The Night of the Comet Recap, Plot, Synopsis
The Night of the Comet Synopsis
Superstar Cheng Hao time-traveled to another parallel time due to a car accident, meeting and falling in love with the female reporter Lin Xiaoxiao.
The Night of the Comet Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Cheng Hao, a handsome and popular celebrity, was plagued by a recurring nightmare where he ran bleeding on an empty road, pursued by an unseen force. This dream felt disturbingly real to him. On the day he was set to receive the "Best Newcomer Award" at the 2019 Chinese Music ceremony, Cheng Hao received the award as scheduled.
Afterward, as his driver, Driver Xu, was instructed to safely take him home, Cheng Hao's car was involved in an accident, a scene eerily identical to his vivid dream. Regaining consciousness briefly, Cheng Hao quickly called the police before passing out again. Simultaneously, a comet, Comet Li Yuanwei, displaced from its orbit by an unknown energy zone that formed around Earth two years prior, was observed nearing Earth, an unprecedented historical event.
Cheng Hao awoke in a hospital, his first concern for the "girl hit by me" in the BinJiang Tunnel accident. However, the doctor informed him there was no female driver found at the scene; he was the only one. Confused, Cheng Hao discharged himself and sought out his manager, Ling. To his shock, Ling did not recognize him, asking who he was and how he knew her name. Cheng Hao insisted he was Cheng Hao.
Ling, commenting on his good looks, then invited him to leave with her. At the same hospital, another man, identical to Cheng Hao, was admitted, anxiously checking his face for injuries. Cheng Hao, trying to report the car accident from BinJiang Tunnel, was told by the police that no such accident occurred last night and his memory might be faulty. He then checked his phone, which displayed the year 2017.
He speculated that the car crash had sent him back in time. Soon after, his manager, Ling, who had earlier expressed not knowing him, approached him again, apologizing for her previous confusion. She commented on his good looks and asked if he was interested in becoming a celebrity, revealing her interest in his talent. Cheng Hao decided to work with Ling once more.
Ling was amazed by his quick learning, noting he "knew some moves before I showed him" and deemed him a "money-maker." As Cheng Hao began his new career, he realized he hadn't traveled back in time but had instead arrived in a parallel dimension. He observed that his body was undergoing strange changes, losing the sensation of pain.
Two years later, Cheng Hao, now a star in this dimension, saw another man who looked exactly like him, yet was clearly not his former self. This doppelganger was a struggling web novelist, seen on the phone begging for money and complaining about his life. Fans of the celebrity Cheng Hao mistook the novelist for the star, asking for photos, to which the novelist opportunistically tried to charge them.
It was at this moment that Cheng Hao truly understood he had crossed into a parallel space, a concept scientists theorize, where other versions of oneself exist, sharing appearances but having different destinies due to varied choices. Lin Xiaoxiao, a young journalist and an avid fan of Cheng Hao, was tasked by her boss, Mr. Wu, who contacted her by phone, to get an interview with Cheng Hao.
She was directed to the hospital's back entrance, where Cheng Hao's manager, Ling, was orchestrating a distraction to allow him to exit unnoticed. Lin Xiaoxiao spotted Cheng Hao and eagerly chased after him, calling out to him. Cheng Hao confronted her about her intentions. She earnestly explained she was a genuine fan, not a sasaeng fan, providing details of her dedication, like hosting his WeiBo hashtags and uploading clips to Bilibili, and knowing his preferences.
During this exchange, Cheng Hao suddenly felt ill and fainted. Lin Xiaoxiao took this opportunity to try and take advantage of him, but was stopped when Cheng Hao regained consciousness. She apologized profusely, insisting she "really didn’t mean it." When Cheng Hao regained consciousness, he asked for her ID.
He took her pass, warned her he now remembered her, and cautioned her against making him publicly expose her, to which she promised compliance, though she couldn't help but think he was "so handsome." Cheng Hao then contacted someone named Tong by phone, asking him to investigate the man who looked exactly like him, the web novelist. Cheng Hao reflected on having been in "Space B" for almost two years and finally finding his other self.
He pondered what would happen to him on February 14, 2019, the date he had originally traveled from. An ominous message then appeared, stating, "This world does not belong to you. You will disappear for good."
Episode 2 Recap
Lin Xiaoxiao is in bed, dreaming of being with Cheng Hao. Lu Hongjian, who is Cheng Hao's doppelganger in this parallel universe and also Lin Xiaoxiao's childhood friend, barges in. Lu Hongjian is an unsuccessful novelist plagued by misfortune. On the day he finishes his novel, his computer explodes, destroying his manuscript and injuring him. This is the same day that Cheng Hao travels through time. Lu Hongjian sees Cheng Hao's poster and notices their resemblance.
He goes to a fortune teller, giving his own birthdate under Cheng Hao's name. The fortune teller warns him that his birthdate clashes with the name Cheng Hao and that he should avoid going out to prevent misfortune. Desperate after losing his manuscript, Lu Hongjian seeks help from Lin Xiaoxiao, asking her to take him in. Lu Hongjian complains to Lin Xiaoxiao about his bad luck, and she reluctantly agrees to help him financially.
After getting her credit card, Lu Hongjian, who has feelings for Lin Xiaoxiao, tries to kiss her, but she pushes him away. Cheng Hao learns from his assistant about Lu Hongjian, an obscure novelist who looks just like him, and decides to keep an eye on him. Cheng Hao learns that Lu Hongjian is an unknown net novelist who almost earns no money and lives on his female friends to support his life.
Cheng Hao inquires about his current whereabouts, and the assistant informs him that Lu Hongjian bought a ticket to Hainan, possibly to evade creditors. Cheng Hao's entertainment company wants to promote Xu Miao, the niece of the company's boss, who is struggling to become famous. The company assigns Lin Xiaoxiao to cover Xu Miao's collaboration with Cheng Hao, hoping to boost her popularity, so Lin Xiaoxiao becomes Xu Miao's assistant.
Teacher Wu tells Lin Xiaoxiao that she has to take this chance, because Xu Miao is Boss Xu's relative and if Lin Xiaoxiao completes this mission, she can get much reward, otherwise, how does she repay her debt? While Cheng Hao is on location in Hainan for a photoshoot, Lin Xiaoxiao discovers Lu Hongjian impersonating Cheng Hao. She demands that he return her credit card, but he runs away. Lu Hongjian hides in a hotel, where he encounters Cheng Hao.
They are both shocked by their identical appearances. Lin Xiaoxiao chases Lu Hongjian into the hotel and mistakenly confronts Cheng Hao, who is wearing a bathrobe. She accidentally pulls off his bathrobe. Cheng Hao throws the robe at her and escapes back to his room. Later, Xu Miao knocks on Cheng Hao's door in the middle of the night, attempting to seduce him. Lin Xiaoxiao secretly photographs the encounter.
Cheng Hao politely rejects Xu Miao and warns her about the consequences of being caught, sending her away. Lin Xiaoxiao realizes that Cheng Hao is aware of her secret photography. She feels guilty for betraying him for money. Disguising herself as room service, Lin Xiaoxiao enters Cheng Hao's room, but he catches her. They struggle and fall together, almost kissing.
Episode 3 Recap
Lin Xiaoxiao dreams of being with Cheng Hao. Her close friend, Lu Hongjian, interrupts her dream. Lu Hongjian is Cheng Hao's counterpart in this parallel world, but he is an obscure novelist plagued by misfortune. On the day he finishes his novel, his manuscript is lost in a computer explosion, landing him in the hospital - the day Cheng Hao arrives. Lu Hongjian notices Cheng Hao's poster and is struck by their resemblance, yet their lives are vastly different.
Lu Hongjian impersonates Cheng Hao and seeks a fortune teller's advice using Cheng Hao's birthdate. He is warned that his birthdate clashes with his name, advising him to stay indoors to avoid misfortune. Desperate after losing his manuscript, Lu Hongjian seeks help from Lin Xiaoxiao, asking for shelter. Lu Hongjian laments his misfortunes to Lin Xiaoxiao. Unable to bear it any longer, Lin Xiaoxiao agrees to help.
Lu Hongjian, who has feelings for Lin Xiaoxiao, tries to kiss her after receiving her credit card, but she pushes him away. Cheng Hao learns that his look-alike is named Lu Hongjian, a struggling novelist, and takes an interest in him. Cheng Hao's entertainment company has a struggling actress, Xu Miao, who is favored due to her family connections.
The company assigns Lin Xiaoxiao to promote Xu Miao and orchestrate a collaboration with Cheng Hao, making Lin Xiaoxiao Xu Miao's assistant. During a photoshoot at the beach, Lin Xiaoxiao discovers Lu Hongjian exploiting Cheng Hao's identity and confronts him, demanding the credit card back, but Lu Hongjian escapes. While hiding in a hotel, Lu Hongjian encounters Cheng Hao. Startled by their identical appearances, they stare at each other as if looking in a mirror.
Lin Xiaoxiao chases Lu Hongjian into the hotel and mistakes Cheng Hao, wrapped in a bathrobe, for Lu Hongjian, and they almost kiss. Cheng Hao recognizes Lin Xiaoxiao as the female reporter who tried to photograph him earlier and demands the data card with the pictures. Cheng Hao's assistant expresses concern about his carelessness. Cheng Hao only cares about finding Lu Hongjian, learning from his assistant that Lu Hongjian is at a nearby bar.
Wearing a mask, Cheng Hao finds Lu Hongjian in the bar unnoticed. Cheng Hao discovers he can control Lu Hongjian's actions. He uses this power to make Lu Hongjian hit on a girl, causing her to leave angrily. Cheng Hao overhears Lu Hongjian talking with Lin Xiaoxiao. Lu Hongjian says, "I have changed my name, I'm trying to get rid of Hao Cheng," and "Why I am so bad luck".
Cheng Hao realizes his presence is causing Lu Hongjian's misfortune, leading him to wonder if restoring everything to its original state could send him back or at least restore his sense of pain because he can't feel pain now. Because Cheng Hao took the data card, Xu Miao's plan falls through, and she pressures Lin Xiaoxiao to find a way. During a photoshoot with Xu Miao, Cheng Hao keeps his distance from her, frustrating Xu Miao.
Lin Xiaoxiao takes the opportunity to photograph them together. Cheng Hao saves Lin Xiaoxiao from falling, creating a romantic scene that upsets Xu Miao. Unexpectedly, Cheng Hao gives Lin Xiaoxiao his phone number, telling her to call him whenever Xu Miao embarrasses her. Cheng Hao finds Lu Hongjian and points out his failures as a writer. Cheng Hao offers Lu Hongjian a chance to make money, saying, "It is up to you taking or not".
Cheng Hao proposes to pay Lu Hongjian a million yuan to impersonate him for a month, meeting people around him, without chasing money, acting exactly like him, and without causing any troubles for him. Lu Hongjian initially hesitates, saying, "No way. Tired and bitter being a star. What if I have to kiss, things kind of dangerous".
However, enticed by the money, Lu Hongjian agrees, and Cheng Hao says, "I will check if you are qualified for this," making Lu Hongjian act like him in front of fans. Lu Hongjian, impersonating Cheng Hao, interacts with fans, but his lecherous gaze gives him away to Lin Xiaoxiao. Lin Xiaoxiao confronts Lu Hongjian, reprimanding him for impersonating Cheng Hao and says, "Hao Cheng is so pure and moral. How could he have such eyes of lust on women".
Cheng Hao witnesses the confrontation. Lin Xiaoxiao reports to Teacher Wu, pitching a story about Cheng Hao and Xu Miao's rumored relationship, gaining Teacher Wu's approval. Lin Xiaoxiao's attempt to help Cheng Hao backfires when photos of them together become headline news. Her friend Tiantian confronts her. Lin Xiaoxiao explains that she's helping Cheng Hao evade reporters and reveals Lu Hongjian's impersonation to Tiantian. They decide to find Lu Hongjian for a solution. Lu Hongjian then draws the paparazzi's attention, allowing Cheng Hao to escape unnoticed.
Episode 4 Recap
Many fans are eager to find Cheng Hao. After Lu Hongjian left, Tian Tian spots the real Cheng Hao in the garage, but he suddenly faints. Mistaking him for Lu Hongjian, she quickly takes him back to Lin Xiaoxiao's place. Meanwhile, Lu Hongjian gets into Cheng Hao's assistant's car and surprises them by actively asking about meeting the director, a behavior completely unlike the previous Cheng Hao.
Back at Lin Xiaoxiao's apartment, Tian Tian has Cheng Hao tied up, warning him not to impersonate Cheng Hao. Lin Xiaoxiao arrives and immediately realizes this is the real Cheng Hao because he doesn't beg or act cute. She is shocked. To maintain his cover, Cheng Hao awkwardly attempts to act as Lin Xiaoxiao describes, begging and acting cute in front of Tian Tian. Lin Xiaoxiao takes Cheng Hao to a room and apologizes for the misunderstanding.
Cheng Hao asks her to keep his identity a secret. Unaware of the switch, Tian Tian posts a message online, calling on fans to seek revenge on Lu Hongjian. Fans follow the instructions and gather outside Lin Xiaoxiao's home, ready to confront Lu Hongjian, not knowing that he and Cheng Hao have switched places. Lin Xiaoxiao is very attentive to Cheng Hao, actively tidying up her room and letting Cheng Hao stay there.
Meanwhile, Lu Hongjian, pretending to be Cheng Hao, returns to Cheng Hao's luxurious home and revels in the celebrity lifestyle, excited and jumping around the room. As Cheng Hao rests, he notices that he still can't feel any pain, which puzzles him as he had already allowed Lu Hongjian to get back on track. Lin Xiaoxiao gives her room to Cheng Hao and sleeps on the sofa in the living room.
In the middle of the night, she has a sweet dream about getting intimate with Cheng Hao. Startled awake, she gets up, feeling shy, to calm down. Still half-asleep, Lin Xiaoxiao unconsciously returns to her bedroom and gets into bed, forgetting that Cheng Hao is sleeping there. Cheng Hao wakes up in shock when he touches her. Unable to sleep, Cheng Hao goes to the balcony for some air and suddenly feels unwell.
He's stunned to see his hand turn invisible and collapses from exhaustion. Lin Xiaoxiao witnesses this and quickly rushes him back to the room. Cheng Hao has a nightmare where he realizes that the female driver he hit in his dream was Lin Xiaoxiao. When Cheng Hao wakes up, he sees Lin Xiaoxiao and becomes flustered again, accidentally injuring his head, and then bumps into her again.
Episode 5 Recap
Lin Xiaoxiao found herself in close proximity to Cheng Hao, becoming flustered and struggling to speak. Internally, she wondered if he was testing her intentions, or if he might have "broken his brain" by thinking she was a sasaeng fan wanting to sleep with him. She quickly reassured him, stating she had no improper desires and would adhere to fan rules, maintaining a respectful distance. She then rushed off to cook. Observing her departure, Cheng Hao grew thoughtful.
He reflected on how Lin Xiaoxiao seemed to trigger his feelings of pain and suspected that his own time-travel might have endowed her with special abilities. He felt a strong need to return to his own time. While Lin Xiaoxiao was busy preparing noodles, fretting over Cheng Hao's specific food preferences and her limited ingredients, Cheng Hao suddenly appeared. He retrieved a seasoning from a high shelf for her.
Overwhelmed by his handsome and thoughtful gesture, Lin Xiaoxiao was once again speechless. Cheng Hao, his patience waning, directly asked if she had experienced any "special reactions" or "weird dreams," particularly mentioning a "dark tunnel," since his appearance. He even tried to induce a reaction by embracing her and asking if she felt any "electricity" or a sense of time changing.
Lin Xiaoxiao, mistaking his questions as a test of her fan loyalty and purity, adamantly denied having any such dreams or disrespectful desires. She stressed that her admiration for him was purely based on his talent and morality, seeing him as a "sweet father" figure whom she would only admire from afar, unlike "sasaeng fans." She quickly diverted the conversation back to eating. Lin Xiaoxiao's flustered denials seemed to momentarily satisfy Cheng Hao, and they continued their breakfast.
During the meal, Cheng Hao displayed an approachable demeanor, which further endeared him to Lin Xiaoxiao. She then brought up recent gossip, showing him articles on her phone, earnestly explaining that she was not responsible for the intimate photos taken at a hotel or the rumors involving him and Xu Miao. She clarified that while her name might have appeared on reports about the photos, the content had been altered without her knowledge.
Cheng Hao, realizing the situation, expressed that he wasn't concerned about past events, acknowledging her previous help. He listened thoughtfully but did not express any anger, deciding that Lu Hongjian would handle these public relations issues. Meanwhile, Lu Hongjian, relishing his new identity as a celebrity, went on a lavish shopping spree. He tried on various outfits and sunglasses, enjoying the attention from fans and his assistant.
However, when his assistant itemized the costs – stylist fees, bodyguard expenses, and two pairs of sunglasses totaling tens of thousands – Lu Hongjian's excitement vanished. He feigned a sudden stomach ache and, dragging his reluctant assistant, made a hasty escape from the mall. Back at Lin Xiaoxiao's home, Cheng Hao presented her with a confidentiality agreement.
He explained that due to unfinished business, he would need to continue living in her house, using her room, and asked her to name her price for rent and for keeping his presence a secret, including his activities and schedules. Lin Xiaoxiao, initially questioning if it was a delusion, was thrilled to realize her idol genuinely intended to reside with her.
She fantasized that Cheng Hao, moved by her "honest fan heart" and simple food like fried eggs, had chosen to experience a normal life, much like an actor developing his skills according to Stanislavski's method, to become a "true people's artist." Cheng Hao surmised that his arrival in this world was connected to Lin Xiaoxiao, and he believed that continued interaction with her might be his only path back to his own timeline.
He then laid out a strict set of rules for Lin Xiaoxiao, emphasizing that she must follow all his orders without question, no matter how unusual. These included daily room cleaning, specific times for fresh juice and breakfast, fish and vegetables for lunch, multiple head massages, precise room temperature control, no red items in the room, no noise during bedtime, and keeping all sharp objects away. He also forbid any "gas" within 100 meters of him.
Lin Xiaoxiao readily agreed, promising to help him on his "upgrading road." To secure her cooperation and ensure her well-being, Cheng Hao provided her with a card containing 1. 2 million, insisting it was a deposit and for her silence, and that he would pay her rent once she decided on a price. Despite her initial refusal, he persuaded her to accept it, stating he didn't want his fan to suffer.
Meanwhile, Boss Xu, who had a vested interest in Cheng Hao, pressed Xu Miao to find a way to get close to him. Xu Miao expressed frustration at the real Cheng Hao's perceived coldness and difficulty, but Boss Xu insisted she "take him down." Later, Xu Miao encountered Lu Hongjian (who she thought was Cheng Hao) trying on suits. Boss Xu also arrived, mistaking Lu Hongjian for Cheng Hao, and greeted him warmly, discussing a future drama collaboration.
Lu Hongjian, still posing as Cheng Hao, attempted to deflect Boss Xu's advances by mentioning "Ling" as a reason to postpone discussions. He then invited Boss Xu to a warmer spot, leaving Xu Miao behind. Despite Xu Miao's continued attempts to get close to "Cheng Hao" (Lu Hongjian), he subtly repelled her advances. Cheng Hao was plagued by another vivid dream of the car accident in the tunnel, where Lin Xiaoxiao's face appeared with increased clarity.
Upon waking, he wondered if recreating the accident scene in the same tunnel might be the key to returning to his own world. He mused about the concept of parallel worlds, where something might be dead in one reality but alive in another, while talking to a lobster. Cheng Hao sought out Lin Xiaoxiao and, referencing their signed agreement, commanded her to accompany him to the tunnel that evening.
Once there, he instructed her to get into a car he claimed he had reinforced for safety. To her horror, Cheng Hao then demanded that she "hit him with that car." Lin Xiaoxiao was terrified, questioning his sanity and arguing that such an act was wrong as it concerned life. Cheng Hao, however, coldly reminded her of the contract's clause, stating that failure to comply would incur a penalty of 300 times the agreed-upon money.
When Lin Xiaoxiao declared she was going home, he presented her with a grim ultimatum: either she hit him, or he would simply wait for another car to do so, giving her "one more chance." Lin Xiaoxiao found herself unable to drive her car into Cheng Hao, thus failing to recreate the desired collision. Cheng Hao, observing her actions, noticed that she had sprained her ankle in her desperate attempt to avoid hitting him.
This revelation brought a complex mix of emotions to him. Recognizing that the recreation could not proceed that day due to her injury, he carefully examined her ankle, acknowledging it was still raw. He offered to massage it again the next day and then gently escorted her home, urging her to rest.
Episode 6 Recap
Cheng Hao received a cryptic message from an unknown sender, stating "reenactment," leaving him puzzled. Lin Xiaoxiao was troubled by the incident where Cheng Hao asked her to run him over with a car, suspecting that something was wrong with him. Cheng Hao's agent, Zou Ling, inquired with Lu Hongjian about his discussions with the Xu, only to learn that Lu Hongjian had agreed to create a fabricated romance with Xu Miao.
As a result of Lu Hongjian's cooperation, rumors of a relationship between Cheng Hao and Xu Miao began to circulate online, causing a stir. Xiao Tong, Cheng Hao's assistant, informed him about the fabricated romance, explaining that it was the idea of his agent, Zou Ling, and Lu Hongjian. Cheng Hao felt troubled, believing that Lu Hongjian was not making things easy for him.
Cheng Hao went to Lin Xiaoxiao's company, wanting to use Lin Xiaoxiao's company to cooperate with the rumor. Lin Xiaoxiao saw this and assumed that Cheng Hao genuinely liked Xu Miao. Lin Xiaoxiao and her friend saw the news online and were both upset. Her friend, unaware of the inside story, believed that Cheng Hao had truly chosen Xu Miao. However, Lin Xiaoxiao felt that she was better than Xu Miao.
Because Lin Xiaoxiao's superior used her name to promote the rumor between Cheng Hao and Xu Miao, Cheng Hao's fans mistakenly blamed Lin Xiaoxiao. Late one night, Lin Xiaoxiao was accosted by Cheng Hao's fans, who accused her of tarnishing Cheng Hao's reputation. Just as the fans were about to attack her, Cheng Hao arrived and stopped them. Because Lin Xiaoxiao was hit on the head by fans, she had to wash her hair to remove the dirt.
Cheng Hao thoughtfully dried her hair, which made her heart flutter. Lin Xiaoxiao probed Cheng Hao about his visit to her company, wondering if he really liked Xu Miao. Instead, Cheng Hao asked her what it felt like to like someone. Lin Xiaoxiao awkwardly described what it was like to like someone, and Cheng Hao pondered, thinking that if such a person existed, she would probably be like Lin Xiaoxiao.
Cheng Hao secretly instructed Xiao Tong to release rumors about Xu Miao and other male celebrities, leading to widespread criticism of Xu Miao for allegedly cheating, thereby salvaging Cheng Hao's reputation. Xiao Tong intentionally spoke ill of Xu Miao in front of Zou Ling, arguing that her unilateral publicity stunt constituted a breach of contract. As a result, he suggested that Zou Ling abandon the plan to promote Cheng Hao's rumor.
Cheng Hao asked Xiao Tong to investigate the address from which he received the mysterious message. Xiao Tong successfully located the sender's address to an unoccupied villa in the suburbs. Cheng Hao went to the villa but was unaware that it had been equipped with surveillance cameras. The agency arranged for Lu Hongjian to perform a dance on stage. However, Lu Hongjian was unable to dance and fled, only to encounter Lin Xiaoxiao backstage while trying to escape.
Lu Hongjian explained his predicament to Lin Xiaoxiao and tried to excuse himself. Fortunately, Cheng Hao stepped onto the stage just in time, successfully resolving the dance crisis. Cheng Hao's health took another turn for the worse. He called Lin Xiaoxiao out and then collapsed while on the phone with her.
Episode 7 Recap
Following the incident with fans, Lin Xiaoxiao felt increasingly drawn to Cheng Hao. Cheng Hao felt unwell and held Lin Xiaoxiao's hand, asking her not to leave him. That night, Cheng Hao had another nightmare, this time he dreamt of being knocked unconscious, and Lin Xiaoxiao was nearby covered in blood. Lin Xiaoxiao stayed by Cheng Hao's side all night, worried about his well-being. When he woke up, he was warmed by her presence.
He cupped her face in his hands, causing her to blush. Cheng Hao called Xiao Tong and asked him to monitor the villa and find out its background and security information. While Cheng Hao was taking a shower, Lin Xiaoxiao heard a noise and received a notification about a burst cold water pipe. Fearing something had happened to him, she rushed into the bathroom and was mortified to find him naked.
To ease the awkwardness, Lin Xiaoxiao tried to fix the water heater and ended up hurting her hand. Cheng Hao examined her wound, and they almost kissed. Cheng Hao and Lin Xiaoxiao went grocery shopping, and their feelings for each other deepened. That evening, they chatted on the rooftop, reminiscing about their childhoods. Lin Xiaoxiao shared memories of her family. Cheng Hao, reflecting on his own situation, said that the starry night was his home.
He revealed that he grew up in an orphanage and felt alone. Lin Xiaoxiao comforted him, telling him that those who love him will always be with him. Unable to shake off the mystery surrounding the villa, Cheng Hao broke into it in the middle of the night. Inside, he discovered Xu, his driver, bound and gagged. Xu revealed that he was also from Cheng Hao's world and had been caught in the same accident.
He claimed that he had been kidnapped and had seen another version of himself. He warned Cheng Hao that the two versions of themselves would repel each other and that the only way to survive was to kill his other self. Cheng Hao, for the moment believing Xu's story, freed him from the villa. The next morning, Lin Xiaoxiao found Cheng Hao injured and distant.
Recalling Xu's words, Cheng Hao told Lin Xiaoxiao that he wasn't the person she thought she thought he was and that he didn't know what he might do. He then left, leaving Lin Xiaoxiao confused. Meanwhile, Zou Ling had been investigating Cheng Hao and discovered that Lu Hongjian looked identical to Cheng Hao. Realizing the truth, Zou Ling confronted Lu Hongjian, who quickly revealed everything.
Zou Ling accused him of not being able to imitate Cheng Hao well enough, which worried Lu Hongjian. He feared that his deception would be exposed and ruin his newfound wealth and success. Frustrated and drunk, Lu Hongjian stumbled into the street and nearly got hit by a car. Lin Xiaoxiao rushed in and saved him. Cheng Hao witnessed the scene from afar, conflicted by Xu's warning.
Episode 8 Recap
Lin Xiaoxiao brought a heavily intoxicated Lu Hongjian back to Cheng Hao's home, unable to leave her long-time friend alone. She struggled to get him onto the sofa, only for him to vomit on her. Cheng Hao arrived home at that moment and told Lin Xiaoxiao to shower, offering her clothes from his room. Lin Xiaoxiao happily used Cheng Hao's towel and his private bathroom, thinking to herself that this was where the "Boss" showered.
After her shower, having no change of clothes, Lin Xiaoxiao emerged in a long shirt, still damp, which left Cheng Hao speechless. To ease the awkwardness, Cheng Hao apologized for the things that had happened recently. Lin Xiaoxiao responded that he didn't have to bear everything alone. Just then, a still-drunken Lu Hongjian stumbled and bumped into Cheng Hao, nearly pushing him into a kiss with Lin Xiaoxiao, further intensifying the unspoken feelings between them.
Later, Cheng Hao reflected on Xu Driver's words. He couldn't bring himself to harm Lu Hongjian, concluding that if someone was destined to disappear from this world, it should be him, as Lu Hongjian was innocent. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoxiao awoke screaming from a nightmare. Cheng Hao rushed to her side, and she tearfully recounted a dream where she drove a car and hit him in a dark tunnel, seeing him drift further away as she bled out.
Cheng Hao reassured her it was just a dream. To comfort her, Cheng Hao stayed and slept beside her. The next morning, Lu Hongjian awoke and instinctively went to what he thought was Lin Xiaoxiao’s room to greet her, only to find Cheng Hao in the bed. Initially, he mistook Cheng Hao for Lin Xiaoxiao. Lin Xiaoxiao soon ran into the room, startled to see Cheng Hao trying to conceal Lu Hongjian with a blanket.
Thinking fast, Cheng Hao told Lin Xiaoxiao that he and Lu Hongjian were long-lost twin brothers. Lin Xiaoxiao was delighted, noting their identical appearance. Lu Hongjian, now understanding the cover story, asked Cheng Hao about their previous substitute contract. Cheng Hao stated he would terminate it. Lu Hongjian expressed his desire to continue being a star, but worried about Zou Ling. Cheng Hao assured him he would handle it.
Cheng Hao then called Zou Ling, explaining that Lu Hongjian was his brother and he wanted to help him. Zou Ling angrily accused him of deception, pointing out that using a substitute was cheating the public and could ruin his career. Cheng Hao offered to quit but insisted that she keep Lu Hongjian. Zou Ling scoffed, unwilling to sign someone as talentless as Lu Hongjian.
Zou Ling then offered to sign Lu Hongjian on the condition that he would only perform under Cheng Hao's identity, with Cheng Hao fully cooperating. Cheng Hao rejected the proposal. When Zou Ling declared they would have to find another way, she threatened to expose him if he didn't cooperate. To protect Lu Hongjian, Cheng Hao preemptively spread his own version of the story to Lin Xiaoxiao's magazine.
A press conference was held where Cheng Hao announced he had recently discovered his long-lost younger twin brother, Lu Hongjian. When asked about his singing abilities, Lu Hongjian admitted he wasn't as good as his brother but vowed to work hard and enter the entertainment industry. Cheng Hao announced his intention to transition into a producer role, working behind the scenes to help Lu Hongjian.
Zou Ling was furious upon hearing the news, recognizing that Cheng Hao had undermined her plans. Zou Ling declared they would go to court, confident they would win since Cheng Hao had breached his contract first. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoxiao and her colleagues at the magazine discussed the unexpected news. They marvelled at the striking resemblance between the two men. As Lin Xiaoxiao ended a phone call, a colleague remarked on how Cheng Hao had skillfully resolved the substitute crisis.
Lu Hongjian, reflecting on the day's events, felt as if it were all a dream, echoing Cheng Hao's public statement about becoming a producer to help him. Elsewhere, Mr. Xu was enraged to learn that Xu Driver had been rescued and sent out teams to find him. However, Xu Driver found Mr. Xu alone. He incapacitated Mr. Xu with an electric device and bound him in a basement.
Xu Driver revealed that Mr. Xu was his counterpart in this world, but their social statuses were vastly different. He announced his intention to assume Mr. Xu's identity, donning Mr. Xu's suit and declaring that the "game of substitute" had just begun.
Episode 9 Recap
Cheng Hao, reflecting on the situation, theorized that the tunnel served as an intersection point for two distinct space-times. He believed it formed an absolute field with a unique energy signature where time was nearly paused. This led him to conclude that Lin Xiaoxiao from the previous space-time was not rescued but trapped, and the energy field's influence not only affected Lin Xiaoxiao in this current space-time but also made her crucial for him to regain his sense of pain.
Therefore, he believed Lin Xiaoxiao from the previous space-time was still alive. Lin Xiaoxiao was reluctant to see Cheng Hao leave, especially with the ongoing scandal, which left him with no apparent reason to stay. She packed his luggage, feeling distraught, fearing that if he moved out, their opportunities to meet in the future would dwindle, as she would have no reason to see him.
She even contemplated keeping some of his clothes as a memory and quietly implored him not to forget her. Back in his own residence, Cheng Hao pondered the two space-times. He recognized that Lin Xiaoxiao was a pivotal figure connecting them, capable of alleviating the exclusive reaction between himself and Lu Hongjian. He worried about how long this relief would last and stated that if a car accident were to occur again, he would certainly protect her.
Meanwhile, Diver Xu had successfully incapacitated and captured CEO Xu, subsequently assuming his identity as the new boss of the entertainment agency. Diver Xu was utterly pleased with his newfound status in this world, having everything he desired, and harbored no wish to revert to his former life as a driver in the original space-time.
He contacted the captured CEO Xu, deriding him as "such an ass hole" for the money he made off him, demanding repayment and asserting his identity as "Boss Xu." Cheng Hao called Diver Xu, inquiring about his safety. Diver Xu, on the phone, evasively assured Cheng Hao that he was safe and hiding. When asked if he had located his other self, Diver Xu falsely claimed he couldn't bring himself to harm his own counterpart, feigning a moment of self-pity.
Cheng Hao then mentioned the possibility of the time tunnel reopening, offering a chance to return. Diver Xu scoffed at the idea of going back, reiterating his contentment as Boss Xu and his new ambition to support Cheng Hao as a producer behind the scenes. Later, Diver Xu was astonished when he saw news footage of Cheng Hao and Lu Hongjian appearing together at a press conference, puzzled as to why there was no exclusive reaction between them.
He immediately instructed an assistant to closely monitor Cheng Hao and investigate all his activities over the past two years. To salvage Cheng Hao's public image, the company launched a special "Lucky Fan" event. A lucky draw would select one fan to spend a day with Cheng Hao, fulfilling their wish list. It was a pleasant surprise when Lin Xiaoxiao was the fortunate winner. Cheng Hao was delighted, and his assistant commented on their undeniable connection.
The event questionnaire featured unusual, personal questions about Cheng Hao's preferences and past actions, which some fans found strange. Lin Xiaoxiao's friend encouraged her to write down her true desires for the date. When the results were announced, five people, including Lin Xiaoxiao, had answered all questions correctly.
Lin Xiaoxiao's wish list included wearing lovers' clothes, visiting an amusement park for activities like bungee jumping, roller coaster rides, drifting, and Fire Ball, going to an ocean park, enjoying a romantic cruise on a yacht, and having a dreamy night as Cinderella with a prince. Her final wish was to be kissed by Cheng Hao. To ensure a perfect date, Lin Xiaoxiao's friend lent her a beautiful dress, urging her to dress glamorously for the important occasion.
As Lin Xiaoxiao nervously adjusted her attire by a roadside car, she was surprised to find Cheng Hao already inside. Cheng Hao, observing her choice of clothing, handed her a set of matching lovers' clothes, suggesting she change, as he feared she might "reveal too much" at the crowded amusement park. They spent the entire day fulfilling Lin Xiaoxiao's wish list.
They visited the orphanage she loved, and then the amusement park, where Lin Xiaoxiao happily rode a merry-go-round, an experience she never had at the orphanage. As evening approached, Cheng Hao took Lin Xiaoxiao on a cruise. She was overjoyed by the scenic views, and Cheng Hao seemed equally pleased, their emotions evidently growing stronger. As their day drew to a close, Cheng Hao asked Lin Xiaoxiao to retrieve something from the cabin. She returned to find a stunning gown.
Cheng Hao presented it to her, explaining that she had always dreamt of such a moment, and encouraged her to wear it, symbolizing him entering her dream. They then shared a dance in a lavish hotel, completing her wish to be a princess for a day. Lin Xiaoxiao found the experience surreal, like a dream she never wanted to end. During their dance, she confessed she couldn't perform such a dance but was happy because he enjoyed it.
She told him her wish was simply for things to remain "common and peaceful" as they were, and that being forgotten by others didn't matter, as long as she could have moments like these after years of admiring him from afar. Cheng Hao questioned if being forgotten truly didn't matter and suggested she could find other idols if he retired, but Lin Xiaoxiao insisted, "It's different."
Later, as Cheng Hao was taking her home, he paused, telling her that he knew her final wish on the list, and if she wanted, he could fulfill it. Lin Xiaoxiao, whose last wish was for Cheng Hao to kiss her, was left speechless.
Episode 10 Recap
Cheng Hao wanted to kiss Lin Xiaoxiao, but she refused, believing he was only doing it to fulfill her wish list and not out of genuine feelings. Cheng Hao awkwardly took Lin Xiaoxiao home, and their parting was witnessed by Xu, the driver, who was seething with resentment. Xu believed that Cheng Hao had found the secret to avoid disappearing by being with Lin Xiaoxiao, but he hadn't shared this information with him.
The next day, Xu summoned Lin Xiaoxiao to his office, and when he touched her, he was puzzled to find that she didn't trigger his repulsion reaction. Lin Xiaoxiao spent a day at work feeling uneasy. Before leaving, she received a text from Cheng Hao asking her to bring his luggage over.
Lin Xiaoxiao visited Cheng Hao with his luggage and was about to leave to avoid an awkward situation as Lu Hongjian was not at home, but Cheng Hao stopped her. Cheng Hao enthusiastically invited Lin Xiaoxiao to stay for dinner, having prepared a feast. Lin Xiaoxiao was overjoyed but then received a call from a colleague about a company dinner, leaving her torn. When Cheng Hao learned about the dinner, he offered to drive Lin Xiaoxiao to the restaurant.
Lin Xiaoxiao was touched by this gesture. At the restaurant, Lin Xiaoxiao realized that only Xu and her direct superior were in the private room. Xu signaled to her superior, and they began to pressure Lin Xiaoxiao to drink heavily. As Lin Xiaoxiao was about to excuse herself to go to the restroom, Cheng Hao suddenly appeared and whisked her away. Cheng Hao carried the intoxicated Lin Xiaoxiao home. Xu, witnessing this, grew even more resentful.
Lin Xiaoxiao, looking at the tender and considerate Cheng Hao, babbled incoherently. She then drunkenly led Cheng Hao to the rooftop, confessed her love, and kissed him. Cheng Hao was startled but returned the kiss. The next morning, Lin Xiaoxiao woke up with a hangover, recalling the events of the previous night with a sense of happiness, realizing that Cheng Hao reciprocated her feelings.
At a company meeting, Xu announced increased investment in a film project and "suggested that Lin Xiaoxiao lead the project", urging everyone to expedite the plan. Colleagues questioned Lin Xiaoxiao's qualifications for the role. Lin Xiaoxiao, distracted by thoughts of Cheng Hao, struggled to focus on work. Meanwhile, Cheng Hao was also experiencing similar feelings of shyness.
Cheng Hao learned via text message that Lin Xiaoxiao was working late and unable to have dinner, so he prepared a bento box and delivered it to her. Xu seized the opportunity when Lin Xiaoxiao was alone, attempting to assault her, but Cheng Hao arrived just in time to stop him. Driver Xu said to Lin Xiaoxiao, "Xiaoxiao, I just want you to touch me. Cheng Hao's woman, right? Get away."
Episode 11 Recap
As driver Xu attempted to harass Lin Xiaoxiao, Cheng Hao arrived just in time, telling her, "Xiao xiao, don't be afraid. I'm boss." He then took her hand and instructed her, "Come on, let's go home." After teaching the driver a lesson, Cheng Hao brought a distressed Lin Xiaoxiao back to her apartment. Seeing her emotional state, he stayed by her side all night, making sure she wouldn't dwell on the incident.
He apologized to her, urging her to rest and "don't think about anything." Lin Xiaoxiao’s inner thoughts reflected her emotional turmoil, lamenting that Cheng Hao always had excuses and wondered if her happiness truly stemmed from him. She felt as though he took everything with him when he walked away, struggling to hold back her emotions. She wished for him to stay, for him to explicitly say he wouldn't leave, confused by his silence despite her overwhelming feelings.
The next day, Cheng Hao proactively contacted Boss Xu, but was told by an assistant that Boss Xu was not available. Simultaneously, Cheng Hao gave instructions to Xiaotong, telling him to "check for me at Chengtian Entertainment, the security footage of Lin Xiaoxiao's office last night, and check what Boss Xu is doing recently." He also asked Xiaotong to investigate the owner of a car from a photo he took while monitoring Boss Xu's villa.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiaoxiao awoke from a nightmare, calling out "Help!" as she relived the previous night's trauma. Despite her emotional fragility, she forced herself to go to work, still deeply troubled by what nearly happened with driver Xu. To help Lin Xiaoxiao escape the lingering shadow of the incident, Cheng Hao took it upon himself to resign on her behalf, ensuring she wouldn't have to encounter driver Xu again.
When Lin Xiaoxiao prepared to resign, bracing herself to inform her superior, she was surprised to find Cheng Hao had already taken the initiative and was helping her pack her belongings. Lin Xiaoxiao expressed her gratitude to Cheng Hao, telling him, "Boss, thank you. Lucky that I have you." She then proceeded with the resignation paperwork as he had arranged. To lift her spirits, Cheng Hao took Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Hongjian on a vacation during his time off.
During the trip, Lu Hongjian playfully interacted with Lin Xiaoxiao, offering her a cake and humorously declaring himself her "biggest fan," saying she could ask him to do "anything," even joking about moving in with her. Lin Xiaoxiao playfully questioned his behavior and tidied his hair. However, Cheng Hao grew visibly jealous of their rapport and abruptly walked away. Lin Xiaoxiao, witnessing Cheng Hao's reaction, was taken aback.
Reflecting on their past interactions, she wondered if Cheng Hao was jealous and still had feelings for her. She mused on whether his behavior was due to inexperience in relationships and not knowing how to confess, or if he was simply flirting, ultimately dismissing her thoughts as overthinking. Privately, Cheng Hao was in turmoil. He recognized his unusual behavior towards Lin Xiaoxiao and realized he had fallen for her.
He pondered on kissing her and not clarifying his intentions, deeming it irresponsible, but questioned how much time he had left to admit his feelings. Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Hongjian later discussed the script for a novel Lu Hongjian was writing based on Cheng Hao's story, which Lin Xiaoxiao intended to adapt into a serious TV series with Cheng Hao as the lead.
Lu Hongjian suddenly suggested a tragic ending, proposing "tough love" where the couple never touched and were eventually separated by death. Lin Xiaoxiao vehemently disagreed, preferring a happy ending where characters hug, kiss, have children, and live happily ever after. She argued that "life is hard enough," and if a relationship couldn't last forever, it shouldn't have started at all, adding, "If there's not a happy ending, I would wish it never had never happened."
These words resonated deeply with Cheng Hao, who overheard the conversation. Grappling with his uncertain future and limited time in this world, he thought to himself, "If we're doomed to separate, we'd better not keep in touch any more," fearing that starting a relationship with Lin Xiaoxiao would only lead to heartbreak for both of them. Lu Hongjian successfully completed his novel, and a new book launch event was organized.
During the event, an assistant informed Cheng Hao about Lu Hongjian's novel and the script adaptation, but Cheng Hao instructed her to "focus on Lu Hongjian now" and "put other stuff aside." At the book signing, a woman sent by Zou Ling publicly humiliated Lu Hongjian, accusing him of plagiarism and claiming he was merely a playboy who squandered his time and money, lacking any real talent. Lu Hongjian admitted to his flirtatious nature but vehemently denied the plagiarism.
Lin Xiaoxiao stepped forward to defend him, urging the audience to listen. She explained she was one of his earliest readers, having followed his novels for two years, and attested to his dedication and hard work, emphasizing that "every word he wrote, he wrote them bit by bit by himself" and there was "no plagiarizing at all." The aggressive woman, however, dismissed Lin Xiaoxiao's defense as a "pity card" and continued her accusations.
Lin Xiaoxiao challenged her to point out any copied parts in the book, threatening legal action for defamation if she couldn't. Amidst the rising tensions and divided public opinion, Cheng Hao intervened, stating that their legal team would contact the woman regarding Lu Hongjian's alleged debts and offer double compensation if any genuine debt existed. He warned her that if she continued to cause a scene, she would be forced to leave.
The woman, being escorted out, defiantly threw a book towards Lin Xiaoxiao. Lu Hongjian quickly shielded Lin Xiaoxiao with his head, taking the impact of the book. News reports later revealed that Zou Ling accused Lu Hongjian of plagiarism, claiming he had once purchased the novel's copyright but severed ties upon discovering the plagiarism. Lu Hongjian, deeply disheartened, acknowledged that many people didn't believe he wrote the book.
Lin Xiaoxiao offered to help him find an organization to prove the book was not plagiarized and advised him to "write something good and shut them up," urging him to focus on his craft. Privately, Cheng Hao sensed his own existence in this time-space was "getting weaker," realizing he would "disappear completely soon." He felt there was "not enough time" and softly uttered Lin Xiaoxiao's name to himself, acknowledging his fading presence.
Episode 12 Recap
Cheng Hao returned home to find the house quiet, which initially made him suspect something was amiss. To his surprise, Lin Xiaoxiao was hiding inside, preparing a birthday surprise for him. She sang "Happy Birthday" and presented him with a handmade gift, explaining that she had forgotten to plan a proper surprise, especially since this was his first birthday after reuniting with his brother. Cheng Hao was deeply moved by her gesture and instinctively kissed her.
However, a sudden surge of pain brought him back to reality. His physical condition was rapidly deteriorating, and he knew his time in this world was limited. Unwilling to leave Lin Xiaoxiao heartbroken after his inevitable disappearance, he suppressed his emotions and pushed her away, despite his true feelings. Heartbroken, Lin Xiaoxiao misunderstood Cheng Hao's actions, believing he didn't like her. She sought solace in drinking alone.
Lu Hongjian happened to pass by and offered comfort to the distraught Lin Xiaoxiao. Unbeknownst to them, the surveillance system in the house had been hacked by Driver Xu, who was observing Lin Xiaoxiao's every move. Driver Xu surmised that Lin Xiaoxiao was the crucial link between the two different timelines and decided to exploit her abilities.
In her drunken state, Lin Xiaoxiao mistook Lu Hongjian for Cheng Hao and confessed her deep affection for "Boss," leading Lu Hongjian to mistakenly believe she was confessing to him. Lu Hongjian was delighted by Lin Xiaoxiao's words and, already harboring feelings for her, decided to pursue her. He admired her courage when she defended him at the recent conference and found her charming even when she was stern.
He resolved to make her his girlfriend and take responsibility, especially since he thought they had kissed. Meanwhile, Cheng Hao discovered that his home surveillance system had been compromised and immediately tasked Xiao Tong with investigating. He also found a tapping device in his car, sparking his concern.
Lin Xiaoxiao, still processing her feelings, tried to talk to Cheng Hao about what happened between her and Lu Hongjian last night, but Cheng Hao cut her off, stating he was busy and didn't want to discuss it, displaying a cold attitude. He then instructed her to deliver an updated script to Lu Hongjian for his adapted novel, mentioning that investors were interested. This coldness left Lin Xiaoxiao disappointed, unsure of what she had done wrong.
Lu Hongjian later confronted Lin Xiaoxiao, dancing with her and confessing his feelings, telling her she was special to him because she had made him experience many "firsts," including being kissed and protected. Lin Xiaoxiao, however, rejected him, clarifying that it was a mistake and she intended to kiss Cheng Hao, not him. Upon hearing this, Lu Hongjian was visibly disappointed and began to cough uncontrollably.
Through Xiao Tong's investigation, Cheng Hao learned that a black van had been tracking him for a month before switching its focus to Lin Xiaoxiao after she reunited with Lu Hongjian. He also found a close connection between the reporter who hacked his system and "Boss Xu." Cheng Hao deduced that the real Boss Xu had been replaced by Driver Xu, who had discovered Lin Xiaoxiao's unique abilities and intended to exploit them.
Lu Hongjian quickly came to terms with Lin Xiaoxiao's affection for Cheng Hao and, surprisingly, offered to help her pursue him. He handed her a room key to a five-star suite with a sea view, suggesting it was "the sacred place where love would happen" and that she should "get him into bed." Lin Xiaoxiao was hesitant, unable to bring herself to follow through with the plan. When she saw Cheng Hao, she stammered, unsure how to approach him.
However, Cheng Hao gave her no opportunity to speak, as he noticed someone tracking him and directly warned the stalker to "not stalk someone that you’re not supposed to." Undeterred, Lin Xiaoxiao carefully prepared for another attempt, inviting Cheng Hao to dinner at the hotel. Gathering her courage, she openly confessed her feelings, explaining how he had fulfilled her wishes and kissed her. Cheng Hao remained impassive.
He coldly rejected her confession, stating, "Sorry to make you misunderstand me," and insisted that his actions were merely returning a favor for her past help. He claimed that being a normal man, he sometimes couldn't help doing things that might be misinterpreted, but it had nothing to do with him liking her.
He added that he always maintained distance from his fans because their imaginations were "too terrifying," and if every instance of being close counted as falling in love, he would have done so countless times. He then left without looking back, leaving Lin Xiaoxiao heartbroken. She retreated to her room and cried, while Cheng Hao, despite his outward indifference, was equally distraught. They both loved each other, but the impossibility of their relationship due to their different worlds weighed heavily on them.
Episode 13 Recap
Lin Xiaoxiao privately grieved over Cheng Hao's rejection. Lu Hongjian approached her, asking about her progress. Seeing Cheng Hao unhappily close the door, Lin Xiaoxiao felt she had been presumptuous. Lu Hongjian, however, dismissed her feelings, telling her she was thinking too much. He acknowledged that Cheng Hao was probably into her, but quipped that she was "cursed by the law of conservation of energy," likening it to the old saying, "Karma is a bitch."
He pointed out that she had rejected him (implicitly, in the past) and now she was rejected by Cheng Hao, before assuring her he was just kidding and trying to make her feel better. He then urged her to leave, as staying would only remind her of Cheng Hao, and pulled her away. Cheng Hao grew uneasy as Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Hongjian did not return.
Later, Cheng Hao's assistant, Tong, informed him that Lu Hongjian had confessed his feelings to Lin Xiaoxiao a few days prior and had booked a honeymoon suite for a week. Cheng Hao was visibly upset, asking if Lin Xiaoxiao was using Lu Hongjian as a replacement because she was sad. Despite asserting that it was none of his business, as both Lu Hongjian and Lin Xiaoxiao were unmarried, he quickly demanded to know the hotel's location.
Cheng Hao rushed to the hotel. After hearing what he perceived as flirtatious remarks from inside a room, he burst in, only to find Lu Hongjian with a different girl, Ma Xiaoxiao. Lu Hongjian, calling Cheng Hao a "spoiler," introduced Ma Xiaoxiao as Cheng Hao's big fan, who immediately expressed her admiration and asked for an autograph.
Lu Hongjian then admonished Cheng Hao, urging him to confess his feelings directly if he liked someone, emphasizing that they were all grown-ups and such romantic drama tactics didn't work anymore. Lin Xiaoxiao arrived at the scene, looking surprised. Cheng Hao, believing he had been tricked by Lin Xiaoxiao and Lu Hongjian, stormed out angrily, refusing to listen to Lin Xiaoxiao's explanations. Lu Hongjian then warned Cheng Hao not to follow him.
Separately, Driver Xu continued to interrogate Boss Xu, demanding his account passwords. Driver Xu made it clear that he was not content with Boss Xu's status and intended to seize all his wealth. He resorted to torturing Boss Xu, making him hurt himself, but Boss Xu remained steadfast, knowing that revealing the password would render him useless. Driver Xu declared he would disappear once he achieved his goals, and even threatened to take over Boss Xu's company.
Cheng Hao discovered that Driver Xu was the one who had installed a monitoring device in his car. He confronted Driver Xu, who, seeing his cover blown, openly acknowledged his actions. Cheng Hao warned Driver Xu, stating he would call the police if Driver Xu continued to contact him and advised him not to do stupid things. Driver Xu, however, mocked Cheng Hao, telling him that "smart people live short" and that he would not let Cheng Hao go.
Cheng Hao then informed Lu Hongjian of his decision to hold a farewell concert and announce his retirement from the entertainment industry. Lu Hongjian advised him to take care of himself and Lin Xiaoxiao, and not to leave his last words. Cheng Hao brusquely dismissed Lu Hongjian's concerns, stating it was none of his business.
Lin Xiaoxiao's friend, Tiantian, visited her, expressing concern about Lin Xiaoxiao not answering her calls and asking if she had lost her dreams after dating Cheng Hao. Lin Xiaoxiao then revealed her shock at Cheng Hao's impending retirement, stating she never thought it would happen so quickly. Tiantian reminded Lin Xiaoxiao that Cheng Hao had previously helped her realize her dreams and urged her to attend his farewell concert, emphasizing that it might be difficult to see him again afterward.
At his farewell concert, Cheng Hao performed his songs and thanked his fans for their support over the past two years, stating that he could no longer stay on stage with them but would always remember them. As he finished a song and prepared to leave, an unexpected incident occurred on stage. Driver Xu had paid assassins to attack Cheng Hao in public. Cheng Hao, caught off guard, sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the emergency room.
Lin Xiaoxiao remained by Cheng Hao's side. Before losing consciousness, Cheng Hao could no longer suppress his true feelings. He held her hand tightly, kissed her, and confessed, "I like you. I really like you." Lin Xiaoxiao, in turn, vowed that she would not let him go again. She promised to stay with him and protect him, even if people called her a "sasaeng fan" or hated her, calling him "silly" for his doubts.
Following the near-death experience, Cheng Hao successfully recovered, a recovery that news reports hailed as a "medical miracle." The media also highlighted that he was clutching a girl's hand during his critical state, drawing significant attention, which made Driver Xu very angry. To avoid the swarm of paparazzi waiting at the front door of the hospital, Lin Xiaoxiao and another person discussed leaving through the rear door.
However, they decided it would be safer to leave through the front, concluding that the paparazzi would expect them to use the rear. Lin Xiaoxiao then suggested they go to her grandmother's quiet countryside place, to which everyone agreed.
Episode 14 Recap
After Cheng Hao recovered and was discharged from the hospital, he resolved to cherish every moment with Lin Xiaoxiao. Lin Xiaoxiao was delighted and eagerly brought Cheng Hao to visit her Grandma in the countryside. Grandma was visibly pleased with Cheng Hao. Lin Xiaoxiao told Cheng Hao that her parents had split up after she was born, and her Grandma had raised her, making her the only family.
Cheng Hao believed that with Lin Xiaoxiao in the secluded countryside, Xu driver wouldn't be able to find them, and this was the only way he could protect her. That evening, Cheng Hao and Lin Xiaoxiao shared a bed. Xu driver intensified his coercion of Mr. Xu, demanding the passcode to his safe and Swiss bank accounts, threatening to harm his wife and daughter.
Mr. Xu, out of love for his daughter, agreed to reveal everything if Xu driver would let his family go. Later, Lin Xiaoxiao and Cheng Hao released Kongming lanterns in the yard. Cheng Hao remained distracted, constantly checking his phone. A news alert suddenly popped up on his phone, announcing that the Jiuwei comet would appear that night, marking its closest approach to Earth.
Cheng Hao recalled his own experience of crossing over during a comet event and realized this comet might be the key to his departure from this world. He asked Lin Xiaoxiao what she would do if he were to leave that night. Soon after, Cheng Hao received a phone call from his assistant, informing him that Mr. Xu was being held at a countryside warehouse.
Noticing Cheng Hao’s behavior, Lin Xiaoxiao felt something was wrong and suspected he was hiding something from her. Cheng Hao quickly told Grandma that something urgent had come up and he needed to leave. When Cheng Hao arrived at the warehouse, he confronted Xu driver, who was holding Mr. Xu captive. Xu driver, having already extracted the necessary passwords, was intent on killing Mr. Xu. The two men engaged in a violent struggle.
Cheng Hao managed to knock Xu driver unconscious and began performing first aid on Mr. Xu, who was gravely injured. Xu driver unexpectedly regained consciousness and ambushed Cheng Hao, knocking him out. Xu driver decided to stage a scene where Cheng Hao and Mr. Xu had a violent dispute, resulting in their vehicle plunging off a cliff. He even mutilated Mr. Xu's face to ensure he would be unrecognizable.
Just as Xu driver drove the car towards the cliff edge, Cheng Hao regained consciousness and managed to escape the vehicle moments before it plummeted over the precipice. Seeing Cheng Hao alive, Xu driver attacked him again. This time, Cheng Hao defeated Xu driver, sending him tumbling down the cliff. Simultaneously, Lin Xiaoxiao, who had been tracking Cheng Hao's phone's location, arrived at the cliff.
Upon discovering a blood trail and receiving a 110 distress signal that Cheng Hao had sent, Lin Xiaoxiao realized he and Mr. Xu were still alive. Police cars soon arrived. However, unseen by the others, a pair of hands emerged from below the cliff, a chilling sign that Xu driver had survived his fall.
Episode 15 Recap
When police arrived at the cliff, they found that Boss Xu and Driver Xu had both fallen. Suspecting Cheng Hao, they brought him in for questioning. Cheng Hao explained that Boss Xu had sexually harassed his subordinate, Lin Xiaoxiao, who was now his girlfriend. He mentioned he had warned Boss Xu privately, and he believed Boss Xu sought revenge by kidnapping him. However, the police were skeptical because most of the surveillance videos from the scene had been deleted.
A hidden camera had captured a suspect's frame, and they were conducting a precise image comparison. The body found at the cliff was burnt, making identification difficult. Despite their doubts, the police temporarily accepted Cheng Hao's statement and released him on bail. Cheng Hao thanked Lu Sir and was soon reunited with Lin Xiaoxiao.
She expressed her worry, saying he lied to her every time and asked him to stop doing dangerous things without telling her, as she would literally worry to death. Cheng Hao, calling her silly, promised it would never happen again. Alone, Cheng Hao pondered that the night the comet came again, he didn't vanish or go back, wondering if it meant he could stay in this timeline. Cheng Hao's relationship with Lin Xiaoxiao grew stronger.
He later participated in a press conference for the movie adaptation of Lu Hongjian's new book. Lu Hongjian, involved as both an actor and director, captivated the audience. He introduced "Love Instantly" as a pure love movie and asked for continued support. Lin Xiaoxiao, the screenwriter for the movie, initially hesitated to join him on the red carpet, but Cheng Hao encouraged her, assuring her he was with her.
At the event, Cheng Hao publicly announced that Lin Xiaoxiao was his girlfriend, causing a stir among the fans. Lin Xiaoxiao's best friend, also a fan of Cheng Hao, excitedly questioned her about how she "nailed him" and when their relationship began. Lin Xiaoxiao vaguely replied it was a "long story" and mentioned "Head Zhou" before excusing herself to attend to fan club matters. Lin Xiaoxiao and Cheng Hao's formal dates began.
During a dinner at a restaurant, Lin Xiaoxiao noticed other girls staring and felt pleased, to which Cheng Hao playfully remarked that it was because she was with a handsome guy. Cheng Hao told Lin Xiaoxiao he wanted to travel the world with her. Delighted, Lin Xiaoxiao suggested romantic Italy, followed by Japan, Paris, Miami, and Los Angeles. As they strolled through the city that evening, they passed a wedding dress shop.
Lin Xiaoxiao expressed a heartfelt wish to marry her beloved in a beautiful wedding dress, a dream she believed every girl held. Cheng Hao, understanding her desire, magically opened the closed shop. Inside, amidst the array of wedding gowns, he proposed to her. Deeply moved by his thoughtful gesture, Lin Xiaoxiao accepted, exclaiming that she felt like she was dreaming and hoped to live in his dream forever.
She then put on a wedding dress, and they shared a tender kiss. Cheng Hao presented Lin Xiaoxiao with a wedding ring, formalizing their marriage. The very next morning, Lin Xiaoxiao's best friend passed by the wedding dress shop and was astonished to see a wedding photo of Lin Xiaoxiao and Cheng Hao displayed, marveling at how quickly things had progressed for them. Later, Cheng Hao took Lin Xiaoxiao to see a movie, likely Lu Hongjian's "Love Instantly."
However, Driver Xu, who was previously thought to be dead, had secretly appeared in the cinema and sabotaged the projector, causing the movie to malfunction and flicker a scene of Cheng Hao in a car accident. Hearing the disturbance, Cheng Hao rushed out to investigate but found no one. This incident made him realize that Driver Xu was still alive, plunging him into a state of fear.
Lin Xiaoxiao, also perplexed, asked Cheng Hao about the car accident shown on screen. The police contacted Cheng Hao again, informing him that they had discovered another set of footprints at the cliff crime scene. They asked if there had been a third person present on the day of the incident, but Cheng Hao again concealed the truth, confirming only his and Boss Xu's presence, as he didn't want to disclose the time-travel to them.
Worried, Cheng Hao instructed his assistant, Tong, to halt all of Lu Hongjian's activities, using "studying" as an excuse, and to significantly increase security for both Lu Hongjian and Lin Xiaoxiao, ensuring their safety. He also assured Tong that he would take care of his own safety. That night, Lin Xiaoxiao, having nothing else to do, stumbled upon a blackboard left by Cheng Hao.
On it, she found her name alongside Lu Hongjian's, accompanied by the intriguing phrase "paralleled timezone, car accident?" This discovery left her utterly surprised. Cheng Hao once again visited the abandoned villa. There, he found documents detailing that due to "twisted time and bias," the time gate would now reopen a week "after" the comet's arrival, rather than on the night of its appearance. Upon returning home, Cheng Hao was shocked to discover that Lu Hongjian had bought a car.
Lu Hongjian excitedly showed off his new vehicle to Cheng Hao and Lin Xiaoxiao, remarking on its excellent performance and that it was spacious enough for the three of them. He even planned to take Lin Xiaoxiao to the tunnel where Cheng Hao had experienced his own car accident visions. Cheng Hao was furious, recognizing it as the same model of car that appeared in his visions of the car accident.
He erupted in anger, demanding to know who let Lu Hongjian buy the car and why he didn't stay put as instructed. He immediately ordered Lu Hongjian to return the car, fearing that the same tragedy would unfold once more.
Episode 16 (Ending) Recap
When Cheng Hao realized the situation could no longer be hidden, he decided to confess to Lu Hongjian. Cheng Hao revealed that he was actually Lu Hongjian from a parallel world. Lu Hongjian initially thought he was joking, expressing surprise at Cheng Hao's unexpected humor. To prove his identity, Cheng Hao instructed Lu Hongjian to close his eyes, demonstrating his ability to control Lu Hongjian’s body while he was unconscious.
Lu Hongjian was left astonished, realizing how he had moved without awareness, and conceded that Cheng Hao possessed a "superpower." Cheng Hao explained this phenomenon as quantum entanglement between their two selves, adding that his original world was two years ahead of this one, allowing him to control Lu Hongjian in this "sub-world." Lu Hongjian's mind reeled from the revelation. Cheng Hao then explained the full circumstances of his arrival in this timeline.
Lu Hongjian quickly deduced that the Driver Xu in this world was the Mr. Xu from Cheng Hao's original timeline. Cheng Hao also disclosed that Driver Xu might still be alive, leading them both to understand that if he had survived, he would undoubtedly return seeking revenge against them and Lin Xiaoxiao. Cheng Hao urged Lu Hongjian to help him protect Lin Xiaoxiao, so Driver Xu couldn't harm her.
When asked if he would tell Lin Xiaoxiao the truth, Cheng Hao responded that he wouldn't yet, as he didn't want her to live in fear and wished for her to treat him as a normal person. Meanwhile, Officer Lu, investigating the crime scene where Mr. Xu had been abducted, noted the significant blood loss, which suggested the victim should have died.
However, seeing Xu Yaozu (Mr. Xu) driving as usual and Cheng Hao looking fine, he suspected a third person was involved and that the real Mr. Xu might not be dead. He instructed his team to search thoroughly for more clues. Despite Cheng Hao's reassurances to Lin Xiaoxiao that everything was fine and that he would protect her, Lin Xiaoxiao sensed he was anxious and hiding something from her. She mused to herself that her "Boss" indeed had a secret.
As Lu Hongjian continued to investigate, he informed Cheng Hao over the phone that he had found clues about Driver Xu near his wife's and daughter's house. Lu Hongjian planned to go there and instructed Cheng Hao to keep an eye on Lin Xiaoxiao while he was away.
Later, as Lu Hongjian and Lin Xiaoxiao were at a cafe, Lin Xiaoxiao's friend warned her that Cheng Hao had asked her not to leave the house, but Lin Xiaoxiao insisted on meeting her "fat girlfriend." At the cafe, a young woman named Tian Yuanyuan approached Lu Hongjian, claiming to be a fan. After a brief, awkward interaction where she spilled coffee on him, Lu Hongjian realized she was not who she seemed to be and asked her identity.
Simultaneously, Lin Xiaoxiao cried for help as she was abducted. A cafe staff member pointed in the direction they were taken. Lu Hongjian immediately called Cheng Hao, frantically telling him that Lin Xiaoxiao had been kidnapped. Moments later, Cheng Hao received a call from Driver Xu, who taunted him by saying he had "your woman." Driver Xu demanded 10 million and threatened revenge, stating that Cheng Hao had made him lose everything.
Cheng Hao agreed to the ransom, and Driver Xu set a meeting point, warning him to come alone within an hour, without police. Driver Xu then made a chilling comment about Lin Xiaoxiao's "nice skin." Cheng Hao immediately contacted Officer Lu, informing him that the signal for Driver Xu's location showed the west of the city, but the exact address was unclear.
Cheng Hao declared he knew where they were and set off to rescue Lin Xiaoxiao, calling out her name as he rushed to her. The police arrived at the initial meeting point, but Driver Xu was nowhere to be found. Cheng Hao realized they had been tricked and that Driver Xu must have taken Lin Xiaoxiao to the DongJiao Tunnel. In the tunnel, Driver Xu tied the now-conscious Lin Xiaoxiao into the car.
He chillingly revealed the truth of the parallel worlds to her, explaining that both he and Cheng Hao came from another timeline. He confessed to having hit and killed her once in that world and declared she had to die again. Driver Xu explained his plan: he was leaving with his money, and Cheng Hao would once again be framed as the hit-and-run murderer.
Just as Lin Xiaoxiao feared her end, Cheng Hao arrived, crashing his car into Driver Xu’s vehicle, saving Lin Xiaoxiao. However, the impact caused Cheng Hao to disappear, returning to his original world. Lin Xiaoxiao watched in horror as he vanished. Cheng Hao reappeared in his original world, finding a comatose Lin Xiaoxiao in the tunnel. He carried her to safety. When he awoke, he was in a hospital bed with Zou Ling by his side.
Zou Ling explained that he had been gone for two years and had suddenly reappeared during a car accident in the BinJiang Tunnel the previous night. She noted that when the police found his car, its clock still showed the year 2019. Cheng Hao learned it was now February 22nd, 2021.
Later, a different Lin Xiaoxiao visited him, thanking him for saving her life and revealing she was a fan, emphasizing she was a "true love fan" who knew the fan rules: "Be closer to Boss’s stage, be furtherer to Boss’s life." Cheng Hao looked at this Lin Xiaoxiao, a familiar face yet a stranger who held none of their shared memories, and shed tears, understanding she was not the Lin Xiaoxiao he loved.
Back in his own timeline, as Lin Xiaoxiao went through Cheng Hao's belongings, she discovered a farewell letter he had written. In the letter, Cheng Hao apologized for not telling her the truth, hoping for a chance to stay with her. He expressed that fate had brought them together in a hurry and now forced them apart without a choice, perhaps never to meet again.
He wished her well, telling her to take care of herself, and hoped she would be happy and forget him, ending with "Xiaoxiao, I love you." Cheng Hao, watching the Lin Xiaoxiao of his current world from afar, privately vowed to always keep his eyes on her, believing that even across different worlds, she could feel his enduring love, for hearts that have crossed will never truly be apart.
Later, Lu Hongjian sent Lin Xiaoxiao a message, informing her he had released a new album and that the last song on it was dedicated to her by Cheng Hao. Lin Xiaoxiao opened her phone, played the song, and a happy smile spread across her face, a testament that even though Cheng Hao was gone, their love would not disappear.
