To Be A Brave One Recap, Plot, Synopsis
To Be A Brave One Synopsis
An Yu, a girl who experienced her family ruined overnight and was prosecuted and imprisoned.
After her release from prison, she was guarded by her childhood friend Shao Mo Li, a genius boy.
Then she regained her confidence and bravely pursued herself.
They fought side by side and not only shone in their career, but also gained the warmth of family, love, and friendship, and learned the true meaning of "bravery".
To Be A Brave One Recap
Episode 1 Recap
A vivid flashback shows a young Shao Moli being bullied, only to be rescued by a kind young An Yu, who tells him to look up to find his way out of trouble. Twenty years later, a grown Shao Moli still remembers An Yu, seeing himself as her protective "Sirius" star. An Yu is struggling to find employment, consistently attending interviews.
Shao Moli, observing her difficulties, covertly arranges for her to receive an invitation to a written exam at Zhuoyue Financial. On the day of the exam, An Yu encounters Shao Moli in the elevator. She expresses surprise at seeing him there, asking if he is also applying for a job.
He clarifies that he is not there for an interview at that moment, but suggests Zhuoyue Financial is a great option in the finance industry, mentioning that he has submitted his own resume there. Noting An Yu's nervousness, Shao Moli pretends to be just as anxious and asks for a coping mechanism. An Yu shares her unique trick: imagining everyone around her as various vegetables based on their clothing colors.
As she demonstrates, identifying "potato," "cauliflower," and "broccoli," a person dressed in red rushes past and is playfully dubbed "Watermelon." Before the test, Shao Moli feigns concern about a "Nash equilibrium" question, claiming he dreamt it would be on the exam. An Yu confidently defines the concept, unknowingly assisting him. After the written test, Shao Moli insists on treating An Yu to a hotpot meal as a token of gratitude, despite her offers to split the bill.
He credits her for helping him recall the Nash equilibrium definition, which he claims was crucial for the exam, and for alleviating his anxiety. He also thanks her for reminding him to apply to Zhuoyue. An Yu, touched by his repeated thanks, admits it has been a long time since anyone expressed such gratitude. Shao Moli reassures her that someone she helped, even if she doesn't remember, has not forgotten her kindness.
During their meal, An Yu learns Shao Moli cannot handle spicy food, and he reveals he lived overseas for many years but has now returned for good. The next day, An Yu and Jin Lailai have a chance encounter at a convenience store. Lailai helps An Yu scratch off a promotional card, winning them a grand prize of instant noodles.
Their good fortune continues as they both receive interview invitations from Zhuoyue Financial at the same time, marveling at their shared luck since meeting. Lailai excitedly invites An Yu to visit her home, showing her a vacant room and suggesting they become roommates. An Yu, however, initially declines the offer. An Yu's interview proceeds well, with her written exam results ranking third among all non-fresh graduates.
She impresses the interviewer by articulating her vision for Zhuoyue as a company founded on "visionary and transcendent" ideals, a place where she hopes to achieve her dreams. However, when asked to explain a four-year gap in her resume, An Yu hesitates. As she prepares to disclose her past, the interviewer takes an urgent phone call and steps out, where he learns from a colleague that An Yu served four years in prison for a financial crime.
Assuming she has failed, An Yu begins to leave, but Jiang Haoran, the Director of the HR Department, stops her. He congratulates her, informing her that she passed the interview and will begin a probation period. Jiang Haoran also reveals that Shao Moli had given instructions for her to pass, and that he himself once worked at Xingchen Financial, An Yu's father's company.
Later, Lailai joyfully confirms her own acceptance into Zhuoyue and eagerly renews her offer for An Yu to move in. An Yu, still hesitant, is pressed by Lailai about any "weird habits" she might have. An Yu, summoning her courage, confesses her past imprisonment. Lailai, though initially surprised, quickly reassures An Yu that she trusts her own judgment of people and is not prejudiced. Lailai offers to speak with the landlady, Yun, on An Yu's behalf.
Yun, upon confirming An Yu's ability to pay rent on time, readily agrees to the shared tenancy. An Yu is charmed by Lailai's home, which also has a large balcony and courtyard with a beautiful stray cat that is well-cared for by the residents. Lailai is ecstatic, envisioning a future of shared experiences. On her first day at Zhuoyue, An Yu stands outside the building, reflecting on her father's past connection to the company and her own determination to succeed.
Inside, she and Lailai learn about the company's departmental hierarchy, joking about their possible placement on the "18th level of hell." To their delight, they are both assigned to Business Department I on the 18th floor and placed in the same team under team leader Su Dayong. Their positive start is challenged by a demanding colleague, Xu Jingya, who curtly orders them to fetch her coffee.
Su Dayong intervenes, diffusing the tension by bringing coffee for everyone and warmly welcoming the new hires. Later, while An Yu is printing, she drops a stack of papers, and Jiang Haoran quickly helps her. He reminds her again not to be formal with him, mentions she looks thinner but still beautiful, and reiterates their past connection through her father's company, Xingchen Financial, hoping she will remember him next time they meet.
Suddenly, Lailai rushes An Yu to a department meeting. There, the department head introduces Shao Moli, an internationally renowned financial broker, who has partnered with Zhuoyue for a major acquisition project. An Yu is stunned to realize that the influential Mr. Shao is the same man she encountered during her written test. After the meeting, An Yu confronts Shao Moli, formally addressing him as "Mr. Shao."
He reminds her that he had predicted their reunion and questions her newfound formality, stating he is still the same person. An Yu, bewildered, asks why he pretended to be a job applicant. Shao Moli casually replies, "It was fun." An Yu, expressing her need to return to work, tells him to continue "playing life" as she walks away.
Episode 2 Recap
Shao Moli, whose primary task back in the country is the acquisition of Wei'er Hotel, arranged for Ye Kai to secretly rent the apartment next to An Yu and Lailai to be closer to An Yu. One evening, as Shao Moli was reflecting on a painting of An Yu, he was interrupted by the arrival of Chen Wei, the general manager of Wei'er Hotel, with several women, who immediately started a noisy party. The commotion woke An Yu and Lailai.
An Yu went to investigate and was surprised to find Shao Moli as her new neighbor. She simply asked him to turn down the music and left. Shao Moli, concerned about the misunderstanding, went to An Yu's apartment to explain that his clients had unexpectedly shown up for a party, and he himself found it too noisy.
Lailai excitedly gave him a tour of their apartment, mentioning that their washing machine was broken and they had a pile of dirty clothes. Shao Moli offered to cook instant noodles for them. While they ate, An Yu and Lailai were engrossed in studying Wei'er Hotel's financial statements, believing it crucial for their probationary period.
Shao Moli, however, advised them that financial statements alone do not accurately reflect a company's true condition and are not very helpful for the project, suggesting a multi-faceted approach. The next morning, An Yu and Lailai overslept. Shao Moli waited in his car to offer An Yu a ride, but she opted for her bicycle. He then joined her, also riding a bicycle, and they commuted to work together. During a company meeting, Shao Moli analyzed Wei'er Hotel's situation.
He explained that management resistance is a common challenge in acquisitions and that understanding their willingness and attitude is key. He noted that Chen Wei, who loves to party, had already shown his hand, indicating a faction of management willing to cooperate for personal gain. However, He Shuo, the only son of Wei'er Hotel's founder and a major shareholder, was firmly against the acquisition and refused any negotiations.
Shao Moli emphasized that an unconventional strategy would be necessary to overcome this obstacle. Meanwhile, at Yimi Capital, Zhou Yuan met with He Shuo, presenting his acquisition proposal for Wei'er Hotel. He Shuo rejected it outright. Zhou Yuan pressed on, highlighting Wei'er Hotel's severe financial strain and the necessity of new capital.
He mentioned Zhuoyue's interest in the acquisition, stating that He Shuo would eventually have to choose between Zhuoyue and Yimi, and asserted that Yimi would always offer a better price than Zhuoyue. He confidently claimed to have his methods for knowing Zhuoyue's bids, prompting He Shuo to challenge him to see how he would compete. Later, An Yu presented her strategy to the team, focusing on analyzing Wei'er Hotel's data, including its profitability and liabilities, to gain leverage in negotiations.
She proposed using the "hungry lions game" from Nash equilibrium, suggesting a role-playing exercise with props to make the theory more tangible. During the role-playing exercise, An Yu played the sheep. When it was Ye Kai's turn to be a lion and "eat" An Yu, Shao Moli playfully tripped Ye Kai. On her way home from work, Lailai was drawn to a store's celebration promotion and "luckily" won a fully automatic rotary drum washing machine in a prize draw.
Both she and An Yu were overjoyed, as their old machine was broken. Shao Moli and Ye Kai then helped them carry the heavy machine upstairs. Ye Kai later remarked to Shao Moli that his plan to arrange the "lucky draw" for An Yu and Lailai was indeed a good decision, seeing how happy they were. An Yu affectionately called Lailai her "Fortune Cat," attributing their recent good luck to her.
That night, An Yu went downstairs to feed some leftovers to a stray cat and found Shao Moli doing the same with cat food. She commented that the weather was getting colder and they should find a shelter for the cat. Zhou Yuan met with a contact at Zhuoyue, revealing An Yu was his ex-wife and asking if she could be dismissed from the company.
His contact explained that it would be difficult because An Yu had a criminal record and would not have been hired if Shao Moli hadn't personally insisted on her recruitment, making it impossible to fire her out of respect for Shao Moli.
Zhou Yuan then learned that Shao Moli was a talented financial expert brought in by Lin Zhanhong from overseas specifically to acquire Wei'er Hotel, and that Shao Moli would likely meet with him soon to assess Yimi Capital as a competitor. Back home, Zhou Yuan comforted his wife, Milu, who worried their child, Yiyi, might resent her strict piano practice, reassuring her that Yiyi would eventually be grateful for her guidance.
An Yu, reviewing Wei'er Hotel's financial statements, discovered some irregularities and suspected financial fraud. She messaged Shao Moli about her findings but then quickly recalled the message. Around the same time, Ye Kai approached Shao Moli, asking about He Shuo. Shao Moli confirmed they were proceeding with "Plan B," which involved buying He Shuo's stocks. Just as Shao Moli was about to find An Yu, she stepped out.
They met, and An Yu informed him about her discovery of problematic data in the financial reports. Shao Moli invited her for a drink, which was a pretense to investigate Wei'er Hotel's occupancy rate, as he suspected it was falsified. They planned to check the laundry room's wash records and the housekeepers' punch-in times to verify the actual occupancy. While they were in the laundry room searching for records, a housekeeper locked them inside.
With no cell signal, they were trapped. To pass the time, Shao Moli suggested they talk. He shared that he was adopted and moved overseas, achieving significant financial success but finding little happiness in his career. He pondered whether he had returned to Zhuoyue for a different kind of life. An Yu then told him the only fairy tale she knew: the story of a princess who was mischievous and adventurous but always rescued by a masked black knight.
The tale took a sad turn when the princess was imprisoned in an attic, her father died, and the black knight never appeared again, leaving her feeling forgotten by the world. Shao Moli, who understood An Yu was the princess in her story, comforted her, assuring her that her black knight would return and that she would find her own happy ending. Meanwhile, Lailai noticed it was 10:30 PM and An Yu still hadn't returned.
She called Shao Moli, but his phone was unreachable. Concerned, Lailai went to Ye Kai, expressing her worry about An Yu, especially given their earlier discussion about Wei'er Hotel's questionable occupancy rate. Despite Ye Kai's initial dismissal, Lailai insisted on going to the hotel to find them, and Ye Kai agreed to join her, hailing a ride-sharing service.
Episode 3 Recap
Lailai and Ye Kai tirelessly searched the entire hotel for An Yu and Shao Moli. Eventually, they both received calls from An Yu and Shao Moli, who explained that they were discovered by hotel security and subsequently released. An Yu confirmed their efforts were fruitful, having found crucial documents like the daily towel usage records and the cleaning lady's punch-in records.
Exhausted, Lailai briefly fell asleep, only to be woken by a call from Mr. Su, her team leader, summoning her to work. The next morning, An Yu was making coffee when Mr. Jiang, the HR director, approached her. He commented on her tired appearance and offered support during her probation, inviting her to discuss work or personal matters with him anytime.
He then proposed they have dinner to "catch up," a suggestion An Yu politely declined, stating she didn't recall ever meeting him. Meanwhile, Xu Jingya, another colleague, observed their interaction. Mr. Jiang then subtly threatened An Yu, reminding her that he knew about her past prison sentence and permanent criminal record, implying he would keep it secret. Driven by jealousy and existing animosity, Xu Jingya took advantage of this.
She accessed Mr. Jiang's computer, found An Yu's personnel file, which detailed her financial crime and time served in Yuqing City Prison from 2014-2018. Xu Jingya then anonymously circulated this sensitive information throughout the company via email, titled "A Shocking Secret! An Yu Was a Financial Criminal!" , adding malicious comments accusing An Yu of using "connections" to join Zhuoyue. At home, Shao Moli was drawing when Ye Kai visited.
Ye Kai questioned why Shao Moli’s claustrophobia, which had previously manifested strongly, hadn't acted up when he was confined the previous night. Shao Moli realized he felt no fear at all, concluding he felt less scared when he was with An Yu. He fondly recalled a childhood memory of hiding in a small box with An Yu to escape bullies. Later, seeing An Yu feeding a stray cat downstairs, Shao Moli brought cat food and joined her.
The following day, An Yu and Lailai were late for work, resorting to the stairs after missing the elevator. Upon entering the office, they were met with whispers and gossip among colleagues. An Yu, sensing the hostile atmosphere, retreated to the restroom, where she overheard colleagues discussing her prison sentence and her father's financial crimes, expressing shock and concern about working alongside someone with such a past.
Simultaneously, Lailai discovered the anonymous email detailing An Yu's past on her computer, noting additional slanderous remarks. Lailai informed An Yu about the widespread gossip and offered to have a friend trace the email's IP address. However, An Yu, overwhelmed, declined, stating she had unfinished work and left the office. As Zhou Yuan arrived at Zhuoyue, An Yu, unable to bear the public scrutiny, broke down in tears.
Gathering her composure, she addressed her colleagues, confirming the truth of the email's contents regarding her father being a criminal and her own jail time. She emphasized that she had never concealed this information during her application to Zhuoyue. An Yu invited anyone with questions to ask her directly and implored her colleagues to cease harming others with their gossip. Both Zhou Yuan and Shao Moli witnessed this emotional declaration.
A flashback revealed a past incident where An Yu, trusting Zhou Yuan, had signed documents for his father without thoroughly reading them, despite her mother's warning about the risks as she was the legal person. Shao Moli then confronted Zhou Yuan. Shao Moli directly stated that since both Zhuoyue and Yimi Capital were interested in acquiring Wei'er Hotel, their conversation would be brief to confirm their mutual lack of interest in cooperation.
Zhou Yuan expressed frustration at being called for such a concise meeting. As he prepared to leave, Zhou Yuan criticized Zhuoyue's poor employee privacy protection, referencing the ongoing gossip about An Yu. He then directly asked Shao Moli about his relationship with An Yu, to which Shao Moli firmly replied that Zhou Yuan had no right to know.
Later, Zhou Yuan reflected on his past actions, seemingly regretting involving An Yu, and silently apologized, acknowledging he "was forced to do that." At home, An Yu fell asleep at her desk, experiencing a distressing nightmare. Lailai, concerned, knocked on her door to offer her homemade noodles, which An Yu politely declined, saying she would eat later. An Yu then went out to the balcony alone, with Shao Moli observing her from a distance, his eyes filled with compassion.
The next day, An Yu developed a fever. While Lailai and Ye Kai were out buying groceries, An Yu called Lailai to ask for medicine. Lailai found that the medicine at An Yu's apartment had expired. Overhearing the conversation, Ye Kai immediately contacted Shao Moli. Shao Moli promptly arrived at An Yu's apartment with a variety of medications. He checked her temperature, confirming a 38-degree Celsius fever, and gently chided her for not informing him earlier, given his proximity.
He helped her take the medicine she recognized and instructed her to rest, assuring her that he was just across the hall and available to help at any hour. Later, An Yu, feeling slightly better, joined the Wei'er Hotel acquisition team meeting. Shao Moli, acknowledging the strategic alliance between He Shuo and Zhou Yuan, emphasized their need to sign the contract within 48 hours.
He assigned specific tasks: Mr. Su to handle contract revisions, Lailai to gather intelligence on Yimi Capital's progress and He Shuo’s team, Xu Jingya to visualize data using specialized software, and Ye Kai to manage logistics and onsite contract amendments. Critically, An Yu was tasked with finalizing the fake occupancy rate report and creating a persuasive slideshow for the roadshow. Shao Moli then announced that An Yu would be the main speaker for the roadshow with He Shuo.
An Yu, nervous, expressed her inexperience and fear of jeopardizing the project, suggesting Shao Moli lead instead. Shao Moli encouraged her, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and asking if she wanted to achieve success independently. During the roadshow, An Yu confidently addressed Mr. He, the "prince" of Wei'er Hotel, presenting a detailed analysis of the hotel's high debt ratio and widespread data fraud, including a 1:2 discrepancy in reported versus actual occupancy rates, which she asserted were fabricated.
She warned of severe consequences if this information were made public, including an investigation by the Securities Regulatory Commission, a tarnished reputation, shareholder withdrawals, and potential business closure. He Shuo reacted with anger, expressing disappointment in Shao Moli and threatening to sue An Yu for defamation. An Yu calmly acknowledged his right but continued her presentation, providing further evidence from towel usage and laundry bills that corroborated their findings from online travel agencies.
Enraged, He Shuo accused them of illegal activities and blackmail, reiterating his threat. Shao Moli then intervened, telling He Shuo that while An Yu might not know him well, Shao Moli certainly did. He declared the roadshow a success, stating that Mr. He had understood their message, and instructed his team to pack up, allowing He Shuo time to consider their offer.
Episode 4 Recap
An Yu’s colleagues were praising her ability to understand the personality of a "playboy" like He Shuo, noting that once such a person became serious, they were bound to lose. Shao Moli then emerged to announce that He Shuo had indeed signed the contract with Zhuoyue, bringing immense joy to the team. Ye Kai playfully questioned if Shao Moli had secretly employed "Plan B" and suggested that Shao Moli treat everyone to celebrate their 48-hour miracle.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan, confident he would secure the contract, received a phone call from He Shuo, who informed him that he had already signed with Zhuoyue. At the celebration, the team was in high spirits, toasting their hard work and success. Lailai, curious, asked Shao Moli what he had said to He Shuo after the team left. Shao Moli revealed he had merely advised He Shuo to value the opportunity to collaborate with Zhuoyue.
Lailai then questioned Ye Kai and Shao Moli about their informal way of addressing each other—Ye Kai calling Shao Moli "Old Shao," and Shao Moli calling Ye Kai "Brother Kai." Shao Moli explained that he addressed Ye Kai as "Brother Kai" out of respect, while Ye Kai called him "Old Shao" because he was genuinely older, albeit by just one month. As they chatted, a furious Zhou Yuan stormed in, sarcastically asking if he could join their celebration.
Shao Moli curtly replied that Zhou Yuan was not strong, but rather too weak. Zhou Yuan, though initially praising Shao Moli's quick success, later stated his hope that they would cooperate in the future rather than remain rivals. Shao Moli corrected him, emphasizing that Zhou Yuan had lost to his entire team, especially An Yu, who deserved much of the credit. Zhou Yuan then reluctantly raised a glass to everyone, specifically congratulating An Yu.
An Yu, looking at Zhou Yuan, was reminded of a painful memory from years ago: after her release from prison, she had tried to visit her son, Yiyi, only for Zhou Yuan to cruelly humiliate her, stating she had no right to be in Yiyi's life as an ex-convict with no money, and that her past would only bring shame upon their son. He had told her to stay away from Yiyi if she truly cared for him.
After this tense exchange, Zhou Yuan left the party. As the celebration wound down, some colleagues departed. Lailai and Ye Kai, still energized, decided to continue their drinking session elsewhere. Shao Moli, claiming to be only slightly tipsy, decided to head home with An Yu. On their way, An Yu expressed her happiness, hoping this first successful project at Zhuoyue would lead to her becoming a permanent employee.
She acknowledged that Shao Moli had likely used additional methods to sway He Shuo, but she was still thrilled. Shao Moli, amused, commented that she had him all figured out. An Yu, stumbling slightly, assured him she was only a little tipsy and that she would not repeat past mistakes. Later, An Yu asked Shao Moli if he had any wishes, to which he turned the question back to her. An Yu confessed her deep longing to see Yiyi.
That evening, Shao Moli sent An Yu a message, reminding her of a childhood saying: "You can climb up by looking at the sky." He expressed his belief that she would definitely see Yiyi. An Yu replied with a thankful message. Shao Moli, in a moment of reflection, whispered his wish for An Yu to live a wonderful and happy life.
He recalled his own childhood when An Yu had used that same saying to comfort him while they were hiding from bullies in a small, enclosed space, emphasizing that he would always be there for her, offering whatever she needed, just as she had been for him. He then visited their old "secret base," reminiscing about their shared past. Lailai visited Ye Kai, bringing durian pizza, which he, unfortunately, disliked.
She detected an unpleasant smell, which Ye Kai tried to attribute to the pizza, but it turned out to be his socks. He was secretly watching a romantic drama, which he denied, claiming he was waiting for a sports match. While searching for the remote, he tripped and fell into Lailai's arms, causing both of them to blush and their hearts to race. To ease the awkwardness, they ended up watching the drama together.
At home, Mi Lu was trying to get Yiyi to practice the piano, but he stubbornly refused, demanding his tablet and declaring that he hated her. Mi Lu, frustrated, recalled a previous incident when An Yu had visited Yiyi at their home.
Yiyi, happy to see An Yu, had recognized her as "Auntie," and they had played together until Mi Lu intervened, sending Yiyi away and telling An Yu not to come back, asserting that she and Zhou Yuan were Yiyi’s legal guardians. Now, An Yu, having made a sunny doll, went to Yiyi's kindergarten hoping to give it to him. Yiyi immediately recognized her as the "pretty auntie" and was delighted with the gift.
However, Mi Lu quickly appeared, confiscated the doll, threw it on the ground, and sternly warned An Yu not to harass Yiyi again, stating that she had crossed a line. Later, Mi Lu confided in Zhou Yuan that An Yu had visited Yiyi's kindergarten again, expressing her resolve to take action. An Yu sat in her yard, thoughtfully looking at the sunny doll. Her landlady, Yun, joined her, offering some homemade fruit tea.
An Yu shared her deep longing for her son, explaining that he was no longer with her. Yun empathized, revealing that her own son was away at college abroad. Yun shared her newfound wisdom: that a woman must live for herself and find her own happiness, for when she lives a fulfilling and joyful life, her child's heart will naturally return to her. An Yu found Yun’s words profoundly insightful.
Meanwhile, Mi Lu contacted Xu Jingya, introducing herself as Zhou Yuan’s wife and a lawyer. Xu Jingya recognized her as the woman who had "taken An Yu's husband and child." Mi Lu, displaying a surprising knowledge of Xu Jingya's career struggles, offered her a deal: Xu Jingya's team would soon be transferred to a store location, and with Mi Lu's help, Xu Jingya would not only go but also become the store manager.
Xu Jingya was bewildered by this proposition, but Mi Lu insisted that they could help each other, promising that Xu Jingya's dream would come true if she followed Mi Lu's guidance. Later, as An Yu was preparing dinner, Lailai excitedly burst in to announce that they had received their first salary at Zhuoyue. Lailai was overjoyed, calling it a more fulfilling earning than her first college paycheck, despite the lack of a bonus for the Wei'er Hotel project.
She lamented that Xu Jingya seemed to earn money effortlessly. Just then, An Yu received a phone call from Shao Moli, who used the Wei'er Hotel project as a pretext to ask her out. An Yu was skeptical, but Shao Moli assured her with a serious expression that "this is all for work." An Yu agreed to meet, much to Lailai's disappointment, as their plans for a shopping trip were canceled.
Instead, Lailai took Ye Kai to a wholesale market to buy gifts for their colleagues. There, she impressed Ye Kai with her formidable bargaining skills, humorously applying "game theory" to secure a stylish bag for An Yu for only 100 yuan, much to Ye Kai's astonishment. Shao Moli and Zhou Yuan began a direct confrontation, with Shao Moli making it clear they had no intention of cooperating.
Zhou Yuan subtly questioned Shao Moli about his relationship with An Yu, but Shao Moli asserted that he had no right to know. Zhou Yuan reflected on his past with An Yu and felt a sense of indebtedness. Later, An Yu fell asleep at her desk, disturbed by a nightmare. Lailai's knocking woke her, and she went to the balcony alone, while Shao Moli watched her from behind, his eyes filled with concern.
The next day, An Yu developed a fever. Lailai and Ye Kai were out grocery shopping, and An Yu called Lailai for medicine, only to discover their medicine had expired. Upon hearing this, Ye Kai called Shao Moli, who brought medicine and meticulously cared for An Yu. Shao Moli then held a company meeting, meticulously assigning tasks to ensure they produced an irresistible proposal.
During work, he noticed An Yu coughing and gently reminded her to take her medicine, showing his constant care. The team was highly motivated for this new challenge, with An Yu scheduled to give the roadshow presentation. Despite her nervousness, Shao Moli encouraged her to believe in herself, assuring her she could do it. As expected, her presentation was very engaging.
Episode 5 Recap
Shao Moli and An Yu participated in a press interview following the successful acquisition of Wei'er Hotel. When asked about his plans to stay in China, Shao Moli explained that although he grew up overseas, he considers himself from Yuqing, a city that holds many precious childhood memories and has become more comfortable and mesmerizing. He confessed his only challenge was adapting to spicy food. The reporter then inquired about the difficult, urgent project.
Shao Moli credited his excellent team, particularly An Yu, for her "competence, giftedness, and steadfast attitude," which were crucial in overcoming several emergencies and turning the tide. When the reporter asked An Yu about her role, she humbly stated that Shao Moli exaggerated her performance, as she was just a rookie, and instead praised Shao Moli for his significant help.
She reiterated their shared belief that "hard work will lead to fruition," before speaking about the historic nature of Wei'er Hotel. After the interview, Lailai returned home, excited about her shopping spree, and distributed gifts. She gave Shao Moli a red hoodie, confidently stating that its color suited his skin tone and was versatile, despite his usual preference for luxury brands. Shao Moli, amused, thanked her and said he liked it.
Lailai also presented An Yu with a "practical" bag, which An Yu appreciated. The next day at work, the company lobby was playing An Yu's interview. Lailai enthusiastically praised An Yu's "commanding" and "star-like" presence, while An Yu humbly dismissed it, explaining that she had picked up interview skills from watching her father as a child, calling it "a blessing" and a last-minute effort. Inside the office, other colleagues also complimented An Yu.
The pleasant atmosphere was soon broken when Xu Jingya imperiously ordered Lailai to fetch her coffee. An Yu immediately interjected, asking if Xu Jingya could not do it herself. Xu Jingya retaliated, suggesting An Yu was getting arrogant after securing her full-time position. Su Dayong attempted to mediate, but Xu Jingya persisted, implying An Yu relied on Shao Moli for her success.
An Yu, visibly angered, warned Xu Jingya about her Muay Thai training and her difficulty in controlling her strength. Just then, Mr. Jiang arrived, distributing small gifts and congratulating both An Yu and Lailai on their full-time positions, diffusing the tension. Xu Jingya then pulled Mr. Jiang aside to speak privately. Later, An Yu and Lailai discussed their upcoming department transfer.
An Yu expressed her desire to join the Investment Department, and Lailai agreed, though she worried about not having Shao Moli to rely on since his partnership with Zhuoyue had ended. An Yu reminded her that they now had to rely on themselves, to which Lailai retorted that An Yu was famous now and she would rely on her. Meanwhile, Mi Lu watched An Yu's interview on television, expressing her concern to Zhou Yuan.
She believed An Yu's newfound stability indicated she was back to fight for Yiyi's custody. Zhou Yuan, dismissive of Shao Moli, reassured Mi Lu, revealing his plan to recruit Shao Moli to Yimi Capital. This, he explained, would not only prevent Shao Moli from assisting An Yu but also eliminate a competitor for Yimi Capital.
Shortly after, Mi Lu received a call from Mr. Fu, during which she offered to introduce him to Director Chen in two days to help with a "kindergarten registration." Overhearing the call, Zhou Yuan suspected Mi Lu was involved in something questionable. An Yu's team was hopeful for a new, rewarding project after their success with Wei'er Hotel. However, during a meeting, Mr. Fu first congratulated An Yu and Lailai on their full-time positions and acknowledged the team's "exceptional performance."
He then announced that, given their "ambition," the company was assigning them "the most challenging project at the moment." This "project" involved transferring the entire team to the Chuanhe Branch. Upon arriving at the dilapidated branch, the team learned from the sole remaining employee, Li Zhou, that Zhuoyue implemented a "worst performing branch will be eliminated" policy, and their branch consistently ranked last, causing all other staff to leave.
Li Zhou, recognizing An Yu from her interview, mistakenly assumed she was the new branch manager, only for Xu Jingya to step forward and declare herself "Branch Manager Xu." At home, Ye Kai discovered that the horse logo on Shao Moli's red hoodie, a gift from Lailai, had disappeared after washing. He also found Shao Moli's favorite white T-shirt tie-dyed pink. Shao Moli, unfazed, claimed he was "fed up with it anyway" and was ready for "a change of color."
Checking Lailai's social media, Ye Kai saw posts about manual labor, leading him to question why the team, having just secured full-time positions, was not assigned to a new project. He specifically asked Shao Moli how many branches Zhuoyue had in Chuanhe, confirming there was only one. Later that day, Mr. Jiang approached Xu Jingya, expressing surprise that she accepted the assignment to the Chuanhe Branch, stating it was unlike her.
A flashback revealed that Mi Lu had previously informed Xu Jingya about the team's impending transfer to a branch, promising her the position of branch manager. Back in the present, Xu Jingya told Mr. Jiang her move was "to set up the perfect trap for the future" and to "pave the way for the future." Mr. Jiang probed further, asking if her ambition was "about An Yu" or if he "felt sorry for her."
Xu Jingya defiantly retorted, asking if Mr. Jiang was "jealous." Mr. Jiang then questioned her relationship with Mr. Fu, who had assigned the team to Chuanhe. Xu Jingya defiantly stated that she was the branch manager and An Yu "has to work under me." At the Chuanhe Branch, the team had cleaned the office, but customers were scarce.
Xu Jingya, as the branch manager, criticized Lailai's complaints and warned them not to entertain non-customers before leaving to find clients herself, advising the others to "pray for yourself." The remaining team decided they couldn't simply wait and planned to seek out potential clients at a high-end facility, such as golf courses or gyms. As they prepared to leave, Mi Lu arrived in a luxury car, explicitly requesting An Yu as her financial advisor.
Mi Lu presented a peculiar investment request: managing 5 million yuan with no specific requirements for risk or return. An Yu, after analyzing Mi Lu's substantial family wealth and her own position as a senior law firm partner, proposed a diversified portfolio including money market funds, bond funds, trust funds, and investments in the primary market. However, Mi Lu deliberately interrupted, highlighting An Yu's omission of an "education fund" for her child, who was starting elementary school next year.
Mi Lu detailed her desire for the "best school" and environment, including "International school," "extra-curricular activities," and "summer camps," dramatically calling a child a "money shredder." An Yu, visibly irritated, eventually told Mi Lu to leave if she had no real financial needs, questioning her motives given her husband's ownership of a financial company.
Despite Lailai's surprise at An Yu's "fierce" demeanor, Mi Lu declared her intention to sign a "sole agency contract" for the 5 million yuan, but only with An Yu. The team, eager to secure the large client, urged An Yu to sign. As Mi Lu departed, she spitefully told An Yu to "get rid of the counterfeit bag," claiming it didn't suit her.
Lailai immediately apologized for the gift, but An Yu asserted Mi Lu's actions were directly aimed at her. Su Dayong later confirmed that signing a sole agency contract was permissible if the client specifically trusted one person. Later, Shao Moli found An Yu sitting downstairs. He was concerned that the cat he usually fed was missing and its food untouched. Together, they searched for the cat, with An Yu suggesting they name it once found.
Their search led them to an unexpected basement, where they discovered the cat caught in a mouse trap. During the rescue, Shao Moli sustained a minor injury to his back. After taking the cat to the veterinarian, Shao Moli informed An Yu that they would split the medical bill. Finding the cat irresistibly cute, An Yu decided to foster it, and Shao Moli advised her to consult her "kind neighbor" if she had any questions about pet care.
An Yu then remarked that the cat resembled "the ice cream I used to eat when I was a kid," leading Shao Moli to suggest the name "Ice Cream," which they both enthusiastically adopted. He then playfully told the cat to "listen to An Yu and be good." Zhou Yuan personally drove to Shao Moli's residence, expressing surprise at the neighborhood upon arrival. Meanwhile, inside An Yu's apartment, she was sneezing continuously while arranging cat food for Ice Cream.
Lailai, observing her symptoms, suggested An Yu might be allergic to cat fur and recommended letting their neighbor "babysit it for a few days." An Yu, however, was determined to keep Ice Cream, hoping her allergy would subside. Just then, Zhou Yuan, having mistaken her door for Shao Moli's, knocked. When Lailai opened the door, Zhou Yuan was surprised to find An Yu there, realizing she lived next door to Shao Moli.
He then questioned Shao Moli about his choice of residence, implying it didn't suit his status. Shao Moli directly asked if Zhou Yuan was "bothered" by their neighboring apartments, which Zhou Yuan denied. Zhou Yuan then extended an invitation for Shao Moli to join Yimi Capital, offering him any "share or shareholder position" he desired and promising the "most satisfactory contract."
He appealed to their supposed similarities, arguing that they would "both lose" as opponents but "both be the winner" if they collaborated. Shao Moli, however, politely declined, stating, "It sounds enticing, but I don't believe we're the same, Mr. Zhou." Later, Shao Moli called An Yu, who informed him she couldn't meet.
He then decided to visit her at the Chuanhe Branch, where he found her working alone in a cold office, as the heater was broken and there was no hot water, and technicians couldn't come until the next day. Shao Moli suggested they close the branch and go for hotpot, but An Yu refused. He promptly returned with several small portable heaters, which quickly warmed the office.
When An Yu exclaimed that she was "sweating now" and it was "a bit too much," Shao Moli produced a bag full of various ice creams, offering them to cool her down. An Yu was thrilled to discover her favorite childhood "Doll Head" ice cream among them. Shao Moli had remembered her previous comment about the rescued cat resembling her favorite childhood ice cream.
An Yu delighted in the nostalgic taste and shared a childhood anecdote about her wish to eat ice cream as a meal, which resulted in "Gastroenteritis" and a two-day hospital stay. Shao Moli found the experience of eating ice cream while surrounded by heaters amusing, confessing it was his first time doing such a thing.
Episode 6 Recap
On a heavily rainy day, An Yu saw a soaked young woman standing outside the Chuanhe Branch. An Yu cordially invited her inside to take a seat and warm up, saying, "Hello, it's raining heavily. Take a seat inside." The young woman, with a despondent expression, declined. An Yu then placed an umbrella by the door, explaining, "We have some umbrellas for customers. It's free. You can take it if you want. Just return it after use."
The woman picked up the umbrella and started crying. Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan, having discovered An Yu lived opposite Shao Mo Li and that Shao Mo Li had rejected him, felt deeply unsettled. He reminisced about his sweet memories with An Yu and looked at her photos on his phone. The next day, the young woman returned to the branch to return the umbrella. " Sister, thanks for the umbrella," she told An Yu, who replied, "You are welcome."
However, Xu Jingya interrupted, scolding An Yu, "An Yu, we are not a customer service center. I've told you that our target audiences are high-net-worth individuals. High-net-worth individual, do you get it?" An Yu affirmed, "I get it. I know what I am doing," then reassured the girl, "Don't mind her. It's okay." The young woman, Zhou Min, left, but not before glancing at the branch's business poster.
During the branch's performance review meeting, Xu Jingya announced the Chuanhe Branch's sales from the past week: herself with 1. 5 million yuan, Jin Lailai with 200,000 yuan, Su Dayong with 1. 1 million yuan, Li Zhou with 900,000 yuan, and An Yu with 5 million yuan. She stated, "In terms of performance, we still ranked last among all branches." Soon after, Su Dayong accidentally dropped his client proposal, and Lailai picked it up.
She was shocked to see it was for Chen Li, a client she was about to sign. " Chen Li? Isn't Mr. Chen my client? He agreed to sign the contract with me this week. Su, what is going on?" she exclaimed. Xu Jingya callously responded, "Your name isn't written on the client's face. As long as the contract isn't signed, it's considered a public resource. Is there any problem?
If you are so free, why don't you spend it on finding more clients?" Su Dayong hung his head in shame, offering no explanation. The awkward tension was broken by loud renovation noises from upstairs. Everyone rushed to see, discovering the upstairs shop had been rented out. " Wow. . . I can't believe someone has taken over this shop! I wonder what kind of business is this," someone commented.
Another added, "Well, some people don't believe in myth and are trying to go against the feng shui here." With only a week left until the month-end evaluation, Xu Jingya pressured everyone, urging, "We are at the last week of the month, everyone, give your best shot. I just got promoted to store manager and don't make me look bad." The team chanted "Today will be a productive day. Productive. Productive. Let's do this! Let's do this!"
as she dismissed the meeting. An Yu approached a dejected Lailai, comforting her. " Lailai, are you okay?" "I'm fine, An'an," Lailai replied. An Yu apologized, saying, "Sorry. I don't know what I can do to help you." Lailai quickly dismissed it, "An'an, why are you apologizing? Don't worry. I'll be fine. I've figured it all out. Two more days and my luck will be here." An Yu encouraged her further, "Sure. My lucky cat is the best! Right? Come.
Let's attract wealth together." That afternoon, after a frustrating day of receiving rejections on phone calls, Lailai questioned her own abilities. " I wonder why I'm the only one who can't get any clients. Do I look undependable?" A colleague assured her, "No. You look like a very kind person." Lailai sighed, "Being kind is not bringing me any advantage. I can't get any clients." Her colleague remained optimistic, "You'll be fine."
Suddenly, Mr. Zhao called, inviting her to Xing Le Hui to sign a contract. Lailai excitedly told Li Zhou, "Hello, Mr. Zhao. Contract. . . Yes, everything is ready. Xing Le Hui, right? Sure, no problem. I'll be right there." Li Zhou expressed concern about Xing Le Hui, having heard bad rumors from his cousin who worked there, and suggested finding other clients, but Lailai was adamant about not losing this opportunity.
At Xing Le Hui, Mr. Zhao pressed drinks on Lailai. " Here, bottoms up!" He then introduced her to two "potential big clients," Mr. Liu and Hui, implying that signing them would make her "the top performer in your company." Back at home, An Yu found Shao Mo Li on the stairs and Ye Kai frantic because he couldn't reach Lailai. " We are supposed to do the cat tree for Ice Cream today. It's late now.
She isn't home yet. She didn't pick up my calls or reply to my messages. See! Lailai always replies to messages right away," Ye Kai explained. An Yu agreed, "Exactly." An Yu tried calling Lailai and heard loud singing and someone saying, "Get a dozen of beers for Room 408" before the call disconnected and the phone went dead.
Using the clue of "Room 408" and the limited number of KTVs with multiple floors in Chuanhe, An Yu, Shao Mo Li, and Ye Kai quickly identified the location as Xing Le Hui. Shao Mo Li confirmed, "I got it. It's Xing Le Hui." Feeling worried, Li Zhou had also gone to Xing Le Hui. He found Lailai heavily intoxicated and successfully intervened, saving her from Mr. Zhao. Even in her drunken state, Lailai clung to the contract, muttering, "Contract.
Contract." As An Yu, Ye Kai, and Shao Mo Li arrived, Ye Kai, misinterpreting the scene, lunged at Li Zhou. An Yu quickly intervened, explaining, "Ye Kai! Ye Kai! He is our colleague. He is our colleague, Li Zhou. You misunderstood." Ye Kai then turned his anger towards Mr. Zhao, who swiftly fled. Back home, Lailai sobered up from the shock. " I'm already sober due to the shock earlier," she admitted, apologizing, "I'm sorry.
Sorry for making you all worry about me." She explained her rapid intoxication, "They sang a few songs and then I became drunk already." Ye Kai brushed off his own physical condition. " I'm a tough man. How could I get hurt?" He expressed regret for his earlier impulsiveness, "I didn't think much at that moment. I saw a man holding you and I lost control," and asked An Yu to apologize to Li Zhou on his behalf.
An Yu playfully nicknamed Ye Kai a "Bull Terrier," describing him as loyal but prone to losing control, "There's a dog that is similar to him, a Bull Terrier. It is very loyal but can also lose control easily." Lailai added her own nickname for him, "Silly Husky," remarking, "Do you know what his nickname is? Silly Husky. Look at him. Doesn't he look like a Husky? You might think he's being cute, but he's truly a dummy."
The next morning, Lailai brought breakfast for Li Zhou to thank him. " Li Zhou, I brought you breakfast. Thank you." He replied, "You are welcome." He explained his quick response to save her: "Last night, it kept bothering me so I decided to give you a call, but you switched off your phone. I knew something was off. That's why I went there." Lailai thanked him, acknowledging his kindness, "You're such a nice guy. Thank you."
Soon after, Zhou Min, the girl An Yu had offered an umbrella to, returned to the branch, expressing interest in wealth management. Xu Jingya tried to intercept the client, "Miss, I'm Xu, the store manager. Let's talk privately over there," but Zhou Min politely declined, "Sorry, I don't know you. I want to talk to her," specifically requesting An Yu. Zhou Min revealed she wanted to invest 3.
5 million yuan and asked An Yu to create a detailed plan, stating her trust in An Yu, "I trust you. I'll come up with a detailed plan according to your financial situation." She didn't have her ID that day but arranged to sign the contract with An Yu the following day at 2 PM. An Yu, ever professional, advised caution, "Thank you for your trust. There are risks in investing. You should take that into consideration too."
Xu Jingya, overhearing the large sum, expressed her envy, "Well, someone is amazing. All she does is sit in the shop and the client comes automatically. I didn't expect that girl to be this rich." Lailai and Li Zhou were thrilled, realizing this large deal could prevent their branch from ranking last. " This means that if we can seal this deal, we'll not be the last!" Lailai exclaimed. However, Xu Jingya immediately cast doubt, "Don't rejoice too soon.
She's just a little girl. How reliable can she be? If that girl bailed on her, I'll see what she would do." The next day, Director Fu called An Yu to an emergency meeting at the company headquarters, knowing about her 2 PM contract signing. An Yu informed Lailai, "He called me and asked me to go to the headquarter now. Now? It's almost noon. You are going to sign a contract at 2 PM later."
Realizing the urgency, An Yu decided to go quickly, "I will try to get there faster, then I can come back earlier." She instructed Lailai, "If I don't make it, just in case, you must make sure that Zhou Min signs the contract." Lailai reluctantly agreed. At headquarters, Director Fu intentionally delayed An Yu. When An Yu pressed him, he snapped, "I said, give me a minute. Can't you see I'm reviewing something important?"
He then falsely claimed he had intended to recognize her achievements but was disappointed by her impatience. " At first, I think that you've been performing well since you joined our company. So, I called you here because I wanted to let the management know and give you recognition. But your behavior today is very disappointing. As someone young, you shouldn't be arrogant and impatient. Don't be so full of yourself just because you made some minor achievements.
How about this? You can go back now. Regarding the recognition, since Mr. Jiang is here, I'll talk to him." Simultaneously, back at the branch, Xu Jingya deliberately sent all other employees, including Lailai, out of the office to clear the way for her to sign Zhou Min's contract. Lailai called An Yu, panicking, "Xu Jingya has everyone in the store leave the room. I don't even have a chance to talk to Zhou Min."
Xu Jingya then ordered Lailai to buy water for the store. Xu Jingya tried to convince Zhou Min to sign with her, "An Yu is not coming. Look, if you don't sign the contract, it'll be wasting our time sitting here. Right? It's the same contract after all." After leaving headquarters, An Yu was frustrated by a delayed taxi. Lailai, realizing An Yu's predicament, called Shao Mo Li, who promptly arrived on his motorcycle. " Jin Lailai called me.
I'd been waiting for you outside Zhuoyue," he told An Yu, then swiftly drove her back to the branch. " Sit tight then. I'm speeding up." An Yu arrived just as Xu Jingya was about to finalize the deal. Zhou Min had steadfastly waited for An Yu, telling Xu Jingya, "I have a lot of time to spare." An Yu apologized, "I'm so sorry that I'm late." An Yu then asked Zhou Min why she had insisted on waiting.
Zhou Min explained that the umbrella reminded her of her late father, who had always left an umbrella for her on rainy days. She recounted her poignant story: her mother passed away when she was young, and her father raised her while running a Jiaodong cuisine restaurant. As the restaurant thrived, her father became increasingly busy, spending less time with her. Feeling neglected, Zhou Min had arguments with him, saying hurtful things.
She later realized his relentless work was to secure funds for her future, as he was secretly battling an illness—a truth she tragically discovered only after his passing a month prior. Overwhelmed with regret for not having had the chance to apologize, she added that her uncle had since taken over their restaurant, leaving her with only her bank savings and feeling completely alone, with no remaining family.
An Yu empathized deeply, sharing that her own father had passed away years ago and she hadn't seen him one last time either. " A few years back, my dad passed away too. I didn't get to see him one last time. So I can understand how it feels."
An Yu then encouraged Zhou Min to move forward, advising her to carefully plan her finances, honoring her father's hard work, and assuring her that her father would want her to live happily. " But life goes on, right? Let's make good use of the money. After all, it was your father's hard-earned money. I have faith in you. Your dad will love to see you live a happy life." With that, Zhou Min signed the contract with An Yu.
At the month-end performance review, the Chuanhe Branch successfully passed its assessment, surpassing the Xinxiang Branch, which ranked last and faced layoffs. " Xinxiang Branch ranked last in the evaluation. Submit the layoff list to the HR Department."
The relieved team members celebrated, making plans for how they would reward themselves: Lailai wanted a set of high-end, full-price cosmetics, Li Zhou dreamed of limited edition Batman figurines, Su Dayong wished for a relationship, and Ye Kai desired to give Ice Cream a proper home. When Lailai initially misunderstood, thinking "Ice Cream" referred to frozen dessert, Ye Kai clarified that Ice Cream was their cat.
An Yu asked Xu Jingya if she had a wish, but Xu Jingya declined to share. Later, the team discovered that the renovated shop upstairs was also a financial company. Seeing this as new competition, Lailai and An Yu decided to go upstairs to "educate" the new tenants about the poor business prospects in the area. Meanwhile, upstairs, Ye Kai was complaining to Shao Mo Li about his decision to open a business in such a remote location, "Tell me.
What are you thinking? Why do you set up the business in such a remote area?" He speculated if it was for An Yu, to which Shao Mo Li implicitly assented. Ye Kai further teased him about having "too much money to spend." As An Yu and Lailai entered the new office, they were surprised by its tasteful decor. " The renovation is almost done. The owner seems to have good taste. It looks much classier than our shop.
Look at these sculptures. The owner knows how to appreciate arts," An Yu observed. They realized they faced formidable competition. " Oh, no. This will be a great opponent," Lailai sighed. Shao Mo Li and Ye Kai, hearing them, quickly hid to avoid being discovered as the owners.
Episode 7 Recap
To celebrate successfully completing their first month at the Chuanhe Branch, Jin Lailai invited her colleagues to a meal. Ye Kai jokingly suggested a very expensive restaurant, prompting Shao Moli to remind him about group chat etiquette. An Yu proposed a picnic instead, which everyone enthusiastically agreed to, as it had been a while since their last one.
Lailai diligently prepared a wide array of items for the picnic, emphasizing the significant cost of renting all the equipment and jokingly telling Ye Kai that she would have Shao Moli reimburse her. Lailai, who regularly consulted horoscopes, offered to read everyone’s fortunes. Ye Kai, a Leo, was told he would encounter significant romantic opportunities this month, with a chance to turn a friend into a lover, which delighted him.
Lailai then consulted Shao Moli’s horoscope, revealing that as a Gemini, he would experience a breakthrough in his self-competence at work and advance to a new stage. Finally, for An Yu, a Sagittarius, the horoscope predicted an inexplicable sense of unease during the first half of the month and a sudden romantic surprise, advising her to pay attention to those around her. Ye Kai found the prediction for An Yu particularly accurate.
During the picnic, everyone enjoyed barbecuing, taking photos, and dancing around a bonfire. Ye Kai was caught secretly photographing Lailai, leading to a playful chase. Later, An Yu and Shao Moli sat down to watch the stars, discovering they could see the bright night sky perfectly with their naked eyes, without any instruments. An Yu pointed out the brightest star, which Shao Moli identified as Sirius. He asked if she remembered the story of Sirius.
An Yu recalled hearing that Sirius was the guardian of the night sky, twinkling to warn humanity of dangers like aliens or monsters, but couldn't remember who told her. Shao Moli then asked if she remembered who told her, to which An Yu humorously replied, "Harry Potter," likely referencing Sirius Black from the series, which surprised Shao Moli.
(In a flashback, Shao Moli himself had told a young An Yu that Sirius was the brightest star besides the sun, a guardian that twinkled to warn humans of enemies like aliens and monsters). Lailai then shared the amusing story of how Ye Kai and Shao Moli first met.
Ye Kai, a newcomer to a foreign country, caught a large bucket of Florida stone crabs, unaware that local regulations permitted keeping only one claw, with the rest to be released to avoid arrest. Shao Moli, spotting police, quickly dumped all of Ye Kai's crabs back into the sea to prevent his arrest, which initially made Ye Kai think Shao Moli was bullying him. Their friendship solidified later when Shao Moli came to Ye Kai's rescue in the school canteen.
Ye Kai had accidentally spilled soup on a classmate, who, with his rugby team, cornered Ye Kai and demanded he kneel to clean the mess. Shao Moli intervened, standing up to the bullies. He explained that he acted out of righteousness, having been inspired by a timid person who had once protected him when he was young. This intervention led to a fight that left Shao Moli with a scar.
Ye Kai, deeply moved, declared Shao Moli his best brother and vowed to always protect him in return. The four friends then raised their glasses, toasting to their enduring friendship. Back home, while An Yu was playing with her cat, Zhou Yuan called to inform her that he was downstairs to return some of her old belongings. An Yu went down, retrieved the items, and left quickly, unwilling to say much.
Zhou Yuan then asked if she had received the photos of Yiyi he had sent, remarking that Yiyi was looking more and more like her. An Yu affirmed that Yiyi was her child and naturally resembled her. The items Zhou Yuan returned, possibly related to her father's work, brought back a flood of memories for An Yu, recalling a time when her father had told her to leave company financial matters to him, assuring her he always granted her wishes.
Zhou Yuan expressed his happiness to see her doing well, to which An Yu simply said, "Thank you." Later, as An Yu walked along, talking on her phone, Shao Moli secretly followed her. An Yu was about to call him anyway, and as she was speaking, she almost tripped on the stairs. Shao Moli quickly rushed forward, admonishing her to be more careful and hold the handrail to avoid falling.
Realizing his "overbearing CEO" persona didn't quite suit him, he laughed at himself and declared he would stick to being a "helpful neighbor." He also checked if her foot was alright. An Yu and Zhou Min went to the gym, but Zhou Min quickly grew tired after the warm-ups. An Yu had invited Shao Moli to be their sparring partner, who was introduced as an "all-around training partner." They had fun boxing.
During their session, Zhou Min mistakenly assumed Shao Moli was An Yu's boyfriend, commenting on his good qualities. Shao Moli first agreed with her "good taste," but when Zhou Min added, "besides being average-looking," Shao Moli playfully defended his appearance and asked if Zhou Min had any aesthetic appreciation. An Yu then told Shao Moli that she needed to go to work for her shift, unlike his freedom from financial constraints. Shao Moli offered to accompany her further.
Meanwhile, Mi Lu picked up Yiyi from school and overheard other parents gossiping about her being Yiyi's stepmother. Upset by the comments, she complained to Zhou Yuan, expressing concern that the children might be influenced and judge Yiyi. Zhou Yuan, however, dismissed her worries, stating that Yiyi was a boy and needed to adapt to society, emphasizing that Yiyi would eventually learn the truth about their family situation.
He offered to move Yiyi to a different kindergarten if she was truly worried, but Mi Lu declined, noting that Yiyi would soon start primary school anyway. Later, Mi Lu called Xu Jingya, instructing her to "take action." Concurrently, An Yu helped an old lady find her way home after work. That night, Xu Jingya secretly tampered with An Yu's computer data.
Concurrently, Ye Kai discovered that Hongxin Telecom, a company Lin Zhanhong had been seeking collaboration with, was also located in Chuanhe. Shao Moli confirmed that he had strategically chosen this location not only to generate leads for An Yu's business but also for market research purposes related to Hongxin Telecom. Ye Kai, observing Shao Moli's actions and his blushing, suspected that his feelings for An Yu extended beyond mere gratitude and that he might be in love with her.
Shao Moli dismissed the suggestion and silenced Ye Kai by jokingly asking if he still wanted a pay raise. The grand opening of Sirius Finance quickly followed. Zhou Yuan sent a Guiana chestnut plant as a congratulatory gift, commending Shao Moli's bold choice of location. News reporters gathered, questioning Shao Moli and Ye Kai about the unusual decision to open a financial store so close to Zhuoyue Finance and the significance of the name "Sirius," implying a competitive move.
Shao Moli welcomed the public but enforced a strict entry policy: queuing and completing a detailed form before entering. At Zhuoyue Finance, the employees only learned about Sirius Finance's opening when customers complained about the lengthy forms required at the new store. Xu Jingya seized the opportunity to publicly accuse An Yu of being Shao Moli's spy and of having an improper relationship with him, questioning if An Yu knew about the competing store beforehand.
Lailai vehemently defended An Yu, asserting that they were merely friends. Angered by the accusations and the secrecy, An Yu and Lailai confronted Shao Moli. An Yu demanded to know his true intentions, why he opened a store there, and why he kept it a secret. Shao Moli denied trying to compete, even suggesting he might send them business. He then provocatively offered to close his store if they were "scared" enough to beg him.
Outraged, An Yu refused to beg and challenged him to a competition, stipulating that the loser would have to unconditionally grant the winner one request. An Yu declared she would think carefully about the price he would pay. As they left, Shao Moli told a worried Ye Kai that he had already learned how to win and now needed to learn how to lose.
Meanwhile, at Sirius Finance, despite the strict questionnaire process, some customers found it too inconvenient and decided to visit Zhuoyue Finance next door instead. Ye Kai, however, explained to the staff that this was a deliberate "hunger marketing" strategy, as they aimed to "pick their clients."
Episode 8 Recap
An Yu was surprised when Shao Moli arrived at her doorstep to deliver cat food for Ice Cream. She quickly took the package, closed the door, and even slid a note through the gap, playfully reminding him that "Counterparts are strictly prohibited." Meanwhile, Shao Moli's "Sirius Finance" was experiencing a surge in customer traffic, in contrast to Zhuoyue's quiet branch.
One affluent woman, Ms. Fan, stormed out of Sirius Finance, irritated by the lengthy forms she was required to fill out. Zhuoyue's employees seized the opportunity to intercept her, but her rude and demanding demeanor proved challenging for them. An Yu stepped in and, with her unique approach, managed to secure a home service appointment with Ms. Fan for the following afternoon.
Despite warnings from her colleagues, particularly Xu Jingya, who cautioned that such clients could drain them dry and often refuse payment, An Yu decided to go. She reasoned that a pet owner couldn't be entirely heartless, though a colleague quickly pointed out that Ms. Fan's dog was also quite formidable. The next day, An Yu arrived at Ms. Fan's opulent Garden Villa.
Ms. Fan proved as difficult as expected, dismissing An Yu's financial product suggestions as unreliable, questioning Zhuoyue International's high-risk, high-reward nature, and expressing skepticism about large-denomination CDs. She then abruptly demanded that An Yu cook for her because her housekeeper was absent. While An Yu was in the kitchen, Ms. Fan got into a heated argument on the phone, fiercely declaring that her son and her house were hers and telling the other party to "leave now."
Still fuming, Ms. Fan turned her anger towards An Yu's vegetarian cooking, yelling at her to "get out." An Yu politely apologized and left. Just outside the villa, An Yu unexpectedly encountered Shao Moli. He explained that he was also in the area, diligently searching for clients as part of their friendly competition. They decided to share a cable car ride back.
Shao Moli revealed his affection for the cable car, seeing it as a constant amidst the city's ceaseless changes. He mused about what a slower-paced life would entail, to which An Yu painted a picture of coming home to the smell of dinner, children playing with their parents in the park, less digital dependency, and more time for friends. Shao Moli agreed, noting that with fewer desires, contentment is more easily found.
Later, they shared a meal at the same hotpot restaurant where Shao Moli had first treated An Yu during her interview with Zhuoyue. An Yu teased him about his newfound ability to handle spicy food, to which he playfully responded that he was still aspiring to become as "passionate, romantic, and fiery" as the people of Yuqing. An Yu then thoughtfully offered him some anti-diarrhea medication.
Afterward, as they walked, a subtle, special feeling seemed to quietly grow between them, unnoticed by either. The following morning, An Yu received a call from Zhou Min, who referred a promising new client currently overseas but expected to return next month for a potentially lucrative deal. However, Lailai dampened An Yu's spirits, revealing that the Chuanhe branch might face closure even before then.
It turned out Su Dayong had lost a five-star client, resulting in a complaint filed directly with the company headquarters. Xu Jingya vehemently chastised Su Dayong for his carelessness, while he could only offer apologies. An Yu, recalling how Su Dayong had often helped her, interjected to defend him, and Lailai urged Xu Jingya to ease up.
A colleague noted that the only way to save the branch was for Su Dayong to secure another client of equal magnitude by month's end, a seemingly impossible task. Determined to help her team, An Yu sought Shao Moli's advice on how to win over a challenging client like Ms. Fan. Shao Moli, after some initial hesitation, agreed to assist her, suggesting that sometimes a solution appears only after one commits to finding it.
Together, An Yu and Shao Moli returned to Ms. Fan's villa. Ms. Fan’s attitude was notably softer this time. Shao Moli professionally presented his analysis of her risk evaluation report. He detailed her family's assets, highlighting that her two houses, valued at ten million, were her husband's pre-marital property and partly mortgaged. He pointed out her son's impending overseas studies, which would require over a million, and her lack of fixed income, investment experience, or even commercial insurance.
Given her profile, he strongly recommended An Yu as the ideal investment advisor, emphasizing An Yu's ability to understand her needs and craft a suitable plan. Ms. Fan, suspicious of their synchronized approach, accused them of conspiring. Just then, delivery staff rushed in with distressing news: a painting, intended for her son's birthday celebration tomorrow, had been damaged during transport. Ms. Fan was distraught, explaining that this was her son's last birthday at home before leaving for college abroad.
Shao Moli, seeing her anguish, immediately offered to help restore the painting. Back at the studio, Shao Moli initially struggled with inspiration. An Yu encouraged him to think deeply and find it. He then took her hand and led her out, intent on finding inspiration. They went to a park where, as Shao Moli had anticipated, Yiyi's kindergarten class was having an Earth Day outing. Shao Moli knew that parents would not be present.
An Yu, however, hesitated to approach her daughter, still worried about a previous encounter with Mi Lu that left her feeling Yiyi might perceive her as a "bad person." She didn't want Yiyi to be caught in their adult conflicts. Understanding An Yu's reluctance, Shao Moli found a yellow duck mascot costume. An Yu donned the costume and, disguised, approached Yiyi, presenting her with a SpongeBob SquarePants balloon and a loving hug.
Returning to the painting, An Yu's deeply felt maternal emotions for Yiyi ignited their creative spark. The painting came to life under Shao Moli's hand. An Yu, impressed by his skill, asked when he learned to paint. He softly replied, "When I met you," subtly hinting at their shared childhood past. The completed painting transcended mere resemblance; it depicted Ms. Fan not as she was, but as the loving mother she aspired to be.
Deeply moved, Ms. Fan expressed her profound satisfaction and, without even reviewing the contract, declared her trust in An Yu and promptly signed it. An Yu, ever thoughtful, assured Ms. Fan that she would personally explain all the details later at her convenience. Back at the Chuanhe branch, the team erupted in cheers, celebrating An Yu's success in saving their store. Xu Jingya, however, quickly reminded An Yu to finalize the paperwork for the undertaker.
To everyone's surprise, An Yu presented the contract to Su Dayong and asked him to sign it as the undertaker. Despite her colleagues' protests, urging her not to hand over her hard-earned achievement, An Yu insisted. She explained that Lailai had helped her during her own difficult times, and she cherished the Chuanhe team. Emphasizing the power of unity, she stated that "three incompetent shoemakers are better than one Zhuge Liang," and that mutual support within the team was essential. Moved by her words, Su Dayong accepted. The team, reinvigorated and full of spirit, cheered once more, ready to face new challenges together.
Episode 9 Recap
Zhou Yuan visited Shao Moli at Sirius Financial, presenting a written contract for a partnership, offering him a 30% share in Yimi Capital. He stated that the written document would be more convincing than their previous discussions and that he was offering Shao Moli an opportunity to avoid becoming his opponent, as being his adversary would reduce Shao Moli's chances of winning. Shao Moli found Zhou Yuan's confidence amusing but admitted to being touched by the generous offer.
However, he ultimately refused to sign, questioning why Zhou Yuan, who seemed to dislike him, repeatedly sought cooperation. Zhou Yuan responded that a capable person like Shao Moli was too valuable to be missed in business. Shao Moli, however, retorted that he was different from Zhou Yuan and did not wish to work with someone he considered "detestable." Zhou Yuan angrily left, throwing the contract in a trash can, and paused to observe the Zhuoyue Financial office next door.
Upon returning home, Zhou Yuan found Mi Lu still awake. She noticed the smell of alcohol on him. He vaguely explained that he had been to Chuanhe to see Shao Moli and then, complaining of dizziness, went to bed, leaving Mi Lu unsatisfied with his brief explanation. An Yu, Lailai, and two other colleagues celebrated at a hotpot restaurant, marking their Chuanhe branch's second consecutive monthly sales target achievement.
During the celebration, Su Dayong expressed deep gratitude to An Yu for a major deal, revealing his fear of losing his hard-won job due to his modest background and perceived lack of talent. An Yu reassured him that everyone shared similar fears and they should support each other. Later, Li Zhou pointed out an unusual observation: since the Sirius branch opened next door, Zhuoyue's business had actually improved.
This reminded An Yu of Shao Moli's earlier statement that he wasn't there to compete but perhaps to generate business for them. Her colleagues speculated that Sirius's "hunger marketing" strategy, with long queues and limited spots, might be inadvertently driving customers to Zhuoyue. They concluded that Sirius was, unexpectedly, a lucky charm rather than a threat. That evening, An Yu waited for Shao Moli outside his building to spring a surprise.
She triumphantly announced that Zhuoyue's revenue for the previous month had surpassed Sirius's by five percent, meaning she had won their bet. Although Shao Moli initially tried to dispute the figures, An Yu confidently stated she had double-checked and he had to admit defeat. She then gave him an address, instructing him to meet her there tomorrow at 2 PM, emphasizing that he must not be a no-show. Shao Moli met An Yu at the amusement park, both dressed casually.
They engaged in a lively dancing game, enjoying themselves thoroughly. Afterward, An Yu confessed that she was beginning to believe his claim that his actions were solely to repay a favor. She questioned his motives, pointing out how he had opened the Sirius branch right next to Chuanhe, which seemed intended to draw in clients like Fan Meimei, and how he had consistently helped her.
Shao Moli affirmed that he was indeed repaying a favor, insisting he never lied about important matters. An Yu, however, couldn't recall ever helping him, even when he mentioned it happened when they were children. When she still couldn't remember, Shao Moli deftly changed the subject, playfully trying to delete a video she had taken of him, while she threatened to share it in their group chat. Meanwhile, Zhuoyue's chairman instructed Jiang Haoran to investigate Zhou Yuan's background and past.
Jiang Haoran reported that Zhou Yuan, a man of humble origins without significant resources, rose by marrying An Yu. After An Yu's father, An Wenbin's incident, Zhou Yuan quickly rebranded Xingchen Financial as Yimi Capital and abandoned An Yu, whom Jiang Haoran described as "detestable." At the same time, Mi Lu's carefully orchestrated plan against An Yu unfolded.
While Mi Lu and Zhou Yuan were playing badminton, Mi Lu received a confirmation text from Xu Jingya that An Yu's account had accrued sufficient profits, prompting Mi Lu to give the go-ahead. That night, Xu Jingya covertly accessed An Yu's computer at the branch, transferring the initial five million yuan from Mi Lu's account to an online financial product, which returned to the account the next morning.
The resulting profit of over 13,800 yuan was then sent to An Yu's business account. Later, watching Yiyi play, Mi Lu's mind replayed painful memories: Zhou Yuan’s abrupt breakup, her subsequent miscarriage, and the doctor's prognosis of low chances for future pregnancy. These memories, coupled with a recent interaction where An Yu had wanted to see Yiyi, intensified Mi Lu's fear that An Yu might try to reclaim custody, solidifying her resolve to remove An Yu from Zhuoyue.
Mi Lu then called Zhuoyue to file a complaint against An Yu. Soon after, Mr. Jiang arrived at the Chuanhe branch to announce good news: the branch ranked sixth in the city's quarterly selection, and An Yu herself was named "star employee of the month." However, the celebration was cut short as An Yu was immediately taken by Director Fu to the headquarters for an internal investigation.
The Internal Audit Department, led by Mr. Yang, began questioning An Yu about the complaint from Mi Lu. Director Fu aggressively pressed An Yu to confess to transferring five million yuan from Mi Lu's account to an online financial product and subsequently profiting from it, with the 13,800 yuan deposit to her business card as proof. An Yu adamantly denied the accusations, stating she had not touched Mi Lu's money or profited from it.
She explained that while she kept one security token for the account locked in the branch's safe, Mi Lu also possessed another. Director Fu furiously dismissed this, accusing An Yu of defaming a client who had entrusted her with a large sum and expressed shame in having such an employee. Mr. Yang, however, asked An Yu if she had any other explanation.
An Yu then recounted that on the Thursday night of the alleged incident, around 7:55 PM, she had left the office to help a lost elderly woman find her way home to Dingbai Village, guiding her to bus 109 and ensuring she boarded safely. She explained that the area was remote, and she hadn't encountered anyone else or seen any cameras to corroborate her story.
Director Fu scoffed, calling it an insult to Mr. Yang’s intelligence, a fabricated tale to escape accountability. Mr. Yang granted An Yu thirty minutes to reflect, hoping she would confess. During this break, An Yu recalled Mi Lu’s strange request to sign a full power of attorney contract without specifying risk or return preferences, which confirmed her suspicion that Mi Lu was orchestrating the frame-up.
Meanwhile, Mi Lu, accompanied by Director Fu, presented her version of events to Mr. Yang, affirming her complaint. She also confirmed having a second security token for her account, which she claimed had been securely kept at home and untouched since the incident, offering her family and home surveillance footage as proof. Director Fu, concerned about An Yu's continued defiance, asked Mi Lu about next steps.
Mi Lu stated her goal was to ensure An Yu was fired from Zhuoyue and blacklisted from other companies due to a tarnished record. Later, An Yu's colleagues from the Chuanhe branch were also brought to the headquarters for questioning, and their phones were confiscated upon arrival. After the thirty-minute break, Director Fu returned to pressure An Yu further, urging her to confess. An Yu, however, declared her intention to call the police, asserting that the police would believe evidence.
Director Fu tried to dissuade her, reminding her of her past "criminal record" and warning that involving the police before the internal investigation was concluded would hold her personally liable for any negative impact on Zhuoyue. Despite the threats, An Yu remained resolute, insisting on involving the police. Frantic, Director Fu called Mi Lu, who was unconcerned by An Yu's threat. Subsequently, Director Fu called Zhou Yuan to inform him of the development.
Episode 10 Recap
Zhou Yuan confronted Mi Lu about her actions against An Yu, questioning why she hadn't told him and if she considered the consequences should An Yu call the police. Mi Lu, deducing that Mr. Fu had informed Zhou Yuan, stated her deep-seated fear of losing Yiyi. She explained that she hadn't told him because she didn't want to involve him, but Zhou Yuan countered that it was because she knew he wouldn't approve.
Mi Lu insisted on Yiyi's importance to her, stating she couldn't lose him, especially since An Yu’s release from prison and her joining Zhuoyue, which Mi Lu perceived as attempts to gain custody of Yiyi. Despite Zhou Yuan's reassurances that he would protect their family and Yiyi, Mi Lu remained steadfast, even daring An Yu to call the police. Concerned, Zhou Yuan decided to speak with An Yu, hoping to convince her not to involve law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Ye Kai tried to call Lailai to invite her and their colleagues for dinner, but she didn't answer. Shao Moli and Ye Kai decided to go to the branch office to find them. Zhou Yuan requested a private meeting with An Yu at Zhuoyue, even asking for the surveillance cameras to be turned off. Once inside, he offered her food and expressed concern.
An Yu, however, firmly stated her intention to call the police after the company's internal investigation concluded. Zhou Yuan then appealed to her emotions, acknowledging Mi Lu's wrongdoing. He explained that Mi Lu had become paranoid since An Yu's release, fearing the loss of Yiyi, which led her to act foolishly. He took responsibility for the situation, but An Yu remained unmoved, urging him to leave if he was finished.
She argued that if Mi Lu truly cared for Yiyi, she wouldn't have done such a thing. Zhou Yuan persisted, emphasizing that Mi Lu had raised Yiyi for four years and was like a mother to him. He asked An Yu to consider Yiyi's need for a complete family, promising to tell Yiyi the full truth when he was older. He stressed that Yiyi would be devastated if Mi Lu were arrested. This appeal finally softened An Yu.
She agreed not to call the police but demanded to know the entire truth, declaring it her bottom line. Before leaving, Zhou Yuan reminded her that his feelings for her during their five years together were genuine. After Zhou Yuan left, Jiang Haoran confronted Xu Jingya, questioning her about the incident and her involvement, stating it was more complex than she thought. Xu Jingya, however, denied any part in it.
During the Internal Audit Department’s questioning, Lailai managed to borrow a cleaning lady’s phone, using a fabricated story about an ex-boyfriend to get access. She quickly called Ye Kai, informing him that An Yu was detained by the Internal Audit Department in a Zhuoyue meeting room. Upon hearing this, Ye Kai immediately told Shao Moli, who then rushed to Zhuoyue.
At the Zhuoyue building, Shao Moli, after a brief confrontation with a security guard about the parking barrier, burst into the meeting room where An Yu was still being pressured by Mr. Fu and others to resign. Mr. Fu argued that An Yu was being stubborn and advised her to admit guilt, offering to keep the incident off her record if she resigned. An Yu, weak but resolute, repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
Shao Moli intervened, accusing the Internal Audit Department of illegal detention. He then had an employee record him, publicly vowing on his career to prove An Yu's innocence within 24 hours, or he would quit the financial industry. He then carried the unconscious An Yu out of the building. Shao Moli took An Yu home, entrusting Ye Kai with her care, instructing him to ensure she stayed hydrated.
Ye Kai informed Shao Moli that Lailai was on her way back after completing her interrogation. Ye Kai expressed concern about Shao Moli's promise, as the area of the incident was known to lack surveillance. Shao Moli acknowledged the challenge but was determined to try. Meanwhile, Mi Lu, drinking heavily, became enraged after learning that Zhou Yuan had apologized to An Yu. She felt she had done nothing wrong and that Zhou Yuan wasn't siding with her.
She confronted him, expressing her anxiety and insomnia over the possibility of An Yu taking Yiyi. She argued that a husband should stand by his wife even when she makes mistakes. After a heated argument, Mi Lu declared she would stay at her law firm for a few days, leaving Zhou Yuan alone. Shao Moli spent the entire night tirelessly searching for evidence around the Chuanhe branch.
After asking many shop owners without success, he eventually found a small truck owner who had a dashcam. The truck owner recalled driving back from purchasing goods around 7 or 8 PM on the 18th. Shao Moli reviewed the dashcam footage, discovering a video of An Yu helping an elderly woman cross the street at 7:56:03 PM on the 18th. This time was mere seconds after the suspicious transaction on Mi Lu's account at 7:55:54 PM, which occurred 1.
4 kilometers away from An Yu's location. This clearly provided An Yu with an irrefutable alibi, proving it was physically impossible for her to have made the transaction. An Yu woke up and learned from Lailai that Shao Moli had rescued her and made a public promise to clear her name, putting his career on the line.
Distraught by the video of his declaration, An Yu expressed deep concern for Shao Moli's career, attempting to contact him without success as the 24-hour deadline approached. Shao Moli presented the dashcam footage to the Internal Audit Department. He explained the time discrepancy, arguing that An Yu could not have been at two locations simultaneously, thus proving her innocence. The Internal Audit Department requested the original, unedited video and the owner's information for verification.
Xu Jingya immediately objected, arguing that a single dashcam video was insufficient. She highlighted unexplained factors like the security token, the disabled surveillance camera, and the transaction being made from An Yu's computer. She suggested An Yu had an accomplice and had deliberately created a false alibi. Mr. Fu supported Xu Jingya, agreeing that more investigation was needed and reminding Shao Moli of his impending deadline. Shao Moli later met with Xu Jingya privately.
He revealed his knowledge of her romantic involvement with Jiang Haoran and her long-standing resentment towards An Yu due to Jiang Haoran's perceived favoritism toward An Yu. He accused her of conspiring with Mi Lu to frame An Yu, stating that Mi Lu lured her with benefits and convinced her to become the Chuanhe branch manager to execute the plan.
Xu Jingya denied everything, accusing Shao Moli of fabricating a story to save himself as his 24-hour deadline was about to expire. Shao Moli confidently asserted that he knew she wasn't clever enough to devise such a scheme independently and that Mi Lu was the true instigator, providing her with the cipher and instructions.
He then exposed her false alibi, revealing that her friend Selina, whom Xu Jingya claimed to be with at the time of the incident, had actually used Xu Jingya's fabricated alibi to meet a date. Shao Moli sarcastically commented on their "friendship," where one used the other to harm someone while the other used her for a date. Xu Jingya, flustered, demanded to know why he was helping An Yu, but Shao Moli chose not to answer.
As Xu Jingya left the meeting, Shao Moli told Ye Kai that his calculated move had alerted the "bigger snake." Xu Jingya, panicked by Shao Moli's revelations, immediately called Mi Lu. She informed Mi Lu that Shao Moli knew everything, including her fake alibi, and was unsure what to do. Mi Lu instructed Xu Jingya to meet her at Swan Hill Park in half an hour.
During their meeting, Mi Lu, after confirming Xu Jingya hadn't revealed her involvement to Shao Moli, instructed her to delete all their WeChat messages and contact information, including cached data, effectively abandoning her. Xu Jingya realized Mi Lu was trying to cut ties and threatened to expose Mi Lu, stating she had recorded all their conversations. Mi Lu scoffed, asserting that her past advice was merely about a friend's story and offered as general opinions, completely unrelated to herself.
Episode 11 Recap
An Yu confronted Shao Moli, who was sitting nonchalantly on the sofa, questioning why he had risked his career and why he was joking around when her livelihood was at stake. Shao Moli, after noting that someone else had just asked him the same question, replied seriously, "Because you're worth it." An Yu expressed deep concern for his future, asking how she could face him if his career was damaged.
Shao Moli jokingly offered that he would just have to rely on her to support him. An Yu, growing increasingly agitated, urged him to stop joking, as she was "panicking now." Just then, Shao Moli received a phone call from Ye Kai, who confirmed he had "the evidence." Shao Moli immediately stood up, assuring An Yu that he would be fine because he "never loses," and declared they were going to "battle."
Meanwhile, a panicked Xu Jingya called Jiang Haoran, who was driving. She confessed that she had lied to him earlier and that Mi Lu had orchestrated everything. She desperately pleaded for his help, insisting he was her only hope. Jiang Haoran reminded her that she had twice denied any involvement, making it impossible for him to help now. As she turned to leave, he harshly advised her to "beg An Yu," and "get on your knees too."
Xu Jingya was furious at the suggestion, refusing to humiliate herself. Jiang Haoran insisted this was her only chance to salvage her future, reminding her that she should have anticipated the worst outcome from the start. Xu Jingya later arrived at An Yu's apartment, where An Yu and others were watching a video of Xu Jingya's conversation with Mi Lu. Xu Jingya apologized to Shao Moli, who told her she was apologizing to the wrong person.
She then turned to An Yu, pleading for a second chance and claiming she was merely a pawn used by Mi Lu, making them both victims. She also mentioned her father's potential anger and Jiang Haoran leaving her. Lailai interrupted, questioning why Xu Jingya relentlessly targeted An Yu and what she gained from it. Xu Jingya cried out that it was "because Jiang Haoran is fond of her," and she disliked that.
Exasperated, An Yu told Xu Jingya to "leave" and offered a final piece of advice: "be wiser in the future." She pointed out that Xu Jingya had been manipulated without realizing it, which would only lead to self-destruction. An Yu emphasized that one should never lose oneself for love, stating, "If you don't love yourself, no one will." An Yu declared that she "won't call the police this time, but there's no next time." Xu Jingya tearfully thanked her.
Mi Lu, alone, reminisced about her past with Zhou Yuan. She joyfully informed him of her decision to study overseas and invited him to join her, envisioning a life together as a true "two-person world." Despite her meticulous preparation of visa documents, Zhou Yuan expressed his desire to stay in Yuqing. He then abruptly told her he wanted to break up, coldly stating he "doesn't like her anymore" and had "fallen in love with someone else."
Mi Lu, heartbroken, challenged his honesty, reminding him of their shared upbringing. Zhou Yuan, however, insisted their paths were different and that she had a bright future abroad. In a desperate attempt to salvage their relationship, Mi Lu tore up all her application documents, declaring she would not study overseas if it meant losing him. Both were left in tears. Later, Zhou Yuan was seen drinking alone, repeatedly calling Mi Lu, but she did not answer.
At Zhuoyue, the Internal Audit Department confirmed the dashcam footage was authentic. Mr. Yang, drawing on his extensive experience, concluded that An Yu had been framed by an internal party, with Xu Jingya being the most suspicious. Jiang Haoran seized the opportunity, arguing that further investigation would harm Zhuoyue's reputation. At that moment, Director Fu entered and falsely claimed to have resolved the issue with Mi Lu.
He announced that An Yu's innocence was confirmed and that Mi Lu had agreed not to pursue the matter further for the sake of future collaboration, especially since there were no monetary losses. A relieved Mr. Yang then assigned Jiang Haoran to handle the follow-up, concluding the Internal Audit Department's investigation. Jiang Haoran summoned Xu Jingya to his office, presenting her with a pre-drafted resignation letter and instructing her to sign it.
Xu Jingya, crying, argued that An Yu had only asked her to stay away and that he could simply transfer her to another department. Jiang Haoran, however, insisted that "leaving Zhuoyue is your best option" given the circumstances. She tearfully signed the letter. He then reassured her that while he could no longer assist her professionally, she could always turn to him for "other problems in life."
Shao Moli was relaxing on the sofa, while An Yu, still anxious about the situation, questioned his calm demeanor. He reassured her that Mi Lu, being intelligent, was likely already explaining the "misunderstanding" to Zhuoyue. An Yu then asked Shao Moli why he hadn't used the video evidence to fully expose Mi Lu.
She admitted that while she was being questioned, Zhou Yuan had pleaded with her to spare Mi Lu for Yiyi's sake, hoping Yiyi could temporarily maintain a complete family. Shao Moli understood her decision. An Yu then received a call informing her that Zhuoyue's investigation was complete, her innocence confirmed, her position reinstated, and she was granted a week of paid leave. An Yu sincerely thanked Shao Moli.
When asked about her plans for the holiday, she initially expressed her intention to continue working, feeling exhausted. Shao Moli later transferred a significant sum of money to Ye Kai, claiming it was "activity funding" for him and Lailai to "hang out this weekend" and de-stress. Ye Kai immediately suspected Shao Moli was trying to get them out of the way.
Shao Moli also secretly asked Lailai to pack An Yu's luggage, providing her with pictures of dresses he thought would suit An Yu, and instructing Lailai to choose similar items from An Yu's wardrobe. Lailai then informed Ye Kai about the money, and they began planning their outing. Lailai enthusiastically presented her chosen "Know-Your-Culture travel route," highlighting its cost-effectiveness during this season and the opportunity to save money for food while experiencing local culture.
Ye Kai, however, was visibly unenthusiastic, complaining about the cold and suggesting activities more appealing to young people, dismissing her choice as a "city tour like those old gentlemen and ladies." Despite his reluctance, he joined her. An Yu later encountered Mi Lu at a business hotel. Mi Lu demanded to know what else An Yu wanted, asserting that Zhou Yuan had already apologized. An Yu clarified that her previous leniency was for Yiyi's sake and to avoid burning bridges.
However, given Mi Lu's unapologetic attitude, An Yu declared she could no longer wait. Mi Lu questioned if An Yu was now formally initiating a custody battle for Yiyi. An Yu corrected her, stating she wasn't "fighting," as Yiyi "is mine, to begin with." Mi Lu defiantly challenged An Yu to "try me then," saying they would "see," a sentiment An Yu echoed. Shao Moli took An Yu to a resort.
An Yu realized he had also packed her luggage (with Lailai's help), and she thanked him for his thoughtfulness, ready to relax after her "tough battle." While there, An Yu received a phone call from Zhuang Yan, a divorce lawyer from Sheng'an Law Firm and a friend of Shao Moli. Zhuang Yan apologized for the scheduling conflict preventing an in-person meeting and explained that Shao Moli had briefed her on An Yu's case.
She then asked An Yu detailed questions about her current situation: her stable employment at Zhuoyue Finance for over three months, earning 28,000 yuan after tax, her lack of bad habits, and confirmation that Yiyi's father had remarried and Yiyi was almost five and a half years old. Zhuang Yan advised that while changing custody was challenging due to An Yu's past criminal record and unstable financial history, it was not impossible.
She explained that if An Yu could "maintain her stable job for one year," she would have a strong chance of winning custody, based on the "best interest of the child" principle. An Yu, determined, committed to "persevere for nine more months," and Zhuang Yan encouraged her to stay in "tip-top shape." An Yu later texted Shao Moli, expressing her gratitude. He replied that his greatest wish was for Yiyi to return to her side as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Lailai and Ye Kai were enjoying fruit wine and grilled skewers. Ye Kai suggested they go to a hot spring, offering to pay. Lailai dismissed it as boring and no different from showering at home, citing it as a waste of time and money, and reminding him she had to work on Monday. She conceded to his "city tour like those old gentlemen and ladies" for the day.
Later, while Ye Kai was still eating, Lailai received an urgent call from Li Zhou and had to leave immediately, apologizing to Ye Kai and promising him grilled skewers another day. Ye Kai was annoyed, feeling Lailai had stood him up unapologetically and that Li Zhou was more important than their outing. Lailai found Li Zhou at a scenic, foggy spot that he claimed locals considered "the most romantic place."
He had called her there because he had something important to confess. He then declared, "Lailai, I like you," and asked her to be his girlfriend. That evening, Zhou Yuan went to the law firm to pick up Mi Lu, who was still working late. He had bought groceries and intended to cook for her at home. He told her to come home, and a tearful Mi Lu seemed to forgive him.
Back at the resort, An Yu found solace in the hot spring, feeling relaxed after a long time. She reminisced about her childhood, where her father would take them to natural hot springs in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful trees, flowers, and fireflies. Shao Moli then shared his own fond memory from before his adoption: meeting a "very kind person" at the orphanage who "enlightened" him.
An Yu realized he was talking about her and admitted that she was the subject of the story she had told him in the laundromat. She recounted how her carefree life had instantly shattered: her father went to jail (and so did she), her ex-husband divorced her, and her father passed away. She described how all these devastating events seemed to happen in a single moment. Shao Moli asked about "now." An Yu replied that everything was in the past; she was now living properly, focused on regaining Yiyi's custody, and living life "wherever fate brings me to."
Episode 12 Recap
An Yu was enchanted by a firefly fluttering near Shao Moli in the hot springs. She went to catch it, but her stomach soon rumbled, prompting Shao Moli to promise her a delicious treat back at their room. Meanwhile, Ye Kai was at home, idly checking Lailai’s social media posts. He thought about messaging her, but remembering how she had canceled on him for Li Zhou, he deleted the message he had typed out.
Li Zhou’s recent post only added to his distress. Back at the resort, Shao Moli, having brought his favorite instant noodles, insisted on personally cooking them for An Yu. An Yu expressed how wonderful it felt to have a hot bowl of noodles after a relaxing soak. Upon tasting them, she raved about his cooking skills. Shao Moli then asked about her biggest goal at Zhuoyue. An Yu admitted her current aspiration was to join the Investment Department.
She acknowledged its reputation for being cutthroat but explained that her father had taught her that capital could also have warmth. She believed it was a place where both warmth and power could coexist. Anticipating Shao Moli’s skepticism, she quickly added that she knew he would say her idea was unrealistic given the department’s competitive nature. However, Shao Moli clarified that he would wholeheartedly support her if it was truly her goal and something she genuinely wanted to do.
Just then, Shao Moli received a call from Lin Zhanhong, the chairman of Zhuoyue. Lin Zhanhong was at the airport, about to board a flight to Yuqing, where he intended to reorganize Zhuoyue, particularly the management structure and the Investment Department. He invited Shao Moli to join Zhuoyue, emphasizing the company's urgent need for him. Shao Moli agreed to consider the offer.
He then shared the exciting news with An Yu, who was thrilled, seeing it as a golden opportunity to pursue her dream. She resolved to work even harder. While An Yu and Shao Moli were at the front desk to resolve an issue with their room key, they crossed paths with Zhou Yuan and Mi Lu, who were checking in. The two pairs exchanged glances but did not speak.
Elsewhere, Ye Kai was still upset about Lailai, convinced she had accepted Li Zhou's confession based on his social media. That night, Lailai, after hesitating to knock on Ye Kai's door, messaged him asking if he was free to meet her. She then waited for him by the river to discuss something important, wrestling with her thoughts on whether to confess her feelings. When Ye Kai arrived, looking disheveled, he immediately guessed Li Zhou had confessed to her.
Lailai confirmed it, explaining that Li Zhou had asked her three questions: who she’d share her happiest and saddest moments with, whose company made her feel relaxed and timeless, and whose involvement with another would bother her. Li Zhou claimed the answers to these questions were all Lailai for him. However, when Lailai considered these questions, she realized the answer in her heart was always Ye Kai.
She admitted that she constantly thought of him, wanted to share everything with him, felt at ease in his presence, and was deeply saddened by the thought of him not being around. She revealed that she had not accepted Li Zhou’s confession. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ye Kai, in turn, confessed his long-held feelings, recalling how frantic he was when she disappeared at the karaoke bar and how his heart pounded during their camping trip.
He explained that she had shown him the joy of frugality and the true meaning of money. He told her he liked her and promised she would never be lonely. He asked her to be his girlfriend, and Lailai joyfully accepted. They embraced, exclaiming how lucky they both were, and walked hand-in-hand. They playfully teased each other about whether Ye Kai had known about Li Zhou's feelings all along.
Later that evening, Mi Lu and Zhou Yuan went to the hotel restaurant, hoping to find a table with a view of the fireworks. With no individual tables available, they were offered a shared table, which happened to be An Yu and Shao Moli's. Despite Zhou Yuan’s hesitation, Mi Lu insisted on joining them. At the table, Mi Lu made a snide remark about An Yu’s childcare arrangements, implying that An Yu's son, Yiyi, was neglected.
An Yu, disgusted, decided to leave with Shao Moli. Outside, both were frustrated about not having responded more forcefully. They imagined a heated argument where Shao Moli accused Zhou Yuan of betraying his ex-wife and Mi Lu of being a mistress, while Mi Lu retorted with veiled accusations against An Yu, implying she used Shao Moli to get ahead.
In the imaginary confrontation, Shao Moli vehemently defended An Yu, stating that he was the one who pursued her and brought her to Zhuoyue because of her kindness and strength. He proudly declared he would give An Yu anything she desired, unlike their shameful display. Realizing that such confrontation was not ideal, An Yu commented that life shouldn't be like that, just as fireworks lit up the night sky.
She remarked that this beautiful scene was how life should truly be. After the fireworks, Shao Moli decided to take An Yu to a special place. While they were heading there, he received a call informing him that his grandmother had suffered a heart attack and was hospitalized. He immediately suggested they return the next day.
An Yu, however, insisted that Yiyi's upcoming family sports day was important and urged Shao Moli to stay with their son while she went back alone to care for his grandmother. Despite his concerns for her, An Yu assured him she would be fine. They then proceeded to the old, secluded spot. An Yu recognized it as her childhood secret base and wondered how he knew of it.
Shao Moli revealed that he was the little boy she had rescued sixteen years ago. He recounted how, at eight years old, he was bullied and told he had no one to protect him. He described how An Yu, through a window, had extended her hand and taught him to look at the sky to overcome his fear and climb up. An Yu remembered her own words, recognizing their shared past.
Shao Moli shared how he had always feared the dark, but since meeting her, he no longer did. He also reminded her about her passion for drawing, revealing that she had given him his first box of crayons, which he cherished to this day. He explained how drawing became an outlet for him, adding color to his life, and how he could still feel her warmth and kindness from that gift.
Shao Moli further disclosed that he was adopted and moved abroad, wishing he had the chance to say goodbye. An Yu realized that his earlier claims of repaying gratitude were true, as he had secretly helped her since she started looking for a job. An Yu asked why he hadn't told her all of this sooner. Shao Moli confessed his hesitation, unsure of the right time or her reaction.
Finally, he openly declared his love for her in their secret base, expressing that she was incredibly important to him and asking if she felt the same way. An Yu was taken aback and, after a moment, apologized, explaining that while she was grateful for everything he had done, she wished for it all to end there. Shao Moli, disappointed, simply asked, "Why?" An Yu could only repeat her apologies.
Meanwhile, back at An Yu and Lailai's apartment, Lailai and Ye Kai were enjoying their new relationship. Dressed in matching dinosaur pajamas, they were playfully affectionate. When they got hungry, Ye Kai offered to cook instant noodles, deeming takeout a waste of money. Just as they were cooking, An Yu and Shao Moli unexpectedly returned. In a panic, Ye Kai grabbed his clothes and scrambled to hide in Lailai’s room, while Lailai attempted to cover their tracks.
An Yu questioned Lailai about her early return, to which Lailai replied that their plans had changed. An Yu noticed Lailai's new dinosaur pajamas, while Lailai tried to deflect by asking about the hot spring trip. An Yu began to tell her, "I have something to tell you."
Episode 13 Recap
An Yu returned home with the intention of speaking to Lailai, unaware that Ye Kai was hiding in Lailai's room. Hearing a commotion inside, An Yu assumed their pet, Ice Cream, was causing trouble and went to investigate. Panicked, Ye Kai scrambled out the window, falling awkwardly to the ground. An Yu, entering the messy room, was perplexed by the clothes rack moved far from its original spot, attributing the strength required to Ice Cream.
Lailai, relieved her secret with Ye Kai wasn't exposed, quickly covered for him, claiming she was making a bet with Ye Kai about football. She then turned the conversation to An Yu, playfully guessing that "something electrifying" must have happened during An Yu's trip to the hot spring resort with Shao Moli. Meanwhile, Ye Kai, still in his dinosaur pajamas, was spotted by an elderly couple who initially mistook him for a large toy until he moved.
Shao Moli, also having returned early, found two drinks on his table and Ye Kai at his home with a nosebleed, joking about the dinosaur outfit being for missing crocodiles. An Yu recounted the events of her trip to Lailai, admitting that she had sensed Shao Moli’s feelings for her from the start.
Lailai pressed her on why she rejected him, highlighting Shao Moli's good looks, his dramatic return "riding on a rainbow chariot," and his deep devotion since they were eight. However, An Yu insisted that they were "not compatible" and could "never be together," feeling that she faced too many "real-life problems." Lailai, singing a song about courage, urged An Yu to reconsider, warning her of future regret, but An Yu only asked for more time to "become better."
On the other side, Ye Kai attempted to console a dejected Shao Moli, praising his looks. He initially offered similar explanations for An Yu's hesitation, citing her recent life turmoil, career stability, their age and status differences, and her past experiences. However, Shao Moli recalled An Yu's blunt response during his confession, where she stated, "I just don't feel anything." Ye Kai, blaming his own words for adding to Shao Moli’s distress, nicknamed him the "Tragic Wolf of Wall Street."
Later, Lailai and Ye Kai secretly met on the balcony to exchange information about An Yu and Shao Moli. Ye Kai exaggerated his window escape, claiming a perfect landing after a front flip and a 360-degree spin. Lailai reported that An Yu needed more time, while Ye Kai feared Shao Moli wouldn't last that long, expressing concern that their own relationship might suffer too.
They were interrupted by An Yu calling Lailai, forcing Lailai to rush back inside before they could kiss. Later, Ye Kai grew tired of their "dating in secret" and wished to go public. Lailai, however, insisted they keep their relationship hidden to avoid "rubbing salt in the wound" given An Yu and Shao Moli's recent heartbreak. She also worried An Yu would have no one to confide in if their relationship became known.
Despite their differing views on going public, they expressed deep affection for each other. Back at Zhuoyue, Lin Zhanhong convened a meeting. He announced the dismissal of many employees, particularly from the Investment Department, explaining his strategy to "pick out the elites" and "optimize management" to rebuild with "the best among the best." With numerous vacancies, from Managing Director to Senior Vice President, Lin Zhanhong sought suggestions for filling these crucial roles.
Mr. Fu proposed a company-wide "internal recruitment," advocating for "not judging candidates based solely on qualifications" and eliminating restrictions on department, job title, seniority, or background. He suggested directly testing "real-time investing ability." Fang Manager, however, objected, arguing that the core position of Managing Director should be appointed by the board after a thorough selection. Lin Zhanhong sided with Mr. Fu for all positions below Managing Director, but reserved the Managing Director decision for further discussion with the board.
Colleagues congratulated Mr. Fu, assuming he would be promoted, while Jiang Haoran subtly reminded Fang Manager about her personal struggles as a single mother with a hospitalized son, implying that her professional opposition might have personal repercussions. Fang Manager, however, firmly stated she "only does work, not social relations." An Yu continued to grapple with Shao Moli's confession. Shao Moli also remained visibly dejected.
The announcement of the Investment Department's internal recruitment brought a spark of hope to An Yu, who excitedly shared the news with Lailai. Despite Lailai's concerns about the intense competition, they mutually encouraged each other, vowing to overcome the challenge and declare they would "definitely apply" and "stand out from others." The assessment required them to identify a market project and submit an investment report within one month. Struggling to find a suitable project, Lailai sought Ye Kai's advice.
After Ye Kai used cat-like meows to coax her downstairs under the guise of feeding stray cats, Lailai met him and shared her dilemma. Ye Kai suggested they visit a "Garage Cafe," a hub for innovative young entrepreneurs. There, An Yu discovered an app called "Soulmate," designed to connect "lonely souls" by forming user portraits through Big Data. The founder explained that "those born from 1995 to 1999" formed the largest demographic and craved authentic self-expression.
Intrigued, An Yu was invited to the app's presentation. To An Yu’s surprise, Shao Moli was introduced as a "super mystery guest." During the presentation, the founder spoke of cosmic connections and beautiful encounters. When asked for his thoughts on the "Soulmate" concept, Shao Moli recounted a story An Yu had once told him about a cheerful princess and a "masked knight dressed in black" who always saved her but never revealed his face or held her hand.
Shao Moli concluded by stating that the knight had long considered the princess his "soulmate," as she had been in his heart during his darkest moments, clearly directing his message towards An Yu. Overwhelmed, An Yu abruptly left the presentation. Shao Moli followed her, demanding to know why she always avoided his questions and why they couldn't be together.
An Yu, in tears, finally revealed her deepest vulnerabilities: her insecure job, her inability to raise her child, and a past marriage that betrayed her and shattered her confidence. She confessed her lack of courage to trust in love again, to face another parting, or to expose her emotional scars, fearing the "pain and loneliness" she would endure alone.
Back at Zhuoyue, Lin Zhanhong held another urgent meeting and announced Shao Moli as the new Investment Department Director, a company partner, and a Managing Director, directly contradicting the widespread rumors that Mr. Fu would be promoted. He instructed Mr. Fu and Fang Li to fully support Shao Moli’s work. Shao Moli immediately began by delegating tasks, revealing their confidential target: Hongxing Telecom, and stressing the importance of secrecy.
Lin Zhanhong later offered a private explanation to a crestfallen Mr. Fu, acknowledging his hurt. He explained that while Mr. Fu excelled in "peaceful times" for internal management, the company was now "at war" with Zhou Yuan, necessitating a "general" like "Zhou Yuan's nemesis, Shao Moli." He promised Mr. Fu would be amply "rewarded" once the "battle is over."
Mr. Fu feigned understanding and agreement, but immediately after leaving, he secretly forwarded the confidential information about the Hongxing Telecom acquisition to Mi Lu, who was away caring for her sick grandmother. Mi Lu promptly called Zhou Yuan to verify the acquisition news. Zhou Yuan, who was at Yiyi’s parent-child sports day, quickly dismissed Mi Lu, hanging up before she could speak to Yiyi. Instead, Zhou Yuan called An Yu and invited her to come to Yiyi's sports day.
Upon receiving the message, An Yu abruptly ended her project discussion with the "Soulmate" team, instructing Lailai to gather all the necessary data, and rushed off. At the sports day, Yiyi was deeply upset because her mother wasn't there to participate in the final "three-person, four-legged obstacle race," crying and insisting she wanted her mommy.
Episode 14 Recap
An Yu, accompanied by Zhou Yuan, attended Yiyi's parent-child sports day. With Mi Lu absent, An Yu stepped in to help Yiyi and Zhou Yuan in several events, leading them to victory and winning champion's prizes. Yiyi joyfully thanked An Yu with a big hug and a new toy. However, their happy moment was cut short when Mi Lu arrived, witnessing the trio's closeness. She angrily took Yiyi and left, with Zhou Yuan following close behind.
Upon returning home, Mi Lu asked Ms. Chen, the nanny, to take Yiyi inside. Zhou Yuan tried to explain his actions, admitting his deep guilt over betraying An Wenbin and An Yu. He confessed to frequently dreaming of An Wenbin's accusations, which haunted him. Zhou Yuan maintained that his previous harsh treatment of An Yu was a desperate attempt to protect their family and prevent Mi Lu from being upset.
He defended calling An Yu for the sports day, explaining that Yiyi needed two parents for the event, and he had no other option. Despite his pleas, Mi Lu slapped him firmly, warning him that this would be the first and last time she would tolerate such a situation. At home, Shao Moli was engrossed in work, while Ye Kai, distracted by a phone conversation with Lailai, failed to respond to him.
When Shao Moli attempted to see his phone, Ye Kai playfully hid it, smiling mysteriously while wearing a scarf indoors. Soon after, Shao Moli received a message from Mi Lu containing photos of An Yu and Zhou Yuan at the sports day. He immediately confronted An Yu, expressing his confusion and frustration. He questioned why she continued to insist she had no relationship with Zhou Yuan, given the intimacy he perceived in the pictures.
An Yu clarified that her interactions with Zhou Yuan were solely for Yiyi's well-being, and she genuinely wished to sever all ties with him otherwise. Shao Moli then asked her directly if she had feelings for him, assuring her that he understood her past but deserved a chance if her feelings were mutual. However, An Yu responded that he deserved someone better, and she was not that person.
Shao Moli vehemently rejected her reasoning, stating his contempt for societal values that dictate his choices and affirming that he knew what was best for himself. Overwhelmed, An Yu tearfully lamented why they hadn't met earlier, to which Shao Moli replied, "We already did." The next morning, Lailai and An Yu were pleasantly surprised by the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast, realizing that Yun had returned from Yunnan.
They hurried downstairs to find Yun, Shao Moli, and Ye Kai already gathered. Yun warmly invited them to join, sharing delightful stories and delicious Yunnan rice noodles. Yun soon noticed an uncomfortable tension, particularly between An Yu and Shao Moli. Before she could comment, Ye Kai loudly interjected, claiming An Yu and Shao Moli hadn't argued, even though Yun hadn't suggested they had.
Yun then subtly moved to another spot to eat, and Lailai and Ye Kai soon followed suit, deliberately leaving An Yu and Shao Moli alone to resolve their unspoken issues. Meanwhile, Mi Lu, still seething from the sports day incident, went to Yiyi's kindergarten, even though it was the weekend. She confronted the director, Mr. Chen, declaring a serious security breach. She presented a photo of An Yu with Yiyi at the parent-child activity, demanding an explanation.
Mr. Chen tried to clarify that Zhou Yuan had requested An Yu's assistance due to Mi Lu's absence, but Mi Lu cut him off. She sternly informed him that from now on, only she and Yiyi's father were permitted to attend Yiyi's activities or pick him up, warning that the parent committee would take action if these instructions were not strictly followed. The director promptly agreed to her demands.
An Yu continued her persistent search for the Soulmate team, waiting for days at the Garage Cafe. A cafe worker eventually informed her that the team had been absent for days and their phones were off, suggesting her wait might be futile. Back home, a dejected Shao Moli, lying on the sofa, was approached by Ye Kai, who, after a bit of teasing, revealed An Yu's predicament. Shao Moli, concerned, immediately searched for information.
He quickly received a response from a contact, informing him that the Soulmate team members were university students who had returned to campus for their final exams and would be available in a few days. Shao Moli swiftly screenshotted this information and sent it to An Yu, alleviating her anxiety. Later, An Yu returned home and sat with Yun in the backyard.
Yun shared her personal worries about her son's new girlfriend, who was more than ten years older than him. Despite her usual democratic stance on her children's relationships, Yun admitted to feeling anxious, especially after her son expressed intentions to marry. She then turned her attention to An Yu, encouraging her to seriously consider Shao Moli's affection, questioning why she was hesitant to accept such a good man.
An Yu simply remarked that he was "too amazing and great," prompting Yun to tell her she was overthinking. Concurrently, Mi Lu informed her law firm partner, Mr. Qin, of her abrupt decision to resign from the firm, stating a new career aspiration to become a legal director. Despite Mr. Qin's dismay at her abandoning the firm she had poured her heart into, Mi Lu was resolute, revealing her new destination: Yimi Capital.
Arriving at Yimi Capital, Mi Lu immediately called a staff meeting, unceremoniously dismissed the current legal director, and introduced herself as a co-founder, announcing that she was resuming the roles of legal director and vice-chairwoman. Afterward, Mi Lu found Zhou Yuan playing tennis instead of working and confronted him. Zhou Yuan explained that he was trying to ease her burden, citing the exhausting nature of starting a business.
Mi Lu retorted that her relentless work was for the company and their family, asserting that she would continue her duties at Yimi Capital the following day. An Yu finally had her meeting with Blanche, the founder of the Soulmate app, at an art gallery. Blanche, who revealed he had missed their initial team meeting due to academic commitments, recognized An Yu instantly. He elaborated on his philosophy that true human interaction requires courage, which inspired him to create Soulmate.
He suggested they discuss their partnership privately while exploring the art exhibition to foster a deeper understanding between them. Later, Blanche drove An Yu home. An Yu, curious, asked how he had recognized her so quickly, but Blanche playfully evaded the question, promising to reveal the answer at their next encounter. Back at home, Lailai saw Blanche dropping An Yu off and playfully interrogated An Yu about the "handsome guy," jokingly comparing him to Shao Moli.
An Yu clarified that Blanche was simply a university student and the app's founder. She then suddenly remembered her cat, Xue Gao's, sterilization appointment and managed to persuade a reluctant Lailai to accompany her, emphasizing its urgency. Simultaneously, Ye Kai, eagerly waiting at a cinema for a movie date, received a text from Lailai canceling their plans, explaining she had to go with An Yu and Xue Gao.
The next day, a sullen Shao Moli discovered that An Yu had blocked him on social media after seeing Lailai's post about Xue Gao. Despite Ye Kai's attempts to console him, Shao Moli remained grumpy.
Later, Ye Kai, dressed up and wearing perfume, tried to discreetly leave for what seemed to be another date, but Shao Moli spotted him, mockingly questioning his elaborate attire for "taking out trash" or "a walk," and implied he would force Ye Kai to join him instead.
Episode 15 Recap
Ye Kai messaged Lailai, who was at the cinema picking up tickets, canceling their planned movie date because Shao Moli had pulled him away to make desserts. Annoyed, Lailai decided to return their tickets and reschedule for the evening. Shao Moli, noticing Ye Kai's distracted state and lack of interest in the dessert he made, observed him looking at Lailai's photo on his phone.
Later, Ye Kai stealthily added melatonin to Shao Moli's wine, ensuring he would not wake until the next morning. Knowing that An Yu was also occupied with a meeting for the Soulmate app team and wouldn't be back for a while, Ye Kai celebrated their newfound freedom with Lailai.
However, their attempts to buy new movie tickets at the cinema were thwarted; their account was flagged for "malicious operation" due to five consecutive cancellations, blocking them from purchasing tickets for 15 days. They settled for dinner at a restaurant, where Lailai mused that if they had made their relationship public from the start, they wouldn't have to constantly hide. During dinner, Lailai spotted An Yu at another table.
Ye Kai, recognizing a potential threat to Shao Moli’s affections, immediately tried to call him, but Lailai stopped him, reminding him not to interfere with "men's business." An Yu was meeting with a client, Zhang Xiaoshu, the founder of the Soulmate app. Xiaoshu playfully challenged An Yu to remember him, hinting at his name and a past incident involving "silver cutlery."
An Yu eventually recalled that he was Mr. Gen's son, whom she had helped five years prior when he was falsely accused of stealing silver cutlery. She had claimed responsibility, pretending she had lost the items to him in a game of Gomoku, and later provided Mr. Gen with funds for Xiaoshu's education. Xiaoshu expressed profound gratitude, attributing his success, including attending An Yu's alma mater, the University of Finance and Economics, to her past kindness.
He complimented her, saying she was more independent, confident, and charming than he remembered. Feeling nostalgic, Xiaoshu suggested they play Gomoku again. Shortly after, Shao Moli arrived, having been tipped off by Ye Kai. He was visibly jealous of the rapport between An Yu and Xiaoshu. An Yu introduced Shao Moli as the Director of Zhuoyue's Investment Department and Xiaoshu as the founder of Soulmate.
Xiaoshu, perceiving Shao Moli's feelings, subtly remarked to An Yu that Shao Moli seemed to like her. Shao Moli, in a fit of pique, challenged Xiaoshu to a series of Gomoku games, relentlessly playing even after Lailai and Ye Kai (who were hiding nearby) and Xiaoshu himself had fallen asleep from exhaustion. An Yu delivered a compelling presentation for the Soulmate app, highlighting humanity's inherent need for emotional connection and shared experiences.
She championed the app as a unique social platform that encourages genuine communication, even between strangers. A manager expressed doubts, categorizing the app's appeal as niche, targeting only "artsy" users, and therefore limited in its potential for mainstream success. Shao Moli strongly defended An Yu’s project, arguing that the need to vent is a fundamental human instinct and necessity, and challenged the manager on whether she had ever vented to a stranger.
He then deferred the final decision to the Chairman, Lin Zhanhong. Lin Zhanhong praised An Yu’s talent, remarking that her presence and wisdom were reminiscent of her father. He approved the Soulmate project, acknowledging its strengths and weaknesses but commending the team's wisdom and Zhuoyue's commitment to innovation. To celebrate An Yu and Lailai successfully passing into the Investment Department, colleagues from the Chuanhe Branch gathered for a hotpot dinner.
Li Zhou and Su Dayong congratulated An Yu on her project's top ranking and asked to review her investment analysis report. Ye Kai, hoping to bring Shao Moli and An Yu closer, informed Shao Moli about the dinner, misleading him into believing it would be a private gathering with just Ye Kai. Shao Moli arrived expecting to meet only Ye Kai and was visibly surprised to find the entire team.
Despite being seated next to each other, the atmosphere between An Yu and Shao Moli remained awkward. Later, Ye Kai and Lailai discussed the unresolved tension between An Yu and Shao Moli. Frustrated by their own "underground" relationship suffering due to the main couple's issues, Ye Kai proposed ideas like a "hero saves the beauty" scenario or finding a "third party," which Lailai dismissed as cliché or impractical.
Ye Kai's comment about not having a "Plan B" like Shao Moli sparked an idea for Lailai. She suggested they hide Ice Cream, hoping that searching for their beloved pet together would force An Yu and Shao Moli to collaborate and reconcile. Following Lailai's plan, An Yu and Shao Moli returned home to Lailai feigning panic about Ice Cream’s disappearance.
They agreed to split up and search, with Shao Moli suggesting they check the old spot where Ice Cream had been found before. Meanwhile, Lailai and Ye Kai relaxed at home, planning to retrieve Ice Cream after some time and send a photo to the searching couple. However, when Lailai went to get Ice Cream, she discovered it was genuinely missing. Ye Kai initially thought it was part of the act but quickly realized Ice Cream had truly vanished.
An Yu and Shao Moli heard a cat's meow from a nearby warehouse. After moving some boxes, they found Ice Cream hiding inside. An Yu, overwhelmed with relief, cried and checked Ice Cream for injuries. Shao Moli comforted her, and their shared concern for Ice Cream slowly began to mend the rift between them. Back home, Lailai tearfully apologized for her "stupid idea," and Ye Kai took responsibility for not watching Ice Cream and leaving the window open.
An Yu and Shao Moli, now visibly reconciled, reassured them that everything was fine. Shao Moli then took Ice Cream to give it a much-needed bath. Still sensing some underlying awkwardness, Lailai and Ye Kai decided to stop their matchmaking efforts and agreed to check on An Yu and Shao Moli separately. Elsewhere, Lin Zhanhong had a conversation with Jiang Haoran about An Yu.
Jiang Haoran praised An Yu’s talent and diligent work ethic, citing her performance at the Wei’er project and internal recruitment interview. He noted her heritage as An Wenbin's daughter and predicted a bright future for her, especially with the support of Shao Moli and the Chairman. Lin Zhanhong then inquired about the nature of An Yu and Shao Moli's relationship.
Jiang Haoran showed him a video on his phone of Shao Moli publicly risking his career by vowing to prove An Yu's innocence during an investigation at the Chuanhe Branch. Impressed, Lin Zhanhong instructed Jiang Haoran to cooperate closely with Shao Moli. An Yu and Lailai began their new roles as analysts in the Investment Department, quickly realizing the demanding workload, which required a minimum of 100 working hours per week.
They were given extensive company valuation projects with tight deadlines, requiring them to use an unconventional reverse valuation model. One night, Lailai, exhausted, fell asleep at her desk. An Yu, seeking coffee, encountered Lin Zhanhong in the pantry. Lin Zhanhong, now feeling comfortable enough to be addressed as "Uncle Lin," expressed deep regret for not being able to assist An Yu's father years ago due to business and family obligations overseas.
He felt guilty about the hardship An Yu had endured but was proud of her current achievements. An Yu assured him that the past was behind her, and she was content with her current position in the company. Seeing her dedication, Lin Zhanhong assigned An Yu the responsibility of leading the acquisition negotiations for the Soulmate app project, reiterating his confidence in both the project and her capabilities. Delighted, An Yu returned to her work, eager to tackle the new task.
Episode 16 Recap
An Yu approached Shao Moli during their run, seeking his advice on how to acquire Soul App, a task assigned by Lin Zhanhong. Shao Moli, still seemingly bothered by An Yu's past interactions with Xiaoshu, refused to help unless she could make him happy. An Yu suggested a trip to an amusement park, which Shao Moli agreed to. They spent the day enjoying all the rides, and An Yu playfully asked if he was happy now.
Shao Moli then explained that successful negotiation is essentially psychological warfare, advising her not to reveal their acquisition intentions immediately. An Yu acknowledged his strategic approach but expressed her belief that sincerity holds more power. Shao Moli, while noting he wouldn't typically employ her method, affirmed his support for her to negotiate in her own way.
An Yu later met with Xiaoshu and his team, bringing them promising news: Zhuoyue's Investment Department had approved her project analysis report and was keen on investing in Soul App. She presented the overall valuation and the 20-million investment offer. Xiaoshu, however, was puzzled by the term "team valuation pending." An Yu clarified that company regulations required individual valuations for each team member, with the overall team valuation only determined after the selected members were confirmed.
The team members grew uneasy, expressing their reluctance to be split up. An Yu, recalling Shao Moli's previous advice about "taking them on one by one," chose to follow her own principle that human connection and team cohesion are invaluable, especially in a young startup. She stated her unwillingness to be a "destroyer." An Yu told Xiaoshu that if her intention was to break up the team, she would have discreetly approached each member individually.
Instead, she lauded their cohesion and recognized Xiaoshu as an excellent leader with a valuable team. She believed that their collective effort was essential for creating an outstanding application, and thus, she rejected the idea of a segmental valuation. Touched by her sincerity, Xiaoshu's team decided to offer a concession of ten percent of their equity shares.
Later, An Yu presented her comprehensive report on the Soul App acquisition, outlining three main points: a 20-million investment, the acquisition of the entire team, and Zhuoyue's absolute controlling interest. Shao Moli was impressed by her diligent work, acknowledging it as a strong first showing for the newly reorganized Investment Department. He instructed An Yu to continue spearheading the project and tasked other team members with researching competitors or interested investors in Soul App.
Before concluding the meeting, Shao Moli mandated that all employees connect their phones to the company's intranet for encryption to maintain project confidentiality, ensuring all communication and files would be logged in the company database. Mr. Fu showed visible signs of discomfort during this announcement. Shao Moli, already harboring suspicions about Mr. Fu due to past incidents involving Mi Lu and An Yu, noticed his unease.
He deliberately shared an elevator ride with Mr. Fu, then instructed Ye Kai to discreetly follow him. Ye Kai tailed Mr. Fu to a meeting with Mi Lu, where Mr. Fu disclosed Zhuoyue's plan to acquire Soul App, mentioning An Yu as the project lead and praising the project's potential. Mi Lu immediately expressed her desire for the project and ordered Mr. Fu to secure it for her. Ye Kai recorded their conversation and reported back to Shao Moli.
During subsequent negotiations, Xiaoshu presented his team's cooperation demands, but they were all rejected by Zhuoyue. Shao Moli insisted on a critical condition: raising Soul App's age requirement to adults, a proposal Xiaoshu vehemently opposed, leading to an unproductive first meeting. An Yu appealed to Shao Moli for leniency, suggesting that they could implement stricter age guidelines after the app had gained traction.
However, Shao Moli emphasized the importance of early standardization to prevent future issues that could lead to the app's elimination from the market. He reminded An Yu of her own advocacy for customer care, particularly the protection of minors. Following this, Shao Moli took An Yu to a bookstore, recommending she study business bestsellers for valuable case studies. An Yu received an urgent phone call from Shao Moli, informing her of a developing crisis.
In a company meeting, Mr. Fu presented a video showing Xiaoshu's team secretly signing an investment agreement with Yimi Capital. He then dramatically accused An Yu of being a mole planted by Yimi Capital within Zhuoyue. Shao Moli promptly intervened, revealing that Mr. Fu was the true informant. Ye Kai presented the video evidence of Mr. Fu's clandestine meeting with Mi Lu, exposing his collaboration to leak project information.
Shao Moli also linked Mr. Fu to earlier schemes, including framing An Yu for misappropriation of client funds and engineering Xu Jingya's resignation. Lin Zhanhong, in light of Mr. Fu's long service, offered him the option to resign rather than face police charges. Mr. Fu accepted. Distraught by Xiaoshu's betrayal, An Yu insisted on confronting him. Shao Moli accompanied her.
Xiaoshu confessed that Yimi Capital had offered superior terms, including complete decision-making authority over the app, and admitted he lacked the courage to inform An Yu sooner. An Yu expressed her disappointment, emphasizing that even in business, sincerity and truthfulness are paramount for long-term success. Meanwhile, Mr. Fu submitted his resignation to Jiang Haoran, advising him to learn from his experience with Lin Zhanhong and plan his own future carefully to avoid a similar downfall.
Shao Moli comforted An Yu, urging her not to dwell on the project's failure. He explained that her deep emotional investment made the setback particularly painful, but such outcomes are common in the investment world. He then apologized to An Yu, acknowledging his inexperience in relationships and his difficulty understanding others' emotions, given his usual straightforward interactions with people like Ye Kai. An Yu dismissed his apology, stating he had done nothing wrong.
They decided to invite Ye Kai and Lailai for a hotpot dinner the next evening, reminiscing about past group outings. Later, Lin Zhanhong questioned Jiang Haoran about Zhou Yuan and Yimi Capital, and also probed his thoughts on An Yu's father's imprisonment. Jiang Haoran remained evasive. Shortly after, Lin Zhanhong introduced Steven, a new Human Resources hire from Stanford, instructing Jiang Haoran to mentor him, a directive that resonated with Mr. Fu's earlier cautionary words.
Episode 17 Recap
Xu Jingya went on a date with a self-important man who boasted about his company's Series C funding and how he'd turned down acquisition offers. When the bill arrived, he pointed out that Construction Bank cards had a 50% discount that day, making Xu Jingya suspect he had only invited her out due to the promotion. He denied it. Meanwhile, Jiang Haoran was shopping with a woman who chose an expensive coat.
She pretended her phone was dead to avoid paying, and Jiang Haoran paid for it anyway. He then excused himself, saying he had to return to the office for overtime, rejecting further engagement with her. As Xu Jingya left the mall, she encountered Jiang Haoran. They both instinctively sent each other the same text message, "Where are you headed?" , and exchanged a knowing smile.
Fang Li was furious when she saw An Yu's name on the list for the Hongxing Telecom Project Team, which she was managing, crumpling the document in anger. She then arranged to meet An Yu, detailing An Yu's rapid career progression at Zhuoyue: from successfully acquiring Wei'er Hotel during probation, to surviving the challenging Chuanhe Branch, joining the Investment Department, and finally being selected for the prestigious Hongxing Telecom project.
Fang Li expressed how ironic and painful it was to witness An Yu's success and happiness, given that her own son, Chen Fang, could only lie in a vegetative state, unable to speak or move, surviving on enteral nutrition. She accused An Yu of "stealing his life," which had stopped at age eighteen. An Yu was stunned, realizing that Fang Li was Chen Fang's mother, and burst into tears.
Later, Fang Li explicitly told hospital staff to turn An Yu away, stating she did not want to see her. Shao Moli found An Yu at a boxing gym, suggesting she could use him to vent her frustrations next time, as punching a sandbag lacked impact. An Yu then asked him to accompany her, and they went to the hospital to visit Chen Fang, where she revealed to Shao Moli that Chen Fang was Fang Li's son.
Later, at a bar, An Yu consumed several drinks, with Shao Moli matching her pace. She confessed her painful past: Chen Fang had lost everything saving her, a complete stranger. She recalled her father's arrest for financial crime and his last words to her, urging her to care for herself and Yiyi. Unable to reach her ex-husband Zhou Yuan, she later discovered him with another woman, feeling she had lost her sole support.
In distress, she drove home, encountered a drowsy driver on the wrong side of the road, and crashed her car into a river while trying to avoid a collision. In the water, she initially felt a sense of relief but then vaguely remembered a boy pulling her to safety. Upon regaining consciousness, she overheard nurses discussing the boy who saved her, saying he had suffered asphyxia from choking, remained unconscious, and might enter a vegetative state.
Before she could see him, she herself was imprisoned for financial crime. After her release, she immediately rushed to the hospital to visit him, but Fang Li refused to see her and rejected a bank card An Yu offered, having the head nurse return it. An Yu lamented that despite countless imaginings of meeting Chen Fang's mother and rehearsing what to say or do, she was utterly speechless when faced with her.
She expressed profound guilt, understanding Fang Li's inability to forgive, particularly as a mother herself, contemplating how she would react if Yiyi were in Chen Fang's place. The irony was not lost on her that they would now work in the same company, department, and soon, the same team. Shao Moli gently stroked her hair, reassuring her, "I will always be here," before taking her home.
An Yu, though grateful for his support, told him she wanted to face Fang Li on her own terms. The next day, An Yu and Fang Li reported to work as usual.
Shao Moli officially announced the establishment of the Hongxing Telecom Project Team and introduced its members: Ye Kai, his assistant; Su Dayong, an experienced staff member transferred from the Chuanhe Branch; Jin Lailai, known for her thriftiness; An Yu, whom everyone was already familiar with; and Fang Li, the project manager responsible for all administrative matters.
Fang Li immediately challenged Shao Moli, stating her concern about leading a team not comprised of her own people and warning that she was very strict and would show no leniency to underperforming subordinates, even if they were Shao Moli’s. Shao Moli affirmed his understanding, as long as her demands were reasonable.
Fang Li then proceeded to assign tasks to Ye Kai, Jin Lailai, and Su Dayong, each responsible for researching different chronological periods of Hongxing Telecom, with a three-day deadline. However, she pointedly omitted An Yu from any assignments. After the others left, a visibly upset An Yu began to cry. Jin Lailai approached her, asking why Fang Li hadn't assigned her any work. An Yu, through tears, confided that Fang Li was Chen Fang's mother.
Shocked, Jin Lailai suggested An Yu request a transfer to avoid suffering, but An Yu firmly responded that running away was not the solution and that she could only resolve the situation by confronting it directly. Jin Lailai then offered to share her workload with An Yu, which An Yu accepted. After the emotionally charged meeting, An Yu, needing to work overtime, went downstairs to grab some food.
There, she ran into Shao Moli, who offered her liquor-filled chocolates to "recharge her battery" and "replenish her energy." They shared a moment of amusement, feeling a unique joy known only to them. Their conversation was interrupted by the enthusiastic arrival of Lin Fei'er, Mr. Lin's daughter, who rushed to embrace Shao Moli, having just returned. Shao Moli introduced Lin Fei'er to An Yu, only to discover they were old acquaintances.
Lin Fei'er fondly recalled how she used to follow "Miss Yu" around as a child because An Yu was pretty and often took her clothes shopping. Although Shao Moli and An Yu had planned to work late, they agreed to join Lin Fei'er for dinner later, after she visited her father.
During their dinner, Lin Fei'er revealed her ambitious plan for a major art project, inspired by August Sander's "People of the 20th Century," where she intended to delve deeply into her subjects' lives to capture their most captivating moments. When Shao Moli suggested An Yu as a subject, Lin Fei'er spontaneously proposed painting both of them, a suggestion Shao Moli readily accepted. Later, Shao Moli showed An Yu the beautiful night view of Yuqing using a drone.
To their surprise, they inadvertently stumbled upon Jin Lailai and Ye Kai sharing an intimate moment, kissing passionately. An Yu and Shao Moli, realizing their colleagues were secretly dating, were amused and speculated about their clandestine relationship. Shao Moli recalled Ye Kai constantly smiling at his phone, while An Yu observed Jin Lailai's recurring "cat-feeding" excursions that always ended with a "big tomcat."
Unaware they were being watched, Jin Lailai felt a strange sensation, wondering if someone was looking at them, but Ye Kai dismissed her concern, pointing out the late hour. After a reluctant farewell, the couple parted ways, each returning home to face curious roommates eager for details about their long absences.
Jin Lailai fabricated a story about a "clingy stray cat" with innocent eyes like "Ice Cream's," which her roommate expressed a desire to meet, but Jin Lailai quickly claimed the cat had likely disappeared.
Episode 18 Recap
An Yu noticed Lailai had no cat scent or hair on her clothes, prompting her to realize that Lailai was seeing someone. At the same time, Shao Moli, with a hint of sarcasm, questioned Ye Kai about taking an unusually long time to take out the trash, comparing him to students who secretly study hard but feign surprise at high test scores. He extended this analogy to people who even keep secrets from their close friends.
Ye Kai, sensing the subtle jab, claimed such friends might have their own difficulties. Shao Moli then casually mentioned that An Yu planned to set Jin Lailai up with someone. Ye Kai grew visibly anxious but immediately relaxed upon learning the match was Li Zhou. He then agreed with Shao Moli that An Yu should do as she pleased before heading to bed, leaving Shao Moli puzzled by his unpredictable reactions.
At work, Fang Li reviewed Jin Lailai’s report, noting that its writing style and data citation habits were inconsistent with Lailai’s usual work. She correctly deduced that Lailai had help. An Yu stepped forward, admitting she assisted Lailai. Fang Li reprimanded Lailai for delegating her assigned tasks and, to An Yu, gave her Hongxin Telecom’s previous quarter’s financial statement, demanding she verify every single figure by the next morning.
Despite protests from colleagues that the workload was impossible for one person in a day, Fang Li sternly emphasized the separation of personal and professional matters. An Yu accepted the task, and Lailai tried to help, but they quickly found many items on the report were unverifiable. An Yu visited Hongxin Telecom, reminiscing about her father's last day working there, marked by his tears.
Inside, she ran into Xu Jingya, who immediately accused her of industrial espionage and prompted Mr. Zheng to escort her to the security department. Fortunately, Mr. Ma, a former colleague of An Yu’s father, appeared and vouched for An Yu. He expressed deep gratitude to An Yu’s father for his mentorship, crediting him for his current success. An Yu explained she was conducting a normal survey for Zhuoyue's potential acquisition of Hongxin Telecom.
Mr. Ma sadly confirmed the factory’s dire situation, having been mortgaged three times in three years, and offered any assistance An Yu might need. The next day, An Yu presented her findings to Fang Li. She explained that due to tight security, she had to rely on observing truck loads and confirming figures with old employees, leading to "rough estimations."
Fang Li was critical of the report, rejecting her use of "rough" and "should be" and reminding her that this was serious acquisition work, not child's play. She then took the work from An Yu and reassigned it to Su Dayong. Fang Li also enforced a strict policy that all phones must be on silent during work hours. After everyone left, An Yu couldn't help but shed tears, realizing that Fang Li was Chen Fang's mother.
Lailai urged her to apply for a transfer, but An Yu believed escaping was not the solution; only by facing it could the problem be resolved. Shao Moli found An Yu, offering to be her emotional outlet if she needed to vent. An Yu, after a moment's thought, asked Shao Moli to accompany her to the hospital to visit Chen Fang, confirming that he was Fang Li's son.
Later, at a bar, An Yu drank heavily, recounting her painful past to Shao Moli. She spoke of her father being taken away by the police, discovering Zhou Yuan's infidelity, and a subsequent car accident where she fell into the river. Chen Fang saved her life, but he suffered an anoxic brain injury and became vegetative. An Yu was then imprisoned for economic crimes.
Upon her release, she tried to visit Chen Fang and offer compensation, but Fang Li refused to see her or accept any money. An Yu expressed immense guilt and self-blame, feeling that as a mother, she too would not forgive such a tragedy. She found herself in an impossible situation, working with Chen Fang's mother in the same company and team.
Shao Moli assured her he would always be there for her, gently stroking her hair as he took her home, drunk. Later, Su Dayong was engrossed in the "Soulmate" app, having purchased a year's membership. Fei'er, after bringing coffee for everyone, decided to download the app and matched with "In the Name of the Moon, I'll Punish You," which turned out to be Shao Moli.
They joked about the app's simple keyword-based matching system, concluding that it likely manipulated compatibility to increase user engagement, thereby betraying its initial purpose. Their concerns were immediately validated when news broke that "Soulmate" was involved in a scandal where underage users were scammed. Zhou Yuan was bombarded with calls from reporters regarding the "Soulmate" scandal, specifically questions about the lack of age restrictions.
He harshly blamed Mi Lu for her obstinacy in acquiring the app, arguing that it jeopardized their hard-earned corporate image. Mi Lu admitted her oversight and suggested instructing the PR team to distance themselves from the startup team. However, Zhou Yuan disagreed, insisting that Yimi Capital would take full responsibility and stand by the young startup team. He ordered a public event, inviting media and victims, and instructed "Soulmate" to immediately suspend services for rectification and implement an age restriction.
Amidst the fallout, the team at Zhuoyue discussed the situation, noting Yimi Capital spent nearly seven figures on public relations. They speculated the app would likely relaunch after reforms. Su Dayong, a loyal user, expressed hope for the app's future, adding that the internet quickly forgets, and proper management could restore its reputation. The team celebrated their rival's misfortune, as their boss, Mr. Lin, had granted them a paid day off.
Fei'er, using her authority as Lin's daughter, insisted Shao Moli take his day off with her. She perceived his affection for An Yu and wanted him to share his story. Shao Moli, after some reluctance, agreed and took her to his and An Yu's childhood secret hideout, a place An Yu had discovered sixteen years ago. He showed Fei'er their old drawings, mostly An Yu's. He shared their long history, from childhood friends to colleagues.
Fei'er, moved by his story, asked why they weren’t together. Shao Moli revealed that An Yu hadn't accepted him yet, but he respected her decisions, promised to support her, and would wait for her indefinitely, even if she never reciprocated his feelings. Impressed, Fei'er decided she also needed to hear An Yu’s perspective for her drawings. Back home, An Yu, Lailai, and Yun enjoyed duck soup.
Lailai commented on Yun's radiant appearance and newfound love for cooking since returning from Yunnan, realizing she had a new, younger boyfriend. Yun encouraged them to live vibrantly, prioritize themselves, and seize opportunities in love. She suggested inviting the two boys for soup. Lailai called Ye Kai, who was working overtime. An Yu sent a voice message to Shao Moli, but he replied he had dinner with Mr. Lin and couldn't make it. The girls decided to save some soup. Lailai then commented on Yun's improved looks, stating that love is the best cosmetic. An Yu made a similar observation about Lailai.
Episode 19 Recap
Lin Zhanhong and Shao Moli met for a meal, where Lin inquired about the slow progress of the Hongxing Telecom acquisition. He suggested that Shao Moli should be more aggressive, pointing out that in his famous cases abroad, he "devoured everything without spitting the bones." Shao Moli explained that Hongxing Telecom had many older employees whose resettlement needed careful handling, attributing his past ruthlessness to his youth.
Lin, however, smiled, implying Shao Moli was overthinking things, stressing that "a piece of fatty meat that is unable to protect itself needs to be swallowed in one gulp." At home, Zhou Yuan was impatiently overseeing Yiyi's piano practice, growing angry when she made repeated mistakes. Mi Lu arrived and intervened, telling Zhou Yuan to speak to their child kindly. She then gently explained to Yiyi that her father wasn't angry but wanted her to understand the importance of perseverance.
She then allowed Yiyi to stop practicing and play with toys in her room. Afterward, Zhou Yuan looked troubled, admitting to Mi Lu that the Hongxing Telecom case wasn't progressing smoothly. After considering the situation, Mi Lu offered to join the project. She acknowledged that Zhou Yuan was determined to see it through, but she didn't want him to be constantly worried. She wanted to help in any way she could and encouraged him to go console Yiyi.
Zhou Yuan, however, asked Mi Lu not to spoil their child all the time. Fei'er sought out An Yu, revealing that she had learned about An Yu's past from her father and that Shao Moli (also known as Mu En) had also shared their story. Intrigued, Fei'er expressed a strong desire to paint An Yu. She mentioned that Shao Moli had taken her to their "secret base," which she found "very special."
An Yu downplayed it as mere childhood memories, suggesting they were "all in the past," but Fei'er disagreed, feeling it was "still in progress." Fei'er asked An Yu to help her with her art, stating that to paint better, she needed to understand An Yu's true feelings.
She then directly asked An Yu if she liked Shao Moli, noting that in all the years she had known him, she had never seen him look at anyone with such "love, radiance, and warmth" as he did An Yu. Fei'er believed An Yu must feel it too, and added that she was sure An Yu also had that same look in her eyes for Shao Moli.
As Fei'er sketched her, An Yu found herself recalling cherished moments and conversations with Shao Moli, a subtle smile gracing her lips. Meanwhile, Mi Lu and Yiyi were out buying a birthday cake. Zhou Yuan called Mi Lu, informing her he would be home late and wished to be alone. Despite his request, Mi Lu sent someone to follow him, a detail Zhou Yuan quickly noticed. Zhou Yuan visited Baling Memorial Park to see his parents’ grave.
He spoke to them, reflecting on his current "happy life" with Mi Lu and Yiyi, but also promised he was "working hard" and would "definitely let them rest in peace." Back in his car, feeling weary from Mi Lu's constant watch, he pulled out an old photo of himself and An Yu taken during a past birthday celebration, holding it to his forehead as he remembered their happy times together.
Late that night, Zhou Yuan returned home to find Mi Lu waiting for him, having fallen asleep at the table. She woke up, presented him with the cake Yiyi had chosen, and sang "Happy Birthday." Zhou Yuan was touched. They made a wish together, with Mi Lu wishing for all of Zhou Yuan's desires to come true, which surprised him.
Mi Lu then suggested he accompany her on an upcoming business trip to Singapore to relax, but Zhou Yuan declined, citing numerous company meetings and his responsibility to care for Yiyi since their nanny, Aunt Chen, was away. An Yu, having deeply considered Fei'er's words, woke from a dream about her past rejection of Shao Moli. She went to the secret base on her balcony and called Shao Moli.
Asking where he was and expressing her desire to see him, she was surprised when Shao Moli stepped out from behind her, saying he also wanted to see her. Filled with joy, An Yu approached him, confessing, "I love you so much. Let's be together." Shao Moli embraced her tightly, and they shared a passionate kiss, cementing their relationship. Later, Shao Moli and An Yu returned to their shared apartment, intending to announce their new relationship to their friends.
However, their plans were preempted by Kai and Lailai, who had been anxiously waiting to make their own announcement. Kai declared that he and Lailai had been secretly together for a while, hiding it out of consideration for An Yu and Shao Moli's feelings, but now they wanted to "bravely make their relationship public" and asked for their blessings. An Yu and Shao Moli, who already knew about Kai and Lailai's relationship, expressed their congratulations.
They decided to postpone their own announcement, agreeing that "joy needs to come in batches," and they would find another opportunity. The next morning, both couples headed to work. Kai drove Lailai, while Shao Moli rode his motorcycle with An Yu. Nearing their office, An Yu asked Shao Moli to drop her off so she could walk in separately.
Inside the Zhuoyue Financial Group building, Shao Moli intentionally held up a colleague, Su Dayong, to ensure he and An Yu could share an elevator ride alone. In the elevator, Shao Moli suggested they make their relationship public, but An Yu reminded him of Zhuoyue's policy prohibiting relationships between employees in the same department. Shao Moli jokingly lamented joining Zhuoyue and playfully tried to kiss An Yu. Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted when the elevator doors opened, revealing Fang Li standing outside.
Episode 20 Recap
Ms. Fang, observing An Yu and Shao Moli being affectionate in the elevator, called An Yu into her office. She reminded An Yu that her father once worked at Hongxing Telecom, making her the ideal person to investigate its detailed ownership structure and the shareholding ratio of its employees. Ms. Fang demanded the report be submitted by the end of the workday, despite the immense workload this implied.
Shortly after, Ms. Fang received a distressing phone call from Fangfang's caretaker, Sun, who announced she was returning to her hometown indefinitely and might not come back, leaving Ms. Fang worried about finding a replacement. An Yu visited Hongxing Telecom, but learned that Mr. Qian, the deputy factory director who was responsible for the shares, was on a business trip.
She decided to retrieve the records from the Administration for Industry and Commerce first and secured the factory's official seal for this purpose. By the end of the day, An Yu submitted her shareholding explanation for Hongxing Telecom to Ms. Fang. However, Ms. Fang immediately shredded the report, asserting that it was useless to her as she had requested a detailed ownership structure, not a general summary.
An Yu attempted to explain that Hongxing Telecom's shares were too scattered to complete such a complex task in a single day. Shao Moli, who overheard the exchange, intervened, pointing out that Ms. Fang must have known the task was impossible given the complexity of Hongxing Telecom’s ownership when she assigned it. Ms. Fang, however, asserted her authority as project manager, rejecting Shao Moli's interference and accusing him of letting personal feelings affect his work.
To de-escalate the tension, An Yu quickly apologized to Ms. Fang, promising to redo the report, and then led Shao Moli out. An Yu told Shao Moli to stop meddling in her affairs, insisting she could handle the situation and that appeasing Ms. Fang was her duty, and that she must solve this herself. She then left for the day, while Shao Moli had a meeting to attend.
Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan tried to wake Yiyi for piano lessons, only to discover the child had a high fever. Yiyi cried for his mother, refusing to go to the hospital. Zhou Yuan called Mi Lu, but she quickly hung up, citing an important meeting. With Yiyi still distraught, Zhou Yuan called An Yu. An Yu rushed to the hospital to care for Yiyi, attentively wiping his sweat.
Zhou Yuan, having fallen asleep, awoke and confessed to An Yu that he had been suffering from insomnia for a long time and only felt truly secure and relaxed when he was with her. He deliberately ignored an incoming phone call from Mi Lu. A nurse then mistakenly referred to An Yu and Zhou Yuan as Yiyi’s parents. When An Yu returned home, Shao Moli was waiting for her downstairs.
Their conversation was cut short when Lailai came down to take out the trash and then walked upstairs with An Yu. An Yu confided in Lailai about going to see Yiyi because Mi Lu was away on a business trip and Zhou Yuan needed help with Yiyi's fever. Lailai warned An Yu to be careful, suspecting Zhou Yuan was intentionally creating opportunities for them to meet again, and advised her not to tell Shao Moli about it.
In a separate meeting, Shao Moli presented his reform plan for Hongxing Telecom to Lin Zhanhong. He proposed to re-operate the company for profit rather than simply liquidating its assets, believing this would be more challenging and yield greater returns. Lin Zhanhong expressed concerns about the risks, including the possibility of Hongxing Telecom not restarting, longer capital recovery cycles, and increased difficulty and risk. Shao Moli reassured him, revealing his intention to become a shareholder.
He explained that he had contacted several past investors, and with his own money, the deal would be a guaranteed profit for Lin Zhanhong and Zhuoyue. He also emphasized that in their line of business, it’s not about whether it’s worth it, but about daring to take the gamble. Mi Lu met with Hongxing Telecom's factory manager, presenting her acquisition proposal. The manager stated that he needed to consider the vital interests of the factory's employees.
Upon leaving, she saw Xu Jingya enter the manager's office and greet him as "Uncle," making Mi Lu realize the manager had a familial connection with her rival, Xu Jingya, who blamed Mi Lu for her job loss. Later, Mi Lu received a phone call from the factory manager, who stated he needed more time to reconsider her offer, citing concerns that her acquisition plan had not addressed the welfare and placement of the factory's employees, who might face unemployment.
Back home, Mi Lu was greeted by Yiyi, who showed her a drawing. When Mi Lu asked if it was of him and her, Yiyi proudly clarified it was of him and the "pretty lady" (An Yu), who had cared for him while he was sick and Mi Lu was away on her business trip. Mi Lu's expression darkened, and she sent Yiyi upstairs to play.
She confronted Zhou Yuan about Yiyi’s illness and why he involved An Yu without telling her. Zhou Yuan defended himself, explaining that Yiyi was inconsolable and refusing to go to the hospital, and Mi Lu had been unreachable on the phone, hanging up on him due to a meeting. Zhou Yuan admitted he should have told her afterwards and apologized, claiming he hadn't thought much of it at the time.
Mi Lu then directly asked Zhou Yuan again if he still harbored feelings for An Yu, which he denied. During a group meeting, An Yu presented the results of her questionnaire regarding Hongxing Telecom, highlighting employee concerns about acquisition price and post-acquisition personnel changes. Ms. Fang once again criticized her report through her disapproving demeanor. Meanwhile, Su Dayong was caught engrossed in the "Soul App" on his phone during the meeting.
Ms. Fang called him into her office, where he accidentally spilled water on her son's cherished book, further enraging her and leading her to dismiss him from her office. Separately, Kai vehemently disagreed with Shao Moli's plan to invest all his assets in acquiring and reforming Hongxing Telecom, calling him "crazy" and suggesting he had lost his judgment since meeting An Yu. Shao Moli countered that meeting An Yu had made him more clear-headed and certain of his aspirations.
He also voiced his suspicion about Yimi Capital's unusual silence, believing they were likely to interfere with the Hongxing Telecom acquisition. At that moment, Mi Lu called Shao Moli, requesting a meeting. When they met at Zhuoyue, Mi Lu proposed a deal: she would assist him in acquiring Hongxing Telecom if he agreed to leave Zhuoyue and Yuqing (the city) after the project, taking An Yu with him, to ensure An Yu would no longer encounter Zhou Yuan.
Shao Moli firmly rejected her offer, stating that while he would go anywhere with An Yu, it was not the same for An Yu, and he would not make such decisions for the person he loves, as he trusts her to choose for herself.
Episode 21 Recap
Mi Lu found herself on the tennis court, reminiscing about her university days. She recalled being a key player on the tennis team, and her teammates discussing her upcoming departure abroad. She then saw Zhou Yuan intimately teaching An Yu on the court. This sight prompted Mi Lu to interrupt them. Zhou Yuan awkwardly introduced An Yu to Mi Lu, noting Mi Lu's impressive tennis skills.
Mi Lu then challenged An Yu to a match right away, and they played together. Zhou Yuan also recalled a recent moment with An Yu and Yiyi at the hospital, where a nurse mistook them for a married couple. Back home, Zhou Yuan drank alone, reflecting on these memories. Meanwhile, Shao Moli and Ye Kai were playing games, but Shao Moli became anxious after being unable to reach An Yu all afternoon.
Ye Kai initially dismissed his worries as overreactions but eventually called Lailai, who informed them that Zhou Yuan had invited An Yu to meet him by the riverside. At the riverside, An Yu confronted Zhou Yuan about why he had called her. Zhou Yuan, heavily under the influence of alcohol, struggled to express himself, stating he had many things to say but didn't know how, and admitted he had made a mistake.
An Yu, realizing his intoxicated state, tried to leave, but Zhou Yuan held onto her, begging for another chance. Just then, Shao Moli arrived, angrily punched Zhou Yuan, and led An Yu away, leaving Zhou Yuan stunned. Upon returning home, An Yu reassured an angry Shao Moli that Zhou Yuan's words were merely "drunk nonsense" and didn't warrant concern.
She gently applied medicine to Shao Moli's hand, asking if he was in pain, and promised not to meet Zhou Yuan again unless absolutely necessary. While they were inside, Ye Kai and Lailai were outside, eavesdropping. Ye Kai, seeing an opportunity for An Yu and Shao Moli to have private time, suggested to Lailai that they spend the night at a hotel. He mentioned an exciting UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Juventus starting late that night.
Lailai initially wanted to watch the game at home, viewing a hotel stay as a waste of money. However, Ye Kai enticed her with details of a Wei'er Hotel membership card given to him by Chen Wei, which offered a 90% off on a suite and included dinner and breakfast for only 468 yuan. Convinced by the bargain, Lailai agreed, saying it would be a loss not to take advantage.
Shao Moli then received a message from Ye Kai, who, along with a "shy emoji," confirmed they wouldn't be returning home that night. An Yu simply smiled. Shao Moli then embraced An Yu from behind, and they shared a passionate kiss.
At the hotel, Ye Kai tried to initiate a romantic evening, but Lailai, determined to show her appreciation for his past compromises and make the most of the luxurious hotel deal, insisted on staying awake to watch the football match with him, even drinking coffee to ward off sleep. She became animated, praising Cristiano Ronaldo's handsomeness and exciting goals, while Ye Kai, despite his romantic intentions, repeatedly dozed off and was startled awake by Lailai's enthusiastic shouts.
He later confessed to Lailai that the game she watched was a recorded broadcast, which he had checked while getting breakfast. Mi Lu received a phone call from a bar owner who informed her that Zhou Yuan was heavily intoxicated. She rushed to the bar, expressing her concern about his excessive drinking, and noticed a fresh injury on his face. Despite her anger, she took him home.
As she cared for him, Zhou Yuan repeatedly cried out An Yu's name, deeply hurting Mi Lu. This brought back a painful flashback of a doctor telling her that a previous miscarriage meant she would likely never be able to bear children.
She then recalled a conversation with Zhou Yuan where he had dismissed his child with An Yu as "an accident" and promised to finalize his current "plan" before leaving An Yu to be with Mi Lu forever, caring for her for the rest of his life. Confronted with his undeniable longing for An Yu, Mi Lu's heartbreak was profound as she told herself, "I'm here."
The next morning, Ye Kai and Lailai, looking tired from their night out, returned home with breakfast. They found An Yu and Shao Moli, leading to an initially awkward but ultimately joyful reunion. Over breakfast, Shao Moli announced that he and An Yu had become a couple on the same day Ye Kai and Lailai announced their relationship.
He explained that they had originally intended to share the news then but forgot amid Ye Kai and Lailai's overwhelming happiness, believing that good news should arrive in successive moments. Ye Kai, visibly emotional, recounted Shao Moli's extensive efforts and sacrifices for An Yu, expressing immense relief that their dedication had finally blossomed into a relationship. He urged An Yu to cherish Shao Moli, jokingly stating that he and Lailai were her "family" and their support was "powerful."
Shao Moli expressed how incredibly happy he felt, and An Yu echoed his sentiments, declaring her love for him and affirming that their story was just beginning, with no regrets, regardless of what the future held. Ye Kai, shedding tears of joy, insisted he was happy for them. Their happy moment was interrupted by a phone call from Lin Zhanhong, summoning Shao Moli for an emergency meeting regarding the Hongxing Telecom Project.
At the meeting, Lin Zhanhong revealed that Yimi Capital had formally initiated a move to acquire Hongxing Telecom. He warned that if Yimi Capital succeeded, Zhou Yuan's ruthless nature meant he would likely fire over a thousand employees and auction off all company assets. Lin Zhanhong rallied the team, urging them to fight with a strong sense of mission and pride under Shao Moli's leadership to win this crucial battle.
Meanwhile, Mi Lu, having investigated Hongxing Telecom's deputy factory director after he rejected her acquisition proposal, discovered he was Xu Jingya's uncle. She arranged a meeting with Xu Jingya and directly offered her a card containing cash, stating her desire for fewer obstacles in the acquisition of Hongxing Telecom. Xu Jingya initially scoffed at the offer, refusing to be tricked again.
However, Mi Lu shrewdly suggested that with this money, Xu Jingya could gain leverage and influence over Jiang Haoran, making him see her in a new light. She framed it as a low-risk "test" that could potentially empower Xu Jingya. Although Xu Jingya acknowledged that influencing her uncle would be easy, she remained skeptical about Mi Lu's understanding of her complex relationship with Jiang Haoran.
Later, Lin Fei'er met Shao Moli, confiding that An Yu had encouraged her to finally confess her long-held feelings. She recounted how, despite knowing she was merely a "good friend" to him, he had become special to her. She confessed that a past drunken declaration of her feelings had created an awkward distance between them. To try and move on, she had even dated a French boyfriend, but her feelings for Shao Moli persisted.
She had broken up with her French boyfriend and decided this formal confession was her way of truly letting go and moving forward, especially after seeing him with "someone he loves" (An Yu), for whom she was genuinely happy. Shao Moli listened, then thanked her for her contributions to their friendship and expressed his happiness at having her as a friend.
Before she left, Shao Moli asked if An Yu, who had given her this advice, had also informed her about his and An Yu's relationship. Lin Fei'er was genuinely surprised by the revelation and offered her congratulations. Realizing An Yu had kept their relationship a secret from Lin Fei'er, Shao Moli immediately went to confront An Yu. He questioned why she hadn't told Lin Fei'er about their relationship, especially knowing Lin Fei'er's feelings for him.
Shao Moli then asked An Yu if she suspected any misunderstanding between him and Lin Fei'er, before emphatically reassuring her that there was nothing between them and that she was the only one in his heart. An Yu acknowledged his words, then tried to lighten his serious mood, asking if they couldn't be more relaxed. Shao Moli, however, insisted on his seriousness regarding relationships. An Yu then playfully asked what she could do to make him happy, to which he replied, "Kiss me." She playfully questioned, "Right here?"
Episode 22 Recap
Shao Moli playfully asked An Yu to kiss him, but she teased that he was still on probation. She explained that he was so handsome and perfect, with many admirers and temptations, that she needed to test his sincerity. Shao Moli, serious about their relationship, urged her not to joke, but An Yu warned him that being fierce would lead to point deductions. He then asked about her scoring criteria for the probation, to which she simply replied, "My feelings."
She assured him the probation wouldn't last long, believing he would pass, and Shao Moli replied that her happiness was his happiness. An Yu then leaned in and gave him a tender kiss, which he reciprocated with a kiss on her cheek. As they left the restaurant, a heavy rain began to fall. Shao Moli shielded An Yu's hair with his hand, then pulled a large outdoor umbrella from its stand, and they ran off together.
Later that night, Fang Li was still working when she chatted with her Soul App match, "Vitality Guy." They had a friendly conversation, and he correctly deduced she was in a good mood based on her emoji choices. Fang Li, surprised, admitted he was the first to notice. She also learned that "Vitality Guy" frequently stayed up late reading Jin Yong's martial arts novels.
Fang Li, also a fan, asked if he knew where she could find an out-of-print edition of "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," sending him a picture of the book. To Su Dayong's astonishment, he realized the book was the exact one he had accidentally spilled water on earlier, revealing that "Thinking in a Quiet Night" was none other than Fang Li. Everyone at Zhuoyue was working late, preparing for the upcoming project.
Fang Li was unusually polite when assigning tasks to most team members, but her attitude towards An Yu remained harsh, which An Yu had grown accustomed to. During a brief break, Su Dayong, secretly observing Fang Li, messaged her on Soul App, encouraging her to smile if she was happy, prompting a faint smile from Fang Li. Meanwhile, Shao Moli discreetly passed a note to An Yu, asking her to meet him on the rooftop.
An Yu messaged back that she had important work to do, and Shao Moli replied that he did too. An Yu happily went to the rooftop to find Shao Moli, who was diligently playing "Happy Birthday" on the piano, despite his inexperience. He then presented her with a special gift: a video of Yiyi singing "Happy Birthday," which brought tears to An Yu's eyes.
In the video, Yiyi called Shao Moli "Big Bad Wolf Brother," and Shao Moli explained that he wore a wolf mask to avoid appearing like a weird uncle to the child. He had also prepared a cake and a small crown. An Yu made a wish, her hand clasped in Shao Moli's, thanking him sincerely for everything he had done. They then shared a deep embrace and kiss.
Later, Fang Li received a distressing call from the Head Nurse, informing her that Fangfang had a sudden lung infection and was in the ICU. Fang Li immediately rushed to the hospital. Upon arrival, the Head Nurse reassured her that Fangfang's condition was stable and he would soon be transferred to a regular ward. The infection was likely caused by nasal discharge accidentally entering his trachea.
Concerned about Fang Li's financial strain, the Head Nurse suggested considering a shared room, using more affordable local medications, and hiring another caregiver. She also mentioned that An Yu had visited Fangfang frequently over the past year and encouraged Fang Li to accept her help.
However, Fang Li adamantly refused to use An Yu's money and, determined not to give up on Fangfang, immediately called a real estate agent to sell her current house and find a smaller apartment to cover the mounting medical costs. At the company meeting, Fang Li expressed concern to Shao Moli about the team's ability to meet the deadline for the preliminary acquisition proposals, fearing it would jeopardize the roadshow. Shao Moli urged her to have faith in the team.
Fang Li scoffed, telling him he was too young and would learn that miracles do not happen in life. Just then, the team members, including Su Dayong and Ye Kai, rushed in, out of breath, to submit their reports just before the deadline. Fang Li then demanded An Yu's report. Ye Kai explained that An Yu was still conducting asset research at Hongxing Telecom for the employee equity acquisition proposal and had asked them to submit her report.
Fang Li became enraged, questioning An Yu's absence and implying she received special treatment because of Shao Moli. Su Dayong, to everyone's surprise, spoke up in An Yu's defense, highlighting her exceptional work ethic and positive attitude, stating that An Yu knew hatred only hurt oneself and solved nothing.
Fang Li, visibly shaken by his words, furiously declared that she would fire anyone who spoke to her in such a tone, even if they were under Shao Moli, before storming out. As Fang Li waited for the elevator, she encountered An Yu. She angrily took An Yu to the riverbank where Fangfang had rescued her, reminding An Yu of the exact spot where he jumped in.
Fang Li tearfully accused An Yu, painfully contrasting An Yu's son, who was at least healthy even if not by her side, with her own son, Fangfang, who lay incapacitated, his bright future cut short, having not yet experienced college or love. She recounted raising Fangfang alone and how his admiration for "warriors who fight for righteousness" had led him to save An Yu without hesitation.
Fang Li bitterly added that Fangfang hadn't even known what kind of person he was saving. Overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow, An Yu could only repeatedly apologize. After returning home, An Yu, still deeply distressed, retreated to her room. Leyley, worried, called Shao Moli to inform him. Shao Moli rushed over and, finding An Yu unwilling to speak, stayed by her door all night.
The next morning, An Yu emerged from her room to find Shao Moli asleep on a chair outside. She gently woke him, reassuring him that she was fine, and affectionately called him "Husky." An Yu encouraged him to wash up, reminding him they would be late for work otherwise, and gave him a comforting hug before heading off to work. Later, An Yu went to Fang Li’s office to deliver a revised analysis report.
Through the blinds, she saw Fang Li clutching her stomach in pain and looking for water. An Yu offered her a packet of stomach medicine, explaining that she also experienced stomachaches when she was upset, and assured her it would provide relief. Fang Li accepted the medicine. An Yu later visited her father's grave with Mr. Ma.
Mr. Ma spoke to An Yu's father's tombstone, acknowledging his own failure to save the factory but expressing pride that An Yu, now very capable, was taking on the responsibility, just like her father once did, assuring him he could rest in peace. After Mr. Ma left, An Yu spoke privately to her father's grave. She mentioned that she had met someone new, Shao Moli, and they were in a relationship.
She playfully added that she would bring him to meet her father after "testing him out" and that one day, Yiyi would return to her side. At that moment, Shao Moli appeared, surprising An Yu, and remarked, "No need for tests. I'm already here."
Episode 23 Recap
Shao Moli visited An Yu's father's grave, where An Yu was already present. He explained that he had always wanted to pay his respects and knew she would be there. An Yu introduced Shao Moli to her father. Shao Moli addressed Mr. An, stating he had known An Yu since they were children, and she had helped him once, an act he never forgot. He noted that when they reconnected, she remained as kind, diligent, responsible, and good as ever.
Shao Moli shared that he also works in finance, but it was An Yu who taught him the importance of caring about people—clients, friends, and those around them—rather than just numbers. He added that An Yu's goodness was undoubtedly her father's credit, and he thanked him. He expressed his deep fondness for An Yu and solemnly promised her father that he would take good care of her, asking him to rest assured.
An Yu later visited Fang Fang at the hospital. She handed a bank card to the nurse, asking for help to give the money to Fang Li, explaining that Fang Fang's family was facing significant financial difficulties. The nurse informed An Yu that she had already tried to persuade Fang Li, but she resolutely refused any help. Just then, Fang Li walked by, greeted the nurse, but completely ignored An Yu and returned to Fang Fang's ward.
Seeing An Yu's disappointment, Shao Moli offered her some chocolate. The next day, as the roadshow for Zhuoyue's acquisition of Hongxin Telecom began, An Yu noticed that several major shareholders were absent. This meant that even if all present shareholders signed, they would only acquire a small portion of the company's shares.
Shao Moli encouraged her not to give up, even on a small portion, and instructed the team to be ready to step in and supplement An Yu's main presentation if needed. As An Yu started speaking, Shao Moli received an urgent phone call from Lin Zhanhong and quickly returned to Zhuoyue's office. There, he found Zhou Yuan and Mi Lu waiting.
Lin Zhanhong explained that Yimi Capital had already acquired 18% of Hongxin Telecom's shares, and Zhou Yuan was there to discuss a cooperation strategy. Zhou Yuan elaborated that with Yimi Capital holding 18% and another 38% previously mortgaged to Sanfeng Bank, Zhuoyue would not achieve absolute controlling interest even if they acquired all remaining shares. He stated that to win the Hongxin Telecom case, Zhuoyue would have to go through Yimi Capital, whom Shao Moli called "halfway robbers."
When asked to name his price, Zhou Yuan brazenly demanded four times the market value for Yimi Capital's 18% shares and gave Zhuoyue a 24-hour deadline to decide. Shao Moli, unwilling to concede, proposed a stalemate, suggesting they wait to see which company's funds would run out first, to which Zhou Yuan replied he would gladly oblige, though he believed Shao Moli would not. He then confidently left with Mi Lu.
Later, Shao Moli analyzed Zhou Yuan's strategy, concluding that Zhou Yuan never intended a direct confrontation. Instead, he intentionally timed his move to put Zhuoyue in a difficult position, forcing them to purchase his shares at an inflated price. Lin Zhanhong, while having a drink, advised Shao Moli that there was always an alternative route. He suggested that despite having already signed for over 20% of Hongxin Telecom's shares, they could still abandon the acquisition.
However, Shao Moli refused to give up, explaining that doing so would allow Yimi Capital to acquire Hongxin Telecom at a very low price, leading to its liquidation and eventual closure. Lin Zhanhong warned him not to be impulsive just to fulfill An Yu's dream of revitalizing Hongxin Telecom.
Shao Moli countered that it had also become his own dream, and he would not give up until the last minute, assuring Lin Zhanhong that he would bear all responsibility for any losses incurred by Zhuoyue. An Yu and Shao Moli then visited Mr. Ma at the factory. They discovered that Mr. Qian, the Deputy Factory Director, had confiscated Mr. Ma's office, accusing him of abusing his position by occupying too much space.
Mr. Ma was preparing to move his extensive collection of drawings, books, and samples to a basement. An Yu and Shao Moli brought food for Mr. Ma and helped him move. While assisting, Shao Moli noticed a sample of a semiconductor communication device Mr. Ma had researched for special environment testing, such as mines and deep oil wells.
This discovery sparked a new idea for Shao Moli, who believed this invention, which he named "Sirius I," could be the key to a significant turnaround for Hongxin Telecom. That night, Lin Zhanhong called Zhou Yuan, inviting him to a noodle shop to discuss potential cooperation. Lin Zhanhong expressed his admiration for Zhou Yuan's earlier performance, but Zhou Yuan remained unyielding, even taunting Lin Zhanhong to beg him if he truly desired cooperation. Their meeting ended unfavorably.
Meanwhile, An Yu and Shao Moli returned to Yun's home, where Shao Moli cooked his specialty noodles for them and Yun. During dinner, Yun revealed that she had broken up with her boyfriend, lamenting the exhausting nature of dating a younger man who "couldn't take care of people" and was "fickle." An Yu, however, defended her own relationship with Shao Moli, asserting that he possessed a mature mindset regardless of his age.
The following day, Zhou Yuan and Mi Lu arrived at Zhuoyue for the contract signing, only to be immediately surrounded by a crowd of reporters, a situation that perplexed Zhou Yuan. Inside the conference room, An Yu and Shao Moli were waiting. Shao Moli intervened when Zhou Yuan attempted to invite the reporters in, emphasizing that contract negotiations were commercial secrets. He then disclosed a "black technology" they had recently discovered at Hongxin Telecom, the "Sirius I."
Shao Moli explained that this invention had the potential to increase Hongxin Telecom's valuation exponentially, effectively warning Zhou Yuan that selling his shares at a low price might mean missing out on a massive opportunity. Zhou Yuan unexpectedly lowered his asking price from four times to thrice the original value, giving them three minutes to decide. An Yu swiftly prepared the contract, and Shao Moli promptly signed it.
Shao Moli then "kindly" suggested to Zhou Yuan that it was not too late to tear up the contract for a mutually beneficial outcome. Zhou Yuan scoffed, signed the agreement, and told Shao Moli to pray for himself as he left. As they departed, Mi Lu questioned Zhou Yuan's sudden decision to reduce the price, wondering if An Yu had influenced him.
Zhou Yuan impatiently dismissed her concerns, insisting he acted to avoid falling into Shao Moli's trap, and firmly stated that Shao Moli's "black technology" claim was a mere trick, and he trusted none of his words. In another development, Jiang Haoran felt increasingly insecure after Steven joined Zhuoyue and submitted a "Zhuoyue Personnel Structure Reform Plan." When Lin Zhanhong asked for his opinion on Steven's proposal, Jiang Haoran's suggestions were rejected.
Lin Zhanhong emphasized that a simpler approach to human resources management would be more effective. Later, a drunk Jiang Haoran confided in Xu Jingya that Lin Zhanhong had grown suspicious of him, suggesting his tenure at Zhuoyue might be ending. He then verbally abused Xu Jingya, calling her dumb and ordering her to leave. Although she left angrily, Xu Jingya soon returned to cook him some noodles.
Upon sobering up, Jiang Haoran was touched by her gesture and ate all the noodles. Meanwhile, the test results for Sirius I proved to be highly successful, with market predictions indicating enormous sales potential. Shao Moli delivered this good news to Lin Zhanhong. Lin Zhanhong, pleased, assigned Shao Moli full responsibility for the Hongxin Telecom project. He then tasked Shao Moli with a new mission: to acquire Yimi Capital.
Shao Moli initially hesitated, expressing his reluctance to engage further with Zhou Yuan and Mi Lu. Lin Zhanhong asserted that Shao Moli would change his mind after hearing what he was about to reveal. Lin Zhanhong then disclosed that An Yu's father, An Wenbin, did not go to jail for contract fraud as generally believed.
He described An Wenbin as an honorable man with strong principles, making his sudden death in prison from a heart attack, while serving a sentence for what appeared to be a foolish contract fraud, highly suspicious. Lin Zhanhong revealed that An Wenbin's final words and only defense were recorded on a storage card he had left for him, implying a hidden truth behind his imprisonment.
Episode 24 Recap
Lin Zhanhong met with Shao Moli and presented him with an SD card containing a phone recording from An Wenbin. Lin Zhanhong explained that he discovered the card only after returning to China; he had been too busy flying for business overseas to hear the voicemail earlier, and his housekeeper had overlooked it. He emphasized that he had known An Wenbin for over twenty years and understood his cautious nature, rarely making mistakes.
However, An Wenbin's greatest weakness was his unconditional trust in those he believed in. Shao Moli quickly grasped Lin Zhanhong's implication: An Wenbin had misplaced his trust in Zhou Yuan. Lin Zhanhong stated that after An Wenbin's misfortune, Zhou Yuan was the only person who benefited, making him the most suspicious party. He urged Shao Moli to understand that Zhou Yuan was not only his adversary but also potentially An Yu's enemy.
Lin Zhanhong proposed that acquiring Yimi Capital would be the best way for Shao Moli to help An Yu reclaim what she had lost. The recording played reveals An Wenbin’s distressed call to Lin Zhanhong from his grandchild's first birthday, admitting his company was facing grave operational issues and he was conflicted about a past decision. He expressed his desperate desire to save the company and his employees, apologizing for what he considered rambling.
Later, while selecting pearl earrings for Mi Lu, Zhou Yuan's gaze fell upon an umbrella, triggering a vivid memory of his first encounter with An Yu on a rainy day, when they shared an umbrella. He subsequently asked the salesperson to give him the umbrella. Meanwhile, Shao Moli's team confirmed that the SD card was authentic and had not been tampered with. Shortly after, Shao Moli spotted Zhou Yuan at a mall and followed him to a cafe.
With a cold smile, Shao Moli sarcastically commented on Zhou Yuan's rapid transformation of Xingchen Financial into Yimi Capital in just a few years. He deliberately ordered the same complex drink as Zhou Yuan—a double cold brew with whisky—and initiated a tense conversation, implying he could see through Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan retorted that all businessmen have secrets and that it was unclear who was truly seeing through whom.
Shao Moli then revealed the news of Hongxin Telecom's groundbreaking semiconductor deal with Middle Eastern countries, playing a news report on a nearby screen. Although Zhou Yuan tried to feign indifference, Shao Moli continued to provoke him, pointing out his forced smile and comparing him to an unfathomable abyss.
Zhou Yuan maintained that he had no regrets, asserting that their paths and aspirations were fundamentally different, a sentiment Shao Moli agreed with, adding he was fortunate Zhou Yuan hadn't believed in his initial offer for partnership. Zhou Yuan remained defiant, insisting the final outcome was still uncertain. Afterward, Shao Moli contacted Fei'er, tasking her with a secret investigation that was to be kept from everyone, including An Yu and Shao Moli's father.
Fei'er reluctantly agreed, noting it was the first time he had asked her for such a favor. Back at his place, Zhou Yuan presented Mi Lu with the pearl earrings, which she adored. However, the celebratory mood was shattered when the news report about Hongxin Telecom's semiconductor contract played on TV. Mi Lu, surprised and frustrated, confronted Zhou Yuan, recalling her earlier suspicions about the "black technology" and asserting that Yimi Capital was now at a significant disadvantage against Zhuoyue.
Zhou Yuan dismissed her concerns, arguing that he had still managed to sell Hongxing Telecom shares for triple the original price. Offended by his lack of transparency, Mi Lu returned the earrings, stating they could celebrate only when they were open and honest with each other, before retreating to her room. An Yu and Mr. Ma were at the Hongxin Telecom factory cafeteria, eagerly awaiting Shao Moli for a celebratory dinner. An Yu tried calling him, but he didn't answer.
She also spoke with Ye Kai, who hadn't seen Shao Moli either, noting his absence was unusual. An Yu and Mr. Ma decided to start eating, and Mr. Ma presented them with a special gift: two custom-designed "Sirius induction nucleus" devices from their factory. He explained that these telepathic gifts would light up in response to each other, symbolizing their connection no matter the distance.
Meanwhile, Fei'er informed Shao Moli via phone that An Wenbin's problematic contract had been signed with Kaiyuan Trading, a company whose actual controller, Wang Kai, was also the key accuser and witness in An Wenbin’s fraud case. Shao Moli, who had just left the Administration for Industry and Commerce, confirmed that Kaiyuan Trading had been deregistered six months after the incident. He was heading to their former office, while Fei'er planned to investigate Kaiyuan Trading's former employees for additional leads.
Shao Moli visited Kaiyuan Trading's old office, only to find it transformed into a live-streaming center. The current occupants informed him that Kaiyuan Trading had sold the building four years prior to a self-media company and that they had no contact information for the previous owners. Determined, Shao Moli then contacted a law firm, Chengxin Law Firm, which confirmed they had handled Kaiyuan Trading's deregistration four years ago.
While they could provide publicly available documents, they declined to disclose confidential company details or financial data, citing client confidentiality. However, they did recall that Wang Kai, Kaiyuan Trading's legal representative, had been ill and had gone abroad for treatment. Back at home, An Yu walked in to find Ye Kai in the midst of a chaotic baking project, seemingly attempting to make a cake for Lailai, who was upset about failing her Chartered Financial Analyst exam.
Ye Kai confessed he misunderstood Lailai's request for "desserts that could make her happy," believing she wanted him to bake them, when she actually meant a popular dessert shop named "Happy When You Eat It." An Yu tasted the cake and found it utterly unappetizing, suggesting Ye Kai might have mistaken salt for sugar and commenting that it tasted even worse than Shao Moli's attempts.
When Lailai returned, she also tried the cake and immediately spat it out, reiterating that "Happy When You Eat It" was the name of a famous dessert shop. Despite the culinary disaster, Lailai appreciated Ye Kai's sincere effort to cheer her up. That evening, An Yu and Shao Moli each placed the "Sirius induction nucleus" gifts on their nightstands, watching them glow.
Shao Moli misinterpreted three flashes from An Yu's device as a signal to meet downstairs, so he went down. However, An Yu explained that her flashes meant she forgave him. Shao Moli then apologized for missing the celebratory dinner with An Yu and Mr. Ma. Unexpectedly, Ye Kai and Lailai were also present in the pavilion across the way.
At home, Lailai, undeterred by the baking mishap, proudly presented a new batch of desserts and shared her ambitious business plan for her "Happy When You Eat It" dessert shop, envisioning thousands of chain stores and a public listing within three years. She spoke passionately about targeting stressed urbanites needing dopamine and urged An Yu to call Shao Moli, affectionately referring to him as "Mr. Wolf," to taste her creations and discuss potential investment.
An Yu called Shao Moli, who was still at a cafe, stating he needed more time and telling them not to wait up. An Yu later confided in Ye Kai about Shao Moli's increasingly strange behavior, noting his early departures, late returns, and general elusiveness. Ye Kai speculated that Shao Moli might be planning a grand, secret surprise for her.
Later, An Yu and Shao Moli were at the cinema, looking at a poster for a film titled "Courage and Freedom." An Yu asked for his interpretation, and Shao Moli stated that freedom requires great courage. He further elaborated that if one's heart is expansive enough, all of creation—the sky, the earth, the mountains, and rivers—becomes a realm of freedom. An Yu expressed how much courage that would require.
Just as they were about to enter the movie, Shao Moli received a phone call from the former Kaiyuan Trading employee, who apologized for missing their previous meeting and agreed to meet in half an hour. An Yu, recognizing Shao Moli's telltale signs of deep thought and stress, immediately sensed the urgency. Shao Moli apologized, explaining he had an urgent matter to attend to.
Despite her disappointment, An Yu, understanding his commitment, magnanimously allowed him to leave, stating she would watch the movie alone today and they could reschedule. Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan received a call from a law firm, which informed him of an equity transfer agreement his father had left for him twenty years ago when founding Zhuoyue. This agreement, stored in a bank, had just matured and become effective. The lawyer detailed that his father's original shares, once 34.
4% of the company, now represented 9. 3% due to dilution over the years. This made Zhou Yuan the fourth-largest shareholder of Zhuoyue. Thrilled by this unexpected turn of events, Zhou Yuan declared that he had been waiting for Yimi Capital to grow strong enough to challenge Lin Zhanhong, but now, he no longer had to wait.
Episode 25 Recap
Shao Moli met with a former employee of Kaiyuan Trading at a restaurant, urging him to share everything he knew. The employee explained that four years ago, after graduating from university, he joined Kaiyuan Trading, a large company with over a hundred employees, owned by Wang Kai. One late night, after working overtime, he returned home but realized he had left his phone in the office.
When he went back to retrieve it, he unintentionally overheard a conversation between Wang Kai and a stranger. The stranger spoke about An Wenbin, stating confidence that An Wenbin would take risks, suggesting that his company's downfall wasn't a coincidence, and asserting that if he could ruin An Wenbin's company, he could push him to take a drastic step. At the time, the employee didn't understand the conversation. Later, his family encouraged him to pursue postgraduate studies, so he resigned.
It was only when he saw news about An Wenbin's contract fraud case that he recalled the overheard conversation. However, he admitted he never saw what the stranger looked like. Zhou Yuan spoke to Mi Lu, announcing his decision to take Yiyi to see An Yu every weekend, starting that very weekend. He explained that when his father, Lin Zhanhong, and An Wenbin founded Zhuoyue, the company's shares were divided into three equal parts.
He inherited his father's shares, and An Yu received her father's portion. Zhou Yuan revealed that if he could acquire An Yu's shares, he would have the opportunity to become Zhuoyue's largest shareholder, making it easy to unseat Lin Zhanhong. Mi Lu objected, accusing him of exploiting Yiyi to gain shares. Zhou Yuan, having reflected deeply, believed that only by allowing An Yu more contact with Yiyi could he persuade her to sell her shares to him.
Mi Lu disagreed, but Zhou Yuan stated he had no other option; he had already halted all projects below A+ at Yimi Capital and downsized many key departments, signifying his final preparations. Mi Lu then recalled Zhou Yuan’s past, remembering how he had purposely approached An Yu years ago to get closer to An Wenbin, aiming to reclaim everything he believed An Wenbin had taken from his father, who Zhou Yuan watched commit suicide.
Mi Lu asked what about her, and Zhou Yuan replied that someone like him was not worthy of being with her. Lin Zhanhong noticed the significant changes at Yimi Capital, including their abandonment of the Soul App project, which they had fought hard to acquire. He commented that Shao Moli must also realize that Zhou Yuan was consolidating funds, with Zhuoyue as his target.
Lin Zhanhong urged Shao Moli to expedite the acquisition of Yimi Capital, stressing that in a battle between two strong forces, one would inevitably suffer, and now was the time to seize the initiative. However, Shao Moli declared he wasn't concerned with Zhou Yuan's intentions. His priority was to uncover what Zhou Yuan had done to An Yu's father four years ago, vowing to reveal the truth to An Yu.
He cautioned Lin Zhanhong not to inform An Yu before the truth was confirmed and strictly warned him against manipulating her hatred, asserting that he would not be controlled by anyone. Lin Zhanhong responded that Shao Moli used to be like a wolf that only knew how to bite, but Shao Moli retorted that a wolf acts according to its own instincts and refuses to be manipulated.
The head nurse informed Fang Li that someone had visited Chen Fang the previous night and brought gifts. Later, Fang Li was seen chatting happily with "Vitality Guy" on the Soul App. The head nurse further revealed that An Yu was the one who found Dr. Xue and covered his medical expenses, although An Yu had specifically asked them not to tell Fang Li to avoid making her feel awkward, preferring to say the hospital found him.
The head nurse urged Fang Li to understand that An Yu genuinely wanted to help her. An Yu returned to find Su Dayong and Shao Moli descending the stairs together. Su Dayong explained that he was there to pick up an out-of-print book he had found online, and the seller turned out to be Yun. Su Dayong then revealed that "Thinking in a Quiet Night," his online companion, was actually Fang Li.
He wasn't surprised by this discovery, as it all made sense to him. He noted that Fang Li’s frequent temper and strictness at work were due to her overwhelming burdens and immense pressure, which is why she could only lower her guard and express her true feelings on the Soul App. Su Dayong also asked An Yu not to blame Fang Li for her harsh words, explaining it was a manifestation of her stress.
Lai Lai had prepared some desserts for product testing among her colleagues, hoping to also present her business proposal. Ye Kai advised her against it, concerned that it might create the impression of her trying to advance through connections. Lai Lai eventually decided to pass off the desserts as her friend's creation.
At the office, the colleagues tasted the desserts, but their reactions were unenthusiastic, with one person humorously saying it wasn't bad enough to spit out but not good enough to swallow. Jiang Haoran then announced the successful completion of the Hongxing Telecom project, informing the team of cash bonuses and An Yu's promotion to manager, allowing her to lead projects independently. Lai Lai, thinking the celebration was for her desserts, proudly boasted about her friend's culinary and aesthetic skills.
Following her promotion, Fang Li called An Yu to her office and assigned her the Smart Desk project, with a noticeably softer demeanor that surprised An Yu. An Yu expressed her strong interest in the project, noting its blend of public welfare and commercial value.
Fang Li handed her project materials and her thrice-modified proposals, stating that the decision-making power was now An Yu's, but insisted on one crucial aspect: integrating a communication function for left-behind children to connect with their parents. An Yu agreed, emphasizing the importance of providing a bridge for long-distance parent-child relationships, even if only through voice calls.
Fang Li acknowledged that the biggest challenge was gaining approval from Wang Zirui, who had already rejected the investment proposal three times, and had been difficult to meet. An Yu committed to finding a way to arrange a meeting with him, and Fang Li expressed confidence in her. Later, Su Dayong, torn between telling Fang Li the truth about his online identity, sought advice from An Yu.
He feared that if he confessed, Fang Li might ignore him, but also worried that prolonging the secret would lead to more problems, given Fang Li’s temper. An Yu encouraged him to decide for himself. Mustering his courage, Su Dayong went to Fang Li's office with an out-of-print book, confessed that he was "Vitality Guy" from Soul App, and admitted to sending her flowers, then explicitly declared his feelings for her.
Fang Li, however, flatly rejected him, stating that she would no longer use the Soul App and that their relationship, now and in the future, would remain strictly professional. She then uninstalled the app from her phone and asked him to leave. That night, at the hospital, Fang Li sat by Chen Fang's bedside, consumed by regret. She vividly recalled an argument they had before his college entrance exam, where she became angry because he was reading novels.
In her rage, she told him not to come back if he left, a command he followed, leading to his current comatose state. Overcome with guilt, she tearfully apologized to her son, begging him to wake up and look at her. Separately, Shao Moli surprised An Yu by dressing as Baymax and taking her to an amusement park. He handed her numerous rainbow lollipops, playfully scattering them for her enjoyment, and they rode various attractions.
An Yu happily shared the news of her promotion, expressing her belief that she would excel in the Smart Desk project. She then noticed Shao Moli seemed troubled and offered to share his burdens, just as he had often done for her. Shao Moli admitted that Lin Zhanhong had given him a difficult problem, and he was still searching for a comprehensive solution, which he needed to keep confidential for the time being.
As they admired the beautiful night view of the amusement park, Shao Moli remarked that if they had the chance, they should come more often. When An Yu asked what he said, he repeated it, prompting her to tease that he was no longer her "Dark Knight" but her "Prince Charming."
Episode 26 Recap
Ye Kai apologized to Jin Lailai, admitting he had lied about her cake tasting good because he only wanted her to be happy and hated to see her sad. He regretted using the wrong approach. Lailai responded that she wasn't angry with him but frustrated with herself for feeling like she couldn't do anything right. She apologized for worrying him with her mood.
Ye Kai reassured her, telling her not to be silly and that he would always be there for her, urging her never to beat herself up again. They made up and shared an affectionate moment. Their tender moment was interrupted when Yun entered to inform them she was selling the apartment. She explained that during her divorce from her ex-husband, this particular unit was allocated to him, while she received other properties.
Now, her ex-husband was immigrating and needed to sell it quickly. When Lailai suggested Yun buy it herself, Yun refused, explaining that it was in this very apartment that she discovered her ex-husband cheating on her. She then asked if Ye Kai and Lailai were interested, stating the price was 500,000 yuan, and that they could deal directly with her ex-husband if they decided to buy.
After Yun left, Lailai was ecstatic, pointing out that 500,000 yuan was 200,000 yuan cheaper than comparable units in the area. She considered it an unmissable opportunity and insisted she must buy it, confident they would make a profit and recoup the investment from Shao Moli’s rent alone.
When Ye Kai questioned how she would afford it, Lailai retrieved a box containing her savings, which included money she had saved since school, along with recent bonuses and salaries, totaling nearly 400,000 yuan. Although she still needed more, Ye Kai surprised her by producing his own bank card, revealing he had been saving 100,000 yuan since they met, completing the necessary 500,000 yuan. An Yu waited outside to speak with Mr. Wang about the Smart Desk project.
She quickly presented her proposal, highlighting a new plug-in feature designed to help left-behind children connect with their parents, which she believed offered both marketability and social benefits. Mr. Wang acknowledged that their values aligned but stated he couldn't focus on it right now. He explained that the Smart Desk's core technology, the electronic display, was already too expensive, and adding new content would require updating the entire system, further escalating costs.
He believed An Yu's vision might be achievable in the future but was not feasible at present. An Yu persistently tried to convince him, suggesting that the cost issue could be renegotiated. Meanwhile, Shao Moli was in the same mall, conducting his own investigation into Zhou Yuan’s past activities related to Xingchen Financial. He saw An Yu's struggles with Mr. Wang and, feeling for her, called her to offer coffee.
Following his instructions to walk backward, An Yu found him, surprised to see coffee already waiting. Shao Moli explained he knew she needed to "recharge." An Yu confessed to feeling exhausted and frustrated. Shao Moli comforted her with a hug, reassuring her that he was there for her.
An Yu then asked if that was why he had brought her to that specific spot, to which Shao Moli replied affirmatively, pointing out the beauty of the surroundings and the romantic atmosphere. They then moved to a railing to admire the scenery, noting the moss on the ground and a "no fishing" sign. Later, at the tennis court, Zhou Yuan approached Mi Lu to inform her of his plan.
He stated that the following day was the weekend, and he would take Yiyi to the park to meet An Yu. He stressed that this was something he had to do and told Mi Lu not to try to stop or dissuade him, as he had already made up his mind.
Mi Lu confronted him, asking if he had considered that if he went through with it, she and Yiyi would never be able to forgive him, and he risked losing them all, including Yiyi. Zhou Yuan simply replied that he had indeed considered that, then turned and walked away. Xiaoshu, in desperation, sought out An Yu, admitting he had let her down. He revealed that Zhou Yuan's company was undergoing liquidation, leading to a broken funding chain for Soulmate.
Despite Zhou Yuan's earlier public promises to support them, he had stopped all investment, causing Soulmate to be offline for two weeks and most of their programmers, including co-founders, to resign. Xiaoshu pleaded with An Yu and Shao Moli to save the project. Shao Moli expressed his continued belief in Soulmate as an excellent product, stating that he saw the project as an extension of its kind-hearted founder, who deserved a second chance.
An Yu proposed a collaboration: she was working on the Smart Desk project and wanted to integrate a feature for left-behind children to call their parents. She asked if Soulmate could partner with Smart Desk. Xiaoshu enthusiastically agreed, offering his team's services for free to implant the feature without altering the main system. Shao Moli endorsed the idea as an excellent concept, implicitly agreeing to further investment.
Xiaoshu then pledged to donate all future profits from Soulmate to left-behind children and Hope Primary Schools, ensuring they could receive Smart Desks. On their way home, An Yu playfully teased Shao Moli about his frustrated expression when he played Gomoku with Xiaoshu, comparing him to a husky and calling it cute. Their lighthearted banter was abruptly interrupted by a phone call from Zhou Yuan.
He told An Yu that Yiyi missed her and suggested they take Yiyi to the park the following day. Zhou Yuan reassured An Yu that he had already spoken to Mi Lu, who had no objections, and declared that as Yiyi's mother, An Yu could now take Yiyi out every weekend. An Yu was surprised by this sudden development, questioning if Zhou Yuan had a change of heart, but ultimately felt happy at the prospect of regular visits with Yiyi.
Despite Fang Li's previous rejection of his romantic interest, Su Dayong continued to visit her son, Chen Fang, in the hospital, even bringing flowers for the nurses' station. He would read aloud from "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," addressing the "Miss Fairy" character in the book. Fang Li, exasperated, confronted him, telling him never to come again.
Su Dayong tried to explain he only wanted to read to Chen Fang and enjoyed the book himself, seeing it as a way for him and Chen Fang to share an interest. However, Fang Li was unyielding, taking the flowers he brought and reiterating her demand for him to leave. To secure the apartment, Lailai and Ye Kai met with Mr. Peng, Yun’s ex-husband.
Mr. Peng revealed he had another offer, with a buyer willing to pay more and claiming priority due to having lived in the neighborhood previously. Lailai and Ye Kai then spun a fabricated story, pretending to be a newly married couple who had recently invested in a financial product, leaving them with only 450,000 yuan. They spoke passionately about their struggles in the city, how they found each other, and how they considered this apartment their cherished home.
Lailai dramatically added that losing this home would leave them "a homeless couple." Touched by their plight, Mr. Peng agreed to sell them the apartment at their price, pending a meeting to verify their story. Ye Kai expressed discomfort about lying, but Lailai dismissed his concerns. To solidify their story, they subsequently took wedding photos, acting as an affectionate couple.
Later, while looking at wedding rings, Lailai deemed a diamond ring too expensive and "not worth the money," suggesting it wasn't a good investment. Ye Kai then proposed they simply wear the ring for a couple of days to "get over it" since they intended to return it anyway. That weekend, An Yu took Yiyi to the park. Yiyi, delighted to be with her "pretty lady," drew An Yu and expressed her affection with a kiss.
An Yu reciprocated the sentiment. Shortly after, Mi Lu arrived, claiming to bring Yiyi's forgotten water bottle, but she grew distressed upon seeing the close bond between An Yu and Yiyi. While at the park, Mi Lu received a phone call from Zhou Yuan, who informed her that her grandmother had passed away. Devastated, Mi Lu immediately left to return to her hometown, crying inconsolably during the drive.
Her driver, Ding, witnessed her grief and later called Shao Moli, arranging a meeting at 8 PM on Jiangbin Road, emphasizing that it was his own initiative, not Zhou Yuan's. Later, An Yu returned Yiyi to Zhou Yuan. Zhou Yuan’s first concern was whether Mi Lu had made things difficult for An Yu. An Yu replied that Mi Lu had not, but her mood had visibly changed after receiving a phone call.
Zhou Yuan then explained that Mi Lu's grandmother had passed away, and Mi Lu was already in her hometown, with him planning to join her after settling Yiyi. He then reaffirmed their agreement, assuring An Yu that she could continue to take Yiyi out every weekend. An Yu thanked him. As arranged, Shao Moli met with Ding on Jiangbin Road.
Ding, Zhou Yuan's driver, handed Shao Moli a USB drive, stating it contained useful information, and clarified that he was acting on his own, not at Zhou Yuan's behest. His only request was that Mi Lu remain unharmed, regardless of what Shao Moli planned for Zhou Yuan. Shao Moli examined the contents of the USB drive, which detailed several key projects Zhou Yuan had invested in when he first joined Xingchen Financial.
Shao Moli discovered that these projects were deliberately designed traps, causing substantial financial losses for the company. This confirmed his suspicion that Zhou Yuan had a premeditated plan to sabotage An Yu's father's company. Meanwhile, Mr. Lin, unable to keep silent any longer, visited An Yu to disclose a long-held secret. He played a recorded phone conversation with An Yu's father, An Wenbin, from four years prior.
In the recording, a despondent An Wenbin spoke of his grandson's first birthday, his own aging, and the severe operational problems plaguing his company, expressing bewilderment at its downfall and his desperation to save it for his employees. He confessed to feeling torn about his past actions and needing someone to talk to. After the recording, Mr. Lin explained that he had long suspected foul play and, after recent encounters, recognized Zhou Yuan's cunning nature.
He also revealed that Shao Moli had heard the same recording but likely withheld the information to protect An Yu from distress, calling Shao Moli a responsible man. An Yu, reeling from this revelation, confronted Shao Moli, demanding to know why he had hidden Zhou Yuan's actions from her, especially since it involved her father. Shao Moli explained that he wasn't intentionally hiding it but struggled with how to tell her, concerned about her emotional reaction.
He needed more time to thoroughly investigate because aspects of the situation, including Mr. Lin’s timing and reasoning for informing him first, then her, seemed suspicious. An Yu firmly declared that she would not break down and was determined to uncover the full truth. Shao Moli then showed her the documents from Ding.
He pointed out that while An Yu’s father had signed the project proposals, Zhou Yuan was the initiator and handler of every problematic project at Xingchen Financial, indicating a clear pattern of intentional sabotage. Shao Moli also asked An Yu if she recalled a man named Wang Kai, the whistleblower in her father's contract fraud case, whose company, Kaiyuan Trading, was involved. An Yu had no recollection of him.
Shao Moli added that Wang Kai had reportedly left the country four years ago for pancreatic cancer treatment, a detail his assistant, Fei’er, was currently investigating, as he sought to understand the potential connection between Zhou Yuan and Wang Kai.
Episode 27 Recap
An Yu had dinner with Mr. Gen, who apologized for Xiaoshu's past actions and ingratitude despite An Yu's kindness, saying he hadn't raised him well and wanted to apologize on Xiaoshu's behalf. An Yu reassured him, stating that young people have their own ideas and choices, and expressed contentment that they were now cooperating. She then showed Mr. Gen a photo of Wang Kai, the owner of Kaiyuan Trading, asking if he recognized him.
Mr. Gen recalled seeing Wang Kai once when Zhou Yuan introduced him to An Wenbin, encouraging An Wenbin to consider a business deal and assuring him that Wang Kai was "one of us" and trustworthy. During this meeting, Zhou Yuan took a call outside and could be heard urging An Wenbin not to delay, emphasizing their urgent financial situation.
Mr. Gen also distinctly remembered Wang Kai leaving in a car of a very unique color, which he later realized belonged to Mi Lu after Zhou Yuan and Mi Lu became a couple. This led An Yu to conclude that Wang Kai and Mi Lu must have known each other even back then. That night, unable to sleep, An Yu and Shao Moli had a drink on the balcony.
Shao Moli confirmed Mr. Gen's findings that Wang Kai and Mi Lu were indeed acquainted and shared the same hometown, Luoquan Town. He suggested they get a good night's sleep and head to Luoquan Town the next morning for further investigation, promising to wake her. The next day, Shao Moli drove, and An Yu fell asleep in the car, her head gently supported by Shao Moli.
Shao Moli thoughtfully covered the sleeping An Yu with a coat before exiting the car. An Yu soon woke up and told him to concentrate on driving. Meanwhile, Lailai called Ye Kai, reminding him about their landlord meeting, adding that if they didn't finalize the deal today, the deadline for returning the engagement ring would pass.
She also mentioned that both Shao Moli and An Yu had left early that morning, planning to be away for two days, and wondered if they had secretly gone somewhere together. Ye Kai and Lailai met Mr. Peng, the landlord, at a cafe to sign the housing contract.
When Lailai briefly stepped away to the restroom after a waiter accidentally spilled coffee, Mr. Peng revealed to Ye Kai that he had suspected they weren't a married couple during their video call, as they seemed more like a pair of lovers in the early stages of a relationship. He added that Lailai's finger had no indent from a ring, indicating she didn't habitually wear one.
Ye Kai apologized, admitting they had lied because they desperately wanted to buy a house in the city. Mr. Peng, understanding their desire, as he once shared it, agreed to proceed with the contract, advising Ye Kai to cherish his loved one. He could tell they had a strong affection for each other and believed they wouldn't deceive him. Upon waking up in Luoquan Town, An Yu found a note from Shao Moli and called him to meet.
He informed her that there was no news of Wang Kai, but he did have a younger brother. They decided to go door-to-door, asking residents. At a photo studio that had been open for forty years, the owner didn't recognize Wang Kai from a current photo. However, An Yu spotted a picture of Mi Lu on the wall. The owner confirmed it was "Old Mi's daughter," describing her as beautiful since childhood and a frequent visitor to the studio.
He also mentioned that she was often accompanied by a young man, and they had taken a family portrait together when he went to college, a photo so nice that the owner had enlarged and displayed it for half a year. Meanwhile, Mi Lu and Zhou Yuan were also looking at that same old photo.
Zhou Yuan recalled how happy Madam Mi was when he got into finance university after his second attempt, throwing a three-day banquet and insisting they take that picture together. Mi Lu became tearful, regretting leaving her grandmother alone in the house when she went to college, realizing her grandmother’s frequent calls were simply because she missed her. Zhou Yuan comforted her, assuring her that Madam Mi knew she was a filial child and urging her to stop blaming herself.
The photo studio owner found the family portrait for An Yu. To her shock, Zhou Yuan was in the picture, proving he and Mi Lu had known each other since childhood, a fact she had been completely unaware of during their university years. The revelation made her wonder how many secrets Zhou Yuan was keeping and if her father's imprisonment and her own troubles were connected to him.
While walking, An Yu encountered Mr. Wang, who confirmed he was Mi Lu’s childhood neighbor and Wang Kai's younger brother. He revealed that Wang Kai had left Luoquan Town after primary school, later going abroad for pancreatic cancer treatment, and had recently returned to a hospital after doctors declared his condition incurable. Mr. Wang shared the hospital's location. An Yu and Shao Moli visited Wang Kai.
An Yu introduced herself as An Wenbin's daughter and desperately sought the truth about her father's case, mentioning his death in prison from a heart attack. Wang Kai was unyielding, insisting that the court's verdict was the truth and repeatedly told her to leave. Wang Kai's brother asked An Yu to stop pressing him, given his poor health.
An Yu agreed to leave for now but vowed to return, continuing to visit and care for Wang Kai in the following days. Separately, Ye Kai invited An Yu and Shao Moli for bubble tea. They initially teased him, suspecting he wanted a favor, but he confessed he intended to propose to Lailai and needed their help with the arrangements. An Yu and Shao Moli were thrilled and enthusiastically agreed to cooperate fully.
Later, Ye Kai took Lailai to the riverside, claiming he found a quiet spot to help her de-stress. An Yu and Shao Moli were already there, discreetly setting up a romantic proposal scene. Lailai was completely surprised and delighted by the elaborate setup. Ye Kai knelt and formally proposed to Lailai, who joyfully accepted. They embraced and kissed, while Shao Moli captured the heartwarming moment on video.
Ye Kai, overwhelmed with happiness, felt he had reached the peak of his life, having his loved one by his side and his best friends there to share the joy. An Yu's persistent visits eventually led Wang Kai to reveal the truth. He explained that he had known Mi Lu since they were children, as their families lived next door to each other. Zhou Yuan was the son of Mi Lu's mother's good friend, whose family had faced an accident.
Wang Kai's own company was struggling financially, and he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Zhou Yuan offered him a sum of money for overseas medical treatment in exchange for a favor. Wang Kai agreed, and after signing a contract with Xingchen Financial, he followed Zhou Yuan's plan to immediately sue the company. He stressed that Mi Lu was completely unaware of his dealings with Zhou Yuan.
Deeply affected by the confession, An Yu visited her father's grave, regretting her past relationship with Zhou Yuan, feeling manipulated, and blaming herself for the chain of events that led to her father's demise. At An Wenbin's grave, An Yu confided in Lin Zhanhong about Wang Kai's confession and Zhou Yuan's deceit. Lin Zhanhong advised against confronting Zhou Yuan directly, arguing that a deceptive person would always find excuses and she wouldn't get the answers she sought.
He then presented her with an equity transfer agreement for Zhuoyue shares that An Wenbin had left for her. This agreement, set to become effective after twenty years, had just matured. Lin Zhanhong explained that An Wenbin's initial one-third stake, though diluted by new investors over the years, still amounted to nearly 10% of Zhuoyue's shares.
He also revealed that Zhou Yuan had been persistently contacting An Yu, using their child as leverage, to acquire these shares as part of his larger plan to fully take over Zhuoyue. Lin Zhanhong proposed a plan: An Yu should feign agreement to sell her shares to Zhou Yuan, appearing cooperative without revealing her true intentions. He assured her that with her help, they could work together to reclaim everything Zhou Yuan had taken from her and her father.
Episode 28 Recap
An Yu woke up to a message from Zhou Yuan, who was downstairs with Yiyi. They had breakfast together, and after Yiyi finished eating and went to play, An Yu asked Zhou Yuan if he remembered that it was her father's birthday three days prior. Zhou Yuan expressed shame, admitting he had failed to keep his promise to An Yu's father to take care of her for life, mentioning he had found their wedding video.
He vowed to make up for all his past failures in the future. An Yu listened without any visible reaction, simply watching Yiyi. Zhou Yuan remarked that Yiyi was growing quite fond of An Yu, attributing it to a "blood relation." Separately, Lin Zhanhong received a call informing him that the patent for the Smart Desk's electronic screen had been registered by Heyuan Tech, right after their contract was signed.
Recognizing the company name, Lin Zhanhong immediately knew He Shuo was behind it. An employee explained that legally, patent interference cases are complicated and would involve a lengthy court battle, which Zhuoyue Financial Group could not afford to waste time on. Lin Zhanhong declared he would find a solution for the patent issue and instructed his team to continue moving forward with the project as planned. Later, Zhou Yuan, An Yu, and Yiyi visited a Muay Thai gym.
Zhou Yuan noted Yiyi's enjoyment and reminisced about An Yu's own varied hobbies from the past, such as learning cello, cooking, jazz dance, and even carpentry. An Yu expressed surprise at his detailed memory. Zhou Yuan suggested that she would soon be able to return to her old life. He then brought up the 30% shares in Zhuoyue Financial Group that An Yu’s father had left her when he founded the company.
Zhou Yuan mentioned that these shares had a 20-year term, which was nearing its end, and advised her to expect calls from lawyers regarding them, implying she wouldn't need to work so hard with these shares. An Yu questioned his sudden concern for her life. A flashback revealed a prior conversation between An Yu and Lin Zhanhong, where Lin Zhanhong informed An Yu that these shares were her crucial "bargaining chips to defeat Zhou Yuan."
He also shared that he had a plan to help her reclaim everything she and her father had lost from Zhou Yuan, but it required her cooperation. Back in the present, An Yu simply thanked Zhou Yuan for his concern. Lin Zhanhong then met with He Shuo to discuss the patent issue. Lin Zhanhong's sole demand was a swift resolution to resume production. He Shuo named a high transfer fee, implying the amount was fair considering Zhuoyue's investment.
Lin Zhanhong agreed, but explained that Zhuoyue Financial Group currently lacked sufficient liquidity and proposed exchanging Zhuoyue shares of equal value instead. He Shuo expressed surprise at Lin Zhanhong's willingness to give up shares so easily, sensing a hidden motive. Lin Zhanhong confirmed his suspicions, revealing that he needed He Shuo to do him "another small favor" to seal the deal.
Later, in the car, Yiyi showed An Yu a gift from a new friend she made and then innocently asked if An Yu and Zhou Yuan were good friends. Zhou Yuan quickly interjected, explaining that he and An Yu were "more than good friends" and that Yiyi should treat An Yu "like a family member," promising that An Yu would always be there for her whenever she missed her.
After they made a pinkie promise, Zhou Yuan dropped An Yu off at her home. Meanwhile, Shao Moli was deep in thought, analyzing the tangled relationships. He found it difficult to understand why Zhou Yuan would go to such extreme lengths, abandoning his childhood sweetheart to marry and have a child with another woman, if he were merely after An Yu's family assets.
He was also puzzled by Mi Lu's willing participation in Zhou Yuan's elaborate scheme for so many years, given her own capabilities and career. His research on Zhuoyue Financial Group's founders led him to uncover the name "Xiao Feng," about whom little information was available. He immediately called Ye Kai and asked him to conduct a thorough background check on Xiao Feng. Lin Zhanhong summoned Jiang Haoran to his office, directly asking him what else he knew about Yimi Capital.
Jiang Haoran, suddenly humble, apologized for past work errors and insisted he knew "nothing else" about the company. Lin Zhanhong presented him with a resignation letter and a non-disclosure agreement, which stipulated a five-year ban from working for other financial companies and prohibited him from disclosing any information about Yimi Capital or Zhou Yuan. He gave Jiang Haoran a choice: sign the documents and know nothing, or provide another Yimi Capital proposal. Lin Zhanhong advised him to think carefully.
Later, Jiang Haoran called Xu Jingya, intending to ask for her help. That evening, while having dinner together, they were accosted by a man, an aggressive former date of Xu Jingya's, who hurled insults at her and Jiang Haoran. Jiang Haoran defended Xu Jingya, resulting in a physical altercation where he took a punch. Afterwards, Xu Jingya thanked him and revealed her decision to leave Yuqing and return to her hometown permanently.
Despite his clear reluctance to see her go, Jiang Haoran did not ask her for help with his predicament. He attempted to act indifferent, claiming he had never liked her, but they shared a sorrowful embrace before she departed. That night, Ye Kai delivered the requested information about Xiao Feng to Shao Moli. Ye Kai explained that Xiao Feng was one of the co-founders of Zhuoyue Financial Group, alongside An Wenbin and Lin Zhanhong, who were once close friends.
However, ideological differences led them to part ways: Lin Zhanhong remained with Zhuoyue, while Xiao Feng and An Wenbin each founded their own companies. Shao Moli expressed confusion as to why someone with such a promising start would commit suicide. Ye Kai revealed that Xiao Feng was a highly aggressive investor who lost heavily in two consecutive investments. He then "went insane," borrowing extensively from loan sharks and investing all his money, using triple leverage, into the stock market.
Ye Kai uncovered a critical detail: on the very day Xiao Feng died by suicide, An Yu’s father, An Wenbin, along with a group of creditors, had gone to Xiao Feng's home to demand repayment, with the events occurring almost simultaneously. Shao Moli inquired about Xiao Feng's family. Ye Kai confirmed that Xiao Feng was married and had a son, but his wife, who suffered from poor health, passed away shortly after Xiao Feng's suicide.
Despite extensive searches, including local orphanages, no information about their son could be found. Connecting Zhou Yuan's elusive past with the untraceable son, Shao Moli deduced that Zhou Yuan might be Xiao Feng's son, and his elaborate scheme was driven by a quest for revenge.
Noticing that Xiao Feng's suicide date was January 5th, which was in two days, Shao Moli immediately called Ding and instructed him to meticulously monitor Zhou Yuan's every move for the entire day on January 5th, specifically warning him not to harm Mi Lu. Later that night, Shao Moli found An Yu on the balcony and embraced her.
An Yu confessed that she wanted to participate in an amateur Muay Thai competition, explaining that she hoped to find courage for a very important decision she needed to make, just as her earlier Muay Thai training had helped her overcome stress during her probation period at Zhuoyue Financial Group. Shao Moli offered his full support and encouraged her.
At the competition, Shao Moli informed An Yu about the high caliber of amateur contestants and the need to win three matches to become champion, offering her a chance to withdraw, but An Yu firmly refused, stating she couldn't lose her spirit. There, they encountered Zhou Min, who greeted An Yu as her "An'an sister" and mentor, acknowledging that An Yu and Shao Moli had introduced her to Muay Thai.
Coincidentally, the first match was announced to be between An Yu and Zhou Min. Zhou Min told An Yu that the match held special significance for her and she would not go easy, to which An Yu responded in kind. An Yu ultimately won the match. Afterward, Zhou Min, despite a swollen face, praised An Yu's improved strength and form, saying she felt her power.
Zhou Min then confided that it was her father's birthday, and she had hoped to win to show him she had moved on from her past struggles, but she realized losing was acceptable as long as he knew she had tried her best. An Yu shared that she, too, was participating to find the courage for a crucial decision. Shortly after, Shao Moli received a call from Ding, informing him that Zhou Yuan had left his location. With important business to attend to, Shao Moli told An Yu to head home and rest, and An Yu departed.
Episode 29 Recap
Shao Moli sat by the river, deep in thought, when Ye Kai approached him. Shao Moli revealed that he had uncovered the truth: Zhou Yuan is Xiao Feng's son, whose real name is Xiao Yong. This discovery confirmed that An Yu's father and Zhou Yuan's father shared a significant past. According to old records, An Yu's father had pressed Zhou Yuan's father to repay a debt, which tragically led to Zhou Yuan's father jumping from a building.
This was likely the reason Zhou Yuan sought to destroy An Wenbin years later. Shao Moli wondered how he would ever be able to tell An Yu this distressing information. Ye Kai then shared more relevant details with Shao Moli. He explained that when the three former partners, An Wenbin, Xiao Feng, and Lin Zhanhong, went their separate ways, Zhuoyue's shares were divided into three parts.
Lin Zhanhong kept his portion, while An Wenbin and Xiao Feng placed their shares in custody. The expiry date for these entrusted shares was fast approaching, and now both An Yu and Zhou Yuan held an identical portion of Zhuoyue's shares. Shao Moli was puzzled by Lin Zhanhong's intentions. Suddenly, a text message prompted him to leave abruptly. Shao Moli found Lin Zhanhong and confronted him about using Zhuoyue's shares to acquire the Smart Desk patent.
Shao Moli pointed out that Lin Zhanhong's behavior had been unusually erratic since the Smart Desk project encountered problems. He not only personally handled the issue but also agreed to He Shuo's "sky-high price." These actions, Shao Moli noted, coincided precisely with An Yu and Zhou Yuan receiving their fathers' Zhuoyue shares. Realizing Shao Moli was aware of his plans, Lin Zhanhong asked how he had found out.
Shao Moli reminded him of his earlier warning not to exploit An Yu's hatred. Lin Zhanhong reiterated his unwavering goal to acquire Yimi, stating that since Shao Moli refused to cooperate, he had no choice but to pursue his own strategy.
Shao Moli accurately deduced Lin Zhanhong's elaborate scheme: to manipulate An Yu into pretending she would sell her shares to Zhou Yuan, thereby leading Zhou Yuan to believe he could secure the shares, and then to bet everything on buying the shares He Shuo held. Shao Moli questioned why Lin Zhanhong would risk Zhuoyue's fate for such a complex setup. Lin Zhanhong responded that only one of them could emerge victorious, implying a life-or-death struggle.
Shao Moli, however, insisted that An Yu should not be dragged into their conflict. Lin Zhanhong argued that An Yu had the right to make her own choices. He reminded Shao Moli that he knew how deeply An Yu loved her father and how much her father's memory meant to her.
Unless Shao Moli wanted to destroy that image in her mind, he should allow her the freedom to choose her path, and surely he wouldn't want to see her hurt. An Yu later sat on her sofa, caught between Zhou Yuan's words and Lin Zhanhong's earlier counsel. Lin Zhanhong had told An Yu that her father held 30% of Zhuoyue's shares, which were passed down to her.
He had warned her about Zhou Yuan's ambition to take over Zhuoyue and advised her to pretend to agree to sell her shares to Zhou Yuan, promising they would then join forces to avenge her father. Meanwhile, Mi Lu reviewed her company's projects and discovered that several A-level projects had been mortgaged. Her subordinate, under pressure, confessed that Mr. Zhou had mortgaged the majority of the company's projects.
At the same time, Zhou Yuan went to a Japanese restaurant to meet He Shuo, despite being allergic to raw food. His driver expressed concern, but Zhou Yuan insisted on going. He Shuo offered Zhou Yuan Arctic surf clams, elaborating on their rarity and difficulty to catch, and subtly mocked Zhou Yuan for being at a Japanese restaurant if he couldn't eat raw food. Zhou Yuan cut to the chase, stating his intention to buy He Shuo's Zhuoyue shares.
He Shuo, already aware of Zhou Yuan mortgaging Yimi's projects, noted his determination to acquire the shares. Zhou Yuan presented a generous offer, including Zhuoyue's projected incremental capital-output ratio and profit dividends for the next five years. He Shuo found Zhou Yuan impatient and then claimed the offer was insufficient, demanding a higher price. He then challenged Zhou Yuan to eat all the raw dishes on the table if he wanted to continue negotiations.
Zhou Yuan complied and ate the raw food. After Zhou Yuan finished, He Shuo changed his stance again, making the deal seem "a bit difficult to do," effectively increasing his demand. Zhou Yuan warned him not to push too far, but ultimately agreed to the new price, requesting time to gather the substantial funds. He Shuo then indicated he would be traveling abroad for an indefinite period, implying Zhou Yuan had limited time.
Back in the car, Zhou Yuan, suffering from an allergic reaction, was offered medicine by his driver, Ding, but he asked to be left alone. Alone in the car, Zhou Yuan was flooded with childhood memories. He recalled his father's alcoholism and his mother's illness. His ailing mother had urged him, then named Xiao Yong, to deliver a letter to "Mr. Lin" (Lin Zhanhong), hoping for financial help.
Young Xiao Yong found Lin Zhanhong at a gathering, where he overheard a "Mr. Qin" giving Lin Zhanhong a 500,000 yuan commission. Xiao Yong handed the letter to Lin Zhanhong, which was a desperate plea for a 100,000 yuan loan. Lin Zhanhong, however, dismissed Xiao Yong, claiming he was "short of money" and "hard up."
He promised to send money later and quickly arranged for some food to be packed for Xiao Yong to take home, eager to resume his business talks. Mi Lu called Zhou Yuan, expressing frustration that he had ignored her calls all day. She questioned why he had mortgaged Yimi's A-level projects, which were the company's foundation, when they had only agreed to sell less important assets. She warned him of the immense risk, fearing the entire company could be lost.
Zhou Yuan, acknowledging the risks, asked for her support, saying that while others might tell him to give up, she shouldn't. He assured her that everything would soon be over, and they could finally live a stable life with Yiyi, free from his relentless pursuit of revenge. After their conversation, Mi Lu went to check on Yiyi.
Jiang Haoran pondered the two options Lin Zhanhong had presented him: sign a confidentiality agreement and resignation letter, or retrieve a copy of Yimi Capital's proposal. He recalled An Yu's wisdom: "You shouldn't criticize others if you don't know how they suffer." After much deliberation, he signed his resignation letter. Meanwhile, Xu Jingya, en route to the airport, saw a message in the company chat group about Jiang Haoran's resignation. She immediately instructed her taxi driver to turn back.
She arrived at Zhuoyue just as Jiang Haoran was leaving the building with his belongings. She approached him and helped him carry his luggage. In a touching moment, they finally held hands, signifying their reconciliation. An Yu had successfully reached the Muay Thai finals. Shao Moli, ever supportive, encouraged her, emphasizing that her safety was paramount, regardless of the outcome. An Yu confessed her nervousness, acknowledging her opponent as last year's formidable champion.
Ye Kai called Shao Moli, asking him to accompany him to a bridal shop, as his fiancée, Lailai, was too busy. Shao Moli was hesitant, but An Yu urged him to go, emphasizing the importance of friendship and marriage, claiming she would simply change and go home.
This was a pretext, as An Yu had received a message from Lin Zhanhong, reminding her that Zhou Yuan was about to make his move and would likely offer to buy her shares soon. He urged her to remember what Zhou Yuan had done to her father, stressing that this was their "only chance." Shortly after, An Yu received a text from Zhou Yuan asking to meet that evening to discuss something important.
An Yu met Zhou Yuan, who spoke of making amends for his past actions. He proposed that she sell her Zhuoyue shares to him, suggesting it would quickly provide her with money, ease her financial burdens, and allow her more time with Yiyi, helping her return to her former life. An Yu, seeing through his facade, questioned if he believed money was her primary need.
Zhou Yuan insisted he had no selfish motives, claiming his actions were "for your sake," and implored her not to misunderstand him due to her hatred. An Yu replied that she would "think about it." On the day of the Muay Thai final, Lailai, much to Ye Kai's playful chagrin, was also present, having prioritized An Yu's match over their wedding preparations.
Shao Moli warned An Yu about her opponent's fighting style, noting her use of "subtle tricks" to disrupt opponents' rhythm, a tactic that had secured her many championships. An Yu promised to be careful. The match began intensely, and An Yu fought valiantly. In the final round, she was knocked to the ground.
As the referee began the count, An Yu was overwhelmed by a series of flashbacks: the devastating news of her father's death from a myocardial infarction in prison, and Zhou Yuan's cruel words after her release, telling her she couldn't see Yiyi because she was "a mom who went to jail." Fueled by an intense hatred for Zhou Yuan, An Yu, against all odds, rose to her feet just before the count concluded.
Episode 30 Recap
An Yu fought fiercely in her Muay Thai match. At the last moment, she rose with an unyielding spirit, ultimately defeating her opponent. Below the ring, Lai Lai and Ye Kai cheered enthusiastically, while Shao Mo Li ran up to embrace her, expressing his happiness. An Yu told him it was time for her life to move to its next stage. Both Lai Lai and Ye Kai were moved to tears.
The following morning, An Yu, feeling refreshed, knocked on Shao Mo Li's door, insistent on taking him to an amusement park. Despite her recent competition and a visible wound on her face, she assured him it was just a minor scratch and insisted they go have fun. Meanwhile, at home, Mi Lu accidentally discovered a photo of An Yu and Zhou Yuan tucked away in his ID wallet, a keepsake he had always carried.
At the amusement park, An Yu was exceptionally happy, and she confided in Shao Mo Li that her joy wasn't just from winning the competition. Shao Mo Li revealed that he knew she had made a very difficult decision at the moment of her victory. He explained that he understood her well; whenever she was in a bad mood, she would box, and her participation in the competition indicated she was facing immense internal struggle.
He had also learned about Lin Zhanhong's plan to exchange Zhuoyue's shares for He Shuo's copyright, which made him suspect Lin Zhanhong had other intentions. Upon questioning, Lin Zhanhong admitted he wanted An Yu to cooperate with his plan. At that point, Shao Mo Li realized An Yu was grappling with a crucial decision: whether to seek revenge. An Yu was touched, realizing Shao Mo Li had been aware of her struggles and had silently supported her all along.
Shao Mo Li confessed his deep admiration for her strength, admitting he couldn't imagine facing such adversity with her courage and resilience. His simple question, "You must be exhausted," caused An Yu to break down in tears. She admitted that living with hatred was incredibly difficult and painful. She wondered why she should waste her life consumed by bitterness when there was so much joy in things like amusement parks, delicious ice cream, beautiful sunlight, or even a silly husky.
Shao Mo Li playfully suggested she should waste her life on him instead, encouraging her to ride roller coasters and pirate ships so she would have to hold onto him tightly. They embraced, and An Yu expressed her gratitude for his constant presence, to which Shao Mo Li firmly promised he would always be there. An Yu then bravely declared her love for him. Shortly after, An Yu received a phone call from Mi Lu, who requested a meeting.
An Yu agreed and went to see her. An Yu began by acknowledging that she had only recently learned about Mi Lu and Zhou Yuan being childhood sweethearts. She mused that perhaps she was the one who should never have been part of their complicated relationship. Mi Lu, in turn, confessed that she had always believed Zhou Yuan didn't truly love An Yu, even with their child, thinking it was merely an accident or out of guilt.
This belief held true until she found the treasured photo. An Yu gave a bitter laugh upon seeing it, remarking that it felt like something from a past life, now seeming distant and irrelevant. She reassured Mi Lu that there was no need to dwell on it. Mi Lu then revealed Zhou Yuan's increasingly erratic state, explaining that he had mortgaged all their assets, including their family home and Yimi Capital.
She pleaded with An Yu not to sell her shares to Zhou Yuan, believing it was the only way to prevent him from falling into an irreversible abyss. An Yu calmly assured her that she would not sell the shares, stating that she had already made this decision before their meeting. She handed Mi Lu the equity transfer contract, instructing her to return it to Zhou Yuan and tell him that everything was over.
Mi Lu, relieved and grateful, thanked An Yu and offered her the opportunity to visit Yiyi every week. An Yu thanked her and left. Mi Lu returned home and confronted Zhou Yuan, giving him back the contract and revealing she had told An Yu everything. Zhou Yuan was enraged, accusing her of ruining his plans when he was so close to acquiring Zhuoyue.
Mi Lu argued that Yimi's current assets were no match for Zhuoyue and pointed out he had mortgaged all their assets, including their family home. Zhou Yuan insisted he couldn't back out now. Pressed by Mi Lu, he finally confessed that he had orchestrated An Wenbin's imprisonment, vehemently claiming An Wenbin deserved his fate. Mi Lu was stunned by his confession, feeling he had become a complete stranger.
Later, Zhou Yuan met with An Yu, attempting one last time to convince her to sell him her shares. An Yu reiterated her refusal, explaining that she no longer sought revenge, and seeing him ruined would bring her no happiness. She urged him to reconsider his actions for the sake of Yiyi and Mi Lu. Zhou Yuan's composure broke as he revealed his true identity as Xiao Yong, Xiao Feng's son.
He recounted the tragic story of his father's suicide when he was 13, forced to jump to his death by An Yu's father, An Wenbin, over debt. He vividly described witnessing his father fall to his death. He also blamed Lin Zhanhong for his father's death, accusing him of refusing to help when he was dying. Zhou Yuan declared his unwavering resolve for revenge and demanded An Yu sell him the shares.
When An Yu steadfastly refused, Zhou Yuan immediately called He Shuo, agreeing to his terms. Separately, An Yu also sought out Lin Zhanhong, confronting him about Xiao Feng's suicide 20 years ago and asking about his and her father's roles in the incident. Lin Zhanhong confirmed Zhou Yuan had told her everything. An Yu then informed him that she had decided against seeking revenge and had revealed her true intentions regarding the shares to Zhou Yuan.
Lin Zhanhong expressed his dismay, calling her foolish and questioning her abandonment of revenge for her father. He argued that while the details of Xiao Feng's death from 20 years ago were murky, Zhou Yuan's actions against An Yu's father four years ago, which caused Xingchen Financial to go bankrupt and led to her father's imprisonment, were undeniable. He reminded her of their agreement to reclaim what her father had lost.
Lin Zhanhong revealed that to execute their plan and advance An Yu's cherished Smart Desk project, he had already exchanged most of Zhuoyue's assets with He Shuo. He couldn't understand how she could abandon the plan at such a critical juncture. An Yu questioned whether all his efforts were solely for her benefit.
Lin Zhanhong, in a sentimental moment, recalled the early days 20 years ago when he, An Yu's father, and Xiao Feng dreamt of building China's largest financial company from an unfinished building, with less than ten thousand yuan between them. He commented on how seeing An Yu always reminded him of her father and their past struggles.
He then received a phone call, and after a brief conversation, abruptly told An Yu to forget the past and let it go, before excusing himself and leaving. Meanwhile, Mi Lu frantically searched for Zhou Yuan. She found him and warned him against signing any deal with He Shuo, believing it was a trap set by Lin Zhanhong. Zhou Yuan dismissed her concerns, stating that He Shuo was about to leave Yuqing, and he couldn't afford to miss the opportunity.
He also boasted that An Yu's refusal to sell her shares wouldn't deter him, as he would find other shareholders to sell theirs. Mi Lu then realized with horror that he was resorting to borrowing from usurers, specifically Yuan Wei, to secure the funds for He Shuo's shares. In a desperate attempt to stop him, Mi Lu intercepted Zhou Yuan's car on the highway. She pleaded with him to stop and return home for Yiyi's sake.
However, Zhou Yuan, hardened by his resolve, simply apologized through the locked car window and drove away. In a separate storyline, Fang Li, exhausted from working all day and spending her nights at the hospital with her son, fell asleep in her car in the parking lot. Su Da Yong, who had been persistently pursuing her, discovered her there. Instead of waking her, he went to the hospital and watched over her son throughout the night.
The next morning, when Fang Li rushed into the hospital, the head nurse informed her that "Xiao Su" had taken care of her son. Fang Li, still resistant to Su Da Yong's advances, tried to send him away. However, he concocted a story about a noisy husky in his apartment building preventing him from sleeping, claiming the hospital was quiet. He then proposed a schedule for them to share the night shifts at the hospital.
Fang Li, implicitly allowing him to stay and help with her son, prompted him to happily go buy breakfast. Back at Zhuoyue, Fang Li meticulously reviewed project reports, requesting additional preliminary reports from the Risk Management team for projects like fire-fighting drones, Pony Online Education, and peptide biopharmaceuticals, specifically asking for adjustments to projected revenue. An Yu worked alongside her, diligently refining the details of these reports, ensuring accuracy in valuations, equity relationships, and clinical trial confirmations.
Episode 31 Recap
Lailai, dressed in her wedding gown, left Ye Kai awestruck. However, ever the thrifty planner, she started cutting down items from the wedding package, including the bubble machine, seafood, souvenirs, cigarettes, and liquor. She suggested they could provide these items themselves and even proposed Shao Mo Li as their free MC. Ye Kai playfully questioned her choices, reminding her that Shao Mo Li was supposed to be his best man, but Lailai insisted.
Later that evening, An Yu, Shao Mo Li, Lailai, and Ye Kai gathered for dinner. Shao Mo Li suggested moving in with An Yu. An Yu agreed, telling Lailai that Shao Mo Li could take over her room. Lailai expressed sadness about leaving An Yu before her wedding, but An Yu reassured her, calling her "silly Lailai" and promising that they would still live close by and continue to share meals and drinks as four friends.
Ye Kai then playfully declared that one house would be the "An Residence" and the other the "Jin Residence," joking that Lailai and An Yu, as the "first names on the household register," would decide how they'd all combine households in the future. Everyone happily toasted to their future together. That night, Lailai began moving her dolls to the new place, while Shao Mo Li helped An Yu pack.
Ye Kai, eager to share a bed with Lailai, was told he would be sleeping on the sofa. An Yu then gave Shao Mo Li a tour of her apartment, emphasizing respect and goodwill to ensure a harmonious "An Residence." Meanwhile, Zhou Yuan continued his desperate attempts to acquire the remaining five percent of Zhuoyue shares he needed. He met Mr. Ke, who firmly refused to sell his shares.
Determined, Zhou Yuan instructed his assistant, Ding, to arrange meetings with other shareholders, Mr. Luo, Mr. Yang, and Mr. Huang. Soon after, Lin Zhanhong sent Zhou Yuan a message, inviting him to meet, addressing him as "nephew" based on their family connection. They met at the same noodle shop they had visited before.
Lin Zhanhong revealed that he was fully aware of Zhou Yuan's true identity and all his actions against Xingchen Financial, An Wenbin, and his ambition to take over Zhuoyue. Zhou Yuan, unflinching, stated he would never let Lin Zhanhong off. Lin Zhanhong commented on Zhou Yuan's hot-headedness, similar to his father, but then asked if pursuing a "mere misunderstanding" to such an extent was truly worth it.
Zhou Yuan scoffed at the idea of a misunderstanding, declaring that he had been conserving his strength for years, waiting for Lin Zhanhong's return to make him experience the pain of abandonment. Lin Zhanhong then coldly laid out the full extent of his manipulation. He detailed how Zhou Yuan had mortgaged all of Yimi Capital's assets to purchase He Shuo's shares and had even resorted to high-interest loans from Yuan Wei, despite having no collateral.
He questioned how Zhou Yuan planned to repay these debts, suggesting that no other shareholders would sell their shares to him. Lin Zhanhong then offered a condescending solution: if Zhou Yuan would beg, he might consider repurchasing Zhou Yuan's Zhuoyue shares, urging him to consider the fate of his wife and child. Zhou Yuan, fueled by rage, vowed he would never bow to Lin Zhanhong or sell his father's shares, even if it meant losing everything.
Lin Zhanhong merely smiled, explaining that every seemingly random event—He Shuo's sudden demands, the quick contract, his abrupt departure to Melbourne, and Yuan Wei's willingness to lend money—was all part of a meticulously crafted trap. He explained that a person consumed by hatred easily loses rationality and falls into schemes, concluding with a chilling statement that Zhou Yuan had lost from the very beginning. Lin Zhanhong then left.
Mi Lu tried repeatedly to contact Zhou Yuan, but his phone was off. She searched for him at all his usual haunts, eventually finding him drunk and disoriented by the roadside. She tried to persuade him to come home, mentioning Yiyi and the dinner waiting for him. But Zhou Yuan was lost in his past, rambling about his father's death, their confiscated home, and his mother's demise, consumed by his hatred for Lin Zhanhong.
When Mi Lu tried to lead him home, he pushed her away, insisting that Lin Zhanhong owed his father an apology. Meanwhile, back at An Yu’s place, Ye Kai swiftly departed with Lailai after helping move Shao Mo Li’s belongings. As An Yu and Shao Mo Li organized the remaining boxes into the storeroom, An Yu’s dog, Ice Cream, accidentally made a mess, dirtying some of her father's old items.
While cleaning, An Yu discovered a letter from Zhou Yuan’s father, Xiao Feng, addressed to her own father, An Wenbin. The letter revealed a shocking truth: An Wenbin had always been a loyal friend, lending Xiao Feng money and trying to help him escape his predicament, nearly going bankrupt himself.
Xiao Feng expressed deep gratitude to An Wenbin and also acknowledged that Lin Zhanhong's refusal to lend him money, though painful at the time, was likely a rational decision made for his own good. Xiao Feng admitted his weakness, exhaustion, and inability to face a new start, regretting the suffering his wife and child had endured. He took full responsibility for his downfall, stating that he could only repay his debts in the next life.
This letter completely contradicted Zhou Yuan's long-held belief that his father was betrayed and that Lin Zhanhong and An Wenbin were responsible for his death. Shao Mo Li realized the letter's significance and urged An Yu to show it to Zhou Yuan, but when An Yu tried to call him, his phone was off. Later, An Yu found Mi Lu drinking alone at a bar.
An Yu had recently learned about Mi Lu and Zhou Yuan's childhood connection and the complications of their relationship. Mi Lu, still reeling from Zhou Yuan's desperation, tried to gather support by seeking help from people she had once assisted, but they all refused, citing the high risks involved with Zhuoyue and Lin Zhanhong's influence. They advised her to distance herself from Zhou Yuan.
An Yu, realizing the true nature of the past, handed Mi Lu Xiao Feng's letter, emphasizing that it contained the truth and Zhou Yuan needed to see it. After reading the letter, Mi Lu refused to give it to Zhou Yuan, fearing he would be unable to cope with the revelation that his life's obsession with revenge was based on a monumental misunderstanding. At that moment, Ding called Mi Lu, informing her that Zhou Yuan was in trouble.
As Shao Mo Li left work, he witnessed Lin Zhanhong being abducted. He gave chase and soon realized that Zhou Yuan was behind the kidnapping. Zhou Yuan had taken Lin Zhanhong to his father’s grave, violently demanding that Lin Zhanhong kneel and apologize. Lin Zhanhong defiantly refused, stating he had done nothing wrong and that Xiao Feng's death was a result of his own insatiable greed, not anyone else's fault.
Enraged, Zhou Yuan threatened to kill Lin Zhanhong if he didn't apologize, raising a golf club as he counted to three. Just as he was about to strike, Mi Lu, An Yu, and Ding arrived. Ding tackled Zhou Yuan, preventing him from harming Lin Zhanhong. Mi Lu then handed Zhou Yuan his father’s letter. Reading the words, Zhou Yuan collapsed, overwhelmed, in front of the tombstone. Later, sitting in his yard, Zhou Yuan reflected on his life.
He finally understood that his years of unwavering persistence had been for a "foolish grudge," an erroneous obsession that had ruined An Yu's happiness, destroyed his own life, and caused pain to many innocent people. He was consumed by guilt, wondering how he could ever atone for his mistakes. Mi Lu gently approached him, covering him with a blanket, and reassured him that they would always be there for him, no matter what.
She shared that Yiyi had written an essay titled "My Happy Family," describing his mother as loving and his father as a superhero, aspiring to be like him when he grew up. Touched, Zhou Yuan promised to cook dinner for Mi Lu and Yiyi that night as a special reward.
Episode 32 Recap
An Yu and Shao Moli officially began their co-habitation, sharing morning routines like brushing their teeth, making breakfast, and playfully taking out the trash together. Over breakfast, they discussed work, with Shao Moli mentioning an upcoming routine meeting and suggesting An Yu was due for praise. An Yu, however, was more concerned that her firefighting drone and polypeptide biotech projects would be approved, saying accolades were secondary.
Shao Moli confidently reassured her that given the successful roadshow, the projects would surely pass. At the company, Jin Lailai predicted that Chairman Lin Zhanhong would specifically commend An Yu, citing a 20% increase in Wei'er Hotel's revenue post-acquisition. Su Dayong added the good news of Hongxin Telecom's successful IPO application in Hong Kong, and Fang Li also complimented An Yu on the thriving Smart Desk and the revival of Soulmate.
However, during the routine meeting, Lin Zhanhong surprised everyone by awarding the "Star of Zhuoyue" title to Fang Li and Jin Lailai. He rejected An Yu's projects, while approving Su Dayong's Community Grocery E-commerce Project. When An Yu directly asked for the reasons behind the rejection of her polypeptide biotech and firefighting drone projects, Lin Zhanhong coldly responded that as the project proposer, she should know their flaws better than anyone.
Following the meeting, Shao Moli, ignoring his assistant Ding's attempts to stop him, stormed into Lin Zhanhong's office. He confronted the chairman, questioning his decision and reminding him that Zhuoyue's investment philosophy traditionally embraced long-term projects, not just short-term gains, having invested in many three, five, or even ten-year projects before. He challenged Lin Zhanhong, asking if Zhuoyue wanted to transform or if the chairman had other plans.
Lin Zhanhong defended his stance by citing a risk management report, stating An Yu's projects required significant funding, had long payback periods, and high uncertainties. He asserted his authority as chairman, implying he had the right to set his own plans for Zhuoyue and did not need to report his thoughts. Shao Moli stressed that Zhuoyue was the result of everyone's hard work, especially An Yu's, and their common goal was its continued prosperity.
Lin Zhanhong ended the conversation abruptly, taking a phone call and dismissing Shao Moli. Meanwhile, Fang Li visited Fangfang in the hospital, where Su Dayong had prepared a cake to celebrate her birthday. He confessed his feelings, expressing his desire to spend every future birthday with her and Fangfang. Fang Li, in tears, told him they were not suitable, citing Fangfang's condition and her fear of being a burden.
She felt she no longer had the right to seek love and did not want to drag anyone down, revealing her own struggles and loneliness despite projecting a cheerful image. Su Dayong acknowledged her struggles, but insisted he simply wanted to be by her and Fangfang's side, finding happiness and hope in caring for them. He pleaded with her not to push him away and allow him to share her burden.
During their emotional exchange, Fangfang, who was lying in bed, shed a tear and moved a finger, showing a glimmer of improvement. Back at the office, Jin Lailai discovered the first batch of Smart Desks ordered by the Soulmate Foundation had arrived. An Yu explained they planned a team-building trip to Nankou Village to deliver the desks to the children.
Jin Lailai excitedly informed her fiancé, Kai, who was in the middle of a wedding photoshoot, to come immediately, insisting he didn't even need to change his suit. On the journey, the team was in high spirits, with Shao Moli secretly taking photos of An Yu. Upon arrival, Kai, still in his formal attire, was teased for his appearance and then quickly changed to help.
The team members introduced themselves as teachers to the children, demonstrating the Smart Desks' unique feature: a green button for video calls to their parents, and an option to leave a message if calls weren't answered. A child named Dapeng successfully connected with his mother, a delivery person, sharing a heartfelt exchange. This inspired other children to eagerly try the new technology. That morning, Mi Lu woke to find Zhou Yuan preparing breakfast, a sweet surprise.
He then spent the day playing with Yiyi and put him to bed that night. Mi Lu expressed her joy, envisioning a future where they could cook together and travel as a happy family. However, Zhou Yuan seemed distant, abruptly interrupting her and telling her not to overthink, hinting that the past was behind them. His behavior left Mi Lu feeling unsettled.
On their return journey from Nankou Village, An Yu proposed establishing a charity fund for the children, an idea enthusiastically supported by her colleagues. During their discussion, An Yu received a text message from Zhou Yuan that simply read, "Sorry. Goodbye." Her subsequent calls to him went straight to voicemail. Soon after, Shao Moli received an urgent call from Ding, who reported that Zhou Yuan was threatening to jump from the Zhuoyue Tower. The team immediately rushed back.
At the Zhuoyue building, An Yu saw Yiyi with the crowd below and asked Shao Moli to take him away. Mi Lu was already on the rooftop, desperately trying to talk Zhou Yuan down. Zhou Yuan, at the edge, declared he had lost everything and could not start over, feeling his life was a joke that began and should end there. Mi Lu tried to remind him of their happy morning with Yiyi and their chance to rebuild their family.
Just as Zhou Yuan was about to jump, An Yu arrived and called out to him. She pretended not to understand his goodbye message, asking him what he wanted to tell her, buying time for the police. Zhou Yuan then tearfully confessed to An Yu, apologizing for deceiving her from the start, admitting their initial encounter in the library with the umbrella was a premeditated act to get close to her.
He called himself a jerk and said he didn't deserve to live. An Yu quickly countered, praising him as a warm, capable person who managed a large company, and reminded him that Yiyi's loving nature was a reflection of his own guidance. As the police moved in to restrain him, Zhou Yuan became agitated, screaming about witnessing his own father's suicide. An Yu yelled back, urging him not to let the pain he experienced be passed on to Yiyi.
After Zhou Yuan was safely brought down, Shao Moli rushed to comfort a shaken An Yu. Later that night, An Yu took Yiyi home. Yiyi, still distraught from being kept away from his father earlier by Shao Moli, angrily called Shao Moli a "bad guy" and demanded he leave. Shao Moli offered to stay in a hotel, but An Yu urged him to stay in his room, explaining that Yiyi's emotions were simply amplified by the day's traumatic events.
An Yu asked Shao Moli if he could stay with her during this difficult time. Shao Moli quietly went to his room. An Yu then comforted Yiyi by telling him a bedtime story about a young prince and a mysterious "Black Knight" who always protected him, subtly implying Shao Moli's role as a protector, whose hidden face symbolized his own reasons and sacrifices.
Episode 33 Recap
Zhou Yuan arrived at Yimi Capital to address the employees who had remained with the company. He expressed his gratitude for their loyalty and contributions, bowing deeply as he apologized for the difficulties he had caused. He told them that many things had transpired with both him and Yimi Capital, and he was deeply sorry for letting them down.
He stated that while running a company was a mission in his life, he had made mistakes and now needed to take responsibility, promising that any remaining funds after the company's liquidation would be distributed as severance pay. He urged them to be proud of themselves and face life bravely, adding that he was also proud of his decision today to stop and reflect on the issues.
Following his public apology, Zhou Yuan met with Mi Lu and presented her with divorce papers. He apologized for making her lose their home, but Mi Lu insisted that material possessions didn't matter as long as their family remained together. She firmly refused to sign, stating she wouldn't abandon him, especially when he was struggling, and that they had faced countless challenges together since childhood. She offered to stand by him and endure the consequences together.
However, Zhou Yuan, determined to push her away, coldly declared that he had never loved her; she was merely a substitute, a partner he needed only until An Yu re-entered his life. He cruelly dismissed their shared past and handed her a bank card, stating he wanted nothing more to do with her and their relationship was over. He then walked away, shedding tears once he was out of sight.
Su Dayong visited Fang Li at the hospital, proudly bringing the last shrimp wonton, along with a meat one, which they playfully shared, their relationship clearly deepening. He then seriously asked if her emotional statement in Nankou Village about parents contemplating death with their children reflected her own thoughts. Fang Li admitted that after Fangfang's accident, she had indeed felt overwhelmed and contemplated everything, but she "bore the ordeal and made it through."
Su Dayong, heartbroken by her past suffering, confessed he wished he had met her sooner to support her and Fangfang. He promised to be there for her always, sharing her burdens, and never leaving, even if she tried to push him away. As they talked, Fangfang's finger moved, prompting them to excitedly call for a doctor. An Yu and Shao Moli were resting after finally getting Yiyi to sleep, with Shao Moli remarking on how tiring childcare was.
A courier then delivered a package containing a child custody modification agreement and a share proxy agreement, both sent by Zhou Yuan. An Yu, surprised, called Zhou Yuan, who was at the police station, in the process of turning himself in. Zhou Yuan confirmed he had transferred Yiyi's full custody to An Yu and entrusted Yiyi to her care, assuring her that Yiyi, being connected by a mother-child bond, would soon accept her as his mother.
He also explained that Zhuoyue's shares, which he had transferred to her, rightfully belonged to her given her father's past help to his own, and he believed she would make them more valuable. He apologized to An Yu and her father for everything and stated he would confess all to the police and accept his due punishment. Later, An Yu visited her father's grave with Shao Moli, offering a cigarette and wine, breaking tradition for the good news.
She tearfully informed her father that the truth about the past had come to light, thanks to a letter from Mr. Xiao, which also prompted Zhou Yuan to stop his wrongful path and surrender. She expressed hope that he would reform and reassured her father that Yiyi was back with her, though he needed time to adjust. An Yu promised to be a good mother and vowed to bring Yiyi to call him "Grandpa" when he was older and understood.
She concluded, saying, "Dad, it is over." After the custody transfer was finalized, with An Yu now Yiyi's legal guardian, An Yu went to pick him up from kindergarten. Yiyi, however, was distraught, insisting he would wait for his "daddy and mommy" and refusing to go with An Yu, despite her explanation that his parents were busy. To ease his distress, Shao Moli appeared dressed as the "Dark Knight," a character Yiyi adored.
Yiyi was thrilled to see the Dark Knight, who invited him for fries, and they happily left together, much to the relief of An Yu. Unknown to them, Mi Lu watched the scene from a distance. At the fast-food restaurant, another child pulled off Shao Moli's Dark Knight mask. Yiyi, seeing it was Shao Moli, screamed, called him a "bad guy," and ran away, feeling betrayed. Mi Lu, deeply pained by Yiyi's reaction, sought legal advice from a friend.
Despite being a lawyer herself, she wanted an objective opinion on her chances of regaining custody. Her friend informed her that while not entirely impossible, the chances were very slim, given the recent custody change, Zhou Yuan's current situation, and An Yu being Yiyi's biological mother. Nonetheless, Mi Lu vowed to fight for custody, no matter the cost, even if there was only a minimal chance.
Later that evening, after Yiyi was finally asleep, An Yu and Shao Moli found a rare moment of quiet. Shao Moli wondered how to win Yiyi over, to which An Yu replied that time, patience, and mutual tolerance would help them adapt and coexist. They realized it had been a long time since they had a proper date, and Shao Moli promised to arrange one soon.
An Yu then shared her plan to sell a portion of her Zhuoyue shares to buy back the old house, believing that returning to the familiar environment where he grew up would provide Yiyi with much-needed security. Shao Moli readily agreed, suggesting they plan the move carefully. Meanwhile, Mi Lu was living in humble conditions. When her former assistant, Ding, visited and offered to find her a better place and send her food, she politely refused.
Instead, she thanked him for his loyalty and service over the years, giving him six months' severance pay and encouraging him to find a new job, a girlfriend, and start his own family, before dismissing him citing her own work. An Yu soon bought back the old house and moved in. However, Yiyi remained sad, repeatedly asking for his "daddy and mommy" and his favorite toy, Bumblebee.
Even the familiar surroundings of the old house couldn't lift his spirits, as he had hoped to see his mother there. Mi Lu then came to visit the old house, begging An Yu for more frequent visits with Yiyi. An Yu agreed to allow visits every Saturday, subtly refusing more frequent contact, explaining that Yiyi needed time to adjust to his new environment.
When Yiyi saw Mi Lu, he rushed to hug her, crying and pleading with her not to leave. Mi Lu, also in tears, comforted him, telling him that "daddy and mommy" had important work to do but would return once finished, asking him to be a good boy and listen to Miss An. She hugged him tightly, promising she would never abandon him, even if the whole world did.
Episode 34 Recap
An Yu was feeling disheartened at work because Lin Zhanhong consistently rejected all her proposed projects. Observing her distress, Shao Moli encouraged her to pursue what she truly desired, suggesting she reconsider her idea of starting a charity foundation, a thought she had after their trip to Nankou Village, as these current professional setbacks seemed unchangeable.
An Yu acknowledged this, but Shao Moli cautioned that establishing a charity foundation would be more complex than investment projects, particularly concerning its legal framework and operational models. An Yu agreed, deciding to first contact leaders of major charity foundations to learn from their experiences and discuss operational models before deciding how to proceed.
Shao Moli then received a call from an industry colleague who, while discussing the news that Zhuoyue was being put up for sale, expressed surprise that Shao Moli hadn't shared any information about such a significant development. The colleague revealed that Lin Zhanhong, in conjunction with other major shareholders, was actively seeking buyers. Shocked by this revelation, Shao Moli immediately convened a meeting with his most trusted colleagues.
He began by expressing gratitude, acknowledging that he had been at Zhuoyue for almost five months and deeply appreciated their partnership, late nights, overtime, and collective efforts on every project. He then introduced a new, exceptionally difficult project, warning that its success might yield no personal gain, but failure could mean it would be their last endeavor at Zhuoyue.
He disclosed Lin Zhanhong's plan to sell Zhuoyue, especially profitable ventures like Hongxin Telecom, which had unlimited valuation, to maximize his personal profits through a significant premium. This sale would result in Zhuoyue being acquired or even dismantled, leading to widespread layoffs at established factories like Hongxin Telecom and many people losing their jobs. Shao Moli confirmed that their new mission was the "battle to protect Zhuoyue."
He emphasized the project's zero benefits and high risks, including potential job losses and being blacklisted from Yuqing's financial industry. Despite the dire warnings, everyone present pledged their support. One colleague declared unwavering loyalty, while another, with nothing to lose, felt compelled to take a stand. Fang Li, whose life and her son's future were deeply tied to Zhuoyue, vehemently stated she would not permit anyone to ruin their lives.
Another participant expressed that without the team, they would have nothing. Deeply moved, Shao Moli thanked them and formally established the "Protect Zhuoyue Project Team." To combat Lin Zhanhong, An Yu enlisted Zhou Min, who was interning at a new media company, to write an article. An Yu believed that utilizing public opinion was a powerful way to pressure Lin Zhanhong, as news of Zhuoyue, Yuqing's top enterprise, being sold would significantly damage his reputation.
Zhou Min, confident she could write her "first popular article" (meaning achieving 100k+ views), eagerly agreed. An Yu promised to provide her with all relevant materials and invited her to interview Zhuoyue employees. Meanwhile, Shao Moli analyzed their position. He noted that his and An Yu's combined shares, though slightly less, were comparable to Lin Zhanhong's holdings. He believed that securing the support of other shareholders could turn the tide.
Fang Li, recalling her previous interactions with some of Zhuoyue's veteran shareholders, offered to reach out to them and attempt to win their allegiance. Jin Lailai also proposed applying "mass pressure" on Lin Zhanhong. She reasoned that thousands of Zhuoyue employees, particularly those in lower and middle management, would be concerned about their job security if the company were to undergo major changes. Lailai was careful not to cause panic, aiming instead to "retain talents" and ensure a measured approach.
She subtly spread the news among colleagues, then introduced a "joint protest petition web page" where employees could sign, reminding them that Zhuoyue belonged to everyone. The petition quickly garnered over 500 signatures. Upon seeing the popular article and the overwhelming employee protest, Lin Zhanhong confronted Steven, furious about the leak. While Steven suggested someone was behind it, Lin Zhanhong stated he already knew who the instigator was.
Steven attempted to reassure him that the employees' protests were ultimately inconsequential, as the "right to decide the fate of the company" rested with Lin Zhanhong and the board of directors. Lin Zhanhong, however, resolved to secure the board's support. Amidst the corporate turmoil, An Yu received a playful phone call from Shao Moli, who was waiting downstairs to pick her up.
After some teasing, they walked to a bookstore, which Shao Moli revealed was An Yu’s favorite, much to her surprise. An Yu confessed her anxieties about their upcoming confrontation with Lin Zhanhong, despite their extensive efforts. Shao Moli gently reminded her that "the result isn't the most important thing; what matters is that you've done your best." As they chatted, he directed her to check his coat pocket. Inside, An Yu found three tickets to Hainan.
Shao Moli reminded her of their previous promise to go after their busy period and Kai and Lailai's wedding. An Yu was touched to discover that he had even purchased a ticket for Yiyi, explaining that he wanted to mend his relationship with Yiyi and had already researched an eco-park for them to visit. Overwhelmed with emotion, An Yu kissed Shao Moli in the bookstore.
The climactic board meeting began with Lin Zhanhong expressing his honor in collectively deciding Zhuoyue’s future and announcing a vote by board members, explicitly limiting participation to those with board seats. However, An Yu promptly intervened, stating that employee and partner representatives had important messages to deliver. She emphasized that "the fate of Zhuoyue is shared by us and the employees who aren't around today."
The representative from Hongxing Telecom was the first to object, submitting a "joint statement" against the acquisition. Representatives from "Soul Mate App" and "Smart Desk" followed suit, presenting their "boycott statements." Then, Jin Lailai presented a "joint protest petition" signed by 612 Zhuoyue employees. Lin Zhanhong became visibly agitated.
He passionately declared that he had founded Zhuoyue, nurtured it from a small company into a powerful enterprise, and felt a deeper emotional connection to it than anyone else, calling it "my child" and "all my hard work." He argued that he was selling because he was aging and wished to "retreat at the peak of his career," believing it was "time for Zhuoyue to enter a new chapter and era."
Shao Moli countered that the company's future direction should be a collective decision involving everyone present. In a powerful display of defiance, Fang Li stood up and declared she would "resign from her post" if the acquisition proceeded, and several other key employees immediately followed her lead. Steven, Lin Zhanhong's assistant, interjected, reminding them of their recent "non-compete agreements" with two-year restrictions and "huge sums" in penalties for breach.
Enraged by what he perceived as a threat, Lin Zhanhong accused them of insubordination and ordered the voting to begin immediately. Just as the vote was about to commence, Lin Fei'er burst into the room, halting the proceedings. Lin Zhanhong, questioning her sudden appearance, accused her of "trying to rebel." Lin Fei'er calmly stated that she was not manipulated by Shao Moli and had learned about the sale from the popular article.
She pressed her father, asking why he would sell Zhuoyue now, when it was thriving and all projects were progressing smoothly. Lin Zhanhong argued that its success made it the opportune moment to sell for "bottom fishing" in the current global economic downturn. Lin Fei'er emotionally questioned if he would "forsake Zhuoyue because of such a small profit," reminding him of the immense effort required to build the company.
He dismissed her idealism, stating that business required more than "a dream and a hot-blooded attitude." Frustrated, An Yu and Lin Fei'er lamented how Lin Zhanhong had changed and was now destroying his own dream. As Shao Moli pondered how to change Lin Zhanhong's mind, Lin Fei'er had a sudden idea. She proposed drawing a "portrait of him" as part of her "portrait series," and led him to his "old home," a place she had never visited.
Once there, surrounded by familiar surroundings, Lin Zhanhong became emotional as he reminisced about earlier days, sharing hotpot with An Yu's and Zhou Yuan's fathers, and their initial dreams of building Zhuoyue together.
Episode 35 Recap
Fei'er brought Lin Zhanhong to his childhood home to paint his portrait. As she worked, she remarked that he once described living there as his happiest time, a period when he smiled often, unlike his current somber demeanor. Fei'er suggested that if he reconsidered selling Zhuoyue, his dream could endure. Lin Zhanhong, however, lamented that while everyone has dreams, reality often intervenes.
He recounted how he, Mr. An, and Mr. Xiao co-founded Zhuoyue, but within two years, the company couldn't sustain operations, leading both partners to leave. He endured alone, making immense sacrifices, even kneeling and shedding blood to keep Zhuoyue afloat. He painfully witnessed Mr. An taking desperate risks and Mr. Xiao creating self-defeating situations, noting that they both ultimately failed, and only he succeeded.
Fei'er gently reminded him that the dream began with three young men, and he still had an opportunity to allow it to continue. After a period of deep reflection, during which he revisited memories of the three co-founders, Lin Zhanhong signed a share transfer agreement for Zhuoyue. Later, Fei'er presented the signed Zhuoyue transfer agreement to An Yu, explaining that her father, Lin Zhanhong, was exhausted and sought a place to rest, having transferred Zhuoyue to her.
Fei'er conveyed that the company would now rely on An Yu and Shao Moli. An Yu, deeply moved, expressed her gratitude and her hope that they would prove worthy of Fei'er's trust. Meanwhile, Shao Moli walked An Yu home, holding her hand. At her doorstep, he hesitated to enter, concerned about Yiyi's lingering animosity towards him. An Yu, understanding his reluctance, playfully reminded him of his previous boasts about numerous strategies to win Yiyi over.
She reassured him that Yiyi would eventually come to like his kind nature and insisted they attempt to bond with the child. Inside, An Yu encouraged Yiyi to share a candy with Shao Moli, introducing him as a good friend and "the Dark Knight, Moon, also known as Shao Moli." Despite Yiyi's initial refusal to acknowledge him, Shao Moli enthusiastically engaged the child in a game of hide-and-seek, followed by a playful water gun fight.
Their interaction soon became warm and familiar, a sight that filled An Yu with relief. Their joyful moment was abruptly interrupted when Mi Lu appeared, admonishing them for letting Yiyi play with water, especially during a change of season, as he was prone to illness. She reminded them it was Saturday and declared she was taking Yiyi home.
An Yu could only feel that, regardless, Yiyi had begun to accept Shao Moli, acknowledging that Shao Moli, too, needed time to fully understand Yiyi. Shao Moli embraced her, and they encouraged each other. Later, as Shao Moli and Yiyi sat on the grass, Yiyi saw another father and son playing happily, which stirred a longing for his own father, bringing him to tears.
Shao Moli gently explained that his father was fighting a "monster" at work and would return once it was defeated. He clarified that everyone must face their own monsters alone, and others cannot interfere. This conversation inspired a game of "find the invisible monster." Unbeknownst to them, Mi Lu was nearby, secretly recording their interaction on her phone. When An Yu returned, she found Shao Moli in a panic, searching for Yiyi, who had disappeared during their game.
An Yu, distraught, joined the frantic search. Soon after, Mi Lu reappeared with Yiyi. An Yu confronted Mi Lu angrily, questioning her sudden appearance and unauthorized removal of Yiyi. Mi Lu defended her actions, stating it was Saturday and she missed Yiyi, intending to take him to a theme park. An Yu criticized Mi Lu's erratic behavior, reminding her that such actions caused immense worry.
She sternly warned Mi Lu that if she could not control her emotions and respect their agreed-upon visitation schedule, An Yu would restrict her access to Yiyi. Mi Lu retaliated, declaring that she, as Yiyi's sole mother, had raised him and could provide what An Yu never could. An Yu reiterated her boundary, and then left with Shao Moli and Yiyi. That evening, after An Yu tucked Yiyi into bed, she joined Shao Moli in the living room.
Shao Moli apologized for the day's events, but An Yu confessed her fear at Mi Lu's increasingly irrational behavior. Shao Moli promised to be more vigilant and ensure Yiyi's safety, vowing never to let him out of his sight again. An Yu, weary from the day, asked Shao Moli to go home and rest, which he did after sharing a hug.
Meanwhile, Mi Lu received a call from Mr. Qin, her lawyer, who informed her that her application for custody modification had been rejected by the court. The news utterly devastated her. Overwhelmed and drunk, Mi Lu violently forced her way into An Yu's house, frantically calling for Yiyi. An Yu, terrified, confronted Mi Lu, demanding to know how she entered and accusing her of hiding Yiyi.
Mi Lu, in a desperate state, pleaded with An Yu to return Yiyi, offering anything, even her own life. An Yu, disturbed by Mi Lu's aggressive and inebriated state, threatened to call the police if Mi Lu didn't leave immediately. Mi Lu, undeterred, lunged towards Yiyi's room. An Yu quickly locked herself and Yiyi in the bedroom and called Shao Moli for help, urging him to come quickly. Shao Moli arrived shortly after.
He comforted a frightened Yiyi and An Yu, suggesting they stay at his place for safety. As they prepared to leave, An Yu realized she had forgotten Yiyi's beloved "Little Red Riding Hood" pillow, essential for him to sleep. She rushed back inside to retrieve it. As An Yu re-entered the house, Mi Lu, still outside in her car, saw her. Consumed by rage and despair from the custody rejection, Mi Lu accelerated, aiming her car at An Yu.
Shao Moli, seeing the imminent danger, pushed An Yu out of the way, taking the full impact himself. He was thrown into the air and collapsed onto the ground, severely injured and unconscious. At the hospital, doctors informed An Yu that Shao Moli had sustained multiple external injuries, including broken ribs and four fractures in his limbs. His unconscious state was attributed to a severe concussion that caused intracranial hemorrhage.
They could not determine when he would awaken, as it depended on how quickly his body absorbed the blood clot. Overwhelmed, An Yu called her friends, Lailai and Ye Kai, entrusting Yiyi's care to them. Lailai and Ye Kai rushed to the hospital to support An Yu, offering words of comfort and reassurance. Ye Kai optimistically suggested that Shao Moli, known for his luck, might wake up once the anesthesia wore off. They promised to care for Yiyi and Shao Moli around the clock, urging An Yu to prioritize her own well-being.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
After successfully putting Yiyi to sleep, Lailai expressed her admiration for children's boundless energy and deep sleep. She found Ye Kai researching cases of intracranial hemorrhage coma and asked about the chances of recovery, to which he replied, "Very unlikely." Lailai immediately dismissed this negative outlook, asserting that Shao Moli would definitely recover, attributing Ye Kai's findings to "survival bias." Lailai then shared her deep concern for An Yu, finding her state at the hospital truly heartbreaking.
Ye Kai, in turn, urged Lailai to be there for An Yu during this difficult time and to ensure Yiyi was well cared for. This experience made Lailai reflect on the fragility of life. She resolved that she and Kai should cherish their time together and no longer waste it on arguments. As Ye Kai embraced Lailai, he was overcome with emotion, confessing how much he missed Shao Moli, with whom he had spent over a decade.
He lamented how every waking moment used to involve arguments and jokes with Shao Moli, but now he felt helpless. Lailai comforted him, suggesting they postpone their wedding until Shao Moli recovered, assuring him that Shao Moli would indeed wake up. At the hospital, Fei'er watched the quiet Shao Moli, remarking that he seemed unlike himself. Playfully, she threatened to post his "ugly photo" on Moments if he didn't wake up.
Fei'er then told An Yu that she and Shao Moli had met abroad while vying for a painting. The artist was now holding an exhibition in Yuqing, and Fei'er suggested they all go once Shao Moli woke up. An Yu leaned in, echoing Fei'er's words, urging Shao Moli to wake up to see his favorite artist's exhibition.
Fei'er also reassured An Yu about the company's matters, saying that the issues with Zhuoyue were under control, and Fang Li and Su were handling the establishment of the independent investment department, with everything progressing smoothly. Fei'er commended An Yu, calling her the bravest person she had ever met. An Yu cancelled three tickets for a trip to Sanya. She then visited a bookstore, where observing a mother and child drawing stirred old memories within her.
Later, she went to the secret hide-and-seek spot she used to frequent with Shao Moli as a child, overcome with emotion. She placed the Sirius lamp, a gift, by Shao Moli's hospital bed and visited him daily, often bringing Yiyi along. Her work suffered due to her exhaustion, but she maintained a routine of sitting alone with the Sirius lamp in the living room at night and caring for Shao Moli at the hospital during the day.
On the day before Chinese New Year's Eve, An Yu was leaving the hospital when Lailai called, inviting her for dinner. An Yu declined, explaining she was too tired. Lailai then suggested to Ye Kai that they pack some food and send it to An Yu, to which Ye Kai agreed. Back home, An Yu, utterly fatigued, fell asleep holding the Sirius lamp.
In her dream, she found herself in a field of sparkling flowers, where a black knight slowly approached, calling her name. She awoke to find the Sirius lamp glowing. Instantly, she rushed to the hospital and saw Shao Moli standing by the window. Their eyes met, and An Yu shed tears of intense joy. An Yu took Yiyi to visit Zhou Yuan in prison. Zhou Yuan apologized to An Yu.
Yiyi innocently asked if his father was locked up by monsters, and Zhou Yuan confirmed it, explaining he was fighting them every day and would come home when Yiyi grew taller. Yiyi promised to drink milk to grow quickly so he could see his father sooner. An Yu assured Zhou Yuan that she would bring Yiyi to visit him often, and that time would pass quickly. Later, An Yu brought Yiyi to see Mi Lu.
Yiyi enthusiastically told Mi Lu that he had seen Daddy, who would return home after defeating the monsters, and urged "Mommy" (Mi Lu) to also fight her monsters to be with him soon. Mi Lu promised to try her best and asked Yiyi if An Yu treated him as well as a mother would. Yiyi confirmed that she did.
Mi Lu then told Yiyi he could call An Yu "Mommy" too, giving him two mothers and double the love, to which Yiyi happily agreed. An Yu thanked Mi Lu, expressing confidence that Yiyi would be very happy with two loving mothers. Mi Lu, in turn, apologized to An Yu, lamenting that if she had intervened earlier, their lives might have unfolded differently.
An Yu encouraged her to let go of the past and start anew, promising to bring Yiyi to visit frequently. The wedding of Lailai and Ye Kai finally took place amidst joyous celebration, with An Yu leading the bridesmaids and Shao Moli leading the groomsmen. The bridesmaids playfully created "three obstacles" for the groom. The first challenge was to guess Lailai's lip print from several options within 30 seconds, which proved difficult for the groomsmen.
From outside the door, Ye Kai called for his "dear," prompting the bridesmaids to demand identification. Ye Kai proudly declared himself Lailai's husband. The bridesmaids then demanded red packets, and the groomsmen generously distributed them. The final obstacle was finding the hidden wedding shoes. After a frantic search and some teasing, Ye Kai located the shoes, and Lailai graciously extended her foot for him. During the ceremony, Ye Kai delivered a heartfelt wedding vow to Lailai.
He shared that his past twenty years had been dedicated to personal growth and helping Shao Moli, but he now realized he had been waiting for her all along. He recalled the three questions Lailai once posed: who comes to mind when you're happy or sad, with whom do you feel most at ease, and whose presence with another makes you feel most concerned. He declared that his answer to all three was "you."
Ye Kai explained that Lailai had taught him the true meaning of money, emphasizing that her happiness, joy, and health were paramount. He promised to always prioritize her and spoil her like a princess, assuring her of his unwavering support. He concluded by declaring his love for her. Tearfully, Lailai responded with her own vows.
She recounted a tale of a "little white rabbit" (herself) meeting a "Big Bad Wolf" (Ye Kai) whose sincere love dispelled her fears of marriage and commitment. She bravely told him, "I like you, my Big Bad Wolf." Lailai promised that if the outside world ever left him weary, their home would always be his safe haven. She vowed to stay by his side until their hair turned grey and their teeth fell out.
She ended by declaring, "I love you, Ye Kai." Amidst applause, they exchanged rings and shared a loving kiss. All friends and family then gathered for a group photo to commemorate the joyful occasion. An Yu and Shao Moli were later seen walking together in a scenic area, laughing and reminiscing about their childhood, having found their own happiness.
