Time To Fall In Love Episode 9 Recap
> Time To Fall In Love Recap
Su Yanxi, currently pretending to be He Jinxi, followed Madam Gu's instructions and brought dinner to Gu Xicheng's office. Gu Xicheng was not there when she arrived, and she accidentally dropped a folder. As she bent down to pick it up, Gu Xicheng appeared, leading to an intimate close encounter. Su Yanxi explained she was delivering dinner. Gu Xicheng seemed wary, thinking it was a tonic soup from Aunt Mei.
Su Yanxi quickly clarified that it was a normal dinner prepared by Aunt Mei, and even expressed her own desire to taste Aunt Mei's pigeon soup. However, in her haste, she only brought one spoon, so they had no choice but to share. After they shared the spoon, Gu Xicheng teased her, saying he had just used it. Their close moment was interrupted by Nangong Liuli, who asked Gu Xicheng why he was still working so late.
Nangong Liuli stated she had just joined Huayan and was dedicated to learning about the company for future product R&D. She then turned to Su Yanxi, questioning if she was the organizer of the charity banquet and why she was there. Nangong Liuli pointed out that Gu Xicheng hadn't introduced her, emphasizing that she and Gu Xicheng were "very good old friends."
Gu Xicheng began to explain that it was Su Yanxi's first day at Huayan, but Nangong Liuli cut him off, claiming to have a very important R&D question for him and asking if she could return after he finished eating. Feeling uneasy, Su Yanxi quickly excused herself, saying she couldn't eat anymore, and left the office. As she left, Gu Xicheng called out "Xixi!"
Su Yanxi felt ignored by Gu Xicheng for not explaining his relationship with Nangong Liuli and suspected there was something going on between the "old friends," remembering that someone named An'an had told her Gu Xicheng liked her. Later, while eating out, Su Yanxi ran into Fu Boya. He noticed her injured finger and expressed concern about her well-being in the Gu family, hoping she could leave soon.
Su Yanxi explained that she was merely pretending to be her sister (He Jinxi) and planned to end her "cooperation" with Gu Xicheng once Madam Gu recovered, allowing her to regain her identity as Su Yanxi. Fu Boya was glad to hear this, reiterating his care for her and offering his help for any difficulties, even mentioning the auction where he could have helped her retrieve her necklace.
He emphasized that Gu Xicheng wasn't the only one who could assist her. Su Yanxi thanked him. Before leaving, Fu Boya urged her to think things over, to call him if she needed anything, and expressed his hope for her to get better, leave the Gu family, and become herself again. Su Yanxi pondered how difficult it would be to become Su Yanxi again, also worrying about her mother's surgery.
Upon returning home, Su Yanxi found Madam Gu angry after seeing news reports about Nangong Liuli joining Huayan Group. Madam Gu felt provoked, believing Gu Xicheng had secretly recruited an old friend. She showed Su Yanxi the news, which highlighted Nangong Liuli as an "old friend" joining Huayan. Madam Gu criticized Gu Xicheng for hiring a woman without consulting Su Yanxi and letting the media publish gossip.
Despite Su Yanxi's dismissal of the news as mere gossip, Madam Gu insisted that Nangong Liuli had ill intentions and was after Gu Xicheng. She declared that as Gu Xicheng's partner, Su Yanxi couldn't allow them to flirt in the company. Citing the proverb "the closer you are, the more advantages you'll get," Madam Gu announced that Su Yanxi would also start working at Huayan.
Su Yanxi would be placed right next to Gu Xicheng to keep an eye on him and prevent anyone from interfering with their relationship. Su Yanxi secretly agreed, realizing that if something serious happened between Gu Xicheng and Nangong Liuli, she wouldn't be able to fulfill the contract on behalf of her sister, He Jinxi. That would be troublesome. She resolved to monitor Gu Xicheng and "Queen Su" would destroy any bad guys.
The next day, Su Yanxi reported to work. Situ enthusiastically informed her that Madam Gu had personally made arrangements to support Su Yanxi and Gu Xicheng's relationship. He announced Su Yanxi's new position as the president's special assistant, a role specifically designed for her to follow, take care of, and supervise Gu Xicheng 24 hours a day. Su Yanxi understood and started immediately. Meanwhile, Nangong Liuli was discussing a proposal with Gu Xicheng, suggesting he reconsider the packaging material.
She then nostalgically brought up their college days, recalling how Gu Xicheng had stayed up late to help her find materials for a design project when she was struggling. Gu Xicheng cut her off, reminding her not to mention personal matters in the company. Just then, Situ entered, announcing Su Yanxi's arrival as the new president's special assistant.
Nangong Liuli expressed surprise that Miss He would take such a position, subtly comparing her to an internationally famous makeup artist (herself) who chose to work for Huayan. Su Yanxi retorted, asking why she couldn't help Mr. Gu if Nangong Liuli could. Nangong Liuli then mentioned that Gu Xicheng had done her a favor by buying back her favorite necklace.
Su Yanxi quickly interjected, downplaying the necklace and clarifying that Gu Xicheng's support for the charity banquet was for the children, not for Nangong Liuli. Nangong Liuli then left, saying she would finish her work and report back. Situ commented on the "scent of jealousy" in the office, which Gu Xicheng dismissed, telling him to leave.
Once alone with Gu Xicheng, Su Yanxi adopted a sweet and overtly helpful demeanor, promising to accompany him in everything for their 24/7 close working relationship. Gu Xicheng seemed taken aback, asking if she had eaten something wrong. Su Yanxi insisted she was just determined to help him with his work, emphasizing her commitment to him. Secretly, Su Yanxi resolved to win his heart, only to abandon and torture him later, ensuring he would be completely devoted to her.
When Gu Xicheng announced he was going to meet a client, Su Yanxi falsely claimed his car was broken and that ride-sharing services were fully booked due to the commercial area. She suggested they take the bus, assuring him it would be fast and they wouldn't be late. Sensing his hesitation, Su Yanxi goaded him, asking if he'd never taken a bus or was afraid of his suit getting wrinkled. Gu Xicheng, annoyed, agreed to take the bus.
On the bus, Gu Xicheng shielded Su Yanxi, holding her close to protect her from the crowded conditions, which further deepened their connection. After the meeting, while at the bus stop, Su Yanxi helped Gu Xicheng adjust his tie when a passing car splashed water on him, dirtying his suit. They had to find a nearby clothing store to buy a new one.
Su Yanxi, lamenting missing the last bus (having presumably slept on it during the return journey), found Gu Xicheng calmly stating it was fine to walk, finding it comfortable. Su Yanxi mused about Gu Xicheng's contradictory personality—fierce in the office, but kind like when he saved her with his car or bought back her necklace.
Gu Xicheng explained that as a boss, he couldn't treat everyone the same, hinting that a man only shows his gentleness to "that one particular woman." When Su Yanxi asked who that was, Gu Xicheng replied, "Who do you think it is?" A rose vendor then approached, suggesting Gu Xicheng buy a flower for his girlfriend.
Su Yanxi quickly denied they were together, but Gu Xicheng bought all the roses and gave them to her, confirming they were for her when she asked if there was anyone else here. She accepted them with a thank you. Later, Nangong Liuli met Fu Boya for drinks. She questioned him about the nature of Gu Xicheng and He Jinxi's relationship, noting that Gu Xicheng had never had a special assistant before.
Fu Boya revealed that He Jinxi was Gu Xicheng's fiancée, though the news hadn't been made public. Nangong Liuli was saddened, recalling how Madam Gu used to pressure Gu Xicheng to find a girlfriend abroad. However, she quickly regained her resolve, concluding that since they weren't married yet, she still had a chance. Fu Boya observed that she clearly hadn't given up on Gu Xicheng, a fact Nangong Liuli confirmed.
She then questioned Fu Boya's own close relationship with He Jinxi, who simply stated they were friends, leading Nangong Liuli to comment on their quick connection. Back at the office, Su Yanxi tried out a new recipe for Gu Xicheng. Just then, Nangong Liuli arrived and told Gu Xicheng she wanted to discuss something.
She praised Su Yanxi's skills as an online makeup live streamer and her successful collaboration with Huayan, suggesting that being Gu Xicheng's assistant was a waste of her talent. Nangong Liuli then offered Su Yanxi a position in the R&D department, which she described as Huayan's core department. Gu Xicheng immediately tried to refuse, pointing out Su Yanxi's lack of experience in the field and that it wasn't as simple as she thought.
However, Su Yanxi, unaware of Nangong Liuli's true purpose to distance her from Gu Xicheng, agreed to the arrangement, stating she could learn a lot from Director Nangong. Nangong Liuli quickly handled the administrative transfer. When asked if he had any work to hand over to Su Yanxi, Gu Xicheng replied he had none, but would miss the "fun." Nangong Liuli then took Su Yanxi to complete the paperwork. Gu Xicheng seemed frustrated by Su Yanxi's quick departure.
Su Yanxi was then introduced to the R&D department, where some colleagues gossiped about her lack of experience. Nangong Liuli assigned her to summarize market requirements for new products and design an eyeshadow packaging plan, both with extremely tight deadlines. Su Yanxi asked for help with the market requirements, as she had no experience, but Nangong Liuli declined, telling her to ask colleagues or herself for questions, and to submit the summary by 4 PM.
Nangong Liuli also stressed that the design plan was needed by the end of the day for tomorrow's meeting, encouraging her to pull an all-nighter. Su Yanxi remained cautious, recognizing Nangong Liuli's seriousness in work despite her suspicions. Later, Gu Xicheng, worried about Su Yanxi, came to the R&D department. He subtly took a turkey breast sandwich from Situ, claiming he would return two later. He then walked towards Su Yanxi's desk.
Nangong Liuli intercepted him, expressing surprise at his visit to R&D, and immediately claimed the sandwich, saying she was hungry and delighted he remembered her favorite turkey breast sandwich. She then pulled Gu Xicheng away to discuss an urgent matter related to tomorrow's meeting in his office. Su Yanxi overheard colleagues gossiping about Gu Xicheng specially bringing lunch for Director Nangong, and remembering her preferences, likening it to a "sweet drama." Su Yanxi was furious, vowing to make Gu Xicheng regret it once she finished her work. She was so angry that she got up and left her workstation.
