The Best Thing Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Best Thing Synopsis
Shen Xifan, the hotel room manager, suffers from insomnia due to the intense demands of her job. She meets the Chinese medicine doctor, He Suye, during one of her visits for treatment. Due to her busy work schedule, she often forgets to take her medicine, which frustrates He Suye. Initially, their relationship seems limited to doctor and patient, but they later discover they live in the same neighborhood.
Their repeated, chance encounters allow feelings to blossom between them. Shen Xifan, having been cautious due to a failed first love, slowly begins to open her heart to He Suye, whose kindness and unwavering dedication to his career inspire her to pursue her own dreams. As their hearts draw closer, they eventually become a couple.
The Best Thing Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Shen Xifan, the Front Office manager at Gunan Huating Hotel, found herself struggling with severe insomnia, a result of her demanding work and personal pressures. One morning, her mother discovered her dozing on a yoga mat and expressed concern for her sleep-deprived state. Shen Xifan explained that since she couldn't sleep in bed, she tried exercising, but confessed that various sleep aids like melatonin and fragrance had been useless, calling them a "tax on stupidity."
Her parents, worried about her collapsing, suggested she visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic nearby, which her father had heard about in the neighborhood group chat, emphasizing they should "treat a dead horse as if it were still alive." Shen Xifan reluctantly agreed to give it a try. Upon arriving at the Honganmen Clinic, Shen Xifan noticed that among the doctors' profiles, only He Suye's lacked a photo.
Opting for convenience, she chose his appointment slot as it required no queue. As she approached, she saw a tall, handsome man, briefly unmasked, exiting the room. Excited by his good looks, Shen Xifan immediately messaged her friend Xu Xiangya, describing the doctor as having "beautiful eyes" and declaring him Xu Xiangya's type, despite not seeing his full face. Xu Xiangya playfully challenged her to assess his complete appearance.
During her consultation with He Suye, Shen Xifan covertly assessed his composed demeanor, clean hands, and pleasant voice, mentally noting that he seemed like Xu Xiangya's type. She explained her insomnia, mentioning she typically slept past 1 AM and experienced many dreams. In a clumsy attempt to see his face, she pretended not to hear him and repeatedly asked him to speak louder. He Suye, however, simply reiterated his instructions without removing his mask.
After taking her pulse and checking her complexion, he diagnosed her condition as "emotional trauma," explaining that worrying had damaged her liver, heart, and spleen, leading to neurasthenia, restlessness, and frequent dreams. He advised her to avoid cold foods, iced coffee, and bubble tea, and prescribed liver-soothing and qi-regulating medicine, stressing that she needed to let go of her mental burdens. Shen Xifan vaguely attributed her stress to being busy with work.
Since she didn't know how to decoct the medicine, He Suye arranged for pharmacy decoction and scheduled a follow-up for the following Saturday. As she departed, she inadvertently left a small paper frog she had folded from her appointment slip, which He Suye later found and smiled at. While Shen Xifan was at the reception desk to pay, He Suye emerged from his office, calling out to her.
He reminded her that the pharmacy closed at 5 PM and that her decocted medicine would be ready for pickup in about four hours, around 2 PM. During this interaction, he briefly had his mask off, and Shen Xifan, momentarily stunned by his handsome face, was distracted and barely registered his instructions about the pickup time.
On her way home, Shen Xifan sent a text message to her boyfriend, Yan Heng, reflecting on his past complaints about her not communicating important decisions. She expressed a desire to avoid conflict, noting they hadn't seen each other in a while. She received no reply. Meanwhile, He Suye repeatedly checked with the front desk about Shen Xifan's medicine, leading the staff to remark on his unusual idleness. Shen Xifan's father eventually picked up the medicine.
Upon trying it, Shen Xifan found it "too bitter" and initially refused to drink it, but her mother insisted, reminding her that "bitter medicine is good for the disease." That night, He Suye received an urgent call from his junior colleague, Li Jie, who needed him to "save the day" at Jiangzhou University Affiliated TCM Hospital. An elderly patient with lung cancer was experiencing severe breathing difficulties, and his family was upset with Li Jie.
He Suye quickly reviewed the patient's medical records and observed his thick, greasy, red tongue coating. Li Jie confirmed he had already needled specific acupoints: Feishu, Neiguan, and Fenglong. He Suye, acting decisively, ordered Li Jie to prepare for cupping and retrieve the needle cart. He then performed acupuncture and cupping, which successfully alleviated the patient's symptoms.
Afterwards, He Suye reassured the family that Li Jie's initial treatment was correct and had bought them crucial time, explaining that Li Jie's hesitation to use the sputum suction machine was due to the patient's advanced age. He Suye stayed overnight to observe the patient, later messaging Li Jie to not worry about the incident. The next morning, Shen Xifan, still suffering from insomnia, went out for breakfast.
She sent a voice message to her mother, complaining that the TCM was ineffective and asking her to throw it away. He Suye, also at the breakfast shop, overheard her. He approached her and gently explained that TCM takes time to show effects and that discarding it after just one dose would be wasteful. Embarrassed by the encounter, Shen Xifan quickly left.
After she departed, He Suye discreetly inquired with the shop owner about the "girl who lived in this neighborhood," asking if she came often. Later, during a meeting at the Gunan Huating Hotel, Shen Xifan, in her capacity as Front Office manager, reported on the success of their "Sakura Goddess Set" and the upcoming arrivals of four VIP guests, including a VVIP, Mr. Jiang, who had a severe seafood allergy.
She was called away to resolve a customer issue, leaving her phone to charge. Upon her return, she found a message from Yan Heng, apologizing for his phone's dead battery and asking if she was in a meeting. She quickly replied, but again, received no further response.
During her lunch break with Xu Xiangya and another colleague, Shen Xifan enthusiastically described He Suye, comparing him to the handsome actor who portrays Gong Ziyu in the drama "My Journey to You" and proclaiming his face to be "so handsome that even a passing ant would be amazed." Intrigued, Xu Xiangya decided to accompany Shen Xifan to her follow-up appointment that Saturday, openly admitting her primary motivation was to see the attractive doctor rather than seek treatment herself.
However, at the clinic for her follow-up, Shen Xifan and Xu Xiangya were disappointed to discover that He Suye was not on duty. Instead, his grandfather, Yu Liren, an elderly expert, was covering his shift. Noticing their disappointment, Yu Liren humorously asked if they believed his medical skills were inferior to He Suye's, to which Shen Xifan quickly denied.
Xu Xiangya, still disheartened, declined to make an appointment for herself, reiterating that she was only there to see the handsome doctor. Yu Liren examined Shen Xifan, noting an improvement in her sleep and complexion, and renewed her prescription, making some adjustments. Later, while having milk tea at a mall, Xu Xiangya questioned Shen Xifan about her relationship with Yan Heng.
Shen Xifan confessed that after seven years, they had grown distant, with fewer shared topics, and she felt they had become like strangers. She admitted she was likely just accustomed to being with him. As Shen Xifan walked home, carrying a bouquet of flowers, she unexpectedly encountered He Suye skateboarding near their neighborhood. She approached him and asked if he lived there, which he confirmed, explaining he had moved closer to the clinic for convenience.
She then reminded him about her next follow-up, urging him not to "stand her up" again. He Suye intended to ask for her contact information, but Shen Xifan bid him goodbye and walked off before he could. He Suye later joined his grandfather, Yu Liren, and several master's students, who were interning under him, for dinner at Yu Liren's old house in the suburbs.
During the meal, Li Jie attempted to downplay his need for He Suye's help the previous night, implying he had handled the critical situation alone. Yu Liren, however, admonished He Suye for allowing an intern to face a crisis without supervision. Afterwards, Yu Liren mentioned Shen Xifan, expressing a positive impression of her, noting her pleasing appearance, good temperament, and elegance. He encouraged He Suye to pursue her, remarking that she was four years younger and "suitable in age." He also advised He Suye to obtain her phone number during her next follow-up visit to ensure he could notify her of any future schedule changes.
Episode 2 Recap
He Suye's grandfather, Yu Liren, expressed his admiration for Shen Xifan, describing her as elegant, refined, and his type. He noted she was also four years younger than He Suye, making her a suitable match. Yu Liren urged his grandson, who was already thirty-one and still without a girlfriend, to pursue her more actively, suggesting he get her phone number to check in with her daily, as weekly follow-up visits were not enough for her to notice him.
He Suye explained that his caution in relationships, especially at his age, stemmed from a desire to be responsible to both himself and others, unlike his own father, who had married and then neglected his mother. Yu Liren conceded that He Suye's mother had been too hasty but felt his grandson was being overly cautious. He then declared that if He Suye preferred to be a lifelong bachelor, he would no longer interfere.
He Suye assured his grandfather that he would handle the matter himself, admitting he also found Shen Xifan quite pretty and his type, leading Yu Liren to playfully call him shallow. In the Traditional Chinese Medicine department, He Suye reviewed his junior colleague Li Jie's paper, crossing out Li Jie's name and muttering that Li Jie had made him miss his patient rounds the previous day.
Meanwhile, Shen Xifan's sleep had noticeably improved thanks to her herbal medicine, and she arrived at work feeling refreshed. During lunch in the staff canteen, Li Jie approached He Suye, asking why his name on the thesis had been crossed out and if He Suye had personal issues with him.
Shen Xifan, present at the table, interjected, telling Li Jie that he should already know whether she had an opinion of him and advised him to reflect on it while eating a shrimp. As the workday drew to a close, Shen Xifan received a message from her boyfriend, Yan Heng, who complained she hadn't answered his calls. He was waiting for her outside the hotel. When she met him, she explained she had been busy with work.
Yan Heng revealed he had come to pick her up for their dinner plans, worried she might have forgotten since she didn't answer her phone, though she assured him she had it in her memo. During their dinner, Yan Heng became upset when Shen Xifan used her phone to take a picture for her colleague, Xu Xiangya.
He condescendingly suggested Xu Xiangya should stop working so hard and marry a wealthy man while she was young, dismissing Shen Xifan's defense of her friend's work ethic. Yan Heng then criticized Shen Xifan's long-standing plan to study abroad and her career in the hotel industry, calling it merely a "service industry." He remarked that after they married, she would have to serve his business partners subserviently.
He then bluntly told her to quit her job and abandon her study abroad plans, stating all her effort would only lead her to "learn about hospitality." Shen Xifan felt deeply wronged, reminding him that she had initially planned to study in Switzerland after college but didn't go because he had deemed it "too far" to visit. She accused him of implying that their relationship was hindering his ambition to become a "hotel tycoon."
Yan Heng denied this, claiming his overwhelming love for her had prevented him from seeing her inherent selfishness. He then took a phone call, stepping away to find a quieter place to talk. Later that evening, Shen Xifan subtly hinted to her parents about breaking up with Yan Heng, which greatly shocked them.
They worried Yan Heng had done something wrong and offered to call him, but Shen Xifan quickly dismissed it, claiming she was just talking nonsense and they hadn't actually fought. Afterward, she sat alone downstairs, eating ice cream and re-reading Yan Heng's previous messages, which included harsh criticisms like "it's exhausting being your boyfriend," "you don't care about me at all, only yourself," and "you're too selfish." Heartbroken by his disrespectful words, she broke down in tears.
Coincidentally, He Suye was skateboarding downstairs and noticed her. He stopped to comfort her, gently reminding her not to eat cold foods like ice cream. When he asked if she was struggling to sleep, she confirmed that while his medicine was working, she still found herself unable to rest properly. He Suye deduced that her distress was due to emotional turmoil rather than work troubles.
Upon learning she was struggling with her boyfriend, He Suye observed her chest tightness and advised her to press the Danzhong acupoint. He explained that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the principle "it hurts where it's blocked" indicated a troubled heart. He Suye told her that pressing the acupoint could relieve symptoms, but "a troubled heart needs to be treated with heart medicine" by either clearing the emotional blockage or removing its root cause.
As they prepared to part ways, He Suye suggested she place an apple by her bedside to aid sleep, as its fragrance was known to be calming. They bid each other goodnight, and after returning to her room, Shen Xifan sent another message to Yan Heng, asking when he would be available to talk. The next day, Shen Xifan continued to massage her Danzhong acupoint at work.
Her colleagues, noting her actions, also began to try it, indicating that many of them faced their own personal difficulties. During her follow-up appointment, He Suye observed that her symptoms, which should have improved, had worsened. He encouraged her not to suppress her emotions but to express them, assuring her they could take things slowly and to trust his medical skills.
He prescribed liver-soothing and qi-regulating herbs but emphasized that the most crucial step was to resolve the knot in her heart. When he offered acupuncture, Shen Xifan hesitated, admitting she had never tried it before and was concerned about fainting. He Suye jokingly remarked that fainting would at least allow her to sleep comfortably, then reassured her he would use specific acupoints to calm her mind, ensuring a more restful sleep afterward.
During the 15-minute acupuncture session, Shen Xifan fell asleep. He Suye considerately hung a curtain for her privacy, set an alarm, and smiled when he noticed a small paper rabbit she had folded on the table. Shen Xifan woke up almost two hours later, surprised she had slept so long and worried she had inconvenienced He Suye.
He Suye, however, dismissed her concerns and presented her with a handmade sachet containing calming herbs, telling her its fragrance would be even more effective than an apple for relieving anxiety and helping her sleep. He insisted it was a gift, refusing payment. Shen Xifan, feeling much happier, accepted the thoughtful gift and left, agreeing to meet for her next follow-up. Later, in the break room, Shen Xifan discussed upcoming work with Xu Xiangya.
Shen Xifan, as the new Front Office Manager, was meticulously planning for an upcoming IT summit for Zhongyu Group, recognizing it as her first major event that she had to execute perfectly. Xu Xiangya jokingly complained about large events being "suffering" for service staff and blamed the Marketing Department's "fancy ideas." Shen Xifan defended the Marketing Department, noting that such large events were necessary for annual bonuses.
Xu Xiangya also shared that her study abroad agent had advised her to gain more practical experience. Successfully managing the IT summit would significantly boost her chances of receiving an offer from a top-tier school, which she was determined to attend, believing that if she was going to spend money on overseas education, it should be for the best. Shen Xifan agreed with her ambitious outlook.
Meanwhile, a colleague approached He Suye, inquiring about his application for the hospital's research funding. He Suye confirmed he was preparing the necessary materials but was unsure of success, explaining that his specialization in palliative care within TCM oncology was considered "too niche" and lacked "immediate results," making it difficult to secure significant funding despite receiving some the previous year.
His colleague praised He Suye's compassion and suggested he ask Professor Yu Liren for an endorsement, believing it would guarantee funding. He Suye declined, stating he didn't want to burden his busy grandfather. The colleague then revealed his true intention: he wanted He Suye to accompany him to a blind date event that evening with doctors and nurses from the First Hospital, needing He Suye for moral support. He Suye, citing his unfinished research proposal and lack of interest, refused.
Later, Shen Xifan received a devastating message from Yan Heng: "Xifan, I've been thinking for a long time. We should break up." The news hit her like a thunderbolt, and she immediately tried calling him, but he repeatedly declined her calls. Distraught, she noticed that even though he refused to speak with her, he hadn't removed her as a contact on his social media.
Episode 3 Recap
The hotel buzzed with preparations for the IT Summit, hosting numerous guests and VIPs. Shen Xifan, as the Front Office Manager, was exceptionally busy, coordinating room changes and ensuring smooth operations. During a lunch break, He Suye watched a news report about the summit and noticed Shen Xifan working in the background. He observed her briefly massaging her neck, a sight that made him realize her demanding work and feel a pang of sympathy.
Later, on Saturday, Shen Xifan was too swamped with work to attend her scheduled follow-up appointment. Although she occasionally thought of Yan Heng, she tried her best to control her emotions. Meanwhile, at his clinic, He Suye noticed that Shen Xifan had not come in. He asked the front desk clerk, Sun, to check for Shen Xifan's appointment and learned she hadn't made one for that day.
Expressing concern about her missed visit, He Suye then requested Shen Xifan's registered phone number, claiming it was his responsibility as her doctor to follow up. Shen Xifan was busy facilitating check-ins, including that of Yan Heng’s father, Mr. Yan. During a conversation, Mr. Yan mentioned his two sons, explaining that his older son was occupied with his company branch and his younger son, Yan Heng, was busy with his robotics company, which wasn't "qualified" for the summit.
Another guest, Ms. Fang, immediately suggested introducing her niece, who was interested in AI, to Yan Heng for a potential match. Mr. Yan readily agreed, much to Shen Xifan's dismay. He Suye called Shen Xifan, inquiring if she was coming for her appointment. Shen Xifan explained she was too busy and couldn't make it, but promised to come next week. He Suye offered to prescribe more medicine for her, which she accepted.
He also suggested that when she felt down, she should visit places with abundant trees, as the oxygen-rich environment could help her relax. He Suye then added her on WeChat to send her the prescription, so the pharmacy could decoct the medicine for her family to pick up. He Suye carefully packed the prepared medicine, adding a separate bag of dried licorice root.
He sent a message to Shen Xifan, explaining that licorice root, with its sweet and neutral nature, could clear heat and toxins, and that she could steep a few slices in water as a soothing drink, suggesting it would taste as good as bubble tea. Shen Xifan promptly transferred money to him, which, from He Suye's perspective, somewhat dampened the burgeoning "spark" he felt.
Later that night, He Suye steeped some licorice root water for himself and, uncharacteristically, posted a picture of it on his social media. Shen Xifan liked his post late at night, prompting He Suye to tease her for staying up so late. He Suye's grandfather, Yu Liren, was surprised and pleased to learn that He Suye had obtained Shen Xifan’s contact information, hoping for progress in their relationship. However, He Suye clarified that Shen Xifan already had a boyfriend.
Hearing this, Yu Liren expressed regret, advising his grandson to set aside any romantic notions and uphold the integrity of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. He Suye assured him he would not act recklessly. The IT Summit continued, and Shen Xifan, still grappling with her sudden breakup from Yan Heng, forced herself to concentrate on work. As Mr. Yan prepared to leave after the summit, he asked Shen Xifan to walk him to the parking lot.
On the way, Mr. Yan casually asked if Yan Heng had "talked to her about that." Shen Xifan confirmed he had, assuming he was referring to their breakup. She then asked when Yan Heng would return from abroad, only for Mr. Yan to reveal that Yan Heng was not abroad but "at home." This revelation shattered Shen Xifan’s last shred of hope, leaving her heartbroken.
She questioned why Yan Heng wouldn't even meet her, wondering what their seven-year relationship meant and what she had done wrong. That night, Shen Xifan recalled He Suye's advice about seeking comfort in nature and embracing trees to alleviate emotional blockages. She drank the remaining two bags of her herbal medicine, hoping to find sleep. Her friend, Xu Xiangya, was furious on her behalf, branding Yan Heng a "cowardly scumbag" for not even showing up at the summit.
In a later phone call, Shen Xifan confessed to Xu Xiangya that she hadn't told her parents about the breakup yet, wanting to handle it herself before burdening them. The next day, Shen Xifan went to the clinic to see He Suye, but the front desk informed her that he only worked there on Saturdays and spent most of his time at the TCM hospital. She messaged He Suye, inquiring if she could visit him there.
He Suye, who specialized in Traditional Chinese Medicine Oncology, was at the hospital reviewing theses with his junior colleagues, Li Jie and Fang Kexin. Fang Kexin, who harbored a secret crush on He Suye, eagerly sought his guidance on her thesis. Seeing Shen Xifan's message, He Suye agreed to meet her. They met in the hospital's herbal garden.
Shen Xifan felt awkward about receiving special treatment, but He Suye explained that he was a TCM Oncology physician, and patients who normally sought him out were battling cancer. He chose the serene garden to avoid the potentially daunting atmosphere of the oncology department. He was surprised to learn that she had consumed a week's worth of medicine in just four days, reminding her that "medicine can be toxic" and even herbal remedies shouldn't be overused.
As he took her pulse, he asked about her sleep and emotional state. Shen Xifan, trying to avoid discussing her breakup, simply mentioned her busy work schedule leading to late, short nights, though she claimed her sleep quality was acceptable. He Suye, perceiving her evasiveness, playfully suggested she might need to find another doctor if his skills weren't sufficient. Shen Xifan quickly reassured him, bringing up her previous dietary restrictions and humorously asking if he was "giving up" on her.
He Suye, with a smile, wrote her a new prescription, emphasizing the importance of dietary restrictions. When she asked if she could have a "no ice" drink, he retorted that since she wasn't an "obedient patient," she might as well have all the ice she wanted and even two tubs of ice cream to "cure all her ailments." Shen Xifan jokingly accused him of being temperamental with patients. As she prepared to leave, she paused, turned back, and thanked him for making time for her. He Suye smiled, and they agreed to meet again next Saturday.
Episode 4 Recap
Late one night, Shen Xifan posted some pictures from the herbal farm on her social media, which He Suye noticed. He messaged her, asking why she was still awake. After drinking his new traditional Chinese medicine prescription, Shen Xifan found it incredibly bitter, prompting her to look up the ingredients online, noting it "literally starts with the bitter goldthread" and also contained "Fried Atractylodes macrocephala" and "Tree peony bark," all of which looked dark and bitter.
Their playful exchange continued, with He Suye advising her to put away her phone for better sleep, to which she retorted that she needed it to reply to him. She secretly resolved that "Goldthread. . . It has to be swapped. . . Charred gardenia fruit. . . it can be removed for sure. It's too bitter." Shen Xifan slept until noon the next day.
Her father was busy grading papers and her mother was engrossed in a dating reality show, so she decided to take a walk by herself. That evening, while drinking her bitter medicine downstairs, she ran into He Suye, who was skateboarding to clear his head after a long day at work.
Shen Xifan teased him, suggesting Tai Chi would suit him better, implying he was "old," but He Suye humorously asked if he should wear a traditional suit and plain cloth shoes for that. She clarified that "old" referred to his experience and skill, noting that his medicine had helped her sleep for four hours the previous day.
They then walked to a convenience store, where Shen Xifan asked if she could drink cold soda or eat spicy snacks with her medicine, to which He Suye responded that cold drinks were out of the question. He Suye bought a drink, and seeing it, Shen Xifan was reminded of her ex-boyfriend, Yan Heng, who loved that particular drink.
Noticing her grimace after drinking the medicine, He Suye bought her a pack of mints, explaining that mint, known for "clearing heat and detoxifying," wouldn't conflict with her current medication. Shen Xifan found it amusing that he had to justify even giving her candy with TCM theory. Meanwhile, Mr. He Sheng, a renowned cardiac surgeon and He Suye's father, had arrived in Hang City for an exchange event.
He called He Suye, suggesting they meet up for dinner with Li Jie's family, but He Suye curtly declined, citing other plans. Later, seeing news reports about his father's visit to the city's hospital, He Suye reflected on their strained relationship and his late mother, thinking, "Now he remembers me after arriving in Hang City." On his way home, a heavy rain began, catching him without an umbrella. Shen Xifan, who was carrying one, spotted him and offered shelter.
As they walked, she noticed his somber mood. After buying a bouquet of "particularly hard to find" blue tulips, she gave him some, explaining it was a patient's gratitude to her doctor. He Suye's colleague at the clinic later noted his new flowers, and He Suye said someone gave them to him as he picked up herbs for a sachet.
The following day, He Suye went to the clinic without his mask, and someone took a photo of him, which quickly circulated in the neighborhood group chat. A nurse explained that He Suye typically wore a mask to avoid such incidents, as many patients' families would try to set him up. Shen Xifan's mother saw the photo and praised his good looks, while her father recognized the clinic.
A security guard mentioned in the group that he had seen Shen Xifan and He Suye together, prompting her parents to question her. Shen Xifan quickly denied it, claiming the security guard must have "seen it wrong" and "mistook someone else for me." Soon, the clinic lobby transformed into a chaotic "matchmaking corner," filled with elderly residents eager to set up their daughters with the handsome doctor.
One man presented his daughter's photo, feigning illness, and another woman presented her daughter's resume. He Suye tried to deter them by exaggerating, saying he had "genetic hair loss" and wore a "wig." The surge of unsolicited matchmaking left Shen Xifan unable to get a proper appointment. Seeing her difficulty, He Suye messaged her, telling her to come to the back door around noon, bypassing the crowd.
Nurse Sun helped Shen Xifan slip through the back entrance to the herbal farm, where He Suye was waiting. Realizing he hadn't had lunch amidst the morning's chaos, Shen Xifan offered him her sandwich. He Suye then lamented the experience, comparing himself to a horse or a "chunk of pork" being "judged and picked by purchasers," feeling that no one saw him as a "person with emotions and thoughts."
Shen Xifan, surprised he was only realizing this at thirty-one, asked about his past relationships. He Suye vaguely replied that "the right person hasn't appeared yet," his gaze briefly falling on her. As he performed acupuncture on her, Shen Xifan talked about her demanding job as a hotel front office manager, detailing responsibilities from checking reservations to organizing mini wine parties for events like the IT Summit. She eventually drifted off to sleep.
Upon waking, she found He Suye had prepared a new, fragrant sachet for her and a new, more complex herbal prescription. Still bothered by the bitter taste, she tried to convince him to remove "goldthread" and "charred gardenia fruit," arguing they had similar "medicinal properties" for clearing heat and dampness.
He Suye teased her about trying to save money, but she insisted it was purely because of the taste, claiming TCM's bitterness was a "real bitterness that I need to swallow." To help him with his matchmaking predicament, Shen Xifan took a metal ring from her keychain and gave it to him, suggesting he wear it as a fake wedding ring. "
This is all I can do to help you," she said, "As for the rest, it depends on your acting skills." The fake wedding ring proved highly effective, causing a significant drop in the number of matchmakers. One auntie who came to set up her daughter complained loudly in the group chat after seeing the ring, saying, "This doctor is already married. Who posted this? Isn't it just messing with us?"
Later, Shen Xifan messaged He Suye, asking him to pick up her medicine as she had dinner plans. He agreed. However, when she went to their pre-arranged meeting spot in the park, she found her parents coincidentally there, eating steamed buns. She quickly messaged He Suye to change the location. He Suye still appeared nearby, and Shen Xifan frantically waved him off, pretending to swat a mosquito to avoid her parents seeing them together.
She later chided him, explaining that if her parents recognized him, "all the elderly in our neighborhood will have your WeChat." He Suye agreed, acknowledging he had forgotten about that. He handed her the heavy bag of medicine. Then, wanting to keep the ring she had given him, He Suye falsely claimed he had "lost it." Shen Xifan, unsuspecting, dismissed it as unimportant, happy it had helped him. Before going home, she told him to wait a while before entering the neighborhood, so her parents wouldn't see them together.
Episode 5 Recap
Shen Xifan returned home in high spirits, a noticeable change that surprised her parents. Her mother quickly concluded that she had reconciled with Yan Heng, although her father simply remarked on her improved complexion after taking traditional Chinese medicine. Later, while having tea with Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, Shen Xifan shared the mint candy that He Suye had given her. Xu Xiangya, having seen a video of He Suye, found him handsome and suggested Shen Xifan consider dating him.
Shen Xifan, however, firmly stated that they were just friends. She explained that she was applying to study abroad and didn't want a long-distance relationship. On their way back, Xu Xiangya chatted with Lin Yishen about Shen Xifan, lamenting that her friend's dedication to her studies might cause her to miss out on a good relationship.
Lin Yishen then subtly inquired if long-term friendships often made it difficult to develop into something more, to which Xu Xiangya agreed, saying such dynamics are hard to change. Meanwhile, He Suye received a call from his father, He Sheng, who wanted to meet for dinner before flying back to Bei City. He Suye declined, claiming he was already eating. His grandfather, overhearing the conversation, urged him to let go of old grievances.
However, He Suye's resentment towards his father remained strong, stemming from his father's neglect during his mother's critical illness and death. A flashback revealed an earlier argument where He Suye accused his father of never caring for him, especially when his mother was sick, and reiterated his commitment to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a choice his father, a Western doctor, had strongly opposed.
That evening, Shen Xifan's mother discovered photos of her and He Suye in the neighborhood group chat and confronted her, implying she was two-timing. Shen Xifan finally confessed that she and Yan Heng had broken up some time ago, explaining that their long-distance relationship had led to faded feelings and a lack of common ground. She also revealed her plans to pursue a master's degree in hotel management in Switzerland.
Her parents were taken aback, expressing concerns about her age, the need to quit her current job, and the challenges of re-entering the job market after studying abroad, especially with potential employers considering her future marriage and family plans. Feeling overwhelmed and disheartened by her parents' lack of support, Shen Xifan sought solace downstairs in the neighborhood, where she unexpectedly ran into He Suye. He Suye suggested they go for a late-night snack to clear her head.
To Shen Xifan's surprise, his idea of "venting" was eating spicy hot pot. She was further surprised when he ordered a mild, non-oily white broth hot pot made with Chinese yam for her, as she was on herbal medicine. Shen Xifan playfully challenged his choice of food and hobby (skateboarding), joking that a TCM physician should be "clean-eating" and "cultivated."
He Suye countered, asserting that spicy hot pot is magical if the broth is good and that her perception of TCM doctors was narrow. Encouraged by He Suye, Shen Xifan opened up about her lifelong path of following her parents' wishes, feeling lost, and her desire to study abroad to discover her true self. She admitted her resolve was wavering after her parents' practical concerns.
He Suye empathized, sharing his own story of defying his father to study TCM after witnessing his mother's suffering from breast cancer and chemotherapy, and how Chinese medicine had offered relief. He explained that this experience led him to find his true passion, imagining himself becoming a contented old TCM physician like his grandfather, mentoring students and enjoying tea.
He Suye then advised Shen Xifan, telling her she had two choices: a stable life dictated by her parents, or a brave attempt to follow her dreams. He spoke of the many oncology patients he had seen who, at the end of their lives, were filled with regrets about what they hadn't pursued, urging her to try and see if her dreams came true.
After they returned home, Shen Xifan, reflecting on He Suye's words and demeanor, sensed that he too was carrying a burden. Reinvigorated, she spoke to her parents once more, reiterating her desire to study abroad and informing them she would apply to one of the top three global universities. She promised that if she failed to get in, she would accept the outcome without complaint or regret. Her parents, seeing her determination, finally gave their consent.
Shen Xifan immediately messaged He Suye to share her good news but received no reply. He Suye, meanwhile, was skateboarding alone, using the activity to process his own emotions. Shen Xifan soon found him and excitedly told him that her parents had agreed to her studying abroad. He Suye apologized for not replying, explaining he hadn't seen his phone while skateboarding. To celebrate, He Suye drove Shen Xifan to a serene lakeside.
He shared that he often came to this quiet spot at night during his early career to reflect and decompress, noting how the place would become lively with the sunrise, symbolizing a return to normalcy. Shen Xifan thanked him for his company. Observing his lingering melancholy, she suggested they watch the sunrise together. Touched by her gesture, He Suye agreed, and they waited for dawn.
As the sky brightened, He Suye returned with breakfast, and they sat side-by-side, watching the beautiful sunrise, toasting to the new day. Later, the first heavy rain of autumn arrived, and Shen Xifan experienced severe period pain. Simultaneously, Mr. Ding, a hotel client, was irate about his lost wedding ring, believing it to be stolen.
He explained he had left it on the bathroom counter after washing up, then gone for breakfast, taken a call in the garden, and upon returning, found it missing. He stressed the ring's immense sentimental value, even more so than the Maybach his wife had given him, demanding an immediate search. Shen Xifan instructed staff to check the bathroom pipes and, despite her escalating pain and the pouring rain, personally searched the garden.
She eventually found the ring, calming Mr. Ding, who expressed regret for his earlier accusations and praised her professionalism. Afterward, soaked and in severe pain, Shen Xifan sat in the lounge, distracted, clutching the fragrant sachet He Suye had given her, opting for painkillers rather than taking a day off.
Episode 6 Recap
Despite taking painkillers provided by Xu Xiangya, Shen Xifan's menstrual cramps remained severe, causing her to almost faint near her neighborhood entrance. Fortunately, He Suye appeared just in time, noticing her distress. After she confirmed her stomach pain was due to cramps and the painkillers weren't working, he took her to the TCM clinic for moxibustion. At the clinic, He Suye suggested she lie down for the treatment, but Shen Xifan hesitated, worried about "leaking" period blood onto the sheet.
He Suye reassured her that the bed had disposable sheets and offered his jacket to cover her, emphasizing that period pain is a normal physiological phenomenon that women shouldn't feel ashamed about. After she lay down, he performed a quick check-up, noting her lower abdomen was cold, indicating she had caught a chill.
He then thoughtfully covered her legs and feet with a blanket as he began the moxibustion, inquiring if she felt the warmth and reminding her of his earlier advice against consuming cold beverages. Overwhelmed by the tender care, Shen Xifan confessed that her emotions tend to fluctuate during her period and asked for a moment to cry. He Suye allowed her to rest.
As she slept, he gently wiped a tear from her face, mistakenly thinking she was crying over a breakup and suppressing his own feelings. When Shen Xifan awoke, feeling much better, He Suye offered her his oversize white shirt to keep warm, as it was chilly outside. She promised to wash and return it. He also advised her that the moxibustion's effects would need to be reinforced with a few more sessions and recommended not showering immediately upon returning home.
He suggested she go home first, assuming her parents were worried. Shen Xifan offered to wait for him, but He Suye politely declined, saying he still had tidying to do. Back home, as Shen Xifan prepared to wash He Suye's shirt, she instinctively smelled it, momentarily thinking of him. Her mother, Shen Ma, offered her brown sugar water and then noticed the unfamiliar men's shirt.
Shen Xifan fabricated a story about it being lent to her by "that TCM doctor" to cover up after her pants got dirty. Her mother pointed out that Shen Xifan had previously claimed not to be familiar with him, but Shen Xifan insisted they were just doctor and patient. Having heard Lin Yishen's description, her mother commented that He Suye was quite handsome. Feeling tired, Shen Xifan went to her room.
Witnessing the exchange, Lin Yishen joked with Shen Ma about getting a matching shirt, suggesting there was more to the story. Later that night, Shen Xifan found herself thinking about He Suye. She scrolled through his WeChat Moments, accidentally liking an old post about licorice water from several months ago. Mortified, she quickly unliked it and then proceeded to like several more of his recent posts to mask her initial blunder. Moments later, He Suye texted her, "Still not sleeping?"
He reminded her about a health article he had shared, emphasizing the importance of sleeping before 11 PM and avoiding phone use before bed. When Shen Xifan feigned ignorance, He Suye playfully exposed her, remarking on her impressive reading speed to have consumed seven or eight articles in a minute, leaving her utterly embarrassed. The next day during lunch, Shen Xifan asked Xu Xiangya if unliking a post on Moments still left a notification.
Xu Xiangya confirmed that it did, even boasting about using this trick to get men's attention. Shen Xifan realized her attempt to cover her tracks had failed. After reviewing their chat history, Lin Yishen declared that He Suye clearly had feelings for Shen Xifan, citing his concern about her bedtime at 11:45 PM. Shen Xifan argued that as her doctor treating insomnia, it was a natural question.
Xu Xiangya speculated that He Suye's rare post about licorice was a deliberate "player's" move to initiate a conversation. Shen Xifan insisted that He Suye was just a supportive friend, but Xu Xiangya concluded that it was a classic case of "the guy has feelings, but the girl does not." Meanwhile, He Suye saw Shen Xifan's post about drinking "brown sugar ginger bubble tea" on her Moments. He silently mused that consuming ginger in autumn could exacerbate Autumn dryness.
Instead of simply texting her a reminder, he compiled several medicinal food recipes and sent them to her. When she asked why, he explained he had seen her post and wanted to offer remedies. Shen Xifan noted that he seemed to be "keeping a close eye" on her. She then asked if the recipes were suitable for her parents, mentioning her father's hypertension, and He Suye confirmed they were mild enough for anyone. Alone, He Suye questioned his own overthinking.
At the hospital, He Suye faced a difficult case: a patient with advanced brain metastasis who was in critical condition. He explained to the patient's daughter that the tumor was compressing the vital center, and her mother needed immediate transfer to the ICU for invasive treatment, involving a tracheostomy and cardiac pacing.
The distraught daughter, unwilling for her mother to endure further suffering, tearfully pleaded with He Suye to delay the treatment so her family could see her mother one last time. Confronted with this painful decision, He Suye recalled his own mother's passing, when his father decided to forgo further treatment after doctors confirmed resuscitation would be futile. He agreed to do his best to grant the daughter's request.
Later that evening, Shen Xifan encountered He Suye eating alone at a small food stall, noticing his subdued mood. He dismissed her concern, but she discerned his unhappiness and simply walked silently beside him. He Suye, realizing her quiet support, suggested they walk together. As they walked, a bicycle sped towards them. Shen Xifan instinctively pulled He Suye out of the way, but in that moment, He Suye pulled her into a protective embrace. That night, both Shen Xifan and He Suye found themselves sleepless, each pondering the meaning of the embrace and their deepening feelings.
Episode 7 Recap
Shen Xifan's mother called her at work, insisting that Shen Xifan keep her weekend free and come home early for an important conversation. Upon returning home, Shen Xifan discovered her parents were attempting to set her up on a blind date. They described the man as young, handsome, educated, and a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) physician, introduced by her father's university classmate, ensuring a reliable background.
Despite Shen Xifan's strong objections, especially her plans to study abroad and her reluctance to experience another painful breakup, her parents persisted, emphasizing her age and the advantages of marrying a calm and reserved TCM doctor. Her mother even suggested she ask her current TCM doctor, He Suye, about the blind date candidate, a proposal Shen Xifan found mortifying. Under relentless pressure, Shen Xifan reluctantly agreed to the date.
The next day, Shen Xifan went to the TCM clinic for a follow-up visit. She returned He Suye's shirt, expressing gratitude for his help. He Suye, visibly embarrassed, apologized for an unexpected hug that had occurred previously, asking if he had startled her. Shen Xifan dismissed his concern, reassuring him that it was acceptable between friends and that she understood he was upset. She then confided in He Suye about her parents' relentless nagging about marriage.
He Suye, misinterpreting her comments about marriage as progress with her existing boyfriend, felt a pang of disappointment. Yu Liren noticed Shen Xifan leaving the TCM building and later inquired with He Suye about her and her boyfriend. He Suye, still under the impression that Shen Xifan was close to marrying, told his grandfather that she was probably preparing for marriage soon.
He added that he had given up on his own unrequited feelings for her, but admitted he couldn't understand why she would marry someone who didn't seem to treat her well. Yu Liren, acknowledging the complexities of emotion, responded that even the smartest people can make foolish decisions in love. He Suye reflected on a period when Shen Xifan hadn't mentioned her boyfriend and how he had developed "wrong ideas," feeling pathetic for his self-delusion.
Yu Liren then cited ancient texts about the natural progression of life and encouraged He Suye to consider finding a partner, but He Suye brushed off his grandfather's concerns. Meanwhile, He Suye was assisting his junior, Fang Kexin, with revising her paper. He suggested incorporating clinical examples for the section on post-mastectomy complications and even recommended her to his grandfather, Professor Yu, for more authoritative guidance. Fang Kexin, however, preferred to work with He Suye, citing familiarity.
She then invited him to dinner as a token of appreciation. He Suye politely declined, explaining that guiding her internship was part of his job. Soon after, Li Jie approached He Suye with a "personal matter," asking him to stand in for him on a blind date. He Suye immediately refused, reminding Li Jie that the other person was expecting to meet him and that it would be deceptive.
Li Jie explained that his father had pressured him into agreeing to the date and confessed that he liked Fang Kexin and felt too young for a blind date. He Suye, however, stood firm, advising him to be mature and reiterating that he would not deceive the girl by impersonating him. Forced to attend, Li Jie met Shen Xifan for their blind date.
They quickly established that neither had any romantic intentions and were both coerced into the meeting by their families. With their disinterest mutually acknowledged, the conversation flowed easily. Li Jie, a master's student in oncology at Jiang University Medical School, mentioned his senior who supervised him during his hospital internship. Shen Xifan, the front office manager at Gunan Huating Hotel, shared that she was also seeing a TCM physician for insomnia at a clinic near her home.
As they described their respective TCM connections, both realized they were speaking about He Suye, with Li Jie vividly recounting He Suye's mischievous childhood and sharp wit, and Shen Xifan confirming the similar personality traits of her doctor. During this time, He Suye was attending to a young patient named Zhao Ze, who was suffering from late-stage leukemia. Zhao Ze's mother was seeking TCM treatments to alleviate the severe pain caused by chemotherapy.
He Suye reassured her that while chemotherapy remained the primary treatment, TCM could effectively reduce side effects and hasten recovery. Zhao Ze complained of severe diarrhea, which He Suye diagnosed as viral pediatric diarrhea rather than a chemotherapy side effect. He performed a rectal examination, which the boy initially resisted due to embarrassment, to confirm the diagnosis. After confirming it was just pediatric diarrhea, He Suye prescribed a herbal navel application and advised them to stay warm.
He also offered to connect them with a charity fund to help with potential expenses, though the mother initially declined. Zhao Ze expressed a desire for He Suye to be his attending doctor, humorously stating he didn't want other doctors seeing his butt, to which He Suye playfully responded. Back at the hospital, He Suye asked Li Jie about his blind date.
Li Jie summarized that he and the girl mutually agreed not to pursue anything further but had a pleasant chat. He described the woman as quite interesting, noting her self-taught knowledge of TCM due to her own illnesses, even recounting how she would inquire about changing her prescriptions. Li Jie mentioned that she was a hotel manager at the well-known Gunan Huating Hotel, right next to their herbal base.
This detail, combined with Li Jie's descriptions, made He Suye realize that the blind date was Shen Xifan. The pieces clicked into place, and he understood that Shen Xifan's earlier complaints about marriage were actually about her parents pushing her into a blind date after a breakup, not an impending wedding. Overjoyed by this revelation, He Suye couldn't help but smile, confusing Li Jie.
He Suye then abruptly offered to help Li Jie finish his bid proposal, rescinding his earlier refusal to assist with his work and leaving Li Jie baffled by the sudden change in mood. Meanwhile, at the Gunan Huating Hotel, Shen Xifan was overseeing room decorations. She remembered a guest's preference for yellow and requested sunflowers be added to the floral arrangements. Taking some leftover flowers, she later encountered Lin Yishen, who randomly picked one to give to Xu Xiangya.
Xu Xiangya, despite a dismissive remark, was secretly pleased. Later, He Suye was seen skateboarding and looking unusually happy. Shen Xifan, on her way home from working overtime, presented him with the leftover flowers as a playful "congratulations." He Suye then offered to perform moxibustion for her the following week, fulfilling his role as her diligent physician. Xu Xiangya, however, was having a less cheerful day.
She overheard Lin Yishen on the phone with his parents, agreeing to a blind date after receiving his year-end bonus, which visibly upset her. Later, she observed Lin Yishen charming female guests for photos at the hotel, labeling him a "social butterfly," which only fueled her jealousy. Shen Xifan noticed Xu Xiangya's visible irritation, correctly guessing she had feelings for Lin Yishen.
In a hotel meeting, the general manager discussed an upcoming wellness tour for a group of affluent, elderly tourists, emphasizing the need for relaxation, physical therapy, and specific dietary and accommodation requirements. Shen Xifan proposed incorporating TCM elements throughout the hotel's offerings, suggesting medicinal food recipes and herbal teas for dining, buckwheat pillows for guest rooms, and herbal aromatherapy. The general manager lauded her idea, and the team agreed on its feasibility as a potential signature service.
Xu Xiangya then teased Shen Xifan about the "progress" in her relationship with the "handsome TCM physician." Shen Xifan, in turn, playfully told Xu Xiangya that the responsibility for the TCM wellness project now rested on her shoulders, and if she continued to tease, she would have to develop the medicinal food recipes herself. Shen Xifan then called He Suye, inviting him to dinner to discuss the hotel's needs. He Suye agreed, later going to the herbal pharmacy to gather Angelica and Lily bulbs, intending to personally prepare medicinal food recipes for her.
Episode 8 Recap
He Suye, after purchasing Chinese medicinal herbs, encountered Shen Xifan on his way home. He invited her to his place to taste some medicinal food he planned to prepare. Feeling a little nervous and reserved, Shen Xifan arrived at his home, observing his living space while sipping the five-flavor fruit water he personally brewed. He Suye asked her to sit for a while as he busied himself in the kitchen, prompting Shen Xifan to curiously approach and watch him cook.
At the dinner table, Shen Xifan brought up her hotel's plan to launch a TCM-themed wellness journey, which would involve medicinal cuisine and require a consultant. She hoped He Suye would consider taking on the role. He Suye agreed to try, but noted that he needed to file it with the hospital and review her detailed proposal first.
He explained his work schedule: he's at the TCM hospital Monday to Friday, a clinic on Saturdays, leaving only Sundays available, which Shen Xifan assured him they could accommodate. He Suye also advised against using terms like "TCM specialty" in advertising for the restaurant to avoid complications related to medicinal claims, suggesting "Chinese herbal wellness" with a focus on gentle health care instead. After dinner, He Suye walked Shen Xifan home.
Feeling she owed him for cooking, Shen Xifan promised to treat him to a meal next time. Back home, Shen Xifan eagerly began working on the proposal. Realizing she needed He Suye's professional biography, she logged onto the hospital's website to look it up. She discovered He Suye was not only a TCM doctor but also held a Ph. D. and possessed an impressive, distinguished resume.
As she reflected on her earlier embarrassment about having once considered changing his medical formula, He Suye called her via WeChat. He inquired about the proposal's progress, offering to arrange for two graduate students to assist, then gently urged her to get some rest and not work late. Meanwhile, He Suye's young patient, Zhao Ze, had become quite attached to him, following him persistently whether he was treating patients or eating meals.
Zhao Ze's constant presence was an attempt to subtly set up He Suye with his mother, which didn't go unnoticed by Fang Kexin. He Suye learned that Zhao Ze's father had passed away when he was in kindergarten, and Zhao Ze saw He Suye as a father figure, often calling him "Dad." Feeling sympathy for the child's struggles at such a young age, He Suye did not correct the boy's affectionate address.
At the hotel, the leadership was highly satisfied with the proposed plan for the TCM wellness journey and instructed Shen Xifan to expedite the contract signing with He Suye. Colleagues, seeing He Suye's profile, immediately expressed interest in being introduced to him. However, upon noticing Xu Xiangya's subtle gesture, they quickly redirected their requests, asking Shen Xifan to introduce them to He Suye's single relatives or friends instead.
Concerned about Zhao Ze's continuous closeness to He Suye, Fang Kexin took an opportunity to speak with the boy privately. She advised him against clinging to He Suye or making comments that could lead to misunderstandings, explaining that such actions could negatively impact He Suye's reputation as a single, young doctor. Zhao Ze then directly asked Fang Kexin if she liked He Suye, which she vehemently denied, visibly flustered, stating He Suye was like a "half-teacher" to her.
He Suye administered acupuncture to Zhao Ze for chemotherapy side effects and instructed Li Jie and other students on the techniques. Zhao Ze's mother expressed deep gratitude for his care. Just then, Shen Xifan contacted He Suye, reminding him to check the contract she'd emailed and to send photos of his ID card for the document. Furthermore, Shen Xifan offered to visit the hospital to sign the contract in person, an offer He Suye happily accepted.
They arranged to meet in the hospital's herbal farm at noon. Li Jie and Fang Kexin noted He Suye's unusually cheerful mood, likening it to "dead wood blossoming in spring." At noon, He Suye met Shen Xifan and gave her a tour of the herbal farm, introducing her to various plants. Shen Xifan was delighted to recognize the red wild berries as five-flavor fruit, the ingredient he had previously used to make her tea.
Playfully, He Suye plucked some for her to taste. Shen Xifan, initially hesitant, took a bite and was immediately overwhelmed by the intense combination of sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and pungent flavors, exclaiming that she had been tricked. They then settled on a bench, admiring the scenery. He Suye's gaze lingered on Shen Xifan, creating a sweet and intimate atmosphere.
As Shen Xifan was about to discuss the next steps for the hotel project, He Suye received an urgent call from his department. He quickly apologized and rushed off, inadvertently leaving the consultant contract behind. Shen Xifan, seeing this, hurried after him to return the document. To her astonishment, Zhao Ze suddenly ran out from behind her, heading directly for He Suye and loudly calling him "Dad."
Episode 9 Recap
Shen Xifan, still reeling from witnessing Zhao Ze call He Suye "Dad," mistakenly believed He Suye had a son. To sidestep the awkwardness, she sent He Suye a message, informing him that he had left his contract behind and should collect it from the nurses' station on the first floor. When He Suye arrived, he thanked her for making the special trip, mentioning she could have waited until he returned that night to hand it over.
Shen Xifan, offering a quick excuse, promptly left. He Suye didn't seem to notice her unusual behavior, though the nurses were quick to tease him about the interaction. Later, He Suye informed his students, Li Jie and Fang Kexin, about a new project: designing a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy package for the Gunan Huating Hotel. He invited them to join, mentioning there would be extra pay.
However, upon hearing the hotel's name, Li Jie hesitated, fabricating an excuse about having prior commitments. His sudden change of mind, after previously stating he was free, immediately aroused Fang Kexin's suspicion, leaving Li Jie visibly uncomfortable. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan confided in Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen about her discovery regarding He Suye's supposed child.
They expressed concern that He Suye had intentionally concealed his marital status, suggesting it reflected poorly on his character and advising Shen Xifan to abandon any romantic pursuit. Around this time, He Suye messaged Shen Xifan, inviting her to his home for a medicinal meal he had prepared, a soup made with angelica, astragalus, and crucian carp. Xu Xiangya, convinced He Suye was seeking a stepmother for his child, urged Shen Xifan to firmly decline.
Shen Xifan, not wanting to create awkwardness for their upcoming work collaboration, responded politely but untruthfully, claiming she had already eaten. That evening, to distract themselves, Xu Xiangya and Shen Xifan went to a bar and drank heavily, venting about their frustrations. Shen Xifan was upset by He Suye's presumed hidden family life, while Xu Xiangya was distressed over Lin Yishen's impending return to his hometown. As they became completely inebriated, Xu Xiangya called Lin Yishen to pick them up.
Upon his arrival, a drunken Xu Xiangya pointed at him, labeling him "trash who doesn't even know he's trash," much to the amusement of other patrons who noted that she and Shen Xifan had been railing against "trash men" all night. Semi-conscious, Shen Xifan managed to call a car for herself, insisting Lin Yishen only needed to take Xu Xiangya home. When she stumbled back to her neighborhood, she unexpectedly encountered He Suye, who was skateboarding.
In her drunken state, Shen Xifan began to berate him, calling him "trash" for not replying to her messages and for offering her a meal. She then warned him not to follow her. Shortly after, her parents saw He Suye and, mistaking him for a suspicious stalker, angrily warned him to leave, leaving He Suye utterly bewildered. The next morning, Shen Xifan awoke with a pounding headache, regretting her decision to drink.
Seeing He Suye's messages triggered a vivid recollection of her drunken behavior, causing her immense embarrassment. She declared she was "the real trash" and promptly threw the remaining beer from her fridge into the trash, only for her father to secretly retrieve and enjoy a can, deeming it a waste to throw good beer away. Meanwhile, Lin Yishen confronted Xu Xiangya, asking why she had been "passive-aggressive" towards him.
She admitted it was because she had overheard his phone call with his mother, revealing his plans to return to his hometown. When Lin Yishen asked why she hadn't confronted him directly, Xu Xiangya retorted that since he hadn't intended to tell her, there was no point in asking. He Suye sent another message to Shen Xifan, offering to drive her to the hotel meeting. Her reply was polite but distant, informing him she would take the bus.
When He Suye, Li Jie, and Fang Kexin arrived at the Gunan Huating Hotel, Shen Xifan deliberately kept her distance from He Suye, confirming his sense that something was amiss. During the introductions, Shen Xifan presented welcome gifts to the team. She handed He Suye a Transformers toy, hoping to subtly discourage him. He Suye was perplexed by the unusual gift. Later, at lunch in the hotel restaurant, Lin Yishen tried to maintain a cheerful atmosphere.
He Suye, still puzzling over the toy, asked why he had received a children's toy. Lin Yishen then casually explained it was a gift for He Suye's son. This revelation shocked Li Jie and Fang Kexin. Shen Xifan quickly recounted seeing a child call He Suye "Dad" at the hospital.
Li Jie and Fang Kexin then clarified that the child was Zhao Ze, a young patient who, having grown up in a single-parent household, had become particularly attached to He Suye and often called him "Dad." They emphasized that He Suye was, in fact, single and unmarried. Shen Xifan was mortified, wishing she could disappear. However, the clarification of the misunderstanding brought a private sense of relief and quiet joy to both Shen Xifan and He Suye.
He Suye finally understood the reason for Shen Xifan's drunken outburst and her "trash" accusations, and he left the hotel feeling immensely pleased. Lin Yishen, overhearing the story, commented to Shen Xifan that her going out for drinks must have been due to this misunderstanding and that He Suye seemed like a good match for her. The group then drove to a nearby herbal farm, which was a teaching base for He Suye's school, typically not open to the public.
He Suye guided them through the lush environment, explaining various medicinal plants like Platycodon, which helps clear the lungs and soothe the throat, and Salvia, used in Salvia Miltiorrhiza Dropping Pills. With the misunderstanding behind them and surrounded by the beautiful scenery, Shen Xifan's mood soared. Xu Xiangya, delighted for Shen Xifan, seized opportunities to encourage them to spend time alone and insisted on taking a group photo. They gathered together, smiling and shouting "cheese" for the camera.
Episode 10 Recap
He Suye completed the necessary arrangements with the hotel and then led everyone on a tour of the herbal farm. He introduced the greenhouse where endangered medicinal plants, such as Dendrobium candidum, are cultivated and protected. He explained that Dendrobium candidum greatly benefits the stomach and cardiovascular system, and helps suppress tumor growth. Thanks to modern technology, this precious herb can now be mass-produced, making it accessible for daily use in teas and cooking.
Shen Xifan spotted a Five-flavor fruit plant. After getting permission from He Suye, she picked some and offered them to Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, teasingly claiming they were delicious and tasted sweet and sour. Li Jie tried to intervene, but He Suye found the prank amusing. Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, upon tasting the fruit, realized Shen Xifan had tricked them and expressed their annoyance.
Back inside the planting base, He Suye presented various medicinal herbs and shared medicinal cuisine recipes, suggesting they could be used to make infused drinks. He emphasized the traditional Chinese medicine principle of seasonal wellness, tailoring health regimens to seasons and solar terms. For the upcoming elderly tour, the focus was on mild recipes to increase bodily fluids, reduce dryness, nourish the kidneys, and supplement qi.
He advised differentiating the five key benefits of the medicinal cuisine—aiding sleep, invigorating qi and blood, nourishing the kidneys, clearing fat and lowering blood pressure, and increasing bodily fluids to reduce dryness—to select appropriate meals for individual guests. While Shen Xifan browsed for sachet ingredients, Xu Xiangya began flirting with Li Jie. She suggested they exchange WeChat contact information for future questions, a move that displeased Lin Yishen.
Noticing Lin Yishen's sour expression, Shen Xifan tried to send Li Jie away to find He Suye, but Xu Xiangya persisted in her attempts, and she and Li Jie eventually added each other on WeChat. He Suye found Shen Xifan looking for materials to make sachets for the elderly guests. He began to introduce various ingredients like Patchouli, Agarwood, Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Clove, and Cinnamon.
Shen Xifan confused Cinnamon with Cassia, prompting He Suye to explain that Cassia is spicier and used in cooking, whereas Cinnamon is lighter and softer, often used in aromatherapy and perfumes. They moved to another area with more aromatherapy materials, where He Suye showed Shen Xifan an Agarwood tree, explaining how the resin forms the precious agarwood. Shen Xifan noticed a familiar, pleasant scent from the agarwood, feeling it resembled He Suye's own scent.
He Suye denied wearing perfume and playfully twisted her remark, suggesting she was complimenting him. He proudly stated that agarwood is a top-grade medicinal material for regulating energy. Shen Xifan retorted by jokingly calling him "toxic" and "trash," referencing a drunken night when she had cursed him.
He Suye, while acknowledging her drunken state, claimed that "people tell the truth when they're drunk" and reasserted his status as a "top-grade medicine" and a cure for "frustrated and depressed people" like her. When Shen Xifan pointed out that agarwood wasn't in her current prescription, He Suye hinted that "someday it will."
The next morning, Shen Xifan waited downstairs at He Suye’s apartment building, receiving a message from Xu Xiangya urging her to forward their group photo to He Suye. He Suye arrived, lightheartedly recalling the night Shen Xifan had sat there cursing him while drunk. He handed her a sachet, which Shen Xifan immediately recognized as smelling of agarwood.
When He Suye inquired about her missed follow-up appointment and future medication, Shen Xifan said she felt much better and hoped to stop the medicine. He Suye suggested moxibustion treatments instead. Shen Xifan then instinctively asked if her visits to him always had to be for medical reasons, quickly realizing the romantic implication of her words. He Suye paused before inviting her to his home for medicinal cuisine sometime.
Filled with joy, Shen Xifan returned home, her cheerful mood noticed by her parents. She retreated to her room, holding the sachet, her heart fluttering. Her mother, finding the sachet's agarwood scent pleasant, encouraged her father to get one too. Later, He Suye's grandfather called, mentioning that Li Jie had told him about He Suye and Shen Xifan "exchanging amorous glances."
He Suye denied it but confessed that he and Shen Xifan had "clicked" and that he intended to pursue her, which delighted his grandfather. The hotel then fully prepared for the arrival of the senior wellness tour group. Shen Xifan, Xu Xiangya, and Lin Yishen warmly welcomed the guests, introducing the specially prepared medicinal cuisine and the aromatherapy sachets placed in their rooms.
Despite the numerous and diverse requests from the seniors, the hotel staff managed to handle everything, earning widespread praise for their traditional Chinese medicine-infused wellness meals and attentive service. One guest, Ms. Liu Yunci, requested to change her sachet, stating she disliked the initial grassy scent of mugwort, sandalwood, and magnolia, preferring something mellow and warm. Shen Xifan offered a sachet containing agarwood, fragrant rosewood, fructus amomi, and styrax benzoin, which also provided pain relief, and Ms. Liu Yunci accepted.
Meanwhile, Zhao Ze completed another round of chemotherapy. With the assistance of traditional Chinese medicine, he experienced significantly fewer side effects, mainly just hiccups (ehni) caused by stomach irritation from the treatment. He Suye advised him to take stomach-regulating medicine and consume millet porridge for recovery. He Suye then presented Zhao Ze with a large Transformer toy, a gift from Shen Xifan, as a reward for his courageous attitude toward treatment.
Zhao Ze, who had previously hoped to find a good father figure in He Suye after his own father's abusive behavior, realized that He Suye had a girlfriend. With a mature understanding, he decided to abandon his matchmaking plan, accepting the gift and wishing He Suye and his girlfriend happiness. He Suye, in turn, accepted the boy's blessing and took a photo of Zhao Ze and his mother with the new toy to send to Shen Xifan.
Later, Lin Yishen confided in Shen Xifan that he might resign next year to take over his parents' small company, as they wished to retire and travel. He pondered whether there was still a chance for him and Xu Xiangya after such a long time as friends. Shen Xifan was unsure how to respond. Lin Yishen suspected Xu Xiangya's recent upset mood might be related to her overhearing his phone call with his mother.
He then lightheartedly questioned if Xu Xiangya might now be interested in younger men, teasingly referring to Li Jie. He Suye messaged Shen Xifan, informing her that Zhao Ze loved the gift and wanted to thank her by inviting her to dinner. He then extended the invitation to his home. Li Jie, noticing He Suye's exceptionally happy expression while texting, remarked that he hadn't seen He Suye this cheerful since his college days.
After work, Shen Xifan arrived at He Suye’s home, sharing her exhaustion from catering to the incredibly energetic elderly tourists, who made her feel old by comparison. He Suye gently reminded her to prioritize her health over work. As they spoke, Shen Xifan noticed an iron ring on He Suye's keychain—the very same ring she had given him earlier, which he had claimed to have lost.
She pointed out that it looked like a ring, and He Suye, flustered, claimed that the one she gave him had gone missing and offered to buy her a new one.
Episode 11 Recap
Shen Xifan, noting the white, fossil-like item on He Suye's keychain, inquired about its nature. He Suye, relieved she wasn't questioning the metal ring he claimed to have lost, explained it was a "dragon bone," a Traditional Chinese Medicine term for ancient mammal fossils. He quickly clarified it wasn't a real fossil but a cow bone found by a farmer, used as a medicinal ingredient known to calm the liver, subdue yang, soothe the mind, and promote blood circulation.
He then urged her to wash her hands for the dinner he had prepared. During their meal, Shen Xifan praised the medicinal food. She then showed He Suye a group photo she had taken earlier. He Suye found the picture unsatisfactory, stating he looked too serious and it didn't convey the happiness he felt that day. Shortly after, Shen Xifan received a message from her parents, requesting her return home.
He Suye offered to walk her downstairs, citing his need to dispose of trash. After Shen Xifan returned home, her heart pounded as she recalled the evening. She had recognized the metal ring on his keychain as the very one she had given him—the one he claimed to have lost. This realization gave her a hopeful answer about his feelings, but she was afraid to be presumptuous.
The following day at work, Shen Xifan was notified that an elderly guest in Room 8252 was feeling unwell and refused hospital care. It was the same old woman who had previously requested a sachet change. The woman explained her pain was a recurring issue, and she had simply run out of painkillers. Shen Xifan advised her to seek medical attention and had Lin Yishen prepare an ambulance on standby.
The elderly woman then shared her story, revealing that her husband had passed away, and her children lived abroad with little contact. She had sold her house to fund her travels, sending them only occasional photos to assure them of her well-being. Later, Xu Xiangya provided Shen Xifan with some medicinal soup to take home.
Shen Xifan then asked Xu Xiangya about her frequent chats with Li Jie, wondering if she was developing feelings for him and moving on from Lin Yishen. Xu Xiangya playfully responded but quickly clarified that Li Jie was not her type. She then spoke about her long-standing, complicated relationship with Lin Yishen, noting that they had continuously missed opportunities to be together since college. She pondered whether their constant misalignments indicated a lack of deep affection.
Witnessing the old woman's solitude, Shen Xifan felt a surge of concern for her own parents. That evening, as her parents presented her with a medicinal soup, Shen Xifan inquired about their health and annual check-ups. Her parents, touched by her sudden concern, assured her they were healthy and playfully teased her about "finally having a conscience." Her mother also mentioned that Li Jie and his mentor were now consultants at the hotel.
Shen Xifan quickly dismissed any interest in Li Jie, leading to lighthearted family banter. The elderly guest, impressed by the hotel's service, decided to extend her stay, requesting a move to a villa and more of the soothing aromatherapy incense. Completely worn out after the tour group departed, Shen Xifan returned home and immediately went to bed. The next morning, she woke up with a severe stiff neck. Desperate for relief, she visited He Suye's clinic.
He diagnosed her condition and performed a series of adjustments. Despite Shen Xifan's initial cries of pain, her neck pain significantly improved. Feeling somewhat embarrassed by their close proximity during the treatment, Shen Xifan quickly departed after He Suye gave her a prescription, asking him to pick up her medicine for her. She then called Xu Xiangya to vent about He Suye's forceful treatment.
After her departure, He Suye collected her medicine from the clinic pharmacy, intending to deliver it to her apartment. While working on her study abroad application materials at home, Shen Xifan struggled to incorporate more cultural depth, particularly regarding aromatherapy and sachets. Just then, He Suye arrived at her door with her medicine. Hearing about her predicament, He Suye invited her to his apartment, where he offered his undergraduate essay on sachet culture as a reference.
He suggested she integrate the historical research of renowned ancient physicians like Hua Tuo, Sun Simiao, and Li Shizhen into her introduction to further align with the wellness theme. With He Suye's patient guidance, Shen Xifan revised her application. He reviewed her completed work, reassuring her of its quality, before she submitted it. Moments after her submission, Shen Xifan received a call from her overseas education agent and stepped into He Suye's study for a private conversation.
Upon returning to the living room, she found He Suye asleep on the sofa, his glasses still on and a book resting on his chest. As she gently leaned in to remove his glasses, his hand, still holding the book, shifted, causing her to lose balance and fall onto him. In that intimate, face-to-face moment, the doorbell suddenly rang, shattering the atmosphere. As Shen Xifan went to answer the door, a clearly annoyed He Suye immediately opened his eyes.
It was Li Jie, who had come to seek He Suye's help with a research paper. Seeing Li Jie, Shen Xifan quickly made an excuse that her work was complete and departed. As she left, Li Jie took He Suye's glasses from her hand and also gave her the medicine He Suye had picked up earlier. Vexed by the interruption, He Suye made a sarcastic remark to Li Jie about his studiousness, implying his visit was ill-timed.
Li Jie, sensing the tension, inferred that there was a romantic connection between He Suye and Shen Xifan and pressed for details. He Suye curtly told him to mind his own business. Meanwhile, in the elevator on her way home, Shen Xifan's face burned as she replayed the intimate encounter, solidifying her feelings for He Suye.
Episode 12 Recap
After He Suye angrily sent Li Jie away, Shen Xifan felt a mix of embarrassment and reflection. Later, she joined her parents for a meal, during which she informed them that she had submitted her study abroad application materials to the agency and hoped for approval. They offered their support. Afterward, He Suye messaged Shen Xifan and invited her to a snack stall by the neighborhood park, where they shared some sweet cakes.
Shen Xifan confirmed that her application materials were in good shape, only needing minor edits. He Suye then asked when she would depart if she received an offer, to which she replied, "February," which seemed to lower his spirits. That evening, at home, Shen Xifan looked up the seven-hour time difference between China and Switzerland.
Realizing the long separation ahead, she had an internal debate, questioning if it was selfish to pursue a relationship while planning to leave and concluding that perhaps it was time to let go of her feelings. The next day, He Suye, accompanied by Li Jie and others, went to his grandfather's house. There, Professor Yu Liren praised their research project on breast cancer treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, emphasizing its significance in alleviating patient suffering and promoting mental well-being.
After the discussion, Li Jie jokingly asked He Suye if he was in a rush for another date, recalling how he had "accidentally interrupted" his "date with Manager Shen" the previous day. He Suye denied it was a date, explaining they were simply discussing matters at home since they lived in the same neighborhood. Professor Yu Liren then playfully teased him about the lack of cafes in their neighborhood. Cornered, He Suye admitted he was "still pursuing" Shen Xifan.
This news quickly spread. The next day, his colleagues at the hospital congratulated and teased him, asking about the girl and when they could meet her. He Suye good-naturedly accepted the banter, stating he hadn't "won her over yet," and brushed off a colleague's offer for relationship advice. Meanwhile, at breakfast, Shen Xifan's parents were trying to set her up with a new man. Her mother, referencing a news article about young singles, listed previous unsuccessful matchmaking attempts.
Shen Xifan protested, explaining that blind dates are typically for marriage, and she couldn't responsibly engage in one as she was about to study abroad. Her parents dismissed her concerns, insisting she at least look at a photo. Despite the photo being expired, her mother quickly arranged a date for Friday night, sending her the man's name, number, and the restaurant details. Shen Xifan reluctantly agreed to go.
On Friday evening, Shen Xifan waited at the appointed restaurant, but the man never showed up. She texted a friend that she had been "stood up on her blind date." Her mother later texted her, confirming the no-show, telling her to leave, get something good to eat, and informed her that she had already scolded the "rude" matchmaker. As Shen Xifan left the restaurant, she encountered Li Jie.
He Suye, having been informed by Li Jie via text that Shen Xifan was stood up, had asked Li Jie to invite her to their class reunion. Shen Xifan initially hesitated, feeling it might be inappropriate as she wasn't their classmate, but Li Jie assured her that everyone was friendly and it would be fun. She eventually agreed.
Before they entered, He Suye messaged Li Jie, instructing him to introduce Shen Xifan as Li Jie's friend to prevent any teasing from the group. Inside the private room, Li Jie introduced Shen Xifan as "his friend" who was joining them for dinner because she couldn't find a table elsewhere. The group warmly welcomed her, though Fang Kexin's expression was notably displeased. The dinner began with drinks.
During the meal, the colleagues were curious about how Shen Xifan knew Li Jie and He Suye. Shen Xifan explained that she had worked with them on a traditional Chinese medicine project. A colleague suggested playing a "continue the medication name" game, with a rule that those who couldn't continue would drink, but Shen Xifan could drink at her discretion.
The game started, and after a few rounds, when the cue "Su He Xiang" was given, Shen Xifan inadvertently blurted out "Su Ye"—He Suye's name. This caused everyone to laugh and tease, making Shen Xifan visibly embarrassed. One of He Suye's colleagues playfully questioned if "Su Ye" counted, jokingly asking if he was the "clown" for not knowing it was a valid answer. After a while, Shen Xifan excused herself to the restroom.
He Suye followed and waited outside for her, saying he was concerned she might feel uncomfortable with the crowd. He then directly asked who had stood her up that evening, noting that she usually went straight home after work. Shen Xifan confessed that she had been on a "blind date." He Suye acknowledged that his guess was correct, then smiled and declared that it was "good" that she got stood up and "didn't get to see him."
He then offered to drive her home since he hadn't had any alcohol, and Shen Xifan accepted. The group then moved to a KTV. Initially, Shen Xifan worried she wouldn't fit in with the Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors, but their lively personalities and modern humor quickly put her at ease. During the KTV session, they played "truth or dare." When it was He Suye's turn, he opted for "truth" since he was driving.
He was asked if the hospital rumor about him having a crush was true. He Suye confirmed, "Yes." His colleagues pressed him for details, with one teasingly suggesting the girl needed a "cassia seed pillow" to "clear the heat and improve her eyesight so she can see your true face." Under pressure, He Suye revealed, "It's a girl I met in April."
Shen Xifan recognized that He Suye was referring to her, and she felt a mix of nerves and excitement. As the gathering concluded, He Suye offered to take a very drunk Shen Xifan home, entrusting Li Jie and Fang Kexin to look after the remaining colleagues. On their way, Shen Xifan suddenly jumped off He Suye's back. She looked at him and said, "Thank you for liking me." When He Suye seemed surprised, she firmly repeated her words.
Despite He Suye's suggestion that she was drunk, she insisted she wasn't. He then asked her to repeat her words one more time, which she did. Unable to contain his emotions any longer, He Suye embraced her, and they shared a passionate kiss. He Suye then walked Shen Xifan home. Her parents were surprised to see her so drunk but were also instantly impressed by He Suye's handsome appearance and polite demeanor.
They thanked him for bringing their daughter home and invited him in, which he politely declined. Before leaving, He Suye asked Shen Xifan's parents how they enjoyed the medicinal dishes he had prescribed for them at Shen Xifan's request. Upon realizing he was "little Dr. He," they effusively praised the dishes and extended an open invitation for him to join their "family banquets" anytime, especially since he lived in the same neighborhood.
As He Suye departed, he overheard Shen Xifan's mother remarking that there was no longer any need to arrange blind dates for her daughter, which brought a satisfied smile to his face. The next morning, Shen Xifan woke up feeling shy and embarrassed about the previous night. She saw messages from He Suye teasing her about her poor alcohol tolerance and announcing that he was downstairs with medicine for her. When she came down, He Suye handed her the medicine.
Mustering her courage, Shen Xifan tentatively asked him if she was the "girl he met in April." He Suye confirmed with a smile, explaining that he had intentionally held back because he felt the timing wasn't right and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable in front of others. He then took her hand and, looking directly at her, formally confessed, "Shen Xifan, I like you."
Episode 13 Recap
He Suye formally confessed his feelings to Shen Xifan, acknowledging that he hadn't been explicit before due to the timing and presence of others. However, Shen Xifan immediately rejected him, stating she had no plans for a relationship before going abroad to study. He Suye was surprised, believing they were getting along well, and offered to stay in the country while she studied overseas. Shen Xifan apologized for potentially misleading him, reiterating her stance against a relationship before her departure.
He Suye asked if this was her final decision. After her confirmation, he handed her the refilled medicine, including some for a hangover, reminding her to boil it and take it on time before leaving, which left Shen Xifan feeling dejected. Upon Shen Xifan's return home with the medicine, her parents inquired about her relationship with He Suye, noting that he had gallantly sent her home the previous night.
Her mother praised He Suye's good looks and capability, suggesting he might prefer more gentle and elegant girls, and advised Shen Xifan not to drink in front of him again. When Shen Xifan revealed she had rejected He Suye, her parents were astonished. Shen Xifan explained that she was unwilling to start a relationship before studying abroad, especially after a past long-distance relationship with her first love, Yan Heng, had ended badly and left her fearing similar hurt and regret.
Meanwhile, Xu Xiangya, having heard from Li Jie about He Suye's confession and Shen Xifan's rejection, lamented their situation. She acknowledged Shen Xifan's reasoning, understanding her hesitation due to past experiences and her desire to be rational before making such a big decision. Separately, He Suye's colleagues at the hospital also discussed his rejected confession, observing his low spirits. Fang Kexin, sensing He Suye's mood, brought him milk tea.
Although He Suye typically didn't drink milk tea, he was intrigued by her brown sugar ginger milk tea. Fang Kexin explained that people drink such hot beverages for the mood, rather than strictly for medicinal purposes like warding off cold. He Suye linked it to the brain's dopamine secretion and questioned the contradiction of craving sweets for mood but then worrying about weight gain.
Fang Kexin introduced the concept of "substitutionary satisfaction" through sugar substitutes, offering psychological comfort without the full caloric intake. Later that afternoon, He Suye received disheartening news from a hospital director: his breast cancer research project on palliative care, which he had dedicated three years to, might be suspended. The director explained that while they admired his work, the niche field yielded slow results, and limited funding needed to be allocated to projects with more immediate outcomes.
He Suye, though disappointed, acknowledged the institute's decision. The director promised to try and secure funding for his project next year. Later that evening, Shen Xifan's mother encouraged her to drink the Chinese medicine He Suye had prepared, highlighting his kind gesture. Shen Xifan, however, wanted to postpone it and decided to go downstairs for a walk. There, she unexpectedly encountered He Suye, who had just returned from working overtime.
He Suye noted her lack of socks in the cold, but Shen Xifan quickly made an excuse and retreated upstairs, avoiding further conversation. He Suye later sent her a message, advising her to make ginger tea to prevent a cold. Instead of replying, Shen Xifan was haunted by a vivid nightmare where He Suye stared at her with an expression of hatred.
Equally troubled, He Suye confided in his grandfather, Yu Liren, expressing his confusion and wondering if his feelings were unreciprocated. Yu Liren, seeing his grandson's distress, gently advised him not to be too hard on himself and suggested letting go of the relationship if it was causing him too much pain. The following day, Shen Xifan received her offer to study abroad, confirming that their parting was indeed imminent.
She pondered whether she had made the right decision, despite her lingering unhappiness. Later, while delivering a forgotten bottle of medicine to an elderly resident, Shen Xifan confided in her about making a decision that didn't bring her joy, wondering if it was a mistake. The wise old woman suggested that her insomnia indicated regret, emphasizing that in life, there is no absolute right or wrong, only regret.
She philosophically added that connections are like clouds in the sky, destined to gather and part, but if fate allows, they will always find each other again, even if as raindrops in the same lake. Shen Xifan later spoke with Xu Xiangya, who remarked on how quickly the offer arrived after her decisive rejection of He Suye.
Xu Xiangya pressed her on whether she had informed He Suye about the offer, believing he deserved to know as they had shared that journey. She urged Shen Xifan to stop pushing away genuine affection, reminding her how difficult it is to find someone who truly cares, drawing parallels to her own regrets with Lin Yishen.
As the Lunar New Year approached, He Suye received a call from his father, He Sheng, who inquired about his return home and mentioned that Auntie Wang would be joining them for the festivities. Meanwhile, Xu Xiangya took Shen Xifan to a bar, where she passionately urged her to reconsider her rigid stance against dating before studying abroad. She argued that finding someone who genuinely cares is rare and that constantly pushing people away leads to missed opportunities and regret.
She also stressed the importance of communicating with He Suye, even as just friends, since he felt she didn't care about his feelings. With this in mind, Xu Xiangya messaged Li Jie, who was at He Suye's home, to ask if she and Shen Xifan could join them. He Suye agreed for them to come. Upon arriving at He Suye's apartment, Shen Xifan felt a clear sense of unease.
He Suye was busy preparing a "Perilla, Dried Tangerine Peel, and Radish Soup" in the kitchen. When Shen Xifan accidentally spilled some soup, Fang Kexin, unable to contain her frustration with the situation, offered her a stain removal pen and then confronted Shen Xifan. Fang Kexin revealed that He Suye had a long-term girlfriend in college who broke up with him to study abroad and never returned, leaving him deeply heartbroken.
She sternly told Shen Xifan that if she truly didn't like He Suye, she needed to make her intentions clear and stop leading him on, as her ambiguous actions were causing him more pain. Stung by Fang Kexin's words, Shen Xifan acknowledged she might have held He Suye back and thanked Fang Kexin for the reminder, then promptly left. After seeing off the other friends, He Suye asked Fang Kexin to stay behind.
He gently but firmly told her that she was only his student, by his grandfather's arrangement, and that she would not need to intern under him the following semester. He praised her as an excellent, diligent, and intelligent student, expressing confidence in her academic future, and advised her to consider his words on her way home. Soon after, Xu Xiangya caught up with He Suye, apologizing for bringing Shen Xifan, though He Suye assured her it wasn't her fault.
Xu Xiangya then revealed Shen Xifan's true feelings: that she had been deeply troubled and conflicted since rejecting him because she cared about him. She explained Shen Xifan's fear of a hasty long-distance relationship leading to unresolvable conflicts and the eventual loss of even friendship, especially given her limited and painful past experience with a seven-year first love that ended badly due to a long-distance dynamic, leaving her terrified of getting hurt again. Hearing this, He Suye finally began to grasp the depth of Shen Xifan's internal struggle and pain.
Episode 14 Recap
Close to the Spring Festival, He Suye flew back to his hometown, bringing health products for his relatives and toys for the children. Upon arrival, his father, He Sheng, asked why he was late, and He Suye explained he had just finished work and taken the latest flight. Noticing He Suye had a minor cold and hadn't eaten, He Sheng offered to have his aunt prepare supper, but He Suye said he could find something himself.
He Sheng insisted they had everything at home. He Sheng then introduced Nurse Wang from his hospital and her son, Wang Chang, explaining they were staying for the New Year. He Suye greeted Nurse Wang. When Wang Chang called He Suye "Uncle," Nurse Wang corrected him to "Brother," but He Suye suggested, "You can just call me Dr. He." Wang Chang then addressed him as "Dr. He."
He Suye's father informed him that his usual room was occupied by Nurse Wang and Wang Chang, and suggested he stay on the first floor instead, to which He Suye agreed without protest. He Sheng then asked Nurse Wang to help arrange supper for He Suye. Wang Chang, still wanting toys, was promised by his mother that she would buy him some when they returned to Bei City.
Meanwhile, at the Gunan Huating Hotel, the atmosphere was bustling with New Year celebrations; employees were making dumplings, chatting cheerfully, and taking photos. Manager Cheng distributed red envelopes and thanked everyone for their hard work over the past year, expressing reliance on them for the new year. Shen Xifan and her colleagues exchanged New Year greetings. Xu Xiangya packed her bags, preparing to go home.
As she was leaving, she wished Shen Xifan a Happy New Year and asked her to text when she landed safely. Lin Yishen then offered to drive Xu Xiangya to the airport. Xu Xiangya initially preferred to take a cab, but Lin Yishen pointed out that there wouldn't be many drivers available during the New Year and insisted on driving her.
During the New Year's Eve dinner at He Suye's home, he found himself sitting alone, feeling awkward among his father's relatives, whom he didn't know well. As Nurse Wang brought dishes to the table, He Sheng attentively helped her, a sight that brought back a poignant memory for He Suye. He recalled an incident from his childhood when his mother accidentally spilled soup during a New Year's Eve dinner.
Some relatives had been upset, lamenting that the meal was incomplete, while others had criticized his mother to his father. Yet, He Sheng had merely watched impassively from the side. He Suye noted the stark contrast to how He Sheng was now attentively helping Nurse Wang. He also heard his relatives praising He Sheng as an "outstanding doctor" and joking that they would rely on him for their health and longevity.
On New Year's Eve, Shen Xifan's parents prepared a sumptuous dinner. Her father made a heartfelt toast, wishing Shen Xifan success in her upcoming studies abroad and emphasizing that their family's hearts would always remain connected despite the distance. Shen Xifan and her mother reciprocated the toast, wishing her father continued culinary success.
After dinner, while watching the Spring Festival Gala with her parents, Shen Xifan received a "Happy New Year" message from Yan Heng, which she promptly deleted and then blocked him. Meanwhile, Zhao Ze sent He Suye a New Year's greeting along with a photo of himself with the Transformer gift Shen Xifan had given him. He Suye forwarded the photo and message to Shen Xifan, conveying Zhao Ze's wishes.
Shen Xifan, however, was preoccupied with her parents and didn't notice the message. Later, He Suye's father, He Sheng, deeply intoxicated, began to criticize his son. He insisted that a man should prioritize marriage before establishing a career, noting that he himself was already a father at He Suye's age. He then brought up He Suye's research project, revealing that its funding hadn't been approved.
He Sheng blamed He Suye for not listening to his advice to pursue traditional Western heart surgery, instead choosing to study TCM and a "niche research area." He offered to use his connections to secure He Suye a job in pharmaceutical research and development, promising an easier job and significantly higher pay than his current small clinic. He Suye retorted sarcastically, acknowledging he was "far behind" his father in the "marriage first, then career" aspect.
Annoyed, He Suye declared that he would no longer return home for New Year's, choosing instead to spend it with his grandfather in Hang City. He Sheng could only repeatedly murmur, "My son has grown up." Feeling down, He Suye video-called his grandfather, Yu Liren, who was celebrating at Chun's restaurant with Li Jie. Li Jie mentioned that his father had booked their private room a month in advance due to the restaurant's excellent new dishes, particularly a fish soup.
Yu Liren advised He Suye to enjoy his time there and to "smile and let it go" when faced with difficulties. Yu Liren then wished He Suye "Happy New Year" and "Happy Birthday." He Suye was visibly touched and thanked his grandfather, realizing this was a day his own father had forgotten. After seeing He Suye’s message, Shen Xifan drafted a formal New Year's greeting for him, but then paused, finding it "a bit too formal."
She opted to send a cute emoji instead. Moments later, He Suye called her. Surprised by the call, Shen Xifan asked why he was calling, to which he responded, "Didn't you wish me that everything goes well? This is one of those things." He clarified that he had just returned to his room after the New Year's Eve dinner with relatives in his hometown, which she hadn't known.
Shen Xifan then shared that thanks to him, her company's medicinal cuisine had been very popular, and he would receive a New Year gift box from them. She also mentioned that she knew his hometown was Hu City, recalling she had seen it on his ID when they signed their consulting contract. When her parents called her, Shen Xifan prepared to end the call.
Before she hung up, He Suye quickly wished her that all her dreams would come true and everything would go as she desired for the new year. Shen Xifan reciprocated the same wish. Later that night, Shen Xifan video-called He Suye, holding a simple "cake" made of Swiss rolls with candles. She sang "Happy Birthday" in both Chinese and English, wishing him well and noting he had grown another year older.
She apologized for the humble cake, explaining that proper ones were unavailable during the New Year. He Suye was touched, asking how she remembered his birthday, and she reminded him of seeing it on his ID. He Suye made a silent wish, and when he wondered how to blow out the candles over a video call, Shen Xifan told him to blow on his end, and she would symbolically blow them out on her end.
He Suye, visibly moved by her gesture, announced that he would return on the third day of the New Year. As Shen Xifan smiled at the news, they heard firecrackers outside, marking the final countdown to the new year, and she confidently stated that things would only get better in the coming year. The following morning, He Suye prepared his medical kit.
He told Nurse Wang that he was going for a walk around town to see if anyone needed medical help, declining her offer for breakfast. His father, He Sheng, observed He Suye's actions but did not intervene, though Nurse Wang noted an underlying tension between them. He Suye rode his bicycle, going door-to-door to offer free medical consultations to the elderly.
He performed pulse diagnoses and acupuncture, notably treating an elderly woman whose leg had been painful all winter, significantly improving her condition. The grateful family offered payment, but He Suye refused, explaining it was a simple acupuncture treatment and just advised the woman to be more careful. His efforts were met with widespread thanks and praise. While on his rounds, He Suye noticed red beans for sale. He bought a large bag, brought them home to wash and dry, and meticulously placed them into several glass jars, intending to give them to Shen Xifan upon his return.
Episode 15 Recap
He Suye packed his belongings, preparing to return to Hang City. Downstairs, he encountered young Wang Chang, who appeared nervous in his presence. He Suye kindly asked why he seemed scared, and Wang Chang explained that his mother had instructed him to be well-behaved and not a bother on his first visit. Realizing he had forgotten to buy a gift, He Suye gave Wang Chang some lucky money, telling him to buy whatever he liked.
As He Suye's taxi arrived, his father's girlfriend, Nurse Wang, prompted He Sheng to say goodbye. He Sheng then told He Suye to drive safely and disregard anything he might have said while drunk. He Suye responded that he understood, noting that "people are honest when they're drunk." Upon arriving in Hang City, He Suye immediately messaged Shen Xifan, using the pretext of giving her something to arrange a meeting in the park.
He presented her with two jars of red beans and several medicinal food recipes. He told her that Xu Xiangya had mentioned her emotional state and he felt Shen Xifan "really needed this right now." He Suye explained that red beans help clear stagnation and heal sores, and the medicinal food could help regulate her mood.
Stating that blockages build up over time and "when there's stagnation, there's pain," He Suye revealed that he had experienced a similar painful breakup himself, becoming "pretty down for a while," and could empathize. He recounted eating medicinal food for over a year, which helped, but ultimately realized that returning to a normal routine with regular meals and self-care was the most crucial step.
He advised her not to feel bad or worthless, emphasizing that she was only heartbroken by a bad relationship. He encouraged her to love herself and live well, adding that he hoped she could heal quickly. He then asked her to send him a photo the next time she prepared the red beans. He Suye then visited his maternal grandfather, Yuliren. His grandfather offered him tea and asked if he had argued with his father.
He Suye replied that his father barely had time for him because he had found a girlfriend, adding that she seemed nice and they got along well. His grandfather gently reminded He Suye that his mother had been gone for a long time and some things were better left in the past. He expressed that he had let go, and He Suye should too, advising him not to interfere with his father finding someone to share his life with.
He Suye affirmed his understanding and offered to spend every Spring Festival with his grandfather and his late mother from then on. His grandfather agreed and then brought up Fang Kexin's desire to change her PhD research direction, questioning if He Suye had failed to mentor her properly. He Suye countered that it was her decision and she must have her own reasons. He reassured his grandfather that he should carefully consider it with her, as it concerned her future.
Shen Xifan joyfully announced to her friends, Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, that her application to a Swiss university was approved. She explained that she had two options for enrollment: February or October, and she wanted to defer until October. Her primary reasons included needing to save more for living expenses and completing seven years of service at the Gunan Huating Hotel, which would also mark one full year as front office manager, making her resume more complete.
However, Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen playfully suggested that her real reason was to spend more time with Dr. He, leaving Shen Xifan speechless. Later, Shen Xifan shared her decision with her parents, who supported her. She then informed Xu Xiangya, who reminded her to "inform everyone who needs to know." Shen Xifan was torn, trying to figure out how to tell He Suye about her changed departure date without implying anything. She drafted a message but then deleted it.
As she hesitated, her phone displayed "He Suye is typing. . ." , but after a long wait, no message arrived. A resident at the hotel, Ms. Liu, experienced a sudden health episode. Fortunately, a cleaning staff member found her and alerted Shen Xifan. Though Ms. Liu initially dismissed it as an old ailment, she was experiencing a severe cough and chest tightness, which she attributed to the after-effects of lung cancer treatment.
She expressed her reluctance to endure further invasive hospital procedures. Shen Xifan, concerned, suggested a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) oncologist she knew, explaining that TCM treatments were less invasive. Ms. Liu agreed to consider it, and Shen Xifan immediately messaged He Suye. He Suye replied that he would need to see Ms. Liu in person and asked Shen Xifan to bring her to his afternoon clinic, advising them to "try to come early."
Later, Shen Xifan accompanied Ms. Liu to He Suye's clinic. Their eyes met briefly as they entered. He Suye reviewed Ms. Liu's medical records and symptoms. When he requested a CT scan, Ms. Liu presented a photo of an old one, which He Suye deemed "not clear enough." Despite Ms. Liu's reluctance, Shen Xifan encouraged her.
He Suye then asked Fang Kexin to accompany Ms. Liu for the scan, telling Shen Xifan he was worried she and Ms. Liu might get lost. Once alone with He Suye, Shen Xifan confirmed her health was "pretty good." He Suye checked her pulse and then inquired about her study abroad plans. Shen Xifan admitted she had received her offer but had been hesitant to tell him. She then revealed, "Actually. . . I'm not leaving until October."
He Suye, visibly annoyed, questioned the sudden change from her previous plan of a February departure. Shen Xifan stumbled, explaining she hadn't realized she could choose the semester. When she asked if there were any other issues with her health, He Suye paused before replying, "Nothing major. . . just that you're a bit heartless." He then casually advised her to drink some tangerine peel tea.
After the check-up, Ms. Liu asked Shen Xifan about her relationship with He Suye, perceiving that there was "a situation" between them. Ms. Liu insightfully remarked that He Suye cared for her deeply, observing, "If you were truly certain about your decision, you wouldn't be so concerned about his feelings." She concluded with a poignant piece of advice: "There are things you don't have to admit, but your heart always knows the truth."
Her words resonated deeply with Shen Xifan, whose mind filled with memories of He Suye's comforting words. The next morning, He Suye messaged Shen Xifan, inquiring if she had eaten the red bean medicinal food. Shen Xifan responded with a photo of a "Black rice porridge with red beans and tangerine peels" her father had prepared according to his recipe. Meanwhile, He Suye personally saw a young patient, Zhao Ze, off from the hospital, providing detailed instructions for post-discharge care.
As they prepared to leave, Zhao Ze shyly asked He Suye if he could tell the "lady who gave me this" that he had been discharged. He Suye understood he was referring to Shen Xifan and promised to let her know.
Episode 16 Recap
After the New Year holiday, the hotel staff returned for their first morning meeting. Shen Xifan noticed an unusual atmosphere between Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya, different from their usual playful antagonism. She observed them arguing about Lin Yishen drinking bubble tea, with Xu Xiangya warning him about gaining weight, which he quickly retorted was none of her concern.
Shen Xifan attempted to understand the situation, but Xu Xiangya, visibly upset, walked away after Lin Yishen offered her a gift from his parents and asked her not to be angry. Shen Xifan then urged Lin Yishen to go after Xu Xiangya. Later, a colleague inquired about the two, but Shen Xifan dismissed it, stating they were always like that. Meanwhile, Professor Yu met with Fang Kexin at the hospital.
He confirmed that Fang Kexin would complete her master's degree under his supervision and offered to arrange for Director Zhao from the gynecology department to become her doctoral supervisor, facilitating a transfer to that specialty. Professor Yu expressed his approval for Fang Kexin's clear goals before her doctoral studies and then departed for another meeting. He Suye then asked Fang Kexin if she had finalized her decision to transfer to gynecology.
Fang Kexin confirmed, explaining that she had considered it for a long time, felt oncology was too depressing, and wished to research women's health. He Suye agreed that this new direction suited her well. Fang Kexin thanked He Suye for his mentorship during her internship over the past two years, and he replied that it was simply his duty. Later, Shen Xifan confronted Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya with a photo, demanding an explanation.
They finally confessed to being in a relationship. A flashback revealed their confession happened at the airport when Lin Yishen was seeing Xu Xiangya off. After a call from his mother arranging a blind date, Lin Yishen openly declared his feelings for Xu Xiangya, stating that he liked her and wanted to be together.
He emphasized that being just friends was no longer an option, and if they were to break up, he would resign and return to his hometown to avoid bothering her. Xu Xiangya responded by kissing him. Back in the present, Shen Xifan expressed her annoyance at being kept in the dark.
Xu Xiangya explained that they had wanted to keep their relationship private from colleagues, finding it amusing to fool Shen Xifan, and had planned to tell her after the morning meeting. She shared her belief that if two people have feelings for each other, they should pursue a relationship to avoid future regrets, even if it might lead to a breakup.
Xu Xiangya then revealed her plan to resign around the same time Shen Xifan leaves for her studies, to seek a new career path and avoid an office romance. Lin Yishen added that he would remain at the hotel, allowing them to potentially be colleagues again if Shen Xifan returned after her studies. Xu Xiangya also subtly encouraged Shen Xifan to pursue her own romantic interests. Later, He Suye messaged Shen Xifan, asking about her "homework" for medicinal food recipes.
Shen Xifan explained that her father usually cooked, but hadn't today, so she had no "homework." He Suye replied that he was "still looking forward to seeing her," which made Shen Xifan's heart flutter, but she couldn't reply immediately due to work. That evening, Shen Xifan received two photos from He Suye—one of empty beer bottles and another of the view outside her neighborhood. She found He Suye on a bench, seemingly drunk, surrounded by bottles.
He Suye, feigning inebriation, scolded her for being late and for making him drink all the alcohol alone while waiting for her. He then called her a "fickle woman," accusing her of "hooking him" only to "release him" irresponsibly. He questioned why she hadn't eaten the red beans he gave her or come for a follow-up, wondering aloud what kind of fish would spit red beans back at the angler.
Feeling helpless, Shen Xifan tried to explain she had been at a group dinner and hadn't had a chance to consume the red beans or schedule a follow-up, and denied "hooking" him. He Suye reiterated that she had indeed hooked him. Shen Xifan then thanked him for liking her and decided to take him home, reminding him that drinking in cold weather could lead to a cold.
Still acting drunk, He Suye insisted that since she had "hooked" him, she must take responsibility and not abandon him, to which Shen Xifan agreed. She helped the "heavy" He Suye back to his apartment, where he gave her the door code, telling her not to look, before wishing her good night. Once the door closed, He Suye's eyes cleared, revealing he had not been drunk at all. Shen Xifan, disturbed by his words, was left with a troubled mind.
The following morning, after He Suye woke up, Shen Xifan's father prepared Red bean and crucian carp soup. Recalling He Suye's "fishing" and "spitting red beans" comments, Shen Xifan subtly smiled. She took a picture of the soup and sent it to He Suye as her "homework." He Suye repeatedly looked at the photo, pleased, and wondered if she had sent it on purpose.
His grandfather, Professor Yu, then playfully teased He Suye for acting cute and appearing embarrassed, to which He Suye replied that his grandfather wouldn't understand. While He Suye was hoping Shen Xifan would move past her old relationship wound concerning Yan Heng, Yan Heng unexpectedly checked into the hotel.
During a staff meeting, Manager Cheng Dong announced the arrival of Zhongyu Tech's team, highlighting that their director, Yan Heng, the accomplished younger son of Zhongyu Technology's CEO, Mr. Yan, would be staying. Manager Cheng emphasized the necessity of providing exceptional service to secure this significant client. Shen Xifan was visibly shocked and felt conflicted, but quickly had to focus on her work. Upon Yan Heng's arrival, Lin Yishen greeted him, indicating they were old acquaintances.
Yan Heng's assistant discreetly informed Manager Cheng that Yan Heng preferred not to be addressed as "Young Mr. Yan," for which Manager Cheng promptly apologized and assured the assistant he would relay the message to his staff. Later, in the villa, Yan Heng directly asked about Shen Xifan's whereabouts, but Lin Yishen vaguely replied that Manager Shen was responsible for all hotel guest matters and wouldn't be able to provide specific care.
Soon after, Yan Heng messaged Shen Xifan, saying he would be back after Spring Festival and missed her, suggesting they have a meal. In the hotel restaurant, Xu Xiangya served Yan Heng a drink. When he asked about Shen Xifan, Xu Xiangya sarcastically told him Shen Xifan was "at work" and that he was blocked, suggesting he search the large hotel himself.
Yan Heng accused the staff of helping Shen Xifan hide, but Xu Xiangya retorted that he was the one who disappeared during their breakup and now, without warning, wanted to reconcile, questioning his intentions and asserting that Shen Xifan was now happy and had a new boyfriend. Yan Heng asked if she indeed had a new boyfriend, to which Xu Xiangya replied it was none of his business.
Manager Cheng overheard part of this interaction and reprimanded Xu Xiangya for violating service standards, deducting her bonus and scheduling a public criticism. Later, Manager Cheng saw Yan Heng waiting in the lobby with a large bouquet of roses, looking for Shen Xifan. He quickly called Shen Xifan, ordering her to come to the lobby immediately. Shen Xifan reluctantly approached Yan Heng and accepted the roses, noticed by a front desk employee who recognized Yan Heng as her ex-boyfriend.
Yan Heng suggested they go to his room to talk, but Shen Xifan firmly declined, wanting to speak elsewhere. A flashback showed their breakup, with Yan Heng accusing Shen Xifan of being selfish and uncaring, stating he was tired of being her boyfriend. Back in the present, Yan Heng tried to justify his past behavior by citing overwhelming work stress, including patent applications, company acquisition, and dealing with his father.
He expressed deep regret and proposed reconciliation, saying their seven-year relationship shouldn't end that way. Shen Xifan corrected him, emphasizing it was a breakup, not just an argument. When he tried to touch her, she angrily rejected his advances, telling him to "go away," and threw the roses at him. In the break room, a distraught Shen Xifan was consoled by Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen.
She expressed her emotional turmoil, questioning her significance to Yan Heng and lamenting her inability to articulate the many angry words she had prepared when he stood before her. They reassured her and strongly advised her against reconciling with him. Soon, news of the incident spread throughout the hotel, becoming widespread gossip among female staff. Some speculated that Shen Xifan was being overly dramatic and unappreciative of a wealthy suitor like Yan Heng.
Manager Cheng subsequently convened a meeting, where he publicly criticized Shen Xifan for allowing her personal entanglement with a guest to negatively impact the hotel's operations, service reputation, and overall standing. He announced that her monthly bonus would be deducted and that she would be used as a cautionary tale to emphasize professional conduct.
Furthermore, he advised Shen Xifan to resolve her issues with Yan Heng promptly and to coordinate with others to cover her upcoming shifts, especially night shifts, to prevent further complications, to which she agreed. Later, He Suye sent a message to Shen Xifan, first asking "No homework submission today?" and then, after a pause, a second message "Is she asleep? Has work been tough lately again?" expressing concern for her.
Episode 17 Recap
Plagued by anxiety, insomnia, and nightmares of Yan Heng, Shen Xifan woke up in tears. She composed herself to reply to He Suye’s message, which asked if she was asleep and if work had been tough recently, wishing her sweet dreams. She promised to submit her "homework" the next day. Meanwhile, Yan Heng spoke with his father, who questioned his progress in Hang City and urged him to return.
Yan Heng asserted he would only return with Shen Xifan, using her as a shield to defy his father’s control and prove his independence. His father warned him against thinking his company could operate without support. Ignoring the warning, Yan Heng instructed his assistant to place a bouquet of roses in front of Shen Xifan’s office. The following morning, Shen Xifan found Yan Heng’s roses and a card expressing his apologies for the previous day’s trouble. She promptly discarded them.
Later, during her lunch break, she sent He Suye a photo of what she claimed was red bean water she had made. He Suye, however, quickly identified it as store-bought due to its lack of sediment, giving her a failing grade. He then invited her to his place that evening for a remedial cooking session, but Shen Xifan politely declined, citing other commitments.
As Shen Xifan and her colleagues left the hotel after work, they were surprised to find Yan Heng waiting outside with another bouquet of flowers. He declared that all the past mistakes were his and wanted to take her out to dinner as compensation for the trouble he caused. A colleague suggested he compensate her deducted bonus instead. To avoid a scene, Shen Xifan reluctantly agreed to go with him, knowing that arguing publicly would only make things worse.
In the car, Yan Heng noticed the sachet hanging from her bag, a fragrant charm that He Suye had prepared for her, which piqued his curiosity. Yan Heng took Shen Xifan to a grilled meat restaurant they used to frequent when they were students. He hoped to rekindle their old flame, sharing that his robot company had gained numerous patents and awards, was now independent even after being acquired, and he had full control, allowing him to defy his father.
He then proposed marriage, explaining he understood his father’s desire for him to marry someone from a wealthy family, but he was now in a position to choose for himself. Shen Xifan, however, firmly rejected him, stating she didn’t want to marry him because he never considered her feelings. She accused him of always making her conform to his desires, whether during their breakup or his recent reappearance.
She asked him to stop pursuing her and added that, in truth, she had never liked grilled meat, even back in college. On her way back, Shen Xifan's emotions were in turmoil, and a headache began to pound. Searching her bag, she realized her sachet was missing, having been left in Yan Heng’s car. Distressed, she called He Suye, explaining her headache and asking if he could see her at his clinic.
As she made her way there, Yan Heng, who had been following her, found the sachet and understood where she was headed. At the clinic, He Suye examined Shen Xifan, diagnosing her with a restless mind, unstable liver qi, and stagnant heart qi, suggesting her symptoms were likely triggered by her ex-boyfriend. He began an acupuncture treatment. Yan Heng soon burst in, claiming to be her boyfriend and that she was merely "throwing a tantrum."
He Suye calmly blocked his path, insisting the acupuncture would take fifteen minutes and advising Yan Heng to wait patiently outside the treatment room to avoid disturbing the patient and causing potential complications. Yan Heng reluctantly agreed to wait. After fifteen minutes, Yan Heng tried to leave with Shen Xifan again, but He Suye told him she needed another twenty minutes for moxibustion and suggested he avoid following her to the restroom, as it was inappropriate.
Yan Heng, irked by He Suye's interference, accused him of pursuing Shen Xifan in vain. He boasted about his seven-year relationship with Shen Xifan, implying He Suye had no chance. He Suye subtly retorted, calling Yan Heng "Artemisia capillaris in April," a term hinting at someone whose influence is fleeting or secondary. Yan Heng, failing to grasp the nuance, asked if He Suye was cursing him, who simply advised him to look it up.
Yan Heng then dismissed He Suye as a "backup tire." He Suye countered that since the "original tire" was of poor quality but still on the vehicle, there was no room for a replacement. He Suye then informed Yan Heng that Shen Xifan had already left through the back exit. Yan Heng left, trying to find her. He Suye found Shen Xifan sitting by the river, shivering.
He wrapped his coat around her and pulled her into a comforting hug, urging her to accept her past and focus on the present and future. He playfully pointed out that ironically, her past troubles led her to his clinic for healing. Shen Xifan returned home late, her parents noticing her low spirits. She explained she had dealt with a difficult VIP at work.
Her parents, however, felt her reaction was unusual and speculated about her relationship with He Suye, noting she became uncomfortable whenever he was mentioned. The next day, Shen Xifan's manager, Cheng Dong, called her into his office. He advised her to swiftly resolve her situation with Yan Heng, emphasizing the negative impact his public appearances had on the hotel's reputation and her own career prospects. He warned her about the strict professional boundaries required in the hotel industry.
Shen Xifan assured him she understood and would handle it. Later, Yan Heng's assistant again attempted to deliver flowers, but Shen Xifan firmly refused them, stating she had already thrown away the previous ones and no longer had Yan Heng's contact information. She asked the assistant to relay her message directly to Yan Heng. Meanwhile, Liu Niannian, an elderly patient, visited He Suye for a follow-up.
She expressed her concern about Yan Heng, describing him as a "terrible person" who had caused Shen Xifan much distress, leading to her being punished and looking haggard. He Suye, though concerned, maintained a calm demeanor, reassuring Liu Niannian that Shen Xifan was intelligent and merely a little lost, confident that she would soon navigate her way out of this difficult period.
Later, He Suye saw news of Yan Heng's signing ceremony for an economic park collaboration, involving a significant investment. He commented that Yan Heng was indeed a "domineering president." At that moment, his colleague Li Jie excitedly announced that their palliative care research project had been approved and had received funding from the hospital. Everyone was overjoyed at this long-awaited success.
He Suye also received a call from his grandfather, who congratulated him and expressed pride, mentioning how his late mother would also be pleased. After the call, He Suye took a photo of the scenic view and sent it to Shen Xifan with a simple message: "The weather is nice today."
Episode 18 Recap
After the signing ceremony where photographers called for his attention, Yan Heng subtly conveyed "See you later" to Shen Xifan with his lips. His father called, complimenting the successful ceremony but warning him to return home soon and stop "wasting time in Hang City." His father accused him of childishly trying to use his relationship with Shen Xifan to defy him, questioning if Yan Heng truly believed his current achievements were enough to be established in the industry.
Yan Heng asserted he would handle his own affairs, to which his father responded by saying he would wait to see what Yan Heng could achieve. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan's parents discovered news of Yan Heng's signing ceremony on their phones. Just then, Yan Heng arrived at their home with an assistant and many gifts. He greeted them warmly, explaining he was busy with his startup last year and had just returned from the signing ceremony before rushing to see them.
Yan Heng then apologized for the previous breakup, admitting he was too focused on his career and didn't want Shen Xifan to study abroad, which led to their separation. He declared his intention to reunite with Shen Xifan, proposing marriage and offering to arrange her study abroad at any school she desired, emphasizing their seven-year relationship and their suitability for marriage. However, Shen's mother was skeptical, questioning if Shen Xifan knew of his visit and if he understood her feelings.
Yan Heng insisted he was sincere and claimed the breakup was Shen Xifan's fault, something he had never mentioned before. Just as the conversation grew tense, Shen Xifan returned home and immediately confronted Yan Heng, furious to hear him shifting blame for their past breakup.
She accused him of making her look like a fool, reminding him that he was the one who abruptly disappeared after sending a single message, leaving her desperately wanting to find him and willing to "go back to you like a dog." She passionately expressed how much she wanted him to reply at that time, but now, her feelings had long since faded. Unexpectedly, He Suye walked in, carrying a pot of medicinal soup.
He presented it to Shen Xifan's parents, mentioning it was a four-person portion, pointedly noting that he wasn't sure if it would be enough "for all of us," subtly excluding Yan Heng. Yan Heng, enraged by Shen Xifan's rejection, accused her of hating him because she had fallen for He Suye, disparaging He Suye as a "poor TCM physician."
He Suye immediately defended Shen Xifan, questioning what Yan Heng could offer her beyond "stupid money," and asserted that such remarks only came from those with nothing else to give. Shen Xifan's father then firmly ordered Yan Heng to leave, stating he was not welcome. Yan Heng had no choice but to depart, frustrated and empty-handed. Alone in her room, Shen Xifan wept, overwhelmed by the cumulative stress, grievances, and guilt towards her parents, recalling past criticisms and hardships.
He Suye found her and embraced her, reassuring her that she had done nothing wrong. Meanwhile, Shen's mother expressed deep regret to her husband, blaming herself for not recognizing Shen Xifan's suffering earlier, for arranging blind dates, and for opening the door to Yan Heng. She lamented how Shen Xifan had quietly endured her heartbreak and insomnia after the breakup.
Later, Shen's parents came to Shen Xifan, telling her that no matter her age, she would always be their child, and urging her not to hide her feelings to spare their worries, promising their unwavering support. Shen Xifan admitted she thought she could handle things herself but would remember their words. Her father then arranged for Yan Heng's gifts to be shipped back to Zhongyu Tech headquarters.
Shen Xifan's mood improved, especially after drinking the "calming your nerves" medicinal soup He Suye had prepared with Acorus calamus, sending him a photo with a smile. He Suye gently advised her to rest. In a fit of drunken rage, Yan Heng returned to his hotel room and smashed everything, causing significant damage. Hotel staff were instructed to document the destruction with photos and videos to assess the damages.
When confronted, Yan Heng yelled at the staff and, on a phone call, declared he was not going back and wanted to be left alone. The next day, Shen Xifan called Lin Yishen to request two days off, asking him to oversee the Housekeeping division, which he readily agreed to, urging her to rest. Later, Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya visited Shen Xifan's home for dinner.
Over the meal, Lin Yishen recounted Yan Heng's drunken rampage at the hotel, the significant compensation he would owe for the damages, and how his father had "scolded him terribly." Xu Xiangya added that it was embarrassing for a company boss to cause such a scene. Lin Yishen then revealed that the General Manager intended to refuse Yan Heng's extension after his current booking expired, deeming him "too difficult to deal with."
Shen Xifan then shared the happy news that Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya were officially a couple. Shen's mother expressed her delight, claiming she had a strong feeling they would get together from the first time she met them almost ten years ago. Shen's father celebrated with a toast, joking that his wife usually restricted his drinking because he would recite English when drunk.
The following day, Shen Xifan returned to her hotel office to find a bottle of perfume and a card from Yan Heng. In the card, Yan Heng claimed he had the perfume customized for her by her favorite salon brand, emphasizing her newfound preference for "woody scents" and his enduring affection, stating it was meant to prove she was his "one and only."
Holding the perfume, Shen Xifan had a sudden epiphany: she no longer liked perfume, or even remembered when she last wore it. She realized that she had been holding onto her past self for too long, always looking back, which prevented her from seeing her true feelings. She declared that her past self could remain in the past, as her present self needed to find the person who had always been there for her.
She finally understood that she had already fallen in love with He Suye. Impulsively, Shen Xifan rushed to He Suye's apartment. He Suye, who had seen her on the security monitor and was pretending to go "throw out the trash," opened the door. Shen Xifan, feeling both relief and nervousness, asked if she could join him. Later, she hesitantly asked him to replace her scentless sachet, but then, gathering her courage, confessed directly, "He Suye, I like you.
If you're still willing, can you be my boyfriend?" He Suye, after confirming she had "thought it through," immediately leaned in and kissed her, playfully remarking, "I'm 32 years old. Do we really need to start from holding hands?" Back inside He Suye's apartment, Shen Xifan discovered a collection of sachets, realizing He Suye had been making them for her all along, hoping for an opportunity to give them to her.
He Suye confirmed he had seen her on the monitor earlier and intentionally went to "throw out the trash" to create their "chance encounter." Shen Xifan apologized for making him wait so long to realize her feelings, lamenting that she didn't come to her senses sooner, even her sense of smell seemed to know she loved him before she did. He Suye reassured her it was "not too late" and that "now is just the right time."
He told her that in his eyes, she grew "better and more deserving of love" every day, asking her to focus on loving herself, and he would take care of "the rest."
Episode 19 Recap
He Suye and Shen Xifan, now officially in a relationship, were filled with joy, feeling that everything around them was beautiful. That night, they both tossed and turned in bed, too happy to sleep. They messaged each other early the next morning and made plans for their first official date that evening.
Shen Xifan suggested they go out for a delicious meal and said she could take the bus, so He Suye decided he would wait for her at the bus stop. The next day, both He Suye and Shen Xifan were radiant with happiness. Shen Xifan excitedly announced her new relationship status to her friends Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, who were thrilled for her. At the hospital, nurses teased He Suye about his unusually good mood.
He Suye, still in high spirits, praised Li Jie's rewritten paper—which Li Jie felt needed a complete overhaul—and encouraged everyone to "keep up the good work" before rushing off. Perplexed, Li Jie messaged Grandpa Yu, hinting that something significant had occurred. Later, He Suye received a call from Grandpa Yu, who had also heard about his improved mood. Grandpa Yu directly asked if it was because of Shen Xifan, and He Suye confirmed it.
Surprised at the speed of their relationship after He Suye's low spirits during the New Year, Grandpa Yu advised him to cherish Shen Xifan and not get carried away. After work, Shen Xifan took the bus and found He Suye already waiting for her with a bouquet. To his surprise, Shen Xifan had also brought him flowers.
He Suye presented Shen Xifan with magnolia flowers, explaining their poetic significance from an ancient text: "Riding on a red leopard, accompanied by a striped lynx. With a magnolia-wood carriage and banners adorned with osmanthus." He joked that since actual leopards and lynxes were hard to find, he brought her magnolias instead. Shen Xifan simply stated she gave him flowers because she knew he liked them.
They walked to He Suye's apartment hand-in-hand, their happiness evident to all who saw them. At He Suye's home, he personally cooked chestnut chicken soup and other dishes, while Shen Xifan helped set the table and arrange the flowers. During dinner, He Suye received a voice message from Grandpa Yu, who had seen a photo He Suye sent.
Grandpa Yu criticized He Suye for not treating Shen Xifan to a lavish meal on their first date, calling the simple home-cooked dinner "stingy." He Suye jokingly asked a nervous Shen Xifan to explain. Shen Xifan, addressing Grandpa Yu as "Professor Yu," sweetly told him that she had asked He Suye to cook because his food was amazing and "better than anything from a restaurant."
He Suye then revealed that his grandpa already had a good impression of Shen Xifan from her first follow-up visit, where he had covered for He Suye. His grandpa had praised her beauty and urged He Suye to pursue her. He suggested that Shen Xifan meet his grandpa soon. Shen Xifan was initially hesitant about meeting his family so quickly but agreed when He Suye assured her it would just be a casual meal.
She even told He Suye to relay to his grandpa that she liked him too, to which He Suye playfully warned that his grandpa might end up liking her more than him. After dinner, they settled on the sofa to watch a movie. He Suye asked Shen Xifan to teach him how to fold a jumping paper frog. Despite his intelligence in other areas, He Suye struggled with origami.
Shen Xifan playfully teased him for his clumsiness, causing him to feign anger, which prompted her to gently coax him. Shen Xifan then shared her realization that every day she spent with him was incredibly happy. Recalling his previous "worst-case scenario" of waiting for her return from studying abroad, Shen Xifan wondered what would have happened if she still hadn't figured things out by then.
He Suye thoughtfully explained that a relationship is a two-way street where happiness should be mutual. He told her that if he ever caused her unhappiness, she should tell him so he could make amends. If his efforts weren't enough, he said she shouldn't force herself to stay and could break up with him, emphasizing that he genuinely wished for her to always be happy.
Deeply moved, Shen Xifan hugged him tightly, feeling fortunate to have confessed her feelings in time. Later that night, He Suye walked Shen Xifan home and shared his door code: 112167, the ISSN of the English edition of the TCM Journal where his first SCI paper was published. He told her to use it to let herself in whenever she came over.
Back in her room, Shen Xifan looked at the flowers He Suye had given her and reflected on his words about mutual happiness, realizing it was a simple truth she hadn't grasped before. The following day, Shen Xifan received a message from He Suye with a photo of a successfully folded paper frog, which he attributed to online tutorials and "hard work making up for clumsiness."
However, Li Jie soon messaged her, revealing that he had folded the frog after He Suye threatened to withhold help on his English paper. Shen Xifan found this amusing. Later, Yan Heng confronted Shen Xifan, questioning why she chose "a lame TCM physician." Shen Xifan firmly told him that being with He Suye made her happy and content, something Yan Heng couldn't provide, and sincerely wished him well.
Yan Heng's project concluded that day, and he checked out of the hotel. As the front office manager, Shen Xifan extended professional courtesies, though inwardly, she hoped he would never return. Finally free from her past, Shen Xifan called He Suye to tell him she missed him. He Suye softly reciprocated, prompting Li Jie and their colleagues to quickly leave the couple to their private moment.
Episode 20 Recap
After work, Shen Xifan found He Suye waiting for her at the bus stop outside the Neighborhood. Passersby noticed him waiting for his girlfriend. Shen Xifan questioned why he came to meet her when she already had his door code. He Suye replied that since she said she missed him, he came down early. He then announced that dinner was ready. When Shen Xifan asked what they were having, He Suye made her guess.
She suggested bamboo shoots, and he happily agreed to add it to the menu. They embraced before going home. At home, He Suye cooked for Shen Xifan. Seeing her good appetite, he joked about her support for his cooking. Shen Xifan then shared that she had completed something significant: Yan Heng had moved out of the hotel. She admitted that she had expected a confrontation but was surprisingly calm, realizing she had completely moved on.
He Suye agreed it was a major step. Shen Xifan thanked He Suye for never letting go of her hand, to which he playfully responded that he also gained a girlfriend. She informed him that she needed to update her worried parents after dinner, and He Suye encouraged her to eat more so she wouldn't get hungry later. He also gently corrected her habit of eating rice soaked in soup, advising against it for her stomach's health.
Shen Xifan went home to speak with her parents. Her father acknowledged that Yan Heng was a past chapter, a part of her life's journey, which she had ended gracefully. He was relieved she wasn't upset. Her parents expressed their desire for a formal dinner with He Suye, believing their previous encounter was too chaotic to leave a good impression. Shen Xifan agreed to arrange it.
Later, as Shen Xifan's mother urged her to go for a post-dinner walk instead of lounging, Shen Xifan secretly messaged He Suye for a medical "excuse" to avoid it. While Shen Xifan was out for the walk with her parents, He Suye suddenly appeared, explaining to her parents that Shen Xifan had mentioned they wanted to see him, so he came as soon as he could. Her father promptly extended a dinner invitation.
He Suye added that living in the same neighborhood made it easy for him to visit anytime. Shen Xifan's mother praised He Suye's cooking skills, to his embarrassment. Her parents then tactfully excused themselves to continue their walk, leaving Shen Xifan and He Suye alone. Shen Xifan accused He Suye of orchestrating his appearance, but he contended that her message about walking with her parents was an implicit invitation for him to join them.
Later, while Shen Xifan was with her friends, Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen, she joyfully declared that she no longer needed Chinese medicine and could indulge in iced drinks. Xu Xiangya then proposed a double date, wanting to formally meet He Suye as Shen Xifan’s "dearest friends." Shen Xifan confirmed He Suye was only available on Sundays, and Xu Xiangya enthusiastically offered to organize all the entertainment and cover all costs. The following Sunday, the four went to a park.
As they walked, Lin Yishen offered to buy drinks and handed his bag to He Suye. Then, Xu Xiangya asked He Suye to take some good photos of her and Shen Xifan with her phone. He Suye confidently agreed, even mentioning adjusting camera settings like white balance and brightness. However, the resulting photos were unflattering, with exaggerated heads and shortened bodies. Shen Xifan and Xu Xiangya quietly commented on how ugly He Suye's social media photos usually were.
He Suye, genuinely believing his photos were good, asked what the problem was. Frustrated with He Suye's photography, Xu Xiangya called Lin Yishen over, whose skills were immediately evident as he directed them into flattering poses. He Suye grumbled good-naturedly, joking that X-rays also count as "shots."
Lin Yishen, handing his belongings to He Suye, expressed sympathy, explaining that he used to be both the "coat rack" and photographer, and was glad to finally have He Suye to share the burden. He also imparted some wisdom: when with a girlfriend, the most beautiful scenery is the girlfriend herself. Later, Shen Xifan taught He Suye a new photography technique: recording a video and then taking screenshots of the best frames, which she found more natural.
He Suye playfully tried to kiss her during the video recording, which Shen Xifan found endearing. When she asked if he was happy, He Suye admitted he was, despite jokingly complaining about his girlfriend's critique of his photography, which Shen Xifan promptly denied. He also noted his happiness at learning a new photo-taking method. Shen Xifan was especially pleased that He Suye got along so well with her best friends.
Lin Yishen later shared the photos, including a picture of He Suye and Shen Xifan kissing. Shen Xifan and He Suye looked through the photos and videos Lin Yishen sent. Delighted, they both set photos from their date as their phone screensavers. Shen Xifan also sent one of their kissing photos to He Suye's Grandpa, who was reportedly envious of their relationship.
Shen Xifan's parents were delighted with the photos and videos, remarking on how sweet the couple looked and recalling He Suye's initial popularity in the Neighborhood chat. Meanwhile, He Suye's colleagues, including Li Jie, teased him, likening his newfound happiness to an "iron tree blooming." He Suye reacted with slight shyness. Later, Liu Grandma informed Shen Xifan of her decision to move out and live with her children and grandchildren abroad.
She credited He Suye’s excellent medical care for her improved health, noting a significant reduction in coughing and a much better mental state. Seeing Shen Xifan and He Suye's happy relationship also prompted her desire to be with her own family. She thanked Shen Xifan for her care and arranged one final meeting with both He Suye and Shen Xifan to give them a gift.
The gift was a painting of Paeonia lactiflora, which she explained is also known as "Jiangli," meaning "about to leave." She conveyed that the painting symbolized her departure while leaving her affection and blessings for their happiness. Upon hanging the painting in He Suye's apartment, He Suye commented that it made the wall feel less empty. After hanging the painting, He Suye went to wash his hands before cooking.
While he was away, Shen Xifan, searching for tools, unexpectedly found the metal ring she had once given him, stored away on his tool shelf. She confronted him, accusing him of deliberately hiding it after previously claiming to have lost it. He Suye, caught off guard, first attempted to explain that he had found it under the sofa and merely "casually" put it away. Shen Xifan, however, wasn't convinced, highlighting the inconsistency of his casual placements.
She then pressed him, asking if he had liked her from the very beginning. He Suye, conceding her point, admitted that he now had a clear reason for having treasured the small item. Playfully, he then countered, suggesting that Shen Xifan was the one who "fished" for him, by presenting the ring to him as if it were a wedding ring. Shen Xifan vehemently denied this, stating she was simply helping him out of a difficult situation.
He Suye maintained that it was a clear hint, and as a man in his thirties, he couldn't resist such an "allure," affirming he had taken the bait. He then decided to keep the ring as a treasured item in a new, more secure place. Hearing his playful yet sincere words, Shen Xifan inwardly conceded that perhaps she had "made a move on him first."
The next morning, as they walked out hand-in-hand, Shen Xifan inquired about a past social media post of He Suye's featuring licorice root steeped in water, asking if it was a suitable herb for her. He Suye provided a detailed explanation of licorice root's medicinal properties, adding that it tasted pleasant, even comparable to bubble tea.
Later, while at the TCM building, Shen Xifan overheard front desk staff discussing He Suye's old licorice root post, implying he had posted it deliberately to attract her attention, and noting her delayed reaction. This made Shen Xifan suspect He Suye had ulterior motives from the beginning. She confronted him, asking if the post was intentional. He Suye denied it, claiming it was a casual post from his Grandpa's house.
However, Shen Xifan mentioned that Lin Yishen had told her otherwise. He Suye then playfully accused her of "fishing" for him, suggesting that she had scrutinized him from head to toe during their first meeting and that she had ulterior motives. Shen Xifan strongly refuted this, reminding him that he was her doctor, checking her pulse, and she had no such intentions, especially since she was still in a relationship with Yan Heng at the time.
She assured him of her loyalty. He Suye then lightheartedly accepted her explanation, saying he was merely jesting. They then enjoyed a spicy hot pot dinner together. After finishing their spicy hot pot, back at He Suye’s apartment, Shen Xifan playfully insisted He Suye wash his hands before she revealed a small box. Inside was a ring she had personally bought for him. She announced that since she had "caught" him, it was her responsibility to him.
She emphasized that the old metal key ring didn't count, and this was a genuine ring. He Suye, expecting a proposal on his ring finger, looked disappointed when she placed it on his middle finger instead. He dramatically complained about getting his hopes up for nothing. Shen Xifan affectionately kissed him, affirming that regardless of the finger, he was "Shen Xifan's man," and she would take responsibility for him for the rest of her life.
Satisfied with her declaration, He Suye then playfully asked for a reward for receiving such a beautiful ring, suggesting a holiday trip together. Shen Xifan initially agreed but then remembered that the upcoming holiday was Qingming Festival, when she had to visit her mother's grave with her Grandpa, though she would return by evening. He Suye, understanding, told her to spend quality time with her Grandpa and that the promised trip could be "owed" to him for a later date.
Episode 21 Recap
On Qingming Festival, He Suye prepared to visit his mother, Yu Nianxiang’s, tomb with his grandfather, Yu Lireng. He Suye’s father, He Sheng, could not attend due to urgent work, which saddened He Suye. He recalled his mother's final moments, where despite her dignity, she struggled to remember basic Traditional Chinese Medicine knowledge due to brain metastasis, leaving him feeling melancholic.
His mood was instantly lifted, however, when Shen Xifan arrived at his doorstep, carrying a large bouquet of tulips she had chosen for his mother. He Suye hugged her, assuring her his mother would love them. At Yu Nianxiang’s tomb, Yu Lireng shared an update with his late daughter, explaining He Sheng's absence but assuring her they brought her favorite tulips. He then delivered joyful news, announcing that He Suye finally had a girlfriend.
He Suye introduced Shen Xifan to his mother, describing her as an intelligent and cheerful girl who makes him happy and also loves flowers. He mentioned that Shen Xifan had chosen the flowers this year and, although she would be studying abroad this year, he promised to bring her to visit in two years.
He also informed his mother that his research project on breast cancer was back on track and pledged to complete it diligently, aiming to improve the quality of life for late-stage cancer patients, allowing them to complete their final journey with dignity. Yu Lireng then comforted a still-somber He Suye, telling him not to dwell on his father's absence, as He Sheng had a new family to care for.
He also praised Shen Xifan for her thoughtful gesture with the flowers. Later, Yu Lireng expressed his gratitude to Shen Xifan and asked He Suye to video call her, suggesting she and her family join them for an outing at the herbal garden. Shen Xifan, who was on duty that day, agreed enthusiastically, especially since it was the same herbal garden she enjoyed from their medicated diet project. She promised to ask her parents.
Back home, Shen Xifan’s mother excitedly tried to pick out a dress for the outing, but her father suggested sportswear given the terrain of the herbal garden. Shen Xifan then gently reminded her parents that He Suye's mother had passed away years ago, and since he had just visited her tomb, he might be in a somber mood.
She asked them not to bring up any sensitive family topics, and they agreed, promising to stick to light conversation about health and wellness. Her father jokingly added that they wouldn't mention dowry or bride price either. The next day, Shen Xifan and her parents joined He Suye and Yu Lireng at the herbal garden. Shen Xifan’s parents immediately recognized Yu Lireng as the old man who often watched them play chess in their neighborhood, delighted by the coincidence.
As the families strolled, Shen Xifan's parents light-heartedly tried to take photos, and even asked He Suye to capture some shots, though his attempts were met with playful criticism for being amateurish. Yu Lireng found it amusing how Shen's family used "official titles" for each other ("Director Liu" for her father, "Teacher Shen" for her mother, and "Ms. Shen" for Shen Xifan), and he was affectionately dubbed "Professor Yu."
As He Suye and Shen Xifan wandered, they passed by a field of tulips. Yu Lireng explained that these particular tulips were not for medicinal use but were planted to honor his daughter, Yu Nianxiang, He Suye’s mother, who cherished tulips. Their annual blooming signaled that her loved ones had come to visit.
Hearing this, Shen Xifan finally understood He Suye’s deep affection for tulips and was certain that the bouquet she had chosen for his mother would have pleased her. He Suye then presented Shen Xifan with some rare colored tulips, calling them "double the happiness." He confessed his feelings, explaining that before her, treating patients was merely a responsibility, but she brought joy and interest to his work.
He recalled her first visit, when she folded her registration form into a paper frog, and her later attempts to challenge his prescriptions, actions that made him anticipate seeing her every week. Shen Xifan softly reciprocated his feelings. During dinner, prepared with medicinal food from the hospital’s staff canteen, Yu Lireng unexpectedly revealed that he was the owner of the herbal garden, and He Suye had also invested in it. Shen Xifan was surprised He Suye had never mentioned this.
Yu Lireng then advised He Suye to treat Shen Xifan well, encouraging him to take her out to nice restaurants rather than always serving her medicinal food at home, although Shen Xifan's parents quickly assured him they enjoyed the medicinal dishes He Suye prepared for them. Discovering they all lived in the same neighborhood, Shen Xifan’s parents invited Yu Lireng to their home, an invitation he happily accepted.
As the medicinal wine flowed, Yu Lireng, slightly tipsy, began reminiscing about how he first met Shen Xifan while filling in for He Suye during an urgent consultation. He recounted telling a "depressed" He Suye about the beautiful and elegant young woman, and He Suye's later excitement at obtaining Shen Xifan's phone number. He Suye, embarrassed, tried to silence his grandfather.
Noticing He Suye’s high alcohol tolerance, Shen Xifan playfully warned him that she would "deal with him" when they got home. Back at home, He Suye feigned drunkenness to escape Shen Xifan's wrath. She pretended to take his pulse and then delivered her verdict: he was "heartless." She demanded to take back his ring, reminding him of Yu Lireng's story—how He Suye had been smitten after her first visit, despite claiming she had "hooked him" first.
Caught red-handed, He Suye reluctantly admitted his fault. Shen Xifan pressed him to confess his specific wrongdoings, prompting him to concede that he was indeed the one who had pursued her first, yet had falsely accused her of "hooking" him. He also admitted to being a "bit shameless" in his pursuit. Shen Xifan, satisfied, agreed he was a "scumbag." He Suye tried to reconcile, but she playfully threatened to bite him.
Later, He Suye messaged her, expressing how much he missed her and admitting his "intention" was to "hook her again," fearing she might "slip away." Shen Xifan playfully replied that she had saved his messages as "textual evidence" and allowed him to video call her. The next day, He Suye sent Shen Xifan an apology text, which she graciously accepted, albeit with a playful, "just a tiny bit" of trust restored.
At her hotel, Lin Yishen, the manager, announced that their hotel had secured the Chinese Medical Association’s 8th Summer Conference in mid-May. While Lin Yishen was excited about the prestigious event, other colleagues like Xu Xiangya expressed their frustration, dreading the demanding work.
Xu Xiangya jokingly suggested that He Suye, being an expert in the medical field, should be invited as a consultant to see Shen Xifan’s "grace" in organizing such events, though Shen Xifan countered that such events were "exhausting." They also lightheartedly discussed having drinks with He Suye, playfully debating his drinking behavior, with Shen Xifan insisting her own was good while implying his was not.
He Suye later met Shen Xifan at the bus stop and explained why he had cut off their video call earlier: an urgent consultation had come up, and he even had colleagues ready to vouch for him. Shen Xifan then inquired if he would attend the upcoming medical association conference. He Suye responded that his grandfather might go, but he felt he was not qualified enough.
However, the very next day, the Director called He Suye into his office, announcing that the hospital had secured an opportunity for him to present his breast cancer research project at the association's "young doctors' report session." The association was particularly interested in his focus on improving the quality of life for late-stage cancer patients. The Director urged He Suye to prepare and submit his report by Monday for the hospital to formally endorse, emphasizing it was a significant opportunity.
He Suye readily agreed and stayed late to work on it, declining his colleagues, including Li Jie, who were heading out for dinner. As Li Jie and his friends walked out, he saw Fang Kexin giving an umbrella to a senior colleague, an image that clearly dampened his spirits.
Episode 22 Recap
He Suye's busy schedule with an upcoming report prevented him from continuing his date with Shen Xifan. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan, Xu Xiangya, and Lin Yishen gathered at a bar, reflecting on their work. Wary of He Suye gaining an advantage, Shen Xifan decided she couldn't drink too much, and Lin Yishen jokingly agreed, telling them both to drink moderately.
Shen Xifan mentioned she planned to resign around June or July but needed to check her study abroad fund first; if her living expenses weren't covered, she might need to organize a few more major events to earn bonuses. Xu Xiangya, who planned to resign with Shen Xifan, expressed her strong dislike for large events and meetings with the Finance Department, wishing only to coast through her remaining months.
Lin Yishen cautioned Xu Xiangya about a potential new job at an MCN company, suggesting she look for a more established one if she wanted to be a food blogger. Xu Xiangya confidently stated that many companies were interested in her and she was still in the selection process.
Lin Yishen lamented that after seven years of working together, he would be left alone at Gunan Huating Hotel once they both left, unable to resign himself and joking that with Shen Xifan's new job not yet confirmed, he had to keep earning money to support them. Xu Xiangya playfully teased them, noting that she was just a third wheel to their "family" dynamic. Shen Xifan then shared that He Suye was likely working overtime.
Later that evening, He Suye was still at work. His colleague teased him about staying late to revise a report, to which He Suye replied that after work, his only thought was dating. He Suye tried to contact Shen Xifan but received no reply. He then called Lin Yishen, who informed him that Shen Xifan had already gone home, saying she was tired, and might have fallen asleep.
Lin Yishen added that Shen Xifan had barely touched her beer, wary of He Suye trying to "trick" her. He Suye expressed mild annoyance that Shen Xifan confided everything in Lin Yishen. Upon arriving home, He Suye was surprised to find Shen Xifan waiting for him. He wished she had told him she was coming so he could have returned earlier, but she explained she didn't want to disturb him.
When she asked what he had been so busy with, He Suye chose to keep it a secret until the results were out. She then showed him a cute drawing she had made of him, with a leaf placed over his face. He Suye inquired about the meaning of the leaf, but Shen Xifan playfully refused to tell him. Their cozy moment was abruptly interrupted when an intoxicated Li Jie burst through the door.
He tearfully declared that Fang Kexin had left with another man and promptly passed out on the couch. Astonished, Shen Xifan questioned how Li Jie had the house password. He Suye, visibly irritated, replied that he would change it that very night. Seeing the situation, Shen Xifan decided to leave, telling He Suye to take care of Li Jie.
The next morning, He Suye woke Li Jie and sternly informed him that the house password had been changed and he should not come over uninvited again, prompting Li Jie to remind him that He Suye was the one who used to always ask him to play games. He Suye then questioned Li Jie about the previous night's drunken outburst.
Li Jie explained that he had seen Fang Kexin leaving work with another man and assumed she was dating a senior. Drawing on his medical experience, He Suye advised Li Jie against jumping to conclusions without proper investigation, encouraging him to ask Fang Kexin directly or inquire with her friends. He Suye then offered Li Jie some kudzu flower water to help with his hangover.
Later, Shen Xifan received the new password to He Suye's apartment—the last six digits of his phone number—and visited him over the weekend. They settled into a quiet, sweet routine, with He Suye writing his thesis while Shen Xifan studied German. She again asked about his secret project, but He Suye reiterated his need to keep it under wraps to avoid potential embarrassment.
Shen Xifan noticed that He Suye had changed his profile picture to the drawing she made for him, and he suggested they make matching ones. He then asked her to stay the night, to which she playfully replied that it would depend on his performance. Around the same time, Li Jie encountered Fang Kexin and inquired about the man he had seen her with.
Fang Kexin explained that he was Senior Chen from the Internal Medicine department, and they had simply shared a ride to attend their supervisor's lecture. Relieved, Li Jie suggested they all have a meal together after their thesis defense. However, Fang Kexin then revealed that she was transferring to a branch institute in Ning City next semester, as her supervisor needed her assistance at a new research center, leaving Li Jie disheartened once again.
He Suye's hard work paid off when his research project was successfully selected for the upcoming Chinese Medical Association Summit. He immediately messaged Shen Xifan the good news, telling her to leave work early and promising to make up for all their missed dates. Ecstatic, Shen Xifan met him for a date, during which He Suye surprised her with a large bouquet of flowers. Delighted, she playfully offered to do whatever he wanted that evening.
He Suye expressed his desire for a simple dinner and a walk, lamenting their lack of quality time. As they walked, Shen Xifan imagined proudly pointing out He Suye as the "most handsome" participant at the summit. She sincerely complimented his academic prowess, acknowledging that his project's selection was a testament to his professional skill, and jokingly called him an "old TCM physician."
He Suye thanked her for her understanding during his intense work period, and she reaffirmed her support, emphasizing that his success made her happier than it made him. He Suye also revealed that his grandpa, Yu Liren, would be attending as a TCM representative and would speak at the opening ceremony.
Shen Xifan jokingly reminded him of the hotel's policy requiring guests and staff to maintain a safe distance, suggesting a ten-meter rule for them, which He Suye playfully challenged her to maintain. On the day of the summit's opening, Yu Liren drove He Suye to the hotel, reminding him that his father, He Sheng, a cardiac surgery expert, would also be attending and urged He Suye to resolve their differences.
As the hotel buzzed with preparations, Yu Liren and He Suye arrived and spotted Shen Xifan. Yu Liren smiled, pleased, and headed to the venue while He Suye paused to compliment Shen Xifan on her appearance. Later, Shen Xifan encountered He Sheng and insisted on guiding him to the check-in area. At the opening ceremony, Yu Liren delivered an inspiring speech.
During the lunch break, He Sheng messaged He Suye, who replied that he was dining with his grandpa and several TCM professors. While eating a medicated meal alone, He Sheng observed Shen Xifan interact warmly with He Suye's group before she called He Suye over, and they walked away holding hands. Witnessing their intimacy, a realization dawned on him. Later, He Suye found Shen Xifan and asked her to keep an eye out for his father, He Sheng.
She readily agreed, but was called back to the venue. Before she left, He Suye pulled her in for a quick kiss. As she resumed her duties, Shen Xifan soon discovered that the man she had guided earlier, He Sheng, was in fact He Suye's father.
Episode 23 Recap
He Suye rushed to see Shen Xifan during his lunch break, trying to kiss her, but Shen Xifan playfully reminded him to maintain a ten-meter safe distance. He Suye mentioned his original plan to pick her up from work, but Shen Xifan was scheduled for overtime. Despite this, they agreed to meet that evening. The next morning, while having breakfast, Shen Xifan greeted He Sheng.
He Sheng inquired about her relationship with He Suye, and Shen Xifan confirmed that He Suye was her boyfriend. He Sheng expressed surprise, noting that He Suye hadn't mentioned her, and questioned how people from completely different professions could have anything in common. Shen Xifan confidently explained their shared interests, pointing to the anise sachet He Suye made and the medicinal cuisine he designed for the restaurant. He Sheng praised them, finding their collaboration "excellent."
Observing He Sheng's concern for He Suye, Shen Xifan assured him that He Suye was a positive person who knew what he wanted. She then invited He Sheng to He Suye's afternoon research presentation, believing He Suye would be delighted. Later, Shen Xifan informed He Suye that she had found his father's room number and arranged for extra care from the housekeeping staff, but He Suye indicated he had no desire to speak with his father.
That evening, Shen Xifan gently probed He Suye about the deeper issues in his relationship with his father, suggesting it wasn't just about his choice of traditional Chinese medicine. He Suye opened up, revealing that his mother, naive and innocent, had married his father in college. His father, unprepared for responsibility, moved them to Bei City for his master's degree but neglected his mother, who had to balance her studies and care for He Suye.
The immense stress led to her developing breast cancer, and she passed away before turning forty, with his father rarely present. He Suye added that he had long grown accustomed to their strained relationship. Shen Xifan, touched by his story, insisted on picking out an outfit for his presentation the next day, wanting him to look his best for the photographs.
The next day, He Suye delivered a successful presentation at the Chinese Medical Summit on using traditional Chinese medicine to improve the quality of life for late-stage breast cancer patients. He spoke passionately about the distinct advantages of TCM in symptom management and alleviating cancer-related fatigue. He Suye's father, He Sheng, observed the presentation. Afterward, He Sheng approached He Suye, commending his research for its academic value and suggesting future collaboration on combining cardiac surgery with traditional Chinese medicine.
He Suye, surprised and pleased, then invited his father to dinner that evening, and He Sheng happily accepted. Later that evening, Shen Xifan arranged a dinner for He Suye, He Sheng, and Yu Liren (He Suye's grandfather). During the meal, He Sheng remarked on a fox nut soup, reminiscing about how He Suye's mother used to make it for them when they moved to Bei City.
He then directly asked Shen Xifan about her age and if she and He Suye had any marriage plans. He Suye quickly interjected, explaining that Shen Xifan would be studying abroad in the fall, and they would consider marriage after her return. Yu Liren stepped in to ease the awkwardness, stating that each generation has its own way of living and that young people should make such important decisions themselves.
Outside, He Sheng expressed concern about pressuring Shen Xifan about marriage on their first meeting, but He Suye reassured him that Shen Xifan was understanding. He Suye promised to keep him updated, and He Sheng offered to send him papers on combining cardiac surgery and traditional Chinese medicine, suggesting they research it together. He Suye, touched, expressed his thanks. Walking back with Shen Xifan, He Suye paused and took out a bracelet, explaining it was his mother's.
He placed it on Shen Xifan's wrist, then professed his profound love for her, a sentiment Shen Xifan reciprocated, and they shared a tender embrace. Upon returning home, Shen Xifan's parents were delighted to see the bracelet on her wrist, celebrating the happy moment. As the forum concluded, He Sheng approached Shen Xifan to express his gratitude.
Shen Xifan assured He Sheng that his son had not lost his passion for life; instead, he was using his unique approach to help others rekindle their enthusiasm for living. Back at the hospital, He Suye received a photo from Shen Xifan, smiling brightly. His colleague, Dr. Song, excitedly showed him a public account post featuring He Suye's presentation. He Suye proudly declared that his girlfriend had picked out his suit.
The head nurse and Dr. Song teased He Suye about his blossoming love life, while also urging Dr. Song to find a partner, recounting how his last blind date had blocked him. Later, with Shen Xifan's parents away at a farm stay, Shen Xifan joined Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen for dinner.
Xu Xiangya, planning to resign from the hotel, sought He Suye's advice on opening a medicinal cuisine restaurant and inquired if his family's herbal farm could be her supplier. He Suye readily agreed, confirming that his family owned the herbal farm and would be happy to support her. When it came time to pay, Lin Yishen questioned He Suye about Shen Xifan's plans to study abroad.
He Suye affirmed his full support, stating he wanted her to pursue her dreams without regrets. As the evening ended, Shen Xifan reflected on her seven years at the hotel. She felt a profound sense of happiness and completeness, having achieved her professional aspirations, witnessed He Suye shine on stage, and seen him reconcile with his father. He Suye echoed her sentiments, acknowledging his own life felt complete.
Episode 24 Recap
Shen Xifan found herself locked out of her home after forgetting her keys. She first called her mother, Ms. Liu, who informed her that the spare key was with Ms. Zhao in Unit 4, but Ms. Zhao was away on a trip. Shen Xifan then messaged her friend Xiangya, who also had a spare key, asking her to send it via flash delivery.
Xiangya, who had just finished showering, learned Shen Xifan was at He Suye's place and suggested she simply stay there for the night, then wished her goodnight. When He Suye asked what Xiangya had said, Shen Xifan feigned disappointment, claiming Xiangya was out and couldn't deliver the key, implying she had nowhere else to go and would have to stay at his place.
He Suye noted he only had one bedroom, so Shen Xifan offered to sleep on the couch, but He Suye dismissed it as uncomfortable and inappropriate for a guest. Shen Xifan then requested to borrow pajamas and a bath towel to take a shower. He Suye went to get a towel but then mentioned he didn't have pajamas in her size and offered his own clothes for her to wear.
After Shen Xifan showered, she asked He Suye where his hairdryer was, and he directed her to the drawer under the sink. He Suye later came in, watching her dry her hair, and then offered to do it for her. They spent the night together. The next morning, as He Suye cuddled her, Shen Xifan noticed his shampoo's scent, realizing it was the one she had used. She then playfully told him to get up and wash.
Xiangya messaged Shen Xifan, asking if she was awake and still needed the key, to which Shen Xifan replied that it was no longer necessary. Later that day, He Suye asked Shen Xifan what she wanted to do, and she suggested they go shopping for daily necessities and some pajamas. He Suye playfully teased her about possibly still wanting to wear his clothes.
At the store, Shen Xifan expressed that He Suye's shampoo wasn't suitable for her hair and wanted to buy her own to keep at his place. He Suye remarked that he actually liked his shampoo's scent on her. He then encouraged her to buy both citrus and lemon-scented shampoos, stating that she would be using them often at his place. For skincare, Shen Xifan only wanted basic items, as the full range wasn't on sale.
He Suye, however, instructed the salesperson to bring two sets, reiterating that she would often visit and use them at his home, then changed his mind and asked for three sets, assuring her she would finish them. Shen Xifan picked a simple, cute, and comfortable pair of pajamas, suggesting they buy matching ones, which He Suye found acceptable. As they were heading back, they unexpectedly encountered Shen Xifan's parents, Mr. Shen and Ms. Liu.
He Suye mentioned they were shopping for daily necessities. He initially said he would drop his things off at his place before coming over for dinner. When Mr. Shen seemed confused, Shen Xifan awkwardly explained that she had forgotten her keys the previous night and had stayed at He Suye's apartment. Her parents' expressions visibly changed, but Ms. Liu still extended a dinner invitation for that evening. He Suye also offered Ms. Liu a gift.
After they left, Shen Xifan chided He Suye for his slip of the tongue, but he insisted it wasn't intentional. When they arrived at Shen Xifan's home later, she was surprised to find the door lock had been replaced with a password lock. Mr. Shen explained that the old key lock was broken, so they installed a new password lock, making it unnecessary to carry keys.
He revealed the password was Shen Xifan's birthday and told He Suye to remember it as well. Shen Xifan tried to enter the password, but failed, as her father had remembered the sequence incorrectly. Back at the hospital, He Suye's colleagues noticed his exceptionally cheerful demeanor, sparking envy. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan was teased by Xiangya and Lin Yishen.
Xiangya playfully offered to carry Shen Xifan's spare key to prevent future lockouts, but Shen Xifan informed her it was no longer necessary as her home now had a new electronic lock, which Xiangya found "so fancy." He Suye later checked in with his graduate students, including Li Jie, about their theses, reminding them that it was the submission deadline.
He also informed them that he would be attending their master's thesis defense, as the principal had invited him to sit in. That night, Shen Xifan applied face cream to He Suye, telling him that at 32, he needed to take better care of his skin to prevent aging.
She joked that his face still looked better than Song Feng's, then provocatively asked why he didn't compare himself to Li Jie, much to He Suye's annoyance, leading her to tease him about being jealous. He Suye then asked Shen Xifan to pick out an outfit for him to wear to the upcoming master's thesis defense, and she happily agreed.
On the day of the master's thesis defense, He Suye arrived wearing the outfit Shen Xifan had carefully selected for him, garnering appreciative glances from many female students. Li Jie, a graduate student from the class of 2021, presented his thesis on cervical cancer, and in his acknowledgments, he specifically thanked his mentor Professor Yu Liren and Senior He Suye for their encouragement and support, as well as his friends and classmates.
Professor Yu praised the students for their hard work. After the defense, Fang Kexin approached He Suye, congratulating him on the successful defense and informing him that she would be transferring to the branch hospital's research center in Ning City next week, meaning she wouldn't have many opportunities to return to Hang City. She wished him success in his career and happiness in life, to which He Suye reciprocated with wishes for her bright future.
He Suye then subtly urged Li Jie to pursue Fang Kexin. Li Jie caught up to her, reminding her of their dinner plans, then boldly confessed his feelings. Fang Kexin, however, gently rejected him, confirming they were just good friends. Li Jie, though visibly disappointed, composed himself, agreed they were friends, and wished her well before walking away. Later, the principal, joined by Professor Yu Liren (who is also He Suye's maternal grandfather), approached He Suye.
The principal praised He Suye's academic excellence as a former doctoral student and his outstanding mentorship of the master's students. He then offered He Suye a teaching position starting next semester, which would involve teaching four hours of elective courses each week and supervising internships at the hospital. He Suye enthusiastically accepted the opportunity, expressing his gratitude to the principal and the school. He Suye then found a dejected Li Jie and offered a pat on the shoulder.
Li Jie, trying to be mature, stated he didn't need comfort, feeling it was good that he had at least expressed his feelings, which allowed him to finally move on. He Suye acknowledged his growth, then light-heartedly asked Li Jie to send him the photos he took during the defense, as he needed to show his girlfriend the successful outcome of her styling efforts.
He also playfully warned Li Jie that if he pursued a PhD, he should hope he wouldn't become his intern, implying he would be very strict. Mr. Shen encountered He Suye's maternal grandfather, Professor Yu Liren, and invited him over for dinner, also planning to call He Suye to join them directly after work. Mr. Shen mentioned that He Suye, living alone, often didn't eat properly.
Later, at Shen Xifan's home, while He Suye was cooking, Shen Xifan's mother showed Professor Yu Shen Xifan's childhood photos, proudly praising her good genes. Shen Xifan, feeling embarrassed by her "embarrassing memories" photos, urged her mother to put them away. Professor Yu, in turn, produced He Suye's own childhood photos, which Shen Xifan found adorable, despite He Suye's protestations that they were "embarrassing memories" and his playful attempts to stop her from looking.
In the kitchen, as Shen Xifan and He Suye playfully bickered, Mr. Shen entered, offering to help devein shrimp to speed up dinner preparation and also got some drinks. During dinner, Ms. Liu was drinking a traditional Chinese medicine tea prescribed by He Suye to help with her health. Professor Yu offered to check her pulse, noting her chest tightness and other symptoms seemed to be improving. He advised her to continue the medication for a while.
He then inquired if she had undergone her regular physical checkup that year, which she admitted she had forgotten. Professor Yu emphasized the importance of combining checkup results with pulse readings for a comprehensive health assessment and strongly recommended she schedule a physical for the following month. He then offered to check Mr. Shen's pulse, who mentioned his health was generally good, though he sometimes struggled with sleep.
Shortly after, Shen Xifan messaged He Suye, informing him that she had submitted her resignation and would officially be leaving her hotel job in a month. He Suye met her at her bus stop after work, where she arrived with a heavy bag, explaining she was gradually moving her office belongings home, "like ants moving their home." She showed him her collection of perfumes, explaining how she used them for hotel guests and herself.
She offered him a bottle of men's perfume, but He Suye declined, stating he didn't wear cologne, so she decided to give it away. However, He Suye then pointed to a specific ballpoint pen, asking if he could have it. He explained that ballpoint pens were "currency" in the hospital, and he wanted that noticeable one to figure out who had been "stealing pens" from him.
Episode 25 Recap
He Suye was diligently preparing lesson plans, as the principal had asked him to create several course options for his new teaching role next semester. He mused about how busy he would be with his hospital duties, Saturday clinic hours, research, and now teaching. Despite his packed schedule, he expressed his hope of saving up annual leave to visit Shen Xifan when she goes abroad for her studies.
Shen Xifan, teasingly calling him "Teacher He" for his constant reminders about her visa application, gave him a unique water pen. He Suye noted that pens were a valuable commodity in a hospital and that this one was so distinct it would help him track down who often "borrowed" his. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan received a booking request during her lunch break for a secluded villa. The client was a popular celebrity, the very actor Xu Xiangya admired.
When the star arrived at the hotel, the front desk attendant, Ding Wei, was visibly thrilled and, completely star-struck, personally handled the check-in. That evening, Shen Xifan and Xu Xiangya enthusiastically discussed the celebrity's drama while watching it. He Suye and Lin Yishen, feeling sidelined by their girlfriends' admiration for another man, tried to boost each other's spirits.
A slightly jealous He Suye later studied his "love rival" by watching the drama alone and deliberately praised the female lead's beauty, much to Shen Xifan's playful annoyance. Inspired by a romantic scene in the drama, He Suye attempted to replicate it, but Shen Xifan did not catch on, leaving him embarrassed. The next day, the celebrity checked out, and Ding Wei was once again captivated by his signature. Shen Xifan began organizing documents for her overseas study visa.
While tidying her mother's drawer, she discovered a bank card designated for her study abroad expenses, deeply touched by her parents' foresight and support. In contrast, Shen's mother returned from her physical examination in low spirits. Her breast examination results were not satisfactory, but she intentionally concealed this, hiding the report in the kitchen and dismissing Shen Xifan's inquiries about showing the results to He Suye. Later, Shen's mother secretly went to the hospital to see He Suye.
She showed him the report, expressing concern about the doctor's troubled expression during the ultrasound. He Suye reviewed the report and informed her that further examination was necessary. Though Shen's mother tried to downplay the severity, He Suye explained that the tests indicated a high probability of a tumor, requiring a biopsy to determine if it was benign or malignant.
He presented two options: a needle biopsy or a surgical biopsy, recommending the latter as it would allow for immediate removal of the lump and a rapid pathology test, avoiding a second procedure. Feeling overwhelmed, Shen's mother trusted He Suye's judgment and agreed. He Suye advised her to inform her husband and daughter, as family support would be crucial.
However, Shen's mother insisted on keeping it a secret from Shen Xifan until the pathology report was conclusive, fearing her daughter would worry unnecessarily. Moved by her trust, He Suye reluctantly promised to keep her secret. When Shen's father learned about his wife's tumor, he was heartbroken. To maintain the secret from Shen Xifan, he concocted a story that Shen's mother's workplace was sending her on a training trip to a neighboring city.
He rearranged his teaching schedule to accompany her, a deception Shen Xifan did not suspect. The following morning, Shen's parents were admitted to the hospital. He Suye introduced Director Zhou, the lead surgeon, who outlined the surgical plan and presented the informed consent form for Shen's father to sign. Shen's mother also mentioned occasionally feeling discomfort in her armpit.
The parents expressed their deep gratitude to He Suye and asked him to ensure Shen Xifan felt cared for during their absence. On the day of the surgery, Shen's father waited anxiously outside the operating room while He Suye sat on a nearby bench, reminded of the time he waited during his own mother's surgery. Director Zhou emerged with the rapid pathology results: the tumor was malignant but, fortunately, had not metastasized to the lymph nodes.
To prevent any future spread, the surgical area needed to be extended. He presented Shen's father with a choice between breast-conserving surgery and a full mastectomy. After a moment of contemplation and a glance at He Suye, Shen's father opted for breast-conserving surgery.
Later, He Suye went to Shen's mother's bedside, comforting her and assuring her that the cancer was in its early stages and he would ensure she received the best possible treatment, including a traditional Chinese medicine prescription for recovery. He also explained that the full pathology report would take about two weeks, after which a follow-up treatment plan, possibly including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, would be determined.
Later, Shen Xifan felt a bit put out because her parents hadn't responded to her messages. He Suye offered a plausible excuse, calming her suspicions. Unbeknownst to Shen Xifan, Li Jie overheard a nurse at the hospital discussing her mother's hospitalization for a "removal surgery," noting Shen Xifan's absence. Li Jie approached He Suye, who explained Shen's mother's request for secrecy.
Li Jie, however, argued strongly that Shen Xifan, as her mother’s daughter, had a right to know and would be deeply hurt and regretful if she were kept in the dark about such a serious illness. He Suye listened in silence, clearly conflicted by the moral dilemma.
Episode 26 Recap
He Suye returned home late, finding Shen Xifan resting on the sofa. She asked him about his late return, and he explained he was busy with other things. As Shen Xifan hadn't eaten yet, they decided to go out for dinner together. Shen Xifan had officially resigned from her hotel job, bidding farewell to her colleagues. She then went on to complete her visa interview.
Realizing the visa center was quite close to He Suye's hospital, she decided to drop by and surprise him by picking him up from work. Meanwhile, Mrs. Shen was preparing for discharge from the hospital after a few days of treatment. She worried about her daughter discovering her condition and specifically asked He Suye to help conceal her drainage bag, preferring to wait until the full pathology report was ready before breaking the news to Shen Xifan.
He Suye agreed to her request. However, Shen Xifan saw He Suye escorting her parents out of the hospital lobby. The sight instantly revealed the truth to her, and she realized her parents had been lying about a "training trip" and "travel." Rather than approaching them, Shen Xifan chose to send He Suye a message, asking him to meet her in the hospital garden.
Knowing he could no longer hide the truth, He Suye confessed to Shen Xifan that her mother had breast cancer, an aggressive tumor. He explained that the removal surgery had already been performed and they were awaiting the final pathology report, but the initial rapid pathology showed the tumor was small and hadn't spread, so the situation was still considered optimistic.
Overwhelmed by the fear of potentially losing a loved one, Shen Xifan burst into tears, angrily blaming He Suye for keeping such a significant matter from her. Ignoring his apologies and attempts to reassure her, she turned and left abruptly. Back in the lounge, He Suye was filled with regret. He tried calling Shen Xifan later, but she didn't answer. He then called Xu Xiangya, who confirmed that Shen Xifan was with her.
Xu Xiangya tried to comfort Shen Xifan, urging her to trust He Suye, saying that his professional opinion about her mother's tumor not being serious must be reliable. Soon after, He Suye found Shen Xifan. He sincerely apologized, explaining his difficult position as a doctor to respect Mrs. Shen's wish for privacy, but also shared his own painful experience of his mother's battle with cancer and subsequent passing. He acknowledged that he hadn't fully considered Shen Xifan's emotional turmoil.
Shen Xifan, now calmer, apologized for her harsh words, realizing her intense emotions had led her to lash out. They reconciled, with He Suye reaffirming that Mrs. Shen would be fine and promising to take good care of her, emphasizing that they were all his family and his responsibility. Later that evening, He Suye drove Shen Xifan home. When Shen Xifan arrived, her parents were still trying to hide her mother's medication and drainage bag.
Shen Xifan directly confronted them, revealing she already knew about her mother's illness. She then comforted her mother, urging her to focus on treatment without worry. Seeing the drainage bag by her mother's side, Shen Xifan felt a surge of sadness, but she composed herself and made her mother drink her bitter medicine. After a period of recuperation, Yu Liren, He Suye's grandfather, examined Mrs. Shen, checking her pulse and reviewing He Suye's prescription.
He confirmed her condition was improving significantly and shared some traditional Chinese medicine exercises designed to strengthen the body and alleviate stress, which Mr. and Mrs. Shen diligently practiced. Meanwhile, Shen Xifan spent her time researching breast cancer online, feeling increasingly anxious about her parents' health, especially with her imminent departure for studies abroad weighing heavily on her mind.
During a family dinner, Yu Liren suggested they all go out for a meal sometime, recommending a restaurant known for its light and tender dishes, suitable for Mrs. Shen. The conversation then turned to Shen Xifan's study abroad plans. When Yu Liren inquired about her visa, Shen Xifan, still conflicted about leaving due to her mother's illness, vaguely said she had just submitted her application and was awaiting the results.
Her family, seemingly unaware of her hesitation, advised her to start learning how to cook to prepare for living abroad. Shortly after, Mrs. Shen's follow-up examination results were released, indicating a positive trend. He Suye promptly took photos of the report and sent them to Shen Xifan. After work, he went to explain the detailed findings of the pathology report to the family.
He assured them that Mrs. Shen had an early-stage Luminal A (Type A breast cancer) tumor with an excellent prognosis, so there was no need for undue worry. He presented a treatment plan consisting of a 15-day radiotherapy course, five sessions a week for three consecutive weeks, combined with five years of endocrine therapy.
He highlighted that this plan would not require hospitalization, allowing Mrs. Shen to rest at home after each radiotherapy session, and confidently stated that it offered a five-year survival rate of over 95%. Mr. and Mrs. Shen were greatly relieved by the news. However, Shen Xifan still harbored concerns, asking why the survival rate wasn't 100%. He Suye patiently explained that in medicine, a 95% success rate is exceptionally high.
He also offered to use traditional Chinese medicine methods to alleviate any potential adverse reactions and side effects during her treatment. The next day, Shen Xifan accompanied her mother to the radiotherapy clinic. She also diligently followed online tutorials to learn how to prepare nutritious soups. During this time, she received a package from the embassy containing her passport and approved visa. What should have been joyous news brought her no happiness.
Later, while helping Shen Xifan clean the kitchen, He Suye found the torn shipping label from the embassy package in the trash, immediately understanding her internal struggle and decision. He then accompanied Shen Xifan to her parents' house for dinner, where Shen Xifan remained highly attentive to her mother, continuously checking on her well-being and making sure she ate enough. Mrs. Shen was deeply touched by her daughter's care, while He Suye observed the scene silently, his emotions complex.
Episode 27 Recap
Shen Xifan hesitated to study abroad, confessing to He Suye that she wanted to stay in China for her mother's health. He Suye knew her dream was to see the world and discover herself. He urged her not to abandon her hard-won aspirations, promising to be her steadfast support and care for her family.
Shen Xifan admitted she still harbored a desire to explore the world for self-discovery, and He Suye reminded her that her life choices were her own, not to be swayed by other matters. He vowed his full support as her boyfriend, no matter her decision. Mrs. Shen's health significantly improved after completing her fifteenth round of chemotherapy. The entire family accompanied her for her final treatment.
Because open flames were prohibited in the hospital, Shen Xifan prepared a "fire-crossing" animation to play on her phone, allowing Mrs. Shen to symbolically step over it and complete the traditional ceremony. Mrs. Shen thanked Shen Xifan and He Suye for their constant support. That evening, as Shen Xifan organized her mother's medical records, Mrs. Shen, having learned from He Suye about the approved visa and Shen Xifan's intention to give up her study plans, came to talk to her.
Mrs. Shen reassured her daughter that her surgery was successful, the chemotherapy was complete, and her father, along with Dr. He and Professor Yu, would care for her during her recovery. She gently reminded Shen Xifan of the bright anticipation in her eyes when she first spoke of studying abroad, expressing her strong desire for Shen Xifan to pursue her own fulfilling life and dreams, even if her parents were no longer around.
Shen Xifan, deeply moved, promised her mother she would go abroad. On the day He Suye was scheduled to teach, Shen Xifan carefully chose his outfit, insisting he wear a tie to look professional. His "TCM Oncology" class was well-received by the students. He Suye introduced the course content, emphasizing the practical application of traditional Chinese medicine in treating tumors, and also jokingly warned students about his strictness regarding attendance and assignments.
When students asked to create a WeChat group, He Suye preferred they send emails before 6 PM, as he spent evenings with his girlfriend. For urgent announcements, he appointed Li Jie, a first-year PhD student, as his teaching assistant to manage the course group, much to Li Jie's dismay, who felt He Suye was exploiting him for free labor once again. Before Shen Xifan's departure, He Suye and Professor Yu joined the Shen family for a farewell dinner.
Professor Yu encouraged Shen Xifan to focus on her studies and not worry about affairs at home, assuring her that he and He Suye would take care of everything. He also provided her with some common, customs-approved medicines for any unforeseen needs during her travels.
Later, while packing, Shen Xifan asked He Suye if she could spend her last night at home with her parents and requested he not see her off at the airport, citing the early flight and her emotional difficulty in saying goodbye. He Suye, though saddened by the thought of a long separation, helped her pack.
As they packed, Shen Xifan discovered a small notebook filled with He Suye's handwritten notes on medicinal food recipes, practical advice for dealing with various ailments, and tips for staying warm in Switzerland. Deeply touched, she rushed to He Suye's home and embraced him tightly, confessing how much she would miss him. He Suye comforted her, revealing he was making an Angelica sinensis sachet, which he had planned to use as an excuse to see her off.
He urged her to focus on her studies, assuring her that he would be waiting for her return. The next morning, Shen Xifan's parents accompanied her to the airport, giving her last-minute advice about the journey and reminding her to take care of herself and eat well. As she walked towards the boarding gate, Shen Xifan spotted He Suye in the crowd, watching from a distance.
He Suye sent her a message, encouraging her to "go explore the better world out there." Before boarding, Shen Xifan subtly touched the bracelet on her wrist, a silent farewell as they exchanged a final glance. In the days that followed, He Suye immersed himself in his work, but his thoughts frequently drifted to Shen Xifan as he gazed at their photos on his phone.
Meanwhile, Shen Xifan sent him video messages and postcards with "little secrets," and they exchanged letters. In one of his letters, He Suye shared the good news of Mrs. Shen's excellent recovery, which he attributed to Professor Yu's wellness exercises and Mr. Shen's daily care, telling her not to worry.
He Suye confessed in his letters how much he missed Shen Xifan, detailing small everyday occurrences like the fallen osmanthus flowers, recalling their walks together, and even learning to make osmanthus cake for her return. He reminisced about Shen Xifan's past attempts to set him up with another woman and her teasing him about being a "vegetarian monk," while also mentioning his plans for her upcoming holiday visit home.
In a letter dated Valentine's Day, He Suye spoke of insomnia and an "unspeakable dream," reiterating how much he missed her. In another, he humorously criticized her for inadvertently causing Li Jie to pressure him into revising his paper, holding her accountable. Later, He Suye reflected on watching the sunrise at West Lake, pondering how things might have been if he had convinced her to stay, but ultimately concluded they would still make the same choice.
Each letter conveyed his deep affection and longing for her return, often ending with a poetic sentiment about missing her. He Suye participated in a free clinic in the suburbs with his medical team, offering health consultations to elderly residents. There, a colleague pointed out that the leaf in his profile picture, which she had always thought was a perilla leaf, was actually a tea leaf.
She then playfully called him a "green tea boy," finally making He Suye understand Shen Xifan's earlier drawing of him, which implied the same playful jab. After work, He Suye initiated a video call with Shen Xifan, playfully expressing his "heartbreak" that his girlfriend had used her profile picture to "roast" him, noting it had taken him a year to realize. He asked about her return, mentioning he had saved up his annual leave for a family trip.
Shen Xifan, however, explained that while her global internship was ending, she had received a new, highly competitive opportunity: a two-month internship at a six-star hotel, with only five available spots. She had already accepted the offer, meaning she wouldn't be able to return home for some time.
Episode 28 (Ending) Recap
He Suye called Shen Xifan from an outreach clinic, admiring the scenery and asking when she planned to return. Shen Xifan, however, seemed hesitant. She explained that while her global internship was concluding next week, a new, rare opportunity had arisen: a two-month internship at a six-star hotel, with only five spots available. She had just applied that noon, thinking it was too good to pass up.
He Suye expressed his disappointment, feeling she didn't want to return or see him. Shen Xifan quickly reassured him, emphasizing how much she missed him and promising it was only for two months. Accepting her explanation, He Suye, who had encouraged her to study abroad, supported her decision but jokingly insisted she tell her parents herself. Shen Xifan agreed, also confirming that her third-country visa was likely to be approved. After another two months, Shen Xifan finally returned to China.
He Suye, who had been meticulously counting the days, waited for her at the airport. Upon seeing him, Shen Xifan rushed into his arms, exclaiming how much she had missed him. Playing a playful trick on her for the prolonged wait, He Suye pretended not to recognize her, claiming he was waiting for his girlfriend and asking what she was doing.
When Shen Xifan retorted by asking if his girlfriend looked like her, He Suye feigned forgetfulness, saying he hadn't seen his girlfriend in seven months and had almost forgotten her appearance. Shen Xifan, unfazed, told him to just wait. Later, as they drove off, He Suye continued his charade, warning her that his "girlfriend" would misunderstand. Shen Xifan playfully countered that since they were alone in the car, his "girlfriend" wouldn't see them.
This playful banter quickly led to a passionate kiss. He Suye drove Shen Xifan to her parents' home in the neighborhood, where Mr. and Mrs. Shen warmly welcomed her, having prepared a feast of her favorite dishes like rice cake with spare ribs. He Suye, however, had to leave for his outpatient duties, though he briefly continued his airport joke, saying he needed to pick up his "girlfriend."
During dinner, Shen Xifan learned from her mother that He Suye had diligently cared for her family, ensuring her mother took her Chinese medicine daily and attended regular check-ups after her surgery. Deeply touched by his care, Shen Xifan decided to visit He Suye at the hospital during his lunch break. There, she was spotted by Song Feng, a colleague of He Suye, who teasingly remarked on her return and their eagerness to see each other.
He Suye, mindful of their professional surroundings, tried to keep a low profile, but Shen Xifan boldly declared her intention to "swoop in and invade his life" while his "girlfriend" wasn't around. Despite He Suye's attempts to quiet her, she playfully argued that she wasn't disrupting his work, leaving him to playfully concede to her charming persistence.
After their playful encounter, Shen Xifan took He Suye to Xu Xiangya's tea shop, which was thriving with its unique blend of medicated desserts and teas, sourcing herbs from He Suye's own garden. Xu Xiangya's relationship with Lin Yishen also seemed stable and happy. Shen Xifan announced her decision to partner with Xu Xiangya and open a new tea shop, foregoing a return to the hotel industry.
She explained that her studies abroad had given her many business insights, which she now wanted to apply to build a distinctive brand, as Xu Xiangya's shop, despite its traditional Chinese medicine focus, lacked systematic management. He Suye, though initially surprised by her elaborate plans, expressed his support, agreeing that her hotel management degree didn't confine her to that field. He Suye then fondly commented on how much prettier Shen Xifan had become since her return.
As late autumn transitioned into the first snowfall of winter, Shen Xifan noticed the beautiful flakes and pointed them out to He Suye. She reflected on how the snow in her hometown felt warmer compared to Switzerland, simply because He Suye was by her side. Inspired by their shared memories, Shen Xifan spontaneously proposed marriage. He Suye, momentarily surprised, then collected himself.
He tenderly spoke of his dreams during her time abroad—of waking with her in sunlight, sleeping to rain, running at sunset, and chatting under moonlight. Symbolizing their intertwined future as "two flowers on one stem," he plucked a honeysuckle branch, delicately wove it into a ring, and, with heartfelt sincerity, asked Shen Xifan to marry him. With tears in her eyes, she joyfully accepted. The following spring, He Suye and Shen Xifan celebrated their wedding in the neighborhood.
Friends, colleagues, and even Liu Granny, who traveled from abroad, gathered to witness their union. The air was filled with joyous chatter and blessings. At a spicy hot pot stall, the owner proudly proclaimed that his food was the catalyst for the newlyweds' meeting, lightheartedly promising Li Jie that eating it would soon bring him love.
Li Jie reconnected with Zhao Ze, who, having fully recovered, shared his excitement about participating in the upcoming sports meet and the happiness his mother had found with a kind stepfather. Meanwhile, Song Feng, waiting for hot pot, was captivated by a young lady, Ding Wei, who cut in front of him. Instead of complaining, he was instantly smitten, insisted she be served first, and charmingly asked for her WeChat, which she readily gave.
He Suye's father, He Sheng, beamed with happiness, signifying a reconciliation between father and son. Song Feng, acting as the witty emcee, kicked off the ceremony with a humorous opening speech, playfully teasing He Suye. He Suye was then prompted to turn his back to the aisle and declare his love. With deep emotion, he spoke of his countless dreams of seeing Shen Xifan walk towards him in a wedding dress, a dream that had finally come true.
He reminisced about their shared journeys through streets, rainy forests, and flower-filled mountains, acknowledging her desire to explore more beautiful places. However, he declared that in his heart, Shen Xifan was the most beautiful scenery in the world. As Shen Xifan, radiant in her white gown, made her way down the petal-strewn aisle, He Suye turned to face her. Looking into her eyes, he solemnly professed, "Falling in love with you is the luckiest thing I've ever done.
Loving you is the best thing I've ever done." Deeply moved, Shen Xifan reciprocated, saying, "Me too." They then exchanged their wedding rings and sealed their vows with a loving kiss, to the cheers of their guests. A reflective voice-over from Shen Xifan underscored their journey, recalling how He Suye had pulled her from an abyss, filling her once gray life with color and acting as a beacon of redemption.
She vowed to love him as she loved herself, and to love herself as she loved him, concluding that loving him was truly the best thing she had ever done. After the ceremony, Shen Xifan tossed her bridal bouquet, which was gracefully caught by Xu Xiangya. The crowd enthusiastically called for Xu Xiangya and Lin Yishen to share a kiss.
As the celebration continued, He Suye and Shen Xifan danced elegantly on the grass, a picture of perfect harmony, surrounded by the heartfelt blessings of everyone present. Amidst the joyous festivities, Li Jie noticed Fang Kexin, and they exchanged a warm, knowing smile. The wedding reached its crescendo with guests dancing around the happy couple, their faces alight with joy, as the celebration marked the beautiful culmination of their love story.
