman was Alex's mother and a significant talent scout who had helped him greatly during a difficult period. He had only concealed his struggles from Yuan Lai to prevent her from worrying.
Jin Ran then reiterated his desire to start anew with Yuan Lai, stating that she was the reason for his return. The others discreetly left them alone, but despite Jin Ran's heartfelt plea, Yuan Lai once again rejected him.
Episode 12 Recap
Upon their return to Shanghai from the Peixin Island project, a playful argument erupted between Zhao Chengzhi and Jin Ran at the airport over who would drive Yuan Lai home. Ding Ang cleverly intervened, suggesting Chengzhi drive him and Xinyi instead. Seizing the opportunity, Jin Ran distracted Chengzhi by calling out to Shuangshuang, snatched his car keys, and tossed them to Ding Ang.
As a frustrated Chengzhi gave chase, Jin Ran took Yuan Lai home, where he thoughtfully offered her comfortable slippers. At her doorstep, he suggested they have breakfast together the next morning and then go to the office, to which Yuan Lai agreed. As she exited the car, her keys fell, and Jin Ran picked them up, holding them close to her, creating a moment of intimate tension that left Yuan Lai shy.
He admitted he was rusty with such romantic gestures but promised to get better, suggesting she drink warm milk before bed for a good night's sleep. Later that night, a visibly upset Zhao Chengzhi was passionately playing basketball when he summoned Jin Ran. Their conversation escalated into an argument, with Chengzhi accusing Jin Ran of abandoning Yuan Lai five years prior, leaving her to face difficult times alone.
Jin Ran firmly stated that he could compromise on anything but Yuan Lai. With a wry smile, Chengzhi conceded the competition for Yuan Lai, imploring Jin Ran to cherish her and reminding him that a woman’s heart should only be broken once. At the company, Jin Ran’s immersive experience team was awarded the final decision-making power for the Peixin Island project, having demonstrated a clear advantage.
Jin Ran publicly praised Yuan Lai for her substantial help and unwavering trust in developing the new route. He also pointedly thanked Ji Aoting, his rival, for his "monopolistic strategy" which had provided inspiration. Ji Aoting modestly dismissed the idea of winners or losers, claiming all efforts were for the company's benefit.
Vincent, the company head, echoed this, noting that while Jin Ran achieved a win in data, Ji Aoting had secured significant profit margins, making it a win-win for Feitu. Afterward, Ji Aoting attempted to secure a deeper partnership with Lucas from Senlv, a long-time collaborator, regarding the Peixin Island project.
However, Vincent revealed Feitu's new strategic direction: investing in film co-production to explore new market frontiers, and explicitly stated his intent to prevent any single partner from monopolizing Feitu's core businesses. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi sought solace in alcohol by the river. Shen Shuangshuang found him there, only to be met with an angry outburst from Chengzhi, who accused her of lacking self-respect.
Hurt, Shuangshuang revealed she had already prepared his birthday gift and then feigned loud crying to draw attention from passersby. Embarrassed, Chengzhi reluctantly comforted her and agreed to celebrate his birthday with her, sealing the promise with a pinky swear. Back at Feitu, Lucas from Senlv stormed in, furious about a contract breach. A bewildered Yuan Lai tried to understand the situation, but Ji Aoting quickly intervened, pulling Lucas aside, all under Jin Ran's watchful eye.
Jin Ran later invited Yuan Lai to lunch, an interaction noticed by Ji Aoting and Lisa. Ji Aoting then instructed Yuan Lai to transfer her current tasks to Lisa, dismissing Yuan Lai's questions by stating she had a more critical assignment. Left with limited time, Yuan Lai resorted to eating instant noodles at her desk, enduring snide remarks from Lisa and other colleagues about her apparent closeness with Mr. Jin.
Jin Ran, seeing her, immediately insisted she join him for a "working lunch." He led her to a rooftop with a unique view of the Oriental Pearl Tower, illustrating how perspective can change one's understanding, much like the company's new film co-production strategy. He elaborated on this innovative approach, acknowledging its complexity but emphasizing Feitu's commitment to growth over stagnation. Yuan Lai expressed concern that Ji Aoting might alienate long-standing clients like Lucas.
Jin Ran reassured her that Ji Aoting would find a solution. Realizing Jin Ran's lunch invitation was more than just for scenery, Yuan Lai, before leaving, expressed her frustration that she now had to learn golf because Jin Ran's sudden shift in company strategy had angered Lucas, leaving her to mitigate the fallout. Subsequently, Ji Aoting brought Yuan Lai to a golf course to meet Lucas.
Lucas maintained a cold demeanor, rejecting Yuan Lai's attempts to appease him with a customized golf club and opera tickets, stating he was preparing for legal action against Feitu. Despite her lack of golf experience, Yuan Lai boldly challenged Lucas to a game. She proposed that if she could defeat him after just one week of practice, he should grant Feitu an opportunity to make amends.
Confident in his superior golf skills and amused by her audacity, Lucas readily accepted the challenge. Concurrently, Xu Xinyi was managing the advertisement for the Peixin Island route, starring the celebrity Xu Bingbing. Bingbing’s diva-like behavior caused significant production delays. After diplomatic efforts failed, Xinyi confronted Bingbing directly. She cleverly led Bingbing to believe that she might lose the endorsement to the popular actress Chu Wei, effectively manipulating Bingbing into cooperating.
Ding Ang, who arrived to visit the set, witnessed Xinyi's ingenious handling of the situation and lauded her intelligence. He then tenderly wrapped his coat around her, and the two shared a sweet, intimate moment. For Zhao Chengzhi’s birthday, Shuangshuang surprised him with a party at Gu Yang’s coffee shop. Chengzhi was deeply touched to find all his friends gathered for the celebration. After making a wish and blowing out the candles, they took a group photo.
In an unexpected turn, Gu Yang announced his decision to close the coffee shop, explaining he needed to find his long-lost love. He shared his story: years ago, he and his girlfriend, Bai Zan, broke up impulsively after a fight. They corresponded through letters for a few years until the communication abruptly ceased. Having drifted for too long, he was now determined to find her. Before embarking on his journey, Gu Yang entrusted Jin Ran with their cherished letters.
Moved by his story, the friends decided to secretly help him locate Bai Zan, planning to surprise him with her whereabouts. They resolved to use the postmarks on the letters as their initial clues. Later, Jin Ran found Yuan Lai diligently practicing golf alone. He expressed surprise at her dedication, suggesting the challenge seemed futile. Yuan Lai explained that having made the promise, she was committed to seeing it through.
Jin Ran offered to coach her, confidently stating that Lucas had underestimated her athletic background. Yuan Lai then mentioned that Chengzhi and Shuangshuang had already left to search for Bai Zan. Jin Ran cautioned them to be safe. He also shared his deduction: based on Ding Ang's provided location and the geographical features in the photos, Bai Zan was likely residing in a small village in Zhejiang called Setting Sun Manor.
Chengzhi confirmed this via message, stating he and Shuangshuang were indeed heading there to scout the location, as he had visited the area three years prior. Jin Ran reiterated his concern for their safety.
Episode 13 Recap
Zhao Chengzhi and Shen Shuangshuang drove to Zhejiang, embarking on a quest to find Bai Zan. Along the way, Shen Shuangshuang tried to tie a red string on Zhao Chengzhi's wrist for good luck. She explained that she had consulted Tarot cards the night before, and the reading, featuring three reversed cards, indicated potential troubles for their trip, calling it an "adverse card reading."
To counteract this, she acquired two red bracelets from Jing'an Temple, believing they would ward off bad luck. Zhao Chengzhi, however, found her blend of Eastern and Western superstitions illogical and dismissed it. Shen Shuangshuang also expressed excitement for what she called their "first trip" together, but Zhao Chengzhi corrected her, emphasizing that their mission was to help Gu Yang's wishes come true. Their journey was soon halted when a landslide blocked the road, forcing them to continue on foot.
As they navigated a difficult, narrow path, Shen Shuangshuang complained about the rough terrain and insisted on holding Zhao Chengzhi's arm. Their phone's GPS also failed, and Zhao Chengzhi informed Jin Ran of their predicament. Resourcefully, Shen Shuangshuang revealed she had brought several of Gu Yang's old letters, which contained intermittent descriptions of the local landscape, providing valuable clues for their search. Meanwhile, Yuan Lai, Jin Ran, Ji Aoting, and Lucas from Senlv were playing golf.
Yuan Lai's shot was poor, which Lucas found disappointing, stating her play was "boring." Yuan Lai apologized for her lack of skill, acknowledging she needed more practice. She used this moment to express her desire to rekindle their partnership. She proposed a challenge: if she could beat Lucas in a golf game in one week, he should give their company another opportunity. Lucas agreed, also showing appreciation for her spirit.
Yuan Lai then suggested a compensation plan involving e-commerce coupons for their travel packages, which Lucas found to be a "targeted approach" and agreed to consider. Zhao Chengzhi and Shen Shuangshuang continued towards a tea garden, guided by the letters. Shen Shuangshuang boasted about her high intelligence and beauty, attributing her cleverness to being Zhao Chengzhi's apprentice, though he dismissed it as "petty tricks." In her enthusiasm, she slipped down a small incline. Zhao Chengzhi instinctively grabbed her hand.
Believing she was in grave danger, Shen Shuangshuang tearfully urged him to live a happy life and find a loving partner, professing her own deep affection for him. Zhao Chengzhi, realizing the slope was tiny and harmless, released her hand and walked on, leaving her to sheepishly follow. Upon reaching the tea garden, they asked the owner about Bai Zan, who confirmed she was a local elementary school teacher.
As they continued, Zhao Chengzhi found a spot with a phone signal and called Ding Ang to update him on Bai Zan's location. During the call, a poisonous spider fell and bit Zhao Chengzhi's hand, causing him to lose consciousness. The phone signal then cut out. A frantic Shen Shuangshuang was in despair. Ding Ang called back, and Shen Shuangshuang, crying, informed him of the spider bite.
Ding Ang calmly instructed her to untie her shoelace and bind it tightly around the distal end of the wound—the side away from the heart—to slow the spread of the venom. He also told her to carry Zhao Chengzhi out of the mountain towards a highway, where he had already dispatched an ambulance. Despite being lost and struggling to use her phone's compass for direction, Shen Shuangshuang resolutely carried Zhao Chengzhi.
She stumbled and fell, feeling exhausted and desperate, but recalling their past interactions, she found renewed strength to push on. Finally, she managed to get Zhao Chengzhi to the roadside, where the ambulance was waiting. He was immediately rushed to the hospital. At the hospital, Shen Shuangshuang anxiously watched over Zhao Chengzhi in the emergency room. The doctor emerged to inform her that the hospital had run out of the necessary anti-venom serum.
They had requested it from the city hospital, but the transport time was uncertain, and she should be prepared for the worst. Ding Ang and Xinyi soon arrived. Xinyi quickly thought of Yuan Lai, whose parents were doctors and might be able to help. Yuan Lai was contacted and, with Jin Ran's help, swiftly arranged for the serum to be transported to the hospital. It arrived just in time, saving Zhao Chengzhi's life.
After regaining consciousness, Zhao Chengzhi confirmed that Bai Zan was at the mountain school. Shen Shuangshuang stayed to care for him, while Jin Ran, Yuan Lai, Ding Ang, and Xinyi set out to find her. They soon got lost in the forest. A young boy appeared and offered to guide them. He led them to his home, where his older sister greeted them.
Jin Ran explained they were looking for Bai Zan, a volunteer teacher from Shanghai who had taught in the area for about five years. The sister then led them to a large tree adorned with many paper cranes. She sadly revealed that Miss Bai had died three years prior in a mudslide while heroically saving her students.
She had repeatedly rushed into the collapsing school building to rescue children, but during her last attempt to save a child named Doudou, she herself was engulfed by the mudslide. Inspired by Miss Bai's selfless spirit, the sister returned to teach at the same school.
She then presented Jin Ran with an unsent letter from Bai Zan addressed to Gu Yang, emphasizing its importance and asking them to deliver it if they knew him, as only truly significant connections were maintained through letters in their time. The four friends drove back to Shanghai in silence, the car pelted by heavy rain, a somber reflection of the tragic news. Ding Ang subtly reached out and held Xinyi's hand.
Back in Zhao Chengzhi's hospital room, Shen Shuangshuang, upon hearing about Bai Zan, wept into Zhao Chengzhi's chest, questioning why lovers like Gu Yang and Bai Zan couldn't ultimately be together. Just then, Yuan Lai's mother visited Zhao Chengzhi and saw Shen Shuangshuang embracing him. She quickly called Yuan Lai, advising her to "hold onto this good boy, Chengzhi." Jin Ran and Yuan Lai delivered Bai Zan's letter to Gu Yang at his coffee shop.
Gu Yang opened and read it, his eyes filling with tears. In the letter, Bai Zan wrote of her recent well-being, still dedicated to the children. She revealed she had visited his coffee shop some time ago, sitting by the window all day, hoping to see him, but he never appeared. She noted how the café's decor—the curtains, tablecloths, and a potted daisy—matched the dream home she had once described to him.
She felt a strange mix of familiarity and unfamiliarity, imagining herself in the little home they never built. She mused on their "thin fate"—falling in love when too young to cherish it, separating when lost, and missing each other when bound by life's circumstances. She marked their ten-year anniversary and recalled their agreement to meet again in ten years if fate allowed, asking him to smile if she cried upon their reunion, just as he did when they first met.
Gu Yang was left weeping alone at his table, contemplating their bittersweet connection. Afterward, Jin Ran drove Yuan Lai home. At her doorstep, Yuan Lai embraced Jin Ran, reflecting on Gu Yang and Bai Zan's profound regret. She vowed to hold onto Jin Ran tightly, promising not to let any regrets linger between them, signifying their reconciliation. Similarly, Ding Ang dropped Xinyi off at her place, and she held onto him tightly at the door for a long moment.
The next morning, Ding Ang woke to find a note from Xinyi. In it, she agreed to officially be his girlfriend but laid out four strict rules for him to follow during their relationship: no video games after 1 AM, no referring to her as his "fiancée" in front of his parents, no hosting Zhao Chengzhi at her apartment for any reason, and no consuming "junk drinks" other than natural mineral water. Overjoyed, Ding Ang found Xinyi, scooped her up, and spun her around in a celebratory embrace.
Episode 14 Recap
Ding Ang, thrilled to finally be with Xinyi, eagerly declared that they were getting married and wanted to head straight to the Civil Affairs Bureau, even though it wasn't open yet. Xinyi playfully called him a "clingy little puppy" and teased him about finding someone better, but Ding Ang insisted he would handle all household chores or hire a housekeeper, emphasizing their shared future.
Later, the group visited Zhao Chengzhi in the hospital, where he was exuberantly recounting how he single-handedly defeated a poisonous spider, even claiming to have kicked it 100 meters away. Yuan Lai pointed out he had already told the exaggerated story ten times, implying he was probably just scared. Shen Shuangshuang, however, was completely captivated, praising his bravery and recalling his comforting words to her.
Xinyi, amused, playfully teased him, highlighting the spider's high scientific value and sarcastically calling him "brave" for killing it. Moved by their support, Gu Yang announced his decision not to close the café. He expressed his gratitude for his friends and declared the café now belonged to all of them.
He also pledged to donate a portion of the café’s revenue to poverty-stricken mountain areas, believing this would honor Bai Zan’s memory and fulfill her unexpressed wish for a better life for others. Xinyi prepared for a work meeting with the Guoben brand and a project for Xu Bingbing.
Ding Ang affectionately insisted she take his car, jokingly claiming it was "payback" for all the meals he had bought his friends in college, to which Xinyi sweetly responded, "I’m all yours." As Jin Ran and Yuan Lai approached, they playfully noted Xinyi's unusual shyness, with Jin Ran observing that Ding Ang was still wearing the same clothes as the day before, subtly hinting that he had stayed over.
Ding Ang then provocatively whispered to Jin Ran, "At least I made it. Loser," before he and Xinyi departed. Yuan Lai asked Jin Ran what Ding Ang had said. Jin Ran revealed Ding Ang had called him a "loser," admitting he envied Ding Ang's unrestrained love for Xinyi.
He then tenderly confessed to Yuan Lai that his personal definition of success had changed since reconnecting with her; now, his primary goal was to provide her with a "better and more stable future." During a video conference, Non-Tu’s general manager, Mr. Wen, and Jin Ran discussed expanding into the film and TV co-production business, noting it as a promising new market, with Mr. Ji outwardly supporting the decision.
Jin Ran was appointed to lead this initiative, and he immediately requested that Yuan Lai from Product Group One be assigned to his team, citing her familiarity with the Peixin Island project. Mr. Ji readily agreed. Later, Mr. Ji privately offered Yuan Lai Lapsang Souchong tea, subtly questioning her recent preference for coffee with milk, despite her previous dislike for it.
He remarked that adding milk, while making coffee taste better, "lost its original flavors," and suggested she "try some tea" instead, implying she should reconsider her choices and alliances. Yuan Lai understood his veiled warning. Meanwhile, office tensions flared as Lisa openly complained that Yuan Lai received all the desirable projects, even questioning if the company belonged to her. Fei quickly came to Yuan Lai's defense, highlighting her hard work and effectiveness.
Yuan Lai overheard the exchange, and Jin Ran intervened, telling everyone to stop gossiping and "put their minds on work." Jin Ran then suggested to Yuan Lai that they depart for Peixin Island immediately to handle the new film co-production business, including hotel and outdoor location scouting. Separately, Mr. Ji reprimanded Lisa, the leader of Group Two, for her team's stagnant performance, emphasizing that opportunities must be "fought for" and criticizing her lack of initiative.
Jin Ran and Yuan Lai arrived on Peixin Island to meet Li Jing, a renowned Hollywood producer from SN Production. Yuan Lai, recognizing Li Jing’s demanding and perfectionist nature, had meticulously prepared, even successfully securing the partnership by promising Li Jing a humble "Zhou Zhengzheng wonton" meal rather than a grand banquet, understanding Li Jing would be tired of lavish dining. At the airport, Li Jing maintained a distant demeanor, requesting a translator despite speaking Chinese.
Yuan Lai anticipated this and arranged a separate, comfortable car for Li Jing, citing her need for rest and preference for personal space, which Li Jing appreciated. Driven by her focus on "time and efficiency," Li Jing immediately wanted to visit the filming locations without rest. Yuan Lai deliberately showed her two less-than-ideal spots first. Li Jing quickly dismissed "Sunset Coast," concerned about unpredictable weather conditions.
At "Lover's Cliff," a strong wind almost caused Li Jing to lose her footing, further irritating her. An assistant, Xiao Liu, then inappropriately mentioned a past suicide at the location, fueling Li Jing's anger about the site's suitability and the difficulty of transporting equipment on the rocky terrain. Jin Ran later understood that this was Yuan Lai's calculated "Tian Ji Horse Race" strategy – making Li Jing dissatisfied with the initial options to highlight the superiority of the best location.
Yuan Lai confirmed her intention, believing that "the unhappier she was in the morning, the greater chance she’ll be happy in the afternoon." Back at the hospital, Zhao Chengzhi found himself overwhelmed by numerous WeChat messages from Shen Shuangshuang. Yuan Lai’s mother arrived with chicken soup, worried about him being alone since Yuan Lai was busy and his father wasn't informed.
Zhao Chengzhi, attempting to clarify that his relationship with Yuan Lai was purely platonic, tried to sneak out when her mother stepped away. He unexpectedly encountered Shen Shuangshuang in the hallway, then bumped into Yuan Lai's mother, and in his haste to escape, fell down the stairs, re-injuring himself. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang overheard a conversation between two patients about a poisoned patient who died due to lack of care. Misinterpreting this, she became distraught, believing Zhao Chengzhi had passed away.
She sobbed at his bedside, lamenting their unfulfilled dreams, saying, "We didn’t get married yet. We didn’t have babies. We didn’t even establish a relationship and now it’s over." Just then, a nurse helped Zhao Chengzhi, now with crutches, back into the room, scolding him for having to stay hospitalized for another week. Seeing Shen Shuangshuang's profound grief, Zhao Chengzhi embraced her, reassuring her to "trust only my words" and "not believe the others’."
Yuan Lai's mother, having witnessed the emotional scene, immediately called Yuan Lai, urging her to "hang on to Chengzhi." Yuan Lai, however, reiterated to her mother that she and Zhao Chengzhi were merely good friends and that she was happy he had found a new partner. Jin Ran, who was nearby, subtly made his presence known, leading Yuan Lai’s mother to question if Yuan Lai was on a business trip alone with a man.
Later, Yuan Lai took Li Jing to a secluded, versatile location on Peixin Island, showcasing its natural beauty and potential for multiple scenes, which would save both time and expenses. Jin Ran further emphasized its exclusivity by mentioning he had turned down other interested production teams due to their prior agreement. Clearly impressed, Li Jing agreed to collaborate with Non-Tu.
Back at the company, Mr. Ji, having heard Lisa’s earlier complaints, presented her with the "contract about the liaison of a production team" for the Peixin Island project. He offered her the opportunity to participate alongside Yuan Lai’s team, reminding her that "opportunities are fought for." Lisa, overjoyed, eagerly accepted, promising to seize the chance. As filming commenced on Peixin Island, an unexpected power outage plunged the set into darkness. Xiao Liu, the translator, immediately blamed it on "bad Fengshui."
However, Jin Ran quickly deduced the issue, suggesting that "if the generator car is low on fuel it could lead to unsteady power flow" and instructed the crew to check it. Indeed, the generator was out of fuel, surprising the lighting engineer who claimed to have refueled it just the day before. Jin Ran suspected this was not a mere oversight but "might not be his fault," hinting at deliberate sabotage.
Meanwhile, Xinyi received commendation from her director for her excellent work on Xu Bingbing’s project, promising her future opportunities and asking about her personal life, which Xinyi brushed off, prioritizing her career. Later that evening, as Xinyi worked late on a crucial proposal at home, Ding Ang, a professional gamer, was loudly coaching his teammates, causing a major distraction. Despite Xinyi's pleas for quiet, his shouting continued. Frustrated, Xinyi eventually turned off his laptop, leading to a heated argument.
Ding Ang defended his volume, claiming it was necessary for his "work" as a team leader. Xinyi, stressed, expressed her need for "quiet time" and accused him of being "too casual about his life," even questioning the suitability of their relationship. Ding Ang, in turn, criticized her for being "too emotional lately" and insisted their shared home already was their private space.
The argument escalated into a dispute over household chores, with Xinyi accusing him of not contributing enough, and Ding Ang defensively listing minor tasks he had completed. Exasperated, Xinyi grabbed her laptop and left, declaring she had no time to argue as she couldn't afford to lose her important presentation the next day. Back at the hospital, Shen Shuangshuang continued to care for Zhao Chengzhi with meticulous, almost excessive, attention. She insisted on helping him with every small task, like changing his slippers, despite his protests that he could manage himself and didn't have "Parkinson's," making him visibly uncomfortable.
Episode 15 Recap
Upon Zhao Chengzhi's discharge from the hospital, Shen Shuangshuang meticulously helped him return home, assisting him with every step, changing his shoes, and guiding him to the sofa. Zhao Chengzhi found her excessive care stifling, joking that he wasn't suffering from Parkinson's or senile dementia. Soon, several delivery people arrived, bringing a large number of Shen Shuangshuang's belongings, including many dolls, which quickly filled the apartment.
Zhao Chengzhi questioned her presence, to which she replied she was there to provide care. One delivery person even commented on Zhao Chengzhi's unkindness to his girlfriend. Later, Shen Shuangshuang sent Zhao Chengzhi to watch cartoons while she cooked. In the bathroom, she had a brief internal struggle, determined to win him over that night, despite questioning if her efforts were in vain as he didn't seem to reciprocate her feelings. She decided to go for it.
At dinner, Zhao Chengzhi told her to eat and go home, but Shen Shuangshuang, now in seductive pajamas, declared they were celebrating his hospital discharge. She repeatedly pressured him into drinking wine, making toasts to his recovery, career, and their relationship, until he became completely drunk. The next morning, Zhao Chengzhi awoke to find himself naked in bed with Shen Shuangshuang, much to his shock.
During a walk, Zhao Chengzhi tried to delicately discuss their physical intimacy, suggesting that as adults, it was a natural occurrence. However, Shen Shuangshuang deliberately misinterpreted his words as a marriage proposal and joyfully accepted, excitedly detailing her visions for their future, leaving Zhao Chengzhi feeling helpless. He also noticed her recent cravings for sour foods and frequent dry heaving, leading him to suspect she might be pregnant.
Meanwhile, the filming crew on Peixin Island encountered problems when local fishermen stopped the shoot. Producer Li Jing was furious, accusing Feitu of unprofessionalism and demanding they resolve the issue immediately. Yuan Lai tried to negotiate with the fishermen, offering money, but after receiving a phone call, their leader hardened his stance, refusing payment and insisting they leave. Jin Ran instructed Yuan Lai to appease Li Jing while he stayed to prevent further disruptions.
Instead, Yuan Lai secretly followed the main fisherman and witnessed him meeting with Xiaoliu, the translator, capturing photos as evidence. Jin Ran soon found her, scolding her for taking such risks alone, revealing he had already suspected Xiaoliu's involvement. Armed with the proof, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai confronted Xiaoliu.
Xiaoliu initially claimed he was merely leveraging his local connections to assist the company, but Jin Ran pointed out his suspicious calm during the incident and reminded him of his involvement in a previous lighting malfunction. Xiaoliu eventually confessed that Lisa had instructed him to sabotage the project. Concurrently, Lisa arrived on Peixin Island, assigned by Mr. Ji to assist with the production. She attempted to introduce herself to Li Jing at the hotel but was coldly rebuffed.
Yuan Lai then confronted Lisa, who denied any wrongdoing and accused Yuan Lai of being an unsupportive friend who took all the good projects. Jin Ran stepped in and played a recording of Lisa instructing Xiaoliu to disrupt the filming. Lisa was left speechless. Jin Ran ordered her to leave Peixin Island immediately and warned that her employment would be reviewed by Human Resources upon his return. He then cautioned Yuan Lai that in business, only interests matter, not friendships.
Xinyi's presentation of her revised proposal to Mr. Zhao was a failure. He criticized her plan for targeting high-end consumers as impractical and a complete deviation from his company's strategy for smaller markets. Expressing profound disappointment, he decided to terminate their contract. Xinyi desperately pleaded for another chance, offering to revise the proposal overnight.
Mr. Zhao dismissed her offer, stating that such extensive revisions, including market and data analysis, would take far longer than a single night, and even implied her previous success was due to social manipulation rather than merit. As Mr. Zhao prepared to leave, Xinyi clutched his arm, begging him not to cancel. Ding Ang, witnessing the scene, impulsively pushed Mr. Zhao away in anger.
This act further enraged Mr. Zhao, who harshly criticized Xinyi's poor judgment in men and definitively ended their cooperation before departing. Mortified, Xinyi lashed out at Ding Ang for his interference. Ding Ang, heartbroken by her humiliation, suggested she quit her "humble job" and become a full-time housewife, offering to provide her with a luxurious life. Xinyi was furious, explaining that her work was her life's ambition and he completely failed to understand her.
She stressed that her goal was to achieve her ideals and earn respect, a value forged from a painful memory. She recalled how, after her parents' deaths, she visited her aunt in Shanghai, only to be offered charity money and subtle dismissals of her self-reliance. Xinyi, feeling her aunt looked down on her, refused the money and vowed to succeed independently to gain others' respect. Overwhelmed, Xinyi asked Ding Ang for space to cool down.
Distraught, Ding Ang sought advice from Zhao Chengzhi at a bar. Zhao Chengzhi, acting as a longtime friend, bluntly called Ding Ang a "tyrant" and an "idiot." He explained that Xinyi, like Jin Ran, was one of their most diligent friends, valuing her self-worth and dignity above all. By dismissing her work, Ding Ang invalidated her value and imposed his own views, leading to their mutual unhappiness. This made Ding Ang realize his mistake.
With newfound understanding, Ding Ang went to find Mr. Zhao after his business dinner. Mr. Zhao was initially hostile, reminding Ding Ang of his earlier arrogant behavior and refusing to waste his time. Ding Ang sincerely apologized for his impulsiveness and earnestly pleaded with Mr. Zhao to reconsider Xinyi's project, highlighting her tireless dedication and urging him not to let personal matters cloud his judgment of her professional capabilities. Mr. Zhao remained critical, even questioning Xinyi's choice in a partner.
Ding Ang insisted that professional work and personal life were separate. As Mr. Zhao was about to enter his car, Ding Ang performed a deep, 90-degree bow, humbling himself publicly. Passersby recognized Ding Ang as an e-sports champion, commenting on his public display. Later, Mr. Zhao reflected on Ding Ang's sincerity and sense of responsibility. He called Xinyi, agreeing to continue their collaboration and extending her deadline for the revised proposal to the following month.
He also subtly complimented Ding Ang, stating that Xinyi "didn't choose the wrong person." Xinyi soon noticed Ding Ang secretly following her. After initially feigning indifference, she called him out. Ding Ang offered a heartfelt apology, promising to respect her work, her life choices, and her dreams, even playfully suggesting they add a clause to their future agreement about it. Xinyi, touched but still teasing him about his "naivety," forgave him. Soon after, Xinyi began experiencing nausea.
She secretly bought a pregnancy test, sending Ding Ang out to buy candles for their dinner to keep him from discovering it. The test confirmed her pregnancy. That evening, Ding Ang prepared a romantic candlelight dinner, complete with steaks and ice cream, but Xinyi found she had no appetite. Unaware of the true reason for her discomfort, Ding Ang, despite his usual attentiveness and knowledge of her menstrual cycle, failed to notice anything amiss.
Episode 16 Recap
At the gym, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai discussed how to handle Lisa after her recent misconduct. Yuan Lai felt that Lisa's actions were egregious but decided it was best to let her return to work, considering it a warning. She prioritized the company's reputation and its cooperation with producer Li Jing, a decision Jin Ran applauded, remarking on Yuan Lai's growing maturity and patience. Shortly after, Jin Ran received a call from a headhunter at 51job.
com, inquiring about his interest in job-hopping, which he declined but subtly saved the contact information. He then warned Yuan Lai that in the business world, there are no permanent friends, only permanent interests, and suggested that Lisa was likely acting under someone else's orders. When Yuan Lai mentioned Ji Aoting as the possible instigator, she dismissed the idea, asserting her long-standing trust in him as a fair competitor.
Jin Ran countered that "there can never be too much deception in business," a sentiment he had witnessed many times. When Yuan Lai questioned if he had ever used such methods, Jin Ran fell silent, recalling a somber memory from Japan where he saw a little girl crying over her father on a stretcher, while Gu Sa remained impassive nearby.
Later at the hotel, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai observed a visibly pregnant woman and her husband trying to get a room, but the hotel was entirely booked by Feitu for the film crew to ensure project confidentiality. Yuan Lai, sympathetic to the woman, offered her own room, despite Jin Ran’s immediate suspicion of the couple. Still wary of his suspicion, Yuan Lai brought the couple some food herself to discreetly check on the situation.
She confirmed that the woman was indeed pregnant, with a due date next month, easing her concerns. Meanwhile, during a script discussion, Xu Bingbing and Deng Wei, a key actor, were seen being overly intimate. Jin Ran noticed someone lurking near the "pregnant" couple's room. With her room given away, Yuan Lai was left to share a room with Jin Ran.
He playfully warned her that he "can’t promise to be a gentleman" and later teased her about her "filthy thoughts" when she objected to him sitting too close. He then advised her to relax and "enjoy life," asserting that work should enhance life, or she would "grow old soon." Yuan Lai retorted that he was older, but he jokingly called her his "sunshine, like an 18-year-old girl," to which she responded that "sweet-tongued men are dangerous and unreliable."
That night, Ding Ang showed Xinyi news about octuplets, leading to a conversation about having children. While Ding Ang expressed his love for kids, he felt they should enjoy their time as a newly married couple for now. Xinyi, secretly aware of her condition, simply said she was tired and went to bed. Later, a deeply troubled Zhao Chengzhi met Ding Ang for a game of pool and confessed his fear that Shuangshuang was pregnant.
Ding Ang initially suggested the "simple solution," but Chengzhi couldn't bear the thought of losing the child, despite claiming not to love Shuangshuang. Ding Ang astutely pointed out that Chengzhi’s hesitation revealed his true feelings: if he didn't care for Shuangshuang, he would have insisted on terminating the pregnancy. He advised Chengzhi to listen to his heart, not his head.
The following morning, after Jin Ran teasingly called the sleeping Yuan Lai a "lazy bug" with an "ugly" sleeping posture, prompting a playful scuffle, Li Jing called in a fury. Photos of Deng Wei and Xu Bingbing had been leaked online and were trending. Li Jing vehemently blamed Feitu for breaching confidentiality by allowing "strangers" into the hotel without permission.
She suspected Feitu of colluding with journalists and threatened to terminate the contract, demanding that the situation be rectified immediately to keep filming on schedule. Yuan Lai found the photo location suspiciously familiar, and Jin Ran quickly realized the pictures were taken in the hotel corridor. They rushed to the "pregnant" couple’s room, confronting them and discovering they were indeed paparazzi.
Yuan Lai apologized for her oversight, while Jin Ran instructed his team to immediately inform the production crew to verify their staff and prevent any further infiltration. Concurrently, Xiaoli reported to Ji Aoting that Feitu’s public relations department was overwhelmed with media inquiries regarding the scandal, which had become the top trending topic on Weibo. She informed him that Li Jing's production company had already issued a public letter accusing Feitu of breaching their contract.
Ji Aoting acknowledged Xiaoli's efforts but dodged responsibility, stating he was not the project leader. Xiaoli then indicated she would report the matter to Mr. Wen. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang arrived at Zhao Chengzhi’s apartment with numerous items, including various pajamas, clearly intending to stay. Chengzhi had already noticed her recent craving for sour foods and occasional retching. As he hesitantly tried to ask if she was pregnant, Shuangshuang suddenly clutched her stomach in severe pain.
Alarmed, Chengzhi rushed her to the gynecology and obstetrics hospital, promising her and the "baby" that everything would be alright. Around the same time, Xinyi was at Meihua Hospital for a gynecology appointment. Her director at Seville lauded her five years of work and offered her a critical leadership position for the South China region. The director explained that this demanding role, which required extensive travel, was typically not given to women who were planning marriage or pregnancy.
Xinyi understood the implicit message that she could not become pregnant in this role and was visibly conflicted. While Shuangshuang was being prepped for an examination, expressing fear of dying, Xinyi had inadvertently left her phone at home. Ding Ang discovered it and saw a message regarding her gynecology appointment, realizing she hadn't gone to work as she'd claimed.
Simultaneously, Zhao Chengzhi spotted Xinyi entering the gynecology department and immediately called Ding Ang, urging him to be truthful about Xinyi's situation. Ding Ang rushed to the hospital, becoming agitated when a nurse prevented him from entering Xinyi's examination room. When Xinyi finally emerged, Ding Ang tearfully embraced her, apologizing for allowing her to face this alone.
He then declared his unconditional support for any decision she made, even if she chose to be childfree, emphasizing that "it’s enough to have you." He placed his necklace around her neck, knelt, and re-proposed, promising her the wedding he felt he owed her. At that moment, a nurse handed Xinyi her B-ultrasound report, confirming the baby's healthy heart rate of 153 bpm. Xinyi clarified that she had simply scheduled an antenatal check-up.
Overwhelmed with joy, Ding Ang lifted her in celebration, exclaiming, "I’m going to be a father!" Back with Shuangshuang, the doctor informed Chengzhi that she was suffering from acute gastroenteritis, not pregnancy. Chengzhi, visibly relieved, clarified his initial misunderstanding. He then told a recovering Shuangshuang that she was being overly dramatic, instructing her to finish her IV drip, take a taxi home, and return to work at the law firm the next day.
He also told her to "take care of yourself" before leaving her upset. Later, the three friends discussed the day's events. Ding Ang learned that Shuangshuang's "pregnancy" scare was merely acute gastroenteritis. Zhao Chengzhi, despite pretending indifference, admitted he was puzzled as to why Shuangshuang had lied. Ding Ang playfully teased Chengzhi, pointing out that his genuine concern, despite his claims of not liking Shuangshuang, clearly showed his true feelings for her.
Episode 17 Recap
Zhao Chengzhi leaves the hospital, his mind reeling as he remembers his interactions with Shen Shuangshuang, feeling a mix of emotions about their relationship. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang, left alone and weak at the hospital, is deeply hurt and angry at his callousness. Vincent calls Ji Aoting to his office, informing him that Li Jing from SN is suing Feitu due to a recent scandal.
Ji Aoting acknowledges the issue, highlighting that their public relations department is overwhelmed with calls from the press. He expresses concern about reporting to the board regarding the third quarter's performance, as SN's intention to terminate the contract, withhold final payments, and demand compensation will significantly impact their financial results. He notes that Jin Ran is usually cautious and wonders how such an oversight occurred.
Vincent then asks Ji Aoting to schedule a meeting with Li Jing's lawyer for a possible reconciliation and instructs him to call Jin Ran back to the company as soon as possible. During a subsequent meeting with Jin Ran, Yuan Lai, and Ji Aoting, Vincent confronts them, stating Li Jing’s lawyer claims Feitu representatives colluded with journalists by providing access to a room for celebrity scandal photos. He expresses disbelief and demands an explanation.
Yuan Lai clarifies that it was a misunderstanding, as they were unaware the journalists were a disguised couple and would not have given them access if they had known. Ji Aoting implies Jin Ran's recent carelessness. Yuan Lai admits her oversight and takes full responsibility. Vincent interjects, emphasizing that the priority is to solve the problem, not assign blame.
He identifies two immediate challenges: minimizing the scandal's impact and reaching an out-of-court settlement with Li Jing, and ensuring the third quarter's financial report passes auditing. Jin Ran admits he has no immediate solution but confidently requests a week to provide a satisfactory answer, which Vincent grants. After the meeting, Vincent detains Jin Ran, revealing an even more critical issue: Hela, a third-party investor, is withdrawing its investment due to the negative market reaction to the SN scandal.
Vincent explains that Hela's initial investment was based on Feitu's promise to focus on co-shooting projects, which would benefit Hela’s own production and talent agencies. Hela's abrupt withdrawal, combined with SN’s compensation demands, would severely cripple Feitu’s working capital, putting the company in a dire position. Vincent, trusting Jin Ran implicitly, urges him to resolve this crisis, stressing his desire to protect the company he built.
Jin Ran apologizes for his oversight and promises to prevent Feitu from facing a capital chain break, asking for Vincent's absolute trust in return. An assistant informs Jin Ran that Yuan Lai left the meeting room looking distressed. Jin Ran immediately goes to find her, locating her by the riverside. Yuan Lai is visibly upset, replaying painful memories of Li Jing's accusations, the pregnant couple’s desperate pleas, and Vincent's disappointment.
Jin Ran attempts to comfort her, teasing her slightly to lift her spirits, then reassures her that he knows she tried her best. Yuan Lai apologizes for causing trouble, to which Jin Ran tells her not to be sorry. She then asks if she can always trust him, and he promises he will never lie to her. Moved by his words, Yuan Lai kisses him.
Later, as Jin Ran gives her a piggyback ride, Yuan Lai proposes a plan to offset the company’s financial losses by securing a major travel contract with Senlv Company, an idea Jin Ran warmly supports. Ding Ang continues to shower the pregnant Xinyi with affection, preparing an elaborate breakfast featuring French, Chinese, and Western dishes, which delights Xinyi. He emphasizes the importance of breakfast for her and the baby's health.
Xinyi's relaxed morning is interrupted by a call from Man, her colleague, who informs her that Carnot wants to replace Xu Bingbing as their spokesperson due to a scandal, requiring the immediate removal of all her advertisements. Xinyi needs to rush to the office to handle the crisis, meaning she will miss her scheduled pregnancy check-up.
Ding Ang expresses his understanding but insists she drink her milk and cautions her against wearing high heels, reminding her she can wear them on their wedding day. At her company, Xinyi learns the depth of the crisis: the director is furious, explaining that Xu Bingbing was chosen to attract male "otaku" for their fantasy game, but her relationship with Deng Wei has alienated this target audience, negating her value as a spokesperson.
The director instructs the team to prepare for contract termination with Xu Bingbing and seek new endorsers. Xu Bingbing's agent, in turn, urges Xu Bingbing to find a solution, but Xu Bingbing is hesitant to seek help from Xinyi due to their past conflicts. Despite this, Xinyi, valuing professional integrity over personal grievances, goes to Carnot to meet Selina.
She argues that Xu Bingbing, despite her temper, is an impeccable spokesperson with wide audience appeal, and her upcoming movies will further boost her popularity. Selina admits the scandal is problematic and the extensive advertising withdrawal would be financially damaging to Carnot. Xinyi assures Selina that the scandal's impact might be manageable and asks for one day to prepare a solution, which Selina grants.
Jin Ran receives a call from Chen Youzhi, who implies he has found a new investor interested in the domestic tourism market, seeing Feitu's investor withdrawal as an opportunity. Jin Ran is interrupted by another call before he can get more details. Vincent convenes a meeting, announcing that Yuan Lai has a solution for the third quarter's financial problems. Jin Ran feigns ignorance. Ji Aoting, noting Yuan Lai's confident entrance, remarks that she's increasingly adopting Jin Ran's style.
Given only five minutes, Yuan Lai surprises everyone by introducing Mr. Lu, CEO of Senlv company. Mr. Lu praises Yuan Lai's interesting proposal and expresses his desire for Feitu to manage Senlv's upcoming employee travel project for its 2,435 employees, with a generous budget of 15,000 yuan per person. He specifically requests Yuan Lai to be the project lead. Ji Aoting readily agrees to the terms and praises Yuan Lai’s initiative.
Jin Ran then makes a strategic request for Senlv to pay half the contract amount as an upfront deposit upon signing. Mr. Lu, though initially finding it a bit much, agrees to the prepayment if Feitu delivers a detailed plan within a week, acknowledging a mutual benefit from the collaboration.
It's later revealed that Jin Ran had already secured Mr. Lu's cooperation by offering to help Senlv become an aviation partner for Xiguo, a massive company Jin Ran previously assisted with capital operations. Vincent is delighted by the success and praises Yuan Lai's work, although he privately realizes that Mr. Lu's unusual generosity points to Jin Ran's hidden influence, acknowledging the significant contribution Jin Ran made in solving their financial woes.
Ji Aoting also expresses admiration for Yuan Lai but slyly probes about her "trick" in convincing Mr. Lu, to which Yuan Lai simply claims ignorance, attributing Mr. Lu's easy agreement to his good mood. Shen Shuangshuang transforms into a diligent worker, deliberately ignoring Zhao Chengzhi. She discards the yogurt he brought her and, when he questions her changed attitude, she quotes labor laws about her right to refuse unreasonable overtime, leaving him perplexed by her newfound assertiveness.
Yuan Lai, working with high efficiency, discusses securing volunteers for the travel project, much to her delight. When Ji Aoting attempts to help her with files, Jin Ran intervenes, pointedly telling Ji Aoting to focus on his own health and duties, implicitly asserting his own claim to work with Yuan Lai. Yuan Lai is confused by Jin Ran's open hostility towards Ji Aoting.
Meanwhile, the SN representative meets with Feitu, reiterating their firm stance against reconciliation and demanding a public apology from Feitu, threatening further legal action if they refuse. Jin Ran flatly rejects the demand for a public apology, asserting that Feitu will not back down before a thorough investigation is conducted, confident in the board's support. He promises to uncover the truth and prevent the scandal from escalating further. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai have dinner.
Jin Ran expresses his surprise that Yuan Lai is not upset by the public relations department's suggestion for her to apologize, noting her newfound resilience. Yuan Lai explains that she has embraced his philosophy that emotions don't solve problems and that staying healthy is crucial for facing challenges. She reveals her plan to meet Li Jing and suggests finding the journalist who leaked the story to have him clarify the truth to the public.
Yuan Lai expresses concern about locating the elusive freelance reporter, but Jin Ran confidently assures her he will handle it. He immediately calls his journalist friend, Zhang Wei, congratulating her on her "Top 10 Journalist of the Year" award and asking for a favor, emphasizing its urgency. Ding Ang and Xinyi snuggle on the sofa watching a tear-jerking movie. Xinyi teases him for making a pregnant woman watch such a sad film.
Ding Ang then shares his unique philosophy on love, suggesting that even tragic endings can be viewed as happy if they preserve the intensity of love before mundane life sets in. He questions if Rose and Jack from the movie would have truly found lasting happiness amidst everyday pressures, proposing that their tragic fate cemented their love as eternal. Xinyi, touched, asks if their love will last.
Ding Ang playfully replies, "No, sixty years at most," adding that after that, she can make another choice, solidifying their deep and affectionate bond. Jin Ran tells Yuan Lai to change clothes after work, hinting at an evening outing. A colleague teases Yuan Lai about a date at Betty’s Bar. Yuan Lai, dressing alluringly for what she assumes is a romantic evening, is playfully criticized by Jin Ran for her choice of attire.
He then reveals their actual mission: he’s learned the elusive gossip journalist, Panther, is a regular at Betty’s Bar, and they’re going to try to find him. Jin Ran describes Panther as a morally bankrupt freelancer who fabricates stories for money. At the bar, Zhao Chengzhi follows Shen Shuangshuang, who is drinking heavily. He attempts to get her to leave, but she angrily confronts him about abandoning her at the hospital.
In a drunken outburst, Shen Shuangshuang tearfully confesses that despite understanding his disinterest, she stubbornly and shamelessly loves him, and has sacrificed her dignity to please him, only to remain "nobody" in his eyes. She declares she’s done with him and bids him farewell. As Zhao Chengzhi tries to stop her from drinking more, they get into a physical struggle. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai, who have just arrived, spot them and go over to intervene.
While trying to calm Zhao Chengzhi and Shen Shuangshuang, Yuan Lai suddenly spots Lingling, Li Jing's assistant, at a nearby booth, seemingly engaged in a transaction with Panther, the very journalist they are searching for. Surprised by this revelation, Lingling notices Yuan Lai and, along with Panther, attempts to flee.
Episode 18 Recap
Jin Ran, Yuan Lai, Zhao Chengzhi, and Shen Shuangshuang cornered Panther, who was attempting to flee. Panther initially denied any wrongdoing and threatened to call the police. However, Shen Shuangshuang, introducing herself as a lawyer, intimidated him with a detailed explanation of defamation laws, including severe penalties of imprisonment for ten years or longer and fines of up to 500,000 yuan. She strategically mentioned that the punishment would be lighter for an accessory compared to the main instigator.
Panicked, Panther confessed that Lingling had hired him for 20,000 yuan. Yuan Lai revealed she had recorded his entire confession on her phone. Afterwards, Shen Shuangshuang admitted to the others that she had exaggerated the penalties to scare Panther. As Jin Ran prepared to leave, he asked Zhao Chengzhi to join them, but Chengzhi declined, wanting to "stay for a while," which Jin Ran understood meant he intended to remain with Shen Shuangshuang.
Yuan Lai and Jin Ran later discussed the revelation, agreeing that Lingling, being just an assistant with a modest salary, couldn't have afforded to pay a gossip reporter without someone else pulling the strings. Jin Ran surmised that the mastermind behind Lingling was Li Jing, a conclusion that greatly surprised Yuan Lai. Meanwhile, a heavily intoxicated Shen Shuangshuang was approached by a stranger at a bar. Zhao Chengzhi intervened, asserting he was her boyfriend.
A drunken Shen Shuangshuang, however, tried to stop the stranger from leaving, declaring she didn't have a boyfriend. The stranger mocked Zhao Chengzhi, calling him a "fake boyfriend," which provoked Chengzhi into hitting the man. Furious, Zhao Chengzhi sternly told Shen Shuangshuang, "Let's go home!" and carried her out. Later, Shen Shuangshuang, seemingly having processed the incident, commented that things are more delicious when you fight for them.
Jin Ran met Zhao Chengzhi at a coffee shop, where Chengzhi reminisced about his first encounter with Yuan Lai on their first day of university, recalling her long legs as she chased a taxi and her introduction as a literature student while he was a law sophomore. He confessed he had been smitten with her ever since. Jin Ran advised Chengzhi to "forget about Yuan Lai" and "take care of your goddess," referring to Shen Shuangshuang.
Chengzhi admitted that Shen Shuangshuang, with her passionate, bright, and energetic personality, reminded him of Yuan Lai from years ago. He expressed his fear of unintentionally treating Shuangshuang as Yuan Lai's substitute, leading him to feel like a "jerk" regardless of whether he accepted her or not.
Jin Ran dismissed Chengzhi's "fake gentleman" act, telling him to stop clinging to Yuan Lai, asserting that Shen Shuangshuang was inherently different from Yuan Lai, and warned him that clinging to Yuan Lai would leave him with no chance with anyone, "not in this life and the next." Xinyi presented her detailed proposal to Carnot, highlighting the increasing number of female gamers, which reached 41% last year, and their appreciation for the game's beautiful scenes and exquisite character costumes.
She proposed leveraging Xu Bingbing, a female gamer, to portray a "comrade-in-arms" image through cosplay and showcasing her e-sports skills. Xinyi argued this approach would attract both male and female players and boost merchandise sales, proving more appealing than a distant "goddess figure." Carnot's representative was impressed, acknowledging that they had "found a treasure" in Xu Bingbing and promised to report to their boss soon.
News quickly spread online exposing SN Entertainment for fabricating the scandal between Xu Bingbing and Deng Wei, with renowned producer Li Jing being the mastermind behind the "farce." Li Jing promptly arranged a meeting with Jin Ran, who maintained a cold demeanor, advising her to direct any matters regarding charges to Feitu's legal department. Li Jing accused Jin Ran of orchestrating the public exposure.
Jin Ran denied it but stated that the article contained "the truth," which was why Li Jing "dare not" sue them. He then demanded that Li Jing "withdraw the lawsuit" and publicly apologize to Feitu. When Li Jing refused, Jin Ran threatened to meet with his "friends from the press" and provide them with "two photos" he possessed, implying further damaging revelations, which led to Li Jing's reluctant compromise.
Back at the law firm, Zhao Chengzhi observed Shen Shuangshuang chatting with a man on WeChat and noticed a bouquet of flowers on her desk. His jealousy evident, he told her she shouldn't chat on WeChat during "working time" and that flowers were "unprofessional" for a "law firm." Shen Shuangshuang retorted that it was "lunch break" and she was entitled to her free time. She mocked his "dragon ball" on his desk, calling him "double-standard" and "naive."
She then confirmed with the man on the phone that she would meet him the following evening. Carnot ultimately decided to continue their partnership with Xu Bingbing. Xu Bingbing personally thanked Xinyi for advocating for her, apologizing for her past "naivety" and promising full cooperation going forward. Xinyi acknowledged the apology but stated her "prejudice has not disappeared." The company's crisis was successfully averted, thanks to Jin Ran's efforts.
Vincent lauded Jin Ran, calling him his "lucky charm" as SN had withdrawn their lawsuit and agreed to a public apology. Vincent also informed Jin Ran that a new shareholder had been confirmed, commending Jin Ran's "broad social connection" for filling the company's financial gap. Jin Ran, however, attributed the success to the investor's foresight in recognizing Feitu's promising future.
Later, Ji Aoting instructed Yuan Lai to pick up the new shareholder at the Lixing Hotel, but Yuan Lai was unable to find her, learning later that the shareholder had moved to another hotel. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi posted a message in a group chat lamenting his "empty and lonely" state. Seeing this, Yuan Lai promptly added Shen Shuangshuang to the group, playfully commenting that Chengzhi "has Shuangshuang now" and shouldn't be lonely.
Zhao Chengzhi then posted a selfie with a panda, feigning that he had sent it to the "wrong group." Shen Shuangshuang retaliated by posting a selfie with a different man, also claiming "wrong group," and then immediately left the chat. Frustrated, Zhao Chengzhi tried to exert control by assigning Shen Shuangshuang more work projects, but she simply stated it was "off-duty time" and he should discuss work "tomorrow."
The other group members mocked Zhao Chengzhi, who defensively claimed he was "having a glass of champagne" to celebrate being "reborn" now that Shen Shuangshuang was "finally out of my life." Upon Yuan Lai's late return, Jin Ran congratulated her on the positive developments.
Yuan Lai inquired why he hadn't informed her of his countermeasures sooner, to which Jin Ran explained he didn't want to "promise on something I'm not sure" as his plan relied on a favor from a friend. Yuan Lai playfully called him "mysterious" and teased him about how many secrets he kept. Separately, Zhao Chengzhi and Shen Shuangshuang had another run-in at a coffee shop.
Zhao Chengzhi, concerned about healthy eating, ordered a "whole-wheat hamburger" but was told it was sold out. Shen Shuangshuang teased him about his diet, and they bickered playfully, with Zhao Chengzhi asserting he was her master, to which Shen Shuangshuang retorted, "You're not my dad." Vincent convened an impromptu high-level meeting for the new shareholder. To everyone's surprise, the new shareholder was Gu Sa, Jin Ran's "benefactor" from his time studying in Japan.
Vincent and Ji Aoting were taken aback by their acquaintance. Jin Ran was then called away for a client, leaving Ji Aoting to ask Yuan Lai, as someone who "knows the local area," to show Gu Sa around. As Yuan Lai accompanied Gu Sa, she was flooded with memories of seeing Gu Sa leaning on Jin Ran's shoulder in Japan, an incident that had previously caused their breakup.
Gu Sa, perceiving Yuan Lai's discomfort, preemptively addressed the past, acknowledging Yuan Lai's "resentment" and "misunderstandings because of me." She clarified that the "misunderstanding is solved" and expressed happiness for Yuan Lai and Jin Ran, praising Jin Ran as "the best man I've ever met," smart, diligent, and "gentle and loving," whom she had always considered "family." Gu Sa explained her return was not about Jin Ran but to explore "opportunities" in China's "promising" tourism industry.
She then asked Yuan Lai to join her in the children's section to shop for clothes for her son, Alex. Yuan Lai mentioned her video call with Alex, who had happily told her that "Daddy is in love with a very beautiful girl," prompting Gu Sa to emphasize that a child's smile is "more important than anything." Later, Jin Ran discussed Gu Sa's meeting with Yuan Lai, surprised that Gu Sa had revealed "everything," including the "huge misunderstanding" from Japan.
Yuan Lai, unfazed, expressed her admiration for Gu Sa as a woman who could "strike a balance between career and the child alone out there," and declared her intention to learn from her, stating she didn't mind Jin Ran's past with Gu Sa. Jin Ran appeared subtly concerned by Yuan Lai's casual acceptance. Gu Sa then visited Jin Ran at the office, implying Alex missed him, and invited him to Japan to see a house she intended to buy.
Jin Ran declined, reiterating his focus on China's tourism opportunities and declaring he didn't "want to do things we used to do," emphasizing he "cherish what I have with Yuan Lai now." Gu Sa seemed disappointed. The close relationship between Jin Ran and Gu Sa soon sparked gossip among Feitu employees, who speculated that Gu Sa was a "rich woman that Jin Ran depended on in Japan" and that "rich men like him don't know what loyalty is."
As Yuan Lai observed Jin Ran and Gu Sa together, Gu Sa called out to Yuan Lai, proposing they shop together again, then embraced Jin Ran goodbye directly in front of Yuan Lai before leaving. Xinyi's successful handling of the recent ad crisis earned her the director's praise and a promotion to "head of the South China region."
However, Xinyi revealed she was pregnant and couldn't accept the demanding role, explaining that frequent travel would "influence my work" and she was "afraid I can't accept that." Elsewhere, Yuan Lai and Gu Sa coincidentally met while shopping for Jin Ran's birthday gift. A sales assistant recommended a "sports watch" for Jin Ran, describing it as "young and energetic," "functional," and suitable for his "open and positive" personality and love for sports. Yuan Lai agreed this matched Jin Ran.
Gu Sa, however, suggested a "mechanical watch," arguing it was "more suitable" for Jin Ran's efficient, low-profile character, and hinted that "people's preferences change" from college days, implying the mechanical watch would "never run out of fashion" unlike the sports watch which was "only popular for a while." Despite Gu Sa's suggestions, Yuan Lai purchased the sports watch, thanking Gu Sa but stating she believed Jin Ran would prefer her choice.
Gu Sa then proposed they celebrate Jin Ran's birthday together, mentioning a friend from Japan who could cook Jin Ran's favorite steak. Yuan Lai replied that she and her friends already had plans but invited Gu Sa to join their celebration.
Episode 19 Recap
Shen Shuangshuang deliberately posted pictures on her WeChat Moments to hint at having a new boyfriend, hoping to catch Zhao Chengzhi's attention, but he did not comment, leaving her disappointed. Her colleagues later teased her about a romantic weekend, as her post showed night views, a balcony, and two wine glasses. Zhao Chengzhi, feigning to get coffee, eavesdropped on their conversation.
Shuangshuang then purposefully spoke loudly, describing her new suitor as a wealthy man who had returned from abroad and whose father owned eight companies. Zhao Chengzhi immediately interjected, warning Shuangshuang to be cautious of such men, suggesting they are often playboys and might only have "eight overdrawn credit cards" to their name. Shuangshuang retorted, calling him old-fashioned, while her colleagues labeled him a "chat killer" for his pessimistic interruption.
Later, as work ended, Zhao Chengzhi tried to make Shuangshuang stay to handle urgent contracts, but she calmly informed him she had already completed and sent them. She then made a conspicuous phone call, telling her "darling" she was on her way down. Zhao Chengzhi watched as a man picked Shuangshuang up, and they even shared a hug. Feeling jealous, he called her, asking about the files for Yage.
She coolly told him the files were on his desk and hung up, calling him a "pest" to her companion. It was Jin Ran's birthday, and everyone gathered at Gu Yang's coffee shop to celebrate. Zhao Chengzhi was surprised to see Shuangshuang there, realizing the man had only helped her pick up a cake. The two immediately began bickering, with Zhao Chengzhi accusing her of being out with a "playboy," and Shuangshuang retorting that he should mind his own business.
The group quieted them, and everyone sang "Happy Birthday." Jin Ran expressed his wish to spend every future birthday with them. After his friends presented their gifts, Yuan Lai gave Jin Ran a sports watch. He adored it, telling her she knew him best and that he loved it simply because it was from her. Amidst their celebration, Gu Sa arrived, having been invited by Yuan Lai. Jin Ran appeared surprised by her presence.
Gu Sa introduced herself as Jin Ran's long-time friend from Japan and brought champagne. Encouraged by the others, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai shared a kiss for a photo, a moment Gu Sa observed with a look of discomfort. When Gu Yang offered to take a group photo, Gu Sa declined to join. Xinyi noticed Gu Sa's distant demeanor and approached her.
Gu Sa shared that she had collaborated with Jin Ran professionally and was in China for some personal matters in addition to business. Sensing something was amiss, Xinyi later warned Yuan Lai to be wary of Gu Sa. However, Yuan Lai confidently dismissed Xinyi's concerns, stating her trust in Jin Ran and herself.
Gu Sa then excused herself, glad to see Jin Ran happy and remarking that her decision to return was the right one, subtly alluding to her past "cooperation" with him. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai later shared another tender moment, with Jin Ran calling it his happiest birthday and expressing his desire for Yuan Lai to be with him every day.
Meanwhile, when a foreign man approached Shuangshuang, Zhao Chengzhi became visibly jealous, though he vehemently denied it when his friends teased him. In other news, Xinyi's consistent top performance in sales made her a strong candidate for a Vice Director position in Shanghai. Her husband, Ding Ang, jokingly celebrated by preparing her favorite chili sauce. The company, Fietu, weathered its crisis by securing new investment and getting the lawyer's letter from SN withdrawn. However, its reputation was tarnished.
To rebuild the company's image, Yuan Lai proposed a "Sapling Plan," a charity initiative that would allocate a portion of customer travel payments towards desert reforestation. This aimed to boost the company's brand image and develop new travel routes. Director Ji Aoting approved of the concept and tasked Yuan Lai's team and Lisa's team to each develop a detailed proposal. During the presentation, Lisa's team emphasized encouraging consumers to act out of environmental consciousness.
Yuan Lai's team, conversely, highlighted the impact of the environment on people. She explained that the "sapling" was merely a hook to promote new travel routes. Her plan proposed showcasing the stark contrast between beautiful, preserved landscapes and nearby devastated, desertified areas to stir consumers' emotions and prompt them to fund the initiative. Despite an objection that this might deter customers, Yuan Lai argued it would pique curiosity.
Jin Ran, Ji Aoting, and Gu Sa unanimously endorsed Yuan Lai's proposal, officially naming it the "Green Path Plan." Ji Aoting then asked Yuan Lai to accompany him to Lin Shan's workshop at the Public Welfare Department of Guoben, a crucial collaborator. As Ji Aoting took a phone call outside, Yuan Lai entered and stumbled upon a photo of Jin Ran, Gu Sa, and a boy named Alex, looking like a happy family. The discovery deeply unsettled her.
Ji Aoting then informed her that Lin Shan was unavailable and pointedly added that he hoped nothing would affect Yuan Lai's work. Walking alone, Yuan Lai felt her heart heavy with disappointment. Jin Ran, sensing her distress, found her, but she was cold and resistant. Confused, he pressed her for an explanation. Yuan Lai confronted him, asking if it was true that he had been married to Gu Sa.
Jin Ran admitted to a "legal marriage" in Japan, clarifying it was solely to help Gu Sa regain custody of Alex and that he believed Gu Sa had already explained everything. Yuan Lai angrily questioned why he had never disclosed this. Jin Ran apologized, stating it wasn't intentional, but she pushed him away, asserting that she could not trust him. Later, Jin Ran waited for Yuan Lai outside her workplace, but she ignored him.
He brought her to his home, where Yuan Lai tearfully told him they had both changed, she could no longer trust him, and they needed to reconsider their relationship. Heartbroken, Jin Ran dragged Ding Ang and Zhao Chengzhi to a boxing gym. There, he confessed that Gu Sa was his ex-wife. A furious Zhao Chengzhi attacked Jin Ran, calling him a "bastard," before Ding Ang intervened. Jin Ran admitted his cowardice in not telling Yuan Lai his past.
The next day, Jin Ran met Gu Sa, informing her that Yuan Lai knew about their marriage. Gu Sa feigned innocence and offered to explain, but Jin Ran refused, insisting he would handle it. Gu Sa then stated that a good business partner was more important than a lover and suggested they meet Lin Shan together for the project, but Jin Ran declined.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi grew irritated by Shen Shuangshuang's constant WeChat chatting and the flowers from admirers on her desk. He summoned her to his office, ordering her to remove the flowers and refrain from romantic distractions during work hours. Shuangshuang declared she had a "new pursuit target" and would no longer "harass" him. She declined his dinner invitation, stating she had an evening appointment with Lawyer Bai.
Frustrated, Zhao Chengzhi called Lawyer Bai a well-known "playboy" and warned Shuangshuang she would "suffer a great loss." Unfazed, she countered that she could simultaneously discuss business and develop a relationship, seeing it as "killing two birds with one stone." Later, Gu Sa called Jin Ran, claiming her high heel broke and asking him to bring a spare pair to Lin Shan's workshop.
When Yuan Lai and Ji Aoting arrived at the workshop, they found Jin Ran and Gu Sa already there. As they were greeting each other, Gu Sa dramatically stumbled, feigning a sprained ankle and instinctively grabbing Jin Ran's arm, a scene Yuan Lai witnessed with palpable discomfort.
Episode 20 Recap
Lin Shan, a longtime friend of Gu Sa, warmly greeted Gu Sa and Jin Ran at her studio, jokingly remarking on their "husband and wife" synergy, unaware they were divorced. Yuan Lai observed Jin Ran and Gu Sa's familiar interactions with discomfort. When Lin Shan returned Jin Ran's repaired watch, Yuan Lai noticed it was a mechanical timepiece.
Jin Ran, however, stated his preference for the sports watch already on his wrist, explaining it was a gift from Yuan Lai, making it more than just a watch to him. Later, Jin Ran approached an upset Yuan Lai, admitting he was not good at handling her anger, unlike his usual composure. He confessed to having many weaknesses, especially when faced with her indignation. Yuan Lai, still hurt, questioned if his perceived shortcomings were always her fault.
She revealed that since their last conversation, she had been reflecting on the five years they missed and how he seemed to have become a stranger to her. She admitted needing time to process these feelings. Jin Ran earnestly offered to reveal every aspect of himself if given enough time, promising to accept all of her.
Yuan Lai agreed, but made him promise to always inform her of any developments immediately, even if it made her angry, and never to hide anything. With a newfound understanding, they embraced. From an upstairs vantage point, Ji Aoting and Gu Sa observed their reconciliation. Ji Aoting commented on young people's tendency to make and correct mistakes, suggesting that they, as seniors, should help "correct" the couple's relationship.
Gu Sa dismissed it as office gossip, but Ji Aoting hinted at her unusually close relationship with Jin Ran, asserting that while others might gossip, he was focused on professional cooperation and that a "smart woman" like Gu Sa would understand his subtle warning. Feitu's "Green Path Plan" was initiated with a boost in publicity, earning praise from the "Entrepreneurs Daily." While working diligently, Yuan Lai sustained a minor hand injury while protecting her colleague, Fei.
Gu Sa quickly offered a bandage and a word of caution. She then reassured Yuan Lai that her past marriage to Jin Ran was for the custody of Alex, his son, and that she had always considered Jin Ran like a younger brother. Gu Sa stressed that despite many women pursuing him over the years, Jin Ran had never shown interest in anyone other than Yuan Lai, urging her to cherish their relationship.
Meanwhile, Bob shared his findings about Jin Ran and Gu Sa with Ji Aoting. He revealed that Gu Sa had brought Jin Ran to the United States, meticulously training and promoting him. Their company specialized in hostile takeovers of small and medium-sized enterprises, notorious for acquiring dozens of struggling New York companies in a matter of days. Jin Ran abruptly left Gu Sa's company and had been frequently traveling to Japan in recent years.
Ji Aoting grew suspicious, fearing Jin Ran and Gu Sa might intend to short Feitu, especially given its unusually rapid stock price increase. Bob, however, believed it would be difficult to short a large company like Feitu. Later that day, Jin Ran called Yuan Lai, inviting her for dinner. Xinyi, who was with Yuan Lai, jokingly grabbed the phone, teasing Jin Ran about a "Left-behind Men Club" and telling him to cherish his "pre-marriage night."
That evening, Yuan Lai, Xinyi, and Shen Shuangshuang celebrated Xinyi's recent promotion at Yuan Lai's home. The women discussed Yuan Lai's relationship, agreeing it was unproductive to dwell on past issues and that she should gradually get to know Jin Ran. They collectively criticized Zhao Chengzhi, calling him "cheap" for his stubbornness, though Shuangshuang still defended him, attempting to maintain her "aloof" stance.
Concurrently, Jin Ran, Ding Ang, and Zhao Chengzhi had their own gathering, where Jin Ran shared his concerns about his ex-wife, his current girlfriend, and her suitor all working on the same project. Jin Ran and Ding Ang mocked Chengzhi for being "cheap" and urged him to confess his feelings to Shuangshuang before someone else took her. Chengzhi, still in denial, boasted about the "tranquility" he enjoyed without Shuangshuang pestering him. As the night ended, Ding Ang took Xinyi home.
Zhao Chengzhi, despite Shuangshuang's drunken protests and name-calling, carried her out. Before leaving, Jin Ran reminded Yuan Lai to rest well for the upcoming launch ceremony and kissed her goodnight. Zhao Chengzhi carried a deeply intoxicated Shuangshuang to a park bench. He complained about her weight and told her she needed to lose some, to which she retorted that many men wished to carry her.
Shuangshuang declared her resolution to stop demeaning herself, stating she had been "blind" to him, and realized there were many better men in the world. She vowed not to chase him like an "idiot" anymore. Overhearing her drunken ramblings, Chengzhi finally confessed his true feelings, "Actually, I like you." He apologized for deceiving himself and wondered if his confession came "too late."
The next day, Yuan Lai diligently prepared for the "Green Path Plan" launch ceremony, meticulously checking every detail from guest lists to technical equipment. Lisa, clearly envious, "accidentally" spilled juice on Yuan Lai, but Yuan Lai was prepared with a backup outfit. Feeling her shoes didn't quite match her new attire, Gu Sa offered Yuan Lai her own pair, which were a size larger but a better fit.
Meanwhile, Lisa had bribed a staff member to lure Yuan Lai away by falsely claiming Lin Shan wanted to see her, then lock her in a storage room. Lisa then confidently stepped in as the hostess, proudly announcing herself as the project director for the "Guoben Green Path Plan." Jin Ran, noticing Yuan Lai's absence, left the ceremony to find her. He eventually located her in the storage room and informed her that Lisa was already hosting.
Yuan Lai, prioritizing the project's success, chose not to pursue the matter, despite Jin Ran's offer to "solve it." She insisted on being professional, wanting the initiative to proceed smoothly. Lisa later presented the sapling donation data to Ji Aoting and Lin Shan, taking credit for the project. Ji Aoting advised Lisa to cooperate with Yuan Lai.
Jin Ran, however, intervened, retrieving the report from Lisa and demanding all related documents for his personal review, questioning her audacity to claim credit for a plan created by another team. He then revealed that the bribed staff member had confessed to locking Yuan Lai in the storage room, emphasizing his commitment to finding the truth for any matter concerning Yuan Lai.
Back at the office, Fei and Rex expressed their indignation over Lisa's actions, but Yuan Lai remained calm, focused only on the project's success. Lisa, proudly showing off her newly assigned upstairs office, gloated to Yuan Lai that she had been given full control of the project. Yuan Lai responded with pity, advising Lisa to "watch out for her behaviors."
Just then, Jin Ran appeared, publicly criticizing Lisa for a significant 3% error in her statistical report, which would have led to a substantial company loss if he hadn't intervened. He also brought up her previous sabotage during the SN filming and locking Yuan Lai in the storage room. Lin Shan and Gu Sa, who had just walked in, witnessed the scene.
Ignoring Lisa's attempts to speak, Lin Shan commended the project's success, specifically thanking Yuan Lai for her efforts and reassigning all "Guoben Green Path" responsibilities to her. Jin Ran then explicitly instructed Lisa to transfer all project materials to Yuan Lai and proceed to HR for termination. Lisa protested vehemently, denying any wrongdoing and accusing Yuan Lai of manipulation.
Jin Ran calmly listed all her transgressions, concluding that she had sufficient grounds for dismissal and could pursue labor arbitration if she wished. Lisa, in a final outburst, warned Yuan Lai that her success wouldn't last and that she would "taste her feelings" one day. Yuan Lai calmly retorted that their goals and ambitions were fundamentally different; while Lisa resorted to unscrupulous methods, she only disgraced herself in the process.
Later, Jin Ran offered Gu Sa a ride home, expressing a desire to discuss some confidential matters outside the office. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting presented Yuan Lai with a public relations report on similar charity programs for her reference. While acknowledging Yuan Lai's capability, he discreetly advised her to "be careful with someone and on something," hinting at potential threats. Yuan Lai assured him that she would meticulously oversee all project data and details.
Episode 21 Recap
Jin Ran met with Gu Sa at a coffee shop and asked why Yuan Lai was put in charge of the Green Path Plan. Gu Sa explained that Yuan Lai was capable, having proposed the project and overseen its development, making her the most suitable candidate. Jin Ran then mentioned he had recently discovered a new major shareholder named Gu in Sains, who joined after Feitu and Sains reached an overseas filming agreement.
He subtly suggested it could be Gu Sa, but she denied it. Jin Ran clarified he didn't care who the shareholder was, only that Yuan Lai wouldn't be harmed. Gu Sa dismissed his concerns, saying no one would hurt Yuan Lai. Gu Sa reminisced about a Miami vacation with Jin Ran and her son, Alex, from years ago. She brought up how Jin Ran insisted Alex attend summer camp while sick, which led to his condition worsening.
Jin Ran defended his actions, stating he wanted Alex to become stronger and not be affected by his parents' divorce. Gu Sa countered that for Alex, a good father was more important than a mother, implying Jin Ran was that role model. She mentioned Alex often spoke of Jin Ran and seemed to value him more than his own mother. Jin Ran promised to visit Alex in Japan.
Gu Sa then invited Jin Ran to return to Japan, highlighting their shared business interests there. Jin Ran firmly stated that their relationship was purely professional—comrades-in-arms and good partners—and he had decided to leave his past in Japan behind when he returned to Shanghai. He explained his return to China wasn't just for business but for an important person, for whom he wished to change his lifestyle.
Gu Sa warned him that the world isn't about equal exchanges, and that a past incident, specifically the Meiji acquisition, had irrevocably tied them together. She questioned whether Yuan Lai, if she knew about Jin Ran's past actions, would still accept him, as they were from different worlds. Jin Ran, however, was resolute, declaring he would wait for Yuan Lai even if she couldn't accept him.
Gu Sa predicted he would eventually grow bored of such a peaceful life, but Jin Ran insisted that day would never come. Later, Jin Ran waited outside Yuan Lai’s home. She arrived, asking how long he had been there and why he hadn't called, sensing he had just been with Gu Sa. Jin Ran embraced her, confessing his fear of not being able to keep her, worried that despite their ten years of love, current challenges might pull them apart.
He expressed concern that if she truly knew his past, his "true self," she might choose to leave him. Yuan Lai reassured him, saying she trusted him and believed he wouldn't do anything excessive, and they exchanged "I love you"s. At work, Xin Yi's team achieved the top spot in the quarterly appraisal, leading her colleagues to believe she would be promoted to deputy director. However, the director only offered her encouragement, while other team members received promotions and raises.
Xinyi confronted him, frustrated that her achievements were not recognized. The director cited her rejection of a regional manager position, which required frequent business trips, as the reason. He suggested her pregnancy made her unsuitable for demanding roles and stated her current salary was already at the highest level for her position. Xinyi argued that declining a travel-intensive role shouldn't prevent her advancement within the existing organizational structure.
The director acknowledged the deputy director position was vacant but emphasized the need for fair competition, promising to consult with senior management. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi and Ding Ang were at a pool hall offering a half-price discount for women. Chengzhi tried to flirt with several women but was unsuccessful. Ding Ang teased him, pointing out that a man with a woman already in his heart tends to be less appealing to others, subtly hinting at Chengzhi’s feelings for Shen Shuangshuang.
Chengzhi vehemently denied it, claiming Shuangshuang was the one who liked him and that his heart belonged to his "paradise" of single life. He reminded Ding Ang that he was the one who pushed him into a blind date with Shuangshuang, leading to her persistence. Ding Ang retorted that while he asked Chengzhi to go on the date, he never told him to fall in love.
Chengzhi accused Ding Ang of being trapped in the "fortress of marriage" and wanting everyone else to suffer the same fate. Ding Ang corrected him, proudly stating he had "happily entered the palace of marriage" and cherished the sweetness of his relationship. Chengzhi, distracted, then started giving pool tips to other women. Jin Ran called Yuan Lai to inform her that he couldn't attend their scheduled meeting with Lin Shan because he had to meet Mr. Wang, a board director.
He told her to coordinate directly with Lin Shan regarding procurement. Yuan Lai informed him that after accounting for various expenses, the 700,000 yuan budget would only cover 70,000 saplings. Jin Ran questioned the high cost and disproportionate administrative expenses. He suggested applying to Mr. Wen for an additional 1. 3 million yuan, bringing the total budget to 2 million.
However, as Jin Ran drove through a highway tunnel, his call with Yuan Lai was cut off, and she missed the crucial information about the increased budget. She confirmed she would proceed based on the original 700,000 yuan. Shen Shuangshuang confronted Zhao Chengzhi, questioning his refusal to take on a plagiarism case. She argued that a young designer had complete blueprints, clearly indicating Sains had stolen his work.
Chengzhi dismissed the blueprints as insufficient evidence and stated the designer couldn't afford their fees. He argued that Sains was a major corporation, and it wasn't worth "fighting the entire forest for a single tree." Shuangshuang defiantly declared she preferred to "hang on a single tree." Later, Gu Sa had a phone call, agreeing to a 2 million yuan budget, noting that Jin Ran would handle direct communication with Lin Shan.
In the office, a colleague accidentally bumped into Yuan Lai, scattering her documents. Gu Sa saw that Yuan Lai’s contract draft still reflected the 700,000 yuan budget but chose not to mention the discrepancy. She simply asked Yuan Lai if she was meeting Lin Shan and if Jin Ran had verified the figures. Yuan Lai confirmed the figures had been checked and that Jin Ran was meeting a board director.
Gu Sa offered her help, emphasizing her close friendship with Lin Shan to smooth things over. Jin Ran visited a jewelry store and selected a diamond ring from the "Admire series," specifying a size 10 and indicating it was for a special proposal. Separately, Ding Ang surprised Xinyi with an elaborate proposal. He had booked a new French restaurant on the Bund and sent her a text message. Upon arriving, Xinyi found the restaurant empty.
A drone delivered a game controller, which activated a toy car carrying another remote. When she pressed a button, a screen began playing a video montage of her. Xinyi called out for Ding Ang, who then appeared with a rose petal cake and a bouquet of flowers. He affectionately apologized for not having proposed earlier, explaining that he knew she had concerns about the changes marriage would bring.
He reassured her that as newcomers to marriage, they would face challenges but promised to be a good husband, give her all his love, and be her constant support. Kneeling, Ding Ang asked, "Xu Xinyi, will you marry me?" Overcome with emotion, Xinyi tearfully accepted, and they embraced while fireworks lit up the sky. Reflecting on Gu Sa's warnings about the Meiji acquisition and Yuan Lai's potential reaction, Jin Ran became somber.
He looked at the engagement ring he had bought. He then called Yuan Lai, asking her to have dinner with him the following night at a specific restaurant, assuring her he would never let her leave him again. Yuan Lai happily accepted. The next morning, Gu Sa went to Jin Ran’s office, asking him to explain some figures in the third-quarter financial report.
Jin Ran, stating he had an important appointment, suggested she consult Mr. Ji, who would be more knowledgeable, and offered to have his assistant arrange a meeting. As he left, Gu Sa lingered and noticed the ring box on his desk, picking it up. Later, Yuan Lai met Xinyi, who was trying on wedding dresses. Yuan Lai teased Xinyi about her swift engagement. Xinyi, in turn, joked about Yuan Lai's eagerness to marry and asked about Jin Ran.
Yuan Lai mentioned Jin Ran had invited her to dinner that night, saying he had something to tell her. Xinyi excitedly revealed that Ding Ang had said the same thing before proposing to her, sparking a hopeful anticipation in Yuan Lai. Meanwhile, Chengzhi stumbled upon Shuangshuang and Peter discussing a legal case at a coffee shop. He deliberately interrupted, claiming he hadn’t received some contracts from Shuangshuang and demanded she resend them immediately during her lunch break.
Peter introduced himself as a partner at KNW. Chengzhi, trying to belittle Peter, suggested he worked in PR. Shuangshuang then clarified that Peter's mentor was the renowned lawyer Michael Lee. Feeling competitive, Chengzhi boasted about his own law firm and background. Shuangshuang and Peter largely ignored him and continued their discussion. Chengzhi then scolded Shuangshuang for showing "company information" to outsiders. Peter clarified the documents were about a 2016 KNW case for Sains.
Chengzhi, annoyed, insisted she return from her lunch break within a strict timeframe. As Yuan Lai helped Xinyi, Xinyi jokingly accused Yuan Lai of being desperate to marry. Yuan Lai playfully denied it, threatening to block Xinyi's social media once she started posting about baby things, while she herself would post about travel and food. Gu Sa then approached Yuan Lai, explaining she was temporarily overseeing the Green Path Plan for Lin Shan.
Yuan Lai presented Feitu's project data, which revealed Jin Ran had led ten out of sixteen major collaborations. Gu Sa commented on his outstanding abilities, mentioning his past involvement in 23 M&A projects in Japan, totaling over 50 billion USD, a period Jin Ran had never discussed with Yuan Lai. She specifically highlighted his "most outstanding" achievement: helping Hanguang acquire the tech company Meiji, valued at 54 billion yuan, for a mere 16 billion.
Yuan Lai, impressed but curious, asked how he managed such a feat. Gu Sa dismissed it as a "long story" involving "cruel business" not suitable for a "simple girl" like Yuan Lai, which only intensified Yuan Lai's desire for details. Back at the law firm, Shen Shuangshuang presented her settlement plan for the Sains plagiarism case.
Citing a similar lawsuit in 2016 that cost Sains dearly in both money and reputation, she argued the company would be highly motivated to settle quietly. She proposed demanding five million yuan, confident they would agree to avoid a repeat of the past. Her logic and thorough research won the support of her colleagues. Driven by her growing suspicion, Yuan Lai sought out Rex to understand the Hanguang-Meiji acquisition.
Rex confirmed it was a well-known case where Meiji’s valuation had been inexplicably driven down. He explained that Hanguang’s chairman had hired a highly skilled individual, placing him as an executive within Meiji. This executive then deliberately made a critical error in a major project, leading to a breakdown in Meiji's capital chain and a rapid two-thirds drop in market value. Hanguang then seized the opportunity to acquire Meiji.
Rex noted that while it was investigated as a commercial crime, no evidence ever proved the executive's mistake was intentional. All major decisions had been officially signed by Meiji's owner, Kevin. Rex tragically revealed that Kevin, unable to cope, committed suicide, and his wife soon followed, succumbing to depression, leaving behind their young daughter. This revelation profoundly deepened Yuan Lai's suspicion of Jin Ran.
Episode 22 Recap
Jin Ran sat in a restaurant, anxiously awaiting Yuan Lai, recalling their journey since reconnecting. He worried that despite his best efforts, he might not be able to keep her, fearing that their ten years of love wouldn't overcome the current difficulties and that she might leave him if she knew the full truth. Meanwhile, Yuan Lai was at home researching Hanguang's acquisition of Meiji.
She remembered that Jin Ran's previous actions at Hanguang had enabled them to acquire Meiji, a company with a market capitalization of 54 billion yuan, for only 16 billion yuan, causing Hanguang's shares to soar by 120 percent. Yuan Lai questioned why she should believe others' judgments about Jin Ran and decided to confront him directly, especially after receiving a text message from him.
As the restaurant was about to close, Jin Ran decided to leave, but he encountered Yuan Lai on the street. Yuan Lai immediately asked if he was involved in the Meiji acquisition. Jin Ran apologized and admitted his involvement, stating that it was an accident, he never intended to harm anyone, and his only regret was not being able to prevent Kevin's suicide.
Yuan Lai was devastated by his confession, accusing him of being a cold-blooded person who valued business over human life. Disappointed, she walked away without letting him explain further. Gu Sa visited Lin Shan's studio, bringing gifts and subtly inquiring about the progress of the Guoben Green Path project. Lin Shan proudly shared that Yuan Lai had handed the project over to her, and she was preparing to plant 2 million yuan worth of fruit trees.
However, Gu Sa's casual mention that Feitu's approved budget was 2 million yuan deeply angered Lin Shan, as she had only received an order for 700,000 yuan. Furious, Lin Shan stormed into Feitu's office to confront them, accusing Yuan Lai of embezzling the missing 1. 3 million yuan and threatening to withdraw from the Green Path Plan. Jin Ran tried to explain that the initial budget was 700,000, but he had later secured an additional 1.
3 million from Vincent for mature fruit trees, asking if she had not received the updated order. Lin Shan dismissed his explanation, suspecting a conspiracy and criticizing his judgment since he started dating Yuan Lai. Vincent then called Yuan Lai into his office, questioning why her order with Lin Shan was only for 700,000 when 2 million had been approved.
Yuan Lai was genuinely surprised, insisting she was only aware of the 700,000 budget and knew nothing about the larger sum. Gu Sa suggested suspending the project, but Jin Ran resisted, determined to speak with Lin Shan again. Gu Sa stated her belief that Yuan Lai hadn't stolen the money and there must be a misunderstanding, prompting Yuan Lai to glance at Jin Ran. Vincent emphasized the urgency of resolving the crisis.
On the rooftop, Ji Aoting found a distressed Yuan Lai and offered her comfort. He shared more details about the Meiji acquisition, revealing that Hanguang had hired a skilled individual whom they placed as an executive at Meiji. This executive deliberately made an error in a major company project, leading to a capital chain break and causing Meiji's market value to plummet by two-thirds within a week. The investigation found no conclusive evidence that the executive's mistake was intentional.
He also mentioned that all key decisions had been signed by Meiji's owner, Kevin, who later committed suicide, followed by his wife's death from depression. Ji Aoting implied that Jin Ran might have been this executive and cautiously suggested that Gu Sa's background was similar to "Director Gu of Sains," pointing out that Sains's cooperation with Feitu began suspiciously soon after Gu Sa joined. He advised Yuan Lai that circumstances can drastically change a person over time.
Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi overheard Shen Shuangshuang excitedly discussing a successful job interview with Peter on the phone. Mistakenly believing she was leaving his company for KNW, a competitor, he confronted her, insisting she couldn't leave due to her internship contract. Annoyed, Shuangshuang retorted that she didn't owe him an explanation and questioned why he was so upset, reminding him that her professional demeanor was exactly what he had encouraged.
Chengzhi, regretting his past coldness, confessed his love for her, declaring he wanted to be her boyfriend and promising to cherish and hold her tightly forever. Overjoyed, Shuangshuang revealed that it was her roommate who had interviewed and passed at KNW, not her. Chengzhi, relieved, vowed to cling to her eternally, and they embraced. Jin Ran waited for Yuan Lai outside her apartment, hoping to talk.
He tried to explain that Kevin's death was an unforeseen tragedy and that the Green Path budget discrepancy was a communication error, not a deliberate act to harm Feitu or her. He reminded her that he had mentioned the increased budget during a phone call. However, Yuan Lai was unconvinced, angrily accusing him of manipulating situations and people, just as he had allegedly done with Meiji, and questioned if she was merely a pawn in his grand schemes.
She declared she could no longer trust him. As Jin Ran reached for her, an engagement ring box fell from his pocket. He retrieved the ring, professing his unwavering love and explaining he had waited for her all night to propose. Yuan Lai, however, stated the ring didn't suit her and definitively broke up with him. Both were left heartbroken, with Jin Ran seeking solace in alcohol.
The next morning, Lisa tearfully approached Ji Aoting, claiming that Jin Ran had intentionally fabricated data to frame her and get her fired, all to secure the Green Path project for Yuan Lai. She pleaded with Ji Aoting to intervene with Vincent on her behalf, highlighting her long service to the company.
Ji Aoting expressed doubt about his ability to influence the situation, given Jin Ran's current standing with Vincent, but promised to look into the matter and advised Lisa to take a break. Later, Jin Ran found Yuan Lai again. He accepted their breakup but proposed they remain friends to better understand each other. Yuan Lai, however, firmly stated that they could only be colleagues. Jin Ran, disappointed, conveyed his desire for a deeper relationship than mere professional acquaintance.
He then met Lin Shan at a restaurant, bringing her a bottle of Petrus, her favorite wine, to apologize and try to mend their partnership. Lin Shan, still angry about the budget issue, feared reputational damage to the Guoben fund and initially refused to cooperate. Jin Ran sincerely apologized for the communication error, explaining that he would never engage in charity fraud as it would harm both their reputations.
He emphasized that they were a "community of interests" and their shared goal should be the successful completion of the project. Lin Shan eventually agreed to continue the partnership, but on the condition that Jin Ran directly oversee the project. Jin Ran accepted, but firmly stated his boundary: he would not exclude Yuan Lai and insisted they would both communicate with Lin Shan. Lin Shan reluctantly agreed, acknowledging Gu Sa's influence in her decision.
At the office, Fei and Rex discussed the Green Path contract, with Fei staunchly defending Yuan Lai and suggesting Lisa was the more likely culprit. Their conversation was interrupted when Lisa, enraged, confronted them, accusing them of slandering her. She then spitefully threw coffee on Fei, leading to a heated argument that Rex struggled to diffuse. Lisa claimed Jin Ran framed her to protect Yuan Lai and falsely accused Jin Ran and Yuan Lai of conspiring to embezzle public funds.
She also revealed that Ji Aoting had originally assigned the project to her. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang successfully negotiated a compensation contract for the Sains infringement case, earning praise from Zhao Chengzhi. When she playfully requested a "love encouragement," their moment was disrupted by Chen Zhengli's clumsy entry. Chengzhi quickly dismissed Chen Zhengli, reclaiming his private time with Shuangshuang.
During a company meeting, Jin Ran announced that he had secured Lin Shan's renewed commitment to the Green Path Plan, to the surprise of Ji Aoting. Jin Ran then addressed Yuan Lai. He informed her that Lin Shan had agreed to restart the project and assured her that no further issues were expected. He then told Yuan Lai that he never wanted to be merely her friend or colleague.
Yuan Lai coldly responded that she appreciated his efforts in convincing Lin Shan but felt his expectations for her were too high, and she could not meet them, before silently walking away.
Episode 23 Recap
Despite heavy traffic and pouring rain, President Jiang, a strict and punctual businesswoman, chose to take the subway to avoid being late for her ten o'clock client meeting. At the subway station, she encountered Xinyi, who was busily managing work calls. President Jiang was impressed by Xinyi's spirited demeanor and efficiency. As they waited for the elevator, a man rudely pushed past Xinyi, causing her documents to scatter. President Jiang, observing that Xinyi was pregnant, intervened.
She helped Xinyi gather her papers and sternly admonished the man, insisting he allow Xinyi to take the elevator first. Xinyi, relieved and grateful, thanked President Jiang for her kindness. Later, while walking with Ding Ang, Xinyi recounted the morning's elevator incident. Ding Ang, however, was engrossed in his game and barely listened, prompting Xinyi to pull off his headphones in frustration.
When she chided him for being absent-minded, Ding Ang apologized and shared exciting news: his mother had returned from abroad and wanted to meet her future daughter-in-law. Xinyi expressed her nervousness, but Ding Ang reassured her, promising no one, not even his own mother, would harm her or their baby. He declared that his loyalty would always be with Xinyi, no matter what. Meanwhile, Lisa, feeling unfairly targeted and framed, plotted her revenge against Jin Ran and Yuan Lai.
She had previously complained to Ji Aoting about being set up, expressing her determination to expose their true colors. She contacted a friend who worked at Zhang Wei's studio, suggesting they spread negative news about the Green Path Plan. Jin Ran met with journalist Zhang Wei for an interview about the Green Path Plan. After discussing the project, Zhang Wei lightheartedly teased Jin Ran, suggesting his ultimate goal was finding Yuan Lai.
Jin Ran admitted with a smile that Yuan Lai was currently upset with him, causing him considerable stress. Zhang Wei then playfully called him a "lovesick fool." Unbeknownst to them, Yuan Lai and Rex spotted them together. Rex jokingly asked Yuan Lai if she was jealous, while Yuan Lai, confused, wondered why Jin Ran was with Zhang Wei.
At her office, Lin Shan was overseeing the arrangements for the Green Path tree saplings, emphasizing the importance of their first collaboration with Feitu. Suddenly, an employee burst in, revealing that news had broken online, accusing Feitu and Guoben of jointly deceiving the public through their charity project. Enraged, Lin Shan stormed into Jin Ran's office, accusing him of orchestrating the smear campaign.
Jin Ran's assistant reported that Zhang Wei was unreachable, with her phone off and her studio lines constantly busy. Jin Ran, trying to reach Zhang Wei himself, explained to Lin Shan that he was also a victim, asserting that the news was fake and detrimental to both companies. Lin Shan retorted that Jin Ran had a history of such actions, referencing his past short-selling of Meiji.
Believing he was trying to sabotage Guoben, she demanded to withdraw from the Green Path Plan. Jin Ran, equally frustrated by her accusations, agreed to her demand, and Lin Shan left in a huff. Later, Gu Sa visited Lin Shan, bringing her favorite Earl Grey tea to comfort her. Lin Shan asked Gu Sa about her relationship with Jin Ran. Gu Sa, appearing calm and collected, advised Lin Shan to be more magnanimous.
She explained that men are like kites; as long as the string (her son Alex, whose father is Jin Ran) remains in her hands, she needn't worry about them wandering too far. Although Gu Sa maintained a casual facade, she was deeply invested in the situation. Ji Aoting met with Vincent, subtly mentioning the negative news surrounding the Green Path Plan and his efforts to manage the public relations crisis.
He then questioned whether Jin Ran would continue to lead the project. Vincent, expressing unwavering trust in Jin Ran, dismissed the idea of abandoning the project due to mere rumors and instead encouraged Ji Aoting, a company veteran, to support and collaborate with Jin Ran. He believed their combined strengths would benefit the company. Despite Vincent's reassurance, Ji Aoting felt undervalued and frustrated.
Dissatisfied, he called Bob, agreeing to a previous proposition Bob had made, deciding to take matters into his own hands. Meanwhile, Feitu employees gossiped about the situation, speculating that Jin Ran might be planning to short Feitu, just as he had done with Meiji. Yuan Lai, overhearing their conversations, urged them to focus on their work and refrain from idle gossip. Jin Ran approached Yuan Lai, who was working late, and asked if she believed the accusations against him.
Yuan Lai responded that the detailed online reports, complete with text and images, made it difficult for anyone to believe otherwise. She questioned if Zhang Wei had an internal informant. Disappointed, Jin Ran insisted that he would never betray Feitu and could prove his innocence, pleading for even a small amount of her trust. Yuan Lai pondered silently, wondering if she had truly misjudged him.
The next day, Ding Ang, having carefully chosen a new, larger car suitable for future family trips, picked up Xinyi to meet his mother. He presented Xinyi with a small, specially sourced box of Belgian chocolates, explaining his mother's peculiar preferences for gifts. Xinyi, still nervous, expressed concern about his mother's potential disapproval.
Ding Ang tried to calm her by describing his mother as a workaholic with whom he had a strained relationship, assuring Xinyi that he would always stand by her. Upon arriving, Xinyi mistakenly greeted the family's housekeeper, Chen Auntie, as Ding Ang's mother, offering her a coffee gift.
As Ding Ang's real mother descended the stairs, Xinyi was mortified, only to realize with joyful surprise that his mother was the very "sister" who had helped her at the subway that morning. The two women immediately bonded over their shared passion for work, discussing Xinyi's successful Guoben Manor project, leaving Ding Ang feeling comically sidelined. Feitu's management held a meeting to address the severe impact of the ongoing news scandal.
Jin Ran informed Vincent and Ji Aoting that Zhang Wei was in the United States and unreachable, leaving them with no immediate way to clarify the situation through her. Ji Aoting suggested a new financial group as a potential partner for the Green Path Plan, but Vincent insisted that Jin Ran, as the project lead, should handle the matter directly, further solidifying his trust in him.
Vincent gave Jin Ran time to resolve the issue, asking him to provide convincing results to prove his trustworthiness. Lost in thought about Jin Ran, Yuan Lai visited Gu Yang's coffee shop. Gu Yang served her a cup of civet coffee, drawing her attention to its unusual appearance yet rich aroma. He explained that sometimes what one sees, hears, or assumes based on common sense can be misleading, especially when one is deeply involved in a situation.
He encouraged her to "step into it" to truly understand. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi, in an exaggerated disguise, arrived at his office, startling Chen Zhengli. Chengzhi complained that colleagues had seen him and Shuangshuang at the supermarket the previous day, making it difficult to maintain a low profile. Chen Zhengli playfully teased him, suggesting that Shuangshuang, being a lively "post-90s" girl, might eventually move on, much to Chengzhi's indignant denial.
Chengzhi boasted about Shuangshuang's devotion and eagerness to obey his every command, from household chores to personal pampering, a claim Chen Zhengli humorously dismissed as a "pipe dream." Concern grew around Jin Ran's whereabouts as his office remained empty and his phone unreachable. Yuan Lai, arriving for work, tried knocking on his office door to no avail. His phone was still off, leaving everyone to wonder where he had gone.
Episode 24 Recap
Following Jin Ran’s sudden disappearance and the recent scandal, employees at Feitu gossiped about his absence. Some speculated he might have run away after causing trouble, recalling past rumors of him emptying a company and driving someone to their death on Wall Street. Yuan Lai, overhearing this, quickly admonished them, urging them to focus on work and warning that the company would take action against those spreading rumors.
She also delegated urgent tasks, instructing them to approach Mr. Ji or Vincent if needed. Vincent and Jin Ran's secretary, Wen Ya, were also searching for Jin Ran. Wen Ya confirmed that Jin Ran hadn't informed her of his whereabouts and had been unreachable since morning. Vincent found this peculiar, especially since even his closest associates were unaware.
Ji Aoting insinuated that Jin Ran might have disappeared on purpose, echoing previous accusations from Lin Shan that Jin Ran had similarly manipulated another company, Megi, and was now deliberately creating issues to aid a rival group in a hostile takeover of Feitu. Vincent, however, maintained his trust in Jin Ran, believing he wouldn't abandon his responsibilities and that Lin Shan’s accusations were born of anger.
Nevertheless, recognizing the need for continuous operations, Vincent temporarily assigned Ji Aoting the responsibility for the Green Path Plan, acknowledging that company matters couldn't be stalled by Jin Ran’s absence. Anxious, Yuan Lai repeatedly tried to contact Jin Ran via calls and messages, asking where he was and when he would return. She also reached out to Zhao Chengzhi, who also could not get in touch with Jin Ran.
Yuan Lai worried that Jin Ran might once again leave without a word, just as he did five years ago. At Xinyi's company, her director introduced a new colleague, Simon, with effusive praise. The director then instructed Xinyi to transfer the Carnot project to Simon, citing Xinyi's pregnancy as a reason to reduce her workload. Simon echoed this, suggesting Xinyi should be grateful.
Xinyi countered that she was perfectly healthy and capable of managing the project, but the director remained firm, asserting that company clients belonged to the company and the decision was final. Meanwhile, President Jiang, who had recently acquired shares in Carnot, arrived at Xinyi's office. In the elevator, she overheard two employees complaining that Simon, a sycophant with no real ability, had taken advantage of Xinyi's pregnancy to steal her client and a promotion opportunity.
During the meeting, President Jiang immediately cut short Simon's flattering remarks and directly questioned him about Carnot's market performance last year, its plans for the current year, specific advertising channels, reach, feedback, and user growth data. Simon was unable to provide any concrete details, stumbling through his explanation that he had only just taken over the project.
President Jiang then highlighted that the previous project manager, Xinyi, had deeply impressed Carnot's leadership with her thorough understanding of the company, leading to successful collaborations. She concluded that Simon was unsuitable for the role and requested the former client manager be reinstated. When Xinyi's director tried to argue that Xinyi's pregnancy would be a hindrance, President Jiang asserted that pregnancy is a woman's right and should not impact her work unless it genuinely interferes.
She lauded Xinyi's dedication and past performance, insisting she resume the Carnot project. Furthermore, President Jiang announced that Aimei Group planned to launch a new smartphone this year and wished for Xinyi to lead its promotion, emphasizing that this opportunity was specifically for Xinyi, not her company. After the meeting, President Jiang advised Simon that superficial flattery yields only short-term benefits, while genuine ability is crucial for sustained career growth.
The director promptly called Xinyi into her office, suddenly showering her with compliments about her exceptional abilities and claiming she had personally championed Xinyi's cause to President Jiang. She enthusiastically reassigned both the Carnot project and the Aimei smartphone promotion to Xinyi. She then tried to subtly probe if Xinyi already knew President Jiang, a question Xinyi deftly sidestepped by asking if such a connection was relevant to her taking on the Aimei case.
Yuan Lai discovered that Zhang’s Property in Hong Kong was seeking a public welfare project and took leave to propose Feitu’s Green Path Plan. Unbeknownst to her, Jin Ran had already arrived in Hong Kong and was meeting with Mr. Zhang, a long-time friend. Jin Ran successfully presented his company’s vision for an integrated tourism brand. Mr. Zhang praised the plan as excellent and they quickly agreed to a partnership.
When Yuan Lai arrived, Mr. Zhang called Jin Ran, activating the speakerphone so Jin Ran could covertly listen to their conversation. Mr. Zhang deliberately made the meeting difficult for Yuan Lai, alluding to business troubles at Feitu and suggesting that Jin Ran might have fled due to culpability.
Unaware that Jin Ran was listening, Yuan Lai passionately defended him, asserting that Jin Ran was highly responsible in both his professional and personal life, and that an urgent matter must have detained him. She highlighted their ten-year acquaintance, stating her deeper understanding of him, though she defined their current relationship as merely supervisor and subordinate.
Mr. Zhang thanked Yuan Lai for her trust in Jin Ran but ultimately rejected her proposal, claiming he had already committed to a similar project, without revealing it was Jin Ran’s. Yuan Lai left empty-handed, while Jin Ran, having overheard her heartfelt defense, felt a sense of relief regarding her true sentiments. Ji Aoting presented his Green Path Plan documents to Vincent, who, trusting Ji Aoting, readily approved them.
Vincent also delegated other routine departmental tasks to Ji Aoting during Jin Ran's absence, emphasizing that Ji Aoting was his primary support. Ji Aoting then attempted to take control of the Peixin Island project. However, Vincent firmly stated that due to its complexity, he would personally oversee that project and instructed Ji Aoting to focus solely on the Green Path Plan.
Frustrated by this, Ji Aoting later met with Bob, venting his frustration that despite his many years at Feitu, he still lacked Jin Ran’s influence, with Vincent withholding the crucial Peixin Island project. Bob discreetly reminded Ji Aoting of their prior discussions about a plan involving board members, a suggestion Ji Aoting, feeling increasingly marginalized, decided to pursue. Shen Shuangshuang received gifts from two colleagues who sought advice on how she "won over" Zhao Chengzhi, a notoriously stubborn bachelor.
Shuangshuang confidently boasted that Zhao Chengzhi had actively pursued her, attributing it to his good fortune in finally meeting someone as "virtuous, beautiful, and smart" as her. Later, another bouquet of flowers appeared on her desk. Zhao Chengzhi, suspecting it was from another suitor, abruptly pulled Shuangshuang into his office for a confrontation. Their heated argument, where Zhao Chengzhi playfully pointed out Shuangshuang's supposed flaws such as poor cooking and messy habits, was overheard by curious colleagues lurking outside.
Chen Zhengli intervened, claiming he had sent the flowers to wish them happiness, saving the couple from further public embarrassment. That night, Zhao Chengzhi received a call from his father, a law professor. He brazenly lied that he was single and consumed by work, but his cover was nearly blown when his father overheard Shuangshuang in the background, forcing him to invent a clumsy excuse about watching a movie.
Afterwards, Shuangshuang was shocked to realize her boyfriend's father was the strict professor she remembered from university. At home, Ding Ang was engrossed in his game's internal testing when Xinyi arrived with a cake, mentioning that his mother had visited her company earlier. Ding Ang immediately assumed the worst, believing his mother had caused trouble for Xinyi, recalling his own past experiences of her interfering in his life choices.
He angrily called his mother to confront her, but Xinyi quickly clarified the misunderstanding. She explained that his mother had actually gone to her company to defend her against a boss who was sidelining her due to her pregnancy and giving away her promotion to a connected colleague. Ding Ang, thoroughly embarrassed, stood silently. To defuse the awkward tension, Xinyi playfully announced that she and the baby were hungry, and the three of them went to have dinner together.
Meanwhile, Gu Sa picked up Jin Ran at the airport, intending to take him to see their son, Alex. While Jin Ran was with Alex, the boy playfully used Jin Ran's phone to initiate a video call with Yuan Lai. Yuan Lai was devastated to see Gu Sa's arm casually draped around Jin Ran's shoulder.
Her heartbreak intensified when Alex told her that Jin Ran was "with mommy" and that "mommy said the three of us will go out to play later." Believing they were a family, Yuan Lai quickly fabricated an excuse about being busy and hung up, visibly hurt. Afterwards, Gu Sa attempted to persuade Jin Ran to stay the night for Alex's sake, but Jin Ran declined, citing urgent company matters.
He then sent Yuan Lai a message requesting a meeting at the company the following day. Yuan Lai received the message, but her gaze drifted dejectedly towards the sky, her spirit wounded by what she had witnessed.
Episode 25 Recap
Alex was throwing a tantrum and refused to pick up a broken bowl, causing Gu Sa to lose her temper. Jin Ran quickly stepped in and comforted Alex, who then asked Jin Ran to take him to the Bund, a place his mother described as beautiful. When Jin Ran said he had to return to the office, Gu Sa downplayed the importance of his work and encouraged him to take Alex instead, assuring him it would be a quick trip.
Jin Ran agreed, taking Alex and Gu Sa to the Bund. Meanwhile, Yuan Lai, burdened with heavy thoughts, walked in the pouring rain without an umbrella, seemingly oblivious to it. Ji Aoting noticed her, expressed deep concern, and offered her a ride home. He gently dabbed her face with a towel and advised her that health was paramount, no matter the troubles.
He also mentioned that he had asked friends to help with the Green Path Plan and expected news soon. He asked if her distress was due to Jin Ran, which Yuan Lai denied. As Ji Aoting drove Yuan Lai home, she glanced out the car window at a traffic light and saw Jin Ran, Gu Sa, and Alex in their car, chatting and laughing like a happy family. This sight intensified her sorrow and deepened her misunderstanding of Jin Ran.
Ji Aoting noticed her expression and suggested she let go of people and things that weren't worth her effort, then drove her home to rest. Later that night, Jin Ran visited Yuan Lai at her home. He noted that despite her numerous calls and messages during his recent absence, she was now acting distant. He wondered if she had something she wanted to tell him.
Yuan Lai, however, remained cold, insisting her contact was purely for work-related matters, like overdue signatures and stalled projects. Jin Ran stated he didn’t believe she only wanted to discuss business. He then reminded her of her expressed care and concern for him, pleading for them to reconcile. Yuan Lai, however, refused to discuss the topic and asked him to leave, reminding him to lock the door behind him. The next morning, Jin Ran returned to Feitu.
His sudden reappearance caused a stir among employees, with some privately commenting on his past alleged involvement in an employee's death in Japan, while others quickly hushed them, including Yuan Lai who urged them to focus on work. Wen Ya then informed Jin Ran that several important Feitu clients were unilaterally terminating their agreements without clear reasons, despite not being approached by existing competitors. Jin Ran suspected a new rival in the market and instructed Wen Ya to investigate.
He also had her schedule meetings with all upcoming clients whose contracts were nearing expiration to preemptively identify any intention to cancel. Separately, Jin Ran called a headhunting firm, who told him about a newly established, well-funded travel company called Taihe, which had recently hired a highly experienced and top-tier professional from the industry. Jin Ran later spoke with Ji Aoting, subtly probing about the client cancellations.
Ji Aoting feigned ignorance and surprise at the news, questioning who could possess such capabilities against an industry leader like Feitu. Jin Ran commented that there are no impenetrable walls and information always leaks. Jin Ran then met with Mr. Wen, announcing that he had found new partners, hinting at further, more significant plans they were already discussing. At a technology exhibition, President Jiang, Ding Ang's mother, unexpectedly met Professor Zhao, Zhao Chengzhi's father.
President Jiang effusively praised Chengzhi as mature and steady, contrasting him with her own son, Ding Ang, who was engrossed in e-sports, causing her much headache. Professor Zhao, enjoying the compliments, proudly claimed a hands-off parenting approach with Chengzhi, stating he relied on his son's self-discipline and rarely interfered.
Unbeknownst to them, at a nearby restaurant, Chengzhi was complaining to Shen Shuangshuang about his father’s strictness, claiming he was often beaten and forced to study law, even showing her a scar he acquired while trying to escape his father's punishment. He also openly flirted with their waitress, prompting Shen Shuangshuang to playfully "punish" him by having him draw a chocolate heart on his face to declare his loyalty.
As they left the restaurant, with Chengzhi giving Shuangshuang a piggyback ride, they awkwardly encountered Professor Zhao and President Jiang. Shen Shuangshuang innocently greeted Professor Zhao as "Grandpa," much to the professor's embarrassment. President Jiang playfully remarked that Chengzhi hadn't been entirely truthful with his father, and Chengzhi, upon seeing his dad, was terrified. Meanwhile, Xinyi was promoted to Associate Director and was assigned Aimei's project to promote their new smartphone, Kacal, targeting young consumers.
The project came with a limited budget but high expectations, leaving Xinyi unsatisfied with initial advertising proposals like ground promotions, celebrity endorsements, or TV series product placements due to their cost, time, or risk. Later, Xinyi met Yuan Lai for dinner. Yuan Lai recounted how Alex had accidentally made a video call from Jin Ran’s phone, revealing Jin Ran was at Gu Sa’s house. She also mentioned seeing Jin Ran, Gu Sa, and Alex together in a car.
Xinyi was furious upon hearing this and vowed to confront Jin Ran on Yuan Lai's behalf. Yuan Lai, feeling sidelined, expressed resignation, believing her importance was secondary to Jin Ran's work. Xinyi confronted Jin Ran, demanding to know if he had been with Gu Sa during his absence. Jin Ran, unaware of the video call, was surprised that Yuan Lai knew. He explained that Alex had returned on his own, and he had only visited the child.
He firmly stated that his interactions had nothing to do with Gu Sa. Realizing Yuan Lai was jealous, Jin Ran found the situation both amusing and sweet. Xinyi, still upset, warned him not to hurt Yuan Lai, to which Jin Ran passionately swore he would never betray or harm her. Noticing Xinyi's stress, Jin Ran then offered professional advice for her Aimei project, suggesting she identify common scenarios and times where young consumers gather for more effective promotion.
Inspired, Xinyi decided to place large outdoor advertisements on Hengda Plaza, leveraging the large crowds expected for Deng Wei's upcoming fan meeting there, ensuring extensive free publicity from entertainment news. Her team excitedly agreed with the plan. Xinyi then went to Hengda Property to arrange the billboard, only to find that the manager she was meeting was Gao Zifu, her ex-boyfriend. Gao Zifu expressed his regret over their past breakup, admitting his mistakes and reaffirming his feelings for her.
Xinyi, however, maintained a strict professional boundary, informing him that she was married and wished him well in finding new beginnings. Gao Zifu then claimed that the prime billboard spot she desired was fully booked for the year, attributing the misunderstanding to a new intern who confused the front and back billboards. Despite her insistence on the prime spot, Gao Zifu remained unhelpful. Xinyi, realizing his intentions, left, asking him to inform her if any suitable opportunities arose.
At a company meeting, Mr. Wen made two major announcements. First, he revealed that Jin Ran had successfully secured Zhang's Property as the new partner for the Green Path Plan, replacing Guoben Fund, and the project would resume. Second, he announced Feitu's intention to bid for the Lan Town project and appointed Jin Ran and Yuan Lai as co-leads. Yuan Lai, expressing concern about her lack of experience, worried about impacting the project.
However, Mr. Wen reassured her, praising her capabilities developed under Ji Aoting and stating his confidence in her and Jin Ran’s ability to work together to secure the bid. Jin Ran confidently affirmed their long-standing teamwork and tacit understanding. After the meeting, Ji Aoting privately approached Jin Ran, expressing doubts about the Lan Town project.
He argued that its small scale and limited funding from the local tourism bureau made it unprofitable and a drain on company resources, suggesting they withdraw. Jin Ran countered that profitability was not the primary goal. He emphasized that successfully winning and developing the Lan Town project into a major success would solidify Feitu's position as an undisputed industry leader, giving them control over future tourism ventures in the region, even if it required initial self-investment or commercial partnerships.
With a busy schedule, Jin Ran quickly excused himself from the conversation. Later, Zhang Wei met Jin Ran to apologize. She explained that the misleading news about the Green Path Plan was published by a junior reporter on her team without proper verification while she was on a flight to the US. She assured him that the reporter had been fired and her studio would personally issue a clarification to address the rumors.
Jin Ran accepted her apology, confident in his own crisis management abilities. Soon after, news reports widely circulated, clarifying the Green Path Plan scandal, announcing Feitu's new partnership with Hong Kong's Zhang's Property, and their bid for the Lan Town tourism project. Meanwhile, Lin Shan, infuriated by the clarification news, confronted Gu Sa. She accused Jin Ran of taking advantage of her, complaining that the Green Path Plan, which she helped establish for Feitu, now excluded her.
Gu Sa calmly reminded her that she had voluntarily withdrawn. Lin Shan continued to vent, criticizing Jin Ran for abandoning his international career, pursuing a "minor product manager" (Yuan Lai), and now bidding on an "unprofitable" Lan Town project. She expressed her frustration to Gu Sa, feeling that Jin Ran was not worth her loyalty. Gu Sa, however, firmly declared her continued support for Jin Ran, stating she would always wait for him.
That evening, Jin Ran "coincidentally" found Yuan Lai jogging by the river and joined her. Yuan Lai questioned his continuous habit of running away from problems and then challenged his decision to invest in the Lan Town project, deeming it an unprofitable venture lacking historical depth or scenic beauty. She suspected he had ulterior motives for pursuing such a seemingly disadvantageous project. Jin Ran dismissed her suspicions, asking if she doubted his loyalty to Feitu and to her.
He assured her that both he and Mr. Wen understood the strategic value of the project, even if it meant initial investment, to achieve long-term market dominance. He then shifted the conversation to a more personal note, explaining that her tendency to "lock up her heart" prevented her from seeing beyond her immediate path.
He urged her to open her heart, promising that she would then see not only the broader scenery but also the person consistently by her side, growing with her, experiencing life with her, and holding her hand always. Yuan Lai, listening to his heartfelt words, began to soften, and they reconciled.
Episode 26 Recap
Ding Ang came to pick up Xinyi from work, noticing her unhappiness. A call came in from Gao Zifu, and Xinyi put him on speaker. Gao Zifu informed her that a brand’s advertisement had issues, postponing its schedule and leaving an available billboard slot. He asked if Xinyi was interested and suggested they meet at Lixing Hotel, promising to send the room number later. Xinyi agreed, despite Ding Ang’s warning that Gao Zifu likely intended to harass her.
Xinyi assured him she knew what she was doing. Concerned, Ding Ang secretly followed her to the hotel. Inside the hotel room, Gao Zifu, wearing a bathrobe, offered Xinyi red wine. Xinyi, however, pressed to discuss business. Gao Zifu bragged about his power at Hengda Property, claiming his boss was "inept and lacks the intelligence to govern" and that he alone made all decisions.
He then offered Xinyi a 20% discount off the market price for the billboard, citing their friendship. Xinyi questioned his betrayal of company interests, then revealed she had been recording their conversation. Gao Zifu lunged to grab her phone, but Xinyi kicked him, sending him sprawling onto the sofa. Ding Ang, who had been waiting downstairs, met Xinyi as she left. She excitedly told him that Gao Zifu would need to stay in the hospital for days.
Relieved but still worried, Ding Ang made her promise never to go into a man's room alone again, to which Xinyi playfully agreed, "except for my room." Remembering Jin Ran's words about opening her heart, Yuan Lai developed a refined proposal for the Lan Town project. At a company meeting, she presented a plan to promote Lan Town, known for its natural, pollution-free environment, by hosting a "Ten Thousand People Marathon" that would connect various scenic spots.
She also suggested adding a "treasure hunt game" for tourists less inclined to participate in the marathon. The company's senior management, including Mr. Wen, highly praised her creative ideas and expressed strong confidence in the upcoming bidding. Ji Aoting, meanwhile, watched with a worried expression. Yuan Lai and Jin Ran worked late into the night perfecting the plan. When Jin Ran saw her still immersed in work, he insisted they go eat, worried about her health.
He took her to Gu Yang’s coffee shop, which was already closed, and convinced Gu Yang to make them sandwiches. Xinyi met with Mr. Pei, the general manager of Hengda Property, presenting her recording as evidence against Gao Zifu. However, Gao Zifu had already preempted her, falsely accusing Xinyi of seducing him to say incriminating things just to secure the advertising slot. Mr. Pei, swayed by Gao Zifu's preemptive strike, dismissed Xinyi's claims and accused her of deliberate entrapment.
Furious, Xinyi left, declaring that some people's true colors would eventually be revealed. Back home, she angrily chopped vegetables to vent her frustration. Ding Ang, seeing her distress, comforted her and decided to investigate Mr. Pei. He discovered that Mr. Pei had recently married a much younger woman after a quick divorce from his first wife, leading him to conclude that Mr. Pei was indeed "greedy and lecherous." Xinyi, trusting Ding Ang’s judgment, believed Gao Zifu would eventually expose himself.
Later, Gao Zifu was publicly caught with Mr. Pei's wife, engaging in intimate behavior. Mr. Pei, seeing social media posts of them in the same cafe with the same dog and wearing matching rings, confronted them. Enraged, he physically assaulted Gao Zifu and immediately fired him from Hengda Property. Xinyi witnessed the scene, feeling a sense of vindication. Gao Zifu, in his desperation, retorted that Xinyi had only dated him years ago to afford an apartment in Shanghai.
Xinyi, however, countered that everything she had achieved was through her own hard work. Upon returning home, Xinyi happily shared the news with Ding Ang that the advertising slot was now secured, further validating their earlier strategy. Ding Ang, still worried about her safety, thoroughly checked her for any injuries. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai arrived at the Lan Town project bidding, confident in their marathon proposal.
The host announced that the winning project involved a marathon to promote Lan Town, which filled Yuan Lai with even greater hope. To her shock, the Tourism Bureau Director announced that Taihe Travel was the winning enterprise. Yuan Lai watched in disbelief as Taihe Travel’s video presentation played, revealing a plan almost identical to Feitu's. Angered and confused, she stormed out, but Jin Ran stopped her.
Yuan Lai couldn't fathom how their confidential plan, seen only by her, Jin Ran, Mr. Wen, and Ji Aoting, could have leaked. Jin Ran reminded her that the plan had indeed been seen by others, prompting Yuan Lai to suspect either Ji Aoting or Mr. Wen. Jin Ran urged her to stay for the tender document ceremony. To Yuan Lai’s astonishment, Ji Aoting ascended the stage to accept the tender documents as Taihe Travel's Managing Director.
Later, at a reception, Jin Ran congratulated Ji Aoting. Ji Aoting, feigning humility, claimed Jin Ran had "offered" him the project. Jin Ran coolly asked how Ji Aoting would explain his actions to Mr. Wen. Ji Aoting responded that Mr. Wen would likely have already seen his resignation letter. Jin Ran acknowledged that they were now rivals, and Ji Aoting humorously requested mercy.
Yuan Lai attempted to confront Ji Aoting, demanding to know why he betrayed Feitu, but he was quickly pulled away by other attendees for introductions. Ji Aoting then gathered Bob and Lisa, who were delighted with their victory over Feitu, believing Jin Ran was now writing a self-reflection report. Ji Aoting, however, cautioned them against arrogance, emphasizing the principle of "neither be elated by success nor disturbed by failure."
He reminded them that Mr. Wen was a cunning opponent and they needed to be fully prepared, ensuring Feitu would have no chance to recover. Back at Feitu, Yuan Lai encountered Ji Aoting, who had come to say his farewells to Mr. Wen. Yuan Lai questioned his betrayal, reminding him that Feitu was his brainchild, built with his heart and soul.
Ji Aoting admitted that Feitu was like his child and expressed regret for hurting her, acknowledging that the winning bid was her idea. He explained that Taihe Travel desperately needed the project to establish itself in the market and that his actions were solely "to prove myself." He then offered Yuan Lai a position at Taihe, promising to cultivate her talent, but Yuan Lai coldly rejected his offer, stating she had no intention of leaving Feitu.
Professor Zhao, speaking to a photograph of his deceased wife, happily informed her that their son, Chengzhi, had found a girlfriend, also from the Law Department at Dong University. Chengzhi then brought Shuangshuang to meet his father. Professor Zhao was initially polite, but during their conversation, he realized Shuangshuang was the same "naughty" student who had disrupted his class years ago.
He recalled teaching a lesson about non-violence and calling on a student in a "green" shirt, only for Shuangshuang to correct him, claiming her shirt was blue and suggesting he was color blind. She had then given a chaotic, legally unsound answer to a case study. Professor Zhao, clearly disappointed, feigned a sudden stomachache and then claimed he needed to prepare for an afternoon class, abruptly leaving without finishing his meal. Shuangshuang felt dejected, fearing Professor Zhao's disapproval.
Chengzhi tried to console her, explaining his father’s "principle" that "all students who don’t work hard in study are his foes." He pressed her to recall what had happened between them in class. After her confession about the "color blind" comment and the violent solution to the case, Chengzhi reiterated that his father "hates it when people call him color blind." Shuangshuang complained that Professor Zhao was "so petty" to still hold a grudge.
Chengzhi jokingly suggested finding another girlfriend that his father would approve of, causing Shuangshuang to angrily pinch his arm. Meanwhile, Professor Zhao was once again talking to his wife's photo, expressing concern that Shuangshuang was "not good," a "naughty ghost," and might "ruin Chengzhi’s life," vowing to "observe her more." That evening, Jin Ran took Yuan Lai to Gu Yang’s now-closed coffee shop, using a spare key he had.
He offered Yuan Lai a low-alcohol fruit wine while pouring himself a strong liquor. Yuan Lai questioned why he chose to drink such strong alcohol if it only caused headaches, but Jin Ran admitted it helped him sleep. Yuan Lai then expressed her disillusionment after meeting Ji Aoting, feeling childish for trusting him and bewildered by those who prioritize "benefits and achievements more important than friendship and justice."
Jin Ran explained that some selfish people remain in positions not out of satisfaction, but because a greater temptation has not yet arrived. He dismissed Ji Aoting’s excuse about being forced by Mr. Wen, asserting that Ji Aoting would always prioritize his own interests, flatter himself, and eventually "take away all the resources from the company and start up his own business," regardless of Mr. Wen's kindness. Yuan Lai lamented Feitu’s recent heavy losses.
Jin Ran, ever the optimist, reassured her that one defeat doesn’t define everything, reminding her, "He who laughs last laughs best," and hinted at good news to come. Yuan Lai then questioned if his ambition would also lead him to betray Feitu. Jin Ran, looking deeply at her, confessed, "You are my ambition, the purpose of my return. As long as you are here, I am not going anywhere." Later, Jin Ran became heavily intoxicated.
Yuan Lai called Chengzhi and Ding Ang to help take him home. As they struggled to get a staggering Jin Ran up the steps of his apartment, Yuan Lai easily located a spare key hidden nearby, teasing them for their predictable habit of hiding keys within three meters, a practice she remembered from college. Inside, Chengzhi exaggerated Jin Ran's poor health due to low alcohol tolerance, jokingly advising Yuan Lai to reconsider him.
As Yuan Lai prepared to leave, Ding Ang dramatically warned her of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption, including potential cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, and urged her to stay and monitor Jin Ran, since he and Chengzhi had families to go home to. Chengzhi offered to stay instead, but Ding Ang quickly dragged him away, quipping, "He could be faking it!" leaving Yuan Lai alone to care for Jin Ran.
Episode 27 Recap
Yuan Lai stayed overnight to care for an inebriated Jin Ran. She discovered a small avatar of herself drawn in his book, which brought back fond memories of their college days, making her heart stir. She then fell asleep beside him. The next morning, Jin Ran tenderly kissed Yuan Lai upon waking. Yuan Lai, conscious of being late for work, hurriedly tried to leave but was caught at her apartment door by her parents.
From inside, Jin Ran loudly called her name, asking her to have lunch with him. Yuan Lai, embarrassed and trying to keep their secret, told him to shut up, but he persisted, forcing her to reluctantly agree before she could make her escape. At work, Fei noticed Yuan Lai was still wearing the same clothes from the day before and playfully suggested she had a romantic night.
Yuan Lai tried to brush it off, telling Fei to focus on work and that she simply didn't feel like changing. However, Jin Ran then arrived and publicly returned her necklace, which she had forgotten on his vanity unit that morning. This immediately exposed their overnight stay, leaving Yuan Lai deeply embarrassed. Zhao Chengzhi attempted to persuade his father, Professor Zhao, to accept Shen Shuangshuang, highlighting her good nature despite her naughtiness and her improved performance at work.
However, Professor Zhao remained unconvinced, criticizing Shuangshuang's past academic record and predicting she would negatively influence Chengzhi. He even chided Chengzhi for wearing ripped jeans, which Shuangshuang had bought for him, and for his college photography hobby, calling it "unprofessional." Feeling discouraged, Shuangshuang wondered if they should elope, but Chengzhi proposed she try to win his father over by demonstrating her newfound maturity.
He helped her pick out a tie as a gift for his father, which Shuangshuang insisted on paying for herself to show sincerity. Upon arriving at Professor Zhao's home, Shuangshuang's attempts to impress quickly backfired. She candidly remarked that Chengzhi had called his father stubborn, which Chengzhi tried to subtly interrupt with coughs. Misinterpreting this, Shuangshuang offered him water, but then accidentally spilled it all over Professor Zhao's prized, imported collection book. Professor Zhao's annoyance grew.
Chengzhi tried to encourage his father to open Shuangshuang's gift, but when Professor Zhao did, he was shocked to find lace lingerie inside instead of a tie. Infuriated, he stormed off, leaving Chengzhi to humorously declare that they would now truly have to elope. Jin Ran received good news over the phone from a business associate just before a company meeting.
During the meeting, Vincent announced that Jin Ran would temporarily take over as General Manager following Ji Aoting's departure, while Yuan Lai would oversee products and report to Jin Ran. Jin Ran then proposed an innovative tourism-property project on Peixin Island in partnership with Zhang's Property. He explained that Zhang's Property would handle construction, while Feitu would manage promotion and leasing of vacation homes, sharing the profits.
A colleague praised the idea, noting Peixin Island's high hotel prices and tight supply, seeing it as a way to diversify revenue. Vincent fully supported the project, recognizing its potential to break through industry bottlenecks and create new profit growth. Yuan Lai, however, raised concerns about the Lan Town project, questioning if all their previous work would be abandoned. Jin Ran casually suggested letting it go, hoping Ji Aoting would develop Lan Town tourism first.
This response sparked Yuan Lai's suspicion, as she recalled Jin Ran mentioning his early doubts about Ji Aoting's loyalty when clients were poached. She began to fear that Jin Ran had intentionally withheld his true intentions and never planned to invest in Lan Town from the start.
Yuan Lai then had a private conversation with Jin Ran, pressing him on when he first discovered Ji Aoting's deception and why he didn't inform her earlier, especially regarding the seemingly abandoned Lan Town project. Jin Ran revealed he knew when clients were poached and subtly reiterated his intention for Ji Aoting to spearhead Lan Town's development. This only solidified Yuan Lai's suspicion that Jin Ran's ultimate focus was indeed Peixin Island, and his actions were cunningly orchestrated.
Back at Yuan Lai's home, her mother intercepted her, concerned about her overnight absence. Yuan Lai tried to dismiss her mother's questions, claiming she had been out for a run. Her mother then grilled her about whether she was with Chengzhi or Ding Ang, finally speculating if she was reconciling with Jin Ran. Yuan Lai admitted she was "considering" it.
Her mother cautioned her against Jin Ran, reminding her of their past painful memories and his unknown experiences in recent years, expressing concern that Yuan Lai might be taken advantage of, and explicitly asking if she had slept with him. Yuan Lai firmly denied that anything had happened between them. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting, watching news reports about Feitu's Peixin Island project, pieced together Jin Ran's true intentions.
He realized that Jin Ran had played him, using the Lan Town project as an elaborate trap. Jin Ran never wanted Lan Town, which was profitless; he merely created a "big cake" to entice Ji Aoting. Ji Aoting understood that by developing Lan Town, he was inadvertently driving up property values on the nearby Peixin Island, allowing Feitu to gain substantial profits without direct investment.
Ji Aoting called Yuan Lai, subtly trying to discuss the Lan Town project, implying it was "her painstaking project." Yuan Lai, however, dismissed his attempt, stating the project no longer concerned her and she had accepted the loss. They then met in person, where Ji Aoting confronted her, explaining that Lan Town was a trap and Jin Ran never intended to win it, only to ensnare him. He questioned if she cared about being used by Jin Ran.
Yuan Lai coolly asserted that she simply followed her superior's instructions and didn't consider whether her efforts were "sacrificed." She then shocked Ji Aoting by revealing she had known Jin Ran's true intentions all along and merely pretended ignorance. She accused Ji Aoting of hypocrisy, stating she never expected him to betray the company and them.
Despite his claims of "secret troubles," Yuan Lai declared they needed to "start over to learn about each other" and that he had no one to blame but himself for falling into Jin Ran's trap. She maintained that Jin Ran had done nothing wrong, as his scheme wouldn't have worked if Ji Aoting hadn't first betrayed Feitu.
Acknowledging her gratitude for his past trust and mentorship, Yuan Lai made it clear that after his betrayal, there would be no future for them to work together. She wished Taihe success with the Lan Town project and departed, pointedly ignoring Jin Ran's incoming phone call. Aimei, led by President Jiang, faced a significant downturn as its Kacal cellphone sales plummeted and stock prices fell due to fierce competition from Sinda's cheaper, knock-off products.
Xinyi, Ding Ang's wife, was worried and worked with her colleagues to formulate a market strategy. When Ding Ang picked her up, he feigned indifference to Aimei's troubles, though he secretly checked the stock market later, betraying his concern for his mother. President Jiang, meanwhile, confided in Xinyi, lamenting her strained relationship with Ding Ang and her son's perceived lack of concern, even as she excitedly showed off baby girl clothes she bought for Xinyi.
She then enlisted Xinyi's help to devise a new marketing plan, aiming for a "great counterattack" against the knock-offs by developing unique new features. Xinyi readily agreed to do her best. Later, Ding Ang's e-sports team secured another championship, and he was mobbed by adoring fans. Xinyi, witnessing his immense popularity, realized he could be the perfect spokesperson for Kacal, aligning the phone with the e-sports world. That evening, Xinyi, uncharacteristically, prepared a "super delicious love salad" for Ding Ang.
Sensing her ulterior motive, Ding Ang playfully resisted, pointing out her unusual behavior and his knowledge that such gestures usually preceded a "bother." Xinyi candidly asked him to endorse Kacal as its spokesperson, arguing that his fame as an e-sports guru would sway his many fans. Ding Ang, initially reluctant and stating his principles against "groundless stories" or "plagiarism," eventually agreed, declaring it his first step into life as a spokesperson, much to Xinyi's delight.
Following Ding Ang's endorsement, Kacal cellphone sales soared, breaking new records and securing a significant "comeback victory." President Jiang was immensely pleased, finally beginning to understand and appreciate Ding Ang's e-sports career. Jin Ran intercepted Yuan Lai during her evening run, questioning why she ignored his calls and noting her habit of running and speaking concisely when angry.
Yuan Lai, still upset, initially told him to discuss work matters during office hours, but he insisted on clarifying the Lan Town situation immediately to prevent further misunderstandings. Jin Ran explained that Lan Town was never his ultimate goal; it was a strategy to lure Ji Aoting, knowing he planned to betray the company. By making Ji Aoting develop Lan Town, he intended to both expose Ji Aoting's true colors and indirectly boost property values on Peixin Island.
He admitted he didn't tell Yuan Lai earlier because her straightforward nature made her ill-suited for keeping such a complex secret, fearing Ji Aoting would see through the plan. Yuan Lai acknowledged that she now understood Ji Aoting's deception but expressed deep disappointment and a sense of wasted effort, feeling that Jin Ran found her struggles amusing. She told him that while she rationally understood his professional reasons, emotionally, she felt let down and needed time to process everything.
A dejected Jin Ran visited Gu Yang at his coffee shop, sharing his emotional turmoil after Yuan Lai felt used by his tactics. Gu Yang offered a metaphor of a tangled thread, advising Jin Ran to be patient and trust that Yuan Lai, being clever, would eventually understand and approach him when she thought things through. He assured Jin Ran that Yuan Lai would not leave him.
Meanwhile, at home, Shuangshuang and Chengzhi bickered while searching for an important contract, blaming each other for misplacing it. During the search, Shuangshuang stumbled upon an old, dusty camera lens—a gift she had given Chengzhi—reminding her of his abandoned photography hobby. Chengzhi admitted he had been too swamped with work to pursue it.
Episode 28 Recap
Chengzhi, a talented photographer, browsed the website for "The Tenth National Geographic Photography Contest," but dismissed the idea of participating. He recalled his father's past disapproval, who warned him against indulging in photography in college, considering it "no good for his work" and worried that Shen Shuangshuang would negatively influence him. He also boastfully claimed his "high-end works" might not be understood by common people. Despite his reluctance, Shen Shuangshuang, seeing his passion, secretly signed him up for the competition.
Ding Ang's e-sports team faced a crisis when their teammate, Ma, was severely injured in a car accident, fracturing his hand and making him unable to compete. With only fifteen minutes before disqualification, a substitute arrived, to Ding Ang's shock. The replacement was Chu Yun, a girl from his past. A flashback revealed her past trauma: she had previously stabbed someone in a fit of rage after her family members did not receive timely medical treatment, leading to her imprisonment.
Despite the complicated history, the team proceeded, and with Chu Yun's participation, Ding Ang's team secured victory in the group stage. After the match, Chu Yun publicly declared her readiness to prepare for the next competition. While working, Jin Ran received an unexpected call from a coffee shop manager, informing him that Alex had been waiting there alone for a long time.
Jin Ran rushed to pick him up, learning that Alex had wandered off alone that morning after waking up and not finding his mother. Unable to reach Gu Sa by phone, Jin Ran brought Alex to his office. His colleagues were visibly surprised to hear Alex call Jin Ran "Daddy," sparking rumors about Jin Ran having a child. Facing an urgent client meeting, Jin Ran asked Yuan Lai to look after Alex, suggesting she take him to a nearby supermarket.
Yuan Lai expressed her inexperience with children, but Jin Ran reassured her that Alex was well-behaved, entrusting him to her care. Yuan Lai took Alex to the supermarket to buy snacks. Alex, showing a fondness for sweets, had eaten a lot. While Yuan Lai was on a business call discussing a company plan, Alex wandered off. Realizing he was gone, Yuan Lai panicked, desperately searching for him and asking passersby if they had seen a five-year-old boy with curly hair.
She immediately called Jin Ran to report Alex missing and then dialed 110, expressing concern that Alex might have been abducted. Jin Ran rushed to the supermarket, and Yuan Lai apologized profusely, but Jin Ran, in his distress, initially cut her off, though he later softened his tone. Reviewing the security footage, they saw Chu Yun, the e-sports girl, wearing a beige jacket, leading Alex away. They quickly split up to search.
Chu Yun tried to reassure Alex that she was not a bad person, claiming his mother had asked her to look after him due to an urgent matter. She subtly questioned Alex about his parents' relationship and if they had arguments, to which Alex, sensing her strangeness, quietly remarked in English, "She's so strange." Jin Ran and Yuan Lai continued their search separately, asking around the mall.
Yuan Lai received a tip that Alex was seen in an ice cream shop and had just gone to the restroom. Meanwhile, Alex, having smartly used his phone watch, called Gu Sa, telling her a "weird madam" had invited him for ice cream and asking how to get away. Gu Sa instructed him to send his location and stay put. Alex then cleverly feigned a stomachache to stall Chu Yun, who offered to carry him.
Just as Chu Yun was about to leave with Alex, Yuan Lai found them, and Chu Yun, startled, quickly fled through a safety exit. Gu Sa soon arrived, relieved to find Alex safe, but immediately turned her anger on Jin Ran, demanding an explanation for why Alex was with a stranger. Yuan Lai tried to take full responsibility, admitting she hadn't looked after him well, but Gu Sa sharply rebuked her, emphasizing the danger of Alex almost being abducted.
Jin Ran defended Yuan Lai, stating she lacked experience with children and that he was the one who was careless. Angered by Jin Ran's defense, Gu Sa sternly told him never to entrust Alex to "untrustworthy people" again. Jin Ran promised it wouldn't happen again, and Gu Sa left with Alex. Yuan Lai reassured Jin Ran, telling him not to take Gu Sa's harsh words to heart, acknowledging her own inexperience with childcare.
She jokingly added that another such incident would give her a "heart disease" and requested that Jin Ran not entrust her with such responsibilities in the future. Jin Ran agreed, promising never to pressure her into doing anything she disliked. Later, at a coffee shop, Yuan Lai encountered Lisa, who confidently boasted about her successful career at Taihe, sarcastically thanking Jin Ran for firing her, which she claimed opened doors to better opportunities. Yuan Lai, unfazed, left.
Upon returning to her office, Yuan Lai learned from Fei that a scheduled meeting with Hanfei Real Estate had been canceled, and their contract terminated. Fei also disclosed that several business managers had reportedly been poached by Ji Aoting's new company, and even Rex had been acting "stealthily" before leaving, raising suspicions about his intentions. Ding Ang and Xinyi received their wedding invitations and began finalizing their plans.
Xinyi expressed a desire for a "splendid wedding" to demonstrate her happiness, though she hadn't chosen a venue. Ding Ang initially suggested Paris for its romantic appeal, but Xinyi was concerned about her demanding work schedule interfering with long-distance travel. Ding Ang then proposed Peixin Island, highlighting its special significance to them, which Xinyi happily accepted.
Xinyi voiced a slight concern about not having her own elders present, but Ding Ang assured her that his mother, President Jiang, would gladly step in. Shortly after, Xinyi received a call from Man, informing her of an online uproar regarding "Keku cellphone explosions" and public concerns about their quality. Xinyi instructed Man to keep the matter confidential while she discreetly investigated the veracity of the claims, initially suspecting it might be a malicious rumor from a competitor.
At a meeting, President Jiang reviewed Xinyi's "Plan B" and was generally satisfied, though she suggested minor adjustments. Xinyi attempted to bring up the pressing issue of "Keku phone explosion rumors" and their potential impact, but President Jiang summarily dismissed her concerns, stating she had already "arranged it" and instructed Xinyi not to worry.
Later, Xinyi informed Ding Ang that her private investigation confirmed the phone explosions were "true," yet President Jiang intended to "carry on" with current plans, refusing to recall the faulty devices. Outraged, Ding Ang confronted his mother, accusing her of not understanding "the severity of the problem." President Jiang remained resolute, advocating a "cold treatment" strategy, believing the public would eventually forget and attributing the issue to rival companies.
Ding Ang vehemently argued for an immediate recall of all problematic phones and a halt to all promotions, warning that advertising during such a crisis would be "counterproductive." Their discussion quickly devolved into a heated argument, with Ding Ang accusing his mother of being "arbitrary" and ignoring others' opinions. Xinyi intervened to de-escalate the tension, cleverly redirecting the conversation to their wedding plans.
She gently asked President Jiang if she would walk her down the aisle, acting as her parent figure. Moved by the request, President Jiang agreed, promising to personally "handle the incident" and instructing the couple to focus solely on their wedding, especially Xinyi, given her pregnancy. As they left, Ding Ang was still agitated, but Xinyi soothed him, reminding him of his mother's sacrifices and contributions to their comfortable life.
Feitu faced mounting challenges when James, a long-term client, attempted to extort a kickback from Jin Ran during a contract signing. Jin Ran firmly refused, upholding Feitu's ethical principles against "breaking the rules" and insisting funds be used for development. James, however, revealed that "Ji Aoting’s bonus is much more favorable," and when Jin Ran stood firm on his "bottom line," James mockingly referenced Jin Ran's past "dirty work abroad" before walking out, signaling the end of their cooperation.
Subsequently, multiple other clients either canceled or postponed projects, citing Ji Aoting's more attractive offers, further confirming Ji Aoting's aggressive poaching tactics through kickbacks. While at a shopping mall, Yuan Lai spotted Rex and Lisa together. Rex, visibly awkward, walked away without a word. Lisa, however, approached Yuan Lai to gloat, revealing Rex's imminent resignation to join Taihe and boasting about Taihe's success in acquiring Feitu's clients.
Yuan Lai retorted confidently, disclosing that Ji Aoting had previously extended her an "offer," promising her any position and the authority to "dispose any staff at my will," pointedly asking Lisa "how about firing you first?" leaving Lisa stunned as Yuan Lai walked away triumphantly. Later, Rex formally submitted his resignation to Jin Ran.
Jin Ran accepted with magnanimity, assuring Rex he had "no need to feel guilty" and wishing him success at Ji Aoting's company, while subtly advising him to "extend his horizon for problems." Jin Ran's spirits were lifted when he received Ding Ang and Xinyi's wedding invitation, prompting him to book two tickets to Peixin Island. The e-sports girl, Chu Yun, who was also a popular internet celebrity, sought legal representation from Shen Shuangshuang.
Shuangshuang, assuring Chu Yun of her trust and support, learned about Chu Yun's plight. Chu Yun revealed that her brokerage firm was "making it more difficult for her," specifically targeting her because of her past imprisonment. She explained that the firm was exploiting her "secret," threatening to "disclose it to fans and ruin her career" if she disobeyed.
Deeply sympathetic, the earnest Shuangshuang vowed to "win the lawsuit and cancel the contract" for Chu Yun, advising her to keep a low profile at her company and gather evidence. Gu Yang, who was present during this exchange, observed the situation with a look of concern. Shen Shuangshuang excitedly informed Chengzhi that she had landed her very first case, proudly asking if he thought she was "awesome."
Chengzhi, amused, teased her about receiving a case so quickly after just obtaining her lawyer's qualification certificate, playfully questioning the client's judgment and whether they wanted to lose. Shuangshuang retorted by reminding him of her past contributions to his own case victories. While acknowledging her growing competence, Chengzhi still found it remarkably swift for her to become "renowned so soon." Shuangshuang proudly revealed that her client was a "popular internet celebrity."
She then declared with determination that she "will surely win the lawsuit," believing that when her client was "freed from the lawsuit. . . she, as the lawyer, will also go popular." Chengzhi affectionately called her "so silly" and "so cute" for her enthusiasm. Shortly after, a mailman delivered two letters, one for each of them. Upon opening them, they discovered they were wedding invitations from Ding Ang and Xinyi. Chengzhi noted that it was high time for the couple to finally hold their wedding after being married for a considerable period.
Episode 29 Recap
Yuan Lai visited Ji Aoting at Xinghe, despite not having an appointment. After being directed to his office, she confronted him, observing that he had changed significantly since starting his own business less than a week ago. Ji Aoting acknowledged this, stating that everyone changes and that only those who adapt to the times can survive.
Yuan Lai accused him of unethical practices, such as poaching staff and clients from their former company, and criticized his offer of rebates, which she believed was destroying the industry's ecological balance. Ji Aoting dismissed her concerns, stating that if the industry did collapse, it wouldn't be their problem and advised her not to burden herself. Yuan Lai argued that while Jin Ran might have been ruthless, he at least showed leniency, unlike Ji Aoting.
Ji Aoting retorted that Vincent Wen had not considered his feelings when he brought Jin Ran into the company. Deciding they were "in separate ways," Yuan Lai declared her intention to reclaim Feitu's lost employees and clients through fair competition. Ji Aoting responded by offering her a top position in his company, which Yuan Lai firmly rejected. Later, Yuan Lai met Jin Ran by the river.
She informed him that Rex had resigned and expressed concern over Feitu's plummeting morale, asking if he had tried to keep Rex. Jin Ran confirmed he knew but chose not to intervene, believing that those who want to leave cannot be held back. He then correctly deduced that Yuan Lai had confronted Ji Aoting, noting it was typical of her character.
Jin Ran advised her against direct confrontation, suggesting they instead observe Ji Aoting, waiting for him to make a mistake, as their inaction would then constitute progress. Changing the subject, Jin Ran presented Ding Ang and Xinyi's wedding invitation. Yuan Lai was delighted, calling it the first wedding among their group. Jin Ran then playfully hinted at a second wedding for themselves, to which Yuan Lai jokingly told him to "go away."
The romantic and elaborate wedding of Xinyi and Ding Ang took place on Peixin Island. While getting her makeup done, Xinyi briefly saw someone resembling Gao Zifu but dismissed it. Xiaoman commented on how well Jin Ran and Yuan Lai, serving as best man and bridesmaid, looked together. Ding Ang tasked Jin Ran and Yuan Lai with greeting guests. Yuan Lai's friends, upon seeing them, lightheartedly asked when they would marry, causing a moment of awkwardness.
Gao Zifu, an uninvited guest, approached Mrs. Jiang, Ding Ang’s mother, to spread rumors about Xinyi’s character. Xinyi, beautiful like a fairy, was then led down the aisle by Mrs. Jiang to Ding Ang. Everyone present offered their blessings. Ding Ang looked at Xinyi with heartfelt joy, delivering emotional wedding vows, recounting their ten-year journey to finally reach the threshold of marriage with such care.
Xinyi was moved to tears of happiness, and they exchanged rings, completing this most important ceremony of their lives. After the ceremony, Mrs. Jiang took the stage. She stated that she had not heeded Gao Zifu’s slander. She expressed her belief in Xinyi and her son’s judgment, declaring that from that day forward, Xinyi would be like her own daughter, and anyone who slandered her would face consequences.
Shen Shuangshuang angrily confronted Gao Zifu, calling him a villain, and instructed security to escort him out. Xinyi was deeply moved by her mother-in-law's defense and tearfully thanked her. During the bouquet toss, Jin Ran caught it, prompting everyone to urge him to propose to Yuan Lai. Jin Ran took the stage and delivered an emotional speech.
He spoke of a special girl, the most important person in his life, with whom he had separated five years ago and reunited five years later. Despite their arguments, joys, love, and hate, his affection for her had never wavered. He then looked at Yuan Lai and asked her if they could start over. As Yuan Lai began to walk towards him, calling out his name, Chu Yun, the e-sports girl, unexpectedly appeared, embracing Jin Ran.
Shen Shuangshuang was surprised to recognize Chu Yun as the Internet celebrity she was representing in a lawsuit. Jin Ran, after greeting Chu Yun, told her she owed Yuan Lai an apology. Yuan Lai, however, chose to let the past go, emphasizing that it was a day of celebration for Ding Ang and Xinyi. Chu Yun then presented a wedding gift to Ding Ang, identifying herself as a new member of his team.
Xinyi, furious, told Chu Yun that being colleagues didn’t make them friends and warned her to behave. She then questioned Ding Ang about Chu Yun’s presence, knowing what she had done to Yuan Lai. Feeling unwelcome, Chu Yun left. Ding Ang followed Xinyi, who expressed her anger that he had allowed Chu Yun to join his team despite her past actions against Yuan Lai, fearing the impact on their friendship.
Ding Ang acknowledged his oversight and promised to protect Yuan Lai. Jin Ran apologized to Xinyi for Chu Yun’s unexpected appearance, and Xinyi warned him to be wary of Chu Yun. As Jin Ran was about to return to his room, Chu Yun suddenly hugged him from behind. Jin Ran asked why she was still there so late. Chu Yun, feigning vulnerability, admitted she deserved blame but insisted her love for him was genuine and she had never forgotten him.
She then recalled a past conversation where she confessed her love for Jin Ran and proposed they move to Beijing together after he graduated. Jin Ran, however, told her he planned to study abroad alone and reiterated his love for Yuan Lai, advising Chu Yun to move on with her own life. Chu Yun defiantly declared she would be his woman and marry him, believing she could change his mind.
Jin Ran firmly stated his unwavering love for Yuan Lai, past, present, and future, and told Chu Yun their relationship was their private matter, not hers to worry about. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang, having heard from Chu Yun about her current legal troubles, recounted to Chengzhi how Chu Yun’s initial public confession of love for Jin Ran (which Chengzhi had spread around at the time) had led to her humiliation. Chengzhi admitted his youthful indiscretion had hurt Chu Yun.
Shuangshuang, applying criminal psychology, suggested that the ridicule Chu Yun faced contributed to her subsequent actions. Chu Yun, for her part, believed that Yuan Lai had stolen Jin Ran from her, injured Yuan Lai's mother, and was the reason she went to prison. Shuangshuang empathized with Chu Yun’s struggles, noting that her criminal history made her boss difficult. Chengzhi, touched by Shuangshuang's compassion, expressed his luck in finding such a kind girlfriend.
However, he suspected Chu Yun's return was not simple and made Shuangshuang promise to disengage from Chu Yun's affairs after her current lawsuit was resolved. Later, Yuan Lai recalled a past encounter where Chu Yun had confronted her, declaring her love for Jin Ran and asserting that he would never abandon her for Yuan Lai. Yuan Lai had firmly retorted that she was the only one Jin Ran loved now and warned Chu Yun to stay away.
Chu Yun approached Jin Ran, asserting that she had reflected on her past impulsive actions and had changed. She spoke of signing with a brokerage firm and helping Ding Ang's team in a recent competition, inviting Jin Ran to watch her matches. While Jin Ran expressed support for her e-sports career and offered Ding Ang's help if she pursued it, he firmly reiterated that Yuan Lai was and always would be the woman he loved.
He then closed his door, dismissing Chu Yun. Shortly after, Yuan Lai saw Chu Yun standing outside Jin Ran's room. Chu Yun immediately began to provoke Yuan Lai, remarking on their unresolved relationship and boasting about her own success as an Internet celebrity, suggesting Yuan Lai was making slow progress. She implied that Jin Ran had been her silent supporter, which was why she had achieved so much.
Yuan Lai dismissed her, stating that her life choices and her relationship with Jin Ran were none of Chu Yun's business. Jin Ran, hearing their exchange, came out. Chu Yun seized the opportunity to claim she hadn't booked a room and all others were occupied, hinting she would sleep in his room. Jin Ran agreed. However, he later went to Yuan Lai's room, humorously requesting to stay there since his room was "occupied."
After some playful banter, Jin Ran held Yuan Lai from behind. Yuan Lai, reflecting on her emotions, admitted to herself that she felt like a "love-struck fool" for temporarily forgiving him. The next morning, Ji Aoting was furious over the Lan Town project. His subordinates explained that the contract failed to specify traffic construction, leaving the area inaccessible and thus without customers, rendering their efforts futile. Ji Aoting, dismissing their excuses, sent them away to devise a solution himself.
At breakfast, Xinyi learned from Yuan Lai that Chu Yun had stayed in Jin Ran’s room the previous night. Outraged, Xinyi loudly called Ding Ang, Chengzhi, and Shen Shuangshuang to her table, deliberately leaving Chu Yun isolated. Jin Ran, seeing Chu Yun standing alone, offered her his seat. Annoyed, Yuan Lai declared she was full and walked away.
Jin Ran immediately followed, stopping her to clarify that she was the only person he cared about, dismissing her anger over his actions. Yuan Lai then stated she was going to pack her luggage, and Jin Ran affirmed he would wait for her, reiterating his sole focus on her.
Episode 30 Recap
During a meal, Xinyi confronted Chu Yun about a lawsuit, asking for details. Chu Yun explained that her former brokerage firm was demanding a double penalty after she sought to terminate her contract, citing that her boss was deliberately embarrassing her. Xinyi, expressing suspicion, warned Shuangshuang (Chu Yun’s lawyer) to be cautious, suggesting Chu Yun might be using the case to gain fame.
Chu Yun challenged Xinyi’s accusations, which prompted Xinyi to retort that Chu Yun was being unreasonable, reminding her of her uninvited appearance at Xinyi’s wedding and her subsequent attempt to stay in Jin Ran's room. Xinyi sternly warned Chu Yun not to cause any further harm to Yuan Lai. Ding Ang attempted to mediate the escalating argument, but eventually, everyone else made excuses and left, leaving Chu Yun alone and upset.
Later, Ding Ang spoke with Xinyi, acknowledging her desire to clear any obstacles for Yuan Lai and Jin Ran. However, he suggested that the biggest issue for the couple lay within themselves, rather than with any third party. Meanwhile, a crisis unfolded at Aimei Company. Ding Ang received an urgent call from Michelle, President Jiang's assistant, who informed him that numerous vendors were demanding returns for Aimei's phones due to recent explosion incidents.
Michelle revealed that President Jiang was utterly exhausted trying to handle the fallout but had insisted that Ding Ang not be disturbed during his honeymoon. Ding Ang and Xinyi immediately rushed to the company, where they were met by a swarm of journalists. Ding Ang, acting as the company's spokesperson and President Jiang’s son, publicly apologized to the consumers and promised that the company would take full responsibility for all damages and consequences.
He requested that the media allow him a path to resolve the issue. Inside, President Jiang watched her son’s mature handling of the situation with relief and pride. Ding Ang learned that his mother had initially dismissed his advice to recall the problematic phones, believing she could contain the scandal with hush money, only for the explosions to continue.
Ding Ang insisted on taking over the crisis management, despite his mother’s reluctance to burden him, stating it was his responsibility to the consumers he represented. Xinyi offered her expertise in media relations to assist. That evening, as Jin Ran walked Yuan Lai home, Chu Yun appeared unexpectedly. She claimed her agent had evicted her after she terminated her contract and that she had nowhere to go, insinuating she expected to stay with Jin Ran.
Yuan Lai’s mother emerged to greet Yuan Lai and was visibly dismayed and confused to see Chu Yun with Jin Ran. Furious, Jin Ran firmly told Chu Yun that his apartment was not a shelter and reiterated his unwavering love for Yuan Lai. He gave Chu Yun a bank card, instructing her to find a hotel for the night, and explicitly told her to stay away from Yuan Lai.
Inside, Yuan Lai’s mother advised Yuan Lai to maintain a distance from Jin Ran after witnessing Chu Yun’s presence. Yuan Lai then revealed that she and Jin Ran had already been separated for some time. Later, Yuan Lai's mother changed her tune, urging Yuan Lai to reconsider Jin Ran. She expressed her fear that Yuan Lai might miss out on finding her true love and suggested she be more "muddled" about other women's affairs.
Yuan Lai, however, insisted that she needed clarity on certain matters, stating she couldn’t move forward if she couldn’t reconcile them in her heart, leading her mother to jokingly attribute Yuan Lai’s stubbornness to her father. Elsewhere, Gu Sa took Alex to visit Jin Ran. Along the way, Alex recognized Chu Yun as the "weird auntie" who had given him ice cream. Noticing Jin Ran's bank card in Chu Yun's hand, Gu Sa confronted Chu Yun about taking her son.
Chu Yun claimed it was a misunderstanding, having mistakenly believed Alex was Jin Ran's child. Gu Sa then offered Chu Yun assistance, subtly suggesting that she leverage her close, long-standing relationship with Jin Ran’s mother, Mrs. Hua, who treated Chu Yun like a daughter, to gain Jin Ran's favor. Gu Sa provided Chu Yun with Mrs. Hua's contact information in Japan, as well as her own phone number.
Yuan Lai met Chengzhi to discuss Feitu's recent legal challenges, specifically how to counter Ji Aoting’s aggressive tactics of poaching staff and projects. Chengzhi advised Yuan Lai that what Jin Ran needed most was her steadfast support, emphasizing that their strong bond was essential for Feitu's stability. At a nearby coffee shop, Shuangshuang met with Chu Yun to discuss her lawsuit.
Shuangshuang recommended an out-of-court settlement, explaining that the current evidence made a judicial process less likely to succeed, and reassured Chu Yun of her professional commitment to the case despite her personal connections. As they talked, Chu Yun noticed Yuan Lai and Chengzhi leaving together, with Chengzhi helping Yuan Lai put on her jacket.
She subtly attempted to manipulate Shuangshuang by highlighting Chengzhi’s profound devotion to Yuan Lai, hinting that Chengzhi's influence was the reason for Yuan Lai's continued hesitation regarding Jin Ran. Later, Xinyi overheard Ding Ang playing a video game and calling out Chu Yun’s name. Enraged, she confronted him, accusing him of prioritizing the game over her.
Ding Ang explained that Chu Yun was a temporary replacement for an upcoming competition due to a missing player and promised to remove her from the team after the tournament was over. Xinyi demanded that he immediately remove Chu Yun from the team and keep his distance from her. Jin Ran later approached Yuan Lai, carrying a wedding bouquet. He asked her if they could start their relationship anew, expressing his unchanging love despite their past arguments and separations.
Yuan Lai accepted the bouquet but made it clear that she expected Jin Ran to definitively resolve his complicated relationship with Chu Yun. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting called Yuan Lai and drove to her apartment. He complained about the difficulties of his Lan Town project, attributing the problems to a shortage of capable staff. He then offered Yuan Lai a significant incentive—a five percent equity stake in his company—to join him.
Yuan Lai, however, firmly refused, reiterating that she would never betray Feitu. The following morning, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai went for a run together, discussing their work. Jin Ran reassured Yuan Lai of his strong resilience under pressure and encouraged her not to worry. They arrived at the office together, a sight that visibly boosted staff morale.
During the weekly meeting, Jin Ran delivered an inspiring speech, acknowledging the recent employee departures but commending the loyalty of those who remained. He announced the unexpectedly high profitability of the Peixin Island project, further energizing the team. Yuan Lai watched his confident leadership with growing satisfaction. Later, Jin Ran received a phone call from his mother, informing him that she was flying to Shanghai specifically to visit Chu Yun.
Jin Ran immediately reported this to Yuan Lai, acknowledging the delicate situation and promising to keep her informed about his mother's frequent interactions with Chu Yun, whom his mother viewed as a beloved surrogate daughter and Jin Ran's childhood sweetheart.
Episode 31 Recap
Yuan Lai accompanied Xinyi to pick out a gift for Xinyi’s mother-in-law. Xinyi, who is pregnant, teasingly remarked on Yuan Lai’s taste in gifts, but Yuan Lai suggested a therapeutic pillow, arguing it was more practical than a silk scarf and beneficial for cervical health. Xinyi immediately bought it. Afterward, Xinyi dragged Yuan Lai to a lingerie shop, cheekily suggesting Yuan Lai wear something cute and stay at Jin Ran’s house after dinner. Yuan Lai, exasperated, refused.
She felt her presence would be inappropriate, given that Jin Ran’s mother, Ms. Hua, was specifically returning to address Chu Yun’s issues. Xinyi, however, revealed she had already arranged for Ding Ang to keep Chu Yun busy with work, ensuring Chu Yun would be occupied with overtime, even if she managed to meet Ms. Hua at the airport, thus preventing her from attending the welcoming party.
Yuan Lai, trusting Jin Ran to handle the situation, stated that he likely kept the details from her to spare her stress and overthinking, a sentiment Xinyi dismissed as naive. Meanwhile, Jin Ran arrived at the airport to pick up his mother, Ms. Hua. To his surprise, Chu Yun also appeared, explaining she had called Ms. Hua, leading to her return.
Ms. Hua showed immense affection for Chu Yun, even playfully chiding Jin Ran for making Chu Yun stay in a hotel. As they left, Jin Ran subtly cautioned his mother about Chu Yun’s complicated relationships with their friends, especially after the disruption at Ding Ang and Xinyi’s wedding. Ms. Hua, however, expressed a more forgiving view, saying everyone makes mistakes and some can be forgiven.
She then revealed the true reason for her return wasn't just Chu Yun, but because Jin Ran’s father wanted to see him. Jin Ran’s demeanor instantly hardened; he adamantly refused any contact, stating his father had been absent for over twenty years and held no place in his life. Later, Jin Ran’s friends, including Chengzhi, Ding Ang, Yuan Lai, Xinyi, and Shen Shuangshuang, held a welcoming party for Ms. Hua.
Xinyi, to Yuan Lai’s surprise, presented the therapeutic pillow, claiming it was a thoughtful gift from Yuan Lai to Ms. Hua. In turn, Ms. Hua gave Yuan Lai a beautiful emerald necklace, remarking that it would have been hers much earlier if she and Jin Ran hadn’t broken up. Everyone began to tease, speculating if it was an engagement gift. However, Jin Ran’s mood darkened when he realized the necklace was from his father.
He angrily demanded Yuan Lai remove it, creating an awkward silence. Ms. Hua clarified that Jin Ran’s father wanted to reconnect with him and leave a substantial estate, which Jin Ran fiercely rejected. His friends, aware of Jin Ran’s painful history, understood his strong reaction. Simultaneously, Chu Yun, alone at work, saw photos of the happy gathering, confirming her suspicion that Ding Ang had intentionally kept her occupied.
Recalling Shen Shuangshuang’s advice about an out-of-court settlement for her current lawsuit, Chu Yun immediately contacted Mr. Gao, the opposing team’s manager. She offered to deliberately underperform in the upcoming Esports competition, ensuring his team’s victory, in exchange for an out-of-court settlement for her case. Later, Jin Ran confided in Yuan Lai about his father.
He revealed that he had once secretly observed his father, who appeared genuinely happy with his new wife and children – a happiness Jin Ran felt his father had never shared with him or his mother. This encounter solidified Jin Ran’s resolve never to acknowledge him. He expressed concern that Yuan Lai might view him as unfilial or selfish for this decision.
Yuan Lai, however, showed deep understanding, stating that true comprehension between individuals, be it family or lovers, requires a lifetime of effort. The next day, during the national Esports competition, Ding Ang’s team was on the verge of victory. Despite Ding Ang’s repeated calls for Chu Yun to join the critical team fight, she deliberately returned to base, citing lack of energy, even though commentators noted her in-game stats showed otherwise.
Her actions led directly to Ding Ang’s team losing the championship. After the match, Xinyi furiously confronted Chu Yun, accusing her of sabotaging the team with deep scheming. Ding Ang, upset by Xinyi’s public accusations, angrily defended Chu Yun, leading to a heated argument between the couple. Xinyi, deeply hurt, stormed off. Ding Ang went to a bar to drink his sorrows away.
Chu Yun appeared, offering an apology, then physically initiated contact with him, ultimately taking the intoxicated Ding Ang to a hotel. The following morning, Ms. Hua sought out Yuan Lai, entrusting her with a letter from Jin Ran’s father meant for Jin Ran. Ms. Hua, now older, expressed that while she understood Jin Ran’s hatred, she herself had come to terms with the past.
She believed the letter might offer some closure for them and urged Yuan Lai not to give up on her relationship with Jin Ran, emphasizing the rarity of true love. Soon after, Yuan Lai, on a business errand, arrived at a hotel to deliver a contract to a client. To her shock, she witnessed Ding Ang and Chu Yun exiting a room in close succession.
Disturbed, Yuan Lai called Shen Shuangshuang, learning that Shuangshuang and Chu Yun were heading to a café for Chu Yun’s out-of-court settlement. Yuan Lai quickly made her way there. The opposing party, to Shuangshuang’s surprise, readily agreed to the settlement terms. Yuan Lai, after sending Shuangshuang to the restroom, confronted Chu Yun about her presence at the hotel with Ding Ang.
Chu Yun, with chilling arrogance, declared she no longer loved Jin Ran but had fallen for Ding Ang, brazenly claiming Ding Ang’s heart was now hers and that he could get a divorce. She taunted Yuan Lai to worry more about Xinyi. Enraged by Chu Yun’s audacity, Yuan Lai slapped her, issuing a stern warning against further manipulation. Shuangshuang, returning, was confused by the scene.
Chu Yun, feigning victimhood, twisted the narrative, implying Yuan Lai was irrationally attacking her over Jin Ran and further poisoning Shuangshuang’s mind by questioning Chengzhi’s true feelings for Yuan Lai. Worried, Yuan Lai tried to call Ding Ang, but his phone was off. She contacted his studio, learning he was taking several days off from work. Still concerned for Xinyi, Yuan Lai visited their home. She found Ding Ang and Xinyi appearing affectionate and seemingly undisturbed.
Ding Ang casually mentioned turning off his phone due to media pressure after the loss. Seeing them outwardly happy, Yuan Lai left, choosing not to reveal what she had witnessed at the hotel, though she felt very uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Shuangshuang proudly informed Chengzhi about successfully securing the out-of-court settlement for Chu Yun. Chengzhi, however, expressed suspicion, questioning why the other party conceded so easily and if she had signed any documents, highlighting her inexperience compared to Yuan Lai.
Shuangshuang took offense, feeling Chengzhi lacked trust in her. Just then, Chengzhi received a call from the Impression Photography Competition, announcing his win for the Best Creative Award. Believing it to be a scam, he hung up. Shuangshuang quickly clarified that she had submitted his work, making Chengzhi ecstatically happy. To celebrate, Chengzhi decided to organize a gathering at Gu Yang’s café, but his first call was to Yuan Lai, which made Shuangshuang visibly jealous.
Episode 32 Recap
Yuan Lai called Xinyi, who was resting at home due to her pregnancy. Yuan Lai's inquiries seemed a bit unusual to Xinyi, who then playfully suggested Yuan Lai should also have a baby with Jin Ran. Soon after, Fei informed Yuan Lai that there was an emergency in Lan Town. Lan Town Scenic Spot, operating under the banner of "Ecological Future City," had experienced a significant incident.
The project’s managing company, Star Harvest, had severely miscalculated the carrying capacity for tourists. This led to an overwhelming number of visitors who couldn't find hotel accommodations, causing widespread dissatisfaction among tourists and the Lan Town government. Some shareholders had already begun to withdraw their investments, putting Star Harvest in a precarious situation. Jin Ran was not at the office, so Yuan Lai went to meet Ji Aoting, the head of Star Harvest.
To her surprise, she encountered Jin Ran there. Jin Ran had offered to help Ji Aoting, proposing a collaboration between Feitu and Star Harvest to integrate the Lan Town and Peixin Island projects, aiming for a win-win outcome. However, Ji Aoting was deeply skeptical, viewing Jin Ran’s offer as a trap. Yuan Lai intervened, urging Ji Aoting to trust both her and Jin Ran. Despite her words, Yuan Lai herself harbored some doubts about Jin Ran’s sincerity.
To dispel her concerns, Jin Ran put Yuan Lai in complete charge of the Lan Town project’s investigation and planning. Meanwhile, at home, Ding Ang was secretly trying to wash a lipstick stain from his shirt, attempting to hide it from Xinyi. Xinyi, suspicious of a stain, reminded him to dismiss Chu Yun from his company as they had previously agreed, and also blamed Chu Yun for their team's recent loss.
Ding Ang was evasive, stating he was too busy to go to the office. Jin Ran later met with Gu Sa to inform her of his plans to collaborate with Ji Aoting. Gu Sa expressed frustration, deeming the project too time-consuming, but Jin Ran was unfazed, explaining his intention to stay in China and develop his career.
He advised Gu Sa to return to Japan, promising to manage her company affairs and shares, but Gu Sa was in no hurry, having not yet achieved her goals. Upon learning from Fei that Yuan Lai was in Lan Town despite having a fever, Jin Ran grew worried and immediately booked the earliest flight to Peixin Island, where Lan Town was located.
After searching for a while, Jin Ran found Yuan Lai, weak and sitting on the side of a rainy road. He rushed her back to a hotel. Once Yuan Lai awoke, she recounted seeing Ding Ang and Chu Yun exiting the same hotel room and the lipstick mark on Ding Ang’s shirt. Jin Ran believed it was a misunderstanding and suggested she tell Xinyi.
However, Yuan Lai was hesitant, fearing the emotional impact on Xinyi, especially given her pregnancy and her deep commitment to her marriage. Ding Ang met Chu Yun to terminate her contract, giving her a bonus for her past competition and her accumulated salary. Chu Yun accused him of being irresponsible, but Ding Ang saw through her pretense.
She then revealed that photos and videos of them leaving the hotel had gone viral online, and she feigned victimhood in front of Ding Ang’s teammates, implying he was the one at fault. Xinyi arrived at the company and found Chu Yun alone. Xinyi confronted her, deriding her for trying to meddle in her marriage. Chu Yun brazenly implied Ding Ang’s guilt by the compensation he offered.
She further provoked Xinyi by revealing that Yuan Lai had seen her and Ding Ang leave the hotel but chose to keep it a secret, insinuating that Xinyi and Yuan Lai’s friendship was not as strong as Xinyi believed. Outwardly, Xinyi remained composed, but once Chu Yun left, she furiously threw her phone to the ground. Ding Ang, Chengzhi, Jin Ran, and Yuan Lai gathered at Chengzhi's office to discuss the scandal.
Ding Ang vehemently denied any wrongdoing, explaining that after losing a match, he drank alcohol, and Chu Yun appeared, claiming guilt and wanting to talk. He swore nothing inappropriate happened. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai encouraged Ding Ang to call Xinyi and explain everything clearly. Ding Ang called Xinyi, who, surprisingly, feigned ignorance, leading Ding Ang to believe she was still unaware. Later, Chu Yun met Shuangshuang, thanking her for her help.
She subtly showed Shuangshuang the online rumors and manipulated her into believing that Ding Ang had orchestrated the whole incident. Shuangshuang, being naive, was easily misled. Soon after, Shuangshuang saw Chengzhi, Jin Ran, and Yuan Lai arrive at a nearby café. As Shuangshuang went to greet them, a car sped by, splashing water. Chengzhi instinctively pulled Yuan Lai back, but left Shuangshuang to get splattered with mud. This small action caused Shuangshuang to feel a pang of jealousy.
That evening, Chengzhi hosted a celebration for his recent photography award. As Shuangshuang entered, she saw Chengzhi and Yuan Lai preparing things together, further fueling her unease. During his speech, Chengzhi thanked everyone but did not specifically mention Shuangshuang, leaving her feeling deeply disheartened. As each person shared their hopes and plans, Xinyi unexpectedly dropped a bombshell: she announced her intention to divorce Ding Ang. The revelation stunned everyone.
Xinyi, furious that everyone had kept the truth from her, refused to believe Ding Ang’s explanations and threw her wedding ring onto the table. She declared she no longer wanted to speak to Yuan Lai, who she felt had betrayed her by keeping secrets. Ding Ang immediately ran after Xinyi. Following Xinyi's dramatic exit, Shuangshuang lashed out at Yuan Lai, sarcastically suggesting that Yuan Lai must enjoy being protected by so many people.
Shuangshuang then angrily stormed out, leaving Jin Ran to comfort a distressed Yuan Lai. Chengzhi quickly pursued Shuangshuang, who tearfully confronted him, accusing him of always prioritizing Yuan Lai and thinking only of her safety whenever a crisis arose. Chengzhi was rendered speechless, and Shuangshuang ran off, crying.
Episode 33 Recap
After the tumultuous dinner organized by Zhao Chengzhi, only Jin Ran and Yuan Lai remained. Yuan Lai was overcome with self-blame, convinced that she was the root of all the problems. She expressed the bitter irony of history repeating itself, noting how Chu Yun's actions four years ago led to their estrangement, and now, with Chu Yun's return, they were once again facing similar troubles.
Yuan Lai also regretted not confiding in Xinyi and felt she had failed to protect her friend. Jin Ran tried to console her, promising to resolve all the issues and assuring her they would not repeat past mistakes, emphasizing that they were no longer impulsive adolescents. Unbeknownst to them, Gu Yang was secretly taking photos of their interaction. Meanwhile, Ding Ang relentlessly pursued Xinyi, trying to explain the situation, but Xinyi remained unyielding.
She tearfully pushed him away, reminding him of her strong dislike for Chu Yun and her previous warnings. Despite Ding Ang's desperate apologies, his claims of being drunk, and his assurances that nothing had happened with Chu Yun, Xinyi declared their relationship over. After a night of contemplation, Xinyi decided to leave Ding Ang. Ding Ang awoke to find her gone, discovering only a letter she had left on his suitcase.
In it, Xinyi requested a peaceful life, free from the drama. Zhao Chengzhi, hoping to reconcile with Shen Shuangshuang, waited all night outside her door. When she emerged, still angry despite seeing his exhausted state, Chengzhi tried various tactics to win her over, even comically belittling himself. He followed her inside, where he attempted a serious conversation. He clarified that his concern for Yuan Lai was born solely from their decade-long friendship, without any romantic intentions.
Regarding the incident where he pulled Yuan Lai instead of Shuangshuang, he claimed he hadn't seen Shuangshuang behind him and would have instinctively protected her first. Shuangshuang countered, asking if he hadn't heard her calling him multiple times. Chengzhi playfully, but poorly, suggested she had used telepathy, which only further angered Shuangshuang, causing her to storm off. Yuan Lai met Xinyi, apologizing for her concealment.
Xinyi mused that even if she had known sooner, the outcome likely wouldn't have been different. She expressed frustration that despite her clear warnings, Ding Ang had still allowed Chu Yun to approach him. Yuan Lai, once again, took all the blame, assuring Xinyi that Ding Ang would never betray her. She pleaded with Xinyi to reconcile, arguing it would be the strongest blow against Chu Yun.
Xinyi, however, sidestepped the discussion about Ding Ang, instead asking Yuan Lai to accompany her shopping for baby items. Later, while Yuan Lai was with Xinyi, Ms. Hua called her, asking her to come to their old house. After Xinyi departed, Yuan Lai made her way there. Unbeknownst to Yuan Lai, Ms. Hua had also called Jin Ran, inviting him to the same location, a deliberate arrangement by Ms. Hua.
Ms. Hua met Chu Yun for coffee, and they reminisced about old times. Ms. Hua, seeing the online rumors about Chu Yun and Ding Ang, advised Chu Yun, as a public figure, to be mindful of her image. Chu Yun confessed her hatred for Yuan Lai, believing she had stolen Jin Ran. She lamented her ruined future after accidentally injuring Yuan Lai’s mother, claiming everyone now avoided her.
Ms. Hua comforted Chu Yun, promising continued support from herself and Jin Ran, but sternly warned her against malicious actions, emphasizing the importance of kindness and integrity, to which Chu Yun outwardly agreed. At the old house, Yuan Lai found Jin Ran, realizing Ms. Hua's intention to bring them together. The old courtyard had been lovingly maintained by their neighbors. Jin Ran suggested they unearth the time capsule they buried long ago.
Though the box was rusty, the photos and a letter inside, filled with their memories, were preserved. Yuan Lai read Jin Ran’s letter, which she had once forced him to write. It expressed his heartfelt hopes for their future, his belief that they would never separate, and his promise to find and embrace her if they ever did. Deeply moved, Yuan Lai was about to embrace Jin Ran when a child interrupted, looking for a ball.
Embarrassed, Yuan Lai quickly excused herself, citing an urgent proposal for Lan Town, and left. Chu Yun then met with Gu Sa, admitting her efforts to separate Jin Ran and Yuan Lai had been unsuccessful due to their strong bond. Gu Sa, mocking Chu Yun's incompetence, offered her personal assistance. Chu Yun tried to argue that she was helping Gu Sa, but was swayed by the offer of a role in an upcoming film Gu Sa was investing in.
Gu Sa then gave Chu Yun a specific photo and instructed her to visit photographer Mike. Xinyi, still refusing Ding Ang's calls and texts, overheard colleagues gossiping about Ding Ang's alleged infidelity and the troubles of marrying into wealth while in the company restroom. The rumors further hardened her resolve. Shuangshuang sought advice from her friend, Xiaotong, questioning if Chengzhi truly loved her.
Xiaotong reassured her, pointing out Chengzhi's significant changes since they started dating, such as no longer socializing with his male friends after work and devoting all his time to Shuangshuang. Xiaotong also highlighted how Shuangshuang had become more accomplished in her legal career due to Chengzhi's supportive presence, arguing that Chengzhi would never force himself into a relationship he didn't genuinely desire.
Despite the logical reasoning, Shuangshuang still felt unhappy and insisted on having dinner with Xiaotong without mentioning Chengzhi's name. Undeterred, Chengzhi persisted in his attempts to win Shuangshuang back. He gave her several "520" RMB red envelopes from his recent photography competition bonus, jokingly calling it the first "pot of gold" for their future home. This gesture secretly delighted Shuangshuang.
As Shuangshuang left work, Chengzhi enthusiastically photographed her, declaring that she had reignited his passion for photography and he would title the photo series "Start of Dream." Although Shuangshuang feigned annoyance, she couldn't help but secretly admire the photos later. Suddenly, Chengzhi received a call from the Impression Photography Competition organizers, informing him that his winning work was suspected of plagiarism due to alleged similarities with a piece titled "Return."
Chengzhi was astonished by the accusation, as the themes of the two works were entirely different, with only the composition cited as a similarity. Suspecting a deliberate act, he immediately called Ding Ang, noting their recent string of troubles and suggesting it was all part of a larger scheme. In the parking garage, Ding Ang spotted Xinyi ending Chengzhi's call. He confronted her, desperately trying to explain that Chu Yun's actions were a setup and nothing had happened between them.
Xinyi stated that she no longer wanted to live amidst gossip and that his behavior had brought immense distress, emphasizing her desire for their child to grow up in a peaceful environment. Ding Ang agreed, insisting that their reconciliation was the only way to counter the rumors. Pushed to her limits, Xinyi warned him not to pressure her, implying she would harm herself if he did. Fearing for Xinyi and their unborn child, Ding Ang let her go.
Xinyi drove off, but Ding Ang, unwilling to give up, pursued her. He cut her off, blocking her path. Xinyi initially sped towards him but ultimately stopped her car. She then stepped out, threw her car keys to Ding Ang, and walked away alone. Meanwhile, Ji Aoting was drowning in the crisis of Lan Town. He received a call from an investor, Mr. Hu, threatening legal action for losses, who then hung up.
His secretary delivered more bad news: the Construction Group was withdrawing from the greening project, willing to pay penalties, and another investor, Mr. James, was sending lawyers to discuss withdrawal and compensation. Overwhelmed, Ji Aoting instructed his assistant to tell Bob, who had flown to Beijing seeking new partners, to take his time.
Looking at a sailboat in a glass bottle on his desk, Ji Aoting recalled his first meeting with Yuan Lai, where he offered to mentor her at Feitu, impressed by her passion for tourism and vision for making travel a lifestyle in China. He tried to call Yuan Lai, but she didn't answer.
Episode 34 Recap
In the morning, Yuan Lai received a sailboat in a glass bottle, a gift from Ji Aoting. Recalling Ji Aoting's unanswered call from the previous night, Yuan Lai felt a sense of foreboding and immediately contacted Lisa. Lisa confirmed that Taihe was in disarray, with angry business partners crowding the entrance, demanding payment. Ji Aoting was nowhere to be found. Over the phone, Yuan Lai heard the commotion, which deepened her concern for Ji Aoting.
She then called Jin Ran, who advised her to search for Ji Aoting in the places he frequented most. Yuan Lai suddenly remembered the Weston Hotel, where she and Ji Aoting had first met, and decided to go there. Ji Aoting, heartbroken by the failure of Taihe, had indeed gone to the Weston Hotel.
Standing there, he was tormented by memories of his first encounter with Yuan Lai, his past conflicts with Feitu over the Lan Town project, and Yuan Lai questioning his decisions. Overwhelmed by despair and feeling like a loser, Ji Aoting contemplated ending his life. Just as he was about to jump, Yuan Lai arrived. She called him "Teacher" and reminded him of how he, along with Mr. Lu, had saved Feitu two years prior during a difficult time.
Ji Aoting, however, confessed that he was too tired to fight anymore and had no means to repay his debts, seeking only release. He refused to believe in the cooperation proposal Yuan Lai presented, convinced that everyone, including her, would eventually abandon him. As Ji Aoting prepared to leap, Jin Ran intervened, pushing him back to safety. Jin Ran chastised Ji Aoting for his irresponsibility, reminding him of his loyal employees and the potential for recovery.
He reiterated his offer for a powerful alliance between their companies, emphasizing that their joint efforts could ensure a win-win outcome for Taihe. Later, Jin Ran was overcome with emotion, confessing to Yuan Lai his deep regret and self-blame regarding Kevin’s death years ago. He admitted that he had not responded to Kevin's plea for help due to anger at Kevin's weakness, but later deeply regretted it.
He revealed that he had initially intended to give Kevin a small company under his group to help him rebuild his career, but Gu Sa had given that opportunity to someone else instead. Kevin, having seen a glimmer of hope only to have it snatched away, had fallen into despair and died. Jin Ran explained that he hated Ji Aoting's irresponsibility but hated himself more for not having helped Kevin in time.
Yuan Lai comforted a distraught Jin Ran, assuring him that she understood he had tried his best. Meanwhile, Zhao Chengzhi and Ding Ang were at Gu Yang’s coffee shop. Ding Ang was preoccupied with Xinyi, claiming he could sense her even if she stopped her car. Shen Shuangshuang burst in with important news: the person accusing Chengzhi of plagiarism was not a renowned photographer but a wealthy playboy whose works were actually taken by his students.
Shuangshuang had managed to apprehend one of his students, who, under pressure, had revealed some details, though Shuangshuang promised not to expose his identity. Chengzhi was touched by Shuangshuang’s dedication to him, leading to playful banter between them. Witnessing their affectionate exchange, a forlorn Ding Ang quietly clutched Xinyi’s ring. Mr. Zhang from Zhang’s Property unexpectedly met with Jin Ran, announcing his decision to withdraw from the Peixin Island project due to "personal reasons."
Jin Ran argued that pulling out at such a critical stage would have severe repercussions, but Zhang Liang remained firm. Yuan Lai presented a detailed development plan for Lan Town's tourism resources, but Zhang Liang declined to even look at it, merely stating his belief in Feitu’s ability to overcome challenges and offering contractual compensation.
Jin Ran, feeling betrayed by his long-time associate, declared that Zhang Liang was unworthy of being called a brother and instructed him to address him as Mr. Jin from then on. Jin Ran and Yuan Lai later visited an amusement park. Yuan Lai expressed guilt for constantly causing problems for Jin Ran, but he reassured her, saying it proved she was still by his side and cared about him.
He added that if she ever stopped "troubling" him, he would worry she was leaving him. Yuan Lai promised to never be impulsive, hurt him, or leave him again. Jin Ran then presented her with a beautiful necklace, which she loved, and they shared a passionate kiss, vowing to never be apart again.
Back at Taihe, Ji Aoting stood by his window, reflecting on Jin Ran’s words on the rooftop—that Feitu and everyone needed him and that he still had a chance to fight back. Lisa approached him, and Ji Aoting questioned his own sense of responsibility. Lisa praised his efforts over the years and encouraged him, reminding him that he hadn't truly lost. She suggested he leverage Jin Ran's business expertise to turn the situation around.
Ji Aoting then confessed that he was the reason Jin Ran had dismissed Lisa, but she dismissed it as a past matter, urging him to look forward and rebuild. By a fountain, Jin Ran playfully told Yuan Lai that he would be responsible for earning money, while she would be responsible for her beauty. Yuan Lai playfully retorted that she was already beautiful and intended to become her own "queen," not relying on anyone.
She acknowledged that she now understood Jin Ran's business strategies, despite his past deceptions regarding the Lan Town project, and declared her ambition to surpass him. Jin Ran affirmed that the company would indeed need her assistance, especially given Zhang Liang's withdrawal, but expressed confidence that his renewed cooperation with Ji Aoting, combined with Yuan Lai’s presence, would create miracles. Yuan Lai eagerly accepted the challenge, promising to exceed his expectations.
Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang had recruited her college alumni to confront Mike, sending Yuan Lai the address. Worried, Yuan Lai headed to the mall. Shuangshuang, dressed in a tough, intimidating style, located Mike. However, upon seeing his meek demeanor, she had a change of heart and called off her alumni. Unexpectedly, Yuan Lai and Shuangshuang then witnessed Chu Yun meeting Mike. This immediately made Yuan Lai realize that Chu Yun was behind Chengzhi's plagiarism accusation.
Yuan Lai confronted Chu Yun, who feigned innocence, claiming Mike was merely a fan hired to take artistic photos. Yuan Lai sternly warned Chu Yun that she would find irrefutable evidence of her malicious plot, promising that Chu Yun would face severe consequences. Later, Zhao Chengzhi found Shuangshuang’s “gangster” outfit both ridiculous and amusing. Shuangshuang recounted her "heroic" college days, where she and her friends often dealt with "rogues" through a mix of intimidation and legal means.
Just then, Zhao Chengzhi’s father arrived, visibly displeased by their antics. He chastised Chengzhi for engaging in "unprofessional" photography instead of focusing on his legal career. Shuangshuang quickly stepped in, taking full responsibility for signing Chengzhi up for the competition without his knowledge. Chengzhi, in turn, defended Shuangshuang, leading to a heated argument between them.
His father threatened to take over Chengzhi’s law firm if he lost the lawsuit and disparaged Shuangshuang, calling her one of the "dubious people" who would lead him astray. Chengzhi retorted, insisting that the firm was his and he could manage it himself, which only angered his father further, who stormed off. After his father left, Shuangshuang informed Chengzhi about Chu Yun's meeting with Mike. News of Feitu's cooperation with Taihe Travel quickly spread online.
Gu Sa questioned Jin Ran’s decision not to fully acquire Taihe, but instead to give Ji Aoting a chance to survive. Jin Ran, in turn, confronted Gu Sa about her role in Kevin’s death, revealing that he had known about it all along. He admitted to initially leveraging Gu Sa, but reminded her that mutual utility was a principle she herself had taught him in the business world.
Gu Sa pleaded with Jin Ran to return with her, expressing her exhaustion from the cutthroat business world, but Jin Ran firmly refused, stating that Yuan Lai was here, and he would not go back. Gu Sa was left fuming. Finally, Yuan Lai presented Ji Aoting with the formal cooperation contract, which he reviewed and found satisfactory, making only minor adjustments. He expressed his joy at the chance to start anew with Feitu.
Yuan Lai enlightened him, revealing that the industry was now speculating that Feitu’s cooperation was due to the immense potential of Taihe and Lan Town, rather than an act of charity. Ji Aoting acknowledged Jin Ran’s clever strategy and generosity, admitting he was deeply impressed. Seeing the necklace Jin Ran had given Yuan Lai, Ji Aoting expressed his wish for her enduring happiness, calling Jin Ran a trustworthy partner for her future.
Episode 35 Recap
Xinyi returned home to a chorus of "Honey, welcome home" from a talking bear, a pleasant surprise left by Ding Ang. As she walked further into the house, she found more of his thoughtful reminders, including folic acid, warmed milk, and prenatal music for their baby. Despite these efforts, Xinyi's anger resurfaced, and she began packing her clothes, determined to leave. Later, the friends gathered to discuss a strategy, realizing they had all been ensnared in Chu Yun’s schemes.
Xinyi arrived, asking Chengzhi how Chu Yun knew about his competition. Shuangshuang speculated that Chu Yun might have overheard her while she was on the phone. Xinyi expressed her frustration that no one had heeded her earlier warnings about Chu Yun. Ding Ang, shocked to learn Xinyi was leaving, argued with her again, prompting Xinyi to declare her intention to move to a quiet place away from gossip and rumors.
The plagiarism lawsuit against Chengzhi was proving difficult, as a private settlement would mean admitting guilt and falling further into Chu Yun’s trap. Everyone felt at a loss until Shuangshuang, recalling Chu Yun’s past claim that Mike was her fan, seemed to get an idea. Jin Ran sought out Chu Yun, urging her not to pursue Chengzhi. Chu Yun feigned innocence, claiming she was willing to endure any injustice.
Jin Ran then deliberately asked for her help in persuading Mike, offering money to resolve the issue. Chu Yun agreed to try and convince Mike. Meanwhile, Xinyi was on a business trip in another city. Shortly after checking into her hotel, she received a gift from Ding Ang.
Realizing he had used his computer skills to track her phone’s location, Xinyi grew furious and immediately instructed her assistant, Man, to find her another hotel, while also turning off her location services. Jin Ran met Chu Yun again, giving her money and asking about her past conflict with Ding Ang. Chu Yun insisted it was due to a lack of trust between Ding Ang and Xinyi. Suddenly, Chengzhi appeared, holding evidence of Jin Ran’s transfer to Mike.
He angrily confronted Jin Ran, questioning why he would do such a thing. Chengzhi explained that news of the payment had already spread in their professional circles, implying he had admitted plagiarism. Enraged, Chengzhi struck Jin Ran, accusing him of deliberately setting him up and declaring that Jin Ran was no longer his friend. Chu Yun, feigning concern, expressed outrage at Chengzhi for doubting Jin Ran, but Jin Ran told her to leave to prevent the situation from escalating.
Chu Yun later met with Gu Sa to report the smooth progress of their plan. Gu Sa, however, expressed a sense of unease, finding the success too effortless. Chu Yun pleaded with Gu Sa to quickly end everything and take Jin Ran away, as she no longer wanted to be involved. Chengzhi went to a bar to drink and clear his head. Chu Yun approached him, offering comfort.
Chengzhi then challenged her conscience, asking how she could live with herself after causing so much trouble and breaking relationships. He provoked her by recounting how Ding Ang gave her a chance to shine, only for her to make him homeless, and how she claimed to love Jin Ran but then caused him to lose a close friend. Losing her temper, Chu Yun blurted out that she had deliberately framed them all. Seizing the opportunity, Chengzhi secretly recorded her confession.
As Chu Yun realized she had fallen into a trap, the other friends emerged, declaring that she would never succeed in tearing any of them apart. Cornered, Chu Yun revealed that she too had been manipulated by someone else. Jin Ran confronted Gu Sa, who attempted to steer the conversation toward business. Jin Ran directly accused her of orchestrating the entire scheme, then revealed that he and Chengzhi had set a trap for her.
Gu Sa admitted her involvement, but insisted her actions were driven by genuine love for Jin Ran and a desire to be with him. Jin Ran reiterated that everything he did was to be with Yuan Lai, sternly warning Gu Sa that from that moment on, she would be held responsible for every word she spoke and every action she took. Chengzhi and Shuangshuang prepared for the court hearing.
Chengzhi, however, reflected on Chu Yun’s confession, realizing that her deep-seated grievances, which he felt he was partly responsible for, had made her vulnerable to Gu Sa’s manipulation. He decided that they should not pursue further charges against Chu Yun, merely seeking to clear his name. Shuangshuang, though initially hesitant, agreed with his decision. The five friends celebrated their legal victory.
They each expressed a sense of shared responsibility for Chu Yun’s plight, acknowledging that they might have been too harsh on her in the past. Shuangshuang, however, declared that Chu Yun’s machinations had, ironically, only served to strengthen their friendship. As Shuangshuang was proudly recounting her contributions, Professor Zhao, Chengzhi’s father, arrived. He inquired about who won the case and came up with the winning strategy. Shuangshuang shyly raised her hand.
To everyone's surprise, Professor Zhao was very pleased with Shuangshuang's performance and finally accepted her. Ms. Hua called Jin Ran, informing him that she was returning to Japan to see his father, believing he must have an important reason for wanting to meet after all these years. Jin Ran drove his mother to the airport, questioning why she had to go when his father had been absent for over two decades. Ms. Hua urged him not to live with regrets.
After she departed, Yuan Lai handed Jin Ran a letter from his father. Jin Ran initially refused to forgive him, but Yuan Lai gently persuaded him to reconsider. She pointed out that clinging to hatred only harms oneself, and that forgiving others can be a path to personal liberation. She also reminded him that, regardless of the past, his father was responsible for his existence. Jin Ran, moved by her words, promised to give it serious thought.
Jin Ran began planning a marriage proposal for Yuan Lai and enlisted Chengzhi’s help, who enthusiastically pledged his support. Chengzhi then showed Jin Ran negative news about Chu Yun, which also intertwined Jin Ran, Yuan Lai, and Gu Sa, causing Jin Ran to feel a sense of foreboding. Chu Yun, seeing her reputation in ruins and her distraught reflection, was terrified. Gu Sa then called her, and Chu Yun furiously accused Gu Sa of ruining her life.
Gu Sa, however, subtly manipulated her further, implying that the real culprit was the person who knew all her secrets. Swayed by Gu Sa's insinuation, Chu Yun once again contemplated taking further action. Chengzhi and Shuangshuang met with Yuan Lai. Shuangshuang felt Yuan Lai’s attire was too casual for the impending event and insisted she dress up beautifully. Yuan Lai, sensing their strange behavior, realized something important was about to happen.
Chengzhi quickly intervened, and they urged Yuan Lai to meet Jin Ran at 3 PM that afternoon, emphasizing that she should not miss it for any reason. Understanding that Jin Ran was going to propose, Yuan Lai left, dressed in her most beautiful clothes. Ding Ang, Chengzhi, and Shuangshuang busily prepared the proposal ceremony, full of anticipation. Jin Ran, holding the engagement ring, also brimmed with expectation.
At that very moment, Gu Sa arrived to deliver some documents, but suddenly collapsed. Jin Ran rushed to her side and soon discovered that she was taking medication for chemotherapy, revealing that she had cancer.
Episode 36 Recap
Gu Sa stumbled and fell while descending the stairs, and Jin Ran quickly rushed to her side. Gasping for air, she asked him to retrieve her chemotherapy medication, which revealed to Jin Ran the advanced stage of her illness. Gu Sa expressed her profound fear of undergoing chemotherapy, dreading the inevitable hair loss and severe weight loss. She tearfully confessed that she didn't want the last memory Jin Ran held of her to be of a frail and disfigured woman.
Jin Ran, trying to reassure her, offered to arrange for top medical professionals and highlighted the advancements in modern medicine, asserting that she could recover. Gu Sa then candidly told Jin Ran that she intended to pull her investment from Feitu Travel, urging him to leave with her. She argued that the company's current predicament was beyond their ability to salvage, and its collapse would irrevocably end his career in China.
She also warned of potential hostile actions from Ji Aoting once he discovered Feitu's dire financial state. Despite her pleas, Jin Ran firmly declared that he would not abandon Feitu, nor would he forsake her and Alex. He even offered to take her to the hospital immediately to consult with doctors.
Gu Sa then revealed she had already purchased tickets to Japan, knowing he wouldn't accompany her, and simply asked him to spend her remaining days in China with her and Alex. Jin Ran agreed, prompting Gu Sa to lament that she had lived her life wrongly, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's health. Before they left, she implored Jin Ran to keep her illness a secret from everyone.
As Jin Ran and Gu Sa were talking by the door, Chu Yun secretly photographed them. Gu Sa then asked Jin Ran to stay with her for the day, even acknowledging it might displease Yuan Lai. Jin Ran called Ding Ang, informing him that he couldn't make it to the planned proposal venue. Ding Ang, frustrated by the last-minute change, told Jin Ran to explain the situation to Yuan Lai himself, but nonetheless agreed to handle the immediate fallout.
When Yuan Lai arrived at the meticulously arranged site, she was surprised to find only Zhao Chengzhi. She immediately asked for Jin Ran, and Zhao Chengzhi, quick to improvise, declared that it was actually his important announcement. He then knelt and proposed to Shen Shuangshuang, asking her to marry him. Shuangshuang playfully agreed to consider it. Yuan Lai, however, saw through their elaborate charade, noting the extensive preparations, and said it would be disingenuous to feign ignorance.
While she appreciated their efforts, she couldn't shake off a feeling of disappointment at Jin Ran's absence and decided to leave. Later, Jin Ran called Yuan Lai, apologizing for missing their date and vaguely explained he was with a gravely ill friend who required his care, necessitating his absence. Yuan Lai, understanding, said they could reschedule their date.
Jin Ran and Ji Aoting jointly hosted an employee meeting at Feitu, where they announced the collaborative development of the Peixin Island and Lan Town projects, emphasizing their combined strengths. Ji Aoting publicly expressed his profound gratitude to Jin Ran for his crucial support during Taihe's previous financial difficulties, acknowledging that Jin Ran's intervention had been instrumental in his company's survival. Jin Ran modestly deflected the praise, stating their cooperation was a mutually beneficial venture.
Ji Aoting then revealed plans for broader collaborations between their companies, directing his assistant to work with Jin Ran's team on the Lan Town hotel expansion. Jin Ran also instructed Yuan Lai to provide Ji Aoting with Feitu's project plan. Addressing both sets of employees, Jin Ran stressed that they were now one unified team, committed to achieving shared success through collective effort. Yuan Lai visited Jin Ran in his office, inquiring when they could make up their missed date.
Jin Ran apologized for his earlier absence and agreed to reschedule for that evening. However, his plans were interrupted by a call from Gu Sa, who reported feeling unwell and requested Jin Ran pick up Alex from school. Jin Ran, visibly conflicted, agreed to help Gu Sa. He offered Yuan Lai a vague excuse about an urgent matter and promptly left.
Ji Aoting, who had intended to host a dinner for both Jin Ran and Yuan Lai to express his gratitude, ended up dining with Yuan Lai alone. During their conversation, Yuan Lai voiced her concerns about Jin Ran's recent secretive behavior and her lingering suspicions about his relationship with Gu Sa. Ji Aoting, in turn, reassured her, affirming his belief in Jin Ran's integrity and his sincere feelings for Yuan Lai.
He speculated that Gu Sa might be dealing with personal struggles that Jin Ran felt compelled to keep private and urged Yuan Lai to trust Jin Ran, emphasizing that many relational conflicts stemmed from unfounded speculation. Chu Yun called Yuan Lai, pretending to inquire about her well-being, but Yuan Lai accused her of insincerity, suggesting Chu Yun was merely pleased by her troubles. Chu Yun then requested a meeting at a coffee shop Yuan Lai frequented, and Yuan Lai agreed.
At the café, Chu Yun complained about her reputation being ruined, feeling like a "rat" due to her past being exposed, implying Yuan Lai was responsible. Yuan Lai dismissed the accusation, asserting she would never intentionally inflict pain on others, but Chu Yun retorted that if Yuan Lai insisted on doubting her, it would only lead to more suffering for Yuan Lai.
Chu Yun then asked if Yuan Lai knew who Jin Ran had spent the night with, asserting he was still entangled with Gu Sa and that Yuan Lai was the reason for his perceived lack of courage. Yuan Lai adamantly denied Chu Yun's claims, confident in the strength of her relationship with Jin Ran. Chu Yun persisted, telling her not to be naive and that Jin Ran had lied, spending the night with Gu Sa.
Yuan Lai questioned Chu Yun's motives, pointing out that such revelations brought her no benefit. Chu Yun responded that she understood Yuan Lai's pain, having experienced it herself, and sarcastically concluded that Yuan Lai had finally been abandoned, prompting Yuan Lai to angrily call her a "bastard." Shen Shuangshuang chatted with Zhao Chengzhi's father, who remarked on the abundance of unhealthy snacks in the office and advised her and Chengzhi to adopt healthier eating habits.
Shuangshuang, feeling a bit flustered, poured him a glass of water, mentioning that Chengzhi kept his favorite citrus Puerh tea readily available in the lounge. Zhao's father thanked her for her help in a previous incident, stating that Chengzhi had explained the full story. He reminisced about having discouraged Chengzhi from pursuing photography as a child but now conceded that hobbies were acceptable as long as they didn't detract from one's primary career.
He commended Shuangshuang's handling of the plagiarism case and expressed his approval of their relationship, adding that Chengzhi's late mother would be comforted if Shuangshuang became his daughter-in-law. Chengzhi was overjoyed by his father's acceptance. Taking advantage of the moment, Shuangshuang playfully informed Zhao's father that Chengzhi still harbored feelings for an ex-girlfriend, which enraged Zhao's father, who then playfully chased and hit Chengzhi, warning him against being a "two-timer."
Later, as Shuangshuang cleaned Chengzhi's minor bruises, Chengzhi comically blamed his mother's early passing for his lack of a proper role model in choosing a partner. He then began ordering Shuangshuang around, requesting water and a leg massage. Shuangshuang, pretending to give him a gentle massage, cunningly twisted his arm in playful retaliation.
Chengzhi then showed Shuangshuang a renowned travel magazine, announcing that its editor had been impressed by his photography and invited him to join as an editor for their upcoming season's theme: "traveling the world with a lover." Shuangshuang realized this meant he was contemplating resigning from his current job. Chengzhi playfully stated that this was a joint decision and he couldn't find inspiration without her.
Despite initially calling the theme "lame," Shuangshuang, feigning shyness, eventually agreed to embark on a world trip with him. Given Gu Sa's plan to withdraw her investment, Jin Ran contacted a news agency, instructing them to maintain strict confidentiality to prevent any unwarranted complications. Later that morning, Ji Aoting noticed Jin Ran's worried demeanor and inquired about the cause.
Jin Ran, mindful of Gu Sa's earlier warnings about the potential collapse of Feitu and Ji Aoting's possible opportunistic moves, decided not to fully disclose his current predicament. Instead, he vaguely mentioned estimating working capital for the Lan Town project and reviewing the Peixin Island situation, suggesting a more diversified approach to sponsorship to mitigate risk. Ji Aoting, however, sensing Jin Ran's unusual conservatism, revealed that he was already aware of Gu Sa's withdrawal.
Jin Ran assured him that he would manage the situation, that it would not affect their collaboration, and that he only needed time. Ji Aoting clarified that his concern was less about the projects and more about Jin Ran, reminding him that Jin Ran had once saved his life and company. He firmly stated that he would not allow Jin Ran to shoulder the burden alone, emphasizing their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership.
Jin Ran expressed his surprise at Ji Aoting's changed perspective, to which Ji Aoting explained that his near-death experience had taught him to value life over wealth and fame. Jin Ran acknowledged his words, adding that the unpredictable nature of their industry meant they could only do their best and hope for the best. He then reiterated his request for Ji Aoting to keep Gu Sa's withdrawal a secret, a request Ji Aoting readily granted.
Yuan Lai discovered a substantial reduction in the startup funds for the Peixin Island, Three Rivers Bay, and Celestial Residence projects while examining the financial reports. She learned that Jin Ran himself had approved these reductions. Realizing that all these projects had initially been funded by Gu Sa, Yuan Lai confronted Jin Ran. She demanded an explanation for the sudden decrease in investment.
Jin Ran attempted to delay his explanation, but Yuan Lai pressed him, asking if the issue was related to Gu Sa and if he had been with Gu Sa on the day he canceled their date. Jin Ran confirmed he had been with Gu Sa.
Yuan Lai stated that she didn't mind his association with Gu Sa because she trusted his feelings for her, but she was hurt by his secrecy, questioning if Gu Sa was indeed the "sick friend" he had kept hidden. Jin Ran simply reaffirmed his love for her. Yuan Lai then questioned his lack of communication regarding work matters.
Jin Ran explained that he and Ji Aoting had already reached a consensus on the Peixin Island project, and her role was to continue with its planning. Yuan Lai firmly told him that if his secrecy was an attempt to protect her, she didn't need it. She emphasized that her decision to reconcile with him was based on trust, not a need for a protector, and that she wished to share any difficulties with him.
Jin Ran, deeply moved, responded that her words were profoundly meaningful and made all his efforts worthwhile. Ding Ang arranged a dedicated car service for Xinyi without her knowledge. Later, Xinyi visited a toy store, where she admired two rabbit plushies but opted not to purchase them. Shortly afterward, Ding Ang bought the exact same plushies, only to be discovered by Xinyi.
She angrily confronted him, accusing him of stalking her and arranging the mysterious gifts she had received, as well as the car service that morning. She demanded to know his intentions. Ding Ang insisted he merely wanted to care for her and their baby. Xinyi retorted that her personal affairs were none of his concern.
Ding Ang tried to explain that nothing untoward had occurred between him and Chu Yun that night, attributing his actions to being drunk and falling asleep, and reminded Xinyi of Chu Yun's manipulative nature. Xinyi, unconvinced, maintained that only he and Chu Yun knew the truth and challenged him to call Chu Yun immediately and make her admit that nothing had happened. Ding Ang agreed but, to his frustration, couldn't locate his phone.
In a fit of anger, Xinyi walked away, instructing him not to follow her. Xinyi then made a video call to Yuan Lai, complaining about Ding Ang's persistent trailing. Yuan Lai, surprisingly, defended Ding Ang, suggesting Xinyi give him a second chance, especially considering her pregnancy. Xinyi, however, remained resolute, reiterating that Ding Ang's actions constituted a "serious mistake." Their conversation shifted to Jin Ran's aborted proposal.
Xinyi, having heard rumors of Gu Sa's recent problems, earnestly advised Yuan Lai to carefully consider marriage and to be wary of Jin Ran's complicated relationship with Gu Sa. She urged Yuan Lai to thoroughly assess everything before tying the knot, to avoid future regrets, and added that she herself couldn't fully move on until Chu Yun admitted the truth about that night.
Yuan Lai, expressing unwavering trust in Jin Ran, suddenly received photos of Jin Ran and Gu Sa together. Realizing Chu Yun was the sender, Yuan Lai confronted her the next morning. At Chu Yun's residence, Yuan Lai accused her of sending the photos. Chu Yun admitted to it, dismissively calling it "amusement." Yuan Lai warned her to cease her manipulative "little tricks," asserting they would not undermine her friendship with Jin Ran.
She reminded Chu Yun that the group had chosen not to dwell on her past misdeeds out of a belief in her potential for change, but her current actions only deepened their disappointment. Chu Yun retorted by questioning whether they had genuinely forgiven her and then sarcastically asked if Yuan Lai would mind Jin Ran going to Japan with Gu Sa.
She further implied that Jin Ran had chosen Gu Sa, linking their recent financial activities, such as withdrawing from Feitu, to their apparent plans to move to Japan. This revelation, combined with Yuan Lai's earlier discovery of Jin Ran approving significant reductions in project funds, stirred a strong sense of doubt within her. Meanwhile, Jin Ran was with Gu Sa at the hospital.
When Yuan Lai called, Gu Sa, acknowledging her request was selfish, pleaded with Jin Ran to stay and care for Alex, as she couldn't bear for her son to see her in her deteriorating condition. She expressed deep remorse for constantly burdening him and for potentially subjecting Alex to a broken family life, begging him for his help.
Jin Ran promised to care for Alex as his own son and ensure his happy growth, and reassured Gu Sa that he would not abandon her. However, he firmly stated that he could not assume the role of her husband and hoped for her understanding. During this conversation, Jin Ran did not answer Yuan Lai's incoming call.
Episode 37 Recap
Yuan Lai waited for Jin Ran to return home, holding an umbrella in the rain. Jin Ran informed her that he had arranged for Gu Sa to recuperate in Japan and acknowledged the company, Feitu, was facing financial strain. While he promised to help Feitu overcome its difficulties, he felt overwhelmed. He expressed admiration for Ji Aoting’s calm and impressive reaction after learning about Gu Sa’s withdrawal.
Yuan Lai then handed Jin Ran Grant's business card, the CEO of Huazhong Investment, urging him to seize the opportunity at the upcoming Tourism Venture Capital Investment conference to promote the Peixin Island project. She revealed that Ji Aoting had given her the card, further increasing Jin Ran's respect for Ji Aoting. Yuan Lai, having heard from Chu Yun, questioned if Jin Ran would still accompany Gu Sa to Japan.
Understanding Yuan Lai's distress, Jin Ran felt remorse for her recent troubles and decided to speak with Chu Yun. Meanwhile, Aunt Hua visited Chu Yun, who was surprised to learn that Jin Ran had not gone to Japan with Gu Sa. Aunt Hua further informed Chu Yun that Jin Ran and Yuan Lai were planning to marry, which brought Chu Yun to tears.
Aunt Hua advised her to let go of what wasn't meant for her, sharing her own regret over holding onto resentment towards Jin Ran's father. She emphasized that true happiness lay in finding someone who genuinely loved her and that Jin Ran's happiness was with Yuan Lai. Chu Yun struggled to accept this, confessing her deeply rooted feelings for Jin Ran and her fear that others would never forgive her for her past actions.
Jin Ran, who had walked in through an open door and overheard their conversation, reassured Chu Yun that he wouldn't hold her accountable for what happened and had already cleared her name regarding the false rumors online, with Ding Ang’s help. He then asked Chu Yun to speak with Xinyi directly to clarify the events of that fateful night, hoping to mend Xinyi and Ding Ang's relationship. As Xinyi was getting into a taxi, Ding Ang joined her.
Jin Ran called Ding Ang, informing him that Chu Yun was willing to clarify everything. Ding Ang, eager to resolve the misunderstanding, changed the taxi's destination. Though still upset, Xinyi felt a sense of relief upon hearing that Chu Yun would finally explain herself. Ding Ang took out a ring, promising to put it back on her finger and admitting his mistake in letting Chu Yun get too close.
In a sudden, terrifying moment, a large truck swerved into their path. Without hesitation, Ding Ang threw himself in front of Xinyi, shielding her with his body. In his final moments, Ding Ang struggled to place the ring into Xinyi's hand, a poignant reminder of her earlier fit of anger when she had thrown it away.
Jin Ran and Yuan Lai were preparing to meet Grant when Jin Ran received a frantic call from the hospital, informing them that Ding Ang and Xinyi had been in a severe car accident and were in critical condition. Jin Ran immediately contacted Chengzhi, and they rushed to the hospital.
The doctors explained that Ding Ang had suffered massive internal bleeding from the violent impact and, despite an emergency thoracotomy, his condition was dire due to prolonged blood loss and oxygen deprivation. His survival now hinged entirely on his willpower. President Jiang, Ding Ang's mother, was overcome with grief, offering to do anything possible, but the doctors regretfully stated that more surgery was not an option.
They also informed President Jiang that Xinyi, who was four months pregnant, was in critical condition with signs of a threatened miscarriage and dangerously unstable blood pressure. President Jiang was devastated by the news of both her son and daughter-in-law. In a coma, Xinyi dreamt of her life with Ding Ang – their first meeting, their courtship, their marriage, and their arguments – strengthening her resolve to wake up.
Soon after, the doctor delivered the heartbreaking news that Ding Ang had passed away, causing President Jiang to collapse in shock. As Xinyi slowly regained consciousness, she vividly recalled Ding Ang shielding her in the accident. Mistaking Yuan Lai for Ding Ang, she grasped her hand and asked where he was. When no one answered, Xinyi understood the grim truth in their silence. Unnoticed by the others, Xinyi disappeared from her room.
She was later found waiting outside the operating room, hoping to see Ding Ang emerge from surgery. The doctor then exited, handing Xinyi a small bag containing the ring. He explained that Ding Ang had clutched it tightly throughout the entire operation, only releasing it at the very end. Yuan Lai embraced a heartbroken Xinyi, who, gazing at the ring, fainted from overwhelming grief. Overwhelmed by her loss, President Jiang resigned from her position as chairman.
Her assistant presented her with designs for new Kacol cellphone functions that Ding Ang had developed himself. He had intended to keep it a secret to surprise his mother the following year. President Jiang realized how much Ding Ang had loved and cared for her, deeply regretting not having spent more time with him or supporting his passions earlier, realizing her strictness stemmed from not wanting him to suffer.
She tearfully revealed that she had secretly invested in Kano, an online gaming company, ensuring that if his esports career ever faltered, he would have a foundation to start anew. Jin Ran and Chengzhi went to their old boxing gym, reminiscing about their shared memories with Ding Ang. They recalled how he would gather them there whenever they were upset and how he always worried more about their problems than his own.
They acknowledged that Ding Ang often mediated their stubborn arguments and wondered aloud how they would navigate life without him, feeling the profound void left by their lost friend. Jin Ran, unable to contain his sorrow, cried out Ding Ang's name. A few days later, Jin Ran, Yuan Lai, Chengzhi, and Shuangshuang picked Xinyi up from the hospital. Xinyi remained deeply melancholic. Jin Ran subtly advised Yuan Lai against being overly solicitous, suggesting Xinyi needed space.
Upon returning home, Xinyi imagined Ding Ang's warm welcome, only to find a teddy bear, a reminder of his loving presence. Everywhere she looked, there were thoughtful notes and reminders Ding Ang had left for her, a poignant contrast to his permanent absence. She finally allowed herself to break down and sob.
Sitting on the sofa, she recalled their cherished moments, laughing and crying as she remembered his meticulous care, how he had saved all her favorite movies and how he had always protected her. Weeping, she pleaded for Ding Ang to return, promising never to quarrel with him again. In a dazed state, she felt his hand in hers, and tearfully begged for his forgiveness and for him not to leave her. Yet, it was all merely a painful illusion.
Episode 38 Recap
An old friend of Jin Ran's father met Jin Ran at his father's grave and entrusted him with a ring for Ms. Hua. The friend shared that Jin Ran’s father deeply regretted leaving his wife and son, a decision forced upon him by Jin Ran's grandfather, who disapproved of their marriage and sent his father to Japan for business. After some business problems, Jin Ran's father married a woman he didn't love and felt too ashamed to return.
Ms. Hua confirmed that she loved and hated Jin Ran's father but never regretted knowing him. While she wished to understand why he abandoned them, she never pursued it, and they ultimately missed a lifetime together. She advised Jin Ran to cherish the present and his loved ones, as time is the most relentless force, and to live without regret.
Meanwhile, Xinyi was organizing Ding Ang’s belongings and discovered a photograph of him and his mother, which had been carefully pieced back together, along with an empty CD. Chengzhi called Xinyi, wishing to meet, and she directed him to Mrs. Ding's house, where she was headed. Xinyi showed Mrs. Ding the mended photograph, which brought tears to her eyes.
Mrs. Ding explained that they used to take such a picture every year until a heated argument over Ding Ang's passion for gaming led him to tear and discard the photo. Mrs. Ding expressed deep regret for not reconciling with her son sooner, but Xinyi reassured her that Ding Ang had already forgiven her. Chengzhi arrived and, acting as Ding Ang's lawyer, announced Ding Ang's will. Xinyi was shocked to learn that Ding Ang had drafted it before their marriage.
In a flashback, Ding Ang had explained to Chengzhi that because Xinyi had lost her parents young, she lacked a sense of security, despite her outward toughness. He wanted to ensure that she and their future child would be financially secure and live a worry-free life, regardless of his presence. Mrs. Ding comforted Xinyi, praising her and promising to support any decision Xinyi made.
Xinyi, deeply moved, vowed to be Mrs. Ding’s daughter and care for her for the rest of her life. Jin Ran met Yuan Lai on a rooftop, where he confessed his love, asking her to move in with him immediately. He declared his desire to be with her and spend the rest of his life caring for her, unwilling to risk losing her again. Yuan Lai apologized for the time they had wasted in the past.
Ding Ang's unexpected death made her realize the unpredictable nature of life, and she expressed her certainty that loving Jin Ran was what she wanted to cherish every moment. Xinyi visited Ding Ang's e-sports studio to inquire about the missing CD. A team member recognized it as a crucial tactical analysis disc for the National Championship, something Ding Ang was very protective of.
He recalled seeing Chu Yun with Ding Ang the last time the disc was used, suggesting she might know its whereabouts. Xinyi immediately sought out Chu Yun, who tearfully apologized, explaining that nothing physical had happened between her and Ding Ang that night; he was merely drunk and slept on the sofa. Chu Yun admitted her lie stemmed from feeling abandoned and unloved by Jin Ran, driving her to try and prove that no relationship was unbreakable.
She returned the CD to Xinyi, who, after hearing her heartfelt apology, forgave her. Later, Xinyi saw an old group photo from Jin Ran's birthday at a coffee shop, evoking strong emotions. Chengzhi and Shen Shuangshuang were looking at old photos when Shuangshuang accidentally cut her hand with a fruit knife. Chengzhi quickly helped bandage it, showing his concern. Shuangshuang asked if she was the most important person in his heart, and Chengzhi emphatically assured her that she was irreplaceable.
Jin Ran and Yuan Lai were working late, and despite Yuan Lai's claims of not being tired, she eventually leaned on Jin Ran's shoulder, falling asleep. The four friends later had dinner at a Western restaurant. Shen Shuangshuang, annoyed by Jin Ran and Yuan Lai's affectionate display, was touched when Chengzhi quickly shielded her with his body and clothing when a waiter accidentally spilled coffee near her.
Later, the friends visited Xinyi, bringing many gifts, including a baby carriage and toys. Xinyi was moved, remembering the happy times with Ding Ang, and, touching her belly, resolved to take good care of herself for their baby. The next morning, Jin Ran prepared a delicious breakfast for Yuan Lai, creating a sweet, domestic scene. Meanwhile, Shen Shuangshuang and Chengzhi submitted their resignations, intending to pursue Chengzhi's dream of becoming a photography journalist.
However, Chengzhi’s father, Mr. Zhao, burst in, vehemently opposing his decision. He accused Chengzhi, who was nearly 30, of being irrational for quitting his legal career to travel and take pictures, causing a heated argument. Later, Mrs. Ding met with Mr. Zhao to discuss transferring Ding Ang's sponsorship of a university e-sports club, fulfilling Ding Ang's last wish.
She expressed deep regret for not supporting or understanding Ding Ang's passions when he was alive, hoping this act could be a form of apology. She then gently advised Mr. Zhao to respect Chengzhi's choice to pursue photography, emphasizing that it's a respectable and fulfilling career. She cautioned him against repeating her mistakes, urging him to avoid future regret by supporting his son's passions while he still had the chance.
At Feitu, the situation was grim, with Vincent calling a meeting to find new investors. Jin Ran revealed he had a plan, but clarified that he would not use his inheritance money, intending to donate it or establish a charity fund once Feitu was stable. Later, Ji Aoting confessed to Jin Ran that Gu Sa was behind many of Feitu's recent problems, including Zhang Liang's withdrawal of investment and the Saian lawsuit.
He admitted that Gu Sa had exploited his past dissatisfaction with Mr. Wen, leading them to collaborate to sabotage Feitu's operations. Ji Aoting explained that Gu Sa's ultimate goal was to destroy Jin Ran's career, making him lose everything so he would return to her. Jin Ran was shocked by Gu Sa's ruthlessness, reaffirming that he only loved Yuan Lai, a fact Gu Sa clearly knew. Ji Aoting added that Gu Sa had recently approached him for a "last-ditch effort," but he had refused.
Episode 39 (Ending) Recap
The team members of Dingran Team approached Xinyi for help, revealing the team was in a dire situation. They explained that they didn't know what to do and turned to her because DNX was the team Ding Ang cared about most during his lifetime. Xinyi, affirming that Dingran Team was Ding Ang's painstaking effort, resolved not to let it dissolve and decided to take charge.
She then gave the team a tactical disc, and everyone worked hard together, achieving initial victories. Xinyi later spoke with Yuan Lai, confirming her decision to continue Ding Ang's legacy by leading the Dingran Team and winning upcoming games. Yuan Lai expressed her concern for Xinyi, worrying that being surrounded by Ding Ang's belongings might trigger old grief, but Xinyi asserted her resolve to focus on the team's future and upcoming matches, emphasizing she had no time for sadness.
The conversation then shifted to Chu Yun, whom Xinyi had recently met. Xinyi mentioned that Chu Yun had confessed nothing happened between her and Ding Ang and had returned Ding Ang's CD, leading Xinyi to forgive her, believing Chu Yun had learned her lesson.
However, Xinyi harbored doubts, telling Yuan Lai that Chu Yun, despite her vengeful nature, was too young and inexperienced to orchestrate such elaborate schemes—like deliberately approaching Shuangshuang, joining Ding Ang's team to sabotage Xinyi and Ding Ang's relationship, framing Chengzhi, and repeatedly trying to drive Jin Ran and Yuan Lai apart. Xinyi suspected that someone else was manipulating Chu Yun from behind the scenes.
Meanwhile, Jin Ran was working when he mistakenly thought Yuan Lai had entered his office, happily talking about going to eat after he finished work. To his surprise, it was Gu Sa. Jin Ran, noting she should be recovering in the hospital, directly confronted her, asking if her intention was to destroy Feitu. Gu Sa inquired who had informed him, but Jin Ran dismissed the question as irrelevant, demanding to know if the accusations were true.
Gu Sa admitted that everything was indeed true. Simultaneously, Yuan Lai pieced together Xinyi's earlier suspicions about Chu Yun having a mastermind and the current difficulties facing Feitu. She recalled that Chu Yun had previously implicated Gu Sa when they were collecting evidence for Chengzhi, a claim Yuan Lai had initially dismissed as a desperate excuse. Now, realizing that Feitu's troubles were orchestrated and not accidental, Yuan Lai concluded that Gu Sa was indeed behind all the schemes.
Jin Ran, uninterested in her motives, calmly told Gu Sa to leave. Gu Sa, however, pressed him, questioning if he truly didn't understand her feelings after all these years. Jin Ran firmly stated that while he appreciated her help in Japan, their relationship was strictly professional and platonic, acknowledging her efforts but firmly drawing a boundary. Gu Sa vehemently argued that no friend would make such sacrifices for a man unless they loved him, declaring her love for Jin Ran.
Jin Ran reiterated that he could not envision any relationship beyond a business partnership with her, emphasizing that Yuan Lai was, and always would be, the only woman he loved. Just then, Yuan Lai arrived. Gu Sa lashed out at Yuan Lai for always appearing at the wrong moment, but Yuan Lai fiercely countered that Gu Sa was the one out of place, condemning her for illegally disrupting Feitu's operations and manipulating Chu Yun without any remorse.
Gu Sa defended her actions as being "worth it" for love, but Yuan Lai stressed that true love relies on sincerity, not manipulation and scheming. As Gu Sa became increasingly agitated, Jin Ran held Yuan Lai's hand, unwavering even when Gu Sa revealed she didn't have much time left and pleaded with him to spend her remaining days with her, reminding him of their time in Japan. Jin Ran simply stated, "Because I love her."
Seeing their united front and his absolute rejection, Gu Sa left in utter despair. Later, Gu Sa, having finally resolved her inner conflict, sent Alex back to Japan, instructing him to be good and assuring him she would visit. Reflecting on her elaborate schemes and her ultimate failure, realizing she had become abandoned by everyone and lost everything, she acknowledged her significant mistakes.
Recalling her first meeting with Jin Ran years ago when he had saved her, she whispered a final "Goodbye, Jin Ran" before surrendering herself to the public security authorities. After Gu Sa's departure, Jin Ran, delighted and impressed by Yuan Lai's fierce defense in the office, playfully quoted her words back to her, expressing his admiration. He reaffirmed his commitment to spend the rest of his life with her and then proposed marriage.
Yuan Lai, smiling, told him he would first need to win over her parents, to which Jin Ran confidently replied that it would be as easy as pie. At his company, Chengzhi was leading a meeting when his father, Mr. Zhao, unexpectedly arrived. Assuming his father was there to scold him again for pursuing photography, Chengzhi angrily declared that he had already decided to give up being a photographer, hoping that would satisfy him.
However, his father, saddened by Chengzhi's perception of him as a controlling parent, revealed that Mrs. Ding (Ding Ang's mother) had spoken to him, making him realize his mistakes. Mr. Zhao then sincerely apologized, admitting that he had been the stubborn one for trying to impose his will on Chengzhi and acknowledging that there was nothing wrong with pursuing a career he loved. Chengzhi, surprised, asked for confirmation that his father would support his photography dreams.
His father affirmed his support, playfully asking Chengzhi to send him postcards from his travels. With this, the father and son reconciled. With Gu Sa dealt with, Feitu's business rapidly got back on track, thriving with renewed energy. Fei, who was once a rookie, had grown into a capable and independent team member, confidently managing complex tasks.
Yuan Lai had become a vital backbone of the company, often so engrossed in her work that she would forget her dates with Jin Ran. Concurrently, Xinyi successfully led the Dingran Team (DNX), achieving consecutive victories and restoring its past glory. During a gathering, Xinyi brought Niannian to meet Yuan Lai and Jin Ran.
Jin Ran congratulated Xinyi on another championship win, to which Xinyi confidently remarked that winning was simply normal for her team and that not winning would be strange, earning a playful tease from Jin Ran about her big talk, just like Ding Ang. Xinyi then playfully urged Jin Ran and Yuan Lai to have a baby soon so Niannian could have a younger sibling. While Jin Ran expressed his eagerness, Yuan Lai was not in a hurry.
When Yuan Lai asked what they were laughing about, Jin Ran reminded her of Dongfang University's homecoming day tomorrow, which they all agreed to attend. Meanwhile, Shuangshuang and Chengzhi worked together seamlessly on an art gallery promotion, their teamwork and affection growing stronger with each passing day. The next day, old classmates gathered for their university homecoming, returning to their former classroom.
As Jin Ran made his entrance to a resounding applause, he began his speech on "The Power of Dreams." He shared his past belief that professional success and fame were the ultimate ways to achieve self-worth, which led him to spend five solitary years working, studying, and starting a business in Japan.
However, he now viewed those years as wasted, realizing that a dream without the companionship of a special person, and without love, was ultimately hollow and left him cold and insensitive. A picture of Yuan Lai then appeared on the screen, along with text describing her as a unique individual who could easily bring him joy or sadness, and whose smile lit up his world.
Jin Ran then introduced his next segment, titled "The Most Important Person to Me," which unexpectedly played a video of Yuan Lai's own past public confession to him in that very classroom, where she boldly declared her love and intention to make him her boyfriend. Walking towards Yuan Lai, Jin Ran admitted that compared to losing her, everything else he once valued now meant nothing. He confessed that he couldn't imagine facing the rest of his life without her.
Yuan Lai playfully reminded him that he once found public declarations childish, but Jin Ran responded that for her, he was willing to do it. Kneeling before her, Jin Ran declared Yuan Lai the most beautiful thing in his life and a divine blessing, asking her to spend her future with him.
Yuan Lai, acknowledging their difficult journey and her past doubts about whether they were truly destined, expressed how she could never give up on him or forget him, proudly proclaiming her love for him despite any external skepticism. Amidst cheers from their classmates, Yuan Lai accepted his proposal and the ring, and they sealed their engagement with a kiss. Later, Jin Ran and Yuan Lai met up with Chengzhi and Shuangshuang for dinner.
The couples playfully teased each other, with Jin Ran and Yuan Lai subtly outmaneuvering Chengzhi and Shuangshuang in purchasing a painting Yuan Lai admired. When asked if they were married, Yuan Lai clarified that they were engaged and waiting for everyone to hold a joint ceremony. They also shared updates about Xinyi, who was leading the Dingran Team to consistent victories, and Niannian, who was growing up to look more and more like Ding Ang.
The four friends then raised their glasses, toasting to their passionate youth, sweet love, lasting friendship, and bright future. Some time later, Yuan Lai returned to Yamagata, Japan, where she and Jin Ran had once visited, finding the landscape covered in the same heavy snow as before. As she rode the distinctive pink train, Jin Ran suddenly appeared, holding a bouquet of flowers.
He asked if she remembered the meaning of the pink train, which she recalled him refusing to tell her back then. Jin Ran explained that while other colored trains represented things like friendship (yellow), health (blue), or family harmony (red), the pink train symbolized eternal love: if a couple rode it twice in their lifetime, they would be together forever. This was why other couples on the train, from elderly pairs to young lovers, had been so excited.
Jin Ran then revealed that on their first trip, even though they had only ridden it once, he had already decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He pulled out a small white rat from the Kasafuku umbrella shop, playfully remarking that it symbolized many children and blessings, making Yuan Lai blush.
Confirming it was their first wedding anniversary, Jin Ran presented her with an anniversary ring, professing his deep love and vowing to stay with her through all difficulties, rich or poor, never giving up. They then embraced, looking forward to a lifetime together.
