Unforgettable Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Unforgettable Love Synopsis
He Qiaoyan is a single father raising his young son, He Weifei (nicknamed Xiaobao), who suffers from psychological trauma due to a childhood car accident. The appearance of Qin Yiyue brings a turning point for Xiaobao's condition, leading He Qiaoyan to decide to sign a child-care contract with her. Qin Yiyue helps Xiaobao overcome his psychological shadow, and He Qiaoyan finds himself attracted to her kindness and gentleness.
As the story progresses, He Qiaoyan and Qin Yiyue's relationship gradually deepens. They face many difficulties and challenges together, including Xiaobao's psychological issues, He Qiaoyan's family conflicts, and their own romantic hurdles. Throughout this process, He Qiaoyan slowly realizes his true feelings and falls in love with Qin Yiyue. Qin Yiyue, in turn, is touched by He Qiaoyan's sincerity, and the two ultimately end up together.
Unforgettable Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
He Qiaoyan, the CEO of He's Group, was in a luxurious room helping his son, Poppet, choose clothes. Later, at a press conference, a reporter brazenly questioned if He Qiaoyan was secretly married and had an illegitimate child. He Qiaoyan sternly corrected the reporter, stating his son had a name, a permanent residency, and a legal guardian, emphasizing that the word "secretly" was inappropriate.
Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue loudly confronted her former boyfriend, Zhou Ziyang, and his new girlfriend at a restaurant. She demanded 500,000 yuan from Zhou Ziyang, asserting that she was responsible for everything he possessed, including his rent, the down payment for his car, his overseas study agency fees, and the majority of his award-winning academic papers. She even claimed to have given him her scholarship spot abroad.
Qin Yiyue then scornfully told Zhou Ziyang's new girlfriend that she was merely taking "garbage" that Qin Yiyue no longer wanted. The new girlfriend, unaffected, thanked Qin Yiyue for "solving the problem" and praised her "waste recycling habits." Qin Yiyue sarcastically wished them a long life together, calling it a service "for society." Back at the He's Group office, Poppet, upset that his father was late, wreaked havoc, even smashing a computer.
When He Qiaoyan finally arrived, he called his son He Weifei and told him to get down, reminding him that his time was for work, not to constantly cater to Poppet's "three principles." The secretary then informed He Qiaoyan that Dr. Kozak, Poppet's latest doctor and the one who had stayed the longest (ten days), had just resigned, citing fear of a heart attack due to Poppet's condition and prioritizing "life over money."
Frustrated, He Qiaoyan ordered his secretary to find a new solution. With an impending meeting with Mr. Xu from R&D and an awards ceremony livestream, He Qiaoyan reluctantly decided to bring Poppet along. Later, He Qiaoyan was reviewing a "Heart Flutter" application and market data, intrigued by how it could convert human interaction into data and traffic. He then tested a livestream for the upcoming awards ceremony, finding it quite interesting.
He dismissed his staff to analyze the platform's data and traffic. Seizing the opportunity, Poppet, feeling ignored, slipped away to the hotel lobby. He spotted a display board with his father's image, affixed a heart sticker to it, but was stopped by staff. Frightened, Poppet ran, accidentally knocking over several display cards. He Qiaoyan, realizing Poppet was missing, urgently started searching for him. Qin Yiyue, passing by, intervened to save Poppet from running into a trolley.
She calmly reassured him, using his communication cards to understand his distress. She correctly deduced his name was Poppet and that he was upset with his father, noting his cards said "Stay away from me," "I'm sorry," and "Thank you." To help him, she offered her favorite handkerchief and a small pumpkin in exchange for him returning the poster to the staff, which Poppet accepted. He Qiaoyan's secretary then found Poppet.
Qin Yiyue, before leaving, urged the secretary to tell Poppet's father to take better care of his child, stating her identity was irrelevant. Still searching for Poppet on the third floor, He Qiaoyan was suddenly confronted by a tipsy Qin Yiyue, who mistook him for Zhou Ziyang. She unleashed a torrent of accusations, lambasting "Zhou Ziyang" for betraying her after three years and stealing her "Stern's academic achievements" paper, which she claimed to have largely written across different time zones.
She threatened to expose him, confident that "Mr. He" would withdraw the award if he had any sense. He Qiaoyan calmly revealed that he was indeed "Mr. He." As she came to her senses, her hair became tangled in his tie. Their awkward predicament was accidentally broadcast live through He Qiaoyan's phone. He Qiaoyan reminded her that he needed his tie for the upcoming awards ceremony, prompting Qin Yiyue to promptly cut his tie with scissors to free herself.
She apologized, offering to take responsibility for any injuries, but He Qiaoyan declined. As Qin Yiyue left, she saw Zhou Ziyang and his new girlfriend at the entrance to the awards ceremony and walked past them with a contemptuous smirk. At the awards ceremony, as He Qiaoyan prepared to announce the winner of the "Outstanding Youth Award in Medicine," he recalled Qin Yiyue's accusations against Zhou Ziyang.
On stage, he dramatically crossed out Zhou Ziyang's name and declared, "No one," leaving Zhou Ziyang and his girlfriend completely flustered. Later that evening, back home, He Qiaoyan carefully mended his tie. While reviewing candidates for Poppet's new psychologist, he was surprised to find Qin Yiyue's resume and, recalling their chaotic encounter, discarded it in the trash. He then strictly enforced Poppet's sleep schedule.
However, Poppet was seen clutching Qin Yiyue's handkerchief and small pumpkin, inhaling their scent before finally falling asleep. He Qiaoyan, in turn, was plagued by a nightmare about a car accident, murmuring "Don't go." The next morning, Wen Shun from Wen's Group paid He Qiaoyan a visit, playfully teasing him about the previous day's livestream.
He remarked on He Qiaoyan and the "mysterious woman" appearing so close, which made him a trending topic for the sixth time that year, jokingly threatening Wen Shun's own "top celebrity status." He Qiaoyan, worried about the woman potentially implicating him, ordered his data department to promptly control the public narrative and mitigate any negative impact on He's Group.
When Wen Shun pressed about the woman's identity, He Qiaoyan dismissively replied "Trash," then clarified he meant her resume was in the trash. Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue was roused by her best friend, Yang Ruowei, who showed her news reports about the "mysterious woman" and the "prospective stepmom of He Weifei," realizing the reports were about herself. Qin Yiyue found the whole situation baffling. At He Qiaoyan's home, Poppet had slept an extra hour and a half.
He Qiaoyan, checking on him, inadvertently threw Poppet's cherished handkerchief into the laundry hamper. Poppet woke up in distress when he discovered the handkerchief had been washed by Mrs. Liu and no longer carried its unique scent. He Qiaoyan, unsure of the handkerchief's origin, instructed his secretary to schedule an appointment for Poppet at YADE Hospital's child psychology department.
At YADE Hospital, where Qin Yiyue worked as a child psychologist, the director offered He Qiaoyan a tour of a newly completed building he had donated. Qin Yiyue encountered Dr. Hu struggling to manage a screaming Poppet. She calmly intervened, addressed Poppet by name, and skillfully guided him to the children's play area, observing his aversion to toy cars.
Another child, Guoguo, approached Poppet and misinterpreted his silent communication, attributing Poppet's shyness to watching too many romance dramas with his grandmother. Qin Yiyue playfully chided Guoguo and told him he'd need her permission to play with Poppet. She then gave Poppet a lollipop and declared him "her person from now on," making a pinkie promise with him just as He Qiaoyan arrived.
Episode 2 Recap
Following the viral video incident, Qin Yiyue found herself face-to-face with He Qiaoyan once more, realizing he was not only the man whose tie she had cut but also Poppet's father. He Qiaoyan, in turn, accused her of orchestrating the entire livestream for personal gain, highlighting his company's severe financial and reputational damages while she remained unscathed. Qin Yiyue vehemently denied his accusations.
She then demanded 200 yuan as compensation for her ruined hairstyle, emphasizing that "for us girls, you can kill us, but you can't mess up our hair," and firmly refusing any more money. As He Qiaoyan prepared to leave with Poppet, he warned his son about "weird aunties" being everywhere. However, Poppet, defying his father, handed Qin Yiyue a card expressing his desire to be her friend and even his personal doctor.
Later that night, Poppet held a toy gun to his father, staging a silent protest until He Qiaoyan agreed to let Qin Yiyue be his psychologist. Compelled by Poppet's unwavering resolve, He Qiaoyan instructed his secretary to gather all of Qin Yiyue's background information.
Wen Shun, He Qiaoyan's friend, expressed his bewilderment, wondering who this "fairy" could be to melt the "two ice-cold men" of the He family, as Poppet, who typically avoided physical contact, had shown such an unusual affinity for Qin Yiyue. He Qiaoyan’s detailed analysis revealed more disadvantages than advantages to hiring her, noting her ordinary background, lack of overseas education, and limited clinical experience, describing her as temperamental and emotionally unstable.
Despite these reservations, he admitted Qin Yiyue was "quite unusual." Wen Shun, observing Poppet's strong preference, praised the child's keen judgment, remarking that he was "smart, just like his father, and knows how to judge a person." Ultimately, for Poppet's sake, He Qiaoyan decided to hire Qin Yiyue. However, Qin Yiyue rejected his initial offer, citing her vacation.
He Qiaoyan then attempted to send her a formal email, but Wen Shun, believing He Qiaoyan was too rigid, modified it to include his "handsome private photos" and a more romantic tone. Qin Yiyue, upon receiving it, found it narcissistic and promptly deleted it, dismissing He Qiaoyan as a "psychopath and narcissist." Undeterred, He Qiaoyan called her, introducing himself as the CEO of He's Group. Qin Yiyue, mistaking it for a phone scam, hung up immediately.
His next attempt involved visiting her at the hospital with a briefcase full of cash. Qin Yiyue felt deeply offended and demanded he leave. Wen Shun later advised He Qiaoyan to "understand her, analyze her, and go into her heart," suggesting tactics from the "overbearing CEO" romance novels Qin Yiyue enjoyed reading. Following this advice, He Qiaoyan sent her numerous gifts, which Qin Yiyue found "stupid."
He then tried to pick her up from work, using cheesy lines about giving her whatever she wanted. Qin Yiyue, once again, thought he was a robber and sped away on her motorcycle. Frustrated with Wen Shun's "impractical" methods, He Qiaoyan decided to devise his own plan. He Qiaoyan waited outside Qin Yiyue's apartment. Hearing cries for help from a nearby alley, Qin Yiyue rushed to the aid of a young girl being harassed by thugs.
He Qiaoyan stepped in to help, protecting Qin Yiyue from a blow and injuring his wrist in the process. Back at her apartment, Qin Yiyue bandaged his wound. As they both bent to pick up a dropped medicine bottle, their eyes met, and a subtle romantic tension filled the air. He Qiaoyan then playfully demanded repayment for saving her, but Qin Yiyue simply handed him a lollipop.
He declared her "his person" and proposed a pinky promise to seal their agreement. Qin Yiyue, however, jokingly corrected him, stating that she was "his future boss." During a subsequent meeting at his company, He Qiaoyan appeared distracted, questioning his manager about effective recruitment strategies for a desirable individual. The manager suggested that, much like in a relationship, He Qiaoyan should convey not just professional recognition but a genuine willingness to "live and grow together."
Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan was caught secretly scrolling through Qin Yiyue's social media and accidentally "liked" one of her posts. Determined to win her over, he baked a cake himself. Faced with heavy traffic, he carried Poppet on a crowded rapid bus transit to reach a hospital children's tea party where Qin Yiyue was also present. Qin Yiyue was genuinely touched by his homemade cake.
During a playful shooting game, He Qiaoyan subtly helped her aim, causing a flutter in her heart. Later, while reviewing Poppet's medical records, Qin Yiyue discovered that his birthday was in two days. He Qiaoyan's company was developing new "Catch Love" health bracelets for couples, designed to monitor health and location. He initially offered one to Wen Shun for testing, but then withdrew it, jokingly stating that Wen Shun lacked "a normal, mature adult's mind" for the task.
When Qin Yiyue gently asked Poppet about his birthday wishes, he unexpectedly became agitated and threw objects, losing control. He Qiaoyan explained to Qin Yiyue that five years ago, on Poppet's birthday, they both lost their closest family members. This traumatic event led to Poppet developing PTSD, causing him to stop speaking and avoid strangers. Despite consulting many doctors, He Qiaoyan had found no satisfactory solution.
Qin Yiyue proposed celebrating Poppet's birthday again, believing that since the birthday was a "trigger," it could also be "the first breakthrough to rebuild his trust system." Qin Yiyue felt deep sympathy for Poppet, assuming He Qiaoyan had been secretly married and was mourning a lost beloved. They agreed to prepare for Poppet's birthday together. Qin Yiyue officially agreed to become Poppet's private doctor and signed a short-term cooperation agreement at He Qiaoyan's company.
She reiterated her refusal of the generous fee, sticking to her demand for hotpot. He Qiaoyan then had a hotpot meal delivered to the office for them to share while they discussed details. Later, as He Qiaoyan drove Qin Yiyue home and she dozed off in the car, he secretly placed one of the "Catch Love" health bracelets on her wrist, keeping the matching one for himself.
Back home, He Qiaoyan discovered notes from Poppet plastered everywhere, declaring, "I don't want to celebrate my birthday." However, when He Qiaoyan mentioned that Qin Yiyue would be joining them for dinner, Poppet immediately changed his mind. The next morning, Qin Yiyue woke up feeling unwell. He Qiaoyan's bracelet, connected to hers, alerted him to her slight fever and lack of sleep. He abruptly halted his meeting and called Qin Yiyue, urging her to take medicine.
Qin Yiyue explained that she was allergic to cold medicine, as it made her drowsy, and she couldn't afford to miss work. She had instead taken Vitamin C. Growing concerned, He Qiaoyan rushed to her apartment. Meanwhile, feeling exhausted and sore from her fever, Qin Yiyue decided to take a bath, but her condition worsened, causing her to pass out and slide into the water.
Outside, He Qiaoyan tried to guess her door password, noticing fingerprint smudges on the "6, 7, 0" buttons. He then recalled Qin Yiyue mentioning her birthday in June and desperately tried to connect it to the password.
Episode 3 Recap
He Qiaoyan rushed to Qin Yiyue's apartment after her smart band indicated a dangerously high bathroom temperature. Attempting to open her code lock, He Qiaoyan recalled Qin Yiyue mentioning her June birthday often coincided with school exams, including the College Entrance Examination math test on June 7th. He correctly deduced the password, "0607," and entered. Inside, he found Qin Yiyue in the bathroom, feeling woozy but otherwise unharmed.
He Qiaoyan awkwardly recorded a video to document his entry, explaining that the high temperature reading was a malfunction of the smart band, and then closed the bathroom door, accidentally locking Qin Yiyue inside. She struggled to get out, even breaking the lock in the process. Upon exiting, she collapsed, fainting into his arms. He Qiaoyan noted her room was incredibly messy, describing it as a "bacteriological petri dish," and wondered how a doctor could live in such disarray.
He prepared her medicine, observing she seemed less capable of self-care than even Poppet. While still disoriented, Qin Yiyue mistook He Qiaoyan for "trotters" and kissed him. He Qiaoyan spent the entire night caring for her, with Poppet joining them, and also thoroughly cleaned her apartment, including fixing the broken door lock. The next morning, Qin Yiyue awoke to a pristine apartment, wondering if she had been "reborn."
He Qiaoyan, calmly preparing breakfast, explained that he and Poppet had cared for her throughout the night. Recalling her hazy actions and the sudden cleanliness of her home, Qin Yiyue questioned how He Qiaoyan had entered. He revealed he deduced her apartment code from her past comments about her June birthday. Qin Yiyue was astonished by his memory of such a detail, but He Qiaoyan brushed it off, claiming he kept track of his "potential partners."
Qin Yiyue then asked if he had changed her clothes, which he readily admitted. He proceeded to give an unsolicited and detailed critique of her physique, estimating her height, noting her "five-five" body proportion, and stating her actual weight was 3. 5 kg more than her resume claimed. An embarrassed and angry Qin Yiyue confronted him, but Poppet's timely appearance diffused the tension.
When Qin Yiyue asked He Qiaoyan if she looked good, Poppet prompted him, and He Qiaoyan called her "sexy," causing her to blush. Feeling guilty about missing Poppet's birthday, Qin Yiyue promised him a wish as compensation. Poppet, using a drawing board, asked her to be his "Mommy." He Qiaoyan encouraged Poppet to speak the word aloud, but Poppet remained silent. Seeing his son's reluctance, He Qiaoyan decided to take Poppet home, leaving Qin Yiyue medicine and breakfast.
Qin Yiyue, however, insisted on getting a ride to work, declining his suggestion to take a day off, citing her responsibilities to her patients. Later that night, Poppet reiterated his desire for Qin Yiyue to be his mom. When He Qiaoyan resisted, Poppet cleverly cracked He Qiaoyan's computer password and threatened to damage his hard drive, which contained years of research data, forcing He Qiaoyan to comply.
The following morning, He Qiaoyan, dressed in a "boy band" style, picked up Qin Yiyue and Poppet for an outing. He informed Qin Yiyue that her other patients had been rescheduled, and her only patient for the day was Poppet, reminding her of her promise to treat him to a meal. Unbeknownst to them, this entire day was orchestrated by Poppet and Wen Gu to bring Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan closer.
Their first activity was an escape room, chosen by Wen Gu to create shared crises and intimacy. However, He Qiaoyan swiftly solved all the puzzles in just ten minutes, much to the disappointment of Poppet and the staff. Next, they visited a "Thriller Room," but Qin Yiyue's aggressive reactions, chasing and hitting the ghost-costumed staff, caused them to quit, again disrupting Wen Gu's elaborate plan. As a final attempt, Wen Gu and Poppet executed their "final plan" in a forest.
He Qiaoyan's work call was cut short when Qin Yiyue confiscated his phone for "parent-child time." He Qiaoyan then went to the car to retrieve a coat for Poppet, leaving him with Qin Yiyue. When he returned, Poppet was gone, having disappeared with Wen Gu as part of their plan. He and Qin Yiyue frantically searched, calling his name. Qin Yiyue spotted Poppet's hat floating in a lake and, believing he was in danger, impulsively rushed into the water.
He Qiaoyan quickly pulled her out, assuring her that Poppet was safe, having received a photo from Wen Gu confirming Poppet was with him. Upon returning to their car, they discovered it was gone, along with Poppet and Wen Gu, who had left behind only camping gear. He Qiaoyan realized Wen Gu's prank, noting Poppet even stole his spare key. With He Qiaoyan's phone water-damaged and Qin Yiyue's dead, they were forced to camp overnight in the wilderness.
Inside the tent, He Qiaoyan helped warm Qin Yiyue's hands and suggested she change her wet clothes to prevent her cold from worsening, promising not to peek. Later, Qin Yiyue prepared instant noodles, and despite He Qiaoyan's initial disdain for such "artificial seasoning," he eventually shared the bowl with her. They discussed the day's events. He Qiaoyan gently chided her for recklessly jumping into the lake.
Qin Yiyue explained that as a pediatrician, she felt a responsibility for Poppet, especially since he trusted her and wanted her as his "Mommy." She expressed her guilt over losing him and the immense, often unseen, pressure pediatricians face, finding joy and accomplishment in helping children. He Qiaoyan then asked if she would consider becoming Poppet's mom. Qin Yiyue dismissed it as a child's joke and reminded him that Poppet has a biological mother, bringing an end to the conversation.
They then turned their backs to each other and went to sleep. Upon returning home, Qin Yiyue's friend, Ruoxi, confronted her about her whereabouts and her relationship with He Qiaoyan, having heard gossip about him leaving their apartment that morning. Qin Yiyue recounted her overnight stay in the forest with He Qiaoyan, making light of the situation.
Ruoxi then informed Qin Yiyue that Zhou Ziyang never actually received the award he was supposed to, and that He Qiaoyan had publicly revoked it at the ceremony, confirming Qin Yiyue's earlier suspicions. Qin Yiyue realized that He Qiaoyan had remembered her words and acted on them. Later, at the hospital, Zhou Ziyang attempted to speak with Qin Yiyue, but she firmly established boundaries, stating she had nothing to discuss with an "ex" or a "stranger."
She also warned him not to let his current girlfriend, Qing, threaten her job. Qing then appeared, inviting Qin Yiyue to a celebration banquet for the new hospital building, where her father would announce Zhou Ziyang's promotion to Chief Physician. Qin Yiyue accepted the invitation, much to her friend's frustration over having to buy a new dress for such an occasion.
Qin Yiyue's friend, however, insisted it was an opportunity to show Zhou Ziyang what he lost, reminding Qin Yiyue about her past sacrifices—giving up a study abroad opportunity for him and her surgical career due to a hand injury sustained while saving a child in a car crash. Qin Yiyue defended her choice to become a children's psychologist, finding fulfillment in it. At the ceremony, Qin Yiyue, stunning in a black gown, outshone many.
Qing, however, attempted to humiliate her by pointing out the clothing tag still on her dress. Qin Yiyue deftly countered, asking Qing to dispose of the "garbage" since she "likes re-using garbage." As He Qiaoyan arrived with Poppet, Qing publicly insinuated a scandalous relationship between Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan, intending to embarrass Qin Yiyue and mock Zhou Ziyang. However, He Qiaoyan took the stage and, to everyone's shock, clarified that the online rumors were false.
He stated he didn't want to date Qin Yiyue; he only wanted her to stop rejecting his marriage proposal. He then produced a ring, slid it onto her finger, and kissed her, leaving the audience stunned.
Episode 4 Recap
Qin Yiyue clarified to her friend that her acceptance of He Qiaoyan's proposal was merely a performance to get back at her ex-boyfriend, Zhou Ziyang. He Qiaoyan had explicitly stated his intention to be her "better new boyfriend" to help her "make her ex eat humble pie" and even named the new "Yiyue Building" after her as a "gift, and a token of their love."
However, Qin Yiyue secretly intended to return the ring, wanting them "to not owe each other anything." While bathing, Qin Yiyue carelessly threw the valuable diamond ring aside. Her friend, Ruowei, then accidentally flushed it down the toilet while testing a new toilet deodorant. They frantically tried to retrieve it, but it was gone.
Qin Yiyue panicked, realizing that the "big diamond ring" of "at least 10 carats" was incredibly expensive, and she "can't afford that even if you sell me." The news of the proposal quickly went viral, with Qin Yiyue's phone receiving countless calls and her social media buzzing with "over three million comments," many exclaiming she "must've saved the universe in her previous life." She even had a nightmare about He Qiaoyan demanding the ring.
Later, He Qiaoyan called her to announce a "project reward" for Xiaobao's successful treatment, which Qin Yiyue cynically viewed as her "first indemnity fund for the ring." Wen Gu confronted He Qiaoyan, questioning his serious approach to the proposal. He Qiaoyan asserted that for him, "marriage is just adding a name. . . to the spouse column," and he "doesn't care" who that name is, stating, "All is for Xiaobao."
He then detailed plans for a professional team to organize an "engagement banquet and wedding ceremony" within a month, and mentioned a "big present" for Qin Yiyue. At the unveiling of the "Yiyue Building," many onlookers were captivated by He Qiaoyan's "public demonstration of love."
Qin Yiyue, however, found it an "embarrassing" public shaming and confronted He Qiaoyan, reminding him that the building was a donation and he "merely named it after me," accusing him of trying to "make a fool of me." She challenged him about the "fake news" of their marriage, but He Qiaoyan insisted the "proposal is true" and he "mean[s] it."
He provocatively asked if she was "afraid that after being with me all the time, you'll fall in love with me," to which she vehemently responded, "I'll never fall in love with you." Undeterred, He Qiaoyan suggested they "have a try," reminding her that "everyone in Qin City knows that I am your fiance." He reiterated that Xiaobao is his "most important client" and he "will do anything to get what he wants," promising, "I'll make you agree."
While Wen Gu and Xiaobao were out buying milk tea, they encountered Qingqing. Qingqing spitefully mocked Qin Yiyue for becoming "Xiaobao's stepmother," cynically labeling it a "textbook doctor-patient relationship." Wen Gu defended Qin Yiyue, calling Qingqing "ugly inside," while Xiaobao likened her to an "evil queen." After a subtle exchange, Xiaobao and Wen Gu decided to teach her a lesson.
Later, as Qingqing and Zhou Ziyang walked into a room, Xiaobao released a cake on a rope, splattering it directly onto Qingqing's head and making a mess of both of them. He Qiaoyan attempted to drink from Qin Yiyue's water glass, and during their playful struggle, he noticed her ring was missing. Qin Yiyue, visibly flustered, claimed it was "at home."
He Qiaoyan, with a serious tone, warned her, "I hope that's the truth," stressing that the "15-carat diamond ring is the only heirloom of the He family," custom-made by Swedish Royal designers, "quite expensive," and "not suitable for everyday wear." Qin Yiyue tried to excuse herself to find Xiaobao and Xiao'an, but He Qiaoyan told her to call them instead. Upon calling Xiao'an, Qin Yiyue discovered they were in the "sixth floor ward area" bathroom, having caused "trouble."
It was revealed that after Qingqing and Zhou Ziyang went to shower to clean up the cake mess, Wen Gu and Xiaobao had stolen their clothes, leaving them embarrassed in front of hospital staff. Qingqing and Zhou Ziyang mistakenly believed Qin Yiyue was behind this prank. Qin Yiyue, frustrated, reflected on how unlucky she was and her inability to pay for the lost ring.
While Qin Yiyue, Ruowei, and Xiao'an were dining out, they were hounded by people filming them, who commented on Qin Yiyue being "famous overnight" for attracting "the dream guy of all the girls in this city." Qin Yiyue cleverly turned the tables by filming the paparazzi back, making them leave.
Concurrently, He Qiaoyan lectured Xiaobao, urging him to "put yourself in her shoes" and consider Qin Yiyue's feelings, as He Qiaoyan often had to "clean up your mess" after his pranks. He sent Xiaobao to his room to "reflect on it." Wen Gu expressed his frustration to He Qiaoyan, explaining that his father was "shocked" by He Qiaoyan's "high-profile marriage."
As a result, his father forced him on blind dates and replaced all his female employees with men, decreeing that the next woman he embraced "can only be my wife." Feeling desperate, Wen Gu went to a bar to "pick up girls," where he ran into Ruowei. Ruowei, recognizing him as "another scum," sabotaged his attempts to flirt.
She then offered him her "special cocktail," warning him it was known for being so strong that "just one is enough to get you drunk." Wen Gu passed out after one drink, and Ruowei arranged for a taxi to take him to the "nearest hotel," leaving money on his chest. Wen Gu woke up to find the money and was outraged by her actions. While walking, Qin Yiyue noticed a cat trapped high in a tree.
As she rescued it, her smart bracelet fell off. He Qiaoyan, alerted by the bracelet's "danger" signal, immediately set out to find her, assuring Xiaobao he would "not let your mother get into trouble." He found Qin Yiyue's door locked and the password changed. Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue nearly fell from the tree but was caught by her university senior, Ning Fang, who had "just came back" from abroad.
Ning Fang playfully commented on her appearance and, after finding her bracelet unharmed but out of power, invited her to his "new psychological clinic" nearby to examine the cat. His clinic was a haven for rescued cats, and after confirming the cat was merely "a little malnourished," Qin Yiyue decided to leave it in his care, promising to visit daily.
Ning Fang confessed that seeing her was the "first thing I wanted to do" upon his return and acknowledged her past relationship with Zhou Ziyang, stating, "it's all over." He Qiaoyan, waiting outside Qin Yiyue's home, saw her arrive with Ning Fang.
After Ning Fang introduced himself as "Yiyue's senior," He Qiaoyan thanked him for bringing his "fiancee" back, then possessively told Qin Yiyue to "pay attention to your image" as "Xiaobao's mom," and not to "get too close to other people." Qin Yiyue again refused to marry him, dismissing him as a "conceited and presumptuous eccentric."
Back home, He Qiaoyan instructed his team to address "unfriendly articles" about Qin Yiyue online, which accused her of seducing him or using him to advance her career. He ordered legal action against these "Internet trolls." Later, at the "Yiyue Building," He Qiaoyan overheard people spreading rumors about Qin Yiyue.
He publicly defended her by enumerating her impressive credentials: graduating from the best medical school with a full scholarship, dual bachelor's degrees, national research awards, international journal publications, and being the hospital's youngest attending physician with the highest patient count, "No misdiagnosis, no absence." He asserted, "my wife isn't called 'that woman.'
She has a name, Qin Yiyue," and humbly stated, "it is not that she depends on me, but that I'm fortunate enough to be able to depend on her." Qin Yiyue felt an inexplicable pang in her chest, which she rationalized as a physical reaction. At the hospital, Qin Yiyue thanked He Qiaoyan for clearing up the online rumors and for his apology, and He Qiaoyan admitted that she was "the first" person to ever make him do so.
Despite this, she firmly reiterated that marriage was "impossible," suggesting they should "at least try dating before getting married." He Qiaoyan countered by reminding her that her "serious relationship with Zhou Ziyang for several years" still didn't lead to marriage, implying that dating wasn't a prerequisite. His words seemed to sow doubt in Qin Yiyue's mind. Later that evening, while contemplating He Qiaoyan's words, her doorbell rang. To her astonishment, her parents arrived unannounced.
They had learned of her "engagement" through a WeChat public account and had even been congratulated for "joining the upper class" by their square dance group. Her mother expressed concern, fearing that He Qiaoyan was an "idle dandy" using "every means to attract her" with grand gestures like proposals and buildings. She cautioned Qin Yiyue against marrying "for the sake of marriage," warning it would lead to unhappiness.
Qin Yiyue tried to reassure them, explaining that her engagement to He Qiaoyan was "fake," merely a performance to "make Zhou Ziyang angry." Her parents, still skeptical, decided to extend their stay to investigate the situation further.
Episode 5 Recap
Qin Yiyue's parents unexpectedly arrived at her apartment. Qin Yiyue initially offered her parents her bedroom while she slept on the couch, but her mother, Luo Mingmei, noticed a storage room and asked Qin Yiyue to clean it up so she and Qin Qiuyang, Qin Yiyue's father, could stay there for a longer visit. Qin Yiyue's father agreed, wanting to spend more time with their daughter, to Qin Yiyue's surprise and slight dismay.
He Qiaoyan experienced arrhythmia and shortness of breath when he saw Ning Fang sending Qin Yiyue home. He later called Wen Gu, describing the situation and asking for an interpretation. Wen Gu immediately identified Ning Fang as a potential love rival and an obstacle to He Qiaoyan and Qin Yiyue's eventual marriage, advising He Qiaoyan to be on high alert.
He Qiaoyan went to Ning Fang's studio under the pretense of checking on the cat, but his real intention was to gather information on his love rival. There, he encountered Qin Yiyue, who was already present. Ning Fang asked if He Qiaoyan was there for Yiyue's cat, to which He Qiaoyan referred to Qin Yiyue as his "fiancee."
Qin Yiyue, upon seeing He Qiaoyan, mentioned she was taking Ning Fang to the best hot pot place for dinner to welcome him. Ning Fang then extended an invitation to He Qiaoyan. Though He Qiaoyan seemed inclined to accept, Qin Yiyue immediately dismissed the idea, stating He Qiaoyan would never dine at a "greasy and noisy" hot pot restaurant.
He Qiaoyan, playing along, reinforced her comment by elaborating on his aversion to hot pot due to its high calories, fat, and unsanitary preparation. Despite his earlier strong denial, He Qiaoyan secretly followed Qin Yiyue and Ning Fang to the hot pot restaurant. He sat alone, attempting to inconspicuously observe them, and accidentally ordered a "combo for two."
Qin Yiyue and Ning Fang chatted, with Qin Yiyue acknowledging He Qiaoyan's role in making the false articles about her disappear, admitting he was "not that annoying." Suddenly, a waiter approached He Qiaoyan's table, mistaking his solo order of a combo for a birthday celebration, and a team performed a loud, public birthday song and dance, wishing him "happy birthday," "good luck," "good health," "great fortune," and "a nice figure," much to He Qiaoyan's mortification.
Later, the restaurant announced a third-anniversary promotion: a free meal for couples who share a kiss when the music stops. Seeing Ning Fang move towards Qin Yiyue, He Qiaoyan impulsively lunged forward to intervene, but instead ended up in an awkward embrace with Ning Fang just as the music stopped. To their surprise, the hostess declared their meals free, mistaking them for a couple participating in the promotion.
Qin Yiyue, bewildered by He Qiaoyan's unexpected presence, asked why he was there. He Qiaoyan, maintaining his facade, claimed he was "inspecting the restaurant to see if it could be acquired" before briefly joining them. Later, at the gym, He Qiaoyan was visibly agitated, pushing himself with increased intensity. Wen Gu joined him, commenting that He Qiaoyan tends to "always push people away," which he suggested was why his ex-girlfriend, Lin Wei, had gone abroad.
He Qiaoyan, however, expressed no interest in Lin Wei's reasons for leaving, asserting he "doesn't care." Wen Gu, in turn, supported his friend's focus and wished him well in marrying Qin Yiyue. At the hospital, Qin Yiyue's mother, Luo Mingmei, observed He Qiaoyan leaving Poppet to play alone. She approached Poppet, and after some conversation, Poppet unexpectedly pointed to a picture of Qin Yiyue, calling her "Mommy." This revelation deeply concerned Luo Mingmei.
Back home, she and Qin Qiuyang confronted Qin Yiyue. Her best friend, overwhelmed by the interrogation, quickly made an excuse to go for a run and left the scene. Qin Yiyue struggled to explain, as her parents pressed her on her relationship with He Qiaoyan, expressing worries about him having a child and her knowing his background. Qin Yiyue maintained she had no connection to He Qiaoyan. Seeing her daughter's denial, Luo Mingmei dramatically feigned a heart attack.
Seizing a moment, Qin Yiyue used her friend Ruowei's supposed sprained ankle as an excuse to rush downstairs, only to find He Qiaoyan waiting. She frantically prevented him from going upstairs to meet her parents, even using the sun as an excuse. He Qiaoyan, suspicious that she might be hiding someone, agreed that they needed to get to know each other better.
He offered her a USB drive containing all his personal information, meticulously organized chronologically, and gave her a maximum of two weeks to review it and ask any questions. Qin Yiyue sarcastically accepted, promising to "learn about his glorious past." Upstairs, Qin Yiyue discussed her predicament with her best friend.
To satisfy her parents' demand to meet He Qiaoyan without actually introducing them to the real one, they devised a plan for their friend Ruowei to impersonate He Qiaoyan via text message. Meanwhile, at He Qiaoyan's home, Poppet eagerly questioned his father about when "Mommy" would move in, showing his strong anticipation. He Qiaoyan told Poppet their plan might be delayed and, referring to Qin Yiyue, asked him to take away a pillow when she arrived.
Poppet corrected him, affectionately calling her "Mommy." The next morning, Qin Yiyue initiated her plan by sending a message to He Qiaoyan, stating her parents wanted to meet him. She then feigned a stomachache and left her phone, creating an opportunity for her parents to intercept it. Her parents took the phone and sent a message to He Qiaoyan, extending the invitation. He promptly replied, agreeing to "personally visit."
Qin Yiyue, unaware that it was the real He Qiaoyan who replied, mistakenly believed Ruowei had successfully impersonated him and convinced her parents to go home. However, her plan backfired spectacularly when Ruowei called, revealing her phone had just been repaired and she had not sent any messages. Qin Yiyue realized her parents had inadvertently contacted the real He Qiaoyan.
Adding to the chaos, Wen Gu had also advised He Qiaoyan that "visiting parents is a crucial step in marriage" and that winning them over was key. Before Qin Yiyue could process the disaster, He Qiaoyan arrived at her parents' hometown house in a luxurious car, ready for the "meeting." He Qiaoyan, upon his grand arrival, immediately addressed Qin Yiyue's parents as "Mom and Dad" and presented them with a carload of gifts.
Her father, Qin Qiuyang, while impressed, suggested it was "a bit premature," but He Qiaoyan smoothly continued calling him "Dad." He then tried to compliment Luo Mingmei, saying she looked very young, but awkwardly specified she looked "49" despite being "50," causing a slight pause. Qin Yiyue attempted to send him away, but her parents were already won over and insisted he stay for dinner.
During the meal, He Qiaoyan presented a highly detailed "marriage plan," covering everything from engagement to post-wedding matters, demonstrating his serious commitment. Despite Qin Yiyue's attempts to reveal their "fake marriage," her parents were thoroughly impressed by his detailed approach and considered him reliable. They then inquired about Poppet. He Qiaoyan explained that Poppet's mother had passed away, and he had been raising the child alone. Luo Mingmei pressed on, asking if he had moved on.
He Qiaoyan clarified that Poppet's mother was a "close family member" and his "sister-in-law," revealing that Poppet was his elder brother's child. This revelation shocked both Qin Yiyue and her parents, who immediately expressed sympathy for He Qiaoyan's difficult situation. Qin Yiyue's parents warmly hosted He Qiaoyan for dinner, serving a large table of dishes. He Qiaoyan expressed his delight, saying he hadn't "had dinner with family members like this for a long time."
He drank heartily with Qin Qiuyang and accidentally burned himself with a hot dish. While in the bathroom applying toothpaste to the burn, He Qiaoyan observed the small, yet "warm" atmosphere of Qin Yiyue's home, feeling a sense of envy. As dinner concluded, He Qiaoyan, now slightly intoxicated, announced he had sent his driver home to care for Poppet and inquired if he could stay the night. Qin Yiyue was taken aback, but her parents enthusiastically agreed.
He Qiaoyan then audaciously suggested he "can share a room with Yiyue." Horrified, Qin Yiyue protested as he drunkenly clarified he wanted to stay because he loved Luo Mingmei's cooking and wished to have breakfast there. A comical argument ensued between Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan over who would sleep on the sofa, resulting in both of them accidentally falling onto the bed.
Lying there, He Qiaoyan pulled Qin Yiyue closer and confided his deep envy for her "having a home" and "having a family," contrasting it with his own loneliness by listing intimate family details like "towels hung together," "toothbrushes put together," and "eating together."
Episode 6 Recap
He Qiaoyan confided in Qin Yiyue, feeling like a terrible father for not providing Poppet with a complete family, only having a house, not a home. Qin Yiyue reassured him, reminding him that he still had Poppet and was doing his best. Just then, He Qiaoyan received a phone call informing him that Poppet had a fever. As He Qiaoyan had been drinking, Qin Yiyue insisted on accompanying him to the hospital.
Upon arrival, the ER doctor confirmed Poppet's condition was not serious and prescribed medicine, but Poppet refused to take it. He Qiaoyan attempted to persuade his son, warning him that he would get angry if Poppet was disobedient. Seeing his struggle, Qin Yiyue intervened with a playful approach. She pretended a little dinosaur was sick and needed medicine, mimicking drinking it with "Gulu gulu" sounds.
He Qiaoyan joined in, pretending to drink the bitter medicine, which successfully coaxed Poppet into taking his dose. Afterwards, He Qiaoyan offered Qin Yiyue coffee, expressing his guilt that he hadn't noticed Poppet's cold earlier that morning, unlike Assistant Ma. He explained that his busy schedule often left Poppet at home alone, and Poppet rarely interacted with strangers. He noted that Qin Yiyue was the first person Poppet had ever grown dependent on.
Later, Poppet surprisingly shared his snacks with Qin Yiyue and wanted her to sleep with him, behaviors he never exhibited with anyone else. Qin Yiyue agreed to stay, citing her medical expertise should his fever return. To their astonishment, Poppet then called Qin Yiyue "Mommy," a word he had not spoken in five years. He Qiaoyan, clearly surprised, confirmed with Poppet what he had just said.
The next morning, as Qin Yiyue tried to slip away unnoticed, she ran into He Qiaoyan. He immediately told her to move into his house that night, but Qin Yiyue refused, reminding him of her previous rejection and her unwillingness to sign any agreement. He Qiaoyan countered by reminding her that she had promised Poppet, and that his speaking "Mommy" was a first in five years.
He challenged her to tell Poppet directly that she was not his mommy if her promise was merely a joke. Qin Yiyue, though visibly hesitant, asserted she would. Back home, Qin Yiyue's best friend, Ruowei, was excitedly planning to lose weight to be her bridesmaid, convinced that Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan were destined for marriage.
Qin Yiyue, however, recounted her "unfortunate" night, including her parents' warm reception of He Qiaoyan, making her feel like she had brought home a "concubine" vying for their attention. Ruowei suggested Qin Yiyue either explain to Poppet that her promise was a "white lie" or let He Qiaoyan handle the situation. Qin Yiyue refused to upset Poppet and doubted He Qiaoyan could find a solution.
Ruowei then speculated that Qin Yiyue's sympathy for He Qiaoyan was a sign of developing feelings, which Qin Yiyue vehemently denied. Soon after, He Qiaoyan brought Poppet back to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up, explaining that the emergency visit had been too rushed. He also made a point to say that Poppet missed Qin Yiyue. Poppet continued to call Qin Yiyue "Mommy," but Qin Yiyue tried to discourage him, explaining that the hospital was a professional environment.
He Qiaoyan then presented Qin Yiyue with breakfast, claiming Poppet had prepared it, and declared that the gossip about them was no longer a rumor because she was now Poppet's mother. Unable to refuse Poppet's heartfelt gesture, Qin Yiyue took the breakfast and left for work. At He Qiaoyan's insistence, Director Huang asked Qin Yiyue to oversee Poppet's follow-up treatment, as Poppet's personal doctor was abroad and Poppet refused to interact with strangers.
He Qiaoyan then informed Qin Yiyue that he had to leave for a business trip, asking her to care for Poppet and asserting that Poppet needed her more than he needed his father. During He Qiaoyan's absence, Qin Yiyue continued to care for Poppet, reiterating her rule about not calling her "Mommy" at the hospital, explaining it was a workplace. Poppet seemed to grasp the explanation. Director Huang confirmed that Poppet's vital signs were excellent and he could return home.
Qin Yiyue took a photo with the sleeping Poppet and sent it to He Qiaoyan. Seeing the photo, He Qiaoyan instructed his secretary to buy an extra local specialty for her. Poppet later woke up and, not seeing Qin Yiyue, hurried to find her in the children's activity center. There, another child snatched Poppet's drawing tablet and then fell. The child's mother loudly berated Poppet, calling him "a mute" and demanding to see his mother.
Qin Yiyue arrived, declared herself his mother, and told the rude parent that politeness was not required for those who lacked it. Qingqing and others passing by witnessed the scene, mocking Qin Yiyue for being desperate to become Mrs. He. Qin Yiyue quickly retorted, calling Qingqing a "recycling bin for jerks."
Qin Yiyue brought Poppet back to his room, assuring him that she would always be with him, though perhaps in different ways, just as his biological mother was now watching over him from a cloud. In the breakroom, Qingqing and her friends were gossiping about Qin Yiyue. Ruowei overheard them and defended her friend, accidentally spilling coffee on Qingqing. As a result, the hospital requested Ruowei to voluntarily resign.
He Qiaoyan returned to the hospital and saw Qin Yiyue and Poppet sleeping together. He smiled and gently tried to cover Qin Yiyue with his jacket, but she woke up, leading to an awkward moment. He Qiaoyan handed her the local specialty, and Qin Yiyue accepted, commenting that he "at least had some conscience." Qin Yiyue soon learned about Ruowei's resignation.
Feeling guilty, she was comforted by Ruowei, who assured her it wasn't her fault, as she had indeed broken hospital rules and had already been contemplating a career change. Afterward, Qin Yiyue, Ruowei, and her senior colleague went to a bar. Qin Yiyue expressed her frustrations about her messy life and her guilt over Ruowei losing her job. Her colleague advised her against being indecisive due to her kindness.
The next morning, Qin Yiyue diligently helped Ruowei search for new jobs, preparing a "lucky breakfast" and offering comforting milk tea after a series of unsuccessful interviews. Ruowei was disheartened, fearing she would become unemployed. Suddenly, Ruowei received an invitation for a final interview at the prestigious Wenshi Group. She was overjoyed but also confused, as she had never had a first interview with them. Qin Yiyue playfully suggested it was a "mystery box" recruitment.
At the final interview, Mr. Wen, the chairman, offered Ruowei a choice of available positions, and she selected Chairman Assistant. He instructed her to report for duty on Monday. Ruowei later learned from Mr. Wen that He Qiaoyan had personally introduced her to the company. Touched by his gesture, Qin Yiyue immediately called He Qiaoyan to thank him, but he urgently informed her that Poppet was missing.
Episode 7 Recap
He Qiaoyan and Qin Yiyue anxiously searched for Poppet. Qin Yiyue suddenly realized Poppet might have gone to her home, remembering a previous incident when he ran away after learning He Qiaoyan was not his biological father. They rushed back and found Poppet waiting outside her apartment. He Qiaoyan, relieved but angry, scolded Poppet by his full name, He Weifei. Qin Yiyue intervened, assuring Poppet that his father was just worried, not truly angry.
Inside, He Qiaoyan immediately noticed Qin Yiyue's messy socks on the sofa, much to her embarrassment. Poppet then presented a drawing to apologize, and He Qiaoyan, softening, forgave him this time, but warned him that a repeat offense would result in his "going out privileges" being revoked. Qin Yiyue went to the kitchen to cook for Poppet, making a lot of noise.
He Qiaoyan came in and sarcastically remarked that she shouldn't attempt to cook if she didn't know how, calling it embarrassing. Qin Yiyue, offended, challenged him to a cooking contest, specifically fish dishes. He Qiaoyan confidently declared it would be her humiliation, explaining he would follow precise online recipes, using exact measurements like a 3:2:1 ratio for sugar, vinegar, and salt in his sweet and sour fish.
Qin Yiyue, however, insisted that "feeling is the soul of Chinese cuisine" and would rely on instinct for her fish dish. Poppet, serving as the judge, ultimately chose Qin Yiyue's dish. Qin Yiyue proudly explained that she had added milk for fragrance, understanding that children dislike cooking wine, ginger, and garlic, a detail He Qiaoyan had missed in his "almost perfect" recipe. She then playfully assigned him the task of doing the dishes.
While Qin Yiyue took Poppet to wash his hands, He Qiaoyan secretly sampled her dish. He initially mumbled it was "nothing special" but then took another large spoonful, leading Qin Yiyue to tease him about wanting a bowl of rice. Later, as He Qiaoyan drove Qin Yiyue and Poppet home, Qin Yiyue thanked him for helping her best friend, Yang Ruowei, secure a job interview.
He Qiaoyan remarked that not everything could be solved with money, citing his inability to get her to sign a contract even with a three-million-yuan ring. Qin Yiyue, flustered, confessed she had lost the ring, but He Qiaoyan revealed he had already guessed this when she asked about its value. Impulsively, to prove she could repay the money, Qin Yiyue agreed to sign a contract. He Qiaoyan, always prepared, pulled a backup contract from his car.
The contract stipulated they would outwardly act as a married couple until Poppet's condition improved, and He Qiaoyan emphasized that he only needed her professional expertise, not a romantic relationship. He also outlined termination conditions, including Poppet's recovery or "force majeure" like one party finding someone they love. Qin Yiyue jokingly wished him luck in finding his fated partner. He Qiaoyan then surprised her by revealing a twenty-million-yuan penalty for breach of contract.
Shocked, Qin Yiyue exclaimed in protest, but He Qiaoyan complimented her on her "throwing herself at him" act (as she lunged for the contract) and told "Mrs. He" to maintain such performances. Yang Ruowei, incredulous, questioned He Qiaoyan's business-like approach to marriage. Qin Yiyue explained her imminent move to He Qiaoyan's house, her unpaid leave from the hospital, and her new role as a "fake wife, real employee" to help Poppet speak and reintegrate into society.
The two friends then spent their last night together in their shared apartment, reminiscing about their six years of cohabitation, from dividing a small one-bedroom with a curtain to their many shared memories. They put on music and celebrated their bond. Meanwhile, at Wen's Group's weekly meeting, Wen Gu arrived late. He was visibly surprised and pleased to find Yang Ruowei introduced as his father's new secretary.
He made inappropriate remarks about having "experienced Ms. Yang's capabilities in many aspects" to his father, Mr. Wen. During his presentation, he accidentally displayed personal chat logs instead of his sales trends, mortifying Mr. Wen. Ruowei subtly helped him switch to the correct file but maintained a professional distance, pretending not to know him well. At the hospital, Qin Yiyue submitted detailed patient records for her special needs children, hoping to ease the transition for her successor.
Director Huang acknowledged the hospital rumors about her leaving to get married but affirmed his belief that she was doing it for the mute patient, Poppet, and expressed his support. Her colleagues also conveyed their reluctance to see her go. Qin Yiyue's senior colleague, Ning Fang, visited her and discovered she was moving to He Qiaoyan's house after signing a contract for the three-million-yuan ring. Ning Fang was angry, feeling she was sacrificing too much.
Qin Yiyue clarified that her decision was for Poppet's well-being, not because of He Qiaoyan himself. Ning Fang, disheartened, sighed, wondering if he was "too late again." Later, Wen Gu showed He Qiaoyan a video of Qin Yiyue and Ruowei celebrating their last night in the apartment, implying that Qin Yiyue was sacrificing a lot for him.
He Qiaoyan initially asserted he was only hiring her time and professional skills, but then admitted he hadn't intended for her to be unhappy, conceding that a negative attitude could affect Poppet. Wen Gu pointed out that it was the first time He Qiaoyan seemed to consider someone else's feelings. Prompted by this, He Qiaoyan decided to buy Qin Yiyue's rented apartment.
When his assistant delivered the transfer documents, Qin Yiyue, wary of his schemes, refused to sign, suspecting another trap. He Qiaoyan called her, demanding she come downstairs in two minutes to thank him. Qin Yiyue, wanting to preserve her dignity, deliberately waited five minutes before rushing downstairs, tripping, and clinging to He Qiaoyan's leg. She asked why he bought her the house.
He Qiaoyan explained it was due to her absent-mindedness, believing she had likely left the ring somewhere in the apartment. He also stated he didn't want her "junk" cluttering his large house, so she could use the apartment as a "warehouse" and only bring necessities. Qin Yiyue, finding the house too valuable, refused to accept it. Instead, she proposed that she and Ruowei could be tenants and he could halve their rent as an employee benefit.
He Qiaoyan countered by offering free rent but extended her contract by an additional two months, making it a total of fourteen months. The next day, Qin Yiyue arrived at He Qiaoyan's mansion with just two suitcases. He Qiaoyan treated it like a formal employee onboarding, giving her a tour of the public areas and then leading her to his bedroom.
He explained that to avoid Poppet's suspicion, given the child's keen observation skills, they would share a room but sleep in separate beds, thus maintaining the facade of a married couple. Qin Yiyue, noticing the limited wardrobe space, silently wondered if He Qiaoyan was peculiar. Recognizing Poppet's inquisitive gaze, Qin Yiyue realized they needed to actively demonstrate affection.
She called He Qiaoyan "dear" and initiated a "hugging from the back" while he was at the stove, explaining that "parental affection is the cornerstone of a child's sense of security." He Qiaoyan appeared uncomfortable. The next morning, she prompted him for a "head pat" and a "lift up" for Poppet's benefit. He Qiaoyan's "head pat" was awkward, prompting Qin Yiyue to demonstrate the correct way. When it came to the "lift up," He Qiaoyan hoisted Qin Yiyue into his arms, and as their eyes met, a moment of undeniable mutual attraction sparked between them.
Episode 8 Recap
Mr. Wen, while reviewing various business documents, laments to his assistant, Ruowei, about his son, Wen Gu, being unmarried and not yet a father. Ruowei overhears and suggests that Wen Gu, who shows such affection for He Qiaoyan's son Poppet, would undoubtedly be a responsible father. Convinced by her words, Mr. Wen reverses the HR transfer order, bringing back Wen Gu's previously dismissed female employees.
When Wen Gu joyfully thanks Ruowei, she playfully warns him that he will soon miss his single life. She reveals that his father has issued a "marriage-hastening order" to find him a wife, proclaiming that whoever captures Wen Gu's heart first will become the Wen family's daughter-in-law, even if it requires literally tying him up. Indeed, Wen Gu's phone is soon overwhelmed with messages.
Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan confronts Qin Yiyue about her "disorderly" habits in the bathroom, from placing her phone and comb in the tooth mug to leaving towels on the tap and mixing laundry. He dictates his strict rules, even down to squeezing toothpaste from the end. He also attributes her hair loss to a "nutrition imbalance" and demands she take multivitamins.
Asserting her "unrestrained" lifestyle is a safety concern for Poppet, He Qiaoyan declares that Qin Yiyue must submit a detailed itinerary for their daily outings for his approval before they can leave the house. He also orders her to clean the bathroom. Defiantly, Qin Yiyue secretly prepares luosifen, having an air freshener ready as backup. Poppet, drawn by the strong aroma, initially worries she's trying to harm his father or being forced to eat the unusual dish.
Qin Yiyue coaxes him to try a bite, and to her surprise, Poppet enjoys it even more than she does. Soon, He Qiaoyan notices the strong odor, mistaking it for a clogged toilet. He asks if anyone else smells something strange. Qin Yiyue quickly attributes the smell to Poppet's farts, remarking that it "stinks." He Qiaoyan believes it, saying Poppet might have poor digestion and needs a new recipe.
Once He Qiaoyan leaves, Qin Yiyue and Poppet gleefully resume eating, with Qin Yiyue declaring they'll indulge in delicious food without fear of him. Qin Yiyue presents her planned activities for Poppet to He Qiaoyan. He immediately dismisses the amusement park as too dangerous, the zoo as unsafe, and picnics as unhygienic, leaving only the museum as an approved option. Seeing Poppet's disappointment, Qin Yiyue reassures him she has another plan.
She then takes Poppet mountain climbing, humorously declaring it the "museum of Mother Nature," which is "free and doesn't have a queue." Later, He Qiaoyan asks his secretary for a report on Poppet's activities at the museum. The secretary inadvertently reveals that all museums are closed on Mondays, making He Qiaoyan realize that Qin Yiyue had taken Poppet somewhere else. During their mountain climb, a heavy rainstorm hits unexpectedly.
He Qiaoyan arrives just in time with an umbrella, providing a welcome surprise for Qin Yiyue and rescuing the "drenched chickens." Upon returning home, Qin Yiyue and Poppet, both sniffling from colds, face a stern He Qiaoyan. He confronts Qin Yiyue with the empty luosifen bag, chastising her for breaking rules and deceiving him. As punishment, he bans all unapproved food from the house and confiscates their snacks.
Qin Yiyue asks if she can at least eat them, but He Qiaoyan firmly refuses, ordering them to voluntarily hand over all "unacceptable food." With a dramatic sigh, Qin Yiyue and Poppet surrender their beloved snacks. He Qiaoyan then sends them to their room for reflection. Later, He Qiaoyan secretly opens the confiscated snacks and, to his surprise, thoroughly enjoys them. Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue, feeling wronged, tells Poppet that they "have to teach him a lesson."
Following Qin Yiyue's suggestion, Poppet draws on a sleeping He Qiaoyan with a marker. When Qin Yiyue picks up the marker, He Qiaoyan suddenly wakes up. Poppet quickly escapes, leaving Qin Yiyue to improvise; she swiftly draws cat whiskers on her own face to pretend it was her doing. The next morning, a comical race ensues for the bathroom.
He Qiaoyan wins, but upon seeing Qin Yiyue's unwashed underwear by the sink, he momentarily hesitates, then tells her she wins and can use the bathroom first. Qin Yiyue thanks him, then belatedly exclaims about forgetting to wash her underwear. Qin Yiyue takes Poppet to Qincheng Medical University, her alma mater, for a parent-child event. She encourages Poppet to join the activities, but he remains shy. To help him engage, she plays football with him.
There, she unexpectedly encounters Ning Fang, her former senior fellow student. Poppet, still wary of strangers, uses a card to request Ning Fang keep his distance, which Ning Fang respects. They discuss Poppet's post-traumatic stress disorder and the need for a suitable school. Ning Fang suggests Sunshine Primary School, explaining it's a non-profit institution dedicated to children with special needs, where he serves as a specially appointed teacher.
He praises its patient-oriented philosophy and holistic approach to education, which resonates with Qin Yiyue's ideals. Despite Qin Yiyue's initial hesitation about taking Poppet to an unapproved location, Ning Fang assures her it's for Poppet's benefit, and they proceed to visit the school. Qin Yiyue enthusiastically recommends Sunshine Primary School to He Qiaoyan, highlighting its specialized teachers and child-centric philosophy. However, Poppet innocently shows He Qiaoyan a photo of Qin Yiyue and Ning Fang together.
He Qiaoyan, clearly jealous, reminds Qin Yiyue that as "Mrs. He," she should maintain a "proper distance" from single men, even calculating their proximity in the photo. He dismisses the school, raising concerns about its funding and professional standards. Qin Yiyue passionately defends Ning Fang, emphasizing his expertise and the school's non-profit, compassionate mission. She points out that Ning Fang, a long-time friend, could provide additional care for Poppet, and recalls how happy Poppet was with him.
He Qiaoyan angrily retorts, questioning her judgment for taking Poppet to an unapproved location with a stranger and asking who would bear the consequences of any mishap. After sending Poppet to his room, Qin Yiyue argues that isolating Poppet is not the right approach and questions He Qiaoyan's trust in her professional ability, suggesting they terminate their contract. He denies doubting their collaboration but disagrees with her chosen path.
He suggests she "calm down" with a walk and return for dinner. Later, when Qin Yiyue refuses to eat, Poppet asks his father to comfort her. He Qiaoyan coldly texts her: "We'll discuss it at the meeting. Come and have dinner now." Enraged by his detached tone, Qin Yiyue packs her bags. He Qiaoyan stops her, not to apologize, but to suggest she use her "seven days of paid annual leave." Furious, Qin Yiyue leaves.
She complains to Ruowei, declaring she's "given up." Ruowei reminds her that a doctor doesn't abandon a patient due to disagreements with a superior. Qin Yiyue affirms she would never abandon Poppet. After Qin Yiyue leaves, He Qiaoyan discusses the situation with Wen Gu. He recounts his conversation with Qin Yiyue, including his lines like, "if you insist on thinking that way, then there's nothing I can do" and his suggestion to "go out for a walk to calm down."
Wen Gu points out that these are highly irritating phrases, akin to "drink more hot water" or "spend less money," and advises He Qiaoyan that relationships are not debates and he needs to find a way to make her return. The next day, Poppet secretly packs his bag and runs away from home to find Qin Yiyue.
Upon his arrival, a concerned Qin Yiyue texts He Qiaoyan, informing him that Poppet is with her and to come pick him up, jokingly remarking that her message sounds like a ransom note. When He Qiaoyan arrives, Qin Yiyue clarifies that Poppet came willingly. He Qiaoyan, still focused on their professional relationship, asks if she wants to quit or just use her annual leave.
Qin Yiyue expresses her frustration with the contract, pleading with him to just fire her and release them both. He Qiaoyan refuses, asserting that Poppet needs her and she is "irreplaceable." He tries to coax Poppet home, but Poppet clings to Qin Yiyue, refusing to leave with his father. Qin Yiyue defends Poppet, asking why He Qiaoyan is so angry and suggesting Poppet can stay with her if he prefers. He Qiaoyan, exasperated, tells Poppet he's leaving without him.
Later, Qin Yiyue visits Ning Fang's cozy and patient-oriented private clinic. Ning Fang invites her to join his team, proposing she take charge of the child psychology department, noting it would benefit her career and allow Poppet to continue treatment. Qin Yiyue agrees to consider the offer. Soon after, Director Huang calls, asking Qin Yiyue to fill in for Dr. Zhu at the hospital. Her colleague, Xiao'an, warns her that their patient, Shenghuai's mother, has been in a bad mood.
During Shenghuai's consultation, Qin Yiyue observes the mother's intense focus on her son and his dismissive attitude towards his father. In a later case consultation meeting, Director Huang congratulates Qin Yiyue on her "newlywed" status. Qin Yiyue reports Shenghuai's optimistic progress but raises concerns about his mother's "severe anxiety," which she believes the mother is unaware of. Qin Yiyue suggests preparing a medical record for her and arranging psychotherapy.
A colleague, Qingqing, however, questions Qin Yiyue's experience with adult cases and advises her to focus only on the child. Qin Yiyue counters that parents are crucial to a child's psychological treatment. Director Huang ultimately allows Qingqing to speak with Shenghuai's mother. Qingqing then attempts to speak with Shenghuai's mother, deceptively confirming that Qin Yiyue believes she is suffering from anxiety due to stress, linking it to Shenghuai's well-being. This leaves Shenghuai's mother feeling targeted and misunderstood.
Later, in the hospital hallway, Shenghuai's mother, already distressed from a phone call, confronts Qin Yiyue. She accuses Qin Yiyue of probing her during the consultation and believes Qin Yiyue was sent by her husband to obtain a diagnosis, aiming to force her to give up Shenghuai. Qin Yiyue attempts to explain her genuine concern about the mother's growing panic and anxiety.
Overwhelmed and shouting that it is Shenghuai who is sick, not her, Shenghuai's mother violently pushes Qin Yiyue down a flight of stairs. Just at that moment, He Qiaoyan rushes in, witnessing the fall but unable to prevent it.
Episode 9 Recap
After Qin Yiyue was pushed down the stairs by Yang Shenghuai's mother, He Qiaoyan rushed her to the hospital. Although Qin Yiyue protested his touch, an X-ray confirmed she had a ligament strain and a sprained ankle, not a fracture, and would need two to three weeks to recover. Her attending physician was her ex-boyfriend, Zhou Ziyang. He Qiaoyan demanded another doctor, but Qin Yiyue insisted on Zhou Ziyang's professionalism and asked He Qiaoyan to wait outside.
Privately, Qin Yiyue told Zhou Ziyang that their past was over and she didn't need his feigned concern. When a nurse brought crutches, He Qiaoyan immediately re-entered the room and, ignoring Qin Yiyue's protests, carried her out in a princess carry, stating she wouldn't have gotten hurt if she could manage herself.
Meanwhile, Yang Shenghuai's mother posted a malicious accusation on Weibo, alleging Qin Yiyue was negligent, misdiagnosed her son, and assaulted her family, all while indulging in her role as Mrs. He and seeking public attention. Wen Gu informed He Qiaoyan that despite Qin Yiyue's innocence, her special status as He Qiaoyan's wife had caused the incident to escalate publicly. Yang Shenghuai's mother also organized freelance journalists to gather at the hospital for a live stream.
Qin Yiyue was nearly swarmed by them before her senior, Ning Fang, arrived and swiftly took her away. Ning Fang, angry that Qin Yiyue's kindness was being exploited again, insisted she shouldn't go out alone, offering to be her constant protector. Later, Ye Qing, Qin Yiyue's colleague and former school junior, further slandered her online, questioning her medical abilities and suggesting her personal life distracted her from a child patient with a severe psychological disorder.
Qin Yiyue, however, maintained a clear conscience. He Qiaoyan immediately put a halt to all important company projects, including a crucial meeting with Mr. Jackson and his team from the Edmond Group, to fully address the defamation against Qin Yiyue. He instructed his PR and legal teams to prepare lawsuits against Yang Shenghuai's mother and all media accounts spreading false rumors.
He Qiaoyan then confronted Ye Qing and Zhou Ziyang, clarifying that the hospital's decision to penalize Ye Qing for her unprofessional comments was independent of him. He firmly declared that while his wife might not hold grudges, he would not tolerate anyone bullying her, vowing to remove any obstacles in her career path. Determined to ensure Qin Yiyue's safety and well-being, He Qiaoyan went to her home to bring her back.
He pointed out numerous "safety hazards"—from unsealed food and uncovered jars to pesticide on the windowsill, lack of water purification, and inadequate fire alarms, even suggesting that breathing the bathroom air was hazardous. He threatened legal action if Poppet remained in such an unsafe environment, effectively forcing Qin Yiyue to return to his home.
Qin Yiyue initially resisted, citing her injured leg, but He Qiaoyan countered that her work didn't require outdoor activity and that he and Mrs. Liu could provide full-time care. He then sweetened the deal with an offer of five times her salary and a shortened contract term, which Qin Yiyue accepted. As they reached the car, He Qiaoyan playfully suggested she hop on one leg. Seizing the opportunity to save face, Qin Yiyue demanded he carry her.
Recognizing she had accepted his offer but needed a way to give in with dignity, He Qiaoyan complied. Upon their arrival, He Qiaoyan presented a supplemental agreement prohibiting her from leaving or terminating the contract without penalty. Qin Yiyue refused to sign, stating her return was temporary and that she was considering a part-time position at Ning Fang's studio once her leg healed. She declared that whether she stayed long-term depended on He Qiaoyan's "performance."
She immediately put this to the test, asking him to push her wheelchair to her room, complaining his hands were shaky from pushing it all day and that he wouldn't be able to read stories to Poppet. She dismissed his offer of an electric wheelchair as unsafe, emphasizing Poppet's welfare. Elsewhere, Wen Gu fired his four attractive assistants, surprising Ruowei, as part of his renewed efforts to pursue her.
Seeking advice on how to handle Qin Yiyue, He Qiaoyan called Wen Gu, who sagely advised him to "absolutely obey" her, explaining that for women, "no means yes," and "whatever means you absolutely cannot be casual." The following morning, Qin Yiyue struggled to reach her clothes and knocked over a water cup. He Qiaoyan rushed in, but she insisted she didn't need help. Remembering Wen Gu's advice, He Qiaoyan persisted, claiming he was more concerned about his custom-made crystal glass.
While helping her with clothes, he stumbled and accidentally touched her leg. Qin Yiyue then asked him to help her into her wheelchair after she changed, confirming for He Qiaoyan the validity of Wen Gu's advice. He Qiaoyan canceled a scheduled dinner with Mr. Lin when Qin Yiyue texted, insisting he join her and Poppet for grocery shopping as a "family activity." At the supermarket, Qin Yiyue and Poppet wanted many snacks.
He Qiaoyan initially disapproved due to additives, but Qin Yiyue persuaded him, arguing it was okay to have snacks occasionally and that he shouldn't deprive Poppet of childhood joys. He Qiaoyan conceded to "today only," but Qin Yiyue skillfully expanded it to "every Friday is a snacks party," which he reluctantly accepted. At home, they enjoyed hotpot.
Despite He Qiaoyan's initial concerns about hygiene and the lingering smell, he thoughtfully served Qin Yiyue non-spicy food and hot water instead of cola, much to her delight. Later, while searching in his study, Qin Yiyue discovered a collection of photos of different girls' backs in He Qiaoyan's drawer, leading her to wonder if he was a pervert.
She and Poppet then spent time drawing, with Poppet drawing a space world on Qin Yiyue's cast, expressing a desire to visit Mars and the moon. He Qiaoyan joined them, offering facts about the exorbitant costs of space travel and correcting the common misconception that the sun is yellow (it's white). Qin Yiyue playfully teased him for being all talk, prompting He Qiaoyan to draw a detailed solar system on her cast and teach Poppet about Jupiter.
Later, realizing Qin Yiyue hadn't washed her hair in three days and was using baby powder to absorb the oil, He Qiaoyan offered to help. Despite her initial "Whatever," he insisted, recalling Wen Gu's advice. He then washed and blow-dried her hair, surprising her with his skilled technique. Afterward, He Qiaoyan was seen in his study, lost in thought as he gazed at one of the photos of a girl's back.
The next morning, as He Qiaoyan prepared for work, Poppet asked him to kiss Qin Yiyue, citing it as a sweet habit of He Qiaoyan's older brother and his wife. He Qiaoyan agreed, but Qin Yiyue lightheartedly said, "Don't kiss me for real." Joking about the leek dumplings she had eaten, He Qiaoyan kissed her neck instead, leaving them both flustered. Before leaving, He Qiaoyan informed Qin Yiyue that his lawyers would visit that afternoon.
The lawyers arrived with evidence, explaining He Qiaoyan's intent to sue Yang Shenghuai's mother for defamation and assault. However, Qin Yiyue refused to proceed, stating she didn't blame the mother, who "has been struggling," and didn't want the lawsuit to negatively impact her life. Later, she confronted He Qiaoyan. He argued that the lawsuit was justified, as Yang Shenghuai's mother had damaged Qin Yiyue's reputation, and her injury as an employee had impacted his interests as an employer.
Qin Yiyue reiterated that the incident was in the past. He Qiaoyan was unmoved, retorting that this was the price the mother had to pay and that everyone must be responsible for their actions.
Episode 10 Recap
Qin Yiyue went to He Qiaoyan's office to persuade him to drop the lawsuit against Sheng Huai's mother. She explained that Sheng Huai's parents were divorced, and his mother was under immense stress raising the child alone. As a psychologist, Qin Yiyue could understand the mother's defensiveness and prejudice, emphasizing that she viewed every patient and their relatives as friends and family.
She felt it was her duty to protect them, especially since parents could be more fragile than their children. He Qiaoyan, however, maintained his principles, stating that "feelings and principles are two different things." He insisted that "if you frame someone up, you should apologize; if you hurt someone, you should pay for it," calling it "the unalterable rule of life."
Qin Yiyue called him inflexible and unreasonable, to which He Qiaoyan responded that she was being emotional and reminded her that her duty was to care for Poppet, not to "leave your job without permission." Enraged, Qin Yiyue declared she didn't want to stay in his "cold office" for another second. As she tried to leave, she stumbled on her crutches and fell.
He Qiaoyan, remarking on her earlier statement, picked her up, sat her in his office chair, and pushed her out, ignoring her protests. Meanwhile, Wen Gu met Yang Ruowei, demanding compensation for his emotional distress and blaming her for making him a misogynist. Yang Ruowei defended herself, pointing out she had completed all her tasks.
Wen Gu hinted at knowing her secrets, but Yang Ruowei challenged him to expose them, questioning why he, a man, was so concerned about her reputation. Their playful argument was witnessed by Mr. Wen, Wen Gu's father. That evening, He Qiaoyan attempted to read "The Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems" by Galileo Galilei to Poppet. Qin Yiyue questioned if Poppet could understand such a complex book and introduced more age-appropriate children's books with games to develop intelligence.
She argued that children should read books suitable for their age, and that her selections were vetted by child psychologists and educational experts, even mentioning her own past research on the topic. He Qiaoyan dismissed her books as too simple, stating that his carefully curated reading list had given Poppet knowledge beyond his peers.
Despite calling Qin Yiyue's game "boring," He Qiaoyan surprised her by quickly finding all the hidden items in the book, leading her to wonder at his intelligence. The next morning, Qin Yiyue, still annoyed with He Qiaoyan, planned to wait until he left for work before using the bathroom. Unbeknownst to her, He Qiaoyan was being equally considerate, thinking he should let her go first due to her leg injury.
After a long wait, Qin Yiyue decided to simply ignore him and head to the bathroom, but as she opened the door, He Qiaoyan was about to knock. She pressed him again to drop the lawsuit, but he firmly refused, stating he was determined to pursue the case. Qin Yiyue resorted to physically blocking He Qiaoyan from leaving for work, still demanding he drop the lawsuit.
He Qiaoyan responded by carrying her to Poppet's room, instructing Poppet to keep an eye on his "mommy" and prevent her from wandering off. Later, Qin Yiyue secretly tried to take compromising photos of He Qiaoyan by the swimming pool, intending to "threaten" him and "help the girls realize their dreams." He Qiaoyan caught her, seized her phone, and deleted the photos, advising her to engage in more meaningful activities.
As they struggled for the phone, they both fell onto a chair, with Qin Yiyue landing on top of him. He Qiaoyan jokingly commented on her weight, telling her to lose some. Qin Yiyue pretended her crutch had fallen, refusing to get up until he dropped the lawsuit. When he tried to move her, she threatened to yell for help. At that moment, his secretary entered, followed by Sheng Huai's Mom, who was anxiously looking for him.
Sheng Huai's Mom confronted He Qiaoyan, arguing her innocence and threatening to sue Qin Yiyue for misdiagnosis. He Qiaoyan calmly explained that a professional body would determine if there was a misdiagnosis and that she knew the truth herself. He then revealed that he hadn't sued her only because Qin Yiyue had continuously insisted that the mother's actions were impulsive, refusing to hold her responsible, even begging him not to sue despite her own injury.
He further offered that the He's charity foundation would cover Sheng Huai's treatment and education costs for the next ten years. Additionally, He Qiaoyan promised to arrange a psychologist for Sheng Huai's Mom, urging her to address her psychological issues and set a positive example for her child. Touched by their generosity, Sheng Huai's Mom finally admitted her mistakes. Later, Qin Yiyue visited He Qiaoyan in his study, offering him a yogurt as a "reward" for being "helpful."
He Qiaoyan rejected the notion of being kind, explaining he acted on her advice because he trusted her, and the outcome proved to be "not that bad." He also implied his actions were partly to stop her constant nagging and ensure her leg healed for Poppet's care. Qin Yiyue playfully teased him for struggling to admit his kindness, calling him "cute." He Qiaoyan then presented her with her monthly performance appraisal.
Qin Yiyue was shocked to find minute details like "sleeping in and staying up late" included, feeling as though she was being spied on. In her anger, she accidentally knocked over a book, revealing a hidden photo of He Qiaoyan, his brother, sister-in-law, and another woman. She immediately suspected the woman was He Qiaoyan's ex-girlfriend, wondering if her own gossip was coming back to haunt her. Feeling dizzy, He Qiaoyan emerged from the bathroom.
Qin Yiyue, noticing his pallor, asked if he was unwell. He promptly fainted into her arms. To her surprise, her leg felt miraculously better in the heat of the moment, allowing her to stand and walk freely. She quickly helped him to bed and took his temperature, which was "only 38 degrees Celsius."
He Qiaoyan found her casual reaction surprising, but Qin Yiyue, as a doctor, assured him it was a low fever and he would be fine with physical cooling, not requiring an IV drip at the hospital. Qin Yiyue's attempts at physical cooling proved chaotic. She first tried an ice pack, which He Qiaoyan found too cold. Then she used a wet towel but forgot to wring it out, drenching him and the bed.
Her ginger soup, made with large ginger chunks, further vexed He Qiaoyan, who half-jokingly accused her of trying to "murder me." Despite the comical ordeal, Qin Yiyue diligently cared for him until his fever broke later that night, only then going to sleep herself. Exhausted, He Qiaoyan quipped that he might live longer without her around. The next day, Wen Gu delivered more photos of women's backs to He Qiaoyan.
He complained about his years of secretly taking these pictures, constantly fearing being mistaken for a pervert. In gratitude, He Qiaoyan offered him a car he had admired. Wen Gu marveled that He Qiaoyan's "first love" was a woman he had never even seen, a "crazy obsession" he had pursued for five years. He offered to continue his search for another five, even ten, years. He Qiaoyan simply stated that he felt he "should find her."
Wen Gu questioned the existence of this woman, seen only in dreams. He Qiaoyan, eager to return to work, dismissed him. Wen Gu then asked about the car, to which He Qiaoyan replied, "Whenever I feel like it." Qin Yiyue began her new job at Ning Fang's clinic, but her mind still replayed He Qiaoyan's feverish whispers of "Don't go. Don't leave me," pondering if he meant the woman in the photo or the mysterious "back girl" from his dreams.
Ning Fang warmly welcomed her, expressing his honor at having an "excellent child psychologist" volunteer. Qin Yiyue quickly corrected him, insisting he treat her to hotpots as payment, which he happily agreed to. Meanwhile, Mr. Wen, having observed Yang Ruowei's ability to influence Wen Gu, appointed her as his new assistant. Wen Gu was displeased, suspecting his father and Yang Ruowei were "spying on me."
Yang Ruowei, as his assistant, dutifully reminded him of his important 10 AM meeting with UNIFON. She impressed him by flawlessly reciting details about the company's brand, its focus on "the culture of the prosperous Tang Dynasty" and "Oriental women," and their "signature product," a mask featuring "glycyrrhiza glabra extract" for brightening skin. She even outlined her "cooperation" strategy of using "ordinary people or KOLs to take V-logs" and offering a "Lucky Draw" to "promote our hotel."
Wen Gu, trying to evade her, claimed he would handle the meeting himself. Undeterred, Yang Ruowei resolved to "handle him." That evening, she silently shadowed him at a bar, effectively disrupting his attempts to socialize with other women. Qin Yiyue met Yang Ruowei for a barbecue, celebrating her new job and her fully recovered leg. Qin Yiyue ordered five roast lamb legs, adhering to her mother's belief in "Eat what you lack, and you are what you eat."
Yang Ruowei playfully countered by ordering five roasted pork brains for Qin Yiyue, jokingly suggesting she needed "more brainpower." Qin Yiyue then showed Yang Ruowei the photo she found, which included He Qiaoyan, his brother, sister-in-law, and an unknown woman. Based on their proximity, Yang Ruowei immediately assumed the woman was He Qiaoyan's "girlfriend at the time."
Qin Yiyue agreed but confessed she had never heard of him having a "relationship" or any "intimate female friends," even speculating if the woman might be his "sister nobody knows about." Yang Ruowei teased her about being "jealous." Qin Yiyue denied it, claiming no interest in his "dating history," yet continued to wildly speculate whether the woman was a primary school or high school classmate, or if He Qiaoyan had been "dumped" and was "too humiliated to talk about it."
She even imagined the woman as a "hidden boss of He's Group" or a "secret wife" who "lives overseas for many years." Yang Ruowei, weary of the topic, urged her to stop, accusing her of reading too many novels. Qin Yiyue, however, insisted she was "using my detective skills as a web sleuth to seek the truth for the public."
Later that night, Qin Yiyue was still sending voice messages to Yang Ruowei, excitedly relaying absurd online gossip about He Qiaoyan's "dating history," which involved "hookers and celebrities." Calling herself a "gossip genius," she suggested Yang Ruowei listen to it as a "bedtime story." Accidentally, she sent the message to He Qiaoyan. He Qiaoyan played back the voice message, playfully mocking her choice of "bedtime stories" and asking if she was "that curious about my dating history."
Qin Yiyue denied prying, claiming she only wanted to "know more about your past" to "help Poppet with his conditions." He Qiaoyan then challenged her, as a professional, to interpret the photo she had seen. Qin Yiyue explained that the photo depicted him as "very happy" and "warm" when he was "with your family," and she wanted to help him "find that back" for both "Poppet, and also for you."
She encouraged him to "Smile," assuring him he "looks pretty with a smile." He Qiaoyan, however, reminded her of her role, telling her to "remember why you're here. Just take care of Poppet. Don't let other things distract you," and curtly added, "It's none of your business." Qin Yiyue felt unappreciated but vowed to dedicate all her attention to Poppet.
She then brought up the Sunshine Primary School again, stressing that Poppet's priority should be to "communicate with people and make friends with others," not academic performance. She highlighted Poppet's happiness during an afternoon outing and Ning Fang's invitation for him to attend a group activity "Tomorrow." She asserted she would take Poppet regardless, reminding him of their "pinky promise." He Qiaoyan silently agreed.
The following morning, He Qiaoyan called Professor Wu, expressing his desire to "fund a school for children with special needs." He emphasized that his primary need was for "professional teachers with relevant background experience," not just financial aid, and offered "generous offers" for suitable candidates.
Episode 11 Recap
He Qiaoyan had transformed the villa into a warm and inviting home, just as Qin Yiyue had suggested. Both Qin Yiyue and Poppet were delighted upon seeing the changes, remarking that it felt like a small house from a fairy tale. Qin Yiyue noticed the pleasant aroma of home-cooked food and a new round dining table, which He Qiaoyan explained was chosen to foster closer family communication.
He encouraged Poppet to pick a chair and claim it with a sticker, assuring Qin Yiyue that furniture was meant to serve their comfort. The three of them enjoyed dinner together. Meanwhile, Ruofei arrived at a restaurant for a meeting with Wen Gu. He played the violin and offered her Premium Japanese Black Cattle, but Ruofei quickly saw through his charade.
She accused him of arranging a photographer to frame her as a "scheming woman" who was trying to become a Wen family daughter-in-law, hoping his father, Mr. Wen, would fire her and free him from supervision. Wen Gu denied these accusations, claiming genuine affection, but Ruofei scoffed at his outdated attempts at courtship.
They then made a bet: if Ruofei developed feelings for him, she would resign, but if Wen Gu fell for her first, he would have to obey her. Wen Gu confidently accepted, believing he would win. Qin Yiyue took Poppet to meet Ning Fang, who brought a basketball. He Qiaoyan, having secretly followed them, appeared and expressed his intent to "evaluate Mr. Ning Fang" and the school's suitability for Poppet.
He proposed a basketball challenge: he would play Ning Fang and Qin Yiyue, and if they won, Poppet could attend Sunshine Primary School. After He Qiaoyan and Ning Fang played to a tie, He Qiaoyan challenged Qin Yiyue to a shooting contest. Knowing how much Poppet wanted to go to school, He Qiaoyan deliberately missed shots, allowing Qin Yiyue to win. Poppet cheered excitedly that he could now attend school, and Qin Yiyue reminded He Qiaoyan to honor his promise.
Two days before school started, Qin Yiyue carefully prepared Poppet's school supplies, including pencils, erasers, money, and a handkerchief. She taught him how to cover books, calling it a cherished "symbol of a new semester" from her own childhood. He Qiaoyan, however, presented a prototype smart schoolbag, a "next-gen invention" designed to handle any emergency. He demonstrated its features, including a Help button, camera, rangefinder, GPS, and face recognition.
Qin Yiyue questioned its weight and practicality, joking that it seemed designed for war, not school. She sarcastically suggested he build a robot to accompany Poppet. Qin Yiyue argued that such special treatment would hinder Poppet's integration into the new environment, but He Qiaoyan insisted on ensuring Poppet's absolute safety, citing the unknown nature of the other children and school facilities.
Qin Yiyue countered that for Poppet to be a normal child, He Qiaoyan needed to learn to be a normal parent. He Qiaoyan asked if she thought he was "not normal," to which she diplomatically responded that he was "extraordinary." On Poppet's first day of school, Qin Yiyue reassured him and promised she and his father would pick him up.
Poppet was nervous, and the teacher suggested a "kiss relay" to offer comfort: Poppet would kiss his father, then his father would kiss his mother, and then his mother would kiss Poppet. He Qiaoyan initially refused, but Qin Yiyue convinced him to "fake it" with a borrowed position to satisfy Poppet, who was delighted. He Qiaoyan then abruptly left for a meeting.
Ning Fang soon arrived and, seeing Poppet's hesitation, offered to let Qin Yiyue enter the school as his "temporary assistant," which she gratefully accepted. Back in his car, He Qiaoyan realized he had forgotten the smart schoolbag. He then relocated his company's weekly meeting to a building directly opposite Sunshine Primary School. From there, he used a telescope to observe the school and saw Qin Yiyue laughing with Ning Fang.
Feeling jealous, He Qiaoyan made several calls to Qin Yiyue, who was frustrated by his repeated hang-ups. Finally, he called her, vaguely claiming "something serious" had happened at home and ordered her to return, refusing to elaborate. Qin Yiyue and Poppet rushed home, believing He Qiaoyan had a real emergency. However, he casually announced his "big emergency" was simply hunger and demanded she make the seafood noodles she once prepared for Poppet.
Qin Yiyue retorted by serving him instant seafood noodles. As they playfully struggled over the chopsticks, He Qiaoyan pulled her into an intimate position. At that precise moment, his Auntie entered the kitchen, catching them. He Qiaoyan promptly introduced Qin Yiyue as his wife. Auntie, skeptical, interrogated him about Qin Yiyue's ordinary background and her job as a child psychologist, questioning her suitability as the "hostess of He's Group."
Qin Yiyue, overhearing the disparaging remarks, defiantly drank the tea she had prepared for Auntie. Auntie then sought out Poppet, asking if he liked his new mommy. Poppet showed a drawing and declared, "I was the one who found Mommy," which only further deepened Auntie's suspicions that their marriage was merely for Poppet's sake.
Later, He Qiaoyan explained to Qin Yiyue that his Auntie was shrewd and had doubts about their marriage, warning Qin Yiyue that her suspicions needed to be dispelled to avoid exposure and contractual penalties. He Qiaoyan then demonstrated how they needed to act like a loving couple, which Qin Yiyue reluctantly agreed to, calling Auntie a "humanoid monitor." That evening, at dinner, Qin Yiyue proudly presented the meal she and Mrs. Liu prepared.
He Qiaoyan highlighted Qin Yiyue's role in Poppet starting school. When Qin Yiyue offered her "specialty" to Auntie, Auntie pointedly asked Mrs. Liu for public chopsticks, rejecting Qin Yiyue's gesture. He Qiaoyan intervened, taking the chopsticks and encouraging Qin Yiyue to serve him and Poppet instead. Annoyed, Auntie abruptly left without eating, and He Qiaoyan followed to see her out. Only after they left did Qin Yiyue and Poppet feel comfortable enough to enjoy their meal.
As Auntie left in her car, she spoke to someone on the phone, confirming her suspicion that He Qiaoyan's marriage was a facade for Poppet's benefit. However, she had also observed that He Qiaoyan appeared to be developing genuine feelings for Qin Yiyue. Recognizing this complication, she instructed the person to proceed as planned with Miss Lin, emphasizing that the union between the Lin and He families was an absolute necessity.
Episode 12 Recap
He Qiaoyan discussed the future development of the smart band with his Aunt, presenting positive data and his plans to re-package it as a key product for the European and American markets, which would require convincing the board. His Aunt offered to handle the arrangements for the upcoming 30th-anniversary dinner, telling him to focus on the board meeting.
He Qiaoyan announced that he would bring his wife, Qin Yiyue, this year, but his Aunt expressed concern, believing Qin Yiyue might not even know a basic dance. He Qiaoyan confidently stated that Qin Yiyue could learn and told his Aunt not to underestimate her. Later, He Qiaoyan informed Qin Yiyue about the 30th-anniversary dinner and asked her to attend with him.
Qin Yiyue was reluctant, complaining that such events involved uncomfortable sky-high heels, tight clothes, forced smiles, and standing all night without a proper meal, which she found meaningless. He Qiaoyan insisted, reminding her that as Mrs. He, her absence would invite criticism and raise suspicion from his Aunt. Qin Yiyue jokingly suggested telling his Aunt she was sick or faking a leg injury.
He Qiaoyan then used a provocation tactic, questioning if she was afraid of dancing poorly and implying she lacked coordination. Qin Yiyue, easily provoked, proudly claimed her past experience as a lead in radio gymnastics. When He Qiaoyan dismissed it as different from a waltz, she tried to demonstrate a "chug-chug" dance with a vase, almost falling. He Qiaoyan sarcastically remarked on her clumsiness and threatened to deduct her salary if she got hurt.
Unable to resist the challenge, Qin Yiyue impulsively agreed to learn to dance and attend the dinner. He Qiaoyan then arranged for a team of professionals to train Qin Yiyue, including an etiquette teacher Judy, a posture teacher Helen, a dance teacher Nana, and a designer Doris with her assistant. He warned Qin Yiyue not to be lazy and vowed to check her progress daily. After a grueling day of "devil training," Qin Yiyue was exhausted.
For dinner, He Qiaoyan presented her with a plate of vegetables and a glass of milk, explaining that he wanted to adjust her diet, which he had long found problematic, to be more nutritious and healthy. Qin Yiyue, craving high-calorie comfort food, expressed a desire for hotpot. He Qiaoyan then showed her pictures of hotpot on his phone, telling her to "eat" while looking at the images.
While Qin Yiyue was practicing, He Qiaoyan received a phone call informing him that Zhang Cheng, the driver involved in the car accident five years ago, had been found in Tong City. He immediately ordered a flight and rushed out. Seeing him leave in a hurry, Qin Yiyue dismissed her teachers and promptly arranged a hotpot dinner with her friend Ruowei.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Liu, while tidying up, noticed documents related to Driver Zhang and shared with Qin Yiyue that He Qiaoyan had been searching for him for many years since he disappeared after the accident. Ruowei then messaged Qin Yiyue, suggesting a newly discovered hotpot restaurant near her company and asking Qin Yiyue to meet her there. En route to Tong City, He Qiaoyan received another call, this time informing him that Zhang Cheng had managed to escape.
Furious, He Qiaoyan went to Wen Gu's office, where he unexpectedly ran into Qin Yiyue, who was waiting for Ruowei. He confided in Wen Gu about Zhang Cheng's escape, and Wen Gu speculated that the driver might have been backed by someone, suggesting the accident was more complex than it seemed. He Qiaoyan vowed to uncover the truth and avenge his brother and sister-in-law.
Moments later, Ruowei arrived to deliver documents to Wen Gu and inadvertently blurted out their plans for hotpot and bubble tea with Qin Yiyue. He Qiaoyan confronted Qin Yiyue, questioning why she wasn't practicing dance. Qin Yiyue retorted that dancing was his "private matter" and not part of her job as Poppet’s caregiver, adding that she couldn't control his personal affairs. Disappointed and angry, He Qiaoyan walked away.
Wen Gu then took Qin Yiyue aside and explained the five-year-old car accident: on Poppet's birthday, in heavy rain, He Qiaoyan's brother and sister-in-law died instantly, with only Poppet surviving. He Qiaoyan, rushing to the hospital, also had an accident and fell into a coma for half a month. Upon waking, he had to suppress his immense grief to save He's Group, which was facing bankruptcy, inheriting his father and brother's legacy amidst internal and external crises.
During her hotpot meal with friends, Qin Yiyue was preoccupied with Wen Gu’s revelations, feeling a heavy sensation in her chest. She expressed a desire to "protect" He Qiaoyan. Ruowei warned her that falling in love was irreversible. Qin Yiyue decided to fully commit to learning to dance.
Upon returning home, she "confiscated" her hidden snacks, presenting them to He Qiaoyan as a symbol of her commitment and assuring him that she would not hold him back from his board meeting preparations. He Qiaoyan revealed that he had already dismissed the dance teachers, admitting he shouldn't force her into his personal affairs and telling her not to take his Aunt's words too seriously. Despite this, Qin Yiyue continued practicing late into the night.
Seeing her struggle, He Qiaoyan offered to teach her himself. He patiently guided her through the waltz steps, and when she complained about her feet hurting from the high heels, he gently applied a band-aid. After getting the basic steps down, Qin Yiyue, feeling liberated, took off her heels and joyfully danced freely to an upbeat song, making He Qiaoyan smile as he watched her. In that moment, Qin Yiyue realized she was truly falling in love with him.
At the 30th-anniversary dinner, He Qiaoyan, accompanied by Qin Yiyue and Poppet, subtly indicated to Qin Yiyue that he had specially instructed the kitchen to prepare plenty of food for the buffet, playfully hinting at her appetite. He then introduced Qin Yiyue to his Aunt and the board members as his wife. They flawlessly performed an opening waltz. Afterward, He Qiaoyan surprised Qin Yiyue with flat shoes, and they happily danced freely to a lively song she loved. However, his Aunt had also extended an invitation to Miss Lin Wei, who appeared at the event.
Episode 13 Recap
Lin Wei, elegantly dressed in a rose gown, made her grand entrance at the celebration. Auntie enthusiastically greeted her, complimenting her beauty, and urged He Qiaoyan to welcome her. Lin Wei and He Qiaoyan exchanged greetings, both acknowledging the passage of time since they last met. Guests quickly recognized Lin Wei as the founder of the luxury brand Viv Lin and began remarking on her perfect compatibility with He Qiaoyan, calling them a "golden couple."
Wen Gu observed her arrival, noting that the Lin and He families were old friends, with the Lin family having provided crucial support to He's Group during past difficulties and remaining a major shareholder. Feeling overshadowed and out of place, Qin Yiyue decided to wait for He Qiaoyan outside. As she turned to leave, she accidentally tripped over her shoelace and fell. He Qiaoyan immediately rushed to her side to help her up, asking her to be more careful.
Later, Auntie harshly criticized Qin Yiyue for being "unpresentable," stating that He's Group anniversaries had never encountered such mishaps until her appearance. He Qiaoyan, however, defended Qin Yiyue, pointing out it was merely an accidental fall and that her overall performance was commendable. Auntie insisted that, given Lin Wei's presence, He Qiaoyan should have shown more consideration.
He Qiaoyan acknowledged the Lin family's long-standing kindness to He's Group but asserted that this did not warrant constant compromise, arguing that increasing He's Group's stock price was the true mutual benefit. Auntie then turned to He Qiaoyan's ongoing investigation into his siblings' car accident, advising him against reopening old wounds and urging him to prioritize the company's development, as it represented his family's legacy. He Qiaoyan calmly responded that "unawareness of the truth is not healing; it's self-deception."
He assured Auntie he understood her concerns before wishing her good rest. Back home, Qin Yiyue, scrolling through social media, scoffed at posts that described a "heart-fluttering dance" and an "exciting night" between He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei. She sarcastically remarked that as He Qiaoyan's wife, he wouldn't dare to even move around her. He Qiaoyan entered the room and, playing on her words, said he wasn't "completely unmoved" by gratitude.
He then carefully examined her foot, applying ice and warning her of a possible sprain. A flustered Qin Yiyue, misunderstanding his pun, initially thought he was expressing gratitude for all she had done. Embarrassed when the miscommunication became clear, she pulled the covers over her head, claiming to be cold and going to sleep, and He Qiaoyan bid her good night. Later that night, from her room, Qin Yiyue called He Qiaoyan, wanting to discuss Lin Wei.
She probed his feelings about Lin Wei, asking if she was outstanding and if they got along well. He Qiaoyan replied that the Lin family was strict with their children and Lin Wei had always been outstanding, adding that they both loved math and were in the math club as kids. Qin Yiyue persisted, asking if Lin Wei was beautiful and had many suitors, then directly questioned their arranged marriage.
He Qiaoyan deflected, advising her to save phone battery and data for sleep. Qin Yiyue countered that her phone was charging and connected to Wi-Fi, pressing him for an explanation as to why they weren't married despite the arrangement. He Qiaoyan abruptly announced he was turning off his phone to sleep and ended the call, leaving Qin Yiyue frustrated. The following day, at Ning Fang's office, Qin Yiyue pondered the significance of first loves for men.
Ruowei playfully inquired if she had "interrogated" He Qiaoyan the previous night. Qin Yiyue responded that she lacked the standing to do so, prompting Ruowei to warn her against internalizing her feelings until she "implodes from the stress." Qin Yiyue agreed. She then expressed annoyance that He Qiaoyan hadn't replied to her messages, which usually received instant responses. She humorously threatened to get "uncheerably" angry if he didn't respond by the count of three.
Still receiving no reply, she felt sad. Xiao'an then approached, reassuring Qin Yiyue that she was her "goddess" and the perfect match for He Qiaoyan, before urging her to check Weibo. Qin Yiyue discovered numerous posts, such as "The rich and beautiful fiancée of He Qiaoyan outshined Qin Yiyue." Comments praised Lin Wei's elegance, calling her and He Qiaoyan an "iconic couple of romantic fiction," while labeling Qin Yiyue a "calculating girl that came out of nowhere."
Qin Yiyue dismissed these as mere gossip, stating she cared little for rumors. Her immediate concern was Poppet; she decided to pick him up from school, fearing he might be affected by the rumors, emphasizing that while adults "can tell right from wrong," children are more vulnerable. Xiao'an asked if she wasn't worried about the hostile and slanderous posts targeting her personally.
Qin Yiyue explained that since meeting He Qiaoyan, being a "popular search term" had become commonplace, so she disregarded the rumors and left. Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan's assistant informed him about the online rumors concerning Qin Yiyue. He Qiaoyan immediately instructed his legal department to handle the situation and demanded a resolution plan by the end of the day. He received Qin Yiyue's message confirming she had picked up Poppet.
Later, at home, He Qiaoyan asked Qin Yiyue if she was alright, referring to the online posts. Qin Yiyue reassured him, stating that with his constant support and the powerful legal team of He's Group handling the matter, she and Poppet simply needed "one night off the Internet, and everything will be alright." He Qiaoyan confirmed that the legal team was actively working on it and expected results soon.
He then informed her that he had another meeting and would not be home for dinner, to which Qin Yiyue assented. That evening, Yang Ruowei was working late when Wen Gu orchestrated a ghost prank, complete with eerie sounds, moving shadows, falling objects, and a "bloody" doll. Wen Gu burst in, calling out to a supposedly scared Ruowei, reassuring her he was there to save her, and admitting it was a "small joke" to "play the hero."
However, Ruowei was completely unfazed. She exposed his prank, noting that his "ghosts" (his staff, Zhang and Xu) were wearing suits and leather shoes, and she even spotted Zhang's wedding ring in the brightly lit restroom. She dismissed Wen Gu's "cliché script" and poor "costumes and props," sending his staff home without counting their participation as overtime. Wen Gu was surprised by her boldness.
Ruowei, a self-proclaimed "big fan of horror movies" and veteran of "every popular escape game," mocked his "shoddy little pranks" as easily seen through and boring. She criticized his "tacky prank" for attempting to "stimulate hormones" and "play the hero." Wen Gu then asked if she would be "moved" if he appeared to save her in a dangerous situation.
Ruowei playfully responded that she would "burst into tears" and "never rest in peace" if his face were the last one she saw before dying. She then told him to turn off the lights and go home, not to leave her alone. He Qiaoyan was waiting in a restaurant when Lin Wei arrived, expressing surprise that Auntie had also invited him, a sentiment he shared. Auntie joined them briefly before excusing herself to the restroom.
He Qiaoyan congratulated Lin Wei on her smart band project receiving board support. He then directly confronted Auntie, asking if she was behind the numerous online rumors spread by media accounts. Auntie admitted to it, explaining it was "the best way for Qin Yiyue to get a clear understanding of herself" and to realize that she and He Qiaoyan "are not a well-matched couple." He Qiaoyan firmly declared, "Qin Yiyue is my wife. I'd say we make a good couple.
She's the perfect match for me." Auntie insisted that even if Qin Yiyue was suitable for him, she was "not suitable to be the daughter-in-law of our family" and reiterated his responsibility to manage He's Group as his family's legacy. He Qiaoyan, having heard enough, stated he had other matters and left. Auntie commented to Lin Wei that He Qiaoyan was a "workaholic." Lin Wei expressed understanding, identifying with his dedication, as she too could work for days without rest.
Auntie praised both for being "sensible" and dedicated to their "mission." Lin Wei agreed that a He-Lin marriage was a "win-win" and revealed she had already "taken care of" the online posts, much to Auntie's approval. Auntie then inquired if Lin Wei minded He Qiaoyan's relationship with Qin Yiyue. Lin Wei reminded Auntie that she had stated it was merely a "contractual relationship" and not a real marriage. Auntie, however, warned that He Qiaoyan "seems to get attached somehow."
Lin Wei dismissed this, asserting that "unrealistic dreams" are common in youth, but individuals of their background are "bound to go back to our own tracks." She was confident that "Ms. Qin will leave Qiaoyan soon." That night, He Qiaoyan offered Qin Yiyue a glass of water and asked if she had any questions. Qin Yiyue remarked on the increasing number of online posts, inquiring about the situation.
He Qiaoyan admitted "there's a situation" and that Auntie was responsible, offering his apologies. Qin Yiyue dismissed his apology as lacking sincerity. He Qiaoyan then reminded her of their contract's clause regarding "distress compensation" for such occurrences and instantly transferred 100,000 yuan to her account, asking her to verify the transfer. Qin Yiyue jokingly warned that such behavior could "get you beaten up."
She attempted to negotiate a reduction of their contract term by one month, then half a month, and finally a week, but He Qiaoyan rejected each proposal. She called him a "Cheapskate." He Qiaoyan asked if she was so eager to leave, and Qin Yiyue declared her "yearning for freedom." He Qiaoyan granted her "24 hours" of freedom, which turned out to be a family outing with Poppet.
During the outing, Poppet tried to climb a display, but He Qiaoyan stopped him. Qin Yiyue bought Poppet cotton candy, and He Qiaoyan paid for it, advising her "not to do this again." Qin Yiyue spotted paparazzi and attempted to confront them, but He Qiaoyan intervened, revealing he orchestrated their presence. He explained that to counter "villainous posts," they would "create some sweet and positive posts to steal the thunder."
Qin Yiyue agreed, eager to demonstrate "how happy" their "family of three" was. The following morning, He Qiaoyan informed Qin Yiyue that he would now drive Poppet to school and then her to work every day. Qin Yiyue suggested that the previous day's positive posts were "more than enough," but He Qiaoyan insisted it was "far from enough." With a "gentlemanly" sense of ceremony, he opened the car door for her.
Inside, he buckled her seatbelt and leaned in close, performing a "borrowed angle" kiss for the cameras. Qin Yiyue teasingly remarked on his impressive flirting skills. At the clinic, Xiao'an excitedly showed Qin Yiyue that her public displays of affection with He Qiaoyan had become a hot topic online. She revealed that He Qiaoyan, who previously had no social media accounts, had registered on Weibo, and "all his posts are about you."
Xiao'an pointed out that his Weibo bio was "husband of doctor Qin," not his professional title, and his profile photo and first post were also dedicated to her. This, Xiao'an believed, would silence all the negative rumors. Qin Yiyue then noticed that He Qiaoyan's first post was at 6:07 AM, suddenly realizing that "June 7th is my birthday." Overwhelmed by the sweetness, she told Xiao'an to get back to work.
Later, at the clinic, Qin Yiyue confessed to Xiao'an that she forwarded some posts using her "spare account," which she then revealed was named "Qin Yiyue Global Fans Association" and was the "host of the Super Topic 'The Captured He.' " Xiao'an laughed, calling her a "real genius" for creating such a unique name and marketing their "CP" herself. Embarrassed, Qin Yiyue told her to lower her voice as she had patients, and then left.
Auntie informed He Qiaoyan that the "best person" to promote the smart band in Europe and America had arrived and asked him to greet her. To his surprise, it was Lin Wei. He Qiaoyan remarked that she was the one Auntie had mentioned. Lin Wei explained that she had studied business in college and her designer career was merely a hobby.
He Qiaoyan expressed concern that the smart band was a critical project for He's Group and not suitable for her to "practice" with. Lin Wei, aware that He Qiaoyan "relied on data," confidently stated she would use data to prove her qualifications. She presented detailed market analysis, including user demographics (with a majority aged 25-30 being tech-savvy), high market demand, and consistent growth from 2014 to 2019, highlighting the increasing public focus on health.
Meanwhile, Wen Gu, at home, complained about going to work. Yang Ruowei entered his room, having bypassed his changed door passcode (from one ex-girlfriend's birthday to another's), asserting that his "neural pathways" were completely transparent to her. Wen Gu attempted a flirtatious line, claiming to have built a "secret tunnel" leading to her heart. Ruowei playfully retorted, "The tunnel ahead has collapsed. Please take a detour."
Wen Gu called He Qiaoyan, seeking a "loophole" or a way to "deliberately insert any bugs" into the smart band to win a bet with Ruowei where he has to make her fall for him, but he cannot fall for her. He Qiaoyan refused to engage in "fraud and falsification" and hung up. Frustrated, Wen Gu declared that "technology might be the ladder of human progress, but it is definitely the stumbling block for me."
Ruowei later brought him a "simple sandwich," anticipating his skipped breakfast. Wen Gu, now in a bathrobe, tried to charm her, but Ruowei teased him back, demanding to see his smart band and suggesting she also needed a shower after cooking. Wen Gu playfully called her a "minx." Later, Ruowei went to He Qiaoyan's office to retrieve wine for Wen Gu. There, she encountered Lin Wei working alongside He Qiaoyan.
An assistant informed Ruowei that Lin Wei was now the "director of our third marketing department," responsible for overseeing the European and American markets. Ruowei then took a picture of He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei working together.
Episode 14 Recap
Ruowei came to Qin Yiyue at work, showing her photos of He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei together. Qin Yiyue was unaware of this, prompting Ruowei to explain that Lin Wei was now the head of He's marketing department, responsible for promoting He Qiaoyan's "precious band" in the European and American markets. Ruowei noted the significance of He Qiaoyan not informing Qin Yiyue, suggesting it indicated his guilt.
Later that evening, Qin Yiyue, alone at home, expressed her frustration by hitting a pillow adorned with He Qiaoyan's photo, questioning why he hadn't told her. He Qiaoyan, hearing the commotion from his bed and measuring the "manmade noise" with his phone, came into the room. Qin Yiyue feigned an apology, but He Qiaoyan, seeing his photo on the pillow, misinterpreted her actions as jealousy over not having a cartoon pillow of him.
He offered to custom-make a full-size one, leaving Qin Yiyue utterly flustered. She clarified she didn't want his pillow and would have nightmares, lamenting that he'd misunderstood her and thought she was obsessed with him. The next morning, Qin Yiyue had planned a weekend outing, including horse riding, but He Qiaoyan announced he had to work overtime and left without breakfast. Qin Yiyue suspected he was having breakfast with Lin Wei.
Meanwhile, Poppet, noticing his mommy's unhappiness, asked Xiao'an for the reason. Xiao'an explained that Qin Yiyue's "love rival" was now working with his father. Learning this, Poppet decided their weekend activity should be a visit to his dad's company. Qin Yiyue prepared tuna sandwiches for He Qiaoyan. On the way, she repeatedly asked Poppet if she looked pretty.
At the company, Lin Wei was also present, offering He Qiaoyan sandwiches and warning against tuna, citing designer Lucas's strong dislike for it. He Qiaoyan told Qin Yiyue to set her lunch down, assuring her he would take her and Poppet out for a proper meal after his hour-long meeting.
As Qin Yiyue went to the restroom, Poppet seized the opportunity to sneak into the office and drop a fake bug into Lin Wei's coffee, causing her to spill it on herself. He Qiaoyan promptly scolded Poppet. After the incident, Lin Wei confronted Qin Yiyue, advising her not to try to climb higher as she would only "fall off miserably." Qin Yiyue tried to reason with He Qiaoyan about how to handle Poppet, emphasizing the need to understand his reasons.
He Qiaoyan, however, dismissed her, stating that Poppet's misbehavior was unforgivable and that his naughtiness was a result of Qin Yiyue spoiling him. He asserted that he understood how to educate children and that misbehavior should be punished regardless of age. Qin Yiyue countered that families needed to spend time together, especially on weekends, recounting how He Qiaoyan had come to work instead of spending time with them, only to scold Poppet when he came to visit.
Frustrated, Qin Yiyue took Poppet to her parents' home. Concurrently, Wen Gu attempted to sabotage Ruowei by assigning her unrelated and demanding tasks, intending to play the hero when she struggled. However, Ruowei efficiently completed all the tasks, even identifying and resolving technical issues in some data.
When Wen Gu later publicly stepped in to "defend" her, Ruowei subtly turned the tables by stating she willingly took on the extra work to learn and grow, explaining that his intervention would actually damage her working relationships. She asserted her confidence in her abilities and her love for learning and challenges, leaving Wen Gu deflated.
Meanwhile, Ning Fang encountered Lin Wei and recognized her from France, where he had once helped her obtain medicine through a Swiss friend due to international student medical insurance limitations. He offered further assistance and suggested they exchange contact information, noting their shared hometown of Qin City.
Lin Wei, however, declined the offer for further medical help and asked Ning Fang to keep their past acquaintance and anything he knew about her from France a secret, asking him not to tell anyone. At Qin Yiyue's parents' house, her mother quickly realized Qin Yiyue had returned without luggage, deducing that she had a fight with He Qiaoyan and was awaiting his apology.
She tried to comfort her, stating that arguments were normal for couples, and playfully suggested Qin Yiyue should have taken He Qiaoyan's money to emphasize her importance. The doorbell then rang, but it was He Qiaoyan's secretary, Mr. Zhong, delivering Qin Yiyue's luggage. He Qiaoyan was reportedly in a meeting with Lin Wei and had given Qin Yiyue time off to be with her parents, further infuriating Qin Yiyue. Suddenly, Qin Yiyue’s father collapsed in the kitchen.
At the hospital, the doctor diagnosed Qin Yiyue's father with Infective Endocarditis, a critical condition, with high surgical risks due to his age and existing conditions like mitral regurgitation and carotid artery occlusion. However, the doctor warned that delaying the surgery would only increase the risks. Qin Yiyue's mother fainted upon hearing the grave news. Overwhelmed and blaming herself for not being there for her parents, Qin Yiyue felt utterly helpless.
He Qiaoyan arrived shortly after, offering comfort and reassurance that everything would be alright. He immediately contacted Professor Xu from GMN Medical Center and other renowned medical experts and teams to assist with the surgery, informing the local doctors of their impending arrival. Qin Yiyue explained to Poppet that his grandfather was sick because he hadn't eaten or slept well, requiring hospitalization, but that he would recover. She then asked Ruowei to take Poppet home to his father.
He Qiaoyan, taking charge, sent Poppet to school and Qin Yiyue's mother home to rest, assuring Qin Yiyue and Ruowei that he and Qin Yiyue would handle the medical arrangements. Later, He Qiaoyan brought wontons to Qin Yiyue. She questioned his immense help, reminding him of their employer-employee agreement. He Qiaoyan simply replied, "Because you are my wife." Qin Yiyue then noticed a message from Lin Wei, asking why He Qiaoyan hadn't been at the company all day.
She asked him about rumors of his past engagement to Lin Wei. He Qiaoyan clarified that their families were old friends, and an engagement was a casual joke from over two decades ago that he never took seriously, emphasizing they merely knew each other since childhood. Feeling relieved by his explanation, Qin Yiyue fed him a wonton, blowing on it first to cool it, and they quietly reconciled.
Episode 15 Recap
Before his heart surgery, Qin Yiyue’s father lay in the hospital bed, displaying a surprising sense of humor. He lightened the mood by mentioning that Li still owed him 20 yuan from a card game, to which his wife scolded him for joking at such a serious time. He then said he was hungry, initially asking for wontons but then fearing he might die before surgery and waste them. Qin Yiyue's mother offered to make him millet porridge instead.
While his mother was out, Qin Yiyue’s father secretly gave her his bank card, revealing the password was his wife's birthday in reverse. He explained that it contained all the pocket money Yiyue had given him over the years, which he had diligently saved, along with his previous company's wages and his current pension. He expressed deep regret that Yiyue had married without a formal wedding and that he hadn't been able to provide her with a dowry.
He stressed that heart surgery was a serious matter, and he felt responsible to ensure his wife and daughter were cared for, even with an optimistic outlook. Yiyue was moved to tears, trying to refuse the card, but he insisted, saying it was a father's role to take care of his daughter, not the other way around. He lamented growing old too quickly and burdening her.
Yiyue promised to depend on him her whole life, and they made a pinkie promise. He then light-heartedly reminded her about Li's 20 yuan again. As the surgery began, Qin Yiyue and her mother waited anxiously, noting that three hours had already passed. He Qiaoyan soon arrived with Poppet, bringing comfort. He reassured Qin Yiyue’s mother, explaining that he had personally analyzed all the surgical data, which indicated a high success rate.
He detailed that the lead surgeon, Dr. Xu from GMN Medical Center, was a renowned cardiologist known as the "golden hand" in heart surgery, with a 97. 8% success rate and a dedicated team of over ten years. He Qiaoyan further added that he had arranged for an additional team of experts to provide real-time data monitoring, ensuring a double layer of security.
Qin Yiyue was deeply touched by his meticulous preparations, asking if he had done all this overnight, to which he simply replied that it was his responsibility. Poppet, also concerned, offered Yiyue a lollipop as a gesture of support. The surgery was a complete success. Later that night, Qin Yiyue, exhausted from worry, fell asleep by her father's hospital bed. He Qiaoyan, who was working nearby, noticed her sleeping and gently covered her with his jacket.
As he carefully tried to brush her hair away from her face, Yiyue, dreaming of "chicken feet," accidentally bit his finger. She woke up with a start, initially calling him a pervert, before realizing her father was awake and watching them with amusement, giving a "V" for victory sign. He Qiaoyan jokingly asked when a clause protecting his personal safety could be added to their contract, a suggestion Yiyue immediately refused.
Yiyue, seeing her father's joy, then joined He Qiaoyan in forming a heart sign back at him. The following day, He Qiaoyan's Aunt arrived at the hospital. She initially expressed disapproval, chastising He Qiaoyan for allowing a "stranger's illness" to disrupt his work. He Qiaoyan corrected her, stating it was his father-in-law. Although she suggested such matters could be handled by phone, he emphasized the importance of family presence and assured her his work was under control.
The Aunt then joined them in the ward, where Qin Yiyue’s parents warmly welcomed her, calling her "in-law." Qin Yiyue's mother, particularly effusive, praised He Qiaoyan's good looks, even speculating about how beautiful his and Yiyue’s future children would be. Wen Gu also arrived, bringing flowers as He Qiaoyan's best friend. He Qiaoyan, needing to attend to work, entrusted Wen Gu to stay and assist the family.
As He Qiaoyan and his Aunt were leaving, the Aunt observed Poppet’s affectionate interaction with Qin Yiyue’s parents. She questioned He Qiaoyan about Poppet's sudden closeness with strangers. He Qiaoyan attributed it to Yiyue's profession in child psychology, which naturally attracts children. However, the Aunt remained unconvinced, openly speculating that Yiyue might be intentionally getting close to Poppet. He Qiaoyan staunchly dismissed this, declaring it absolutely impossible.
Despite his assurance, the Aunt, unconvinced, later instructed an assistant to discreetly retrieve Qin Yiyue’s updated information, specifically focusing on any connections with Poppet, as she believed there were no simple coincidences in the world. Qin Yiyue later approached Wen Gu, thanking him for visiting her father. She then pressed him for information, mentioning photographs of a girl's silhouette she had seen in He Qiaoyan’s office.
She noted that she initially thought it was Lin Wei but now realized it wasn't. When Wen Gu was hesitant to divulge information, Yiyue cunningly used Ruowei as leverage, offering to trade information about her and joking that she would sell out her best friend without hesitation. Seizing the opportunity to learn more about Ruowei, Wen Gu quickly revealed that He Qiaoyan had been dreaming of a girl's silhouette for years and was determined to find her.
However, Wen Gu insisted that he believed such a girl "definitely doesn't exist," a point Yiyue seemed to ponder with some doubt. He Qiaoyan received a phone call from Qin Yiyue’s mother, urging him to come to the hospital. He rushed over, fearing an emergency, only to find the room crowded with Qin Yiyue’s relatives. Yiyue quickly warned him that they were likely there for him, and together they navigated the awkward situation.
Relatives clamored for selfies, and one even tried to get her daughter, a veterinary student specializing in horses, a job at He Qiaoyan’s company, to which he politely suggested the Agricultural Academy. Just then, Ruowei and Ning Fang arrived. To help Yiyue escape the throng, Ruowei suggested that He Qiaoyan and Ning Fang go move several boxes of fruit that had arrived.
In the hospital elevator, He Qiaoyan meticulously observed Ning Fang, noting his clean yet oily skin, a common wood fragrance, and comfortable Japanese-brand T-shirt, along with his well-maintained nails smelling of hospital sanitizer. He even deduced Ning Fang's body fat percentage. He Qiaoyan then haughtily told Ning Fang to refrain from speaking in the confined space, as his breath caused uncomfortable air currents.
Outside the elevator, they comically debated how to fairly divide the three 3-kilogram boxes of fruit before deciding to use a cart together. Meanwhile, Ruowei found Qin Yiyue and reiterated that He Qiaoyan considered the childhood engagement promise a joke. However, she warned Yiyue that Lin Wei clearly took it seriously, making a high-profile return and joining He’s Group, essentially declaring herself "the real one."
Ruowei stressed that "love affairs are like a battlefield" and advised Yiyue to be more strategic. Suddenly, Lin Wei appeared, announcing an urgent company matter regarding a deadlock between the R&D department and Lucas over a new wristband design. He Qiaoyan excused himself, telling Yiyue he had to leave immediately. Before leaving, Lin Wei pointedly told Yiyue that her father's illness had significantly impacted He Qiaoyan's busy work schedule, especially with the wristband project.
She warned Yiyue not to disturb his work further, or she would intervene. This interaction left Yiyue furious, and Ning Fang, observing her reaction, concluded that Yiyue was genuinely falling for He Qiaoyan. Back at her office, Ruowei was dismayed to find her disreputable brother casually sitting at her desk. She confronted him, demanding he leave, even threatening to call security. He eventually complied, but once outside, immediately began badgering her for money.
He initially asked for 200,000 yuan, claiming a friend's business venture had failed and cost him money. He layered this with other needs, including money for home renovations, their mother's living expenses, and his upcoming wedding. Ruowei saw through his elaborate lies, mocking his claim of a girlfriend and questioning why the house needed renovating yearly.
She urged him to find a legitimate job to support the family, but he retorted that she earned more and should share the family's burden. During this heated argument, Wen Gu, who happened to be nearby, intervened, mistakenly believing Ruowei's brother was a "greasy" stalker harassing her. He dramatically declared his love for Ruowei, calling her "baby" and vowing to protect her, only to be left embarrassed when Ruowei clarified that the man was her biological brother.
Later, while tidying her bathroom, Ruowei accidentally knocked over a box and discovered a long-lost diamond ring, which smelled faintly of air freshener. She dramatically presented it to Qin Yiyue, explaining that this ring, given by He Qiaoyan, was a clear "symbol of Mrs. He's status."
Ruowei passionately declared that its reappearance was a divine sign, urging Yiyue to "exercise her rights as Mrs. He, strike like thunder, repel invading enemies, and safeguard her man," especially as her father was about to be discharged and she needed to confront her "emotional crisis." Yiyue acknowledged it was He Qiaoyan’s ring but remained somewhat passive.
Upon discharge, Qin Yiyue’s father joyfully declared, "One will have good fortune if he survived great danger," and immediately asked about Li’s 20 yuan again. Qin Yiyue’s mother teased him, saying Li was waiting to play 300 rounds with him after he recovered, and also insisted he start running daily due to his lack of exercise.
Her father comically complained about wanting to enjoy himself before he died, lamenting he'd miss seeing his granddaughter otherwise, to which Yiyue playfully assured him he'd live for a hundred more years. Qin Yiyue’s parents wondered why He Qiaoyan wasn't there for the discharge, but just as Yiyue explained she didn't want to disturb his busy schedule, He Qiaoyan arrived with Poppet and a bouquet of flowers, apologizing for being on a conference call. He then drove the family home.
At dinner, the family shared a harmonious meal. Qin Yiyue's mother, trying to encourage Poppet, asked him to call her "grandma," and to everyone's delight, Poppet surprisingly did. He then called Qin Yiyue's father "grandpa." Everyone was thrilled, but when He Qiaoyan tried to get Poppet to call him "daddy," Poppet defiantly refused. Yiyue playfully teased He Qiaoyan, telling him he "needs to keep trying" as a father.
Mid-meal, He Qiaoyan received a phone call from Lin Wei, informing him that Mr. Jia wished to meet them at the hotel where his company's evening banquet was being held, to discuss a potential collaboration. He Qiaoyan received the hotel's location and, excusing himself due to the urgent business, took Poppet and left, promising to arrive before the banquet concluded.
Qin Yiyue, overhearing the conversation, grew visibly jealous and upset, questioning why such a meeting needed to happen at a hotel and why she, as his wife, hadn't been informed about the dinner. Fueled by jealousy and concern about her "backyard on fire," Qin Yiyue immediately rushed to Ruowei's apartment. She burst in, demanding Ruowei's "battle armor"—a formal evening gown and makeup.
Ruowei, hearing the details—He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei meeting at a hotel for a company dinner that night—understood Yiyue's "tier 1 alert." She warned Yiyue that Lin Wei was a formidable opponent and that Yiyue needed to prepare, offering her own professional makeup and a black evening gown. Yiyue, feeling transformed, called Ruowei her "fairy godmother," joking that all she needed now was a "pumpkin cart."
Ruowei replied, "You can have it," and promptly called Ning Fang to drive Yiyue to the hotel, explaining it was the evening rush and taxis were hard to find. Arriving at the hotel, Qin Yiyue entered an elevator. She noticed a man struggling to get a phone signal and mistakenly thought he was trying to secretly take photos of her.
Believing him to be a pervert, she aggressively grabbed him by his collar, insisting on taking him to the police station. It was only when he was addressed by name that she realized, to her utter embarrassment, that she had accosted Mr. Jia, the very business partner He Qiaoyan was there to meet.
Episode 16 Recap
In an elevator, Qin Yiyue noticed a man suspiciously handling his phone, seemingly searching for a signal by placing it on the floor with the camera facing upwards. She mistakenly believed he was secretly filming her and, grabbing his arm, insisted on taking him to the police. As they exited, they encountered He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei, who both identified the man as Mr. Jia, revealing Yiyue's misunderstanding.
He Qiaoyan urged Yiyue to release him before he and Lin Wei proceeded to their meeting. Yiyue waited outside, and after the meeting, Mr. Jia left looking displeased. Lin Wei then confronted Yiyue, blaming her for Mr. Jia's refusal to cooperate with He's Group. Lin Wei stressed the importance of this collaboration for promoting a smart wristband, a project He Qiaoyan had been diligently working on for over half a month.
She recounted how their initial meeting with Mr. Jia was canceled due to Yiyue's father's surgery, and now, despite He Qiaoyan's efforts to secure another meeting, Yiyue had again caused trouble. Lin Wei accused Yiyue of constantly creating problems for He Qiaoyan and revealed her knowledge of Yiyue and He Qiaoyan's contractual marriage. Yiyue was stunned. Lin Wei asserted that Yiyue's actions were severely impacting He Qiaoyan's work, which she could no longer ignore.
Yiyue argued that their contractual relationship was their private business, but Lin Wei dismissed this as self-deception. Lin Wei then reminded Yiyue of her long-standing engagement with He Qiaoyan, an arrangement involving two powerful families, not just a casual promise as Yiyue claimed He Qiaoyan had suggested. She underscored the He Group's immense importance to He Qiaoyan and questioned Yiyue's ability to compete with it, pointing out her own capability to manage the company.
Lin Wei concluded by telling Yiyue to face reality, asserting they belonged to entirely different worlds. Yiyue was deeply affected by Lin Wei's cutting remarks. Feeling distraught, Yiyue declined He Qiaoyan's offer to drive her home, insisting she could return by herself. Concerned for her safety due to her attire, He Qiaoyan draped his coat over her, cautioning her against potential dangers.
At that moment, Ning Fang appeared, offering to take Yiyue home, which surprised He Qiaoyan as it revealed they had arrived together. Yiyue accepted Ning Fang's offer, and they left. Later, at a bar, a despondent Yiyue confided in Ning Fang, explaining that she felt a sudden realization that all the wonderful things she thought she possessed were mere illusions, destined to be taken back. She felt she only hindered He Qiaoyan.
Ning Fang tried to reassure her, but Yiyue insisted she was neither good nor beautiful and only held He Qiaoyan back. Wen Gu, having spotted Yiyue and Ning Fang at the bar, immediately called He Qiaoyan, worried that his "sister-in-law" was being charmed by another man. He Qiaoyan promptly arrived and tried to dismiss Ning Fang. Yiyue, however, asked Ning Fang to wait outside so she could speak with He Qiaoyan.
Wen Gu introduced himself to Ning Fang as Ruowei's boss, subtly urging him to leave. He Qiaoyan then demanded Yiyue go home with him. Just as he was about to take her, Lin Wei called, asking him to discuss an urgent "Plan B" for their business collaboration, as Mr. Jia's deal had fallen through. He Qiaoyan told Yiyue he would take her home first, then attend his meeting.
Yiyue, disheartened, told He Qiaoyan that she no longer had reason to be by his side and wanted to terminate their contract. She reasoned that Poppet was now stable at school and no longer required her constant care, allowing her to focus on her career and avoid impacting his work. He Qiaoyan suggested she needed time to calm down and offered her two weeks of paid leave.
Yiyue countered that she could no longer uphold the pretense of being his "fake couple." The term "fake couple" annoyed He Qiaoyan, and he made a final plea for her to return home with him. Yiyue, resolute, reiterated her decision to terminate the contract and walked away. He Qiaoyan reached out to stop her but failed. Back home, Yiyue fumed, angry that He Qiaoyan had made no effort to persuade her to stay.
She ranted, asserting that she wasn't interested in his mansion or limousine, and that her only attachment was to Poppet, her "good mate forever." She adamantly denied having any feelings for He Qiaoyan, declaring she wouldn't want him even if he were free. Late that night, Wen Gu visited He Qiaoyan, seeking details about the situation. He speculated about Yiyue cheating, which He Qiaoyan quickly dismissed as preposterous.
Wen Gu then suggested Lin Wei was the cause, reminding He Qiaoyan of his childhood engagement. He Qiaoyan confirmed he had already told Yiyue it was an old joke. Relieved that infidelity wasn't an issue, Wen Gu advised He Qiaoyan to identify Yiyue's true reasons and simply coax her back. The next day, Yiyue, discussing the matter with Ruowei, felt that her presence had become redundant since Lin Wei's return.
At that moment, He Qiaoyan arrived at Yiyue's psychology clinic, demanding to know her real motives for wanting to leave. Yiyue frankly told him she no longer wished to bear the title of "Mrs. He," as constantly acting like a loving couple was driving her insane. She felt she was merely "squatting on a toilet without letting go" amidst his many admirers. He Qiaoyan bristled at being compared to a "toilet."
He opposed the contract termination, citing a clause requiring her to help Poppet adapt to social life by making friends. Yiyue argued she had fulfilled her duties, as Poppet was adjusting well to school and interacting with other children. However, He Qiaoyan countered that Poppet had only peacefully entered a social environment but hadn't yet "let down his defense to make friends with others," which was central to social adaptation in psychology.
Unwilling to accept a losing deal, He Qiaoyan proposed a condition: if Yiyue could help Poppet find a friend, he would consider her work complete, void the contract, clear all debts, and grant her freedom. The following day, Poppet delighted everyone by bringing a new friend, Guoguo, home. Guoguo introduced herself, stating her name, age, zodiac sign, blood type, address, hobbies, and role as art commissary.
Guoguo enthusiastically shared her enjoyment of playing with Poppet, highlighting his kindness, helpfulness, and "magic of physics." Yiyue then orchestrated an exchange of "friend cards" and hugs between the two children, a successful outcome of the "challenge of making friends" she had devised for Poppet. Yiyue pointed out Poppet's improvement, noting he could now say Guoguo's name and other words beyond "Mommy," capable of using up to five words for people he liked or in special situations.
He Qiaoyan, however, questioned why Poppet still used cards and a word-pad when communicating with him, prompting Yiyue to encourage him to keep trying. Yiyue then reiterated her intention to leave, stating she would pack her luggage later. He Qiaoyan offered her a ride, but she declined. He attempted to persuade her to stay, offering a new contract with doubled salary and benefits, or even a specialized research laboratory with top researchers to support her career aspirations.
Yiyue reiterated that her desire to terminate the contract was not about money but her career path. She explained that these offers were not what she needed and that he should explain her departure to Poppet. She expressed a desire to conclude her "ridiculous experience" and embark on her own life. He Qiaoyan asked if she truly considered their time together ridiculous. Yiyue clarified that he shouldn't misinterpret her words.
She then returned the ring to him, stating she would accompany Poppet to his Parent-Child Day activity, after which their contract would be definitively terminated. He Qiaoyan, with a heavy heart, consented to her departure. Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan's Aunt and Mrs. Lin met to discuss the potential marriage between He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei. Mrs. Lin praised He Qiaoyan's accomplishments with He's Group and Lin Wei's talent as a designer, assuring that Lin Wei would eventually prioritize the family business.
He Qiaoyan, excusing himself for another meeting, was stopped by his Aunt, who pressed him and Lin Wei to finalize their wedding plans. Mrs. Lin emphasized that marrying Lin Wei would not impede He Qiaoyan's business goals but would greatly benefit the He Group. He Qiaoyan firmly declared his refusal to enter into an arranged marriage, acknowledging the business benefits but stating he would not sacrifice himself for them. He then excused himself. Lin Wei also left shortly thereafter.
Later, He Qiaoyan's Aunt reviewed Yiyue's background with her secretary. The secretary reported that Yiyue came from a modest background and had been exemplary her whole life. The only unusual detail was Yiyue's switch from aspiring to be a surgeon in college to studying psychology after injuring her hand saving a child in a car accident. The Aunt made a crucial connection: this accident occurred on the same day and on the same Huanshan Road as Poppet's accident.
She suspected Yiyue might be the one who saved Poppet, explaining his unique bond with her, and wondered if Yiyue knew the full truth about the accident. At home, despite He Qiaoyan's efforts, Poppet continued to call out "Mommy." Yiyue arrived, explaining she was there to help Poppet prepare a performance for Parent-Child Day.
She assured He Qiaoyan that he didn't need to be heavily involved if he was busy, as she would assign him a simple role to practice later. As Yiyue sang for Poppet, the song unexpectedly triggered He Qiaoyan's memories of the car accident. Later, in his study, he secretly gazed at the image of the girl's silhouette he had been persistently searching for. The following day, Mr. Jia contacted He Qiaoyan to discuss the wristband cooperation.
He Qiaoyan, still believing Mr. Jia's initial refusal was due to Yiyue's earlier elevator incident, began to apologize. However, Mr. Jia clarified that Yiyue's actions had no bearing on his initial decision. He explained that his previous disinterest stemmed from He Qiaoyan and Lin Wei's overwhelming focus on "data" during their last meeting, as he valued the actual "user experience" of a product over abstract statistics.
Mr. Jia then revealed that his change of heart regarding cooperation was because Yiyue had specifically sought him out two days prior and successfully persuaded him. Yiyue recorded the song she had sung for Poppet onto a recorder for his practice. She informed Poppet that she wouldn't be able to practice with him the next day because she would be going to a villa with Ning Fang to set up a venue.
Soon after, Ning Fang arrived, bringing Poppet a toy. As Yiyue and Ning Fang conversed, Poppet playfully dropped the recorder on the floor, inadvertently recording their conversation. In their discussion, Ning Fang mentioned obtaining tickets for a Xie Ming concert they had missed in college, implying he would make it up to Yiyue. Yiyue also confessed that she truly only couldn't let go of Poppet.
Ning Fang reassured her that her affection for He Qiaoyan was a beautiful thing, and even if they didn't end up together, the happiness she gained in the process was enough. Yiyue agreed, saying the journey was more important than the destination. Later, Yiyue realized she had forgotten her phone and returned to He Qiaoyan's house. Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan, who had found the recorder, listened to Yiyue's song, followed by the recorded conversation between Yiyue and Ning Fang.
In the recording, Ning Fang indirectly revealed Yiyue's feelings for He Qiaoyan. As He Qiaoyan processed this, Yiyue walked in. Embarrassed, she attempted to snatch the recorder, but He Qiaoyan held it firmly, refusing to let it go.
Episode 17 Recap
He Qiaoyan, despite his composed demeanor, was secretly delighted by Qin Yiyue's indirect confession. He repeatedly listened to the recording of her words, smiling to himself. Recognizing his lack of experience in romantic situations, he sought out his friend Wen Gu to share the news. When Wen Gu expressed surprise at his uncharacteristic happiness, He Qiaoyan simply stated that Dr. Qin liked him. Wen Gu, calling it a significant development, urged He Qiaoyan to seize the opportunity.
Yiyue, on the other hand, was overcome with embarrassment after her confession and quickly left after they exchanged a simple "good night." Returning home, she confided in Ruowei, explaining that He Qiaoyan had said nothing in response. Ruowei, deeming He Qiaoyan an "asshole" for his silence, commiserated with Yiyue. Yiyue, however, saw it as a good outcome, finally allowing herself to abandon any lingering hope.
Ruowei tried to reassure her, suggesting that men and women often have different paces in love, but Yiyue dismissed this, convinced that He Qiaoyan would now be eager to terminate their contract to maintain distance. She picked up her recording pen, realizing she had recorded her confession, and called herself an "idiot" for doing so. Back at Wen Gu’s, He Qiaoyan analyzed the situation, concluding that Yiyue liked him but believed he didn't reciprocate, prompting her desire to leave.
Wen Gu, having heard this theory numerous times, agreed that their feelings were mutual. However, he cautioned that He Qiaoyan's non-committal attitude would be perceived as rejection and could leave Yiyue vulnerable to others, especially Ning Fang, who shared deeper memories with her. He Qiaoyan confidently dismissed Ning Fang, asserting his superior ability to provide for Yiyue.
Wen Gu countered that love often disregards practical considerations and that now was a prime time for Ning Fang and Yiyue's relationship to blossom. He Qiaoyan, unwilling to heed the advice, ended the conversation. The next day, as Ning Fang was preparing to take Yiyue to the mountain villa for a parent-child activity, Yiyue took a call from Poppet, telling him she would meet him there.
Poppet immediately called He Qiaoyan, excitedly informing him that his "Mom" was already at the villa. He Qiaoyan, seeing Poppet's bags were already packed, quickly gathered their things and drove to the villa as well. Upon arrival, He Qiaoyan inserted himself into Yiyue and Ning Fang's preparations.
He used a high-tech air pump to inflate balloons with excessive efficiency, gave unsolicited advice on how to organize toys, and took over hanging a basketball hoop, claiming Ning Fang had it backwards and too high. Yiyue, annoyed, told him to "play by himself." He Qiaoyan then attempted to have a private conversation with Yiyue to explain himself, but she cut him off, assuming he was about to formally reject her.
Assuring him not to feel guilty, she declared that forced love was never sweet and that she would not be limited to one man, intending instead to "gallop in the tropical rainforest." To illustrate her point, she brazenly flirted with a math teacher and a PE teacher. He Qiaoyan intervened when Yiyue tried to help the PE teacher carry a box, stating she was too light for such work.
When the PE teacher's wife appeared, He Qiaoyan introduced Yiyue as his wife, apologizing for her "excess energy" and explaining she wasn't allowed to do heavy lifting at home. He then generously offered to treat everyone to a barbecue lunch and upgrade their accommodations to a five-star hotel. Later, He Qiaoyan pulled Yiyue aside and reminded her that as long as their contract was active, she remained "Mrs. He" and Poppet's mother.
He instructed her to be mindful of her public image and practice "self-respect and self-love." Yiyue retorted that she was not his accessory, sarcastically asking if she needed to consider her public image even when going to the bathroom, and walked away. Yiyue then called Ruowei, venting about He Qiaoyan's interference. Ruowei interpreted his behavior as an act of territorial marking, signaling that Yiyue had successfully triggered his sense of crisis.
She advised Yiyue to remain indifferent, assuring her that the less she cared, the more anxious he would become. Meanwhile, Ning Fang sought out He Qiaoyan for a frank discussion, directly asking if he liked Yiyue. He Qiaoyan deflected, stating Yiyue was his wife. Ning Fang revealed he knew about their fake marriage, warning He Qiaoyan to respect Yiyue's freedom after their contract ended. He Qiaoyan countered that he had no intention of terminating it.
Ning Fang urged him to be decisive: confess his feelings if he genuinely liked her, or let her go if he didn't. He Qiaoyan challenged Ning Fang's right to interfere, prompting Ning Fang to confess his own love for Yiyue, vowing never to hurt her. In response, He Qiaoyan told Ning Fang to know his place and not meddle.
Across town, Ruowei deliberately orchestrated a dramatic phone call in front of Wen Gu, loudly announcing her dinner appointment with a Mr. Wang at the new CL restaurant. Wen Gu, though initially dismissing it as a ploy to make him jealous, ultimately followed her. He observed Mr. Wang dropping Ruowei off, where her brother appeared, badgering her for money. Wen Gu stepped in, offering his watch to satisfy the brother, but Ruowei stopped him.
She then presented her brother with the empty gift bag from Mr. Wang, revealing she had paid for her own dinner and the whole affair was a test of Wen Gu's feelings. Shortly after, Wen Gu's suspicions were aroused when he saw Aunt secretly meeting a man. He watched as she handed the man five million yuan, while the man, claiming He Qiaoyan was investigating him, demanded an apartment in the city. Spotting Wen Gu, they quickly fled.
Later, concerned that Wen Gu might reveal her secret meeting, Aunt called He Qiaoyan. During their conversation, she overheard Yiyue singing a lullaby to Poppet. The familiar song triggered a profound realization and a flashback to the day of the fatal car accident. Years ago, Poppet's parents were on the phone with Aunt, discussing his birthday, when their brakes failed.
The phone line remained open after the crash, and through it, Aunt had heard a young woman—now revealed to be Yiyue—rescue the crying Poppet from the wreckage and sing that exact lullaby to soothe him. At the parent-child day event, Poppet, Yiyue, and He Qiaoyan performed together, presenting a harmonious family image. Afterward, Lin Wei appeared, claiming to be there for a nearby business meeting but clearly intending to prove she could connect with Poppet.
He Qiaoyan cut her off, stating a marriage alliance was impossible. Undeterred, Lin Wei tried to bond with Poppet, who mischievously challenged her to catch fish for him using only her bare hands. He Qiaoyan and Yiyue, concerned after some time had passed, went to check on them. They found Lin Wei in the water, having twisted her ankle. He Qiaoyan carried her out and scolded Poppet for deliberately putting her in harm's way.
He apologized to Lin Wei but also firmly told her to stop trying to get close to Poppet. He then informed her that he no longer wished to work with her and that she should leave Heshi Group. Later, He Qiaoyan found Poppet facing the wall in self-punishment and asked where Yiyue was. Poppet replied that "Mommy" had gone to catch fish. Suddenly, He Qiaoyan's smart bracelet flashed a danger alert for Yiyue.
He rushed to find her, calling her name, and discovered her unconscious, having fainted from fright after encountering two snakes. A doctor confirmed the snakes were not venomous, and Yiyue soon regained consciousness.
Episode 18 Recap
After Qin Yiyue fainted from fright, a doctor confirmed that the snakes were not poisonous and she had simply been scared unconscious. He Qiaoyan teased her, asking how an adult could be so easily startled. Feeling embarrassed, Qin Yiyue told him to stop mocking her in front of everyone. He Qiaoyan then provocatively asked what she would say to him before dying if the snakes had been poisonous.
Qin Yiyue immediately declared her wish to terminate their contract and reclaim her reputation as a single woman. He Qiaoyan agreed, noting that the Parent-Child Day would end in six hours, after which their contract would be terminated as promised. Qin Yiyue, surprisingly, felt a pang of reluctance. Before leaving, He Qiaoyan told her she no longer needed to hide from him.
As Ning Fang waited to drive Qin Yiyue home, Poppet emerged, insisting that his mommy go with his daddy. Qin Yiyue explained that she needed to leave with Uncle Ning Fang for work, but Poppet was insistent. Left with little choice, Qin Yiyue took Poppet with her in Ning Fang's car. He Qiaoyan drove home alone, where memories of Qin Yiyue filled every corner of his house, making him realize his true desires.
Wen Gu visited He Qiaoyan, presenting a photo of a woman whose back strikingly resembled the "dream girl" He Qiaoyan had been searching for. However, He Qiaoyan found the image unfamiliar and realized that finding this dream girl no longer mattered; his motivation had shifted. Ning Fang called Qin Yiyue, planning to visit her with tickets for a concert. Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue was at home, feeding Poppet and playing with water guns.
A wave of sadness washed over her as she thought of He Qiaoyan. Just then, He Qiaoyan arrived, carrying a new contract. He explained that the previous contract was automatically terminated, and he wished to begin a "brand new partnership" with her. When Qin Yiyue found the contract too long to read, He Qiaoyan read it aloud, confessing that he had developed feelings for her beyond their professional arrangement.
He proposed they officially enter a romantic relationship, suggesting the contract could be extended indefinitely, perhaps for a lifetime, giving her a reason to stay by his side forever. Overcome with emotion, Qin Yiyue responded to his passionate kiss, and Poppet, delighted, celebrated their new beginning. Ning Fang soon arrived at Qin Yiyue's place.
He Qiaoyan, on his way out with Qin Yiyue and Poppet, intercepted him, announcing that he and Qin Yiyue were officially dating and advised Ning Fang to maintain a necessary distance. He Qiaoyan then informed Qin Yiyue that Ning Fang had come to tell her that her idol's concert was cancelled. Qin Yiyue, through the car window, thanked Ning Fang for his kindness, assuring him that it was fine even if she didn't attend the concert.
Ning Fang could only offer a bitter smile, realizing he was once again a step too late, as He Qiaoyan drove Qin Yiyue and Poppet home. Upon their return, He Qiaoyan showed Qin Yiyue her newly redecorated bedroom, which now featured a new television and a refrigerator stocked with her favorite snacks and face masks. Qin Yiyue was delighted and invited him to watch TV with her on the bed.
As they settled in, a romantic kissing scene played on screen, creating an awkward yet intimate atmosphere. He Qiaoyan teasingly offered to spoil the ending of the show, but Qin Yiyue declined, preferring to watch it herself. She then shyly leaned her head on his shoulder. Later, after Qin Yiyue had fallen asleep, He Qiaoyan gently returned to his own bed.
The next day, He Qiaoyan was in an unusually cheerful mood at work, even dancing in his office, much to the amusement of his staff, who described it as a "thousand-year iron tree blossoming." Similarly, Qin Yiyue was beaming at her studio, prompting Xiao'an to tease her about being struck by Cupid's arrow. Meanwhile, Lin Wei stormed into He Qiaoyan's office with her termination letter, asserting that her name combined with his would create a powerful alliance.
He Qiaoyan firmly told her to stop, stating that Qin Yiyue was his girlfriend and would be upset by such comments. He clarified that while marriage was about emotion and business about profit, he would not harm Lin Wei's interests, nor would he become her enemy. Lin Wei warned him that rejecting her was akin to rejecting the entire Lin family.
Later, He Qiaoyan called Qin Yiyue, asking her to come to the company to formally sign their "love contract" in front of his legal team. Qin Yiyue refused, insisting that she first needed to understand his "true feelings." Surrounded by his legal department, He Qiaoyan tried to express his emotions in a business-like manner, stating that he didn't want her to have similar "cooperation intentions" with anyone else. His secretary found his attempt amusing.
Qin Yiyue, wanting a more direct confession, dismissed the legal team, hoping he would speak from the heart. However, He Qiaoyan struggled to utter the words "I like you," prompting his secretary to whisper cues from behind. Frustrated by his inability to express himself clearly, Qin Yiyue announced she was suspending the signing of the contract. Meanwhile, Wen Gu intercepted Mr. Wang’s car, warning him to stay away from Yang Ruowei.
Mr. Wang complained that Ruowei’s brother had been harassing him at his company, even calling him "brother-in-law," which made him lose interest in Ruowei. Later, Ruowei confronted Wen Gu, implying that his rising heart rate monitor readings indicated his true feelings for her, but he dismissed it as merely a superior's concern for a subordinate. When he mentioned her brother, Ruowei became angry. Wen Gu subsequently sought out Qin Yiyue for information about Ruowei’s family.
Qin Yiyue revealed that Ruowei’s brother was jobless and constantly demanded money from her. She explained that Ruowei, despite her seemingly tough exterior, had never truly fallen in love and was always protecting herself. Qin Yiyue advised Wen Gu to abandon his "tricks" and genuinely protect Ruowei. Taking Qin Yiyue’s advice, Wen Gu suggested to He Qiaoyan, acting as his "love guru," that he plan a romantic date to express his feelings.
After researching "perfect dates," He Qiaoyan, with Qin Yiyue dressed up in a skirt and heels, took her to a fishing spot. Qin Yiyue was annoyed by the unconventional choice of venue and nearly stumbled, but He Qiaoyan quickly helped her with her shoes. He explained that a perfect date, according to his research, involved prolonged quiet time to foster emotional connection. When Qin Yiyue accidentally stumbles and falls into his arms, He Qiaoyan seizes the moment to kiss her, declaring, "The fish is on the hook."
Episode 19 Recap
Poppet, eager for his father to express his feelings, taught He Qiaoyan how to say "I like you." He Qiaoyan, however, questioned the effectiveness of spoken words, suggesting that written communication, like an email, would be more rigorous and provide legal evidence. Poppet, frustrated, tossed the keyboard aside. Later, after researching "perfect dates" online by watching Hollywood and Western films, He Qiaoyan proposed that he and Qin Yiyue should have a heart-to-heart talk in bed.
Yiyue found his approach odd, recommending he watch Asian romantic dramas for a more nuanced understanding. He Qiaoyan argued that Asian expressions were too reserved, while Western ones were more direct in conveying emotion. He insisted on clearly expressing his feelings, but Yiyue simply closed her bedroom door. At dinner, He Qiaoyan's aunt ambushed Yiyue, condescendingly suggesting she leave He Qiaoyan for the good of the family and the company.
The tense meal was interrupted by He Qiaoyan, who had anticipated his aunt's actions. He firmly defended his relationship, telling his aunt that while he would devote himself to He's Group, he also deserved a normal life and love with the person he chose, asking her not to interfere. Afterward, he took Yiyue's hand and, for the first time, sincerely confessed, "I like you." Moved, Yiyue promised to always stay by his side.
Meanwhile, Lin Wei awoke from a distressing nightmare, feeling uneasy and searching for medicine, only to find her supply depleted. At dinner, her mother pressed her about her wedding plans with He Qiaoyan, emphasizing that the Lin family's future depended on her. Lin Wei's hands trembled as she revealed that He Qiaoyan was now dating Yiyue and had asked her to leave He's Group. Her mother was shocked.
Feeling intimidated, Lin Wei excused herself and secretly contacted Ning Fang, asking for antidepressants. Ning Fang added her on WeChat and, noticing her anxiety, suggested she consult a psychologist, even offering to recommend a trustworthy one while assuring her anonymity. Lin Wei dismissed the idea, insisting he simply provide the medication. Upon returning home, Lin Wei discovered that her mother had poached several key members of He's Group's Bracelet project team.
Lin Wei voiced her disapproval, but her mother sternly told her to honor her commitments and not bring shame to the Lin family. The following day, heavily disguised, Lin Wei visited Ning Fang's clinic. As a professional, Ning Fang refused to irresponsibly dispense drugs and required her to fill out a detailed medical questionnaire. After reviewing her responses, Ning Fang informed her that her psychological state was critical and urged her to seek immediate treatment.
Lin Wei insisted he keep his word and give her the medicine. Ning Fang eventually provided it, but warned her that this would be the last time; future medication would require a proper consultation. He Qiaoyan and Yiyue's relationship progressed. One evening, as He Qiaoyan massaged Yiyue, she playfully took his phone and changed his WeChat profile picture to hers, set a photo of them as his Moments background, and changed his lock screen password to her birthday.
He Qiaoyan reciprocated, taking her phone. He noticed a message from Ruo Wei to Yiyue, advising her to seek out "cute young boys" instead of being "stuck on the old bacon He Qiaoyan." Annoyed, He Qiaoyan sent a mass message to all 637 contacts in Yiyue's phone, officially announcing their relationship. Yiyue found his public declaration childish.
The message, written in a formal, business-like tone, announced that as of 9:30 that morning, she had officially entered a "love cooperation" with He Qiaoyan, which would be "steadily advanced." Determined to make their relationship public, He Qiaoyan then took Yiyue to dinner with her friends. They played Truth or Dare, where He Qiaoyan reluctantly performed a cheesy, affectionate monologue for Yiyue. When Yiyue lost, she humorously dodged his questions about when she fell for him.
For the final round, they were dared to share a single french fry, which nearly led to a kiss before Yiyue shyly bit the fry. After dinner, a drunk Yiyue praised He Qiaoyan's care with a "million praises" as he carried her home. Yiyue then focused on winning Aunt's approval. He Qiaoyan described Aunt as a quintessential He family member, dedicated to business and profit, whose main leisure activity was golf.
Yiyue enthusiastically immersed herself in golf, studying tirelessly, even muttering golf terms in her sleep and accidentally burning dinner. He Qiaoyan took Yiyue to a golf course for lessons, where they shared intimate moments and kisses. Their romantic interlude was cut short when He Qiaoyan received an urgent call regarding a company emergency and had to leave.
At the company, He Qiaoyan learned that nearly all the Bracelet project team members, previously brought in by Lin Wei, had resigned, leaving only his three original subordinates. The sudden departures made it impossible to re-recruit in time, leaving He Qiaoyan overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Yiyue, after her golf practice, encountered Aunt being harassed by Driver Zhang, who was demanding money. Yiyue intervened to protect Aunt.
Driver Zhang ominously hinted that "Mrs. He" was unaware of her husband being the "culprit" of the car accident. Yiyue, realizing he was the driver He Qiaoyan had been searching for, attempted to pursue him. Aunt restrained Yiyue, revealing the shocking truth: the person who caused the car accident five years ago was He Qiaoyan.
Aunt explained that the impact of the accident had caused brain trauma and a stress reaction, making He Qiaoyan completely lose his memory of the event. She had concealed the truth all these years to protect him. Yiyue was stunned. When He Qiaoyan called, Yiyue couldn't bring herself to answer. Aunt then disclosed that Yiyue herself had saved Poppet in that same accident, injuring her hand in the process.
Aunt pleaded with Yiyue to leave He Qiaoyan, explaining that her presence, linked to the accident, could trigger his subconscious memories, making her a "time bomb" that could destroy him. Deeply conflicted, Yiyue put Poppet to bed, feeling a profound mixture of relief that the baby she saved had grown up healthy, and despair over the revelation. She then found He Qiaoyan, who was stirring in his sleep, calling out for his brother.
She gently asked him about his brother, and He Qiaoyan recounted how his warm and attentive older brother had guided him after their mother's death. His brother had even convinced their father to let He Qiaoyan study his preferred major abroad, but after their father's death two years later, He Qiaoyan switched to business to support his brother. Tragically, four years after he returned, his brother and sister-in-law were in an accident.
He Qiaoyan then showed Yiyue a drawing of a girl's back, which he had been dreaming about for years, describing her as a source of warmth and hope. He declared that he no longer needed to find her, as Yiyue was all he needed. Yiyue immediately recognized the drawing as her own back from the accident scene. Aunt's words resonated with chilling clarity, and Yiyue was consumed by the fear that her presence would indeed unleash He Qiaoyan's traumatic memories. Overwhelmed, she told him she was tired and needed to sleep.
Episode 20 Recap
That night, Qin Yiyue found herself restless, unable to sleep, knowing she was the girl from the accident He Qiaoyan had mentioned seeing in his dream. She hoped he would never remember the painful truth. The next morning, He Qiaoyan, oblivious to her turmoil, arranged for Poppet to take a day off from school. He also reminded Qin Yiyue of their scheduled golf game with his aunt.
Qin Yiyue was visibly distracted and unwell, but she accompanied them to the golf course. He Qiaoyan then left to take Poppet to his activity, leaving Qin Yiyue alone with the aunt. The aunt, observing Qin Yiyue’s state, subtly pressed her, acknowledging how much He Qiaoyan and Poppet loved her. Filled with sadness, Qin Yiyue promised the aunt she would leave him.
When He Qiaoyan returned, he noticed her dejected expression, mistaking it for discouragement over her golf performance and telling her not to worry, as she would improve with practice. Tearfully, Qin Yiyue told him, “Qiaoyan, let’s break up.” He Qiaoyan initially thought she was joking, but upon realizing her seriousness, he grew concerned. Qin Yiyue, however, expressed her own concern for Poppet, asking He Qiaoyan to break the news to him gently before leaving.
As she walked away, he wondered aloud if his aunt had said something to her. Meanwhile, Wen Gu went home for his mother's death anniversary. His father, Mr. Wen, reflected on past arguments with his late wife, regretting them deeply and expressing that family should not have such estrangement. Mr. Wen then suggested Wen Gu move back home.
Wen Gu, recalling a recent argument between Ruowei and her brother, instead asked his father for the Lake Villa, stating he had "other uses" for it. Later, Qin Yiyue showed up at Ruowei’s apartment with barbecue, surprising her by suggesting a pajama party. Ruowei immediately sensed something was wrong, observing Qin Yiyue’s smudged eyeliner and emotional state. She pressed Qin Yiyue, questioning how they could suddenly break up when they had been inseparable just days before.
Qin Yiyue evaded the questions, simply claiming their breakup was peaceful, a result of personality differences. That night, He Qiaoyan waited downstairs outside Ruowei's building until the lights went out, but he didn't go up. The next morning, He Qiaoyan arrived at the door of Ruowei's apartment with Poppet and breakfast. He told her she had two choices: either let him in or come home with him.
He noticed the smell of alcohol on her, prompting her to snap that her drinking was none of his business. He then playfully remarked that she was amusing when drunk, a statement she proudly affirmed. Ruowei, witnessing the scene, dryly excused herself. He Qiaoyan then reminded Qin Yiyue of their daily rituals—a compliment and a hug—both of which she refused. As Qin Yiyue prepared to leave for work, He Qiaoyan stalled her by playfully putting lipstick on her.
He then insisted she eat breakfast. Qin Yiyue reiterated that they had broken up, but He Qiaoyan firmly disagreed, citing Article 9 of their "Love Contract," which prohibited unilateral breakups. When she asked what it would take for him to agree, he simply said, "Have breakfast." She hastily ate, though Poppet snatched the last piece of cake.
Afterward, Qin Yiyue tried to leave on her electric scooter, but He Qiaoyan, refusing to take a taxi, bought an elderly woman's scooter for 20,000 RMB and clumsily chased her to her clinic, hurting his back in the process. He embraced her from behind, declaring he would never agree to a breakup.
He said she could stay at Ruowei’s for a "vacation," but she had to eat breakfast and dinner with him, let him drive her to and from work, and continue their weekly dates. He warned her that things would "get really troublesome" if she didn't comply, before leaving with his driver. Back at the He Group, He Qiaoyan presided over a meeting.
His team reported that key managers and their German contact, Hans, had all been in touch with Lin Wei, confirming her influence on their sudden resignation from the Bracelet Project. Their primary German partner, Kubo 5, had paused cooperation. However, President Jia offered continued support, provided He Qiaoyan could launch the bracelet in a top-three European shopping center within a month. He Qiaoyan revealed that another German firm, Mazer company, had received their samples.
Its director, Mr. Jung, a former university classmate of his, was coming to China, presenting a new opportunity. He gave his team two days to prepare for the meeting, emphasizing that the project, a pledge to the board, could not fail. Meanwhile, Wen Gu sent Ruowei a location, asking her to come to the Lake Villa. When she arrived, she was shocked to find her mother there.
Her mother immediately began planning for Wen Gu to find a job for Ruowei's brother. Wen Gu explained he had brought her family to the city to reunite them, believing they could overcome their estrangement. Furious, Ruowei ran out and confronted him. She accused him of being a self-righteous rich kid who knew nothing of her struggles to escape her "broken home." She declared she didn't need family and called his meddling "disgusting."
Offended, Wen Gu listed all the efforts he had made to surprise her and vowed to stay away from her and her family’s problems. Later, after overhearing men discussing her brother Yang Ruoqiang's debt and her reputation, a distraught Ruowei was caught in the rain and called Wen Gu. He ignored her call but then sent her the location of a bar with a dismissive message. Ruowei went to the bar, where she found him socializing.
She told him their "bet" was off and their relationship would only be professional. Wen Gu coldly replied that it had always been just a professional relationship, asking what she thought it was. Deeply hurt, Ruowei called him "rotten" and walked out into the rain. Before returning to Ruowei's, Qin Yiyue visited her former department director in the hospital.
He shared good news: their suspended children’s psychology project had been noticed by a German research institute interested in collaborating to restart it. He urged Qin Yiyue to return, reminding her of her true passion. As he spoke, she ignored repeated calls from He Qiaoyan, hardening her resolve. Later, while waiting at a bus stop, she met Ning Fang.
He sensed her mood, and she asked him if he had ever felt so strongly for someone that, despite wanting to help them, the only right choice seemed to be leaving them. Ning Fang empathized before taking her back to Ruowei's apartment, where they found He Qiaoyan and Poppet had been waiting all night. Qin Yiyue dismissively said she hadn't asked him to wait.
He Qiaoyan, carrying a sleeping Poppet who had brought Qin Yiyue a cake, left after giving Ning Fang a pointed look. The next day, seeking a distraction, Qin Yiyue volunteered to go to Lucheng City in Ning Fang's place for a business trip.
Episode 21 Recap
Qin Yiyue is on a business trip when He Qiaoyan and Poppet arrive at her hotel room with a prepared dinner. He Qiaoyan reminds her of his commitment to daily family dinners and offers to cut her steak. However, Yiyue, asserting her independence, prefers to eat her steak her own way and suggests that He Qiaoyan and Poppet leave if he dislikes it.
Soon after, He Qiaoyan receives a call from Mr. Rong, who delivers unfortunate news: their contract cannot be finalized. Lin's Group had previously signed an exclusive, long-term agreement with Mr. Rong's company headquarters, meaning his company can now only collaborate with Lin's in China, stalling He Qiaoyan's bracelet project. Meanwhile, Wen Gu, reflecting on Yang Ruowei’s harsh words calling him a "rotten person," decides to overhaul his lifestyle.
He calls his friends to inform them he will no longer attend late-night parties or accept introductions to new girls, declaring he now has someone special in his heart. Arriving at the office unusually early, Wen Gu surprises his colleagues by immediately calling a company-wide meeting. He brushes off concerns about his assistant Yang Ruowei’s absence due to fever.
Demonstrating a newfound seriousness, he reviews the company’s financial reports, noting a 12% drop in growth, and meticulously outlines a packed daily schedule for his managers, emphasizing the need for regular reports and system optimization. When questioned if his father, Chairman Wen, is pushing him, Wen Gu states he is an adult who acts on his own initiative. Lin Wei, after taking her medication, discusses He Qiaoyan with her mother.
Her mother expresses concern over He Qiaoyan’s lack of response to their pressure, but Lin Wei remains confident he will compromise, believing He's Group is everything to him. Lin Wei promises to bring He Qiaoyan to the Lin Group's appreciation banquet that evening to make a public statement. Simultaneously, Qin Yiyue’s director informs her of an unexpected opportunity to join a project in Germany for a year, supported by a strong recommendation from He's Group.
Yiyue is surprised by this sudden development. In a company meeting, He Qiaoyan apologizes to his team for the bracelet project’s failure to launch in Western markets and its current stagnation, taking full responsibility for the consequences. He pledges to continue supporting the project even if he is removed as Chief Executive Officer, vowing to transfer to the R&D Center rather than abandon their collective hard work.
Lin Wei visits Qin Yiyue at her children’s psychology clinic, bluntly stating her desire is not for He Qiaoyan's heart, but for his status as CEO of He's Group and the sole heir. She explains that He Qiaoyan's mere appearance at the banquet would satisfy her father. Yiyue initially refuses to intervene, feeling she has no authority, but Lin Wei insists Yiyue is the only one who can influence him, giving her an invitation to the banquet.
Lin Wei argues that this action would permanently sever He Qiaoyan's ties to Yiyue, allowing him to make a "wise choice" beneficial to He's Group, and implies his future hinges on Yiyue's compliance. Qin Yiyue returns home to care for a feverish Yang Ruowei, who is upset that Wen Gu brought her mother and brother to the city without consulting her. While Yiyue acknowledges Wen Gu’s misstep, she assures Ruowei that he meant no harm.
Sensing Ruowei's underlying affection for Wen Gu, Yiyue urges her not to miss a potential romance and calls Wen Gu, informing him of Ruowei's illness. Wen Gu, who was having coffee with He Qiaoyan, promptly agrees to visit. Excited, Ruowei applies "patient makeup" to appear more vulnerable. He Qiaoyan drives Wen Gu to Yiyue's home, and Wen Gu immediately asks for privacy with Ruowei.
Upon seeing her, Wen Gu offers to make ginger decoction, demonstrating his magnanimity despite her earlier insults. Meanwhile, He Qiaoyan receives a call from his secretary about business partners canceling meetings due to rumors of his impending departure from He's Group. Qin Yiyue then asks He Qiaoyan if he truly plans to leave He's Group.
He Qiaoyan clarifies he is only stepping down as Chief Executive Officer to pursue the bracelet project in a different capacity, hoping to spend more time with Yiyue and Poppet. Yiyue then asks He Qiaoyan to do her a favor by attending the Lin Group's appreciation banquet, giving him the location. While cooking ginger decoction for Ruowei, Wen Gu tries to cancel their "heartbeat bet," hinting at his developing feelings for her.
Before he can finish, Ruowei playfully interrupts, declares he has lost the bet, and pushes him out of the room, seemingly flustered by his implicit confession. At the banquet venue, He Qiaoyan calls Qin Yiyue. With a heavy heart, Yiyue tells him she is pursuing her dream of studying in Germany for a year and might settle there. She claims that sending him to Lin Wei was a condition for securing this opportunity.
He Qiaoyan offers to help her achieve her dream and even suggests bringing Poppet to accompany her. Yiyue refuses, stating their relationship is too exhausting, and she no longer desires such a life. She harshly declares that their relationship is not worth it for her, and explicitly states the reason for their breakup is that her love for him was never as strong as he believed. She then abruptly hangs up.
Lin Wei attempts to persuade He Qiaoyan to make a brief appearance at the banquet, promising not to pressure him further. He Qiaoyan, however, tells her that unlike his past self, who would stop at nothing to achieve a goal, he now understands the true value of what is worth protecting and would rather resign as CEO than compromise his principles.
Lin Wei, enraged that He Qiaoyan values Qin Yiyue more than the entire Lin Group, calls him childish and undignified, especially after Yiyue has abandoned him. When He Qiaoyan asserts that his relationship with Yiyue is none of her concern, Lin Wei, unwilling to accept his rejection, attempts to forcefully kiss him. He Qiaoyan firmly pushes her away, urging her to compose herself. Overwhelmed and without her medication, Lin Wei suffers a panic attack and calls Ning Fang for help.
Ning Fang arrives, finds her distressed, and offers her a place to stay at his home, where he cooks her a comforting porridge. He Qiaoyan’s secretary reports that surveillance footage from the golf course shows Qin Yiyue, his Aunt, and Mr. Zhang together in an alley. He Qiaoyan deduces that his Aunt has been secretly helping Mr. Zhang evade him for years.
He confronts her, accusing her of having a secret connection with Mr. Zhang and threatening Yiyue into breaking up with him because Yiyue discovered this secret. His Aunt admits to contact with Mr. Zhang but dismisses it as normal due to his past employment at He's Group. She claims Yiyue broke up with him to spare him from further entanglement in the past, urging him to drop his investigation. At that moment, Mr. Zhang calls his Aunt.
He Qiaoyan snatches the phone, finally cornering Mr. Zhang, who, to He Qiaoyan's shock, reveals that He Qiaoyan himself was the driver during the accident many years ago, triggering a flood of traumatic memories.
Episode 22 Recap
He Qiaoyan's Aunt revealed the full truth about the car accident. She explained that his brother and sister-in-law had tragically passed away on the way to the hospital, and Poppet was just a baby at the time. Unable to cope and with no one to turn to, she fabricated a story when He Qiaoyan awoke from his coma with no memory of the event.
The police investigation had stalled, so she told him he was simply involved in an accident while visiting his brother. He Qiaoyan asked what Qin Yiyue's role in all this was. His Aunt clarified that Qin Yiyue, a doctor, had happened to pass by the scene and saved Poppet. He Qiaoyan had been thrown from the car and remained unnoticed by Qin Yiyue, but he had vaguely seen her silhouette and heard her voice.
He Qiaoyan then understood that his Aunt's previous efforts to push Qin Yiyue away were to prevent him from remembering the traumatic event. His Aunt confessed to having endured years of blackmail from Driver Zhang, all to protect their family and Poppet. She implored He Qiaoyan not to do anything reckless. Deeply pained, He Qiaoyan questioned whether Poppet would ever accept him as a father if he discovered that He Qiaoyan was responsible for his parents' deaths.
Meanwhile, Qin Yiyue's parents called, announcing their imminent arrival. Qin Yiyue urgently told them to turn back, explaining that the He family residence was no longer her home. She then elaborated that her initial marriage to He Qiaoyan was for Poppet's medical treatment, but they had unexpectedly developed genuine feelings. She admitted to being the one who initiated their breakup, having hurt He Qiaoyan deeply, and insisted that he was not at fault.
Her father, initially believing He Qiaoyan had forced her to leave, grew agitated, but Qin Yiyue calmed him, reiterating that her long-cherished dream was to study in Germany. Her parents, though saddened, eventually offered their support, urging her to take care of herself abroad and to call them if she ever needed anything. At the company, Yang Ruowei was surprised by Wen Gu's sudden diligence.
He explained that her previous harsh words had motivated him to prove he was not a "bad person" but a reliable man she could trust. Yang Ruowei playfully asked if this newfound dedication meant a raise for her, to which Wen Gu replied no. She chuckled and walked away, declaring, "Then no deal."
Later, Wen Gu asked Yang Ruowei to accompany him to a social event, but she declined, stating she had promised to have dinner with Qin Yiyue, who was leaving for Germany the next day. This was how Wen Gu learned about the breakup and Qin Yiyue's plans to study abroad. At Ning Fang's home, Lin Wei ignored multiple calls from her mother.
When she felt the urge to take her medication, she found a note from Ning Fang advising her to find a distraction to aid her recovery. She then began flipping through Ning Fang's personal journal, intrigued by its contents. That evening, Qin Yiyue prepared a hotpot dinner, her mind filled with memories of He Qiaoyan. She tried to maintain a cheerful facade, serving food and proposing a toast for her dreams to come true.
He Qiaoyan, observing her, cautioned that alcohol brought neither happiness nor relief from pain. Qin Yiyue responded by stating they were fundamentally "from different worlds." With a heavy heart, He Qiaoyan finally agreed to their breakup and wished her dreams come true, which brought tears to Qin Yiyue's eyes. Later, Ning Fang returned home to find Lin Wei had caused a plumbing issue, which he promptly fixed.
Lin Wei's phone rang again with a call from her mother, which she ignored. Ning Fang gently suggested she shouldn't keep avoiding her family. Lin Wei reacted defensively, telling him it was her private matter and he had no right to comment, adding that she would pay him for her stay and leave. Ning Fang, seeing her distress, apologized for his words and asked her to remain.
He then confessed that he had intended to express his feelings to Qin Yiyue in the past, but another person, Zhou Ziyang, had "chased her first," and she had fallen for him. He believed he had another chance when they broke up and she didn't go to Germany, but then He Qiaoyan entered her life.
Lin Wei, surprised that Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan had broken up, encouraged Ning Fang to pursue Qin Yiyue in Germany, urging him not to miss a third opportunity. Ning Fang merely said goodnight, his feelings unexpressed. The next morning, Yang Ruowei and Ning Fang were at the airport to see Qin Yiyue off. Suddenly, Wen Gu called Yang Ruowei, frantic because He Qiaoyan was missing; he hadn't returned home and wasn't answering calls.
Qin Yiyue initially dismissed it but quickly realized He Qiaoyan would never leave Poppet alone. She called his Aunt, who, thinking He Qiaoyan might have gone to Qin Yiyue, revealed that he now knew the truth about the car accident. Qin Yiyue rushed to the He Group, where she found He Qiaoyan. She embraced him, assuring him that the car accident was not his fault.
He Qiaoyan, wrestling with a problem in his smart bracelet project, explained that he was so invested in it because the bracelet monitored a person's pulse, which "indicates life," and he wanted "to grasp the feeling of life." Qin Yiyue, her heart aching for him, pleaded with him to come home, telling him that both Poppet and she needed him. Driven by concern for He Qiaoyan, Qin Yiyue decided to cancel her plans to study in Germany.
However, He Qiaoyan, consumed by his guilt, rejected her, telling her not to pity him and to leave him alone. Later, a worried Ning Fang asked Qin Yiyue what had happened. She explained He Qiaoyan's PTSD after learning the truth about the accident and asked Ning Fang, as a psychologist, how she could help.
Ning Fang recounted a similar, tragic case from his past, warning Qin Yiyue that helping He Qiaoyan might cost her the rest of her life and could even ruin her. But Qin Yiyue was unyielding, stating that her heart was clear: "a future without He Qiaoyan is awful." She also reassured Yang Ruowei, who worried about He Qiaoyan's negativity consuming her, that her "energy is great" and she would not be easily swallowed.
Back at the He family home, Qin Yiyue stayed to care for He Qiaoyan and Poppet. Despite He Qiaoyan's coldness and rejection of her attempts to connect, Qin Yiyue remained undeterred. She encouraged Poppet to be patient with his father. She also called Wen Gu, asking him to re-investigate the car accident.
She revealed that she had overheard Driver Zhang mentioning a large sum of money he received for his brother's debts the day after the accident, which made her suspect the "brake failure was intentional." She made dinner and attempted to persuade He Qiaoyan to try and recall the events of that day, firmly stating, "I don't believe that it's your fault."
He Qiaoyan angrily rejected her, telling her he did not want to see her and threatened to move away with Poppet if she continued to visit. Qin Yiyue later confided in her friends, admitting He Qiaoyan's strong resistance to facing his memories. Ning Fang reiterated that without He Qiaoyan's willingness to confront the past, no one could truly help him. The following day, Ning Fang confronted He Qiaoyan.
He provocatively announced his intention to confess his love to Qin Yiyue that afternoon and urged He Qiaoyan to completely let go of her. He Qiaoyan questioned if Qin Yiyue would accept, but Ning Fang stated it didn't matter, as he simply wanted to express his feelings and had the patience to wait for her to accept him.
He also argued that if He Qiaoyan moved, Qin Yiyue could finally "say goodbye to the past and live a better life," adding that he planned to persuade her to go to Germany and accompany her to help her "pursue her dream." With a strained expression, He Qiaoyan wished them happiness. True to his word, Ning Fang then drove Qin Yiyue to their alma mater, arriving at a lake. He turned to her and asked, "Yiyue, would you like to go with me?"
Episode 23 Recap
Ning Fang took Qin Yiyue to their alma mater and attempted to confess his feelings to her, asking if she would go with him. Before he could finish, He Qiaoyan suddenly arrived and took Yiyue away. Later, Lin Wei joined Ning Fang at the beautifully decorated spot he had prepared. She teased him, suggesting he had set up the romantic scene to provoke He Qiaoyan rather than for Yiyue.
Ning Fang thanked her for her help with the setup, admitting that if He Qiaoyan hadn't intervened, he would have taken Yiyue to Germany. They then sat on the grass, and Ning Fang played his guitar and sang. Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan went to Poppet’s school after the teacher informed them that Poppet had refused to attend class, insisting on playing basketball alone on the playground. When He Qiaoyan asked why, Poppet simply stated that playing was fun.
Seeing him, He Qiaoyan was reminded of his late brother, reflecting that Poppet’s own father would have taught him to play and then playfully cheated to win. Poppet then called He Qiaoyan "Daddy," which profoundly moved He Qiaoyan, who asked him to say it again. After Poppet repeated it, He Qiaoyan embraced him, overwhelmed with joy, and the two happily played basketball together. Later, Ning Fang and Lin Wei shared a drink by the river, reflecting on life and love.
Lin Wei expressed skepticism about love, viewing it as irrelevant to her. Ning Fang then asked about her anxiety disorder, which she revealed had started during her second year studying abroad. She explained that after feeling liberated, she won the prestigious Golden Sparrow Flower Award for her design.
However, she later discovered that an earlier award she received in China was not based on her talent but was orchestrated by her mother, who, despite not supporting her design aspirations, couldn't accept her failure. This revelation plunged Lin Wei into severe anxiety, leaving her unable to draw any designs for the past year.
Ning Fang comforted her, emphasizing that her own feelings mattered most and encouraging her to listen to her heart rather than letting external pressures define her worth. That evening, as Qin Yiyue looked at a photo of He Qiaoyan and his late brother, He Qiaoyan embraced her. He told her he had thought it through and decided to follow her suggestion to retrieve his lost memories.
He expressed his gratitude for her love and companionship, saying that with her and Poppet, he had the courage to face anything. He promised to ensure a happy life for their family. He Qiaoyan visited Ning Fang, ostensibly to thank him, but also to make it clear that Qin Yiyue considered Ning Fang a trusted friend and asked him not to overstep that boundary.
Ning Fang stated that his actions depended on He Qiaoyan's, prompting He Qiaoyan to assert he would ensure Yiyue's happiness. Ning Fang then inquired about He Qiaoyan's next steps regarding his past and introduced him to a senior practitioner known for successful hypnotic memory retrieval, which He Qiaoyan agreed to try.
Separately, Ning Fang contacted his senior to get the contact information for Zhou Xingyuan, a judge for the Golden Sparrow Flower Award five years prior, to make an inquiry for Lin Wei. He Qiaoyan confronted Driver Zhang, implying he knew the truth about the car accident and asking how much money he was paid. Driver Zhang denied involvement, claiming he simply felt unwell that day.
He Qiaoyan, however, asserted that Zhang knew something was going to happen and feigned illness to avoid driving. He revealed he had recovered some memories and urged Zhang to confess, stating he would eventually remember everything. Driver Zhang, unfazed, told He Qiaoyan to pursue "them" for the truth. He Qiaoyan, later discussing this with his aunt, realized that "them" indicated a mastermind behind the accident.
Since the hypnosis session with Ning Fang’s senior yielded no results, He Qiaoyan decided to use his feigned memory recovery as a tactic to provoke the perpetrators into revealing themselves. Yiyue comforted him after the session, reassuring him that his memories were still there and he would eventually recall them.
Yang Ruowei's mother visited, urging her to return home, but Ruowei steadfastly refused, stating that the stability and authenticity she felt in her current city were paramount, unlike the "unrecognizable" place her old home had become. Her mother left disheartened. Later, Wen Gu approached Ruowei to apologize for bringing her family without her consent and for not answering her call when she was in danger.
Ruowei, still angry, initially dismissed him, but Wen Gu embraced her and took her to a secluded "secret garden" on his bar's rooftop. There, Ruowei confided in him about her struggles and her constant need to "arm" herself to hide her vulnerability. Wen Gu then symbolically drew a house on the rooftop with a broom, promising to provide her a home for all her dreams and weariness.
He passionately declared his love, and Ruowei responded with a kiss, accepting his heartfelt confession. The following morning, Ruowei accidentally took Wen Gu's phone to a meeting. When her boss demanded she call the late Wen Gu, she was unable to unlock the phone. Wen Gu eventually arrived, humorously explaining his tardiness by showing everyone Ruowei's pink phone, which he had mistakenly taken.
While Qin Yiyue was buying cotton candy for Poppet outside his school, she was suddenly attacked and pulled into a car. Poppet witnessed the abduction, recorded it, and immediately sent the video to He Qiaoyan, along with the car's license plate number, A30273, pleading for him to save his mother. He Qiaoyan reassured Poppet that he would save Yiyue and raced off in pursuit.
During the high-speed chase, He Qiaoyan’s car collided with an oncoming truck, causing him to experience a vivid flashback of the original accident and of Qin Yiyue saving Poppet. He Qiaoyan regained consciousness in the hospital, where Qin Yiyue, also in a patient gown, reassured him that they were both safe thanks to the airbags. She explained that the kidnappers were from AM Group, rivals of He's Group, who had been arrested.
The crash caused He Qiaoyan to fully recall the original tragedy: the brake failure and a large truck whose headlights disoriented him before he crashed. Qin Yiyue then revealed the full truth she had uncovered: his brother had found significant financial loopholes at AM Group. Desperate, the mastermind Liao Zilang bribed Driver Zhang, who was already an informer in the He household. Because Driver Zhang's brother owed Liao Zilang money, he sold the information that the car's brakes were faulty.
He then feigned illness, allowing the meticulously planned accident to proceed. Yiyue comforted He Qiaoyan, asserting that the accident wasn't his fault. He Qiaoyan embraced her, thanking her for saving him and Poppet. He reflected on their shared fate, noting that they had saved each other's lives and were now inseparable, sealing their bond with a kiss. While recovering, Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan enjoyed playing games and lightheartedly bickering.
Yiyue grew tired of the "luxurious tonic soups" her aunt brought and craved street food, so they decided to sneak out. Before leaving, Yiyue received a message from Yang Ruowei, who was skipping a visit to attend Wen Gu's basketball game, prompting Yiyue to remark that it was a clear case of "needing no friends when in love."
They then playfully escaped the hospital to find skewers, with Yiyue noting how long it had been since she felt so purely happy. Ning Fang's senior, Zhou Xingyuan, informed Lin Wei that her design had unanimously won the Golden Sparrow Flower Award, impressing all the judges. He clarified that her mother had mistakenly believed a different piece, whose title was only one word off from Lin Wei's, was hers, leading to the misunderstanding.
While this revelation resolved Lin Wei's design block, she was saddened to realize her mother never cared enough to know the name of her actual work. Lin Wei then confronted her mother, stating she couldn't "handle" He Qiaoyan and intended to pursue design rather than join the family company. Angered by her defiance, her mother threatened to disown her.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Qin Yiyue, He Qiaoyan, and Poppet were happily playing basketball together. During their game, Poppet playfully clung to Qin Yiyue's leg. Qin Yiyue, attempting a back shot, accidentally hit He Qiaoyan with the ball, sending him to the ground. As he lay there, He Qiaoyan had a vivid vision of his elder brother, who joked about his poor basketball skills, expressed how much he missed him, and apologized for leaving Poppet in his care.
His brother thanked He Qiaoyan for raising Poppet, acknowledging him as the child's true father, and wished they could play basketball again in the next life. Coming out of the vision, He Qiaoyan called out for his brother. Qin Yiyue, concerned, rushed to his side, and He Qiaoyan revealed he had seen his brother, who wished them all to be well.
Poppet then sweetly declared that he wanted to be with "Dad, Mom, and Poppet forever," a sentiment He Qiaoyan echoed, "forever together." Meanwhile, Lin Wei, having been cast out by her family for pursuing her design dreams, sought refuge at Ning Fang's home. He kindly offered her a place to stay and cooked her a simple meal of tomato and egg noodles.
Later, as Lin Wei reviewed her design sketches, Ning Fang casually asked if one drawing was a trench coat. This unexpected comment sparked a burst of inspiration for Lin Wei. She worked tirelessly, sketching and refining her design until it was complete. Proudly, she showed him her finished work, explaining that his simple question had ignited her creativity, leading to a unique dress with three versatile wearing methods, combining three contrasting colors, and utilizing waterproof fabric.
She hoped that anyone wearing her dress would feel unique, adaptable, and free from constraints. As she enjoyed a freshly made bowl of noodles from Ning Fang, Lin Wei apologized for losing track of time. Ning Fang remarked that a person truly shines when doing what they love and believed designing would be the best way for her to heal. Lin Wei, however, credited Ning Fang with her recovery.
Seeing her renewed spirit, she declared it was her turn to help him move on from his own past. Ning Fang agreed it was time for him to look forward. Shortly after, Lin Wei received a call informing her that a French studio was impressed by her design and offered her a cooperative designer position.
Ning Fang congratulated her warmly, but his excitement turned to wistfulness when Lin Wei revealed she would be leaving for France the next day to prepare for their upcoming seasonal collection. He Qiaoyan and Qin Yiyue, now officially married, reveled in their new status. Qin Yiyue playfully resisted calling him "hubby," opting for "Comrade He" until He Qiaoyan's persistent teasing elicited a shy "hubby" from her.
He Qiaoyan then presented her with an opportunity to pursue her dreams in Germany, revealing he had already informed Director Huang of her acceptance. Qin Yiyue confessed she had already told Director Huang she wouldn't go, wanting to stay with him and Poppet. He Qiaoyan countered that he and Poppet wanted to see her freely chase her ambitions, promising that they would fly to visit her every month.
Realizing he had planned this, Qin Yiyue playfully accused him of orchestrating their hasty marriage to "tie her down." She then set her own conditions: a proper wedding and a very long, floor-length bridal gown. He Qiaoyan readily agreed. Reminiscing about her childhood fantasies, Qin Yiyue wrapped herself in a bedsheet, simulating a wedding dress. She playfully tripped, leading to a tender kiss between them.
Late one night, Qin Yiyue found He Qiaoyan asleep at his desk, immersed in work, and gently covered him. The next day was his official return to Heshi Group. On a video call, Qin Yiyue asked if he was excited. He Qiaoyan admitted it was three days later than planned, as winning back the Cooper Five Group contract had been challenging even with the upgraded bracelet.
Qin Yiyue expressed her belief that the board now understood only he could lead Heshi effectively, as their interim agents had failed. Brimming with confidence, He Qiaoyan declared that he had built Heshi's foundation and no one else could command such authority. The next morning, his secretary was already in his office, warmly welcoming him back.
Meanwhile, Ruowei and Wen Gu were snuggled on the couch watching a horror movie when Mr. Wen unexpectedly walked in, catching them together and demanding to know if they were cohabiting. Wen Gu bravely introduced Ruowei as his girlfriend, but his father was furious, railing against their relationship due to their professional positions. Wen Gu passionately defended Ruowei, accusing his father of prejudice against career women. Mr. Wen insisted on speaking with Ruowei privately.
After their talk, Ruowei told a stunned Wen Gu that they had to break up, claiming she didn't want to destroy the career prospects she valued so deeply. Wen Gu, refusing to accept this, assured her he would handle his father. He confronted Mr. Wen, who admitted to offering Ruowei five promotions in exchange for the breakup. Wen Gu then threatened to abandon the entire Wen Group for Ruowei.
His father listed all the assets Wen Gu depended on—his housing, car, and even his bar—and threatened to freeze his bank accounts. After confirming with Ruowei that she would accept him even if he had nothing—to which she playfully offered to "lend him half a bed"—Wen Gu returned to his father and dramatically surrendered all his assets. Distressed, Ruowei murmured that she wasn't worth such a sacrifice. At that moment, Mr. Wen and Ruowei both smiled.
He revealed that they had conspired all along to test the depth of Wen Gu's commitment and sense of responsibility, as Ruowei herself had harbored insecurities. Touched by his son's sincerity, Mr. Wen offered to buy them a grand wedding house, but Wen Gu proudly declined, asserting he wanted to earn a home for his beloved himself.
The day Qin Yiyue was due to return, He Qiaoyan and Poppet prepared a beautiful bouquet and drove to the airport, with He Qiaoyan coaching his son on how to praise his father's diligent tutoring in exchange for ice cream. However, Qin Yiyue called, apologizing that a project issue forced her to take a connecting flight back to Germany. He Qiaoyan and Poppet returned home, disheartened.
To their utter surprise and delight, Qin Yiyue was already there, having planned a surprise. As Poppet rushed into her arms, she teased them for not eating the pork ribs she had made. He Qiaoyan sent Poppet to wash his hands before sharing a passionate kiss with Qin Yiyue, both professing how much they missed each other. Finally, Qin Yiyue and He Qiaoyan celebrated their romantic wedding.
Qin Yiyue's father walked her down the aisle and entrusted her hand to He Qiaoyan. Ruowei and Wen Gu stood by them as the bridesmaid and groomsman. Little Poppet, in his mini suit, delivered a lengthy and adorable speech, proudly claiming he inherited his photographic memory and calmness from his father. After being gently prompted by his parents to get to the point, he officiated the vows. Both He Qiaoyan and Qin Yiyue exchanged rings and declared "Yes, I do."
When Poppet prompted them to kiss, Qin Yiyue comically complained of an itchy back, asking He Qiaoyan to scratch it. After he obliged, she quipped, "Thank you, bro," prompting He Qiaoyan to retort, "Bro?" before pulling her into a deep kiss, as her parents watched with tears of joy. When Qin Yiyue tossed her bouquet, Ning Fang surprisingly caught it.
Just as Wen Gu joked that the bouquet was wasted on him, Lin Wei arrived, playfully confronting Wen Gu for calling her an "older, marriageable sister." Ning Fang, bouquet in hand, turned and greeted Lin Wei with a warm smile, bringing a truly happy ending for all.
