The First Frost Episode 24 Recap
> The First Frost 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.
