The First Frost Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The First Frost Synopsis
Wen Yifan returns to her hometown for work and unexpectedly meets her high school classmate, Sang Yan. After being separated for a long time, they pretend not to recognize each other, but keep running into one another. When Wen Yifan is harassed by the man next door, she decides to move. Sang Yan’s apartment is also affected by a fire from a neighbor’s home and needs renovation. By a twist of fate, they end up co-renting an apartment together.
Initially avoiding each other, they begin to break down the barriers between them and gradually grow closer. Sang Yan’s attentive care helps Wen Yifan open up and decide to take the initiative to pursue him. Sang Yan, in turn, crosses cities to confess his sincere feelings for her, and they officially become a couple.
Later, Wen Yifan confesses the real reason she didn’t apply to the same university as him, going against their earlier agreement. Upon hearing the truth, Sang Yan is deeply touched and vows to never let her be hurt again, protecting her with his actions. In the end, they move into a new home designed by Sang Yan and begin to build a happy life together.
The First Frost Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Years ago, on a rainy night, Sang Yan questioned Wen Yifan, asking if he was merely a backup option for her. With a somber "Goodbye," he vanished into the rain, leaving Wen Yifan heartbroken and teary-eyed as she watched his retreating figure. Years later, Wen Yifan, an intern at Nanwu TV, found herself in a perilous situation while investigating illegal business owners with her colleague, Fu Zhuang.
They were aggressively pursued on the road by a red car, and their news material was forcibly taken. A flashback revealed Wen Yifan's supervisor, reminding her that despite her good work at Yihe Daily, a traditional paper medium, she would be eliminated if she couldn't adapt to the TV station's fast-paced environment after her probation. Suddenly, the red car ahead crashed, trapping the business owners inside.
Wen Yifan, prioritizing safety over reporting, immediately urged Fu Zhuang to call an ambulance while she rushed to help the injured couple, carefully pulling them from the wreckage. The driver thanked her for her quick actions. Later that night, back in her shared rental house, Wen Yifan was showering when she noticed movement behind the curtain.
Confronting a co-tenant, a stout man, he denied any wrongdoing, insisting he was merely doing laundry and accusing her of constantly complaining to the landlord. Annoyed, Wen Yifan returned to her room, locking the door. She was often plagued by nightmares and restless sleep. The next afternoon, around 2 p. m. , Wen Yifan was woken by a call from her friend, Zhong Siqiao.
Zhong Siqiao excitedly told her about running into a handsome high school deskmate and suggested they go out for fun that night. She mentioned a new restaurant bar called "Overtime" on Gastropub Street, boasting a "super handsome" boss. Wen Yifan, having worked overtime for a week straight and feeling exhausted, reluctantly agreed to a quick glance.
When they arrived at "Overtime," Zhong Siqiao raved about its clever name, suggesting it served as an excuse for office workers to tell their bosses they were "at Overtime" when in fact they were relaxing. As Zhong Siqiao pointed out the supposedly handsome boss, Wen Yifan was stunned to see Sang Yan behind the bar. In a frantic attempt to avoid being seen, she turned away sharply, accidentally bumping into a server and spilling a drink on her clothes.
Outside the restroom, as Wen Yifan tried to clean her top, Sang Yan appeared. He introduced himself as "Sang, the boss of Overtime," and offered her his jacket, stating that her entire bill for the night was on the house as an apology for the mishap, all while seemingly not recognizing her. Wen Yifan decided to pretend not to know him either.
Although she declined the refund, a server misinterpreted her gesture as a tip for Sang Yan, who seemed unfazed. Walking home alone later, Wen Yifan found herself lost in thought, wondering what her life would have been like if she and Sang Yan hadn't broken up in high school. She pondered if she would be happier and braver.
She resided in a shared house Zhong Siqiao had found for her, acknowledging its less-than-ideal environment but appreciating its convenient location for her commute. The noisy train tracks outside her window mirrored her restless mind. The following day, Wen Yifan returned to "Overtime" to search for a bracelet Zhong Siqiao had lost. She learned from a staff member that Sang Yan might have inadvertently taken it when he collected her stained clothes.
She left her contact information with the bartender, He Mingbo. Sang Yan, upon hearing about the lost bracelet, surprisingly located it himself, despite another staff member's insistence that no such item had been found. He then handed it to Wen Yifan. Zhong Siqiao later called Wen Yifan, overjoyed that the bracelet, a gift from someone she liked, had been found.
That evening, as Wen Yifan prepared for bed in her shared house, another co-tenant, a glasses-wearing man, forcibly pulled her into his room. He menacingly told her that her screams were useless, his wife wouldn't be back for hours, and that she was "all alone," so "no one will care what happens to you."
Just as he attempted to assault her, the other co-tenant, Pang Dashu, burst in and intervened, claiming he was merely "doing the right thing" and proudly declaring himself a "good guy" from the Northeast. At the police station, Wen Yifan was assured that her room had been thoroughly checked and no cameras were found, allowing her to feel safe enough to return home. However, still deeply shaken, she sought refuge at Zhong Siqiao's house.
Alone in the middle of the night, Wen Yifan was haunted by vivid flashbacks of her mother abandoning her as a child. The next morning, observing Zhong Siqiao's lively and supportive family, Wen Yifan found comfort, but also a sense of longing for such warmth. Back at work, Wen Yifan received a commendation. Her brave actions at the car accident scene had motivated the illegal business couple to turn themselves in, earning her an honor certificate.
Her supervisor praised her for being "self-made and extraordinary" and announced that she would be formally hired. Ms. Qian informed Wen Yifan that she would be joining her for the New Year's Eve live broadcast. On New Year's Eve, as Wen Yifan and her team headed to True Love Square for the live broadcast, she spotted Sang Yan in a passing car. The square was bustling with people celebrating.
Worried about her appearance during the broadcast, Wen Yifan borrowed a mask from Zhong Siqiao. While waiting in line for the restroom, she encountered Sang Yan again, who was waiting for his younger sister, Sang Zhi. Observing Sang Yan's casual interaction with Sang Zhi, Wen Yifan overheard Sang Yan playfully boast about how easily he got into Nanwu University compared to Sang Zhi's exam struggles.
Later, Zhong Siqiao mentioned that Sang Yan had replied to her own New Year's group message. Wen Yifan realized Sang Yan had blocked her previously, as she hadn't received his replies to her previous messages. Deciding to try again, she sent him a "Happy New Year" message. He replied with a single question mark. Wen Yifan then sent a final message, simply stating, "It's fine if you're not happy."
As the New Year's countdown reached its climax, Wen Yifan inadvertently bumped into Sang Yan, who was engrossed in a phone call. She quickly mumbled, "Sorry. Happy New Year." Sang Yan, after hanging up, returned the greeting with an indifferent "Happy New Year" before turning and walking away. As another man wished him a happy new year, Sang Yan clarified, "Stop getting too full of yourself. I wasn't talking to you." Wen Yifan was left wondering if his brief greeting had even been directed at her.
Episode 2 Recap
Eight years ago, on the sunny first day of high school, Wen Yifan’s father dropped her off at Nanwu City High School. Unable to find her classroom, she asked a senior passing by for directions, who turned out to be Sang Yan. He curtly told her to find Class 17 of Year 10 herself, questioning if she expected him to read out the classroom numbers one by one, and playfully called her "my junior."
When she finally arrived, the teacher mistakenly called out "Sang Yan," assuming the name belonged to a girl. Just then, Sang Yan arrived, also late. As the only two latecomers, they were assigned the last two seats, becoming deskmates. Wen Yifan had an internal thought, realizing that for a moment, she had forgotten who Sang Yan was and who she was, feeling as though a second version of herself had appeared in the world.
After the New Year's Eve live broadcast, Wen Yifan declined her friend Zhong Siqiao's invitation to continue partying at a gastropub called "Overtime," wanting to go home and organize her materials. Upon returning home, she posted a message on her social media, questioning if the new year would be good, then reflected that whether it was good or not was up to her.
Her supervisor had also advised Wen Yifan to relax and forget negative emotions to embrace the new year, sensing she was bottling things up. Later, Zhong Siqiao called, having discovered that Sang Yan was "The Headliner" of Gastropub Street and the owner of "Overtime." She wondered if Wen Yifan hadn't recognized him. Wen Yifan opened her chat with Sang Yan but found nothing beyond a single question mark he had sent.
Overwhelmed, she quietly moved her bed to block her door and shed silent tears. The next day, Wen Yifan viewed an apartment her colleague, Wang Linlin, was subletting. Wang Linlin highlighted its proximity to work and her preference for a known roommate due to the risks of renting with strangers. Though the rent was higher than her current place, Wen Yifan agreed to move to Uptown Flower City, prioritizing having a safe place to sleep.
Wang Linlin then invited Wen Yifan to dinner with her ex-boyfriend, Su Haoan. Su Haoan picked them up and immediately recognized Wen Yifan. In the car, he excitedly woke a sleeping Sang Yan, proclaiming, "Wake up and see your unforgettable crush. Wen Yifan is here." Wang Linlin asked if Sang Yan used to have feelings for Wen Yifan, which Su Haoan confirmed, adding that she hadn't reciprocated back then.
He casually remarked it had been seven or eight years since Wen Yifan transferred schools and ribbed a silent Sang Yan, prompting another friend to joke that Sang Yan likely thought Wen Yifan had poor taste. They arrived at "Overtime," the gastropub owned by Sang Yan and his high school dormmates, Qian Fei and Chen Junwen, with Su Haoan being their close friend and partner.
The outspoken Su Haoan immediately announced that it was Sang Yan's birthday, January 2nd, a Capricorn. Sang Yan, annoyed, retorted that revealing it so early ruined the surprise. Later, Wen Yifan encountered Sang Yan near the restroom. She greeted him with "It's been a while," to which he sarcastically replied it had only been two days.
Wen Yifan then explained that on New Year's Eve, she had been staring at him not because she recognized him, but because his zipper was down, a fact many people around them were discussing. Wen Yifan soon excused herself from dinner, citing an urgent work task. Sang Yan quietly followed her out and had her lead him to Su Haoan’s car in the parking garage.
Wen Yifan then asked Sang Yan for a ride home, and though he initially claimed it was a detour, he pulled his car up to her as she was trying to hail a cab. In the car, she asked if it was his birthday, and he countered, "You forgot?" This triggered a memory of him giving her a birthday gift in high school and casually mentioning his birthday was January 2nd.
After Sang Yan dropped her off, Wen Yifan returned to her shared apartment, only to be ambushed by the man who had previously assaulted her, now released from jail and accompanied by two friends. They cornered her in a dead-end alley, but just in time, Sang Yan arrived. He put her in his car for safety before fighting the men himself. To protect her, he lured them away before returning to drive her from the scene.
They went to the police station, where Sang Yan chided her for running in the opposite direction when he had called out to her during the chase. She explained she was afraid he couldn't handle three men and didn't want to drag him into her troubles. Afterward, concerned about his injuries, Wen Yifan stopped at a pharmacy to buy supplies and insisted on cleaning and dressing his wounds. Though Sang Yan acted tough, he was visibly moved by her care.
Worried for her safety, Sang Yan accompanied Wen Yifan back to her old apartment, which he derisively called a "dump," to help her pack her belongings. He then drove her to her new apartment in Uptown Flower City. At the entrance, she thanked him and offered to buy him dinner, which he declined, stating he would have helped any stranger. Before leaving, Wen Yifan complimented him, noting that even his temporary injuries couldn't diminish his charm.
After she went upstairs, Sang Yan found her old apartment keys on his passenger seat and decided to return to the shared apartment alone. There, he overheard the men celebrating and the released man expressing regret that he hadn't installed hidden cameras to film Wen Yifan. Hearing this, Sang Yan confronted them to determine if they had actually planted any cameras.
Episode 3 Recap
During a sudden power outage at school, students were thrown into chaos. When one student accused Wen Yifan of acting like a ghost, Sang Yan quickly intervened to defend her, telling the accuser that she looked more like a ghost herself. As everyone dispersed, Su Hao'an jokingly asked Sang Yan if Wen Yifan, whom he referred to as "Pretty Face Wen," was his romantic interest. Wen Yifan, overhearing this, did not deny it.
After the power returned, she confirmed to Sang Yan that she heard Su Hao'an's comment, and instead of taking offense, she mused that "romantic interest" seemed like a good word. She then thanked Sang Yan. Late one night, Wen Yifan moved into Wang Linlin's apartment with her pet cat, Dian Dian. Wang Linlin immediately informed Wen Yifan that cats were not allowed due to her cat fur allergy, suggesting Wen Yifan find a friend to keep Dian Dian.
Wang Linlin also warned Wen Yifan against getting involved with Sang Yan, reminding her that he had failed to win her over back then and might just be "playing around" now that Wen Yifan seemed more eager. Wen Yifan acknowledged the warning. The following day, as Wen Yifan's friend Zhong Siqiao came to temporarily take care of Dian Dian, they witnessed Wang Linlin's breakup with Su Hao'an.
Despite his emotional pleas, Wang Linlin was determined to end things, even arranging to return the expensive bags he had bought her. At work, Wen Yifan's colleagues gossiped about Wang Linlin, who was seen exiting a luxury car, fueling rumors that she was about to quit her job for a wealthy partner. Wen Yifan, needing to return the keys to her old group rental, couldn't find them.
She received a WeChat message from Sang Yan, who sent a picture of the keys, indicating he had them. Suspecting Sang Yan might be trying to use this as an excuse to interact, Wen Yifan immediately messaged him to arrange a pickup. To avoid any misunderstandings, Wen Yifan invited two colleagues to accompany her to Sang Yan's restaurant, "Overtime," to retrieve the keys.
She also took the opportunity to offer to treat him to dinner as a thank you, but Sang Yan initially declined. When she insisted on treating him, he finally agreed to dinner the next day, though he listed numerous dietary restrictions, implying he was difficult to please. Suddenly, Sang Yan received an urgent phone call informing him that his house was on fire due to an explosion downstairs, and his apartment was almost entirely burned.
Surprisingly calm, Sang Yan simply asked the caller to dial 911. Seizing the opportunity for a news report, Wen Yifan, a reporter, asked for his address. Her boss then called her about the same fire at Central South Century City, coincidentally Sang Yan's address, and instructed her to go immediately. Wen Yifan and her team rushed to the scene.
She directed her colleagues to interview rescue personnel while she spoke to a resident, learning that a resident on the eighth floor charging an electric bike caused the fire, which then spread to the ninth floor, causing significant damage to a "handsome guy named Sang's" apartment. When a colleague interviewed Sang Yan about his feelings regarding his house being the most severely affected, he remained stoic. Looking directly at the camera, Sang Yan declared, "I'm happy.
I hope you can be as happy as I am." Later, a colleague remarked to Wen Yifan about Sang Yan's surprising calm despite his misfortune. Early the next morning, Wang Linlin returned to the apartment, explaining that her current job was exhausting and underpaid. Her cousin had introduced her to a new job in Gaozikou, which meant she would have to move out. Wen Yifan expressed concern about covering the 7,000-yuan monthly rent alone, as she had just moved in.
Wang Linlin reassured her, offering to forfeit her deposit to cover one month's rent and promising to find a suitable female roommate. Wen Yifan then went to return the keys to her former landlord for the group rental. The landlord angrily blamed Wen Yifan for alerting the police, claiming it scared off all the tenants. Wen Yifan retorted, threatening to do a news report on the rental safety if the landlord continued to accuse her.
Returning to Wang Linlin's apartment, Wen Yifan found the door unlocked. Cautiously entering, she heard movement and immediately exited to call the police, reporting a break-in at Uptown Flower City, Building 7, Apartment 1701. Just then, Sang Yan emerged from inside the apartment. Startled, Wen Yifan realized her mistake and apologized, ending the call. Confused, she asked Sang Yan why he was there, and he responded by asking her the same question, asserting it was his home.
Wen Yifan called Wang Linlin, who was asleep, to ask if she had given the keys to Sang Yan. Wang Linlin confirmed she had, explaining that Sang Yan needed a place after his house fire and her friend Su Hao'an had suggested him as a new roommate, as she was struggling to find a replacement.
Sang Yan, also on the phone with Su Hao'an, chastised him for setting him up to live with Wen Yifan without her knowledge, mentioning it was inappropriate for a man and a woman to live together. Su Hao'an playfully dismissed his concerns. Wen Yifan expressed her dissatisfaction to Wang Linlin for not consulting her, especially after she had specifically requested a female roommate. Wang Linlin, exhausted, asked them to discuss it the next morning.
Wen Yifan suggested Sang Yan stay in a nearby hotel for the night, with her covering the cost, while he looked for other housing. Sang Yan scoffed at the idea of a budget hotel and declined the offer, stating he was too lazy to move his belongings again, and insisted he would only stay for three months until his house was renovated.
He also provocatively mentioned that he wasn't "sentimental" and had moved on from any past feelings, implying Wen Yifan was overthinking his intentions. Wen Yifan, feeling he was mistaken about her being unable to move on, clarified that she was merely concerned about practicality.
Seeing how late it was, Wen Yifan reluctantly agreed to let Sang Yan stay for the night, suggesting they both think about the living arrangement and discuss it further after her work the next day, hopefully before 8 PM. She then offered him the master bedroom. Sang Yan jokingly asked if she said that wrong or revealed her true feelings, but Wen Yifan clarified she meant he could sleep in the master bedroom.
The next morning, Wen Yifan woke up to find Sang Yan gone and the keys left on the table. Later, she met with Wang Linlin to discuss the roommate situation. Wang Linlin still tried to convince Wen Yifan that Sang Yan would be a good roommate, mentioning that he never had a girlfriend in college and primarily hung out with a male friend named Duan Jiaxu.
She argued that a male roommate could offer practical benefits and potentially lead to Wen Yifan finding a partner. However, Wen Yifan, now more assertive, retorted by exposing Wang Linlin's complicated romantic life, implying she was hypocritical for advising her, and firmly reiterated her desire for a female roommate. In a private conversation with a colleague, Wen Yifan admitted she was nervous about having a male roommate but acknowledged Sang Yan's good character and respect towards her.
At 8 PM, Sang Yan arrived at the apartment for their discussion. Wen Yifan noted that he hadn't used the keys and had stayed in a five-star hotel the previous night. She then informed him that she had decided to agree to him moving in, emphasizing her simple requirements for a roommate: good character and mutual non-interference. Sang Yan expressed surprise at her trust, but Wen Yifan stated her concerns were more about practical arrangements.
They discussed the financial details: the apartment was leased under Wang Linlin's name for another six months, with a monthly rent of 7,000 yuan. Wen Yifan proposed Sang Yan pay 4,000 yuan for the master bedroom with a private bathroom, which he found reasonable. They also agreed to split the deposit and contribute to a common fund for utilities and miscellaneous fees.
Wen Yifan then outlined cohabitation rules, stressing the importance of quietness, cleanliness (each person responsible for their own mess), and, particularly, no nudity in common areas. When Sang Yan made a suggestive comment, Wen Yifan ignored it and continued to the final rule: requiring mutual consent before bringing any friends, male or female, home. She asked if he had a girlfriend, explaining that she needed to prevent misunderstandings.
Sang Yan confirmed he had no girlfriend but quickly added that he simply had no interest in dating. Wen Yifan reciprocated, saying she would inform him if she started dating, to which he again responded with disinterest. After their discussion, Wen Yifan gave Sang Yan a tour of the apartment, showing him the kitchen, appliances, and bathrooms. She mentioned that the guest bathroom would be hers since his master bedroom had an en-suite.
To Wen Yifan's surprise, Sang Yan then stated he wanted to take the smaller room, which was originally meant for her, but still pay the 4,000-yuan rent originally allocated for the master bedroom. Wen Yifan was confused, pointing out that her room was smaller, lacked a private bathroom, and had poor lighting, while the master bedroom had a balcony and an en-suite. Sang Yan was adamant, claiming his choice of room was his decision, not the room's quality.
He retorted that even an idiot would choose a better room, subtly implying a different motive for his decision. That night, Wen Yifan lay awake, pondering if Sang Yan had intentionally given her the larger room. In his new, smaller room, Sang Yan was also unable to sleep. Under the cover of darkness, he quietly returned to his fire-damaged house, where he retrieved an old iron box containing a long-forgotten mobile phone.
Episode 4 Recap
In high school, Wen Yifan was often the subject of gossip. Sang Yan secretly followed her during runs, then openly offered to be her pacer, though he jokingly claimed she was pacing him, before pointing out her untied shoelace. Years later, classmates still gossiped, calling her "Wen the Vase," and spreading rumors of a love triangle between her, Sang Yan, and Xiang Lang.
They claimed she only dated Sang Yan because he pursued her, then cheated with the wealthier Xiang Lang. Sang Yan fiercely confronted the ringleader, Zhou Zhiming, forcing him to apologize to Wen Yifan and himself, warning that anyone else spreading such rumors would face the same consequences. He proudly declared that if he were to pursue someone, they would be completely captivated by him. One evening, as Wen Yifan returned home, she found movers bringing in furniture.
Sang Yan, occupied with his phone, sheepishly admitted to adding some items. A worker revealed that a cat tree had been sent by "her boyfriend." Sang Yan quickly explained it was a free add-on from a bundle deal and could be discarded if not needed. Wen Yifan happily settled her cat, Dian Dian, on the new cat tree. Shortly after, Sang Yan transferred 18,000 to her.
When Wen Yifan returned 520, a number often associated with love, Sang Yan immediately questioned it. Mortified, Wen Yifan sent him the expense breakdown, realizing she had miscalculated and overpaid him by 15 yuan. She then awkwardly requested the small amount back via WeChat, wishing she had sent a less suggestive number like 250. Meanwhile, Zhong Siqiao was abruptly woken by her mother's call, who was annoyed she hadn't come home.
Zhong Siqiao found herself in an unfamiliar bed, naked beside a sleeping Su Hao'an. She screamed, startling him awake, then kicked him out of bed, demanding an explanation. Both were utterly bewildered, having blacked out from heavy drinking the previous night. Reviewing the building's surveillance footage, they saw a heartbroken Su Hao'an, recently dumped by his girlfriend, being comforted by Zhong Siqiao, leading to them sharing whiskey.
The footage then showed a very drunk Su Hao'an carrying a similarly inebriated Zhong Siqiao into his apartment, making it appear entirely mutual. The security guard confirmed the cameras only covered up to the door. After an awkward breakfast, they agreed to treat the night as a mutual misunderstanding and never speak of it again.
While at work, Zhong Siqiao called Wen Yifan to announce that their old friend, Xiang Lang, had returned from abroad and was looking for a place to rent. She even playfully suggested Wen Yifan and Xiang Lang become roommates. Sang Yan, who was nearby, listened intently. Wen Yifan, however, informed Zhong Siqiao that she already had a roommate. The three friends agreed to meet up on Thursday for a reunion.
Wen Yifan later explained to Sang Yan that Xiang Lang was a childhood friend from kindergarten and high school, asking if he remembered him, but Sang Yan claimed he had no recollection. Sang Yan then proposed that their reunion take place at his gastropub, Overtime, hinting that his business needed a boost. Wen Yifan teasingly asked if he was so desperate he had to personally solicit customers.
Sang Yan offered a "roommate discount," which turned out to be a mere 1%. Wen Yifan found this incredibly stingy. She further critiqued the gastropub, remarking that it was hard to find the sign and the decor resembled a barbershop rather than a restaurant. Sang Yan reminded her that she had once referred to him as "The Headliner," a term she used when first visiting. He acknowledged her feedback but declared he wouldn't change anything.
Later, on a group chat, Zhong Siqiao informed Xiang Lang about Wen Yifan's choice of venue and the meager discount, both finding it amusing but agreeing to go for Wen Yifan. At Nanwu TV, Wen Yifan was editing footage when a colleague, Mr. Zhang, brought her coffee and snacks, then put his hand on her shoulder. Startled, Wen Yifan knocked over the coffee and rushed out of the editing room.
She heard colleagues gossiping about her, suggesting she was in trouble and reiterating old rumors from her previous job at Yihe Daily. They claimed she was blacklisted after the editor-in-chief's wife publicly confronted her, accusing her of flirting with her husband through late-night messages. Wen Yifan recalled trying to show the wife her phone to prove her innocence, but the woman refused to listen, screaming that it "takes two to tango."
Wen Yifan felt frustrated, lamenting how victims are often blamed while the perpetrators escape scrutiny. She had learned that rumors, like wounds, would eventually stop hurting if ignored, as people only believe what they want to believe. Later, returning from an interview, Wen Yifan unexpectedly encountered her half-sister. Her sister asked why she was back in Nanwu, and Wen Yifan explained she had moved back.
Her sister quickly clarified that Wen Yifan wouldn't be staying at her family home and suggested they pretend they hadn't met. Wen Yifan expressed her hurt, stating she never said her sister couldn't come home. Her sister apologized for past actions, admitting she was young when she forced Wen Yifan out of their home. Wen Yifan dismissed it, stating she had no desire to rehash old conflicts or catch up.
As it began to snow, Wen Yifan refused her sister's offer to exchange contact information, emphasizing that all her decisions, including her return to Nanwu and not staying at her sister's home, were solely for herself. The falling snow brought back memories of her father, who had given her the nickname "A Jiang" (阿降) because she was born on the day of "Frost's Descent" (霜降), explaining the meaning of the solar term and promising to always keep her warm.
Back home, Sang Yan confronted Wen Yifan, citing his strong safety awareness and inability to sleep if the door wasn't locked. He requested that she inform him if she were to return after 10 PM as a matter of mutual respect, to which she agreed. As Wen Yifan headed to her room, she was surprised to find Duan Jiaxu, Sang Yan's friend, emerging from the bathroom wrapped only in a towel.
Sang Yan introduced them, and Wen Yifan remembered Su Hao'an mentioning that Sang Yan had spent his entire university life hanging out with "campus heartthrob" Duan Jiaxu instead of dating. Wen Yifan reiterated the co-rental rule about notifying each other before bringing guests home. Sang Yan apologized for his oversight, and Wen Yifan, acknowledging it was early in their cohabitation, excused his mistake and left them to catch up.
On the day of the gathering, Zhong Siqiao called Wen Yifan to say she and Xiang Lang were waiting downstairs. Wen Yifan, still drying clothes, promised to be quick. When Wen Yifan informed Sang Yan she was leaving, he quickly changed his clothes and joined her in the elevator. Outside, Su Hao'an was waiting for Sang Yan. Zhong Siqiao greeted Wen Yifan and Xiang Lang with a big hug, emphasizing their "Nanwu Trio" reunion.
Su Hao'an mistook Xiang Lang for Wen Yifan's boyfriend. Sang Yan then declared he couldn't be bothered to drive his own car and insisted on joining them in Xiang Lang's car, despite Xiang Lang's subtle reluctance. Xiang Lang offered Wen Yifan the front passenger seat to help with navigation, but Sang Yan, claiming his legs were too long for the back, swiftly took the spot, adjusting the rearview mirror to observe Wen Yifan in the back.
During the ride, Su Hao'an directly asked Xiang Lang about the old high school rumor of a love triangle involving him, Sang Yan, and Wen Yifan. Xiang Lang firmly denied it, dismissing it as baseless gossip. Xiang Lang then asked Sang Yan if he had known in advance that Wen Yifan would be his roommate. Sang Yan confirmed that he had known, which was precisely why he decided to move in.
Episode 5 Recap
During the winter break of their second year of high school, a teacher urged students to focus on their studies. After class, Wen Yifan playfully admired a music box she received from Sang Yan. As she spun around, she noticed Sang Yan quietly following her. When confronted, Sang Yan offered to walk her home, claiming it was on his way as he planned to take the bus in the same direction.
He playfully suggested she look for him on the bus next time so she wouldn't miss the chance to go to school with him. In another high school memory, Sang Yan consistently woke up early to catch the same bus as Wen Yifan, even reserving a seat for her. When she chose to stand, citing leg cramps from sitting too long, he would stand beside her.
In the present, at a gathering at Overtime, Xiang Lang thoughtfully prepared a dipping sauce for Wen Yifan, remembering her dislike for cilantro and garlic. Zhong Siqiao, Xiang Lang, and Wen Yifan, who they affectionately called "Dian," reminisced about their kindergarten days. Zhong Siqiao explained the nickname originated because Wen Yifan used to write the character "Yi" in her name as four dots.
Their friends then joked that her full name effectively became "Wen Dian Dian Dian Dian Fan," or even "Wen Dian Dian Dian Dian Dian," since the character "Fan" also contained a dot. Sang Yan remained visibly displeased throughout the meal. Later, as they settled into a private room at Overtime, Zhong Siqiao expressed concern about Wen Yifan's living situation with Sang Yan, noting his sullen demeanor during dinner.
She suggested Wen Yifan swap places with Xiang Lang so he could live with Sang Yan, but Wen Yifan dismissed the idea as too much trouble. Su Hao'an then introduced the bar's new, comically named drinks, such as "Allergic to Work" and "Reject False Promises," attributing the clever titles to himself. The group decided to play Truth or Dare. Su Hao'an lost the first round and chose dare, which required him to kiss someone present.
Despite Sang Yan's strong resistance, Su Hao'an quickly kissed him, then boasted about his bravery, mentioning that Sang Yan had even kissed Duan Jiaxu during college games. Su Hao'an confirmed that he, Sang Yan, and Duan Jiaxu were all from Nanwu University's Computer Science department, sharing the same major, class, and dorm. Next, Wen Yifan lost and chose truth, which asked her to state one positive trait for each man present.
She described Su Hao'an as "rich" and praised Xiang Lang for being "smart, handsome, and considerate." When it came to Sang Yan, she hesitated before settling on "calm, quiet, confident. . . too confident," which visibly annoyed him. Xiang Lang subsequently lost and chose truth, revealing his biggest regret: not attending Yihe University with Wen Yifan as they had planned, instead opting to study abroad.
This revelation deeply affected Sang Yan, who recalled Wen Yifan telling him years ago that she was going to Yihe because she had "made plans with someone else." This triggered a painful memory for Sang Yan of the rainy night they broke up. He had excitedly told Wen Yifan he was accepted into Nanwu University for Computer Science, assuming she would join him given her superior grades. To his shock, Wen Yifan revealed she had applied to Yihe University instead.
She explained that she had "made plans with someone else" and further confessed her intense dislike for him always coming to find her in Beiyu, expressing frustration at having to meet him every time. She explicitly stated that Nanwu was too close to Beiyu, so she chose a more distant university like Yihe to get away from him, hoping he would no longer seek her out.
Back in the present, after the gathering, Xiang Lang and Zhong Siqiao learned that Sang Yan had paid the entire bill. Zhong Siqiao joked about him being stingy for only getting a 1% discount. Wen Yifan received an urgent call from her boss, Ms. Qian, requiring her to return home to finish an article. Xiang Lang offered her a ride.
During the drive, Xiang Lang urged Wen Yifan not to bottle up her feelings and to share any difficulties with him immediately. Wen Yifan agreed. Left alone, Su Hao'an questioned Zhong Siqiao about why Wen Yifan had not attended Nanwu University despite her excellent academic record. Zhong Siqiao admitted she didn't know the full reason, speculating that Wen Yifan might have wanted distance from everyone. Su Hao'an expressed his dislike for change in relationships and his desire for everlasting love.
Later, Su Hao'an confronted Sang Yan, accusing him of still having feelings for Wen Yifan and orchestrating the co-living arrangement. Sang Yan adamantly denied it, tossing ice at him and maintaining they were "just roommates." Su Hao'an pressed on, highlighting Sang Yan's evident jealousy towards Xiang Lang and recalling a similar "awful state" Sang Yan was in on the day of their college entrance exam results.
In the car, Xiang Lang observed Wen Yifan's detached demeanor, noting her vague responses about her life in Nanwu, often just saying "pretty good" or "boring." He remarked that she never truly shared her personal experiences in their group chat and avoided discussing her decision to switch to Yihe University, asking if she didn't feel any regret.
Sang Yan continued his pattern of not returning home for several nights, sending Wen Yifan a message each night to inform her and remind her to lock the door. Wen Yifan consistently replied "Okay." She felt a growing concern but didn't know how to approach him. Wen Yifan's mother visited her at work, trying to persuade her to celebrate New Year's Eve at home, mentioning that Zheng Kejia, Wen Yifan's half-sister, also wanted her there. Wen Yifan remained noncommittal.
Her mother apologized for past shortcomings, but Wen Yifan, seemingly unfazed, said she no longer blamed her. She gently urged her mother to go home because of the cold, leaving the invitation unanswered. Zhong Siqiao called Wen Yifan, asking if she and Sang Yan had argued since he was staying at Overtime. Wen Yifan denied any conflict, describing their cohabitation as living "like two strangers under one roof" with very little communication.
Unbeknownst to Wen Yifan, Sang Yan overheard this phone conversation from another room at Overtime. Later, Su Hao'an walked Zhong Siqiao home, where they were unexpectedly spotted by Zhong Siqiao's family, leading to an awkward encounter and questions about Su Hao'an being her boyfriend. Meanwhile, Wen Yifan's colleague showed her a viral video of Sang Yan, created from a news interview. The video, which humorously depicted him, had made him a trending topic online, affectionately nicknamed "Handsome and Miserable."
Wen Yifan was startled when Sang Yan unexpectedly appeared at their shared apartment while she was watching the video. Sang Yan had returned and stocked the refrigerator. He pretended to be indifferent, asking Wen Yifan to help clear out the expiring food because he disliked waste. Feeling guilty, Wen Yifan offered to pay for a coffee of his she had consumed. Sang Yan dismissed it, claiming it was expired, and didn't respond to her offer directly.
Later, after she messaged him again, he replied with "20" and "You owe me." This interaction, combined with his recent absence, underscored his distress at overhearing Wen Yifan's comment about them being "strangers under one roof" with minimal communication.
Episode 6 Recap
One day in high school, Wen Yifan was urgently informed by her teacher that her mother had called, asking her to go to the hospital because something had happened to her father. Wen Yifan rushed out, trying to call her mother but getting no answer. Sang Yan, seeing her distress, followed her out. He chased after her bus for a while before managing to board it.
When they arrived at the hospital, Wen Yifan hesitated at the door of her father's room, scared to go in. Sang Yan reassured her, promising to always be by her side, no matter what happened. Years later, as the New Year approached, Ms. Qian at the TV station was facing the difficult task of assigning staff for holiday duty.
She called out several names, but everyone had an excuse: Su Tian had forgotten her prior arrangements, Zhen Yu was planning a trip to Hainan, Fu Zhuang had not returned home for two years, and Wu Mian had a blind date arranged by his mother.
Just then, Wen Yifan received a message from Sang Yan, who said he wouldn't be returning to their apartment until the eighth day of the Spring Festival because his family home was too crowded with relatives. He also asked her to help finish the food in the refrigerator. Seeing this, Wen Yifan volunteered to stay on duty, stating she had nothing else to do. Ms. Qian praised her sense of responsibility.
Meanwhile, Su Hao'an was frantically sending orders to Zhong Siqiao's platform, trying to get her to pretend to be his girlfriend for a visit to his grandparents. Zhong Siqiao initially refused, asserting that her platform strictly prohibited such services and that it would be awkward, especially with him. She also worried her account would be flagged for "malicious order brushing." Su Hao'an, desperate, pleaded with her to help him as a friend.
Eventually, Zhong Siqiao reluctantly agreed but set a firm boundary: she would help as a friend but would not engage in any girlfriend-like behavior. Su Hao'an agreed to her terms. On New Year's Eve, after her shift, Wen Yifan bought a gift for Uncle Zhang, the TV station guard. She noticed his wife and daughter had come from their hometown to join him, creating a warm family scene that made her feel a pang of envy.
Back at her lonely apartment, she video-called Zhong Siqiao, who was celebrating with her large, boisterous family. Zhong Siqiao asked if Wen Yifan had eaten dumplings, reminding her it was a New Year's tradition. Wen Yifan admitted she hadn't and had even forgotten to buy any. With only her dog, Dian, for company, she felt the profound silence of her apartment. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. It was Sang Yan.
Wen Yifan was surprised, reminding him he had said he wouldn't be back until the eighth day of the Spring Festival. Sang Yan simply reiterated that there were too many relatives at his home and not enough rooms. He walked straight to the kitchen, claiming he had cooked too many noodles and needed her help to eat them. As Wen Yifan helped put away ingredients, she suggested adding some dumplings, reminding him it was New Year's Eve. He agreed.
She was surprised by his cooking skills and found his noodles "pretty tasty," playfully teasing him about being unable to cook a single portion. When Sang Yan just watched her eat, she gently reminded him that a reunion dinner should be eaten together, prompting him to join her. He even gave the noodles a long, auspicious name.
Thanks to Sang Yan's unexpected arrival, Wen Yifan finally had dumplings and felt a sense of reunion warmth, realizing this was their first dinner together alone since they had reunited. Later, they sat on the sofa watching the Spring Festival Gala, leaving a wide space between them for Dian. During the broadcast, Wen Yifan's mother video-called, showing off her new family, and her step-sister Jia greeted Wen Yifan.
The call made Wen Yifan feel distant, and her internal monologue revealed that for many years, the meaning of the Spring Festival had been lost to her. After the call, she asked Sang Yan why he hadn't called his parents. He replied dismissively that they didn't care much about him. His mind then drifted to Wen Yifan's difficult high school years. After her father's death, her mother and aunt discussed where she would live.
Her mother promised to pick her up once she was settled, but Wen Yifan was first sent to live with her aging grandmother. Tragically, her grandmother passed away soon after, and Wen Yifan ended up living with her aunt and uncle, where she was not welcomed. She vividly recalled her aunt arguing that she should not eat at their family table.
On another occasion, while out shopping, Wen Yifan realized she had lost the twenty yuan her aunt had given her. Terrified she would be sent away again, she sat crying until Sang Yan appeared and asked to borrow twenty yuan. Sang Yan, after momentarily disappearing to get cash, returned and handed her the money.
He gently told her not to be so upset over such a small amount and promised to lend her any amount she needed if she ever lost money again. Wen Yifan eventually dozed off during the gala. She woke up and apologized, then wished Sang Yan a Happy New Year before heading to bed. Sang Yan returned the greeting. On New Year's Day morning, Zhong Siqiao and Xiang Lang arrived to wish Wen Yifan a Happy New Year.
Zhong Siqiao tried to enter Sang Yan's room, but Wen Yifan quickly stopped her, reminding her of their co-living agreement to inform each other before bringing guests home. When Xiang Lang needed to use the bathroom, Wen Yifan suggested her room, but he insisted on using Sang Yan's, thinking it would be fine between men. Wen Yifan warned him that Sang Yan would mind.
At that moment, Sang Yan called Wen Yifan, telling her he had bought too much porridge that morning and left it in the rice cooker for her. He overheard the commotion and a male voice from her apartment. Wen Yifan quickly explained that Zhong Siqiao and Xiang Lang were visiting. Sang Yan ended the call, saying it was too noisy and they would talk later.
Sensing Sang Yan's displeasure, Wen Yifan's friends teased her about being afraid of him, though she denied it. To avoid Sang Yan, they decided to go out for the day, jokingly calling it "running for our lives" from "that big monster." They drove to a scenic spot, where Zhong Siqiao received a call from Su Hao'an, asking her to meet him at their bar, "Overtime," for a "rehearsal" of their fake girlfriend plan. She agreed and left.
As it was cold, Xiang Lang draped his coat over Wen Yifan before he dropped Zhong Siqiao off and drove Wen Yifan home. On the way back, Wen Yifan suddenly remembered Sang Yan's porridge. When she arrived, she found Sang Yan already back and casually drinking coffee. She apologized for forgetting to eat the porridge, but Sang Yan retorted, questioning her assumption that the porridge was specially for her.
He then reminded her of their agreement about not bringing guests home without prior notice. Wen Yifan apologized again and promised to inform him next time. Sang Yan, however, suggested a "punishment" by "exchange": he would also bring someone home for dinner the next day. Surprised, Wen Yifan asked if he had a girlfriend, explaining it would be helpful for his girlfriend to understand their co-living arrangement.
Sang Yan stated he didn't have a girlfriend and wasn't interested in having one. They agreed to communicate if either of them started a relationship during their co-living. Wen Yifan was left wondering who Sang Yan planned to bring home. A flashback revealed that Sang Yan had abruptly left his own family's New Year's meal.
Despite his father urging him to stay and his sister asking if he was meeting Jiaxu, Sang Yan had insisted on leaving to meet a "friend"—which led to his unexpected arrival at the apartment with the excuse that his family home was too crowded.
Episode 7 Recap
In high school, a teacher called Wen Yifan's aunt and uncle, and Sang Yan's parents, to address an alleged "early romance" after Sang Yan was involved in a fight defending Wen Yifan. Wen Yifan vehemently denied any relationship, while Sang Yan openly declared that his feelings for her were one-sided. The teacher urged Sang Yan to redirect his passion towards his studies, advising him to wait until university to pursue relationships, a sentiment echoed by Sang Yan's mother.
Sang Yan's father, however, complimented his son's good taste. Wen Yifan's Aunt harshly reprimanded her, accusing her of seducing boys at a young age and insisting on prioritizing her studies. After the meeting, the Aunt ordered Wen Yifan to pack her belongings, announcing their plan to relocate to Beiyu to live in the aunt's brother's house, effectively compelling Wen Yifan to sever all ties with Sang Yan.
On the twenty-third day of their official cohabitation, Sang Yan messaged Wen Yifan, asking her to pick up a pizza on her way home and to choose her favorite flavor. Wen Yifan, surprised by the request for pizza during the New Year, wondered if it was for Sang Yan’s girlfriend. After a lengthy wait at the pizza parlor, she returned to find a young girl there, who Sang Yan introduced as his sister, Sang Zhi.
Sang Zhi, who goes by the nickname Zhizhi, quickly recognized Wen Yifan as her brother's high school classmate. Zhizhi, noting Wen Yifan's beauty and her brother's "ugliness," jokingly concluded they must be ordinary roommates. Zhizhi confessed that her mother wouldn't let her eat pizza at home, and that her brother hadn't returned home for the New Year because their parents were upset, not due to numerous relatives as Sang Yan had claimed.
Wen Yifan then recalled an incident from years ago when a young Zhizhi had gotten "lost." Zhizhi admitted that she hadn't actually been lost; Sang Yan had coached her to pretend so he could "find" Wen Yifan after class, and then lead her to an overpass. There, Sang Yan feigned a "coincidental" meeting, inviting Wen Yifan and his "lost" sister for ice cream. Zhizhi playfully revealed she only went along with the ruse because Sang Yan promised her candy.
Wen Yifan was amused, realizing the elaborate lengths Sang Yan had gone to just to spend time with her. As Sang Yan excused himself to go to work, he told Wen Yifan and Zhizhi to help themselves to any food in the cabinets or fridge, noting most of it was his. Sang Yan prepared hotpot for dinner and asked Zhizhi to invite Wen Yifan, but Zhizhi insisted he do it himself.
When he refused, Zhizhi went to Wen Yifan's room and earnestly requested her to join, explaining that she and her brother could never enjoy a meal alone. Wen Yifan, touched by Zhizhi's plea, agreed. At the table, Wen Yifan thanked Sang Zhi, who then asked her to use her nickname, Zhizhi, which Wen Yifan found cute, leading to a playful spat between the siblings. The conversation turned to university choices.
Zhizhi was torn between Nanwu University and Yihe University, both of which Wen Yifan said were good. Wen Yifan, revealing she graduated from Yihe University with a major in Network and New Media, offered insights. Zhizhi then pointed out that Nanwu University had a better program for that major, asking why Wen Yifan chose Yihe.
When Sang Yan, visibly intrigued, pressed for an answer, Wen Yifan vaguely explained that she had misjudged the cut-off scores and was thus assigned to Yihe University. Frustrated by her evasiveness, Sang Yan abruptly declared he was full and left the table. After Sang Yan's departure, Zhizhi asked Wen Yifan if she had ever dated her brother, mentioning their parents had alluded to his high school "early romance."
Sang Yan, overhearing this, quickly intervened, insisting Zhizhi leave for home immediately, claiming their parents would be home soon. On the way home, Zhizhi criticized Sang Yan's poor attitude towards Wen Yifan, reminding him that since his looks weren't an "advantage," he should be more diligent, gentle, and considerate, like Jiaxu.
She also revealed that Sang Yan had quit his previous job besides running his bar, asking if Wen Yifan also thought he was idle, noting Wen Yifan had inquired about his work earlier. Sang Yan dropped Zhizhi off a short distance from her home, telling her to walk the rest of the way and to transfer him the fare. Zhizhi teased him, saying she knew he had other plans. Sang Yan returned to the shared apartment.
Wen Yifan was on the balcony, watching fireworks being set off nearby. She mentioned that she loved fireworks as a child, and asked if his family set them off, to which he replied, "Not often." He then asked if she was hungry since she hadn't eaten much, offering to cook noodles, teasing her about whether he'd cook a whole package again.
Later, Sang Yan was outside lighting fireworks, and when he saw Wen Yifan, he called out, saying he bought too many and asking for her help. Wen Yifan joined him and a group of children, taking turns lighting fireworks. When an older man complained about the noise and the late hour, the children decided to leave, but Wen Yifan offered to buy the remaining fireworks from them at double the price.
Su Hao'an drove Zhong Siqiao to meet his grandparents, providing her with detailed instructions to "eat more, talk less" as his grandparents were not ordinary people; his grandmother was a well-known figure in Hong Kong's banking industry and set all the family rules. Before entering the house, Zhong Siqiao changed into a more formal outfit. Su Hao'an repeatedly coached her to remember her fake identity as Wang Linlin, his actual girlfriend.
Zhong Siqiao confidently recited Wang Linlin's personal details, including her height, weight, university, hometown (Hunan), how she and Su Hao'an met, and even their two breakups. Su Hao'an was surprised by her thorough preparation, which Zhong Siqiao admitted came from studying his Weibo posts and Wang Linlin's WeChat Moments through a mutual friend, Dian. At the family dinner, Su Hao'an's grandmother invited Zhong Siqiao to sit beside her, while pointedly directing her own husband, the grandfather, to sit further away.
When Su Hao'an stumbled during the introduction and accidentally called her "Zhong Siqiao," she quickly improvised, claiming her name was Wang Linlin and that "Zhongsiqiao" referred to the bridge near where she lived. However, the grandmother, ever astute, later questioned the existence of a "Zhongsiqiao Bridge" in Nanwu. During dinner, the grandfather, believing "Wang Linlin" was from Hunan, added extra chili to his specialty Kung Pao Shrimp.
Zhong Siqiao, unable to tolerate spicy food, coughed and had to drink water, further raising the grandmother's suspicions. After the meal, while Zhong Siqiao helped the grandmother wash the car and installed a massage chair, the grandmother confronted her directly. She revealed she had looked up "Zhongsiqiao Bridge" and found no such place.
Zhong Siqiao, impressed by the grandmother's shrewdness, admitted her true identity and explained that Su Hao'an had asked her to impersonate his girlfriend, Wang Linlin (with whom he had already broken up), simply to persuade his grandmother to return home for the New Year. The grandmother, understanding her grandson's intentions, forgave them. Intrigued by Zhong Siqiao's diverse skills, from car washing and installations to assisting the elderly, she asked about her profession.
Zhong Siqiao explained she offered various services through an app, from odd jobs to companionship for seniors, and offered her services to the grandmother, who promised a good review from her grandson. At work, the gatekeeper, Uncle Zhang, handed Wen Yifan a red envelope, explaining that her mother had personally delivered it that morning. Hearing her colleagues discuss eating sweet dumplings, Wen Yifan realized it was the Lantern Festival.
A voicemail from her mother further explained the personal delivery, expressing a desire to see her. This prompted Wen Yifan to remember a poignant New Year's past, when her ailing father, even from his hospital bed, had given her a red envelope, instructing her to always ensure her mother's happiness. Moved, Wen Yifan called her mother, thanking her for the red envelope.
Her mother was overjoyed to hear from her and, speaking excitedly, offered to cook Wen Yifan's favorite dishes if she came to visit. Wen Yifan proposed visiting that weekend, but her mother eagerly insisted she come directly after work that day, to which Wen Yifan agreed. Arriving at her mother's home with gifts, Wen Yifan was warmly greeted by her mother, who was overly excited and concerned about her well-being, noting her thinness and offering to cook for her.
Wen Yifan declined, citing her roommate situation as inconvenient. Her mother then presented her with sweet dumplings, specially made for the Lantern Festival, a dish Wen Yifan loved as a child, expressing joy at their reunion. Wen Yifan inquired about her stepfather and stepsister, learning they were away. Soon after, a young boy, Zheng Kexin, ran downstairs, calling Wen Yifan's mother "Mom."
Her mother awkwardly introduced Xin as her and her husband's son, and Wen Yifan's half-brother, a revelation that deeply surprised Wen Yifan, who also noted that this was never mentioned to her. Just then, Wen Yifan's Aunt, a person she disliked, descended the stairs. The Aunt immediately began recounting her past care for Wen Yifan and demanded financial assistance for her son Wen Ming's wedding apartment, implying that Wen Yifan, as a single girl, had few expenses.
Wen Yifan, enraged, sarcastically suggested introducing Wen Ming to a wealthy, older businesswoman to solve the housing problem, which further provoked her Aunt. When her Aunt angrily accused her of being ungrateful, Wen Yifan declared that this would be her last visit, stating she never wanted to see any of them again. She explained that her presence was solely out of respect for her deceased father's dying wish for her to care for her mother. Xin, hearing this, innocently interjected that his dad was not dead, to which his mother clarified that Wen Yifan's father was not his father.
Episode 8 Recap
Wen Yifan’s mother, arriving in a BMW, confronted her at the school gate, urging her to abandon her dream of dancing. She explained that dance lessons were far too expensive, a luxury she couldn't afford, especially when compared to Zheng Kejia, who needed art studies to even qualify for college.
Wen Yifan offered to practice on her own to save money, but her mother dismissed the idea, questioning where she would practice—in her aunt's living room or a costly rented studio. She added that Uncle Zheng’s new clinic was losing money, making their financial situation tight. Wen Yifan quietly accepted her mother’s words, a deep disappointment settling over her. Sang Yan, witnessing the disheartening conversation, felt a pang of concern for Wen Yifan.
Determined to lift her spirits, he took her to an abandoned elementary school. Wen Yifan, initially confused, jokingly asked if they were there to climb stairs. Sang Yan led her to the rooftop, revealing a secluded spot he had prepared for her to dance, complete with lights and music. He told her that since she had nowhere else to practice, they could make do with this space.
Seeing Wen Yifan joyfully express herself through dance, Sang Yan felt a quiet happiness, assuring her that she could tell him if anything about the setup wasn't to her liking. Later that night, Wen Yifan was jolted awake from a terrifying dream. In her dream, her aunt and uncle burst into her room, claiming her mother had sold her to them. She struggled and fled into a vast, dark, and cold forest.
As she walked endlessly, searching for an exit, she suddenly remembered seeing the sun on her way in. Turning back, she eventually found the sun, hugged it, and finally escaped the oppressive dream. Moments after waking, Wen Yifan entered Sang Yan’s room just as he finished his shower. He playfully asked if she couldn't sleep and had come to see a handsome man fresh from the shower.
Without a word, Wen Yifan quietly hugged him, resting her head on his chest. Sang Yan, startled, stood motionless, a mix of panic and excitement coursing through him. After a long embrace, he gently asked how much longer she intended to hold him. Wen Yifan then released him and silently retreated to her own room, leaving Sang Yan bewildered and sleepless for the rest of the night. The next morning, Sang Yan messaged Wen Yifan, demanding an explanation.
Wen Yifan, having forgotten the incident, was utterly confused. Later, seeing Sang Yan looking agitated, she tentatively asked if something was amiss. Sang Yan directly confronted her, asking what she meant by pretending nothing had happened. Wen Yifan, misinterpreting his anger, thought he was upset because she hadn't stayed to watch all the fireworks with him. She apologized for ruining his mood, explaining that she had been genuinely tired.
Sang Yan cryptically responded that while it wasn't a major issue, he expected a proper explanation if she were to behave so ambiguously again. Wen Yifan inwardly dismissed him as petty but promised to provide an explanation in the future, leaving Sang Yan even more perplexed by her apparent refusal to take responsibility. At work, Wen Yifan recounted her strange dream to a colleague.
She described wandering into a vast forest and searching for an exit as the sky turned dark and cold. She then remembered seeing the sun on her journey in, decided to turn back to find it for warmth, and miraculously located it. Her colleague expressed confusion, questioning how she could find the sun when it was already dark.
Wen Yifan clarified it was just a dream, adding that she found her way out after seeing the sun and even remembered hugging it. Meanwhile, a senior colleague assigned an urgent task: a follow-up report on a recent incident at Central South Century City. The subject of the report was gaining significant media attention, and since he was Wen Yifan's high school classmate, her colleague was instructed to ask for her help.
To prevent awkwardness, Wen Yifan offered to make the initial contact herself. Later that day, Zhong Siqiao arrived at a high-end restaurant to meet Xiang Lang. When the waiter suggested a couple's set menu, Zhong Siqiao enthusiastically accepted, much to Xiang Lang's visible discomfort. She then showed him a bracelet he had given her years ago, asking if he had ever harbored any romantic feelings for her.
Xiang Lang, embarrassed, apologized and explained that he had always viewed her as a close friend. Zhong Siqiao, though disappointed, courageously asked if he might consider her a potential romantic partner. Just then, Wen Yifan arrived, revealing that the dinner was for three. In front of Wen Yifan, Xiang Lang clarified that the bracelet was originally intended for Wen Yifan, and he had asked Zhong Siqiao to pass it on to her.
Overwhelmed by embarrassment, Zhong Siqiao removed the bracelet, apologized for the misunderstanding, and quickly excused herself. Later, Wen Yifan gently declined Xiang Lang’s romantic advances, explaining that her feelings for him were purely platonic. That evening, Sang Yan tried to address Wen Yifan's hug by pretending to be on a phone call in front of her.
He described a hypothetical situation where a "friend" was hugged by a girl who then acted as if nothing had happened, asking Wen Yifan—who was listening—what such irresponsible behavior signified and jokingly suggesting it might warrant a police report. Wen Yifan, taking his story at face value, mused that a hug wasn't that serious and its meaning depended on the relationship.
She speculated that perhaps the girl was simply seeking comfort and the hug held no deeper meaning, or that his "friend" might be misinterpreting the situation and "imagining things." Wen Yifan's analysis left Sang Yan seething. Shortly after, Duan Jiaxu called him for real, mentioning that Su Haoan had gossiped in a group chat about Sang Yan's multiple trips to Yihe and pressing him for his true purpose, further inflaming Sang Yan's frustration.
After clearing the air with Xiang Lang, Wen Yifan joined Zhong Siqiao for drinks. During a heartfelt conversation, Zhong Siqiao asked Wen Yifan if she had ever liked Sang Yan. Wen Yifan quietly assented. When Zhong Siqiao probed about why they never got together, Wen Yifan explained that she perceived herself as emotionally detached and prone to avoidance.
She felt that someone as vibrant as Sang Yan deserved a passionate and unwavering love, a kind of affection she believed she was incapable of offering. To solidify their renewed friendship, they later bought matching Lily of the Valley collection bracelets, vowing to remain best friends and prioritize their bond over any romantic entanglements.
Episode 9 Recap
While Sang Yan was visiting Wen Yifan in Beiyu, she received a call from her Aunt. Seeing the persistent rain outside, Wen Yifan suggested they go watch a movie, explaining that she didn't want Sang Yan to only remember her studying during his visits. She opted for a horror film, "Waking Up to Ghosts," believing that such movies were better for forgetting things. Sang Yan, however, was visibly scared throughout the film, barely touching his popcorn or water.
Later, while walking down the street, Wen Yifan was startled by an exhibitionist. Fortunately, a young man named Mu Chengyun intervened by covering the man with his jacket. At the police station, Mu Chengyun explained that he was a university drama student performing Edward Albee's "The Zoo Story" and was experiencing life as a homeless man for his role. Wen Yifan's colleague from Nanwu TV, the reporter Su Tian, arrived to interview Mu Chengyun about his heroic act.
Wen Yifan found Mu Chengyun vaguely familiar, and before leaving, he signed an autograph for her, remarking that he hadn't acted in a long time and was surprised someone still remembered him. Afterwards, Su Tian asked Wen Yifan if she still needed a roommate, mentioning a friend who was not in a hurry and could wait for Sang Yan to move out. Wen Yifan said she would discuss it with him.
Sang Yan called Wen Yifan shortly after, asking her to meet him at the supermarket near their neighborhood, claiming he couldn't carry all the groceries himself. While waiting outside, Wen Yifan looked up Mu Chengyun on her phone, trying to place why his name felt familiar. Sang Yan then approached her, glanced at her phone, and teasingly asked if she "liked this type." Inside, they each took a shopping cart.
Wen Yifan asked Sang Yan about the progress of his apartment's renovation and when he planned to move out, reiterating that her colleague had a friend who needed a roommate but wasn't in a rush. Hearing this, Sang Yan abruptly abandoned his own cart, joined Wen Yifan, and took her cart. He then added several items to the cart that Wen Yifan had previously picked up and then put back due to their price.
At checkout, a seller mistakenly called Wen Yifan Sang Yan's wife when offering him cherries, a comment Sang Yan did not correct, though Wen Yifan tried to clarify their relationship. Despite Wen Yifan meticulously separating their items, Sang Yan insisted on paying for everything together, only allowing her to carry a small pack of toilet paper while he handled the rest. Outside, the rain hadn't stopped, and Wen Yifan realized she had left her umbrella in the shopping cart.
Sang Yan went back inside to retrieve it. In his absence, Mu Chengyun appeared with an umbrella, offering to walk Wen Yifan home. Just then, Sang Yan returned, assertively pushing Mu Chengyun's umbrella aside with his own and telling him his help wasn't needed. Wen Yifan playfully asked if Sang Yan was jealous, a claim he denied.
As they walked home, Sang Yan complained about Wen Yifan's height making it difficult for her to hold the umbrella without blocking his view. He then asked who the "little brat" was and cautioned her against people who pretend to be familiar. Back at the apartment, Wen Yifan noticed Sang Yan's clothes were wet and immediately got him some cold medicine, chiding him for acting tough. She calculated their shared expenses and transferred her portion to him.
Sang Yan, looking for a distraction, asked a friend for horror movie recommendations to help him sleep. Wen Yifan soon discovered that Mu Chengyun was the young actor in "Waking Up to Ghosts." They re-watched the movie together. Sang Yan, still easily scared, closed his eyes at intense moments, prompting Wen Yifan to turn off the lights for a more immersive experience, remarking that scared people often do this to create atmosphere.
The notification sound of Wen Yifan's money transfer startled Sang Yan so much he nearly dropped his phone. Wen Yifan commented on how easily he was scared and joked about the movie being low-budget. She then asked if he remembered watching it together in Beiyu. Sang Yan admitted he only remembered watching a movie with her, not the specific film, implying his attention was solely on her.
Wen Yifan paused a scary scene and compared it to Mu Chengyun's photo, confirming he was indeed the boy in the movie. Sang Yan teased her for recognizing him despite the heavy makeup. When Sang Yan tried to retreat to his room, Wen Yifan questioned if he was scared, which he denied. She then sat closer to him, stating she knew he was afraid and suggesting his nap in Beiyu during the film was due to fear.
Sang Yan conceded he might get scared later, and Wen Yifan reassured him by saying, "It's fine, I'm here." The next morning, Wen Yifan saw Sang Yan dressed in a suit. He explained he had a job interview, claiming many companies were vying for him and he was just "picking one that I like." He also mentioned that his "overtime" work was just a side job.
During his interview at Su Hao'an's company, Sang Yan impressed the interviewers with his unique insights into game design, particularly advocating for subtraction formulas in turn-based combat. When asked about his expectations for the company, he stated he had none, and for salary, he pointed to his resume. He bluntly explained he was seeking a job to avoid appearing "unemployed" and to work hard, referencing an earlier comment by Wen Yifan about his looks not being an advantage.
He concluded that people play games to find "companionship" to combat "loneliness." Sang Yan was successfully hired. Su Hao'an enthusiastically congratulated Sang Yan, who was now his colleague, and invited him to a celebration dinner with Zhong Siqiao. Earlier, Zhong Siqiao had met with Su Hao'an, who expressed his happiness at being considered a friend. She gave him hand cream after noticing his rough hands.
Zhong Siqiao had received a cryptic "Support" order from Su Hao'an's Grandma, which she interpreted as needing to investigate his Grandpa. So, she took Wen Yifan to a community dance, where Su Hao'an's Grandpa was very popular among the older ladies, particularly one named Fang. The Grandpa even introduced Zhong Siqiao as "Linlin" and his "granddaughter-in-law." To get closer, Zhong Siqiao pretended to be clumsy while dancing.
She then introduced Wen Yifan, who gave her name as "Qiao" and asked Grandpa to teach her. Wen Yifan quickly picked up the steps. During a break, they learned that Fang's husband had passed away. Grandpa, flirting with different women, asked Wen Yifan if she had a boyfriend and offered to set her up with Su Hao'an's single, bar-owning friend.
Wen Yifan politely declined, saying she already liked someone, prompting Grandpa to advise her to pursue happiness to avoid future regrets. Su Hao'an observed his Grandpa being doted on by Fang and others, feeling sorry for his Grandma. That evening, Su Hao'an hosted a dinner to celebrate Sang Yan's new job and to thank Wen Yifan for helping with his Grandpa. Sang Yan, initially hesitant to join, came upon learning Wen Yifan would be there.
At the dinner, Su Hao'an lamented his Grandma's situation, feeling that Grandpa, her first love for decades, was now "messing around with those dance teachers," which felt unjust. Zhong Siqiao clarified that Grandma's "Support" order was meant for her to assess the reliability of Grandpa's new companion. If they were truly in love, Grandma was prepared to "support them."
Wen Yifan mused on the nature of happiness in relationships, suggesting that forcing a relationship where both parties are unhappy isn't good. Grandma's sentiment was conveyed: she wouldn't cling to Grandpa if his heart was no longer with her. Su Hao'an concluded that for men, first love might not mean much. Wen Yifan agreed, suggesting that perhaps only women cared more about it. Sang Yan, however, strongly disagreed, stating that the position of first love is truly "irreplaceable."
Episode 10 Recap
Sang Yan continued his weekend visits to Wen Yifan in Beiyu. One day, while they were studying, Wen Yifan received a call from her Aunt, who demanded she return home immediately to buy groceries. Wen Yifan apologized to Sang Yan, explaining she had to leave. She accidentally left a book behind, and Sang Yan, seeing her hurry off with two large bags of groceries, followed her to a run-down family building.
He heard her Aunt scolding her inside for being late and lazy, accusing her of deliberately slacking off and not helping with the family meal. Her Aunt also denied Wen Yifan good food, declaring that Wen Yifan "doesn't deserve such good stuff" and accusing her of "seducing some new guy." Sang Yan, knowing his presence would only worsen Wen Yifan's situation, quietly left the book in the mailbox.
He later mentioned returning her book, but Wen Yifan claimed to have forgotten the incident, which Sang Yan thought was for the best. Later, Wen Yifan’s Aunt showed up at her workplace, attempting to smooth things over from their last encounter. She then tried to introduce Wen Yifan to a "big boss" as a potential husband. Wen Yifan, frustrated by her Aunt's past abuse and current antics, tried to get her to leave.
During the commotion, her Aunt's phone fell and cracked, prompting her to demand Wen Yifan pay for it. Fortunately, Fu Zhuang arrived and intervened, claiming to be Wen Yifan's boyfriend. Her Aunt was outraged, accusing Wen Yifan of being "shameless" and "seducing men." Fu Zhuang and other colleagues helped escort her Aunt away, who left vowing that the matter was not over. After the incident, her colleague brought her breakfast, emphasizing the importance of her health.
That night, Sang Yan found Wen Yifan sleepwalking in the living room, wandering aimlessly with a blank stare. She sat on the sofa, rubbing her left sleeve, before returning to her room. Sang Yan, concerned, tried to talk to her, but she didn't respond. The next morning, Wen Yifan woke up still in her clothes and asked Sang Yan what time he had come home. Sang Yan, feigning ignorance, said he had slept early and hadn't noticed.
Wen Yifan then rushed off for an appointment without mentioning her sleepwalking episode. Wen Yifan met Zhong Siqiao for noodles, where they unexpectedly ran into their high school classmate, Cui Jingyu. Cui Jingyu, now a full-time mother, introduced her son named Yan, explaining it was after "Yan'an's Yan." She immediately asked Wen Yifan about Sang Yan and boasted about her husband's company, which was planning to go public.
Cui Jingyu then offered to set them up with some of her husband's wealthy bachelor friends, which Zhong Siqiao politely declined. After Cui Jingyu left, Zhong Siqiao commented on her continued obsession with Sang Yan, recalling how Cui Jingyu's constant chatter about him in school had made everyone in their class aware of him. Wen Yifan then reminisced about a high school incident where Cui Jingyu had confessed her feelings to Sang Yan.
Sang Yan had bluntly rejected Cui Jingyu, telling her he didn't like her "pestering" type and questioned if the school allowed "early romance." Wen Yifan confessed to Zhong Siqiao that seeing her Aunt again had triggered memories of how her Aunt and Uncle had treated her like a burden after her father's death.
She recalled an instance when her Aunt scolded her over an "early romance" accusation and refused her chicken soup, telling her she "didn't deserve such good things" and had "embarrassed" the family. Her Uncle had also stated they were not "obligated to support" her. Wen Yifan recounted crying and begging her mother to take her back, but her mother had refused, reiterating the accusation and telling her to speak to her Uncle about any problems.
Wen Yifan admitted that those words had a lasting impact, making her hesitant to buy nice things for herself, feeling they would be a "waste" on her. Despite this, she acknowledged that Sang Yan was the only one who had ever truly treated her well, yet she had pushed him away, remembering a time she had told him to "stop bothering her." Zhong Siqiao encouraged her to apologize to Sang Yan, emphasizing that it's never too late.
Back home, Sang Yan, having learned that his house renovation would be delayed and that he would be staying longer, appeared in a good mood. He cooked chicken soup and asked Wen Yifan to help him drink it. While watching television, he brought up sleepwalking.
Wen Yifan explained it as performing meaningless actions during deep sleep in familiar surroundings and confessed that she had started sleepwalking after her father's passing, startling her Aunt's family and even her college roommates, but thought she had stopped. Sang Yan then revealed he had witnessed her sleepwalking more than once. He described seeing her the previous night, sitting quietly and fiddling with her sleeves before returning to her room.
Wen Yifan apologized for scaring him, but Sang Yan brushed it off. He then casually added that during another incident, she had suddenly hugged him and kissed him. Wen Yifan's face flushed, and she tried to attribute it to the hot soup, then questioned if Sang Yan was exaggerating. Sang Yan insisted he was the one "taken advantage of."
When Wen Yifan asked why he hadn't told her sooner, Sang Yan hinted that he had tried to, but she had misunderstood his gesture as encouragement. Wen Yifan then pressed him for details, asking exactly where she had kissed him. Sang Yan pointed to his cheek. Wen Yifan, skeptical due to their height difference, proposed a reenactment. Sang Yan, after some hesitation, leaned down, bringing their faces close.
Startled, Wen Yifan immediately retreated to her room, telling him that if it happened again, he should "protect himself." Later, Wen Yifan visited her father's tomb, bringing his favorite spicy chicken soup. She informed him that she and her mother were doing well and that Uncle Zheng was treating her kindly. She also received a farewell text from Xiang Lang, who was transferring to his company's Hong Kong branch.
That evening, Sang Yan returned home late, having specifically bought chicken soup for Wen Yifan, who became emotional and thanked him. To prevent another sleepwalking episode, Wen Yifan blocked her door. However, she still sleepwalked. Sang Yan, who was awake, quietly removed the obstacles and watched her. In her dream-like state, she saw Sang Yan's face, stood on tiptoes, and kissed him, then leaned into his embrace. Sang Yan, stunned, gently told her, "Wen Shuangjiang, you just kissed me." He then added that he wasn't one to suffer a loss and would expect her to return the kiss when she was awake.
Episode 11 Recap
One night, Wen Yifan sleepwalked into the kitchen, opened the fridge, and started stuffing rice into her mouth. Her cousin, Wen Ming, was startled, thinking she was a thief, and hit her with a stick. The next day, as Wen Yifan practiced dancing on the rooftop, Sang Yan noticed bruises on her arm. He pressed her for an explanation, but she remained silent.
Feeling protective, Sang Yan urged her to take care of herself, especially with her art exam approaching, and then drew a butterfly over her injury, telling her the scars would eventually fly away. On the 77th day of their official cohabitation, Wen Yifan woke up to find the chairs she had stacked against her door the previous night were gone, a clear sign she had sleepwalked again. Anxiously, she asked Sang Yan if she had done anything inappropriate.
Sang Yan claimed she had done something even more outrageous than before, something too embarrassing to articulate, but promised she would "repay" him for it later. Misinterpreting his words, Wen Yifan thought he meant financial compensation and offered to write him an IOU, explaining she hadn't received her paycheck yet. She even suggested he should just hit her to wake her up if it happened again, to which Sang Yan retorted, "Who do you think I am?"
Still confused, Wen Yifan then directly asked, "Where did I kiss you?" At the TV station, two new interns arrived, including Mu Chengyun. Fang Li, another new intern, recognized Mu Chengyun as a former child star from a movie called "Waking up to Ghosts." Mu Chengyun was assigned to work under Wen Yifan.
Meanwhile, Wen Yifan received a message from Sang Yan clarifying the "debt": he claimed her "sanity was overpowered by desire late at night" and she "attempted to possess" him. When Wen Yifan's landlord contacted her about rent, Sang Yan "accidentally" transferred 40,000 yuan to her, an extra zero on the amount, and insisted she could repay him slowly, implying she would have to stay with him until the entire "debt" was settled.
During a team meeting, Wen Yifan and her colleague Wang Jing were left with two news topics after another team took the most sensational one. Wang Jing chose "New house near cemetery," remarking that Wen Yifan was afraid of ghosts, leaving Wen Yifan with the story of "a pitiful mother searching for her disappeared daughter." Mu Chengyun openly voiced his dissatisfaction, calling it a "needle in a haystack" topic that would be "arduous but fruitless."
He then hinted at a reward if he managed to help find the daughter, which reminded Wen Yifan of Sang Yan rewarding her with a cake when she passed her art exam years ago. The missing daughter's mother was located in Yihe, necessitating a business trip for Wen Yifan and Mu Chengyun, much to Wen Yifan's reluctance. Mu Chengyun became increasingly attentive, calling himself Wen Yifan's "exclusive intern" and waiting for her after work, even preparing materials for their trip.
Zhong Siqiao noticed Mu Chengyun's clear interest in Wen Yifan, but Wen Yifan simply dismissed it as professional enthusiasm. Later, Wen Yifan asked Zhong Siqiao to stay the night at her apartment to help her monitor her sleepwalking. Upon arriving, they were surprised to find Sang Yan and Duan Jiaxu emerging from a room wearing bathrobes. Wen Yifan gave them a knowing smile, suggesting they continue and she wouldn't interrupt.
The next morning at breakfast, Wen Yifan playfully teased Sang Yan about Duan Jiaxu, but Sang Yan maintained a serious facade, claiming he had invited Duan Jiaxu to "protect himself." Wen Yifan then informed Sang Yan she would not be home that night as she was traveling to Yihe.
In Yihe, Wen Yifan and Mu Chengyun interviewed the mother, who tearfully explained her daughter had sent her money monthly after graduating and moving to Yihe, but suddenly stopped before Chinese New Year, leaving her in distress.
The mother expressed concern about her daughter, insisting it was "only natural for a daughter to take care of her mother," especially since she had "lost her husband and her job to raise her," and questioned her daughter's right to treat her this way. During the interview, Wen Yifan received a call from her own mother, who revealed she had been pressuring Sang Yan about Wen Yifan's living arrangements, suggesting she stay with her paternal grandmother.
Wen Yifan, finding her own mother's behavior uncomfortably similar to the interviewee's, quickly ended the call. After the interview, Wen Yifan confided in Mu Chengyun that the mother's intense, controlling love was "suffocating" and amounted to "emotional blackmail," much like her own mother, though her mother never sought her out after she left Nanwu.
Wen Yifan concluded that this controlling behavior was likely the reason the daughter had disappeared, stating she would not forgive her own mother for similar past actions, at least not at that moment. A colleague called Wen Yifan to inform her that the daughter, Lin Yuqing, had been found working as an administrator at a dance studio in Hong Kong. Wen Yifan called Sang Yan to tell him she would be delayed by a day.
Sang Yan, hearing Mu Chengyun's voice in the background, became visibly concerned, recalling him as "the guy you saw in front of the supermarket last time." In Hong Kong, Wen Yifan and Mu Chengyun located Lin Yuqing. Lin Yuqing adamantly refused to have any contact with her mother.
She revealed that her mother had remarried and had a son, but after her second husband and son abandoned her, she had suddenly remembered Lin Yuqing and was now seeking her out again. Lin Yuqing recorded a brief video for her mother, asking her to stop looking for her, but refused to elaborate further for the public, stating she would not "tearfully accuse her" of "emotional blackmail" or treating her as "property."
Observing some young students struggling with dance moves, Wen Yifan instinctively stepped in to demonstrate, captivating Mu Chengyun with her elegant movements. She gently instructed a girl named Isabella to focus her gaze forward to prevent dizziness while turning. Upon their return to Nanwu, Mu Chengyun's sister arrived to pick him up, offering Wen Yifan a ride home.
However, Sang Yan suddenly appeared, claiming he was "just seeing a friend off" and offering to drive Wen Yifan home as a "basic courtesy" from a roommate. Mu Chengyun's sister found Sang Yan vaguely familiar. As they drove, Sang Yan asked Wen Yifan if she had sleepwalked in Hong Kong, to which she replied she hadn't, relieving his tension. He then inquired if she had visited any college friends or explored Yihe.
Wen Yifan dismissed the idea, stating that her four years of college and two years of internship in Yihe held no cherished memories for her; it was a place she wished she had "never been." She recalled being slandered at Yihe Daily, which contributed to her decision to leave and return to Nanwu, as there was nothing left for her there. She also remembered not even being able to afford a simple cake for herself when she departed Yihe. Sang Yan then referenced her previous statement about the last time she flew being to Yihe, asking her why. She replied that she went to see an old friend.
Episode 12 Recap
Years ago, Wen Yifan traveled for her art examination, with Sang Yan accompanying her. He secured a hotel room for her, and then, despite the heavy snow, chose to stand guard outside the building to ensure her safety. While Wen Yifan practiced her dance, radiating genuine happiness, and later displayed confidence on stage during her exam, Sang Yan remained her steadfast companion and protector.
In the present, Wen Yifan presented a recorded video message to Yuqing's mother, conveying Yuqing's plea for her mother to stop seeking her out. Wen Yifan also handed the mother an envelope on Yuqing's behalf. The mother tearfully acknowledged it as money meant to buy her daughter's freedom, and Wen Yifan urged her to let her daughter go and begin her own life.
Back at work, while Wen Yifan was editing the video, Mu Chengyun approached her, inviting her to his welcome party. Wen Yifan was initially reluctant to attend, but her colleagues’ enthusiastic insistence, coupled with her director, Mr. Gan, personally driving her, eventually swayed her. Mr. Gan, referencing her past experience at Yihe Daily, assured her that he would not tolerate any harassment in his department. The party was held at a restaurant called "Overtime," and the atmosphere quickly became lively.
Later, Sang Yan arrived after work. The bartender directed him upstairs to where his friends were. He spotted Wen Yifan from the staircase, looking relaxed and happy. Mu Chengyun then joined her, expressing a desire to stand on her left, claiming it would bring him closer to her heart. Meanwhile, other colleagues discussed Sang Yan, identifying him as a prominent alumnus from Nanwu University's Computer Science department.
They recalled his graduation dinner where, unlike his friend Duan Jiaxu who didn't drink, Sang Yan had inexplicably consumed over ten bottles of alcohol. They noted he seemed to be in a bad mood that night, drinking alone and saying little. As the party wound down, Mu Chengyun, feigning drunkenness, leaned heavily on Wen Yifan as they descended the stairs.
Sang Yan suddenly appeared, firmly pulling Mu Chengyun away from Wen Yifan and ushering him into the back of his car. When Mu Chengyun mumbled that he lived at Nanwu University, Sang Yan drove him there. Sang Yan easily recognized Mu Chengyun's pretense, scoffing that he had used such "tricks ages ago" before carrying him to the university gates. Feeling a bit tipsy herself, Wen Yifan worried about Mu Chengyun, but Sang Yan reassured her he was merely faking.
This brought back a memory for Wen Yifan from high school when Sang Yan had once pretended to be drunk after a party, making her struggle to help him home, only for him to confess that he had only been drinking a soft drink. The recollection made her smile, and Sang Yan appeared a bit embarrassed. Upon returning to their apartment, Wen Yifan stumbled out of the elevator and fell directly into Sang Yan's arms.
He playfully suggested she might be trying to pursue him, offering to consider her if she were more direct. Wen Yifan quickly dismissed the idea, promising to inform him if she ever developed such feelings. Sang Yan advised her to drink less, prompting Wen Yifan to remind him of his own heavy drinking at his graduation, calling him the "real drunkard."
The truth was that they had broken up that day, and Sang Yan, heartbroken, had drowned his sorrows in alcohol. He prepared some honey water for her, and as she drank it, a memory of her father doing the same stirred a bittersweet feeling. She then told Sang Yan that if the renovations at his own apartment still bothered him, he was welcome to stay longer.
Lying in bed, Wen Yifan recalled her colleagues' comments about Sang Yan’s intense drinking at graduation. Realizing her actions had caused his pain, she began to feel she had been unfair to him. In a hazy state, she mistook her cat for Sang Yan and softly whispered that she would treat him better from now on. Later that night, Wen Yifan got up for water, and Sang Yan, already awake, speculated aloud about the triggers for her sleepwalking.
Hearing him, Wen Yifan, seized by an impulsive desire not to hold back as she had in the past, deliberately pretended to be sleepwalking and embraced Sang Yan. He responded by hugging her back. The following morning, Sang Yan made porridge. Wen Yifan, still embarrassed by her actions, tried to make a quick escape.
Sang Yan, however, teased her relentlessly about her "restrained" sleepwalking embrace, accusing her of having plenty of excuses in the past and even trying to "pay him off." He joked about "beasts" in the house and suggested she lock her door to prevent future incidents, questioning if this was a new method of flirting. Wen Yifan steadfastly maintained that her sleepwalking was genuine.
After she rushed through breakfast, Sang Yan offered to drive her to the TV station, as he had a meeting nearby. In the car, he continued to tease her about possibly lifting his shirt during her sleepwalking, which she vehemently denied. She promised to see a doctor about her condition when she had time. As they arrived at the TV station, Sang Yan noticed Mu Chengyun approaching.
Quickly, he reached out and gently touched Wen Yifan’s head, claiming she had something on it. Later that day, Mu Chengyun waited for Wen Yifan after work. He told her that since her roommate's lease was reportedly ending, he was interested in co-renting her apartment and insisted on seeing it. Despite Wen Yifan's discomfort, Mu Chengyun followed her home, only to find Sang Yan already there. Sang Yan's expression immediately hardened upon seeing Mu Chengyun.
Episode 13 Recap
During the period of their college entrance exams, Wen Yifan sat alone in a noodle shop, ordering two bowls of noodles as if expecting someone. As she ate, Sang Yan called, asking if she was nervous for the exams. She affirmed she wasn't, and he reassured her he would definitely fulfill their promise to attend Nanwu University together.
Following the events of the previous evening, Mu Chengyun appeared at Wen Yifan's apartment, confidently announcing his intention to replace Sang Yan as her next roommate. He began to inspect the apartment, praising its amenities and offering to take on all household chores, commute with Wen Yifan, and even cook for her.
Wen Yifan was clearly uncomfortable with his unexpected visit, telling him he was making the situation awkward and that her previous search for a roommate was no longer active. When Mu Chengyun attempted to enter Sang Yan's bedroom, both Wen Yifan and Sang Yan simultaneously refused him. Wen Yifan clarified that she generally did not live with male roommates and that Sang Yan was an exception to this rule. After her firm dismissal, Mu Chengyun reluctantly left.
Once Mu Chengyun departed, Sang Yan, who had never intended to move out, questioned if Wen Yifan was eager for him to leave. Wen Yifan expressed her concern about being solely responsible for the high rent if he suddenly moved out once his renovated apartment was ready, despite him having already paid her rent in advance.
When she asked how much longer he planned to stay, Sang Yan turned the question back to her, asking how long she wanted him to stay. Wen Yifan eventually suggested he could remain until he found a girlfriend, then quickly retreated to her room. There, she reflected on her deep-seated fear of loss.
The sudden death of her father and her mother's decision to leave for her own happiness had left her wary of growing accustomed to anyone's presence, fearing the inevitable pain of their eventual departure. She felt it was better not to get used to things or people that would eventually disappear. Meanwhile, Su Hao'an's grandfather arrived unannounced at his apartment, looking for his "granddaughter-in-law," Zhong Siqiao.
In a panic, Su Hao'an immediately called Zhong Siqiao, pleading with her to come over, reminding her of his drunken lie to his grandfather about their engagement and cohabitation. Despite her initial reluctance, Zhong Siqiao agreed and rushed over. While waiting, Grandpa confronted Su Hao'an about his neglect in visiting his parents' and brother's graves, questioning his apparent resentment and warning him about his aimless life. When Zhong Siqiao arrived, Grandpa sent Su Hao'an out to buy soup dumplings.
Left alone with Zhong Siqiao, Grandpa discreetly searched the apartment, noting the absence of her personal belongings. He deduced they weren't living together and surprisingly advised her that for a successful marriage, they should cohabitate to truly understand each other's habits, a suggestion Zhong Siqiao found quite progressive. The next morning, Sang Yan offered Wen Yifan some extra porridge he had cooked, but she politely declined, opting for cereal.
She consciously avoided relying on him, reminding herself that even the most cherished comforts could vanish one day. At work, Mu Chengyun offered her a specially prepared breakfast, which Wen Yifan again refused, and it was ultimately accepted by their colleague Su Tian.
Mu Chengyun then apologized for his behavior the previous day but also expressed his confusion as to why Wen Yifan lived with the "cold" Sang Yan, urging her to stop letting people push her around and break her "bad habits." Wen Yifan calmly responded that she was perfectly capable of discerning what constituted a bad habit.
Later, Director Shen from the finance department informed Wen Yifan that her upcoming interview with Wanda Corporation had been reassigned due to the persisting rumors from her time at Yihe Daily. To add to her troubles, Wen Yifan's mother visited the TV station, attempting to reconcile and apologize for her past neglect, promising future compensation and seeking her daughter's forgiveness. Wen Yifan received her mother's advances coldly, questioning how she gained entry.
Her mother soon departed, citing a waiting driver and leaving behind unwanted snacks for Wen Yifan. Returning to her office, Wen Yifan overheard a heated argument between Mr. Gan and the director of the advertising department concerning the lingering issues from her time at Yihe Daily. Instead of retreating, she bravely intervened, defending herself against the baseless rumors and challenging their journalistic integrity.
Her powerful defense impressed both Mr. Gan and Mu Chengyun, who remarked that she had finally shed her "bad habit" of being easily bullied. That night, Wen Yifan returned home past 10 PM without notifying Sang Yan, who gently chided her for forgetting their rule. He then observed her sleepwalking again, noting that it seemed to occur when she was upset or had been drinking.
As she made her way toward his bedroom, he calmly redirected her back to her own room. Following an interview, Mu Chengyun once more attempted to invite Wen Yifan to the mall, this time using the pretext of buying a gift for a senior's newborn daughter. Wen Yifan suggested he consult a colleague, Zhen Yu, who had a two-year-old daughter. Undeterred, as Wen Yifan turned to leave, Mu Chengyun reached for her neck, claiming to remove something.
Startled, Wen Yifan immediately recoiled, flinching from his touch. Later, Sang Zhi, Sang Yan's younger sister, came to visit. With Sang Yan out, Wen Yifan inquired about Sang Zhi's college entrance exam results. Sang Zhi shared that she had chosen Yihe University, explaining that its program was better suited for her and she desired to experience life outside Nanwu. While her parents were supportive, Sang Yan was furious.
Sang Zhi speculated his reaction was similar to when he experienced heartbreak after his own college entrance exams. She recounted that in high school, Sang Yan had dramatically improved his grades, driven by a "first love" to get into Nanwu University, only to be unexpectedly dumped by that person after receiving his admission results. Wen Yifan felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this.
Sang Zhi noticed a bruise on Wen Yifan's arm, which Wen Yifan downplayed, attributing it to a bump during her sleep. Concerned for Wen Yifan's safety during her sleepwalking episodes, Sang Yan took it upon himself to buy soft night lights and protective padding to secure any sharp corners and edges throughout the apartment. That night, Wen Yifan, still sleepwalking, opened Sang Yan's bedroom door and quietly lay down in his bed.
Episode 14 Recap
During Nanwu University's orientation day, Sang Yan arrived at his dorm to find Duan Jiaxu, a Computer Science major, and two lively AI students, Qian Fei and Chen Junwen, already there. As they introduced themselves, Chen Junwen and Qian Fei playfully bickered, preferring a quiet "cool guy" over a "walking loudspeaker." Sang Yan stated that what bothered him most was noise.
Their conversation then turned to sleepwalking, which they humorously agreed would be the most terrifying thing a roommate could do. Moments later, Su Hao'an rushed in, disappointed that he was assigned to the adjacent building instead of sharing a room with Sang Yan. The next morning, Wen Yifan awoke to find herself in Sang Yan's bed, with his arm wrapped around her. She quickly checked her clothes before trying to slip away, but Sang Yan stirred and caught her.
Wen Yifan explained that her sleepwalking was uncontrollable. Sang Yan, feigning distress, joked that she always seemed to "covet" him, expressing concern for his "innocence." Wen Yifan clarified that she had simply sleepwalked into his room and inadvertently found a spot on his bed without making any physical contact.
She then accused him of having poor sleeping manners, claiming he pulled her back when she tried to leave, suggesting this incident should cancel out the previous time she hugged him while sleepwalking. Sang Yan disagreed, pointing out that both instances were initiated by her, leaving him at a disadvantage. Pressured for an interview, Wen Yifan promised to discuss it further that evening. Meanwhile, Uncle Ma frantically searched for Grandpa Su's medicine, discovering an empty box in the trash.
He immediately took Grandpa Su to the hospital, only for Grandpa Su to vanish after Uncle Ma parked the car. At the hospital, Zhong Siqiao, who was accompanying another patient, was approached by a distressed Uncle Ma. They learned from security that Grandpa Su had hailed a taxi and left. Zhong Siqiao called Su Hao'an, and together they tried to locate him.
Su Hao'an playfully speculated that his grandfather might have "eloped" with Aunt Fang, a friend who had reported feeling unwell. They went to Aunt Fang's home with fruit and found Grandpa Su caring for her. Seeing this, Su Hao'an became angry, feeling his grandfather was betraying his grandmother, and stormed out. Zhong Siqiao followed and took him for a ride to clear his head.
As they rode, Su Hao'an confessed he now understood why his grandmother sought her own path in life, as his grandparents' marriage evidently lacked affection. He lamented feeling like the family's biggest disappointment compared to his accomplished older brother. He recounted a tragic story from 2008, the year of the Olympics. He had wanted to go to Beijing for the opening ceremony, and his father promised to take him if he ranked in the top 15 of his class.
He ended up ranking 28th out of 30. Enraged by his poor performance, his father changed their travel plans, taking his mother and brother westward instead of north. Tragically, they were involved in a car accident on slippery roads and all three perished. Su Hao'an described losing "the three most outstanding people" in his life simultaneously.
Moved by his story, Zhong Siqiao offered comfort, assuring him that his family loved him and encouraging him to open up, suggesting he could find hope by crossing the metaphorical "bridge" in his heart. Su Hao'an, touched, embraced her. He also shared that he adopted a dog named Wood, a fellow orphan, but didn't keep it with him as it constantly reminded him of his profound grief.
Later, Wen Yifan met Zhong Siqiao for dinner and indirectly sought advice on how to "repay" someone after inadvertently sharing a bed. Before Zhong Siqiao could fully respond, she received an urgent call from Uncle Ma. Grandpa Su was distressed, muttering about a car accident and someone in urgent care, but couldn't articulate details, and Su Hao'an was unreachable. Zhong Siqiao quickly left for the hospital, promising to explain later.
At the hospital, Zhong Siqiao tried to calm Grandpa Su, who was disoriented and confused her for his wife, talking about her travels. She called Su Hao'an, who confirmed he was at work and safe. Grandpa Su then regained clarity, explaining he had seen a car flip over, triggering vivid memories of his son and daughter-in-law's fatal accident. He apologized for causing alarm, then tenderly touched Su Hao'an's head, assuring him that his grandparents would always care for him.
Overwhelmed, Su Hao'an walked away, and Zhong Siqiao followed to comfort him. She spoke of how elderly people, like her own father, can become stubborn and childlike. That night, Zhong Siqiao, reflecting on the day, hugged her father upon returning home. Her mother, concerned about her sneezing, quickly prepared cold medicine for her, making Zhong Siqiao feel cherished. To avoid going home early, Wen Yifan contacted Mu Chengyun, offering to help him pick out a gift.
Mu Chengyun inquired why she reported her arrival time to Sang Yan, to which Wen Yifan replied it was part of their co-renting agreement. Mu Chengyun then brought up Sang Yan's high school crush, mentioning that Sang Yan had pursued a girl he liked for a long time but never won her over and couldn't forget her even after college graduation. This news saddened Wen Yifan.
Mu Chengyun recalled Sang Yan saying at a graduation dinner that he wasn't "sentimental" and that if he encountered his first love again, he would still be kind to her, but his "mindset would be different." Mu Chengyun then warned Wen Yifan to be cautious around Sang Yan, implying he might have ulterior motives, especially with her.
Wen Yifan, seeing through his intentions, advised him on journalistic ethics, asserting that sincerity, not mere experience, defined genuine affection, describing first love as simple and selfless, with no expectation of return. Upon returning home, Wen Yifan cautiously entered, only to encounter Sang Yan emerging half-naked from the bathroom. Flustered, she stammered a reminder about locking doors and adhering to their agreement on appropriate attire in shared spaces.
Sang Yan, who had been drinking, playfully poked her face and observed her blushing. Wen Yifan attributed her red face to the heat and her inexperience with seeing a man naked, reiterating their agreement. Sang Yan dismissed her concerns, claiming that since they had already "kissed and touched" and even shared a bed, his state of dress was irrelevant. Wen Yifan promised to try harder to avoid such situations, asking him to do the same.
Sang Yan, however, noted her consistent, ineffective approach and made one request: that she maintain distance from other men until she found a permanent solution to her sleepwalking, as he didn't want to be her "pushover." Left to consider his words, Wen Yifan wondered if she should take pity on him. Later, alone, she reflected on her strong reaction to Mu Chengyun's touch compared to her lack of discomfort with Sang Yan, wondering if she still harbored feelings for him.
Determined to prevent sleepwalking, she resolved to stay awake. She then noticed newly installed lights and bumper strips on the sharp corners of the house, realizing these protective measures were for her. Finally, she discovered Sang Yan asleep on the sofa. He apologized for startling her, humorously suggesting he might have been sleepwalking to "even things out" and declared them "even." He advised her to lock her door before going to sleep. Wen Yifan was left wondering if she had misunderstood his intentions all along.
Episode 15 Recap
Sang Yan stood by his university window, looking out towards Yihe. He reflected that some things, once they happen, can never truly disappear. His roommate, who was from Yihe, had just told him how to find the city from their dorm window. Meanwhile, Wen Yifan was grappling with her own thoughts about Sang Yan.
She discreetly sought advice from her colleague, Tian Jie, framing her situation as a "friend's" dilemma: what should a friend do if she spent a night in a man's arms and he later claimed he was "at a loss"? Tian Jie pressed for details, asking if the man "reacted" and if he had deliberately appeared shirtless. Soon, other colleagues, including Mu Chengyun, joined the conversation, offering various theories.
They speculated that the man either disliked the friend and was acting out of politeness, was used to having someone next to him, or was enacting a revenge scheme. Wen Yifan mused internally that Sang Yan wasn’t the type to tolerate something he genuinely disliked, but she also wondered if his actions were a form of revenge for her past hurts.
Despite her confusion, she instinctively felt that Sang Yan was a good person and she hoped he would remain "full of life" and brilliant. That night, she told Sang Yan through his closed door that, given her current situation, co-habitation was unsuitable, and she would find a one-bedroom apartment to move out as soon as possible. Zhong Siqiao accompanied Wen Yifan to view apartments but cleverly found faults with every option, trying to subtly deter her friend from moving.
Back at their apartment, Zhong Siqiao admired the thoughtful additions Sang Yan had made, like decorative lights and protective padding, to prevent Wen Yifan from getting hurt during her sleepwalking episodes. Zhong Siqiao then shared her own reasons for not moving out: to support her mother, who tirelessly cared for the entire family. Wen Yifan reflected on how people often prioritize making others happy, neglecting their own needs.
Later that night, Zhong Siqiao awoke to find Wen Yifan gone and discovered her friend once again asleep in Sang Yan's bed. Wen Yifan consulted a doctor about her sleepwalking. The doctor explained that while many cases are childhood-onset, some are late-onset. The doctor emphasized the importance of regular exercise, a stable sleep schedule, and stress management, noting that sudden stress or sleep deprivation could increase the frequency of sleepwalking.
When asked if she was under a lot of pressure, Wen Yifan denied it, but Zhong Siqiao interjected that Sang Yan was indeed a source of stress. Wen Yifan again denied it, yet images of her mother and aunt flashed in her mind. The doctor suggested finding stress-relieving methods, like dating. Zhong Siqiao then advised Wen Yifan to try flirting by subtly praising a man's zodiac sign.
Outside the hospital, Zhong Siqiao spotted Su Hao'an's grandpa and Uncle Ma heading into the neurology department. Grandpa seemed disoriented, unable to recall why he was there. After learning the seriousness of the situation, Zhong Siqiao contacted Su Hao'an, who initially believed his grandpa was there for a routine diabetes check. Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao then met with Dr. Liu, who informed them that Grandpa had Alzheimer's disease and was now in the early stages of dementia.
Dr. Liu explained that while the condition couldn't be fully reversed, timely treatment could slow its progression, and emphasized the challenges families face. Su Hao'an felt immense guilt for not recognizing the early signs. Zhong Siqiao reassured him and offered to connect him with a client who had cared for an Alzheimer's spouse for years. Later, at home, Su Hao'an found his grandpa sitting in silence.
Uncle Ma tearfully revealed that Woodie, Grandpa's beloved dog of sixteen years, had passed away that morning, leaving Grandpa heartbroken. Zhong Siqiao later informed Wen Yifan that Sang Yan had been busy with family-arranged blind dates, which made Wen Yifan feel a hint of disappointment. That evening, Wen Yifan bought a pizza and offered it to Sang Yan. He playfully reminded her of a previous instance where she refused his porridge, now questioning why he should eat her pizza.
Following Zhong Siqiao's advice, Wen Yifan tried to engage him by mentioning that Capricorn men are "gentle" and "responsible." Sang Yan interrupted her, asking about her doctor's visit regarding her sleepwalking. When Wen Yifan explained the doctor's advice about the benefits of having a roommate, Sang Yan wryly concluded that "you need me." He then directly asked if she still wanted to move out. Wen Yifan confessed that, honestly, she didn’t.
A satisfied Sang Yan then affirmed that her research on Capricorn men being "outstanding" was indeed correct. Wen Yifan subsequently called the real estate agent, Cao, to cancel all her apartment viewings. Just as Wen Yifan finished reheating Sang Yan's soup, Sang Yan’s mother arrived with a young woman named Kexin, a blind date arranged by her.
Sang Yan's mother recognized Wen Yifan from high school, confirming that Sang Zhi had already informed her about Sang Yan and Wen Yifan cohabiting. Observing Sang Yan's reaction, his mother subtly encouraged him to "go after" the girl he liked. Wen Yifan, misinterpreting her words, assumed Sang Yan was interested in Kexin, which caused her to burn the food she was cooking.
Sang Yan later returned home with takeout, choosing to eat with Wen Yifan rather than joining his mother and Kexin. Over dinner, Wen Yifan noted Sang Yan’s increasingly casual attire in common areas. Following Zhong Siqiao's "flirty" advice, she hinted that he was "dressing too revealingly" and that she might "commit a crime" if she couldn't control herself. Sang Yan leaned closer, asking what "crime" she was afraid of committing.
Flustered, Wen Yifan dodged the question, calling him "The Headliner" and questioning why she should "dare." He continued to tease her, asking if she dared to act on her thoughts, leaving her speechless.
Episode 16 Recap
At Nanwu University, Sang Yan received a text from his mother reminding him to wear warm clothes as the First Frost brought a significant temperature drop the next day. However, his mind was solely focused on Wen Yifan's birthday, which falls on Frost's Descent. He tried calling her number several times, but each attempt was met with a message that the number did not exist.
He then put his phone into a box filled with old train tickets he had kept from his trips to Beiyu. When his roommate asked why he was still awake, Sang Yan claimed his phone was broken before whispering, "Happy birthday." On the 263rd day of Wen Yifan and Sang Yan living together, Wen Yifan arrived at work early. Shortly after, her colleague Su Tian's water suddenly broke.
At the hospital, the doctor explained that Su Tian had a high-leak rupture and her cervix was not dilated enough, which put both her and the baby in a dangerous situation. The doctor advised a C-section, but Su Tian, a single mother who had recently divorced, was determined to have a natural birth. Just then, Guo from the finance department rushed in, revealing himself as Su Tian's boyfriend.
He tearfully confessed that he had secretly loved her for a long time and only began pursuing her after her divorce. He was aware that she was pregnant and the biological father was irresponsible, but he declared his unwavering commitment to taking care of both Su Tian and her child, promising to love the baby as his own. Soon after, Su Tian successfully delivered a baby girl. Overjoyed, Guo reiterated his commitment to loving and supporting them.
Witnessing this touching scene, Wen Yifan was deeply moved by the miracle of life and sent a message to Sang Yan, sharing her reflections. Later that day, on Frost's Descent, Su Hao'an and his grandfather held a poignant farewell ceremony for their beloved 16-year-old pet dog, Woodie. Wen Yifan comforted Su Hao'an, sharing her own experience of losing her father. She expressed her belief that those who have passed on are in the sky, preparing a warm home for them.
Zhong Siqiao echoed her sentiment, telling Su Hao'an that being remembered and cherished by others is a truly blessed feeling. The grandfather watched the smoke rising from the incinerator, imagining it was Woodie ascending to the sky. That evening, Wen Yifan returned home to find Sang Yan still awake. He casually asked her to retrieve a carton from the refrigerator, which turned out to be a birthday cake.
Wen Yifan asked if he had bought it specifically for her, but Sang Yan, trying to act aloof, claimed he had bought it randomly. Wen Yifan smiled and thanked him, then playfully took a picture of him holding the cake and invited him to pose with her. As they ate, Sang Yan inquired about her birthday wish.
Wen Yifan replied it was related to her work, prompting a slightly disappointed Sang Yan to quip that he thought she would wish for him to be her boyfriend. Later, Sang Yan pointed to a gift on the shelf, telling her to get it herself. As Wen Yifan reached for it, he gently touched her head and softly wished her, "Happy birthday." Shortly after, Su Hao'an called Sang Yan, opening up about his feelings after Woodie's passing.
He confided that he had fallen in love with someone but felt nervous and "like a wimp" around her, constantly fearing that saying the wrong thing would make her leave him forever. Sang Yan urged him to be bold and pursue her, warning him against procrastination. Su Hao'an suggested they talk further at Overtime the next evening, but Sang Yan declined, stating he was busy at night confirming something.
He added that a girl was currently trying to pursue him, leaving him no time for other people's affairs. Meanwhile, Wen Yifan opened Sang Yan's gift: a bottle of perfume named "First Frost." She suddenly remembered that "Shuangjiang" (Frost's Descent) was her childhood nickname, given to her by her father because she was born on that day.
This realization, that Sang Yan still remembered her nickname after all these years, sparked an overwhelming urge in her to pursue a romantic relationship with him. When Zhong Siqiao called to wish her a happy birthday, Wen Yifan immediately arranged to meet her, confessing her decision to court Sang Yan. Zhong Siqiao, though surprised, wholeheartedly supported her friend, offering advice and boosting her confidence.
She praised Wen Yifan as the bravest girl she knew, independent and self-reliant, and advised her to strategically show Sang Yan just enough affection to make him feel a need for her, like a spider's web, until he initiated a confession. Bolstered by Zhong Siqiao's encouragement, Wen Yifan resolved to cast aside all hesitation and passionately pursue Sang Yan, determined to at least try, even if it meant risking failure.
Back home, Wen Yifan noticed Sang Yan's light was still on and sent him a text message to thank him. Sang Yan replied with a simple "Get an early night." Wen Yifan then messaged him again, promising to give him a return gift on his birthday and playfully asking him to give her a daily countdown, claiming she was afraid of forgetting.
Sang Yan, initially finding her request a bit cheeky, nevertheless sent a voice message reminding her, "69 days left." Wen Yifan listened to the message repeatedly, her happiness growing with each listen. Sang Yan later informed her that his birthday was on January 2nd, making him a Capricorn, but he didn't like celebrating birthdays. Wen Yifan visited Su Tian at the maternity center, where Su Tian expressed her gratitude for Guo's devoted care and thoughtful gifts.
Su Tian noticed Wen Yifan's perfume and remarked on her unusually cheerful mood, asking if she was in love. Wen Yifan confessed that she was pursuing someone. Su Tian was astonished, praising Wen Yifan for taking such initiative. Wen Yifan then revealed that the person she was courting was her roommate, who was so handsome he could be a bar's poster boy.
Su Tian was utterly shocked by this revelation and declared she needed to go back to the maternity center to "digest" the news, but she encouraged Wen Yifan to be as proud and confident in her pursuit of love as the man she was pursuing. Later, Sang Yan returned home late from overtime work. Wen Yifan, determined to pursue him, looked up advice online on "how to court someone I've offended." Sang Yan sent another message: "68 days left."
Worried about falling asleep and missing his next messages, Wen Yifan tried various methods to stay awake. Sang Yan continued to tease her via text about her past actions, recalling how she would take advantage of him and claiming she often forgot her promises. He brought up a past sleepwalking incident where she hugged and kissed him, implying she had already "plundered" him.
Wen Yifan, reading his remarks, worried if her past "enthusiastic" sleepwalking behavior might make him lose interest or view her as "lustful," feeling utterly embarrassed and confiding her worries to her cat.
Episode 17 Recap
As the National Day holiday approached, Sang Yan was spotted by several girls at Yihe University who admired his looks and wanted his contact information. Duan Jiaxu asked Sang Yan about his holiday plans and invited him to return to Yihe with him, but Sang Yan demurred, saying they would discuss it later. Later, at the university entrance, Wen Yifan's mother, Zhao Yuandong, came to see her, bringing chili sauce and local specialties.
Wen Yifan mentioned she no longer ate spicy food. Her mother then tried to give her money, but her stepsister, Zheng Kejia, arrived and spoke unpleasantly to Wen Yifan before leaving with their mother. Sang Yan, watching silently from across the street, turned and left after Wen Yifan returned to her dorm. At a celebration for Su Tian’s newborn baby, everyone cooed over the infant.
Wen Yifan received a voice message from Sang Yan, a countdown reminding her there were 56 days left until his birthday, which made her smile. Su Tian asked about her progress in pursuing Sang Yan. Wen Yifan admitted she was unsure how to proceed, so Su Tian suggested starting with his hobbies, like games. Wen Yifan revealed she had already begun playing Sang Yan's favorite game but worried her poor skills would earn his criticism.
Su Tian reassured her that boys enjoy guiding girls in games. Just then, Mu Chengyun approached, took Wen Yifan’s phone to add himself as a friend, and offered to help her level up. Wen Yifan politely declined, and Su Tian discreetly sent him away with a work-related query. Su Hao'an dragged a reluctant Sang Yan to a shareholders' meeting for their bar, "Overtime." There, Sang Yan proudly announced that a girl was actively pursuing him.
When his friends pressed him, he admitted he liked her too but playfully declared he would simply "wait to be chased," to their amusement. Sang Yan quickly turned the tables by teasing Su Hao'an about his own romantic life, just as Zhong Siqiao arrived, causing Su Hao'an's demeanor to soften noticeably. Later, Zhong Siqiao visited Su Hao'an's grandfather, bringing a dog she found at an animal shelter that was also named "Mutou" (Woodie).
The grandfather was overjoyed and advised Su Hao'an not to miss his chance with a wonderful girl like Zhong Siqiao. That evening, Zhao Yuandong called Wen Yifan to apologize for past grievances and asked for her address to cook for her. Wen Yifan deflected the attempt at reconciliation, ending the call by saying she had an early morning. Later, when Sang Yan returned home, he found Wen Yifan asleep in his bed.
Watching her, he quietly mused, "Wen Shuangjiang, can you chase me a little more obviously? Otherwise, I won't feel certain. If you're not willing to extend a hand first, how would I dare to give myself to you again?" The next morning, Wen Yifan woke up in Sang Yan's bed and found him on the sofa. Feeling guilty, she told him he should lock his door.
Sang Yan retorted that she would just "pick the lock" and do anything to "invade" him. Taking this as a challenge, Wen Yifan sat opposite him and wrapped her arms around his neck, asserting that this is what would happen if he didn't lock the door. Sang Yan pulled her into his arms and asked, "Now you dare?" Startled, Wen Yifan whispered, "I don't," and quickly fled, wondering on her way to work if she needed to be braver.
With 15 days until Sang Yan’s birthday, Wen Yifan casually told him she had also started playing his game. Sang Yan invited her for a match, but she panicked upon learning his rank was near the top and made an excuse to leave. Before retreating, she bravely asked him to try a new restaurant that Friday, and he calmly agreed, hiding his delight.
On Friday, Wen Yifan dressed up carefully, even wearing the "First Frost" perfume Sang Yan had gifted her. However, when they arrived at the Spring Garden restaurant, they ran into Sang Yan's colleagues having a team dinner. Their date turned into a company gathering, which included Wen Yifan's stepsister, Zheng Kejia, an intern at Sang Yan's company.
Zheng Kejia openly remarked that she had considered pursuing Sang Yan but decided against it after seeing his obvious interest in Wen Yifan, whose comments finally made Wen Yifan realize the extent of Sang Yan's special treatment towards her. During the dinner, Wen Yifan was cornered by Zheng Kejia, who criticized her for being distant from their mother and claimed she, a stepsister, was a better daughter.
The harsh words triggered Wen Yifan's painful memory of her mother shouting, "This is my house! I don't want her eating at this table!" Distressed, Wen Yifan returned to the table. Sang Yan noticed her mood and decided they should leave, but a colleague insisted on taking a group photo before they departed.
Later, Wen Yifan received an urgent call from her superior, Ms. Qian, about a tunnel collapse in Beiyu, requiring her to leave immediately for an emergency reporting trip. She worried if she could return for Sang Yan's birthday. Sang Yan urged her to come back soon, cryptically saying he had something important to tell her but didn't want to distract her from work. While en route to Beiyu, Wen Yifan received the group photos from Zheng Kejia.
In the pictures, she noticed that although they stood apart, Sang Yan's gaze was constantly fixed on her. Meanwhile, Sang Yan messaged his company's group chat, asking for the photos. When a colleague offered to edit them, he replied, "No need. My girlfriend wants them. The most authentic photos will do."
Episode 18 Recap
At Nanwu University, Sang Yan was noticeably distracted during a Java lecture, his mind occupied with checking train tickets. Later, he visited Yihe University, hoping to see someone, but after looking around, he silently departed after taking a photo of the campus gates. Meanwhile, Wen Yifan and her team from Nanwu TV rushed to Beiyu Tunnel 3 after a severe mudslide. Their leader, Ms. Qian, instructed them to find safe positions for reporting without hindering the rescue efforts.
Wen Yifan began her live report, detailing the seven trapped vehicles and the city's activated rescue plan. Amidst the chaos, a distraught mother rushed forward, pleading for her daughter, Shi Jiayu, to be saved. Wen Yifan and the rescuers worked to calm her and direct her to the family area. As Wen Yifan continued her reports, over a dozen injured people were rescued. She and her colleague Fu Zhuang were assigned to stay overnight for follow-up.
Fu Zhuang noticed a cut on Wen Yifan's hand from debris, but she downplayed it, urging him to rest. Later, she comforted Fu Zhuang, who was visibly disturbed by the blood he had witnessed, telling him that such sights were an unavoidable part of journalism. Forty-six hours into the rescue, the team was called out again.
Rescuers discovered seven-year-old Shi Jiayu trapped, who cried out, begging them to save her father, Shi Lei, still inside the car because the skylight was too small for him to escape. Her mother rushed to her side, offering comfort. At the hospital, reporter Su Tian, who had been reassigned by Ms. Qian from the field due to her recent childbirth, reported on the rescued victims, noting that Jiayu was in the ICU.
Jiayu's mother revealed to Su Tian that she and her husband were divorced, and this trip was meant to be a farewell for Jiayu before they immigrated. She worried about how to break the news to Jiayu if her father did not survive. Despite a second tunnel collapse, Leader Li affirmed the rescue team's determination, stating they would not give up as long as there was a glimmer of hope.
Eventually, Shi Lei was successfully rescued and confirmed his daughter's name as Jiayu. Back at the hotel, Fu Zhuang brought Wen Yifan local breakfast, praising her stamina. Wen Yifan received a text from Sang Yan, reminding her it was "nine days left" until his birthday and to bring him an apple when she returned. Realizing it was Christmas Eve, she wondered if she could make it back in time.
That evening, Wen Yifan called Sang Yan from her hotel, explaining her busy schedule. He noted her tired voice, and they exchanged goodnights. She then texted him a drawing of an apple, promising to bring him a real one upon her return. Sang Yan playfully replied, telling her to lock her door and joking that he was her only "victim." Six days after the collapse, the site was cleared, and all eighteen rescued individuals were in stable condition.
Ms. Qian commended her team's efforts, especially for working through the night, as their reports had garnered significant public attention. She promised a celebratory dinner upon their return to Nanwu. However, she then informed Wen Yifan that due to the high online interest in Shi Lei and Jiayu, Wen Yifan needed to extend her stay for follow-up reports, making it impossible to return before Sang Yan's birthday.
In an interview, Jiayu bravely declared she would not go abroad with her mother and wished to stay with her father. Shi Lei explained that he had initially considered giving up custody to ensure Jiayu had a better life and education with his ex-wife. However, the near-death experience made him realize that life is unpredictable, and being with loved ones without regrets is paramount.
Wen Yifan later spoke privately with Jiayu's mother, Ms. Li, who, while declining an on-camera interview, confided that she too did not want to relinquish custody. She reflected on past financial arguments with Shi Lei and the fragility of life, concluding that being safely with the person one loves and living without regrets is the greatest happiness. She emphasized her primary concern was not to hurt Jiayu.
As Jiayu ran to hug her mother, Wen Yifan reflected on the profound idea of "leaving no regrets" and expressed a silent wish for all stories to have happy endings. Just after midnight, Wen Yifan texted Sang Yan "Happy birthday," informing him she had ordered a cake for delivery and would present his gift upon her return.
Sang Yan replied that he would not be back until the next day, suggesting they could celebrate his birthday then, adding that there was "one more day left" until he could. The heavy rain in Beiyu persisted as Wen Yifan, feeling unsettled, decided to revisit Beiyu Middle School and then the familiar "Beiyu Nostalgic Noodles" shop she and Sang Yan frequented. The owner greeted her warmly, recognizing her from her high school days.
As she ate her wonton noodles, she posted a photo on her social media, a rare act that surprised her friends. Deep in thought, she reflected on her painful breakup with Sang Yan in the rain, recalling an unfamiliar sorrow on his face. She felt that such a brilliant young man deserved all the good things in the world. Determined not to have regrets in her own life, Wen Yifan resolved to take the initiative.
She called Sang Yan, asking if his past offer to "consider" her if she pursued him still held, and told him to think about it seriously. Sang Yan, amused, asked if she truly thought he was "not that bad," to which she affectionately affirmed he was not. Still at the noodle shop, Wen Yifan contemplated that she might not return there again and wanted to cherish the moment, which felt surreal.
Just then, Sang Yan walked in with an umbrella, telling the owner he was there "to pick someone up." The owner, delighted to see them together, remarked that he thought they had lost contact over the years. Wen Yifan asked how he knew she was there, and he replied it was his habit to visit the shop whenever he was in Beiyu.
Inside, Wen Yifan shared her dream of opening a small, stress-free shop where people could relax, eat noodles, read books, and listen to her favorite music—a place where "overtime" wouldn't feel like overtime. Sang Yan playfully questioned if such a place could still be called a noodle shop, but then, with sincerity, promised, "When I have money, I'll buy this place and open you a small shop for relaxation and stress relief."
Wen Yifan experienced a strong sense of deja vu, recalling a past conversation about a handsome boss named Sang who owned a place called "Overtime," hinting at a future he was already building. As they stepped out into the rain, Sang Yan held the umbrella over them. He confessed that he had always found such words "pretentious" and "embarrassing" to utter, but he had to say it once in his life: "Haven't you noticed yet?
After all these years, I still only like you." Deeply moved, Wen Yifan responded that if he ever found such words too pretentious in the future, she would say them instead, admitting it was also hard for her. She then clearly declared, "We're mutually in love." Sang Yan joyfully asked, "So, from now on, you're my girlfriend?" Wen Yifan happily agreed. He jokingly added that to win an "extraordinary" man like him was certainly worth celebrating for "ages."
As they continued walking, Wen Yifan noticed he was getting wet and asked him to shift the umbrella over. He teasingly told her not to complain while being served, then added with heartfelt sincerity, "You deserve to be treated this way." She then asked to buy two apples, fulfilling his earlier request and her promise.
Episode 19 Recap
During the Freshman Winter Vacation, at a Nanwu University alumni reunion for Nanwu High School students, Su Hao'an enthusiastically announced that he was in a relationship. Others teased him, remarking that he had always had girlfriends since high school. Feeling bored by the chatter, Sang Yan stepped outside. He overheard Zhong Siqiao on the phone with Wen Yifan, asking why she wasn't returning to Nanwu for the winter break and if she was dating.
Wen Yifan clarified that she was not in a relationship but had started playing a mobile game, and her in-game name was "Warm Water" on the "Unrivaled" server. Upon returning home, Sang Yan immediately downloaded the same game and created an ID for himself: "Bai Jiang." Later, back in Beiyu after they had confirmed their relationship, it was late, and Wen Yifan booked Sang Yan a room on the same floor as hers.
Sang Yan insisted she come to his room. Wen Yifan initially felt it might be too soon to enter his personal space after just starting their relationship, but she went in. Sang Yan expressed his concern over her recent weight loss and a cut behind her ear, noting how long it had taken him to help her gain weight. Wen Yifan assured him the injury was not serious, just a minor scrape.
Sang Yan then revealed he had come to collect his birthday gift. As Wen Yifan turned to look for her phone, he took the opportunity to kiss her. When Wen Yifan later asked for his birthday wish, Sang Yan simply replied that it had already come true. He ordered several pizzas for them, suggesting they eat slowly to prolong their time together.
The following day, Sang Yan posted a screenshot of a cake on his WeChat Moments, announcing he had a girlfriend. Zhong Siqiao quickly informed Wen Yifan, who happily confirmed that she was indeed Sang Yan's girlfriend. Zhong Siqiao was astonished at how quickly Wen Yifan, with her usually slow-paced personality, had progressed in her relationship. The next morning, as Wen Yifan and her colleagues prepared to leave Beiyu, Sang Yan joined them.
He openly held Wen Yifan's hand, publicly declaring their relationship. Mu Chengyun, one of Wen Yifan's colleagues, questioned Sang Yan's approach, suggesting it might put pressure on Wen Yifan. Sang Yan calmly clarified that they were "mutually attracted," a phrase Wen Yifan herself had used to describe their feelings. Wen Yifan offered to drive, but Sang Yan insisted on taking the wheel, wanting her to rest after her busy work trip.
Meanwhile, Zhong Siqiao was feeling melancholic after rejecting Su Hao'an's confession. She found herself feeling a void when he wasn't around, unsure of her true feelings for him. Su Hao'an, determined to understand Zhong Siqiao better, added Xiang Lang on WeChat, explaining he was too afraid to ask Wen Yifan in case Zhong Siqiao found out and got angry.
He had previously told Zhong Siqiao he no longer wanted to be just friends, expressing his desire to be her boyfriend and telling her he was waiting by Anhe Bridge near her house. However, when Zhong Siqiao went outside, she unexpectedly ran into Xiang Lang, who had just returned from Hong Kong for a vacation and had come to see her. They went to the bridge together, where Su Hao'an was shocked to see Xiang Lang with Zhong Siqiao.
Xiang Lang quickly clarified that he and Zhong Siqiao were, and always would be, the best of friends. Despite this, Su Hao'an again tried to confess his feelings. However, Zhong Siqiao, affected by Su Hao'an bringing up her past rejection from Xiang Lang, once more turned down Su Hao'an, who then left dejectedly. Xiang Lang later confided in Su Hao'an that Zhong Siqiao, despite her cheerful exterior, often concealed her true unhappiness and always put others' needs before her own.
He noted that she meticulously remembered everyone's birthdays and preferences, and while she might not always be the center of their group, she was undeniably essential to them. He also revealed that a significant source of her sadness during high school was her parents' divorce. Back home in Nanwu, Wen Yifan finally presented Sang Yan with his belated birthday gift: a camel-colored coat.
Although it was a color he hadn't worn before, he was pleased with it, humorously ranking it as his second favorite gift. His first, he admitted, was Wen Yifan herself, the gift he received the day before. Sang Yan then carefully applied medicine to Wen Yifan's ear wound. He playfully suggested she come to his place after her shower the next day, only to quickly clarify that it was for him to apply more medicine.
Since officially confirming their relationship, Wen Yifan found herself frequently smiling. Mu Chengyun, still skeptical of Sang Yan, expressed concern that Wen Yifan might be settling for less. However, Wen Yifan confidently affirmed her happiness, revealing that she had harbored a crush on Sang Yan since high school but had never admitted it. Later, Sang Yan invited Wen Yifan to join him at his "Overtime" bar.
Zhong Siqiao, nervous but excited, also accompanied them, eager to see Sang Yan in his new role as her best friend's boyfriend. At "Overtime," the business partners present remained oblivious to Sang Yan and Wen Yifan's relationship, despite Sang Yan's protective gestures and his indirect reference to his "sister-in-law" when talking about the coat she bought him. Sang Yan noted their obliviousness and decided they would make a formal announcement at a more suitable time.
Afterward, Wen Yifan and Sang Yan visited a small jiaozi shop. Despite her preference for mild flavors, Wen Yifan thoughtfully ordered a richer, spicier jiaozi for Sang Yan, imagining it was what he would enjoy. Sang Yan relished the meal. He then pointed out a Ferris wheel outside the window and promised to take her on it once they finished eating.
Episode 20 Recap
During the New Year holiday, Sang Yan immersed himself in a game. He noticed a post from Wen Yifan seeking a mentor. Excitedly, he tried to accept her as his disciple, but the game repeatedly informed him that his level wasn't high enough. Despite his family calling him for dinner, reminding him that his uncle and aunt were visiting, Sang Yan remained glued to his screen, furiously leveling up.
His persistence paid off, and he finally received a notification confirming that Wen Yifan was now his disciple. Later, Wen Yifan and Sang Yan went on a date to ride a Ferris wheel. Inside their cabin, Wen Yifan playfully asked if Sang Yan was afraid of heights. He confidently declared that the word "fear" didn't exist in his dictionary, though she couldn't help but remember his terrified reactions to horror movies, a comparison he dismissed.
As the cabin slowly ascended, Wen Yifan admired the "beautiful and healing" view. Just as they neared the top, Sang Yan moved closer to her. His phone rang, and it was Qian Fei, excitedly sharing that Master Chen Junwen had determined the eighth day of the New Year was the perfect day for his wedding. Sang Yan, annoyed, told him to discuss it with his fiancée, not him.
Qian Fei, however, was in high spirits and noticed a girl's voice, immediately asking if it was Sang Yan's girlfriend. He teased Sang Yan for claiming he was with a roommate before Sang Yan quickly hung up. After their first ride, as they were about to leave, Sang Yan overheard a rumor that couples who kiss at the very top of the Ferris wheel would stay together forever.
Inspired, he immediately turned to Wen Yifan and suggested they try it by riding again. Wen Yifan, beaming with happiness, readily agreed. When the ticket collector expressed surprise at their quick return, Wen Yifan quickly explained they had forgotten to take a photo. On the second ride, Sang Yan took a selfie of them, urging Wen Yifan to smile.
He complimented her, saying her eyes looked like crescent moons when she smiled, and her mole resembled a "tear of laughter"—a description she playfully corrected, insisting it looked more like a star. As they reached the apex once more, he asked if she had heard the rumor. She admitted she didn't believe in such tales but believed in herself.
Sang Yan then leaned in, stating that the rumor was "made to make you believe it," and they shared a passionate kiss. Meanwhile, Zhong Siqiao went to Overtime, hoping to find Su Hao'an, but he wasn't there. She tried calling him, but he didn't answer. She also asked a colleague, He, if he had seen Su Hao'an, but he hadn't. Disappointed, Zhong Siqiao decided to head home.
Back at her apartment, Wen Yifan was basking in the glow of her newfound happiness, feeling loved by Sang Yan and supported by her friends, wondering if she truly deserved such a blissful life. Her joyful thoughts were abruptly shattered by a text message from an unknown number, which contained an unsettling photo of her that had been taken without her knowledge. A wave of fear washed over her.
She called the number back, and a chilling male voice, one she had hoped never to hear again, confirmed her worst fears, saying, "It really is you," followed by, "I miss you so much, Yifan." Terrified, Wen Yifan quickly hung up. Later, Zhong Siqiao visited her grandfather. She was immediately struck by a foul odor in the house, which Mr. Ma, the caretaker, explained was from Woodie Jr. , a new pet who had been relieving itself indoors.
Grandpa was visibly upset, lamenting that Woodie Jr. was wild and unruly, unlike his cherished "Old Woodie." Zhong Siqiao gently tried to reason with him, suggesting that Woodie Jr. was just a child and might be acting out to get more attention, possibly sensing the lingering scent of Old Woodie throughout the house. She pointed out that Grandpa still kept Old Woodie's toys, which might signal to Woodie Jr. that it hadn't been fully accepted.
Grandpa agreed that he needed to adapt. Zhong Siqiao then cautiously brought up his illness, revealing that she and Su Hao'an were aware of it, and suggested it might be better if Grandma knew too. Grandpa expressed his deep anxiety about forgetting things, even simple tasks like using his phone.
He showed her a special notebook where he meticulously recorded precious memories, particularly those with his wife, whom he affectionately nicknamed "Laughter" because of her constant smiles when they were dating. He explained he had to write these down, fearing he would forget their happiest times together. Wen Yifan spent her holiday lovingly preparing a special meal for Sang Yan. She put up festive couplets on her door and began cooking.
Zhong Siqiao soon arrived, not empty-handed, but with bags of groceries she had picked up from the market and a painting she had promised. She explained that the painting symbolized Wen Yifan and Sang Yan holding hands through winter, wishing them everlasting happiness, and helped Wen Yifan hang it. Declining an invitation to stay for dinner, Zhong Siqiao left to give the couple their privacy. Shortly after, Sang Yan arrived.
He noticed the couplets and playfully added his own artistic touch, drawing a mulberry leaf and a frost flower underneath them. Inside, Wen Yifan proudly presented the "simple version" candlelight dinner she had prepared. Sang Yan heartily enjoyed the meal, even joking that if she had "poisoned it," they would "go together then."
Wen Yifan then explained that the small night lights he had thoughtfully placed for her sleepwalking were ineffective, as sleepwalkers don't respond to light, moving instead by habit. Sang Yan, looking slightly crestfallen, offered to remove them. Wen Yifan quickly reassured him, her voice filled with emotion, that since being with him, her sleepwalking had significantly decreased, and her overall stress had lessened. She tearfully expressed her gratitude, feeling that he would always be there to "catch her."
Sang Yan enveloped her in a tight embrace, firmly reiterating his unwavering commitment: "No matter what, I will always catch you." He then urged her to always communicate her feelings to him in the future. As they settled down to watch a movie after dinner, Wen Yifan received a flurry of messages from Zheng Kejia.
Zheng Kejia complained bitterly about their paternal relatives overstaying their welcome and how Wen Yifan's paternal uncle's wife was relentlessly demanding money from her mother for her son's wedding. Noticing Wen Yifan’s somber mood, Sang Yan gently encouraged her to focus on their movie. Wen Yifan, putting her phone aside, then opened up about her difficult past.
She explained that her mother remarried shortly after her father’s death, and she struggled to accept her stepfather, "Uncle Zheng," which caused friction with her mother. She then went to live with her loving grandmother, who cherished her, but later, due to her grandmother's illness, Wen Yifan was sent to live with her paternal uncle's family. Sang Yan listened with empathy. He then asked about her stepsister, Zheng Kejia, who had seemed overly familiar at a recent gathering.
Wen Yifan described Zheng Kejia as spoiled, used to having the best, and always relying on others to solve her problems. She added that, as the older sister, she felt she should tolerate her. Sang Yan quickly interjected, challenging this notion. He pulled Wen Yifan into a tight embrace, emphatically telling her not to let her stepsister's "harsh words" or "nonsensical standards" influence her.
He revealed that every single item in his apartment had been chosen specifically with her in mind, and passionately declared that her discerning taste in choosing him as a partner proved she deserved nothing less than the absolute best.
Episode 21 Recap
Nearing graduation, Wen Yifan helped a classmate move a large amount of postgraduate exam materials to the gates of Yihe University. Her classmate mentioned plans to return home for graduate school, where her boyfriend was waiting, and then asked Wen Yifan if someone was waiting for her too. Wen Yifan deflected, stating she intended to work after graduation and simply wanted to go home and be spoiled by her parents.
When they arrived at a taxi, the classmate asked the driver to open the trunk. As Wen Yifan approached to call the driver, she caught a glimpse of the driver's side profile through the car window. Startled, she immediately turned and rushed back into the school, leaving her classmate to handle the luggage. Despite living together, Wen Yifan and Sang Yan rarely saw each other due to Sang Yan’s frequent overtime and Wen Yifan’s impromptu business trips.
Wen Yifan often left him food and notes, and he would text her about his late returns. One night, just as Sang Yan returned home exhausted, Wen Yifan received an urgent call from her colleague, Qian Wenhua, about a car accident: a taxi had crashed directly into a noodle shop near Wen Yifan’s home, injuring both the driver and the passenger. Despite Sang Yan offering to drive her, Wen Yifan rushed out to meet Qian Wenhua, who was already downstairs.
At the scene, a colleague shared that the driver, seemingly intoxicated, had driven an old second-hand car straight into the Dragon King Noodle Shop while attempting a maneuver, causing significant damage. As firefighters pulled the injured driver from the wreckage, Wen Yifan recognized his face, which made her breath quicken. She quickly ducked behind a pillar to avoid being seen. From the stretcher, the driver, in turn, seemed to spot Wen Yifan and stared intently at her.
Later, while preparing the news report, Wen Yifan, still shaken, removed her name from the broadcast, opting for a general “Nanwu TV” attribution to avoid recognition. Early Saturday morning, Sang Yan found Wen Yifan still awake in the kitchen. Noticing her distress, he asked if something bad had happened. She confessed to feeling tired and not wanting to move. Sang Yan gently embraced her, offering comfort and porridge.
Wen Yifan held him tightly, expressing deep regret for her past behavior, promising to treat him well, and vowing never to hurt him again. She declared her desire to be with him every day, to avoid all the people from her past, and asked him to stay by her side forever. After a brief kiss, she tried to leave, but Sang Yan stopped her, playfully chastising her for the "flirt and run" kiss and asking her to be more serious.
He then pulled her closer for a more passionate kiss. When she became shy, Sang Yan gave her a choice: porridge or another kiss. Wen Yifan chose the porridge. As they ate, he teased her about her terrible kissing skills, complaining that his lips hurt, to which she retorted that she just needed more practice. Zhong Siqiao confronted Su Hao'an, urging him to talk to his grandmother about his grandfather's illness.
She explained that his grandfather had bought their old house back and filled it with vintage furniture and pottery to recreate memories from his younger days with his grandmother, fearing he might forget their past due to his deteriorating health. Su Hao'an initially dismissed this as odd behavior, revealing his pain over a past car accident that had left their family with a permanent, unspoken wound.
Zhong Siqiao pressed him, arguing that his grandfather likely pushed his grandmother to travel so she could fulfill her dreams before his health worsened, and that the family needed to address their past trauma. She recounted how both grandparents were still deeply attached to each other, despite their separation. Su Hao'an, touched by her understanding, realized Zhong Siqiao constantly helped others while concealing her own struggles. He asked how he could help her.
Zhong Siqiao, while acknowledging his affection, worried his feelings were merely a rebound from his recent heartbreak. She admitted to missing him but was frustrated by his recent silence and didn't want him to know her true feelings. Su Hao'an then kissed her passionately. After a playful exchange, Su Hao'an declared he would officially pursue her for a shared future.
Zhong Siqiao, calming him down, asked him to take his time, slowly discover her other good sides, and gradually fall for her. Su Hao'an agreed. Later, Grandpa welcomed Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao to his old house, explaining how he lovingly restored it to recreate memories for his grandmother. Just then, Grandma, alerted by Zhong Siqiao and Su Hao'an, arrived. She confronted Grandpa about concealing his illness, revealing her sadness over his deliberate arguments that pushed her away.
Grandpa admitted his fear of forgetting her. Grandma reassured him, stating that they were lifelong partners. She confessed that her solo travels were not happy because she constantly worried about him and their family, realizing that being with them was her greatest happiness. Grandma, seeing the meticulously recreated home, realized how deeply Grandpa remembered their past. They reconciled, and the grandparents danced together, just as they used to.
After Sang Yan teased her about her kissing, Wen Yifan secretly practiced in front of her mirror, only to quickly become embarrassed. Later, Sang Yan entered her room, holding his college graduation album. He invited her to look through it, showing her pictures of himself, Su Hao'an (who had yellow hair in college), and Qian Fei.
When Wen Yifan saw a photo of Duan Jiaxu, she remarked that he was quite handsome, a "campus heartthrob" type who looked sunny and youthful, and that she'd heard he and Sang Yan were known as the "Nanwu double heartthrobs." Sang Yan, clearly annoyed, immediately downplayed Duan Jiaxu’s appeal, claiming he was older, from the "previous generation," and looked "silly." Noticing many photos of Duan Jiaxu, a jealous Sang Yan quickly feigned tiredness and took the album away.
Later, Wen Yifan entered Sang Yan’s room to give him an early Valentine's Day gift. She presented him with two matching bracelets: one with a delicate snowflake, representing "Frost's Descent" (Shuangjiang, her nickname), which she put on his wrist. He then helped her put on the other bracelet, adorned with a small mulberry leaf, signifying his name, Sang Yan. Sang Yan then directed her to a drawer where she found his gift: a voice recorder.
Alone in her room, Wen Yifan played the recording, which contained heartfelt messages from Sang Yan, telling her to prioritize her safety at work, reminding her that he was waiting for her safe return, assuring her she deserved the best, and promising to always be by her side. Wen Yifan reflected on Sang Yan’s college years, a period she never witnessed, expressing deep regret for missing that time in his life.
She yearned to be present for every moment, sharing his joys and sorrows, and being by his side during every difficult time. She vowed to be his "power bank," providing him with boundless energy every day in the future.
Episode 22 Recap
One night in the Yihe University dormitory, Wen Yifan, while sleepwalking, turned on a desk lamp and stood there blankly, startling her roommates. The next day, after an exam, the roommates went to a social gathering, but Wen Yifan made an excuse to leave early so she could play video games with Sang Yan. Meanwhile, Zhong Siqiao was talking with Su Haoan's grandparents.
The grandmother recounted a recent solo road trip where she spent a day at the site where Su Haoan's parents and brother died in a car accident. She explained that facing the pain helped her truly move on, and she expressed her gratitude for still having her husband and Su Haoan in her life, concluding that living well was the most important thing. Later, Wen Yifan changed into a dress before leaving work to meet Sang Yan.
Her colleague, Mu Chengyun, saw her out and sincerely wished her happiness. At their friend Qian Fei's wedding, Duan Jiaxu arrived late. As soon as Duan Jiaxu sat down, Sang Yan, remembering Wen Yifan's past compliment about Duan Jiaxu's looks, started asking his friends who was more handsome, him or Duan Jiaxu. Wen Yifan received a call from Sang Yan and hurriedly got into a car, failing to notice a man watching her from afar.
After she left, the man glanced back at the television station. At the wedding, Sang Yan made a show of their relationship, and Wen Yifan publicly announced that she was the one who pursued him. A friend then mentioned that Sang Yan had been asking who was more handsome between him and Duan Jiaxu. Wen Yifan turned to Sang Yan and said she would vote for him.
Sang Yan arrogantly responded that he didn't need her vote, but Wen Yifan softly insisted that she meant it, asking why else she would have pursued him so intensely. As the wedding reception progressed, Wen Yifan drank a lot of alcohol. Sang Yan helped the inebriated Wen Yifan outside to wait for a taxi. She told him that she was saving money to support him in the future, to prevent him from smiling at other women.
Once in the taxi, Wen Yifan struggled to put on a pair of pants over her dress, so Sang Yan quickly shielded her with a bag and covered his face until she was done. In another car, Su Haoan told Zhong Siqiao how envious he was of Sang Yan's public announcement, as his previous girlfriends had never allowed him to post about their relationships on social media. After getting out of the taxi, Wen Yifan could barely stand.
Sang Yan dotingly carried her on his back, and she made him promise not to rely on his looks to make a living. On the way, she started talking about her time in the news department at Yihe Television, recalling how people gossiped that she only got the job due to a special relationship with her boss. Though she spoke lightly, her story made Sang Yan's heart ache for her. When she felt nauseous, Sang Yan put her down.
Looking at the stars, Wen Yifan apologized for her harsh words in the past, admitting that she didn't like Yihe or Beiyu. She added that Nanwu was the only place where she had someone she cared about. Back at home, Sang Yan prepared a hangover soup for Wen Yifan. She collapsed on the sofa, refusing to move to the bed because she felt she smelled bad from the alcohol.
Sang Yan told her to take a shower, but Wen Yifan playfully demanded he wash her. When Sang Yan refused, she jumped on him, wanting to sleep in his arms. He finally managed to get her to bed, but as he turned to leave, a drowsy Wen Yifan apologized again for avoiding him in the past. The next morning, Sang Yan woke up to find Wen Yifan hugging him. She awkwardly claimed she must have sleepwalked.
Sang Yan then recounted her drunken antics from the night before, reminding her that she had asked him to bathe her and even told a lame joke about animals. Later, Sang Yan provided her with a change of clothes and prepared a bath for her. He helped her remove her false eyelashes before telling her he would leave so she could get undressed and shower.
Episode 23 Recap
After his graduation ceremony at Nanwu University, Sang Yan's family searched for him, but he indicated he had plans to meet friends. Meanwhile, at Yihe University, Wen Yifan was taking graduation photos with her classmates amidst light rain. She felt a fleeting sense of Sang Yan's presence in the crowd and, upon hearing a classmate mention a handsome guy, she too became distracted.
She later wondered if she had indeed seen him there, watching her from afar before quietly leaving as soon as she turned to look. Su Hao'an experienced a warm family gathering at Zhong Siqiao's house. Despite some good-natured teasing from Grandpa about table manners and his unmarried status, Su Hao'an expressed his genuine joy at sharing a meal with the lively family.
He confessed that the atmosphere reminded him of his late father and how he used to contemplate giving up, but now he understood that hope and dreams can only exist if one chooses to live. Later, as Wen Yifan headed to the "Overtime" restaurant to meet Sang Yan, she had an unwelcome encounter with Che Xingde, her aunt Che Yanqin's brother, on the stairs.
He called her by a nickname, "Shuangjiang," and confronted her, accusing her of ignoring him previously and reminding her of his past support. Sang Yan quickly intervened, and when Che Xingde grabbed Wen Yifan's arm, Sang Yan loudly demanded he let go. With other colleagues stepping in to support Sang Yan, Che Xingde, outnumbered, reluctantly retreated, though not without a parting threat, "see you next time."
Sang Yan checked on a visibly distressed Wen Yifan, who, attempting to downplay the incident, explained that Che Xingde was merely her aunt's brother, not a true uncle, and a disreputable person she barely knew. She assured Sang Yan that she could handle it and there was nothing serious, but he advised her to treat Che Xingde as a complete stranger if he ever appeared again.
That night, Sang Yan found Wen Yifan sleepwalking in the living room, silently weeping while staring intently at a wall clock. Concerned, he wondered aloud why she always cried in her sleep and whether she was afraid to be alone. He gently led her back to her room, promising to leave his door open so she could come directly to him if she ever felt scared.
When he tried to leave her room, she instinctively pulled him back, holding his hand. Sensing her need for comfort, he asked if she wanted him to stay and then suggested they go to his room. The next morning, Wen Yifan woke up in Sang Yan's bed, embracing him.
Confused, she asked why he was there, but he playfully turned the question back on her, teasing that she was the one who had sleepwalked into his room, pulled back his blanket, and "carried him over." He joked about her "super strength" in her sleep. Wen Yifan laughed off her embarrassment, acknowledging his "manly" strength.
As he prepared breakfast, Wen Yifan explicitly asked Sang Yan to ignore Che Xingde if he ever came to "Overtime" again, regardless of what he said or demanded. Sang Yan reassured her that he only spoke to her and that no one else, man or woman, could take anything from him. Wen Yifan was alarmed to discover Che Xingde working as a security guard at her TV station.
Her colleague, Mu Chengyun, explained that Che Xingde had recently been hired due to increased crime in the area and was perceived as honest and helpful. Later that evening, after working late on a draft, Wen Yifan was leaving the station when Che Xingde ambushed her. He confronted her, insisting their past conflicts were merely "misunderstandings" and shamelessly blamed her for his current "worthless" life, questioning if she had sabotaged her college or relationship with a "rich boyfriend."
He declared he was "dying" and demanded her help. When Wen Yifan tried to walk away, Che Xingde aggressively grabbed her and shoved her against a wall, threatening to spread false rumors that she had seduced him and tried to kill him, adding that he had "nothing to lose." Fortunately, Mu Chengyun arrived to pick Wen Yifan up for his farewell party, interrupting Che Xingde's menacing outburst.
At Mu Chengyun's farewell dinner, Sang Yan unexpectedly appeared, claiming he was hungry after finishing work and had no one to eat with. As Wen Yifan spoke with him, she received a text from her mother, Zhao Yuandong, informing her that Che Xingde had been in a car accident, damaging a shop, but had since found a "decent job" and was now staying with her, assuring Wen Yifan there was no need to worry.
Wen Yifan confided in Sang Yan about her sadness after visiting children with rare diseases earlier that day, lamenting their young age and the lack of expression in their faces when confronting mortality. Later that night, Che Xingde returned to Zhao Yuandong's house. After he went upstairs, Zhao Yuandong subtly advised Zheng Kejia to ensure her clothes were properly worn.
A crisis erupted at "Overtime" when the Market Supervision Bureau and Nanwu TV reporters arrived to investigate a food poisoning complaint. Sang Yan, the owner, calmly addressed the officials and the accusing customer, who alleged that a dish served had caused his friend severe illness. The customer demanded compensation and the closure of the business, threatening to escalate the story to the news and labeling "Overtime" as a "heartless business."
Sang Yan agreed to cover all medical expenses and compensation but firmly stipulated that if the investigation cleared "Overtime," the customer must publicly apologize and retract his statements. During the bustling investigation, Sang Yan noticed Che Xingde lingering at the entrance. He discreetly pulled aside Fu Zhuang, one of the reporters, and specifically asked him not to inform Wen Yifan about the incident.
The food poisoning incident was, in fact, an act of revenge orchestrated by Che Xingde, still resentful from his earlier humiliation at "Overtime." He had conspired with others, promising them a share of the compensation money if they amplified the false food poisoning claims. As a result of the investigation and public outcry, "Overtime" was sealed.
Zhong Siqiao quickly called Wen Yifan to inform her, relaying what she had learned from Su Hao'an – that a customer had claimed food poisoning, demanded compensation, and summoned reporters. Wen Yifan immediately suspected Che Xingde. Her suspicions were reinforced when her mother, Zhao Yuandong, sent a message, relaying Che Xingde's biased view that all restaurant owners are "not good people" and that "Overtime" is "not a respectable place." Zhao Yuandong then warned Wen Yifan against associating with "shady people."
Wen Yifan, now certain, directly called her mother to ask if Che Xingde had been to "Overtime," but Zhao Yuandong feigned ignorance. Undeterred by the pouring rain, Wen Yifan arrived at Zhao Yuandong's house, making it unequivocally clear that this was her final visit. She declared her refusal to interact with any of them again, asserting they should live their own lives and keep her entirely out of their affairs, stating their well-being was "none of my business."
When Che Yanqin attempted to invoke their past "kindness" and "upbringing," Wen Yifan fiercely countered, demanding to know how they had truly raised her. She reminded Che Yanqin that her own father had paid for Che Yanqin's surgery and her son Wen Ming's tuition, never asking for repayment. She then turned to Zhao Yuandong, accusing her mother of having the means to raise her but "not having the courage to do so."
Dismissing their concerns about her "turning bad" as "too late," Wen Yifan issued a final, unyielding threat: if Che Yanqin or Che Xingde dared to harass her or anyone close to her again, she would "fight them to the death."
Episode 24 Recap
During a graduation dinner in Nanwu, Sang Yan's roommates expressed envy for his high-paying, easy game design job secured immediately after graduation. Sang Yan, however, humbly stated that companies sought him out, rather than the other way around. Meanwhile, in Yihe, Wen Yifan was engrossed in a book at a coffee shop when a reporter from Yihe Daily approached her.
The reporter, observing her major, sought to interview Wen Yifan about why young people like her were reluctant to return to their hometowns after graduation. Wen Yifan, a recent graduate, offered little in response. Later, Zhao Yuandong called Wen Yifan, urging her to return to Nanwu, mentioning that Mr. Zheng wanted to treat her to dinner. Wen Yifan refused, stating her intention to stay in Yihe.
She pointed out that in four years of college, her mother had only visited once, and even then, it was merely a stop during a trip with Zheng Kejia. Wen Yifan firmly declared she had no desire to return to Nanwu or Beiyu, pointedly asking if her mother truly didn't know the reasons behind her previous departure.
Returning home soaking wet, Wen Yifan was met by a concerned Sang Yan, who gently chided her for not taking an umbrella or calling him. She explained the sudden downpour caught her while she was working. Noticing her fatigue, Sang Yan suggested she take a break. He then shared his plans to visit Yihe soon to check on his sister, Zhi, who had started a relationship with an older man, causing their family to worry he might be a "liar."
Wen Yifan, trying to reassure him that she was fine, playfully kissed him, though Sang Yan sensed her distraction and commented on her lack of focus. She simply attributed it to being tired and went to bed. However, after Sang Yan left for his own room, Wen Yifan broke down in silent tears, feeling immense pressure. She loved Sang Yan, but Che Xingde's looming threats left her with no choice but to leave him.
The next morning, Wen Yifan accompanied Sang Yan to the airport. Sang Yan teased her for being so attached when he was only leaving for a few days. They stayed together until he completed his check-in and passed through security. Reluctantly, Wen Yifan wished him safe travels and asked him to notify her once he arrived. Sang Yan confessed he would miss her. Back home, alone, Wen Yifan reflected on her love for Sang Yan and their shared life.
She resolved that her departure was necessary to protect him from Che Xingde, murmuring apologies to him, convinced that if she left, Che Xingde would no longer have reason to harm Sang Yan. Shortly after, Sang Yan messaged her, confirming his arrival in Yihe and assuring her he wouldn't mute his phone.
Later, Zhong Siqiao, accompanied by Su Hao'an, went to Wen Yifan's apartment to feed her cat, Diandian, as Wen Yifan had claimed she was leaving for a short business trip. However, Zhong Siqiao discovered an unusually large amount of cat food and found Wen Yifan's closet and dresser completely empty. Sensing something was wrong, Zhong Siqiao tried calling Wen Yifan, but her phone was off. Su Hao'an immediately contacted Sang Yan, who was still in Yihe.
Hearing the news, Sang Yan rushed back to Nanwu. He found a letter from Wen Yifan addressed to him. In the letter, Wen Yifan stated she had no right to ask for his forgiveness for leaving without a word, explaining that she had an unavoidable reason for her departure. She asked him not to miss or search for her, wishing him a future filled with peace and joy.
Sang Yan, unable to reach Wen Yifan, went to the police to report her missing. He explained their relationship and confirmed there had been no arguments or disputes. The police contacted Zhao Yuandong, who not only expressed her disapproval of Sang Yan and Wen Yifan's relationship but also dismissed Wen Yifan's disappearance as merely "throwing a tantrum" following a recent argument, stating that her daughter often vanished suddenly.
The police further informed Sang Yan that Wen Yifan's father was deceased and she had no siblings. Sang Yan mentioned Zhong Siqiao as a close friend, but she also had no knowledge of Wen Yifan's whereabouts. The police, citing Wen Yifan's adult status and right to privacy, suggested Sang Yan not worry excessively and said they could not further investigate without evidence of danger.
Feeling a profound sense of anguish and realizing Wen Yifan had no immediate family, Sang Yan reflected on their relationship. He confessed to Zhong Siqiao and Su Hao'an that he might not have earned enough of Wen Yifan's trust, which led her to endure her struggles alone once more. Determined to find answers, he asked Su Hao'an to arrange a leave of absence for him.
Sang Yan began his search by visiting the address of Wen Yifan's grandmother's former residence, a place he remembered as one of Yifan's happiest times after her father's passing. However, the current occupant, an elderly woman who had lived there for many years, did not recognize the name Wen Yifan. Next, he met with Xu Xinxin, Wen Yifan's university roommate.
Xu Xinxin described Wen Yifan as introverted and noted her strong aversion to working in her hometown, which led her to an internship at Yihe Daily. She also mentioned that Wen Yifan often stayed on campus during holidays, but she had lost touch with her after the internship. Sang Yan then traveled to Yihe TV Station, where a former colleague remembered Wen Yifan as a person with a strong personality.
Identifying himself as Wen Yifan's boyfriend, Sang Yan pressed for details about her time there. The colleague revealed that Wen Yifan had been the victim of workplace sexual harassment by the editorial director. Although the harassment was unsuccessful, and the director was subsequently fired with efforts made to restore Wen Yifan's reputation, she was still dissatisfied and chose to resign.
Sang Yan questioned the colleague's suggestion that this was "escaping pressure," asserting that no parent would allow their child to endure such circumstances. Realizing he had found no trace of Wen Yifan in either Nanwu or Yihe, Sang Yan knew there was only one last place left to search. His final stop was at Che Yanqin’s house. He found Wen Ming there, who informed him that Che Yanqin and her uncle had moved to Nanwu.
Wen Ming also reluctantly revealed that Wen Yifan had "disappeared again," having previously run away after her College Entrance Examination without taking anything, never to return. When Sang Yan asked for the reason behind that earlier departure, Wen Ming claimed ignorance, stating he was busy with his own exams at the time. Sang Yan then asked to see Wen Yifan’s old room. It turned out to be a cramped, dilapidated space, barely fitting a bed, which profoundly disturbed Sang Yan.
Among some old papers, he found a draft with the clear red inscription: "Target: Nanwu University!" As Sang Yan staked out Zhao Yuandong’s apartment building, he spotted Che Xingde leaving on a motorcycle and immediately followed him. The pursuit led him to Nanwu TV, where he was surprised to find Che Xingde working as a security guard. Fu Zhuang, a former colleague of Wen Yifan, happened to pass by and recognized Sang Yan.
He enthusiastically asked if Wen Yifan’s recent resignation from Nanwu TV meant that she and Sang Yan were getting married. Sang Yan vaguely deflected the question, instead inquiring about Che Xingde’s tenure as a security guard, learning he had started about a month ago. After Fu Zhuang left, Che Xingde, noticing Sang Yan, provocatively gestured for him to stop.
Enraged, Sang Yan accelerated his car towards him, but managed to slam on the brakes at the last moment, narrowly avoiding a collision. Che Xingde merely smirked and rode away. Meanwhile, Zhong Siqiao confided in a friend, lamenting her failure to truly understand Wen Yifan and feeling like a "terribly unqualified" friend. She received a text from Wen Yifan, asking if it was a convenient time to talk, and immediately called her back.
Zhong Siqiao tearfully pleaded with Wen Yifan to return, explaining that everyone was desperately searching for her. She reminded Wen Yifan of the pain her previous departure had caused, and urged her to consider Sang Yan, describing him as having lost his usual bright and energetic demeanor since her disappearance. Wen Yifan apologized for causing worry, confirming she was safe and had no intention of returning.
She reiterated that she left not out of a lack of love, but because she wanted everyone she cared about to be safe and well. After telling Zhong Siqiao to take care, Wen Yifan ended the call, leaving Zhong Siqiao distraught. Unbeknownst to her friends, Wen Yifan was now in Hong Kong, settling into a pre-booked apartment.
Episode 25 Recap
Sang Yan desperately searched every place Wen Yifan might have gone, traveling from Nanwu to Yihe and then to Beiyu. He realized how confined her world was, as if her life was trapped. Zhong Siqiao later called Sang Yan, informing him that Wen Yifan, whom they referred to as Dian, had contacted her to say she was safe, though she had not revealed her location.
Sang Yan expressed his profound distress, admitting he wished Wen Yifan's sudden departure was simply to distance herself from him. He theorized that during her six years away, she had silently carried many burdens alone, and her current leaving was likely another attempt to shoulder everything by herself. He regretted not having confronted her directly to understand her reasons back then. Wen Yifan, now in Hong Kong, eventually moved into a new, cramped apartment.
The tight space evoked painful memories from six years prior, when she first arrived at her Aunt Che Yanqin’s home in Beiyu. Her assigned room was a cluttered storage area, which she had to clean herself to create a small space for sleeping. Che Yanqin and her husband often argued about money, especially regarding Wen Yifan's stay. Later, Che Xingde, Che Yanqin's brother and Wen Yifan’s uncle, moved in.
From their initial encounter, he regarded Wen Yifan with ill intentions, frequently glancing at her during meals. Late one night, as Wen Yifan was studying, Che Xingde entered her room without knocking. He sat beside her, claiming to check her schoolwork, and then patted her shoulder, leaving her trembling with fear. Fortunately, Che Yanqin and her husband returned home, and upon hearing sounds, Che Xingde quickly left the room, feigning that he was only checking on Wen Yifan's studies.
During this challenging period, Sang Yan was Wen Yifan's only comfort and light. Though their feelings for each other remained unspoken, they secretly promised to both get into Nanwu University. Wen Yifan longed to return to Nanwu to be with him. To prevent him from making repeated trips to see her and to allow him to focus on his studies, she asked him not to visit her until their university admission results were announced.
Despite their shared dreams, Wen Yifan’s life in Beiyu remained fraught with anxiety. One rainy day, when Che Yanqin and her husband were away, Che Xingde tricked Wen Yifan into helping him find seasoning for her aunt’s stall. While she searched through boxes in the storage room, he began to make inappropriate advances. Wen Yifan struggled to push him away, crying out. Just then, Che Yanqin and her husband returned.
They witnessed the commotion and the disarray but did nothing to intervene, instead telling Wen Yifan, whom her aunt referred to as Jiang, to return to her room and obey her uncle. In despair, Wen Yifan called her mother, Zhao Yuandong, crying and pleading to be taken home. Zhao Yuandong, however, dismissed her fears lightly and quickly hung up, only promising to speak with Che Yanqin. After her college entrance exams, the situation with Che Xingde reached a terrifying climax.
One night, while Wen Yifan was asleep, Che Xingde crept into her room and attempted to get into her bed. Wen Yifan woke abruptly, grabbing a utility knife to defend herself, threatening to call the police. Che Xingde, his hand cut, became more aggressive, threatening her back by claiming the injury was proof she tried to kill him. He scoffed that he would tell the police she tried to steal his money, and they would believe him.
He then blocked all exits, trapping her on the balcony, and mocked her, asking if she wanted everyone to know about such a "shameful, humiliating" incident that would ruin her marriage prospects. With no other escape, Wen Yifan opened the security window and jumped from the second floor. In the ensuing struggle, Che Xingde also fell with her. Injured with a twisted ankle and utterly alone, Wen Yifan called the police.
Che Yanqin immediately phoned Zhao Yuandong, angrily complaining that her brother was merely drunk, had mistakenly entered Wen Yifan's room, and was now unjustly accused of rape with a broken leg. Zhao Yuandong, in turn, dismissed Wen Yifan's actions as an overreaction, insisting that Che Xingde was a good person. As Wen Yifan was a minor, she required a guardian to be present to make a police statement.
However, Zhao Yuandong quickly made an excuse about her husband needing to go to work and departed, leaving the limping Wen Yifan to be supported by the police officer alone. Wen Yifan silently reflected that the rain of Beiyu, symbolizing her trauma, felt as though it had seeped into her bones, and no matter where she ran, she could not escape that dark day.
Months later, while walking by a river in Hong Kong, Wen Yifan was spotted by Xiang Lang, who quickly contacted Zhong Siqiao, believing he had just seen "Dian." Wen Yifan, despite seeing numerous missed calls and messages from Sang Yan on her phone, chose to ignore them.
She had also sent Sang Yan a letter, stating she didn't expect his forgiveness for her sudden departure but hoped he would believe she had a compelling reason to leave, asking him not to miss her or search for her. Sang Yan, who had tirelessly sought her, had read her previous letter and longed for another. Six months after her disappearance, Wen Yifan continued to live and work part-time in Hong Kong, maintaining her distance from Sang Yan.
One day, at the bar where he worked, Sang Yan witnessed Che Xingde harassing a female customer. Enraged, Sang Yan dragged Che Xingde outside. Unrepentant, Che Xingde provoked Sang Yan by openly taunting him about having "touched his little girl" and almost "had her," even offering to share the details. While Sang Yan was distracted by the taunts, Che Xingde attacked him with a bottle. This pushed Sang Yan to his breaking point. He unleashed a furious assault on Che Xingde, beating him severely until he was incapacitated on the ground, then instructed his companions to call an ambulance.
Episode 26 Recap
Wen Yifan, having completed her statement at the police station, was accompanied by Officer Chen to her home. Officer Chen's daughter, Chen Xi, a vibrant girl of Wen Yifan's age, warmly welcomed her, hoping Wen Yifan would find comfort despite the small house. Chen Xi eagerly took Wen Yifan to her bedroom, calling it their "secret base" for reading, chatting, and playing games.
She playfully compared Wen Yifan to the Bone Spirit from the game "Fantasy Westward Journey", remarking that Wen Yifan was even prettier. During dinner, Chen Xi shared that Wen Yifan wasn't the first girl her mother had offered shelter to, noting that while the girls arrived unhappy, they always left cheerful thanks to her mother's care. Chen Xi promised Wen Yifan that she, too, would become happy.
Later, Chen Xi excitedly changed her university preference online to attend the same institution as her "idol." Inspired by this, Wen Yifan asked to use the computer, and when asked if she also had an "idol," she revealed her desire to "leave everyone I know behind" and go "somewhere no one knows me." Chen Xi, sensing her distress, reassured her and left her to make the change.
Sang Yan, bearing visible injuries from a fight, refused to seek hospital treatment, preferring to bandage his wounds himself. Xiang Lang, who was waiting for him, expressed concern about his state. Xiang Lang then inquired about the situation between Sang Yan and Wen Yifan, to which Sang Yan admitted he was equally confused. Xiang Lang accused Sang Yan of driving her away and then acting oblivious.
Sang Yan revealed he had been searching for Wen Yifan for six months without giving up. Xiang Lang then shared a crucial clue: he believed Wen Yifan might be in Hong Kong, China. He offered to mediate any misunderstandings, but Sang Yan insisted there were none. Xiang Lang, however, recalled Sang Yan's long-standing concern about Wen Yifan's sudden departure after the college entrance exam.
He confessed that his previous claim about them both planning to attend Yihe University was a fabrication intended to provoke Sang Yan. Xiang Lang admitted he didn't know why Wen Yifan suddenly chose Yihe University but speculated it might be linked to her aunt and uncle, Che Yanqin and Che Xingde, mentioning that Wen Yifan had a difficult time and that her aunt would often yell at her.
He also recalled Qiao mentioning that Wen Yifan's uncle, Che Xingde, had said strange things to her. After that summer following the college entrance exam, Wen Yifan had moved without a trace. Xiang Lang then described seeing someone resembling Wen Yifan at the Star Ferry Pier in Hong Kong, China. He called out to her, but she didn't respond and entered a building. Despite days of searching, he found nothing.
Sang Yan immediately requested the building's address and name, even as Xiang Lang cautioned that he wasn't entirely sure it was her. Sang Yan promptly flew to Hong Kong, China, to follow up on Xiang Lang's lead. At the hotel Xiang Lang mentioned, Sang Yan inquired about "Wen Yifan," but the receptionist found no record.
After Sang Yan showed a picture, the receptionist recognized the person but stated she had registered under the surname "Sang," not Wen, and had since moved out. The receptionist added that the beautiful girl always seemed to have a lot on her mind, appeared unhappy, and often ate only bread and bottled water, suggesting she was living a hard life. Days of searching yielded no further results, and urgent work projects back in Nanwu compelled Sang Yan to return.
Xiang Lang called, advising him to come back due to the difficulty of the search and his professional responsibilities. Back in Nanwu, Sang Yan tried calling Wen Yifan, but her phone was off. Su Hao'an, offering support, tried to cheer Sang Yan up, reminding him that being gloomy wouldn't bring Wen Yifan back.
He suggested that if Wen Yifan was indeed in Hong Kong, she must be either studying or working, and offered to ask his grandparents, who once lived there, to help with the search, even after hearing about the surname change. Su Hao'an's grandmother also reassured Sang Yan, emphasizing that if two people are destined to be together, they will find their way back, just as his grandparents did.
She encouraged him to maintain a strong belief, likening it to the Law of Attraction, as he was not one to give up easily. Sang Yan expressed his hope for such luck again. Wen Yifan started working as a teacher at a dance studio in Hong Kong, where she was introduced to her young students as "Miss Wen" or "Wendy." The children warmly welcomed their new ballet instructor.
Meanwhile, Su Hao'an informed Zhong Siqiao that his grandmother's university contact had indeed found a graduate student named Wen Yifan, confirming their suspicions based on Xiang Lang's sighting and Sang Yan's hotel discovery. Zhong Siqiao, worried about Wen Yifan's stubborn nature and potential reluctance, suggested they approach her first before informing Sang Yan. Su Hao'an agreed, acknowledging that convincing Wen Yifan to return to Nanwu would be challenging. They then traveled to Hong Kong.
Upon checking into their hotel, the front desk recognized Su Hao'an from his frequent stays while handling his grandparents' business. He initially requested two rooms, but Qiao insisted on one, reminding him they had shared a bed before. When Qiao questioned his familiarity with the front desk, Su Hao'an explained his personal rule of not traveling with girlfriends to avoid relationship conflicts over differing values and habits.
However, he admitted he felt "at ease" traveling with her, a change he found significant, feeling more relaxed and able to share anything with her. Su Hao'an then confessed to Qiao that being so close to her ignited an intense, overwhelming desire that he found "really tough" to control. Qiao, taking the initiative, declared, "I want us to be together." Su Hao'an, taken aback but delighted, admitted he had been waiting a long time to hear those words.
As they grew intimate, he paused, realizing he had no protection. Qiao, also unprepared, promised to buy some the next day. Unable to sleep, they sat together by the bed, waiting for the sunrise. Qiao then playfully asked if they could make their relationship official on social media.
Back at the university, Su Hao'an complained to Qiao about the school office's refusal to release student data due to privacy laws, making their method of asking students individually inefficient and arduous in the heat. In her ballet class, Wen Yifan demonstrated a jump, but her landing appeared somewhat unnatural. When a student asked if her foot was alright, Wen Yifan quickly dismissed any injury, assuring them she would be fine.
Later, Wen Yifan had dinner with her colleagues, Sen and Yuqing. Wen Yifan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to resume dancing, and Yuqing, aware of Yifan's past injury, recommended coconut peach gum milk for recovery. Sen then shared a philosophical view on life, stating that injuries and setbacks are inevitable, but continuously recovering from them makes one "unstoppable." He emphasized that facing challenges sooner is better, declaring his own happiness despite having overcome many.
Yuqing further elaborated on Sen's inspiring past: he was a talented second-string dancer with the New York City Ballet, on the verge of joining the first team for a Paris performance, when a car accident severely injured his leg, ending his dream. Despite immense pain and a prolonged recovery, Sen returned to Hong Kong, China, where he found contentment doing what he loved. Eventually, Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao spotted Wen Yifan.
Qiao excitedly rushed over, embracing her tightly and noting how much weight Yifan had lost. After agreeing to meet for dinner the following day, Wen Yifan returned to her place. Realizing that evasion was no longer the best course of action, she turned on her old phone, which immediately filled with numerous messages and missed calls, including some from Sang Yan and a menacing one from Che Xingde.
Che Xingde's message threatened to pursue her "to the ends of the earth." With newfound resolve, Wen Yifan recorded a voice message for Che Xingde, declaring that she no longer needed to hide, that she was in Hong Kong, China, and that she would never be afraid of him again, vowing to make him pay for his actions. She reflected that simply running away only caused harm to everyone.
Meanwhile, Qiao and Su Hao'an discussed whether to immediately inform Sang Yan. Qiao argued that Wen Yifan must have her own reasons for leaving and that they should first gauge her feelings. She worried that Wen Yifan might have met someone new or that her feelings for Sang Yan could have changed during her time in Hong Kong, China, especially given Sang Yan's temper and less-than-charming demeanor.
Su Hao'an concurred, concerned that if they didn't reconcile, Sang Yan might take years to recover. They decided to hear Wen Yifan out the next day. At dinner, Qiao deliberately created space by taking Su Hao'an away to order, giving Wen Yifan privacy. Wen Yifan then called Sang Yan, who was in the middle of writing a resignation letter. He, still haunted by her disappearance, expressed how her absence—and her twenty-yuan debt to him—had robbed him of his peace. Wen Yifan then asked if they could meet.
Episode 27 Recap
After the college entrance exam results were released, Wen Yifan was staying at Officer Chen's home when she received several messages from Sang Yan asking about her whereabouts and her admission letter, and stating he was coming to find her. Despite the heavy rain, Wen Yifan, feeling conflicted, took an umbrella and went out to meet him.
She firmly told Sang Yan her decision to go to a different university and expressed that she didn't want him to bother her anymore. Sang Yan, who had been waiting for her in the rain and was completely soaked, returned to his dorm room looking utterly disheartened. He ignored Su Hao'an's excited announcement about getting into Nanwu University and his boasts about following Sang Yan to whichever university he chose, retreating into his own despondency.
Years later, the children Wen Yifan taught at Sunshine Dance Studio in Hong Kong were about to perform in a competition. However, a last-minute technical issue rendered their music file corrupted. Wen Yifan remained calm and encouraged the young dancers, reminding them that they had practiced extensively and knew the rhythm by heart. Meanwhile, Sang Yan's flight was delayed.
Su Hao'an waited nervously outside for him, finally relieved when Sang Yan arrived, while Zhong Siqiao was inside, ready to record the performance. With the music gone, Wen Yifan stood by the stage, bravely clapping out the beats for the children. Sang Yan entered the venue just as they began, and his eyes immediately found Wen Yifan, unable to look away. He took a seat, his gaze fixed solely on her.
After the performance, the children were elated despite not winning any awards, and Wen Yifan guided them off stage. Sang Yan approached and called out to her. Upon seeing him, Wen Yifan's expression softened. She mentioned that while the children hadn't placed, they were incredibly happy. Sang Yan, still emotional, asked about her foot, which she admitted she had twisted while dancing with the kids.
He revealed he had just gotten off the plane and rushed over, afraid he would miss her performance. He then told her, with deep feeling, that seeing her made him happier than anything else. He pulled her into a long-awaited embrace, and for the first time in a long while, a look of pure joy appeared on Wen Yifan's face as she found comfort in his arms. She agreed to join their celebration later.
Wen Yifan, now balancing work and studies, decided to openly address her past. She confessed to Sang Yan that she had left because of the trauma inflicted by Che Xingde. She explained that his presence made her feel unworthy and constantly threatened, as if all good things could be ruined at any moment. Sang Yan comforted her, asserting that the fault was entirely Che Xingde's and she shouldn't bear the burden.
He emotionally revealed that her sudden disappearance had destroyed his world and reiterated his profound love for her, making her feel safe and cherished. Wen Yifan recalled the day he came to Beiyu when the college admission results were out, regretting not giving him her umbrella in the rain. Sang Yan dismissed it, claiming he was a "grown man" and "not that fragile," playfully telling her not to treat him like a delicate flower.
Wen Yifan had booked a hotel room for Sang Yan, only to reveal it was a single room with two beds. Sang Yan teased her about her intentions before going to check them in. Later, as Sang Yan applied medicine to her injured foot, Wen Yifan disclosed the full extent of her ordeal. The original injury occurred in Beiyu when she jumped from a second-story window to escape Che Xingde.
Her uncle's family had housed him due to his financial contributions, and he continuously harassed her, one night even breaking into her room. Fortunately, her uncle's family returned early due to rain, preventing the worst. She also recounted encountering Che Xingde again in Nanwu, first at a car accident scene she was covering as a reporter, and later when he applied to be a security guard at her workplace.
She expressed her profound loneliness during those times, feeling that no one, not even her mother, stood by her side, which drove her to flee to a place where no one knew her. Wen Yifan apologized to Sang Yan for changing her college application, admitting she had initially applied to Nanwu University to be with him.
She explained her evasion stemmed from feeling unworthy after her trauma and not wanting him to endure the hardship of constantly visiting her, as he had in high school. Sang Yan lovingly dismissed her apologies, affirming that he only ever wanted the best, and that she was precisely that. Wen Yifan, with tears in her eyes, confessed she had never loved anyone else throughout those years. Sang Yan sternly reassured her that her past experiences were not shameful.
He told her she had done nothing wrong and was brave for protecting herself, emphasizing that she deserved to live freely in the sunlight, while Che Xingde belonged in the shadows. Wen Yifan thanked Sang Yan for protecting his "Wen Shuangjiang." When she insisted that he pursued her first, Sang Yan playfully teased her for waiting to be chased instead of pursuing him herself, making her laugh. The emotional weight lifted, Wen Yifan felt a profound sense of relief.
Sang Yan, unable to hold back, pulled her into a passionate embrace. The next morning, Wen Yifan jokingly complained about a hickey he left, worried she couldn't cover it. He playfully suggested she return the favor. At a celebratory dinner with the children from the dance studio, Wen Yifan announced she was returning home to Nanwu, much to everyone's happiness.
She told her colleagues how much the children had taught her and thanked them for their support, with one colleague correctly guessing that Sang Yan was the man she had been longing for. Later, as she packed her few belongings, Sang Yan noted she never intended to stay long. Wen Yifan looked at him and said she only wanted to be where he was. Afterward, Wen Yifan and Su Tian went for a beauty treatment.
Su Tian praised Wen Yifan's courage and, noting her newfound happiness, suggested she return to her job at the TV station. Wen Yifan sought Sang Yan's opinion, and he wholeheartedly supported her pursuing her passion. With her stress relieved, Wen Yifan's sleepwalking improved. After a follow-up appointment, her doctor confirmed her stable condition and encouraged her to return to reporting. Wen Yifan met with her former colleagues, reiterating her belief that journalism could protect people and expose hidden evils.
Her boss, Ms. Qian, welcomed her back, admiring her renewed spirit. Later, her landlady informed her that her lease would end next March, and she reflected on the two years she and Sang Yan had shared the apartment. One day, Ms. Qian informed Wen Yifan and Fu Zhuang that they needed to travel to Beiyu immediately for a news report.
She explained that a few years prior, a high school girl had gone missing, and recently, a woman—reportedly the suspect's niece-in-law—had reported a new lead to the police with a recording, suggesting a major breakthrough. The police were now actively searching for the victim's body. Upon arriving at the public security bureau in Beiyu, Wen Yifan was surprised to be recognized by Chief Chen, who had helped her years ago.
Chief Chen was delighted to see Wen Yifan doing so well as a reporter and shared that her daughter, Chen Xi, was now engaged to the man she had always liked. Wen Yifan warmly congratulated her.
Episode 28 Recap
One morning at Beiyu High School, Wen Yifan boarded the bus without topping up her card. A girl in the same school uniform silently swiped her card for Wen Yifan. Wen Yifan wanted to exchange contact information to repay her, but the girl declined. Years later, at the Beiyu Public Security Bureau, Wen Yifan introduced herself to Zeng Yi, Wen Ming's cousin, mentioning that she was Wen Ming’s cousin.
Wen Yifan shared her painful past involving Che Xingde, recalling how she had jumped off a balcony with him, but survived. She confessed that she was haunted by his face and couldn't sleep well. She then gently asked Zeng Yi to recount what happened that night. Zeng Yi explained that Che Xingde had accosted her in the bathroom while Wen Ming was away at a class reunion. Despite her struggles and screams, Che Xingde attempted to assault her.
Zeng Yi revealed that she had been enduring Che Xingde's unsettling gaze since marrying into the family. She had heard about Wen Yifan's past with him, and the family, aware that Che Xingde had largely funded their home, had pressured her to tolerate it. Che Yanqin, Wen Ming's mother, intervened and pulled Che Xingde away. Zeng Yi retreated to her room. Che Yanqin confronted Che Xingde, accusing him of trying to assault her daughter-in-law.
Che Xingde denied it, claiming Zeng Yi had seduced him. Che Yanqin reminded him of a past crime—killing Mr. Guo's daughter—and how she had helped him cover it up. Zeng Yi, overhearing the conversation, secretly recorded it on her phone, determined to report the crime. Wen Yifan praised Zeng Yi for her courage. The investigators confirmed the victim's description matched Guo Ling, who was murdered during her high school years in Beiyu.
Wen Yifan remembered the girl who helped her on the bus that day. Wen Yifan visited Mr. Guo, Guo Ling’s father, who was grieving and full of regret for not supporting his daughter’s writing. He admitted that he had convinced himself that Guo Ling was staying away to focus on writing and was upset with him. Wen Yifan assured him that she would report the case truthfully.
While at the guesthouse, Wen Yifan received a message from Sang Yan and informed him that Che Xingde was a suspect in the case and was on the run. She warned him to be careful, worried that Che Xingde might target him. Sang Yan urged her to prioritize her safety and to listen to a recording he had sent to her.
Wen Yifan also mentioned meeting Chen Xi's mother, the policewoman who had helped her in the past, and suggested going to Chen Xi’s wedding together. Sang Yan realized it was a hint for Wen Yifan's birthday wish, promising to fulfill it. Wen Yifan then confirmed she would be ready for him to pick her up at 8:30 PM after work.
Wen Yifan was unsettled by a past threat from Che Xingde, where he had said he would find her no matter where she went if he ever hit rock bottom. Feeling uneasy, she decided to leave work early and texted Sang Yan to come pick her up. Sang Yan drove to the TV station to pick up Wen Yifan. Spotting Che Xingde lurking nearby, Sang Yan called the police and then confronted Che Xingde, telling him to surrender.
Che Xingde attacked Sang Yan with a knife, leaving him injured. Wen Yifan became worried when Sang Yan didn't answer his phone. She heard sirens and called again, only to be informed by a police officer that Sang Yan had been stabbed and was being taken to Nanwu Central Hospital. Rushing to the hospital, Wen Yifan received a call from Sang Yan, who reassured her that he was fine.
When she arrived, she found Sang Yan's hand bandaged with eight stitches. She scolded him for confronting Che Xingde instead of simply calling the police. Sang Yan confessed his deep feelings, regretting his past pride that kept them apart. He said that he had spent years holding onto a meaningless grudge and that he was regretting for only thinking of himself as the "weaker one" in their relationship.
He was happy that he could finally protect her and bring her out of her pain and despair. He expressed deep regret for not attempting to rescue her from her hidden pain and despair during those two years. He told her that he had finally caught the "shadow that haunted her," and that from now on, her world would be filled only with light.
Episode 29 Recap
Wen Yifan messaged Sang Yan that she would be busy with her internship and might not be able to play games as often. To avoid missing her, Sang Yan stayed online. He also knew which TV station she worked at and flew to Yihe monthly to buy newspapers with her articles, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. Wen Yifan felt guilty seeing Sang Yan's hand heavily bandaged, regretting that he always got hurt because of her.
She vowed to protect him in the future. In a taxi, Sang Yan acted like a spoiled child, and Wen Yifan, still upset about his recklessness, tried to pull her hand away from his grip, but he held on tightly. Back at her apartment, Wen Yifan cared for Sang Yan, making him take his medicine. When he went to take a shower, she worried about his injury getting wet. She pushed the bathroom door open, offering to help him wash.
She carefully wiped his body. After kissing passionately, Sang Yan stopped her, admitting he was afraid of what might happen and pushed Wen Yifan out of the bathroom. Che Xingde was taken into criminal custody, and Wen Yifan felt relieved. While reporting the news, she almost choked up. Che Xingde had confessed to raping and murdering Guo Ling after encountering her crying alone one night. He coerced his sister, Che Yanqin, into helping him bury the body.
In court, Che Xingde confessed to his crimes and was sentenced to death with deprived of political rights for life. Che Yanqin received a three-year prison sentence for helping destroy and fabricate evidence. Wen Yifan was present at the trial, finally finding closure. Guo Ling's father thanked Wen Yifan for her dedication to pursuing the truth. Wen Yifan picked up Sang Yan from work and saw Zheng Kejia talking to him.
Sang Yan mentioned that Zheng Kejia had suggested Wen Yifan visit home, but she was not ready yet. With his hand injured, Sang Yan asked Wen Yifan to buckle his seatbelt. As they strolled through the streets, Wen Yifan said that she was starting to truly enjoy her work as a journalist. Sang Yan asked if she still liked dancing, but Wen Yifan said she preferred her current career.
They stopped at a candy stand, where Wen Yifan bought a bag of sweets, describing them as not very sweet but with a strong milky flavor. Sang Yan, wanting to try them, leaned in and kissed her. Sang Yan hinted at marriage, and Wen Yifan seemed surprised. Sang Yan assured her that he would support her in anything she wanted to do, except changing partners, and that she should not settle for a life she didn't want.
Wen Yifan said that she had grown and matured, and with Sang Yan's support, she felt free and confident to pursue her dreams without worrying about what others thought. Sang Yan suggested that Wen Yifan spend the upcoming Lunar New Year with his family. She shyly agreed. Wen Yifan was asked by Director Gan to perform a dance at the station's annual gala and she could bring a plus one, and Wen Yifan invited Sang Yan.
Episode 30 Recap
Wen Yifan fondly recalled a memory of her father adding hot water to his rice, claiming it was good for his stomach. She also remembered a birthday when her father was away on a supposed business trip, though he was actually gravely ill in the hospital. He had called her, and she, unaware of his condition, playfully complained about his absence, making him promise to return quickly.
On his deathbed, her father made her promise to always be happy, take care of herself, and look after her mother, Zhao Yuandong, reminding Wen Yifan that she was the closest person to her. Years later, after Wen Yifan finished interviewing students who had been bullied at their school, she encouraged them to be kind to themselves and not to live to please others.
As she was leaving, Sang Yan called, telling her that his follow-up medical check-up was complete and he would come pick her up, instructing her to wait patiently. Just then, Zhao Yuandong appeared, wishing Wen Yifan a happy birthday. Zhao Yuandong expressed regret for not believing Wen Yifan years ago and asked if Che Xingde had harmed her. Wen Yifan was speechless, reminded of how her mother had dismissed her pleas for help.
Zhao Yuandong, looking distressed, revealed that her current husband, Zheng, was having an affair and she wanted Wen Yifan to stay with her. This revelation made Wen Yifan feel that history was repeating itself, with both of them experiencing the pain of being abandoned.
Recalling the years of neglect after her father's death, Wen Yifan confessed that she had kept her mother's contact information only out of a sense of obligation, but now realized it was unnecessary, as she had survived without her mother's care. She then told Zhao Yuandong that after this meeting, she would delete all their contact information and asked her to pretend that her daughter had died at Che Xingde's hands that night. With tears, Wen Yifan walked away.
Sang Yan arrived and found Wen Yifan, who was still deeply upset by the encounter. She asked if she could make a birthday wish, requesting that if next summer was as long, Sang Yan would propose to her. He happily agreed. She then wished for the summer after next to be just as long, a wish he found amusingly similar to the first. Finally, she asked for a piggyback ride.
Sang Yan immediately squatted down, and as Wen Yifan climbed onto his back, she cried, telling him that no one loved her anymore, only him. Sang Yan firmly reassured her that he only loved her, from the past, through the present, and into the future. He then made a wish of his own: that besides him, many other people would also love Wen Yifan.
Meanwhile, Su Hao'an, along with his grandparents and Zhong Siqiao, visited the site of the car accident where his parents, Su Haoyang and Hu Jiaan, had died. His grandmother tearfully explained that they had hidden the truth from him when he was a child because he was too young to bear witnessing such a tragedy. She assured him that he and his brother had always been their most beloved grandsons.
His grandfather revealed that Su Hao'an's name was a combination of his father's second character, "Hao," and his mother's third character, "An," signifying that he was always their parents' cherished child, loved equally to his brother. Su Hao'an reflected on how he had spent years trying to please everyone, realizing that the hardest person to appease was himself.
He acknowledged that those who cannot forgive themselves suffer the most and vowed to live confidently, embracing the love around him, and promising to take care of his grandparents. His grandmother then happily announced that his grandfather had finally agreed to go on a road trip with her, fulfilling her long-held dream.
Later, Sang Yan was on his way to Wen Yifan's annual gala when colleagues urgently pulled him back into the office, explaining that several critical projects had encountered problems that only he could resolve. Wen Yifan, waiting backstage, noticed Sang Yan hadn't arrived and quickly asked a colleague to record her performance in case he missed it. Her colleague, Fu Zhuang, informed Sang Yan that Wen Yifan wasn't singing, but performing a ballet piece called "The Nutcracker."
Despite her initial nerves about dancing a full piece after so long, Wen Yifan's ballet performance was captivating. Just as her solo was about to begin, Sang Yan rushed into the auditorium, deeply moved as he watched her dance. After her performance, Sang Yan met Wen Yifan backstage. He gently draped his jacket over her to prevent her from catching a cold, remarking that she danced beautifully and should not be so modest.
He then explained that their landlord was reclaiming their current apartment, so they needed to move. He told her she only needed to pack her personal belongings, as he would take care of all the other arrangements. Upon returning home, Sang Yan embraced and kissed Wen Yifan passionately. He confessed that being with her had made him feel selfish and possessive.
He described how she glowed on stage and admitted that while he wanted to hide her brilliance from others, he knew she deserved to shine brightly for the world to see. He then carried her into the bedroom, telling her it was time for her to "pay her debt." Wen Yifan playfully reminded him that her ballet costume was a connected piece and shouldn't be pulled, as it would get ruined.
Episode 31 Recap
The episode opens with a flashback to Wen Yifan's first day of high school, her father dropping her off. As she rushes to find her classroom, Sang Yan notices her. He grabs a basketball from another student and bounces it near her on the stairs, hoping to get her attention. Mistaking him for an older student, Wen Yifan asks him for directions to Class 17.
Sang Yan, pleased she called him "Senior," gives her vague directions, telling her to check the room numbers herself. Years later, Sang Yan brings Wen Yifan home for Spring Festival Eve dinner. His parents welcome her warmly and playfully scold Sang Yan for not visiting or contacting them more often, saying he might not have come home for the holiday if it weren't for Wen Yifan.
Sang Zhi tells Wen Yifan that Sang Yan was devastated after their breakup and that, although he used to be arrogant, he became more considerate and humble. She also reveals that Sang Yan studied hard to get into Nanwu University to be with Wen Yifan, then questions why Wen Yifan chose Yihe University instead. Wen Yifan admits that she intentionally didn't apply to Nanwu and that she has never liked anyone else.
During dinner, Sang Yan’s mother compliments Wen Yifan's beauty and says that Sang Yan is lucky to have her. Wen Yifan clarifies that she and Sang Yan did not date in high school and that their relationship officially began when he visited her during a business trip in Beiyu. Sang Yan's mother gives red envelopes to Sang Yan, Sang Zhi, and Wen Yifan, declaring Wen Yifan as part of their family. Wen Yifan is touched by this gesture.
Later that night, Sang Zhi gets on a phone call with Duan Jiaxu, so Wen Yifan quietly slips into Sang Yan's room, where he is waiting for her. She tells him that she admires his family and that their love has shaped him into the "proud, confident, passionate, and radiant" person he is. Wen Yifan asks if he has a nickname like his sister, Zhi, then decides to call him "Yan."
Wen Yifan kisses him, and he returns the kiss, telling her to always call him that. The next day, while they are packing, Sang Yan finds a notebook with the name "Mu Chengyun" written inside. He playfully teases her about keeping a former colleague’s signature and implies that the colleague had a crush on her. Wen Yifan clarifies that Mu Chengyun was an actor in a ghost movie they watched together, reminding him that he was scared during the screening.
Needing another box, Wen Yifan finds a hidden tin box in Sang Yan's room, discovering countless train tickets from his trips to Yihe and newspaper clippings of her published articles. Overwhelmed, she becomes emotional. Sang Yan comforts her with warm drink. Wen Yifan admits that she saw him at her graduation ceremony but didn't approach him because she thought she was mistaken. She also admits to pretending to sleepwalk so she could hug him before they were officially together.
Sang Yan feigns being upset, accusing her of having ulterior motives. They arrive at their new apartment. The access code is the date they first met. Wen Yifan notices that the new apartment's decor and furniture are identical to their previous home. Sang Yan explains that he designed it that way so she would feel comfortable, revealing that he finished decorating it two years ago but redecorated it to truly feel like "their" shared home.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
Nanwu No. 1 High School commemorated its 100th anniversary, drawing alumni back to its campus. Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao strolled hand-in-hand, taking numerous photos. Sang Yan and Wen Yifan also arrived, encountering Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao. Sang Yan jokingly asked if they were officially together, to which Su Hao'an replied they were still in a "probation period" and Zhong Siqiao was "hard to please."
Sang Yan then lightheartedly commented that he and Wen Yifan were moving too slowly compared to them, suggesting they should have held hands earlier. Su Hao'an proudly declared himself an "illustrious alumnus" to the students, then teased Zhong Siqiao, calling her "a bit old," prompting her to playfully chase him. Observing the pair, Wen Yifan mused whether she and Sang Yan would have also taken photos everywhere if they had met at their own graduation ceremony.
Hearing this, Sang Yan climbed a high staircase and called out Wen Shuangjiang's name. Wen Yifan, playing along, asked him, "Excuse me, Senior, how do I get to Senior Class 17?" pretending to be a new freshman, and Sang Yan responded that she was his beloved schoolmate. He then offered to guide her. Sang Yan led Wen Yifan back to their old classroom, a space seemingly unchanged, where they reminisced about their high school days.
They recalled their first day in class, both arriving late. Wen Yifan introduced herself, sharing that her nickname, Frost's Descent, came from her birth on that particular day, and stated her hobby was dancing. Sang Yan, her deskmate, then introduced himself, comically emphasizing that he could not dance by drawing two dots on the blackboard as his "two points" for the class.
Wen Yifan remembered a time when she was practicing dance and a group of girls from the official dance class tried to drive her away, claiming the studio was booked. They criticized her dancing and attitude. Sang Yan intervened, defending her right to use the studio for the remaining ten minutes of her booked time slot.
When one of the girls asked if Wen Yifan was his girlfriend, Sang Yan said no but added that he could also be in the dance class, having practiced martial arts as a child. This incident led to their teacher misunderstanding their relationship, warning them against being too close at school to avoid rumors. Feeling embarrassed, Wen Yifan asked Sang Yan to keep his distance from her, to which he playfully questioned "how far?"
Despite her request, he continued to "openly" follow her, even pointing out her untied shoelace as an excuse to get close, and later rode the same bus as her, claiming they lived in the same direction. Their close interactions eventually led to their parents being called to school. A teacher advised Sang Yan to focus on his studies and mature before dating, while Wen Yifan was explicitly told that she must cut ties with "this kid" after her transfer.
Following her transfer, which forced them into a long-distance relationship, Sang Yan silently found ways to care for her. He secretly found an abandoned outdoor dance floor for her to practice. There, he painted wings on the wall, telling her that eventually, her scars would fly away, symbolizing his wish for her to be free of pain. He vowed to keep his promise and come to that spot, regardless of whether she showed up.
Their relationship, however, eventually ended after the college entrance exam. The vivid memories abruptly ended with the sound of a school bell. Wen Yifan awoke from her dream to find Sang Yan, now dressed in a school uniform, standing by a blackboard covered in a special message for her. Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao, also in school uniforms, then entered the classroom and found seats. Their former teacher, Mr. Zhang, appeared via video.
He recalled their first day of class, specifically their shared tardiness, and how he had asked if they arrived together, which Wen Yifan had immediately denied. Mr. Zhang reflected on how his seemingly nosy question had, unexpectedly, been a prophecy of their enduring journey together. A series of video messages from Sang Yan's mother and their friends followed, bringing tears to Wen Yifan's eyes.
Sang Yan's mother expressed her immense joy at the prospect of Wen Yifan becoming her daughter-in-law, reminiscing about how beautiful she found Wen Yifan when they first met. Yu Zhuo, a close friend, recalled noticing Sang Yan's feelings when he secretly placed a lost bracelet in a box, a clear sign of his affection. Qian Fei remembered their relationship going public at his own wedding, playfully complaining that they stole his thunder but sincerely wishing them well.
Su Hao'an spoke about the magical nature of fate and how challenges strengthen love. He also recounted Sang Yan's visible distress when Wen Yifan was in Hong Kong. Sang Zhi, Sang Yan's sister, shared how devastated her brother was after their breakup in high school, and how that difficult period ultimately made him a more caring person.
Friends characterized Wen Yifan as "gentle on the outside but tough on the inside," and Sang Yan as "tough on the outside but gentle on the inside," concluding they were a "perfect match." They offered wishes for eternal happiness, a life free of arguments, smooth resolutions to any difficulties, and many beautiful children who would inherit their good looks.
One friend even jokingly warned Sang Yan to treat Wen Yifan well or risk her being "stolen away," while another likened Sang Yan to "the last knight" guarding Wen Yifan, "the only princess." Sang Yan's mother, showing her open-mindedness, simply said they could have as many children as they wished, then playfully pondered the appropriate amount for a wedding red envelope.
Moved by the heartfelt messages, Wen Yifan, with tears in her eyes, asked Sang Yan how long he had spent preparing all this. He gazed at her lovingly and replied that any amount of time was worth it for her. He then presented her with a bouquet of Dancing-Doll Orchids, explaining that to him, she resembled a gracefully fluttering butterfly, always shining. He wished for her to fly freely forever, free from pain and sorrow.
He then promised, "I will always catch you." Wen Yifan responded simply with, "Okay." Sang Yan then took out a prepared music box. Sang Yan tried to open it, fumbling slightly, only to realize it was out of battery, failing to play its tune or make the dancer spin. He laughed, dismissing the technical glitch, saying "it doesn't matter anymore."
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Wen Shuangjiang and renewed his promise: "After you marry me, all your wishes will come true." Then, his eyes filled with anticipation, he asked, "You know what I want to say, right? Marry me?" Wen Yifan, through happy tears, responded, "You're the only one I want to marry." Sang Yan then took out a ring, slipped it onto her finger, and they shared a loving kiss.
Su Hao'an and Zhong Siqiao, sensing the intimate moment, quickly slipped out of the classroom. Wen Yifan later learned that the ring Sang Yan had chosen was designed in the shape of a ribbon. He explained that he picked it because he believed they were each other's most precious gifts.
The blackboard behind them, which Sang Yan had prepared, was adorned with a poem expressing his profound feelings: "When you're old, gray, and sleepy, you snuggle wearily by the fireside and take a random book for company, savoring the look in your eyes when you were chasing your dreams. You used to have that look and be full of affection. I loved your great and elegant past, your mistakes, and your true beauty.
There is only one man who has ever gazed into your pious and holy heart and fallen in love with your sad and aging face. In the moonlight, you bowed your head, stooped, and murmured dejectedly in an attempt to escape from love. Then you sneaked over the hill and hid your face among the stars." A final flashback showed a moment from their high school days when Sang Yan's basketball accidentally landed on Wen Yifan's book.
He asked why she was so engrossed in her reading. She showed him the book, "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," and a highlighted line: "I want someone who is fierce and will love me until death, and know that love is as strong as death, and be on my side for ever and ever." Sang Yan, looking at her, then concluded, "It's you."
