Unrequited Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Unrequited Love

Unrequited Love Synopsis

Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi had met and played together at a wedding when they were children.

Luo Zhi was in the same school with Sheng Huainan in high school but they are not familiar with each other.

They were later admitted to the university together, and by chance, they played together in the Red Leaf Valley and continued to get to know each other during their joint tutoring.

Later, the interference of Ye Zhan Yan, Ding Shui Jing, as well as the dispute between their families made Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan experience various misunderstandings.

Finally they were determined to work together in the business and overcame the difficulties to get together.

Unrequited Love Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

The vast world holds billions of people, and the chance of encountering true love is even smaller than finding two ginkgo leaves with identical curvatures. Luo Zhi's secret crush on Sheng Huainan began in childhood and has lasted for fifteen years, a secret she keeps hidden deep within her heart. She knows the person she loves might often pass her by, but the exact moment their paths truly intertwined is a probability even the greatest mathematicians couldn't calculate.

In 2010, Sheng Huainan transferred to Zhenhua High School, immediately captivating the attention of many, just as dazzling as Rukawa Kaede in the Slam Dunk manga Luo Zhi held. Bringing manga to school was forbidden, a rule that inadvertently brought them together again. During a surprise inspection, as a teacher chased Luo Zhi for reading manga, Sheng Huainan pulled her into a hall through a side door, helping her evade the teacher.

After the teacher left, he departed, leaving Luo Zhi unaware that this boy was the one she had thought of since childhood, the light she was destined to pursue throughout her life. Soon after, Luo Zhi was called to the office to copy the exam results. Though her grades were excellent as always, Sheng Huainan had surpassed her, scoring 921. 5 points to her 884, claiming the top spot.

Director Wang encouraged Luo Zhi not to lose heart and to strive to overtake him by the end of the term. Luo Zhi silently acknowledged the 0. 6-centimeter gap between their names on the results, a distance that felt both incredibly close and impossibly far. Later, on a snowy day, Luo Zhi struggled with a chemistry formula on an indoor windowpane. From outside, Sheng Huainan gently corrected her, pointing out a mistake in the molecular formula of hydrogen sulfide.

Luo Zhi then shared a story from the animated film "The Tale of Years," about a boy who confessed his crush by asking a girl her favorite type of weather. Sheng Huainan found the story very romantic. Luo Zhi later attempted to hand him a registration form for the Burmese student ambassador selection, a task entrusted to her by Director Wang.

Sheng Huainan recognized her as Luo Zhi from Class Two, the one who consistently ranked just behind him, keeping him on his toes. Despite this small interaction, Luo Zhi felt incredibly humbled and shy in his presence, unable to speak properly. She vowed that next time, she would win against him and make him remember her name, deciding to participate in the student ambassador selection.

While studying in the Zhenhua High School library, Sheng Huainan noticed Luo Zhi but walked away without acknowledging her. Later, he approached her class to ask her to call Ye Zhanyan for him, leaving Luo Zhi feeling a pang of disappointment as she watched him tutor Ye Zhanyan, losing all desire to work on the blackboard herself.

On the day of the Burmese student ambassador selection, Luo Zhi, dressed neatly with glasses and short hair, decided that if she won, she would tell Sheng Huainan a secret. However, Sheng Huainan had already voluntarily withdrawn from the selection. Luo Zhi delivered an impressive speech and was chosen as Zhenhua High School's student ambassador. Yet, she felt a bitter resentment that what she strived for so desperately, he regarded with such indifference.

As she angrily sought him out for answers, she saw him laughing and chatting with Ye Zhanyan, and once again, she chose to pass by unnoticed. Even after the college entrance examination, Luo Zhi kept her secret crush buried in her heart. In 2013, Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan both began their university lives. Luo Zhi, who had carefully compiled her thoughts about Sheng Huainan in a small notebook, prepared to finally give him a love letter.

But just as she was about to, Ye Zhanyan greeted Sheng Huainan first. The sight of them happily walking away together, coupled with a persimmon fruit falling precisely onto her white shoe, shattered Luo Zhi’s courage, sending her fleeing once more. Ye Zhanyan briefly accompanied Sheng Huainan to the boys' dormitory but quickly retreated due to the overpowering smell of "stinky socks and pickled vegetables."

On his way back alone, Sheng Huainan encountered Zhang Mingrui in a heated argument with another student over a broken phone. Zhang Mingrui, lamenting his bad luck, feared he might have to drop out if he couldn't pay for the 5800-yuan phone. Sheng Huainan offered to help, explaining that he had secretly learned phone repair in high school and had fixed his own devices. After successfully reattaching the loosened battery and motherboard connection, he restored the phone.

Zhang Mingrui, overjoyed, learned that Sheng Huainan had scored 705 points, making him the top science student in Heilongjiang that year. Zhang Mingrui declared Sheng Huainan his best friend, joking about how the school placed the top student with the last. Zhang Mingrui introduced himself as an 18-year-old with hobbies of basketball and baseball, currently single, and even offered to set Sheng Huainan up.

Meanwhile, Luo Zhi had transformed her appearance for university, growing out her hair, shedding her glasses, and adopting a more mature look, hoping to one day appear before Sheng Huainan in a pale yellow dress that flattered her. On a rainy day, Luo Zhi found herself and Sheng Huainan sheltering from the downpour. She fantasized about approaching him, reminding him of their childhood encounter at a church where he had told her to remember him.

However, her fantasy was broken when Ye Zhanyan arrived with matching raincoats. Watching Ye Zhanyan happily show off her identical pale yellow dress, Luo Zhi felt her hopes crumble. She realized that even if she wore the same clothes, her personality was vastly different from Ye Zhanyan's, and Sheng Huainan would likely never prefer her. That night, she threw the new dress and her secret crush notebook into the recycling bin.

Luo Zhi's dormitory welcomed a new roommate, Jiang Baili, a cheerful and outgoing psychology student with a passion for tarot card reading. Jiang Baili, who had moved due to personality clashes with her previous roommates, quickly introduced herself and added Luo Zhi on WeChat. Her boyfriend, Ge Bi, also tried to add Luo Zhi, but Jiang Baili shooed him away and apologized for his forwardness.

Luo Zhi, who had anticipated a monotonous university life of studying and secretly pursuing Sheng Huainan, found her world brightened by Jiang Baili's arrival. Jiang Baili became a crucial friend, unexpectedly setting their destinies in motion. Luo Zhi soon learned that Sheng Huainan and Ye Zhanyan had broken up.

On the school rooftop, Sheng Huainan listened to a voicemail from Ye Zhanyan, who, despite their breakup, unreasonably demanded that he not develop feelings for anyone new or find a new partner. While he was absorbed in his thoughts, a gentle song drifted from nearby. He looked up, almost meeting Luo Zhi, who was singing. However, Zhang Mingrui’s sudden arrival interrupted the moment, causing them to miss each other yet again.

Episode 2 Recap

Coincidence seemed to follow Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan when they found themselves reaching for the same bottle of red tea in a supermarket. Back in her dorm, Luo Zhi stared dreamily at the red tea, a gesture her roommate Jiang Baili quickly noticed. Jiang Baili, suspecting a crush, asked if the tea was connected to the person Luo Zhi liked and if any sparks flew. Luo Zhi admitted she was content just being closer to him.

Jiang Baili, deeming Luo Zhi's approach too passive, offered to share her extensive experience in dating, requesting Luo Zhi's notes in return. She recommended "The Complete Guide to Love" and advised Luo Zhi to learn her crush’s usual haunts. Luo Zhi revealed her crush was a "top student in science," leading Jiang Baili to deduce he was Sheng Huainan, a "Male god" from Sichuan University.

Jiang Baili confidently stated that most top male students are inexperienced in love, making them easy targets for a "little trick." Jiang Baili then comically attempted to demonstrate her flirting techniques in various campus locations—the library and cafeteria—all of which failed and even annoyed Ge Bi, her boyfriend. Luo Zhi intervened, explaining Jiang Baili's actions were for her, appeasing Ge Bi.

Ge Bi then asked Jiang Baili to bring him Xiaolongbao with authentic Zhenjiang vinegar while he was out for a student union photoshoot. Later, at the supermarket entrance, Luo Zhi witnessed Xu Ri-qing persistently confessing her feelings to Sheng Huainan, even holding onto his clothes and mentioning Zhang Mingrui’s affections for her. Sheng Huainan had already broken up with Ye Zhanyun, but Xu Ri-qing refused to give up.

Luo Zhi deliberately bumped into Xu Ri-qing, prompting an apology from Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan, recognizing Luo Zhi, used her appearance as an excuse to politely disengage from Xu Ri-qing. Seeing her chance, Luo Zhi playfully demanded a "thank you." Sheng Huainan responded by inviting her for coffee. At the coffee shop, Sheng Huainan attempted to initiate conversation, mentioning an expensive, "unattractive" cup and a childhood memory of a girl who bravely questioned older people.

He then asked Luo Zhi about her freshman Marxism class and introduced himself. Luo Zhi, already well aware of his reputation, acknowledged his fame, saying, "Everyone knows you" and "You are excellent and famous." She even recalled hearing people point him out on the street.

Sheng Huainan then mused about how people become "familiar" over three years in the same school through chance encounters like "stepping on each other's feet on the bus," borrowing money, or "spilling water on each other." Luo Zhi, with a knowing look, added, "Just like you and your ex-girlfriend." Luo Zhi, sensing the conversation dwindling, called for the bill and left. Sheng Huainan followed, offering to walk her back, but she declined, saying she was just out for a stroll.

Just then, Zhang Mingrui, the "Instant noodle man" Luo Zhi recognized from online, greeted Sheng Huainan, mistakenly assuming they were on a date and quickly rode off on his skateboard. Luo Zhi then admitted to Sheng Huainan that the coffee was "extorted," explaining she intentionally intervened at the supermarket to help him out, and confessed she had worried he wouldn't remember her.

Sheng Huainan advised against handling such situations in public and expressed regret that he only knew her name in high school but not her as a person. He then asked for her WeChat. Luo Zhi, claiming her phone was dead, offered to enter her WeChat ID into his phone. The next day in law class, Professor Wen Yuan introduced himself and called roll. When he called Luo Zhi’s name, he inquired about its origin.

Luo Zhi explained, "A tangerine in Huainan is a tangerine; a trifoliate orange in Huaibei is a trifoliate orange." She privately reflected on how she had often imagined showing Sheng Huainan this poem if they ever became a couple, and fantasized about receiving his first WeChat message. Now, one of those wishes had come true, bringing her a sense of fulfillment. Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui discussed Luo Zhi with Sheng Huainan.

Sheng Huainan confirmed Luo Zhi was a high school classmate from the arts class, but he didn't have a strong impression of her. He found it "strange," however, that talking to her reminded him of a "little girl I met when I was young." He recalled her protecting him from bullies, though he couldn't remember her face. Zhang Mingrui jokingly called it an "early first love."

Sheng Huainan clarified they were just "simple and beautiful small memories" and concluded that "Romance is just not having a later." The conversation then shifted to Xu Zhian, Sheng Huainan's roommate (nicknamed Lao Si), who was in a predicament. His girlfriend, Xiaosen, was expecting a new phone as a birthday gift, having heard their dorm offered free repairs and upgrades. However, Xu Zhian was broke, a fact evident by his limited wardrobe.

Lei Tian urged Sheng Huainan, as the eldest, to help Xu Zhian. Sheng Huainan and Zhang Mingrui went to a used phone shop. Sheng Huainan secretly bought a second-hand phone, intending to refurbish it for Xiaosen. Zhang Mingrui, noting Xu Zhian's financial struggles, praised Sheng Huainan for his "great sacrifice." Sheng Huainan, in turn, playfully blamed Zhang Mingrui for bringing him so much trouble by promoting his technical skills.

In the law class, while on a call with her brother Luo Yang, Luo Zhi noticed Sheng Huainan enter the classroom and sit behind her. She saw her notebook on the desk, its pages fluttering in the wind, threatening to reveal its contents to Sheng Huainan. She quickly rushed to cover it.

She then had a sweet fantasy: Sheng Huainan invited her for coffee after class to discuss law course questions, and she happily agreed, teasing him that he would pay. However, the scene was just a dream, and she was roused by a classmate. After the actual class, Zhang Mingrui, carrying two coffees, accidentally spilled one on Luo Zhi, who was sitting in front of Sheng Huainan. Sheng Huainan immediately offered her tissues.

He asked if she was hurt and suggested she rinse her clothes with cold water to prevent blisters. Luo Zhi insisted she was fine because her shirt was thick. Zhang Mingrui then jokingly attributed the spill to Sheng Huainan's "history of splashing water," implying a "connection" between Luo Zhi and Zhang Mingrui, which Luo Zhi quickly dismissed. As Luo Zhi walked back to her dorm, her pleasant mood was disturbed when Ge Bi stopped her.

He handed her Jiang Baili's belongings, which included "your exclusive Cancer potato chips," revealing he had seen her notes. He complimented her detailed and exquisite handwriting, then claimed he had corrected some typos. He proceeded to "show off" his "best way to strike up a conversation" and advised Luo Zhi to learn his "standard operation procedure" (SOP) for future success. Luo Zhi found his methods cliché, suggesting he consult Molière’s "Don Juan."

Ge Bi misheard this and asked, "Who are you talking about?" Sheng Huainan returned to his dorm to find Lei Tian and Zhang Mingrui playfully forcing Xu Zhian to wash his clothes. Xu Zhian resisted, claiming the shirt was from his first date with Xiaosen and washing it would be "unlucky." They threatened to cancel Xiaosen's plane ticket if he refused, finally coercing him to comply.

As Lei Tian went to supervise Xu Zhian, he told Sheng Huainan to "make time." Sheng Huainan was confused, but Zhang Mingrui explained that Xiaosen loved the refurbished phone, and Lei Tian's girlfriend wanted to meet Sheng Huainan, the "hero." Zhang Mingrui implied that Sheng Huainan should go alone, stating he (Zhang Mingrui) was not important. Later, Sheng Huainan asked Luo Zhi about her "burned place" from the coffee spill, but she quickly said she was "fine" and left.

Zhang Mingrui caught up to her, offering to treat her to ice cream as an apology. Sheng Huainan excused himself, saying he had other plans. Luo Zhi watched Sheng Huainan's retreating back, her gaze clearly showing her feelings. Zhang Mingrui, observing her, commented, "You must like Sheng Huainan, too." Intrigued by the "too," Luo Zhi asked if he had previously liked a girl who liked Sheng Huainan. She then agreed to get ice cream with him.

She clarified to Zhang Mingrui that she didn't mind the dirty clothes, nor did she believe in a "fate of splashing water" for them, especially since Sheng Huainan and his girlfriend had broken up, making "the same pattern not auspicious." Zhang Mingrui clarified he wasn't trying to copy Sheng Huainan, implicitly admitting he did like a girl who liked Sheng Huainan (Xu Ri-qing).

Luo Zhi expressed her admiration for Zhang Mingrui's maturity and his reasonable and generous nature, particularly in not resenting Sheng Huainan and remaining his friend. As they ate ice cream, their conversation inevitably revolved around Sheng Huainan. Zhang Mingrui explained that he had enrolled in a double major in law because Sheng Huainan wanted to "experience the life of a liberal arts student."

He then revealed that the girl he liked also liked Sheng Huainan, referring to Xu Ri-qing, and added that Sheng Huainan had rejected her. Zhang Mingrui then shared details about Sheng Huainan’s past relationship with Ye Zhanyun, describing how Ye Zhanyun would treat Sheng Huainan like a trophy, publicly displaying gifts and messages, and turning their dates into public spectacles.

Zhang Mingrui declared, "love is a very private thing" and "showing off love leads to a quick end," sentiments Luo Zhi agreed with, admitting she had heard similar stories. Zhang Mingrui concluded by telling Luo Zhi that "from the perspective of a buddy," she and Sheng Huainan were "quite a match," then asked her what qualities girls found attractive in Sheng Huainan, hoping to "learn a bit."

Just then, Luo Zhi received a message from Sheng Huainan, who, assuming she and Zhang Mingrui were on a date, sent his "blessings." Luo Zhi was instantly annoyed, feeling they were making fun of her. She expressed her confusion about "boys' thoughts" and told Zhang Mingrui not to "make fun of me." Zhang Mingrui denied any such intention, saying he didn't know why Sheng Huainan had sent the message.

Episode 3 Recap

Luo Zhi returned to her dormitory in a state of distress. Li Mi was heading out for her part-time job, while Jiang Baili lay crying in her bed. It wasn't until later that Li Mi and Guo Xiaoxiao noticed Jiang Baili. Li Mi, in a rush, promised to bring back a midnight snack, while Guo Xiaoxiao offered both Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili a lollipop.

Jiang Baili then confided in Luo Zhi, revealing that Ge Bi had been seen flirting with freshman girls who had taken photos with him in the pool at a coffee shop. Jiang Baili, furious, had splashed water on his face, which in turn angered him. Luo Zhi did not mince words, calling Ge Bi a "jerk" and urging Jiang Baili to break up with him. Jiang Baili, echoing Luo Zhi's sentiment, vowed not to reconcile with him this time.

Luo Zhi, still grappling with her own complex emotions, felt as though she was "going crazy," her mood swinging wildly with every interaction. To cope, she decided to immerse herself in memorizing vocabulary, asserting that she had an "endless" supply of words, no matter how long she felt "stuck in this stage." Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui confronted Sheng Huainan, questioning the meaning behind a text message Sheng Huainan had sent.

Zhang Mingrui suspected it was Sheng Huainan's attempt to "compensate" him for Xu Riqing's crush on Sheng Huainan. Sheng Huainan denied any romantic interest in Luo Zhi, stating he was not in the mood for a relationship. He elaborated on his disillusionment with love, explaining that growing up in a high-ranking family compound, he often felt that people were more attracted to his background and achievements than to him as a person.

He admitted to being "very sensitive to girls" but desired genuine connection, not "blind worship," which made him feel like a "designer bag" being evaluated. Zhang Mingrui, understanding Sheng Huainan's weariness, asked him to promise to disclose it immediately if he ever developed feelings for Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan agreed, vowing to be more honest about his emotions and to conceal nothing from Zhang Mingrui.

Zhang Mingrui then informed Sheng Huainan that Luo Zhi had seen the text message and was very unhappy, urging him to explain the situation to her in person. Later, at a supermarket, Luo Zhi encountered Ge Bi, who tried to enlist her help in delivering flowers to Jiang Baili as an apology. Luo Zhi, disgusted by Ge Bi's insensitivity and his flirtatious history, refused, discarding the bouquet in a trash can.

She rebuked him for being an inattentive boyfriend, unaware of Jiang Baili's pollen allergy or her favorite snacks despite dating for over a year. Sheng Huainan, passing by coincidentally, stepped in to de-escalate the argument. Ge Bi, not wanting Sheng Huainan to witness their dispute, quickly left. Luo Zhi thanked Sheng Huainan by offering him a drink. Sheng Huainan then followed Luo Zhi to the library.

Luo Zhi, observant of his un-sweaty basketball and lack of a backpack, astutely deduced that his presence was not accidental. Sheng Huainan, impressed by her reasoning skills, admitted his intentionality. Their conversation flowed from discussing the German philosopher Kant's ideas on "sublime moral standards" and the "brilliant starry sky" to literature, and then to the varied attitudes towards love observed in the animal kingdom.

They discussed the monogamous albatross, the rare and dedicated Pasco beetle, and the "playboy" tendencies of the mandarin duck. Luo Zhi mused that the animals' approach to love seemed "more steadfast than humans." Sheng Huainan humorously suggested a toast to Zhang Mingrui and him being "as inseparable as mandarin ducks," a comment that made Luo Zhi "furious," knowing the male mandarin duck's unfaithful nature. Sheng Huainan acknowledged Luo Zhi's subtle concern about their lack of acquaintance in high school.

He proposed that their shared experience of borrowing books and liking the same author made them friends. Luo Zhi, however, emphasized that true friendship depends on "how they interact." Following this, they began exchanging messages frequently via WeChat, both expressing a sense of regret that they had not connected earlier in life.

Back at the dormitory, Jiang Baili, despite her earlier anger, confessed to Luo Zhi that she had been "quite happy" when Ge Bi sent flowers for the first time. Realizing Jiang Baili's vulnerability, Luo Zhi decided to act. She secretly ordered a succulent plant online and had it delivered to Jiang Baili, fabricating a story that it was another apology from Ge Bi. The succulent, unlike traditional flowers, would not trigger Jiang Baili's allergies.

Overjoyed and believing Ge Bi had made a thoughtful gesture, Jiang Baili enthusiastically ran laps around the campus, declaring her happiness. Later, at the cafeteria, Ge Bi gestured for Jiang Baili to join him. Feeling awkward, Jiang Baili persuaded Luo Zhi to accompany her. Ge Bi then sent Jiang Baili away to get duck neck, only to immediately begin harassing Luo Zhi. Enraged, Luo Zhi walked away, with Jiang Baili quickly following, apologizing on Ge Bi's behalf.

Jiang Baili explained that while others often told her to be content with Ge Bi, Luo Zhi was the only one who genuinely cared for her well-being. Seeing her friend's sincerity and desire for harmony, Luo Zhi relented and encouraged Jiang Baili to return to Ge Bi. As they walked, Jiang Baili pointed out Zheng Wenrui, the "weirdo" from the computer science department, known for her eccentric habit of wearing shorts in winter and her fiery temper.

Luo Zhi recognized Zheng Wenrui as an alumna from Zhen Hua High School, from her own graduating class. Zheng Wenrui approached them and invited Luo Zhi to dinner. At a barbecue stall, a visibly inebriated Zheng Wenrui confronted Luo Zhi, declaring that she knew everything about Sheng Huainan, including Luo Zhi's secret crush on him.

Luo Zhi was unnerved, recalling Zheng Wenrui's intense yet rejected confession to Sheng Huainan in high school, where Zheng Wenrui had professed her unwavering love for every aspect of him. Zheng Wenrui's obsession stemmed from her unrequited love for Sheng Huainan, which had intensified into paranoia. She had previously stolen Luo Zhi's diary, and the words within, fueling her resentment, led her to deface it. Luo Zhi regretted accepting the dinner invitation.

Jiang Baili came to her rescue, and together they began to lead the drunken Zheng Wenrui back to her dormitory, eventually joined by Li Mi and Guo Xiaoxiao who helped carry her upstairs. Luo Zhi mused that while she was cautiously and excitedly drawing closer to Sheng Huainan, completely unaware, Zheng Wenrui was secretly plotting behind the scenes to sabotage everything she had carefully nurtured.

Episode 4 Recap

Luo Zhi was working a part-time tutoring job when she was unexpectedly asked to take her two young students, Jack and Tiffany, to Fantasy Land. As she was taking photos of the children on a merry-go-round, Sheng Huainan appeared behind her.

Unknown to Luo Zhi, Sheng Huainan was also at Fantasy Land with his roommates and their girlfriends; his roommate, Xu Zhian, was celebrating his birthday with their friend Xiaosen, who had flown in specifically for the occasion, partly to show appreciation to Sheng Huainan for his help in the past. Later, they crossed paths again in a restaurant. Luo Zhi ordered food for Jack and Tiffany, giving specific instructions about their preferences.

Sheng Huainan then approached her, expressing surprise at their coincidental meeting. Luo Zhi explained she was there as a tutor, while Sheng Huainan mentioned he was acting as a local guide for his long-distance roommates and their partners. Sheng Huainan offered to let Luo Zhi cut in line, which she accepted. At their table, Sheng Huainan introduced Luo Zhi to his roommates as a fellow student from their university and Zhenhua High School.

Xu Zhian started to ask if she knew Ye Zhanyan, but Sheng Huainan quickly interrupted him. The roommates discussed their plans for the next few days in Xiamen, including visits to Gulangyu Island, a botanical garden, and a night view at Pearl of the Sea, culminating in a birthday dinner. They invited Sheng Huainan, but he declined, citing homework, and suggested Zhang Mingrui go instead. When Jack and Tiffany asked for ice cream, Luo Zhi went to buy it.

Simultaneously, Sheng Huainan's roommates and their partners also expressed a desire for ice cream. Sheng Huainan, seeing an opportunity to spend more time with Luo Zhi, offered to buy the ice cream himself. While waiting in line, Sheng Huainan asked Luo Zhi if he could join her and the children that afternoon. Luo Zhi hesitated, warning him about Jack’s recent moodiness due to an argument with his mother, fearing Sheng Huainan wouldn’t be able to handle it.

However, Sheng Huainan insisted he liked children and that it would be safer with an extra pair of hands. To "bribe" the children, he insisted on paying for all the ice creams. Luo Zhi eventually agreed, jokingly stating she would teach the children about the principle of "taking someone's gift and owing them a favor." Luo Zhi reflected on the unexpected encounter with Sheng Huainan, a dream she had envisioned countless times, pinching herself to confirm its reality.

Later, Jack and Tiffany had a disagreement about which ride to go on; Tiffany wanted the carousel, but Jack wanted the roller coaster and called her a coward, making her cry. Luo Zhi comforted Tiffany. Sheng Huainan intervened, speaking to Jack about the importance of protecting his sister, regardless of their different fathers, emphasizing that true family cares for each other. Jack, understanding, apologized to Tiffany, and they reconciled. Someone captured this moment in a photo.

To manage their time, Sheng Huainan suggested he queue for the roller coaster while Luo Zhi took the children to play other attractions like the carousel for about an hour, arranging to meet later. During their activities, Sheng Huainan offered Luo Zhi his half-empty water bottle, which she accepted. Later, as they rode the roller coaster, Sheng Huainan instinctively took Luo Zhi's hand, a gesture that filled Luo Zhi with happiness.

He also tied her shoelaces, sharing a childhood memory of how his aunt taught him. They discussed Luo Zhi's tutoring job and its earnings. Meanwhile, at the dorm, Zhang Mingrui was practicing a magic trick for Xu Riqing when he received a message in the group chat from Lei Tian, who had shared a photo of Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi that Xu Zhian had taken earlier.

Zhang Mingrui felt annoyed, believing Sheng Huainan was intentionally leading him on to pursue Xu Riqing while secretly pursuing Luo Zhi himself. Soon after, Zhang Mingrui received a call about a girl waiting downstairs, expecting it to be Xu Riqing. To his disappointment, it was Ye Zhanyan. She inquired if Sheng Huainan had found a new girlfriend since their breakup. Zhang Mingrui, initially saying no, eventually showed her the photo, revealing Sheng Huainan was at Fantasy Land with Luo Zhi.

Ye Zhanyan was shocked. She recounted the story of her relationship with Sheng Huainan, admitting it was built on a misunderstanding: she had frequented the Zhenhua windowsill after observing Sheng Huainan there, eventually leading him to mistake her for the girl who had previously recommended the book "Years of Childhood" to him.

She also expressed her frustration that their breakup was due to his mother's disapproval and Sheng Huainan's unwillingness to fight for their relationship, and how she was upset that he seemed to move on so quickly. Ye Zhanyan, feeling lost, contacted Ding Shuijing, who was also disheartened after dropping out of school and facing unrequited love for Luo Zhi's brother, Luo Yang, who never responded to her feelings.

Ding Shuijing expressed her anger at Luo Zhi's apparent indifference and refusal to reply to her messages, feeling that Luo Zhi, who also harbored an unrequited love for Sheng Huainan, would understand her pain. She felt looked down upon by Luo Zhi and vowed not to bless her relationship. Both women commiserated over the unfairness of love and friendship. During their car ride home, Sheng Huainan’s phone, which Luo Zhi was holding in her bag, vibrated.

Luo Zhi saw a message from Ye Zhanyan: "Don't trust Luo Zhi. Everything she does to you is a calculated approach. Her mask is hidden deeper than anyone else's. . . Even Ding Shuijing knows. Only you are kept in the dark." Sheng Huainan looked lost in thought for a long time, clearly affected by the message content. Luo Zhi noticed Ye Zhanyan continued to send messages, causing her to feel uneasy.

After dropping off Jack and Tiffany, Luo Zhi offered Sheng Huainan a ride, noting how difficult it was to get a taxi at that hour. Sheng Huainan paused briefly before getting into the car. During the ride, Sheng Huainan asked Luo Zhi what she had said to Jack earlier that made him change his behavior. Luo Zhi mentioned that Jack had confided in her about his mother thinking he wasn't manly enough, describing it as "a man's secret."

Sheng Huainan seemed to confirm this. Upon arriving at Luo Zhi's dorm, Sheng Huainan apologized for a past incident. He then mentioned that Zhang Mingrui had a good impression of her, thinking he liked her. Luo Zhi, though upset by this, did not show it. Sheng Huainan then expressed that he enjoyed talking with her and believed they could become good friends, describing her as a "good girl." Luo Zhi reflected internally that she knew she was a good girl, "good enough to be held by you, but not good enough for you to keep holding me."

Episode 5 Recap

After returning from the amusement park, Luo Zhi felt like Cinderella, stripped of her splendid carriage and glass slipper, pulled back into a harsh reality. She described her day at the Dreamland as wandering around in a beautiful dream, meeting the person she wanted to see, and spending a very unreal time with him. She was like a fool, laughing all day beside Sheng Huainan, especially when he held her hand on the roller coaster.

However, as soon as they left the amusement park, he reverted to his polite and courteous self, acting as if nothing had happened and suggesting they could become good friends. Jiang Baili, her roommate, initially questioned if Sheng Huainan could be 'scum' given his good reputation and lack of dating history outside of Ye Zhanyan. However, she ultimately found his behavior deceptive, interpreting it as him playing hard to get with Luo Zhi.

Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan was also in a foul mood, torn between not wanting to believe Ye Zhanyan's messages and being bothered by her persistent entanglement. He aggressively hit baseballs, wishing to hit his troubles as far away as possible, as he found it difficult to accept Ye Zhanyan coming and going at her whim, yet he also couldn't just discard his feelings like an object.

Zhang Mingrui asked him about Ye Zhanyan, who had returned and declared she wouldn't let him go again. Sheng Huainan dodged the question, stating that his emotions were not like a tofu block that could be neatly cut into squares for public display. Frustrated by Sheng Huainan's evasiveness about both Luo Zhi and Ye Zhanyan, Zhang Mingrui accused him of not being open about his feelings for girls, contrary to a past promise, and walked away.

In Xiamen, Luo Yang found himself in a similar state of emotional turmoil as his sister, Luo Zhi. He had come for a conference and, despite receiving a message from Ding Wenjing, chose to hide and secretly watch her from a distance as she waited.

He recalled their past; Ding Wenjing, once a painting model, found new courage to pursue art after seeing Luo Yang's work, even deciding to drop out of university and re-enroll in art against her parents' wishes, all for him and her dreams. Luo Yang, however, had decided to forgo his artistic aspirations to teach at Zhenhua High School.

As the waves crashed on the beach, enveloping them in the soft light of dusk, Ding Wenjing, with her simple, bright view of the world, believed everyone could determine their own path. Luo Yang, however, reflected that after experiencing reality, he understood how much of life is involuntary. Unable to take the step towards her, Luo Yang did not go to meet Ding Wenjing. Later that night, Luo Zhi wept in her bed, comforted by Jiang Baili.

Jiang Baili shared her own pain, knowing that Ge Bi, whom she had loved for years, was also secretly in love with the unapproachable Chen Mohan, a girl she described as the most artistic she had ever met, entirely different from herself. Jiang Baili knew that if Chen Mohan ever showed interest, Ge Bi would immediately abandon her. Despite Ge Bi's mistreatment, Jiang Baili continued to forgive him, acknowledging her deep fear of losing him after so many years.

Elsewhere, Sheng Huainan, recalling Luo Zhi drinking from his water bottle, discarded it in frustration, only for Zheng Wenrui to pick it up and cherish it. Everyone that night was lost in the sadness of unrequited or complicated love. The next morning, driven by fifteen years of waiting and the fleeting closeness she experienced, Luo Zhi, filled with renewed determination, hurried to the male dormitory. She intended to confront Sheng Huainan about why he had held her hand.

However, fate seemed to intervene, as she was once again a step behind Ye Zhanyan. Zhang Mingrui informed Luo Zhi that Sheng Huainan had already left with Ye Zhanyan. Seeing Luo Zhi's disappointment, Zhang Mingrui offered to get her breakfast, but when he returned, she was gone. Luo Zhi, sitting disheartened in a classroom, was found by Zhang Mingrui, who brought her a sandwich.

When Zhang Mingrui then speculated about Sheng Huainan's outing with Ye Zhanyan, Luo Zhi dismissed it, claiming she didn't care about his dealings with Ye Zhanyan. Ye Zhanyan, after asking Sheng Huainan to get back together, took him to meet Ding Wenjing. There, both women collectively accused Luo Zhi of approaching Sheng Huainan with schemes and a calculating approach. Ye Zhanyan reminded Sheng Huainan of their breakup day when she tearfully warned him not to be with Luo Zhi.

When Sheng Huainan questioned her intense focus on Luo Zhi, Ye Zhanyan admitted to high school jealousy over Luo Zhi's academic achievements. To further her accusations, Ding Wenjing produced photos of Luo Zhi's diary (on a phone), which Ye Zhanyan had seen in high school, and Ye Zhanyan selectively read an entry describing Sheng Huainan as Luo Zhi's greatest motivation, twisting its meaning to portray Luo Zhi as manipulative.

Sheng Huainan, though dismissing the unethical act of taking photos of someone's diary and stating that Luo Zhi was a Zhenhua High School classmate, appeared to have been influenced by their words. Luo Zhi spent the day feeling disheartened, her earlier courage completely gone. Jiang Baili urged her to call Sheng Huainan, trying to convince her to act quickly and not lose the opportunity.

However, Luo Zhi refused, reasoning that Sheng Huainan needed time to sort out his feelings, especially with his ex-girlfriend demanding a response. Luo Zhi reflected that Sheng Huainan's name in her life had become synonymous with "patience," and she comforted herself that a little more waiting would not cause her to lose anything more.

Back in the male dorm, Sheng Huainan's roommates, Lei Tian and Xu Zhian, complained that Sheng Huainan's early departure from the amusement park had ruined Xiaosen's birthday plans (she even left Xu Zhian and didn't eat her cake) and prevented them from going to Gulangyu, calling him disloyal. Sheng Huainan, already vexed, retorted that he cared only about his brothers, not their girlfriends.

Zhang Mingrui intervened, reminding them that they were like family and that Sheng Huainan was simply in a bad mood. Sheng Huainan then apologized for his harsh words, asking his friends not to take it to heart. As Sheng Huainan left the room, his friends speculated he might have a girlfriend.

Episode 6 Recap

During a high school assembly, Sheng Huainan addressed his peers on achieving academic success, comparing it to the ladder ranking in StarCraft. He emphasized understanding subjects thoroughly and practicing diligently to overcome weaknesses. Later, in his college dorm, a visibly upset Sheng Huainan snapped at his roommates, who speculated he was going through a difficult time. At the university cafeteria, Luo Zhi, noticing a table with three chopsticks, realized Sheng Huainan had been there.

She sent him a message, passing on thanks from Jack and Tiffany's mother for playing with the children. The mother had also extended an invitation for Sheng Huainan to be their tutor, offering double the usual pay. Jiang Baili, observing Luo Zhi, commented that even top students behave like ordinary people in love. She then offered Luo Zhi a tarot reading, from which Luo Zhi drew "The Hanged Man."

Jiang Baili interpreted the card, stating that Luo Zhi was suffering from gossip and lies, in pain, aware her relationship might end, yet unwilling to let go, choosing to suffer and sacrifice silently. Luo Zhi, listening to the interpretation, smiled faintly, acknowledging the truth of the card in her own long-held, unspoken feelings for Sheng Huainan. The campus debate began, with Capital University arguing that love is selfless, and Siming University, Sheng Huainan’s team, contending that love is selfish.

His ex-girlfriend, Ye Zhanyan, sat in the audience. The affirmative side elaborated that love involves prioritizing the other person’s happiness, and even unrequited love, driven by an uncontrollable longing and a desire to improve oneself for the beloved, is selfless, remaining hidden from the object of affection. Sheng Huainan, as Siming University’s closing debater, powerfully argued that love is inherently selfish.

He asserted that relationships are formed to fulfill individual desires and needs, and when these are unmet or threatened, people act in ways that seek to control their partner’s behavior and thoughts. He specifically cited unrequited love as the most self-centered form of affection, questioning if anyone would continue to love without expecting emotional return or if the other person remained indifferent. He concluded that love is a self-serving, instinctive tendency to pursue one's own happiness or social status.

Ye Zhanyan observed Sheng Huainan's unusually sharp and emotional arguments, wondering if they were directed at her or Luo Zhi. Afterward, Ye Zhanyan tried to engage Sheng Huainan and suggested they watch a movie as a reward for her support. He declined, citing a need to meet his law professor. Ye Zhanyan then subtly attempted to dissuade him from taking the law course, mentioning Luo Zhi was also in it, implying it wasn't beneficial for him.

Sheng Huainan firmly told her to mind her own studies. Sheng Huainan’s rejection of the tutoring job, stating he would play with the children for free because he was too busy for paid work, deeply wounded Luo Zhi. She questioned if taking money was "despicable." The exchange brought back painful memories of a thick reference book she couldn’t afford for the "Burmese Student Ambassador" selection, a book Sheng Huainan had easily dismissed as not worth buying.

Later, a classmate, having borrowed it from Sheng Huainan, offered the same book to Luo Zhi, which further saddened her. That night, she helped her mother, who was working late to fulfill a large client order. Her mother encouraged her to apply for the ambassador program to broaden her horizons, unaware of Luo Zhi’s quiet struggles. Zhang Mingrui, noticing Luo Zhi's distress, discreetly messaged Sheng Huainan, urging him to address the situation.

Later, over ice cream, Zhang Mingrui gently revealed to Luo Zhi that in high school, Sheng Huainan only knew her name, having no personal impression of her, and had even tried to set up Luo Zhi and Zhang Mingrui because he thought Zhang Mingrui liked her. Luo Zhi's high school aspirations and close encounters felt disillusioned by this, creating a profound sense of distance.

Sheng Huainan, after receiving Zhang Mingrui's message about Luo Zhi crying, initially drafted an apology for causing her distress. However, perhaps recalling Ye Zhanyan's past accusations of Luo Zhi's "cunning," he revised his message to apologize for his high school self-centeredness and overlooking her hard work, but ultimately did not send it. He then found a message scrawled on a wall, acknowledging a "telepathic connection" with someone, a sentiment that resonated with him.

Luo Zhi, reflecting on her secret admiration, recorded her thoughts about her childhood encounter with Sheng Huainan, describing it as her sole comfort during a difficult upbringing. She yearned to ask if he remembered her or their childhood promises but feared his rejection would devalue her cherished memories. She also worried he might view her 15 years of silent devotion as manipulative.

In a vivid dream, she confronted Sheng Huainan, detailing how his preferences had shaped her life choices, from eating with three chopsticks to choosing liberal arts, all to be closer to him. However, in her dream, Sheng Huainan dismissed their childhood words as childish tricks, saying they held no weight. Startled awake, Luo Zhi recounted her dream to Jiang Baili, who encouraged her to confess.

Luo Zhi, however, expressed her fear that a confession might lead to regret and strip away the last vestige of her secret love. The Southern University Joint Debate Competition final arrived, with the topic "Kind Lies." Luo Zhi found herself sitting between Ye Zhanyan and Zheng Wenrui, feeling like a "sandwich."

Ye Zhanyan's pointed remarks, thanking Luo Zhi for keeping Sheng Huainan company at the amusement park and bringing up Luo Yang teaching at Zhenhua, subtly highlighted her awareness of Luo Zhi’s connection to Sheng Huainan. Despite her understanding of debate logic, Luo Zhi struggled to remain objective with Sheng Huainan on stage. In her mind, she passionately argued against his potential points on "kind lies" being a lack of integrity.

She imagined confronting him about his perception of her "kind lie" of a long-term secret admiration, wondering if he would dismiss it as a self-serving fantasy. The applause of the audience snapped her back to reality, where she once again felt like an "ostrich" lacking courage. Noticing her discomfort, Zhang Mingrui fabricated an excuse about a professor needing to see them, leading her away from the suffocating atmosphere.

Outside, he confessed to the lie, explaining he rescued her from being a "sandwich" between Ye Zhanyan and Zheng Wenrui. Luo Zhi thanked him but declined his offer for food, stating her need to return to studying.

Episode 7 Recap

As students buzzed about Sheng Huainan's impressive performance at the debate competition, Luo Zhi spotted him helping an elderly man push a cart and pick up fallen books. She admired his kindness but didn't approach him. Earlier, after leaving the auditorium, Luo Zhi had made it her first priority to instruct her brother, Luo Yang, to take good care of Ding Shuijing.

Shortly after, Luo Zhi received a call from Luo Yang, who updated her on their aunt's health, reassuring her that the doctor said it was not serious. Luo Zhi then took the opportunity to reiterate her request to Luo Yang, asking him to look out for their high school classmate, Ding Shuijing, who she heard was returning to Zhenhua High School to retake her exams. Luo Zhi explained that Ding Shuijing had a somewhat unpredictable personality and needed careful attention.

Luo Yang agreed to take care of her. Later, Ding Shuijing, in a playful but intrusive gesture, drew on Luo Yang's white shirt with an oil pen. Luo Yang chided her, explaining it was a shirt, not a canvas, and that the marks wouldn't come off. He then asked her to go home, saying he was leaving too.

After he departed, Ding Shuijing returned, picked up his discarded shirt, and murmured that his painting was priceless, as was his affection, hoping he felt the same. Back in her dormitory, Jiang Baili cried over Ge Bi, and this time, her tears surpassed her self-imposed ten-minute rule. This extended crying hinted at the increasing accumulated pain in Jiang Baili's heart, where even a small thing was enough to deeply hurt her.

Luo Zhi reminded her of her own "woman rules" about knowing when to stop crying to avoid being despised. Jiang Baili, however, insisted she was too upset to stop, stating she would extend her crying time. Luo Zhi then pointed out that Jiang Baili had never truly put those rules into practice. The narrative noted that these numerous "woman rules," along with tarot cards, were supposed to guide Jiang Baili's life.

During a quiet moment in the library, Sheng Huainan found himself drawn to Luo Zhi, who was reading a book while enjoying a lollipop. She wrote a poignant phrase on the glass window: "Deep feelings, shallow fate. Warm and cold are known only to oneself." After she left, Sheng Huainan approached the window, breathing on it to create condensation, and read her words, unable to control his urge to follow her.

Later, in a law class, Sheng Huainan naturally snatched the seat originally reserved for Zhang Mingrui, positioning himself beside Luo Zhi. Even Sheng Huainan himself didn't realize that when Luo Zhi wanted to give her seat back to the late Zhang Mingrui, he instantly wanted to prevent this from happening, instead directing Zhang Mingrui to another available spot. Sitting side by side, the distance between their hands was again reduced to 0. 6 cm.

Sheng Huainan then engaged Luo Zhi, asking about the previous lesson. Despite her slightly sarcastic tone as she referenced her notes that Zhang Mingrui had used, she told him. Throughout the lecture, Luo Zhi subtly shielded her eyes from the sunlight streaming into the room. Sheng Huainan noticed her gesture and instinctively leaned back, blocking the sun for her. Zhang Mingrui observed these subtle interactions between them.

Unable to speak aloud in class, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi communicated through notes. This interaction, particularly the shared space, triggered Luo Zhi's memory of a past scene from Zhenhua High School where they had a similar interaction. Sheng Huainan penned a question, asking if she had seen an animated film called "Only Yesterday" (岁月的童话).

Luo Zhi responded, clarifying it wasn't a Disney film, and then inquired if he had been the one there last time, hinting at a past connection. Sheng Huainan replied, thanking her for recommending the film and expressing his enjoyment, a statement that seemed to hold a deeper meaning. As Sheng Huainan recalled the past, seeds of doubt about the film's original recommender were planted in his mind. Luo Zhi simply replied that she was glad he liked it.

The student union was preparing for the annual Alumni Sharing Meeting, which also functioned as a job fair, offering a rare opportunity for students to find good jobs if they performed well and gained favor from alumni entrepreneurs. Senior Chen Yongle informed Ge Bi that Chen Group's CEO, a notable alumnus, couldn't attend as he was in South Africa establishing a new company.

Chen Yongle tasked Ge Bi with the important responsibility of inviting the CEO's daughter, Chen Mohan, described as a "big shot" at Hai University, to represent her father and share his success story. He emphasized this was an important opportunity for Ge Bi. Ge Bi then met Jiang Baili, bringing her a beverage.

Despite his claim of finding one without ice because she had a cold, Jiang Baili disliked the brand and later confessed it tasted terrible, yet she continued to drink it. When Ge Bi questioned her constant obedience, she explained it was out of love for him, stating she'd pour the soda over anyone else's head if they bought her a drink she didn't like.

Ge Bi informed her of his new, important role as PR and co-organizer for the Alumni Sharing Meeting. Understanding its career benefits, Jiang Baili requested two invitations for herself and Luo Zhi to gain early exposure. Ge Bi agreed. She then asked him to accompany her shopping for new clothes and shoes for the event, but he demurred due to student union commitments, instead offering her his credit card. Suspecting something amiss, Jiang Baili pressed him to be honest.

Ge Bi finally confessed, asking for a breakup, stating that he intended to personally deliver an invitation to Chen Mohan and declare his feelings for her at the sharing meeting. Since entering university, Ge Bi and Chen Mohan had no further contact, and this was undoubtedly his last chance to express his feelings. He admitted that Chen Mohan was his "inner demon" and that he wanted to finally confront his feelings.

He believed Jiang Baili had been prepared for this outcome. Overwhelmed, Jiang Baili finally expressed her long-held dislike for the soda, calling it "terrible." Through her tears, she held onto him, insisting that she would remain his girlfriend until the Alumni Sharing Meeting, to which Ge Bi silently acquiesced. After their law class concluded, Luo Zhi initially told Sheng Huainan and Zhang Mingrui to go ahead for lunch, as she had questions for the professor.

Zhang Mingrui, however, seized the opportunity, playfully teasing Sheng Huainan about his earlier gesture in class, then openly encouraged him to invite Luo Zhi to lunch, announcing that Sheng Huainan would treat. Sheng Huainan extended the invitation, and Luo Zhi accepted, his joyful appearance fully revealing his inner expectations. This marked the beginning of rekindling their friendship after three weeks of no contact.

As the three walked, discussing restaurant options and harboring individual joys, Zhang Mingrui suggested a popular spot for couples. Both Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi simultaneously dismissed the idea, prompting Zhang Mingrui to note their "tacit understanding." As Sheng Huainan was about to ask Luo Zhi for her preference, Ge Bi approached, visibly distraught and with a tearful Jiang Baili in tow.

Ge Bi urgently pulled Sheng Huainan aside, claiming pressing student union matters, as if Jiang Baili was a plague to be avoided. Seeing Jiang Baili's distress, Luo Zhi, unable to ignore her, quickly declined the lunch invitation, suggesting they reschedule, and actively gave up the chance to interact further with Sheng Huainan. She then created an excuse to lead Jiang Baili away. Left alone, Zhang Mingrui texted Xu Riqing, inviting her for ice cream.

Xu Riqing's response, implying a preference for Haagen-Dazs over the suggested "Snow Queen" and a subtle jab about Sheng Huainan, effectively declined his invitation, leaving Zhang Mingrui frustrated and heading to the cafeteria by himself. After Jiang Baili confessed her breakup with Ge Bi, Luo Zhi, initially unaware of the full situation, immediately took her from the crowded ice cream shop to a secluded riverside.

Luo Zhi apologized for taking her to a public place and urged her to cry freely without time limits, promising to buy her more ice cream later. Prior to this, at the crowded ice cream shop, Jiang Baili had defiantly declared she would eat as much as she wanted to forget her sorrows, to which Luo Zhi gently advised her to take smaller bites.

Jiang Baili had also asked Luo Zhi about her feelings for Sheng Huainan, and Luo Zhi admitted they had lost contact for three weeks, with the debate being their only recent interaction. Jiang Baili affirmed Sheng Huainan was worthy of Luo Zhi's "fifteen years of never forgetting," but Luo Zhi wondered if he remembered her at all.

Now at the riverside, Jiang Baili admitted she didn't know how to mourn this breakup, as Ge Bi was fully intent on winning back Chen Mohan at the upcoming Alumni Sharing Meeting. Luo Zhi, indignant at Ge Bi's actions, wanted to confront him, but Jiang Baili stopped her, explaining it would be embarrassing for a top student to get involved.

Jiang Baili then confided that she had always anticipated this breakup, often wishing "that girl" would simply take Ge Bi away, as she herself lacked the courage to end things. She recounted how she had doted on Ge Bi, always catering to his every need, only to be cast aside, yet she insisted that her actions were voluntary and brought her happiness.

Luo Zhi, who could readily confront Ge Bi on Jiang Baili's behalf, found herself lacking the same courage when it came to her own feelings. Jiang Baili then elaborated on Chen Mohan, the girl Ge Bi was pursuing. She described Chen Mohan as the most artistic person she had ever met, especially captivating when she played the cello. In Jiang Baili's heart, Chen Mohan playing the cello was like an untouchable goddess.

Jiang Baili was like a fangirl and servant to Chen Mohan, and even though this woman was her love rival, Jiang Baili never harbored any resentment or jealousy towards her. Recalling a past practice session in "Practice Room 205," Jiang Baili vividly described how Chen Mohan, seated with her cello, seemed to be bathed in a spotlight, making Jiang Baili feel like merely a shadow beside her.

Chen Mohan's performance had been so stirring it brought tears to Jiang Baili's eyes. After finishing, Chen Mohan refused Jiang Baili's offer to carry her cello, declaring it "a part of me" that no one could touch. She then critically remarked on the high humidity in the practice room, stating it affected her cello's tone and demanded that Jiang Baili ensure the dehumidifier ran for an hour before her next visit, threatening not to return otherwise.

Jiang Baili, profusely apologetic, promised to comply, and Chen Mohan provided her contact details for reminders. Jiang Baili also recollected her past devotion, actively arranging all trivial matters for her, such as offering to bring Chen Mohan breakfast from a distant vendor, despite it being out of her way, and even taking Chen Mohan's lunchbox home to wash.

Episode 8 Recap

The narrative begins with Ge Bi's long-standing infatuation with Chen Mohan, his childhood sweetheart and old family friend. He recalls being captivated by her elegance at just ten years old, as she ordered in French at a high-end restaurant, a memory that has stayed with him ever since. Wherever Chen Mohan went, Ge Bi was sure to follow. Later, Jiang Baili found herself in a confrontation after passersby broke Chen Mohan's expensive thermos.

Ge Bi, who had been observing from his car, intervened to defend Jiang Baili, easily dispatching the boys. Jiang Baili, impressed by his heroic act, immediately fell for him. Ge Bi, however, was merely using the opportunity, asking Jiang Baili if she was Chen Mohan's good friend. Upon her affirmation, he requested she meet him the next morning at seven to deliver breakfast to Chen Mohan.

Jiang Baili readily agreed, thus becoming an informer for him, constantly providing him with candid photos of Chen Mohan. Ge Bi later invited Jiang Baili to a French restaurant, the same one where he first met Chen Mohan. He spoke solely of Chen Mohan, reminiscing about their childhood, their families being old friends, and his persistent, yet unrequited, affection for her.

He explained how Chen Mohan always seemed indifferent to him, but how in high school, he noticed she was inseparable from Jiang Baili, leading him to ask Jiang Baili for insights into Chen Mohan's preferences. During this first dinner together, Jiang Baili acutely felt Ge Bi's complete disregard for her presence, lost as he was in his memories of another girl.

Her pursuit of Ge Bi during her freshman year turned into a cross-campus romance drama, earning her scorn from female students at both Siming University and Haishan University. At Haishan University, Jiang Baili once confronted Chen Mohan, urging her to honor her promise to date Ge Bi after he publicly confessed to her at the freshman orientation. Chen Mohan dismissed it as mere "pleasantries," a way to save Ge Bi from public embarrassment.

Jiang Baili, upset by Chen Mohan's casual disregard for Ge Bi's feelings, accused her of being selfish. Chen Mohan, in turn, declared her lack of interest in Ge Bi and "gave" him to Jiang Baili. Ge Bi, arriving with a bouquet of roses, witnessed the argument and, angered, threw the flowers down and stormed off. The next day, news of Ge Bi being "dumped" spread quickly across both universities.

Jiang Baili, unable to bear seeing him self-destruct, began following him, cleaning up his messes. She would search every bar for him and his silver Audi, then carry the heavily intoxicated Ge Bi back to his dormitory. Jiang Baili confessed to Luo Zhi that her relationship with Ge Bi began because Chen Mohan had deeply wounded his pride. Chen Mohan's words, "Ge Bi, since you won't give up, why don't we be together?"

had pushed him to impulsively accept Jiang Baili's persistent "10086-style" harassment confessions, simply replying with "Okay." Jiang Baili described her daily text messages of "Good morning, I love you," "Good afternoon, I like you," and "Good evening, I miss you," to which Ge Bi would either not reply or send evasive answers, never a heart emoji.

She recalled the only time he showed affection was after a student union party when he was drunk and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. When she asked if he loved her, he pointed out the window and said they were "like Shaxian snacks and Qingfeng buns, always together." His words, though seemingly affectionate, had made her burst into tears.

Luo Zhi recognized that Jiang Baili's love was merely a pawn in a bet between Ge Bi and Chen Mohan. Luo Zhi advised Jiang Baili to break up with Ge Bi to avoid further hurt. However, Jiang Baili, having invested so much, refused, declaring she wouldn't give up until she saw the end of it. She proudly stated she was the girl who understood Ge Bi best and would never abandon him.

Luo Zhi, listening to her friend, reflected on her own situation, acknowledging that while Jiang Baili had at least been a "protagonist" in her own "sad play," she herself had been a "spectator" for fifteen years in her unrequited love for Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi wondered if she could truly let go of Sheng Huainan, questioning her own ability to offer such advice. Life, however, continued. Back at the dormitory, Zhang Mingrui jokingly complained to Sheng Huainan about eating alone.

Sheng Huainan, offering him food, then sought Zhang Mingrui's advice. He asked if it was possible to achieve complete synchronicity and understanding with someone one deeply admired and considered a learning role model. Zhang Mingrui responded with a heart gesture, suggesting love. The next day, Sheng Huainan, on his bicycle, and Zhang Mingrui, on his skateboard, followed Luo Zhi to their Law Introduction class. Zheng Wenrui, a waitlisted student, also attended, eager to get closer to Sheng Huainan.

During class, Luo Zhi was the first to submit her homework. The teaching assistant, Zhang Wei, playfully commented on her name, noting its "awkward" pronunciation and suggesting a private consultation on "name science." Zhang Mingrui wondered if Zhang Wei was flirting with Luo Zhi. Luo Zhi confidently asserted that it was normal for someone to be attracted to an excellent student like herself.

Sheng Huainan quietly informed Zhang Mingrui that Zhang Wei was a third-year student union senior with a generally poor reputation. Zhang Mingrui was surprised by Sheng Huainan's unusually sharp comment. As Sheng Huainan got up to leave, Zheng Wenrui "accidentally" splashed him with water, then vigorously tried to wipe him dry, an obvious ploy that Zhang Mingrui easily saw through.

After class, Zhang Mingrui invited Luo Zhi to the supermarket, but she declined, stating she needed to go to the library to make English learning flashcards for her tutoring job. Zhang Mingrui suggested she could be less serious about it, given her academic prowess, but Luo Zhi insisted she took her work seriously and held herself to high standards, ensuring her performance matched her pay. Sheng Huainan told Zhang Mingrui to apologize to Luo Zhi.

Luo Zhi, in turn, told Zhang Mingrui that not everything could be solved with an apology, playfully "punishing" him to buy her every flavor of potato chips. Sheng Huainan also offered Luo Zhi a drink. In the library, Zheng Wenrui, seeing the chips meant for Luo Zhi, took a bag and thanked Sheng Huainan, before leaving.

Later, Luo Zhi pondered Sheng Huainan's recent actions, wondering if he was trying to compensate her, appease her, or if it was just a fleeting impulse. She received a text message from Sheng Huainan, asking if she was still angry. Although she didn't reply, she was indeed upset. After some hesitation, Sheng Huainan sent a voice message, inviting her to lunch to make up for their previously interrupted meal.

As Luo Zhi went downstairs to meet him, she encountered Zheng Wenrui, who informed her that Ye Zhanyan was currently preoccupied with several new admirers and thus not focused on Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi found Zheng Wenrui's "enthusiasm" somewhat endearing, though Zheng Wenrui warned she would continue to keep an eye on Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi watched Sheng Huainan approach, reflecting on how four years ago, he walked past her without noticing, but now he walked directly towards her.

Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan was being pestered by Li Dawei, who offered her concert tickets. She impatiently dismissed him, explaining she was busy preparing for a book club. She challenged him with complex mathematical questions about Fermat's Last Theorem, Descartes' cardioid, and Archimedean spirals, highlighting his ignorance. At that moment, Zhuo Chen, a sophomore mathematics student from Siming University, pushed Li Dawei away, preventing him from stepping on mathematical equations he had just written on the ground.

He also stopped Ye Zhanyan from treading on them, apologizing for his impromptu roadside calculations. He then introduced himself to Ye Zhanyan, remarking that she was as beautiful as "Descartes' cardioid," and offered to explain the relationship between mathematical formulas and love in her book. Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi had lunch. Sheng Huainan was surprised to see Luo Zhi also using three chopsticks.

Luo Zhi, who had recently adopted the habit to feel closer to Sheng Huainan, shared a childhood memory of discreetly hiding fatty meat, which she disliked, on the crossbar of a chair during a family visit. Sheng Huainan then recounted a similar experience, explaining that his grandfather had forced him to eat with three chopsticks to improve his focus, a "survival instinct" he acquired after being hungry for a few meals.

He also shared his own childhood aversion to fatty meat, and how he had once hidden pieces on the chair's crossbar, only to be discovered. He then cleverly complimented his aunt's precise cutting, saying each piece was as perfectly sized as the chair's crossbar. Luo Zhi teased him about holding a grudge. Sheng Huainan mused that nothing in the world is truly unique, as there are always people with similar thoughts and experiences.

Luo Zhi took this to mean she wasn't as special as she thought, but Sheng Huainan playfully reassured her that her "splashing water" trick was uniquely hers. Luo Zhi confirmed it was indeed unpleasant to attend class soaking wet, and Sheng Huainan then asked if she'd like to "experience" it herself. Sheng Huainan then confided that Luo Zhi reminded him of a little girl he met at a relative's wedding long ago.

He remembered being bullied by older children and the girl bravely stepping in to defend him, even biting one of the bullies. However, he admitted that so much time had passed that he could no longer recall her face or what specific words he had said to her back then. Luo Zhi's hopeful expression visibly faltered at his inability to remember the exact words he had spoken.

Episode 9 Recap

Luo Zhi felt a heavy burden of deception, unable to fully immerse herself in the fabricated "understanding" she shared with Sheng Huainan. All the small coincidences, from using three chopsticks to avoiding fatty meat, and even her pronouncement that "romance is having no aftermath," were lies designed to draw them closer. She suffered in this web of her own making, unable to find joy in the perceived understanding.

Unbeknownst to Luo Zhi, the childhood encounter she considered without a future, for Sheng Huainan, "did" have a "later." He couldn't recall what he had said to the little girl then, but she had become a cherished memory, forever in his heart. While Luo Zhi romantically mused that "it's more romantic because there's no future," Sheng Huainan clarified that there "was" an aftermath for him.

He recounted how he would frequently pause near the square where they met, silently hoping for another chance encounter with the girl who had protected him without expectation. He confessed that he had always wished he could have held her hand and kept her by his side. Ge Bi, meanwhile, was orchestrating his own deceptions.

He deliberately sent Jiang Baili on an errand to buy crawfish, then quickly called Chen Mohan, swearing he had broken up with Baili and begging for another chance with her. His excitement at Chen Mohan's non-committal response to bring her an invitation revealed his desperate nature. Jiang Baili, standing nearby, overheard the entire conversation.

Heartbroken, she handed Ge Bi the crawfish and fled, running as fast as she could, terrified that he would catch her and force her to confront the painful reality of their breakup. She tearfully confronted him about his callousness and her tireless efforts, recalling how she had supported him through his previous heartbreak over Chen Mohan and helped him with student union affairs for days on end.

Yet, in a desperate act of self-preservation, she still clung to the hope of their relationship, vowing to continue saving him a seat in class the next morning. Ge Bi, acknowledging his own "scoundrel" behavior, bluntly told her that he loved Chen Mohan, not her. Jiang Baili, choosing denial, simply walked away, murmuring to herself that she would be okay.

Late that night, Jiang Baili stumbled back to the dormitory, her hands ice cold, and collapsed onto Luo Zhi's bed, too distraught to climb her own. Luo Zhi, who had been worried sick and even prepared to go looking for her, gently tried to comfort her. Jiang Baili, still clinging to her routine, urged herself to sleep so she could save a seat for Ge Bi, despite Luo Zhi's protests against such self-abuse.

Tearfully, Jiang Baili wondered if she would ever find someone who loved her more, lamenting that "first love will never have a good ending" because it was "too bitter." Luo Zhi observed that in matters of love, Jiang Baili might be even more humble than herself, as at least Luo Zhi had maintained her dignity in her own unrequited affection. Elsewhere, Zhang Mingrui's long-standing devotion to Xu Riqing was reaching a breaking point.

He performed an elaborate magic show, producing pigeons, silk scarves, and even a prop rose, hoping to confess his feelings. However, Xu Riqing was unimpressed, dismissing his "prop rose" as lacking sincerity and impatiently demanding to know Sheng Huainan's whereabouts. She steadfastly believed Sheng Huainan was interested in her, citing his daily Weibo likes, his gentle smiles, and an instance where he had covered her with his coat when she fell asleep in the library.

His roommates, witnessing Zhang Mingrui's fruitless efforts and Xu Riqing's sole focus on Sheng Huainan, couldn't help but feel sorry for him, even as they themselves worried their girlfriends might also be captivated by Sheng Huainan. Eventually, Zhang Mingrui, in a moment of despair, revealed that Sheng Huainan was in the library. Xu Riqing immediately rushed there, finding Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi together.

Believing Luo Zhi was intentionally sabotaging her, Xu Riqing aggressively confronted Sheng Huainan, demanding to know if he liked her. Sheng Huainan unequivocally stated that Zhang Mingrui liked her, not him. He further clarified that the Weibo likes were not from him but from Zhang Mingrui, who had used his account to make her happy. He also revealed that the coat she mentioned was actually Zhang Mingrui's. Humiliated by the public revelation, Xu Riqing turned her anger on Zhang Mingrui.

Zhang Mingrui tried to explain his good intentions, but Xu Riqing declared she hated him for the embarrassment. Feeling betrayed by Sheng Huainan for exposing his secret, Zhang Mingrui impulsively slapped him. Luo Zhi intervened, urging Zhang Mingrui to calm down, explaining that Sheng Huainan's honesty might help Xu Riqing recognize Zhang Mingrui's genuine feelings.

Zhang Mingrui chased after Xu Riqing, further explaining that Sheng Huainan's smiles were merely part of his good manner and the coat was indeed his own. He then challenged her, asking if her inability to let go of Sheng Huainan stemmed from true affection or merely bruised pride. Xu Riqing offered no reply. Later, as Luo Zhi helped Sheng Huainan apply medicine to his injured lip, she apologized for implicating him.

Sheng Huainan dismissed it, stating that "disillusionment is the beginning of growth," and people must face difficult emotions to truly mature. He then invited her to a special place, his rooftop "secret base," which he considered his "charging station" and was sharing for the first time. There, he pointed to a wall where he had once written a question, amazed that someone had answered it.

He recounted an earlier time when he was feeling down due to family issues, but a girl singing there had soothed him and made him forget his worries. He then sang a snippet of the song she had performed, confessing his own singing was terrible compared to hers. Luo Zhi recognized the song and the handwriting on the wall – she was that girl.

Though delighted that she had inadvertently touched his heart, she lacked the confidence to confess, deflecting his questions about the identity of the girl and the answer on the wall. Despite the unspoken connection, she couldn't bring herself to reveal the truth. Back in the dorm, Jiang Baili continued to mope, refusing food. Luo Zhi tried to encourage her, but Jiang Baili insisted she had no other aspirations besides Ge Bi, and merely wanted to pass her exams.

Noticing Luo Zhi's changed demeanor after receiving a message, Jiang Baili correctly guessed it was from Sheng Huainan and urged her to reply before going to shower. Luo Zhi then secretly sent a voice message to Sheng Huainan. Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan was working with Ge Bi on an alumni event poster. Ge Bi, still consumed by Chen Mohan, repeatedly suggested changes to fit her preferences, even suggesting a pink background, which Sheng Huainan subtly questioned.

After receiving Luo Zhi's voice message, Sheng Huainan declared the poster done and handed the distribution task to Ge Bi, stepping away to respond to Luo Zhi. In a law class, Zhang Mingrui was visibly distracted, still reeling from the day's events. Luo Zhi, after excusing herself for a tutoring job, left early. Sheng Huainan approached Zhang Mingrui, subtly offering an invitation to play basketball.

Later, in their dorm, his roommates fretted about their girlfriends showing excessive interest in Sheng Huainan, fearing they might suffer Zhang Mingrui's fate. Sheng Huainan continued his playful intellectual exchanges with Luo Zhi via message, where he taught her that mayflies are the "luckiest insects" because they "lives only one day" and "celebrate their birthdays all their lives." He then challenged her to explain "the romance of a legal person" on the definition of love.

In class, during a discussion about an elderly man's right to remarry and his son's refusal of support, Luo Zhi, drawing on legal statutes, correctly articulated that a child's filial obligation to parents does not cease with a change in the parents' marital status, demonstrating her sharp legal mind. Their interactions continued to deepen, revealing a unique understanding between them that transcended simple friendship.

Episode 10 Recap

Luo Zhi, when asked to define love from a lawyer's perspective, described it as a claim right that requires constant interruption of its statute of limitations to achieve eternity. Sheng Huainan, however, argued against this view, stating that interrupting the statute of limitations is a passive approach, and from a biologist's perspective, marriage is a more suitable metaphor for a claim right, while love should be an unpredictable instinct.

He teased Luo Zhi, remarking that her past comments about his messy hair had turned him into someone with an obsessive compulsion to comb his hair daily. One day, Luo Zhi received a message from an unfamiliar number, supposedly from Sheng Huainan, claiming his phone was dead and asking her to meet him at a coffee shop at 3 PM the next day for help with an alumni sharing meeting.

Knowing Sheng Huainan wouldn't make such an arrangement, Luo Zhi, a top student, cleverly replied, asking if they weren't scheduled to watch a movie at 4 PM, a movie date that didn't exist. The sender, Xu Riqing, fell into her trap, confirming the movie time and suggesting coffee first. Luo Zhi had already identified Xu Riqing as the sender by checking the number with Zhang Mingrui and agreed to the meeting.

At the coffee shop, Luo Zhi confirmed it was indeed Xu Riqing who had set up the meeting. Luo Zhi commented on the obvious flaws in Xu Riqing's deception, even suggesting she should have pretended to be Zhang Mingrui to be more believable. Xu Riqing then asked if Luo Zhi was Sheng Huainan's girlfriend, to which Luo Zhi replied no. Xu Riqing then asked if Sheng Huainan had ever mentioned her.

Luo Zhi admitted Sheng Huainan had never mentioned Xu Riqing, but Zhang Mingrui frequently spoke of her. Xu Riqing found this hard to believe, but Luo Zhi insisted she spoke the truth. Luo Zhi, while secretly keeping Zhang Mingrui on the phone, gently steered the conversation, empathizing with Xu Riqing's feelings. Xu Riqing cried, asking why Sheng Huainan didn't like her. After she composed herself, she gave Luo Zhi her real number.

Luo Zhi then subtly urged Xu Riqing to acknowledge Zhang Mingrui's unwavering devotion, describing him as a warm and selfless man who constantly sought to make her happy without expecting anything in return. Zhang Mingrui, listening in, later thanked Luo Zhi, expressing his continued feelings for Xu Riqing and acknowledging that some of Luo Zhi's words were meant for him. Luo Zhi warned him that this assistance was a one-time affair.

Xu Riqing later texted Luo Zhi, expressing admiration for her "backbone" in front of Sheng Huainan, a quality she wished she possessed to stand tall or even casually joke with him, despite knowing he didn't like her. Luo Zhi internally mused that her own "backbone" was merely a cover for an even greater sense of inferiority. Sheng Huainan then appeared and joined Luo Zhi, startling her.

He revealed his desire to visit Tiffany and Jack, the children Luo Zhi tutored, and offered to ride his bicycle with her to the school gate before taking a taxi there. Luo Zhi sat on the back of his bike, which brought back memories of high school when she would struggle to keep pace with him during runs, longing to be closer.

She recalled deleting a photo a friend took of her and Sheng Huainan running together, out of fear of gossip. At Tiffany and Jack's home, the children were thrilled to see Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi took pictures of them together, including a selfie with herself. She took a phone call from her mother, assuring her that the money from her tutoring job was for her mother's travel, not to be worried about.

On the way back, Sheng Huainan playfully teased Luo Zhi, calling her a "pig teammate" during their games, to which Luo Zhi retorted, calling him "Piggy, Sheng Huainan." He promised to show her more sides of himself. He then gave her a choice: either meow like a cat or go with him. Luo Zhi challenged him to demonstrate, and after a brief standoff, Sheng Huainan let out a "meow."

Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan was in a taxi with friends celebrating her birthday. Her friend pointed out Sheng Huainan, who was chasing Luo Zhi with a radiant smile. Ye Zhanyan sadly observed that she had never seen Sheng Huainan smile so genuinely and happily, lamenting that such joy and love seemed to elude her.

Later, on the rooftop, Luo Zhi looked at her secret message on the wall, imagining a day when she could show it to Sheng Huainan and confess her long-held crush. As she pondered how to contact him, her phone buzzed with an unexpected message from Sheng Huainan. He invited her to the opening of his uncle's new bar on Gulangyu Island.

When Luo Zhi asked who else would be there, Sheng Huainan playfully retorted, "Who else do you want to be there?" Jiang Baili, more excited than Luo Zhi herself, meticulously styled Luo Zhi, helping her with makeup and choosing a beautiful striped sweater and shorts for the date. Jiang Baili expressed a bittersweet "aunt-like melancholy," feeling as though she was sending off a daughter.

Luo Zhi, however, got lost on the way, near a place called "Love Around the Corner," the name of a dock. She called Sheng Huainan, who, after a moment of amusement, guided her. He instructed her to walk down from the dock, promising she would find him at the next corner. True to his word, he jumped out from behind the corner, startling Luo Zhi, creating their own "Love Around the Corner" moment.

He teased her about her lack of direction but assured her that with his "Huainan-brand navigation," she would never get lost. As they walked, Luo Zhi struggled to find a topic of conversation, anxious not to appear boring. Sheng Huainan then commented, "It's pretty." Luo Zhi, mistaking his compliment for the scenery, agreed. Sheng Huainan clarified, saying he was referring to her, revealing he had a similar sweater and regretting not wearing it so they could have matched. Luo Zhi, still not fully grasping his hint, simply asked "What?" when he paused, not realizing his desire for them to wear matching outfits on their first official date.

Episode 11 Recap

Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan were walking together, and Luo Zhi felt pressured to initiate conversation, considering talking about the weather or his interests. She then realized she already knew all his interests. Sheng Huainan pointed out the beautiful scenery, then clarified he was referring to her. He mentioned having a similar dress and wished he had worn it, suggesting they could have worn matching outfits, a hint Luo Zhi didn't quite grasp.

Their hopeful date was interrupted by a call from Ding Shuijing, alerting Sheng Huainan that Ye Zhanyan was in distress. Luo Zhi asked Sheng Huainan why he always stepped on the cross marks of the floor tiles. He explained it was a childhood habit his mother taught him to distract him from leg pain, and then expressed his wish to be the one who could teach her how to alleviate her pain in the future.

Sheng Huainan apologized for cutting their trip short to Gu Lang Island. Despite his apology, Luo Zhi, fearing he would abandon her again due to Ye Zhanyan or other reasons, decided to be brave and insisted on accompanying him to Zhenhua, hoping that by following him, her secret love wouldn't get lost.

Upon their arrival at Zhenhua High School's art studio, they found Ding Shuijing desperately trying to get Ye Zhanyan to open the locked door, fearing for her safety as Ye Zhanyan was smashing things inside. Ding Shuijing was surprised to see Luo Zhi with Sheng Huainan, explaining that Ye Zhanyan only wanted Sheng Huainan to enter. Luo Zhi offered to step aside if necessary.

Ding Shuijing recounted how Ye Zhanyan had shown up, shared some family issues, including her womanizing father's plan to remarry, and then locked herself in. Sheng Huainan was also concerned, asking if Ye Zhanyan had similar episodes before, and Ding Shuijing hinted that Zhang Min knew more. Ye Zhanyan eventually allowed only Sheng Huainan to enter. Inside, Sheng Huainan found the studio in disarray and Ye Zhanyan holding a palette knife.

She tearfully declared her belief that he still loved her and pleaded with him not to abandon her, promising to be good and asking if he would stay with her forever, smiling gently. Sheng Huainan carefully disarmed her. Ding Shuijing entered, but when Ye Zhanyan saw Luo Zhi at the doorway, she became frantic, begging Sheng Huainan not to leave her for anyone else.

Sheng Huainan tried to explain that Luo Zhi was there to help, but Ye Zhanyan, overcome with emotion, fainted. Sheng Huainan immediately carried her to the hospital. At the hospital, after Ye Zhanyan's condition stabilized and she fell asleep, Sheng Huainan and Ding Shuijing stepped out to talk. Ding Shuijing invited Luo Zhi to join them. Ding Shuijing asked Luo Zhi if she had heard about Ye Zhanyan's past from Zhang Min.

Luo Zhi confirmed that Zhang Min had advised her to keep her distance from Ye Zhanyan, implying she was "not like what you see." Sheng Huainan questioned Luo Zhi about her seemingly cold demeanor towards them, to which Luo Zhi replied that she was simply not good at interpersonal relationships. Sheng Huainan then asked Ding Shuijing what had caused Ye Zhanyan's drastic change from an optimistic girl.

Ding Shuijing revealed that Ye Zhanyan had witnessed her mother's suicide during their second year of high school. She explained that Ye Zhanyan masked her deep emotional pain with a cheerful facade, living with immense energy, and would never let go of anyone she cared about unless she herself chose to.

A flashback showed a high school peer, who had also experienced a mother's suicide due to depression, trying to offer comfort and suggesting Ye Zhanyan talk to friends, but Ye Zhanyan angrily rejected the offer, insisting her mother wasn't crazy and that she herself wouldn't be weak like her mother. During this emotional outburst, Ye Zhanyan accidentally cut her hand. Ding Shuijing quickly came to her aid, promising she would never leave her.

Back in the present, after waking up, Ye Zhanyan asked for Sheng Huainan. Ding Shuijing then directly urged Sheng Huainan to reconcile with Ye Zhanyan, emphasizing her deep need for him. Sheng Huainan glanced at Luo Zhi, who then stated that she would go home and encouraged Sheng Huainan to stay with Ye Zhanyan. Ding Shuijing reacted angrily, accusing Luo Zhi of being cold-blooded and mocking Ye Zhanyan's pain.

Luo Zhi calmly countered that she was not mocking anyone, explaining that everyone carries their own past, and while others can accompany one for a while, eventually, one must face their inner demons alone, making it an individual journey. She silently urged herself not to cry. After Luo Zhi left, Sheng Huainan sat by Ye Zhanyan's bed to counsel her. Ye Zhanyan noted he had changed and suspected Luo Zhi's influence.

Sheng Huainan admitted he used to pretend to be perfect in front of others, but Luo Zhi could always see through his facade, inspiring him to be more authentic. Soon after, Jiang Bailing called Luo Zhi, excited about her date and asking for spicy duck neck. Luo Zhi sadly informed her that she couldn't bring it, revealing she was in Harbin with Sheng Huainan and felt that despite her efforts to get closer to him, she had ultimately lost everything.

Jiang Bailing urged her to buy a ticket back, but noted her financial constraints to help, and Luo Zhi decided to stay at her home for the night and return the next morning. After Luo Zhi ended the call, Sheng Huainan appeared and followed her, though she initially didn't want to talk to him. Ding Shuijing returned to Ye Zhanyan, learning Sheng Huainan had left.

She criticized him for not staying, calling him a typical man, and advised Ye Zhanyan to forget him. Ye Zhanyan refused porridge, only wanting Coke. She explained that during a past conflict with Zhang Min, when she had hurt her hand, Sheng Huainan's unexpected kindness at the infirmary, offering her Coke, had given her a long-lost sense of warmth and respect, changing her negative perception of men.

From that moment, she believed Sheng Huainan was the one who could help her move past her pain. Ding Shuijing expressed surprise that Luo Zhi, who had always been so focused on her studies, had become Ye Zhanyan's biggest rival. Ye Zhanyan expressed her resentment that Sheng Huainan had initiated their connection, yet he changed his feelings for her because of Luo Zhi, who seemingly did nothing.

Ding Shuijing advised her that she had invested too much of herself in him. Despite this, Ye Zhanyan still wanted to see Sheng Huainan. As Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi walked outside, he took off his gloves and offered one to her, suggesting they enjoy the scenery. This tender moment was observed by Luo Zhi's mother. In a flashback, Luo Zhi's mother was seen pleading with Mrs. Sheng, who remained unyielding.

Luo Zhi's mother, reflecting on her deceased husband, felt a pang of guilt but ultimately decided not to interrupt her daughter's "beautiful dream," considering how much Luo Zhi had already sacrificed for their family. Meanwhile, Luo Yang returned to the chaotic art studio and called Ding Shuijing. She fabricated a story about losing emotional control during a "creative process" that led to the destruction.

When Luo Yang, relieved that she was alright, prepared to hang up, Ding Shuijing strategically mentioned she was in the hospital, ensuring he would remain worried. Later, Ding Shuijing confessed to Ye Zhanyan that she had no plans to tell Luo Zhi about her unrequited feelings for Luo Yang, as it had always been a one-sided endeavor, but she still wanted to see him happy. Ye Zhanyan encouraged her to go meet him.

Luo Zhi arrived home early and made a bowl of hot noodles for her mother. During this time, she received a message from Sheng Huainan informing her that Ye Zhanyan's father had picked her up and she was safe. Luo Zhi's mother watched her daughter's joyful smile, feeling both content and a touch of melancholy, as if she had a thousand words she couldn't express about Luo Zhi's journey. Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi planned to return to Xiamen together the next morning.

Episode 12 Recap

Luo Zhi returned home to find her mother, who was cooking noodles. Her mother recalled the time after Luo Zhi's father passed away, when she took Luo Zhi to a church wedding. Feeling desperate and angry after the Sheng family refused to help them, Luo Zhi's mother lashed out at Luo Zhi, making her cry and forbidding her from interacting with the Sheng family children.

Now, she expressed deep regret for her past actions, telling Luo Zhi to let go of the past and look forward, assuring her that she would no longer interfere with Luo Zhi's life decisions. Luo Zhi responded that she didn't blame her mother, acknowledging the significant impact of her mother's words.

Meanwhile, Luo Yang visited Ding Shuijing, telling her she would need to find an art studio outside the school to continue her practice, as the art classroom was a mess and she couldn't return to Zhenhua for a while. Though Ding Shuijing agreed, she felt disheartened. Ye Zhanyan, reflecting on Sheng Huainan's desire to become his true self, yearned for the same but found it incredibly difficult.

She admitted that after pretending for so long, she no longer knew which face was truly hers. The pain from her past remained, unyielding and unforgivable, especially since Sheng Huainan was intertwined with her misfortunes. On Monday, Sheng Huainan went to the library, purposefully sitting across from Luo Zhi. He feigned studying but secretly watched her throughout the morning.

Luo Zhi, engrossed in her notes for "Introduction to Law" and "Ideological and Political Theory," eventually finished and offered them to Sheng Huainan. When she asked if he had finished reading, Sheng Huainan, flustered, denied looking at her, clarifying he was looking at his book. She clarified she was asking about his book, and they agreed to have lunch together. At the cafeteria, Luo Zhi spotted Jiang Baili, who appeared preoccupied.

Luo Zhi greeted her and, after Jiang Baili complained about not being informed of her return, convinced her to join them for lunch. Just as they settled, Zhang Mingrui arrived, jokingly complaining that Sheng Huainan came back to school and immediately sought out Luo Zhi instead of him, who then gave an excuse about needing help with liberal arts courses. At that moment, Ye Zhanyan called Sheng Huainan, who hesitated to answer.

Zhang Mingrui remained silent, trying to avoid any awkwardness. Ye Zhanyan soon appeared in person, asking Zhang Mingrui to move and taking his seat beside Sheng Huainan. Jiang Baili, sensing the tension, announced she was full and tried to leave with Luo Zhi, but Ye Zhanyan stopped Luo Zhi, stating that what she was about to discuss concerned Sheng Huainan's future.

Ye Zhanyan presented Sheng Huainan with an application form for the university's Student Venture Competition, confidently stating that with his talent, the first prize was undoubtedly his. Jiang Baili, before leaving, questioned the rush to start entrepreneurial work in their sophomore year. Ye Zhanyan argued that talented individuals aim for global recognition by twenty, while Luo Zhi countered that such competitions often merely served as a pipeline for big corporations to recruit talent, turning students into pre-hires.

Sheng Huainan agreed with Luo Zhi's assessment but also acknowledged the competition's potential benefits for the future, including self-employment. Ye Zhanyan continued to push, emphasizing her foreign language skills as a valuable asset for his team's international expansion and investor relations. Luo Zhi interjected, urging Ye Zhanyan to respect Sheng Huainan's personal wishes. Sheng Huainan then confirmed that his professor had already informed him about the competition, and he was indeed considering participating.

Ye Zhanyan, taking this as a confirmation, immediately declared she would handle all presentation details and foreign language writing, then departed, telling them to inform her of the first meeting. Zhang Mingrui lamented Ye Zhanyan's domineering nature but quickly expressed his own interest in joining Sheng Huainan's team. Sheng Huainan invited Luo Zhi to join as well, highlighting how her liberal arts expertise would be valuable, but Luo Zhi stated she would decide once he had finalized a concept.

Later, when Sheng Huainan was ready to present his project idea to Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, and Xu Zhian, Ye Zhanyan unexpectedly arrived. Sheng Huainan unveiled his concept: a "Children Anti-lost Application." This brought Luo Zhi back to a memory of Sheng Huainan teasing her about getting lost while using navigation, jokingly promising her an "anti-lost bracelet" and "Huainan-brand navigation" to ensure she'd never get lost again.

Ye Zhanyan initially questioned why such a project was aimed at children, suggesting Sheng Huainan's talent deserved a larger scope. Sheng Huainan explained their limited time and resources, affirming that the children's app was the optimal starting point, and they could expand its scope once successful. He elaborated on the app's core philosophy: "guarding with love," a system designed to connect with mall surveillance, service desks, and security systems to instantly locate lost children.

Upon learning this, Ye Zhanyan mistakenly believed the project was created for her, despite having initially dismissed it as commercially valueless. She then praised his ingenuity, declaring it worthy of the first prize, and expressed a wish to have children just to use the bracelet. After some playful banter about who would have children first, everyone agreed to join the "Children Anti-lost Application" project, including Ye Zhanyan. News of Sheng Huainan entering the Student Venture Competition quickly spread across campus.

Students discussed it online, and many assumed he would win. During a student council meeting concerning an alumni sharing session, Chen Yongle and his peers made sarcastic remarks towards Sheng Huainan, suggesting that the competition, meant for students without resources, was being unfairly dominated by someone of Sheng Huainan's wealthy background, who was treating it as a game and taking away opportunities from those who genuinely needed it to secure their future.

Ye Zhanyan confronted Yongle, pointing out that he himself had signed up and should focus on securing second place for the prize money and training opportunities instead of wasting time arguing. Zhang Mingrui also defended Sheng Huainan, stating that his project aimed to solve real-life problems, aligning with the original spirit of student ventures, and wasn't driven by fame or fortune.

After the continuous mockery and a sarcastic suggestion from Yongle to have Sheng Huainan's influential father host the alumni event, Sheng Huainan, seeing no progress in the discussion, quietly left with his team members. Outside, Ge Bi caught up with Sheng Huainan, expressing his desire to contribute to the team. Zhang Mingrui was surprised by Ge Bi's newfound interest in entrepreneurship.

Ge Bi explained that his father wanted him to build a strong resume for future board meetings, and offered financial support, wanting a significant share in the project. Sheng Huainan was initially reluctant to accept the funds, suggesting Ge Bi could participate in the research and development if he was serious. Ge Bi admitted he wasn't cut out for rigorous research. He then offered his father's spacious office for the team to use, which Sheng Huainan again initially declined.

However, Ye Zhanyan stepped in and decisively accepted the offer on Sheng Huainan's behalf, arguing that they needed a proper workspace, especially now that the student council office was out of bounds due to the conflict with Chen Yongle. Sheng Huainan, while feeling a growing distance between himself and Ye Zhanyan, ultimately accepted her decision, acknowledging the practical need for the space and funds.

He subsequently turned away other students who tried to join, recognizing their opportunistic desire for a "free ride" on his success. During a class, Zhang Mingrui whispered to Luo Zhi about the student council's cold attitude towards Sheng Huainan. Later, while Sheng Huainan was unwinding by playing baseball, Xu Ri-qing approached Zhang Mingrui, asking to join the team, citing information from Ye Zhanyan's online posts about their "high-end office building."

Zhang Mingrui explained the team was full, but Xu Ri-qing insisted on speaking to Sheng Huainan directly. To protect Sheng Huainan from further disturbances, Zhang Mingrui diverted Xu Ri-qing with the promise of ice cream from "The Ice Queen." Just then, Luo Zhi arrived. Zhang Mingrui, relieved, handed over the task of looking after Sheng Huainan to her, and quickly left for ice cream with Xu Ri-qing.

Luo Zhi joined Sheng Huainan, offering him a drink and later a warm bowl of noodles on the rooftop. She offered comfort, telling him that while she could provide support, ultimately, he needed to find his own way out of his struggles, akin to how she couldn't offer "chicken soup for the soul" perpetually. Sheng Huainan reflected that Luo Zhi's rational approach was similar to the advice he had given Ye Zhanyan, using words he'd learned from Luo Zhi.

Back at Ge Bi's lavish office, the team began their work. Ye Zhanyan took a call, revealing her strategy: seeing Sheng Huainan drawn to Luo Zhi, she intended to "bind" him to herself. She privately reflected that Sheng Huainan could easily ask her to let go only because he didn't understand that her past sufferings were connected to him, and she would never forgive.

The team discussed their next steps: completing the application for the anti-lost bracelet, setting up the central monitoring system, and conducting outdoor and indoor tests. Zhang Mingrui expressed concern about the difficulty of indoor testing and finding children volunteers. Luo Zhi, however, had already anticipated these challenges.

She informed the team that Sister Zhu Yan had agreed to let them use her villa for setting up cameras, the community's security had given permission, and child volunteers Jack and Tiffany were eager to help. Sheng Huainan was impressed by Luo Zhi's foresight, noting her ability to anticipate his needs, a stark contrast to Zhang Mingrui.

Luo Zhi then proposed the slogan "Baby Guardian" for their application, which Sheng Huainan praised for perfectly capturing the project's core spirit of protection and guidance. As the team prepared to launch into their tasks, Zheng Wenrui arrived at Ge Bi's company building, attempting to gain entry by telling the security guard she was part of Sheng Huainan's team on the fifteenth floor.

Episode 13 Recap

Zheng Wenrui attempts to gain entry to Ge Bi's family company office building, telling the security guard she is part of Sheng Huainan's team on the fifteenth floor. However, when the guard tries to verify, she quickly concocts an excuse about forgetting something and departs, intending to return later. Inside the office, takeout arrives for Sheng Huainan, Lei Tian, Xu Zhi'an, and Zhang Mingrui.

The team is initially puzzled by who ordered, with Lei Tian and Xu Zhi'an speculating their respective girlfriends sent their favorite dishes. Sheng Huainan then reveals via a message that Luo Zhi ordered the meals for everyone, remembering each person's preferences, including his dislike for fatty meat. Lei Tian remarks on Luo Zhi's thoughtfulness and wishes for such an understanding with her, but Sheng Huainan emphasizes that it's "their" unique understanding.

Meanwhile, Zheng Wenrui, still unable to enter the building, calls Ye Zhanyan, expressing her frustration. Ye Zhanyan, annoyed, tells Zheng Wenrui not to meddle in her relationship with Sheng Huainan. Zheng Wenrui retorts, accusing Ye Zhanyan of neglecting her "duty" to monitor Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan, instead being preoccupied with her suitors. Later, Lei Tian and Xu Zhi'an ask Sheng Huainan if their girlfriends can visit the office.

Zhang Mingrui immediately objects, stating it's a workplace, not an amusement park or a place for dating. However, his stance quickly shifts when Xu Ri Qing arrives with snacks for everyone, and he warmly welcomes her, much to the chagrin of Lei Tian and Xu Zhi'an. Sheng Huainan announces he is heading to the park with Luo Zhi for outdoor testing of their anti-lost application. Once there, he instructs Luo Zhi to walk around while he monitors the signal.

Luo Zhi initially struggles with direction and signal interruptions, particularly when she is under trees. After getting completely lost and apologizing, Sheng Huainan reassures her, telling her to stay put while he comes to her. Luo Zhi laments her poor sense of direction, joking that even an AI-powered bracelet would abandon her. Sheng Huainan guides her, first asking her to turn right, then left, and finally to walk backward without turning around until she bumps into him.

They playfully wrestle for a falling leaf, with Luo Zhi scientifically explaining why her longer arm would naturally reach it first. Sheng Huainan, unable to counter her logic, gives her the leaf. Back in the office, while others sleep, Sheng Huainan is still hard at work. Luo Zhi quietly observes him and accidentally discovers the leaf they shared, now pressed between the pages of his notebook.

Later, Sheng Huainan discusses the venture project with Luo Zhi, confessing that she was his inspiration, specifically her getting lost during their previous outing, which highlighted the urgent need for an anti-lost application. He promises to give her the first free bracelet upon completion. Luo Zhi jokingly remarks that the second one should also be hers.

Sheng Huainan, however, corrects her, stating his intention to give the second bracelet to the little girl he met in his childhood, expressing a deep desire to know her whereabouts and well-being. Luo Zhi is filled with emotion, desperately wanting to reveal that she is that very girl who helped him at the church wedding. She imagines Sheng Huainan's joyful recognition as he acknowledges the familiar feeling he's always had for her.

But a sudden bicycle bell outside the window jolts Luo Zhi back to reality, preventing her from making the confession. She then wishes him well in finding the girl before excusing herself. Jiang Baili, having bought two large bags of necessities and snacks for Ge Bi, including a new facial cleanser as his was about to run out, decides to deliver them.

At the student union, she overhears Chen Yongle and others discussing Ge Bi, who was seen dressed handsomely, presumably to deliver an invitation to Chen Mohan. Jiang Baili, disheartened, asks for Ge Bi's whereabouts. She explains she has been texting him daily, but he never replies. She then asserts that Ge Bi promised her two invitations and insists on receiving them directly from him, declaring it the last thing he will ever do for her.

Later, Jiang Baili watches from a distance as Ge Bi joyfully waits for Chen Mohan at a French restaurant, a look of anticipation she has never seen directed at herself. When Chen Mohan arrives, she dismisses Ge Bi's invitation for an alumni sharing session and overrides his suggested meal choice of Burgundy escargot, ordering French pan-seared foie gras and red wine instead. Jiang Baili's heart aches, feeling like an irrelevant clown in their story.

Ge Bi, overcome with happiness, expresses how unreal it feels to have Chen Mohan by his side, even as she playfully chides him to wipe his sweaty hands, emphasizing they are for playing the cello. As Ge Bi escorts Chen Mohan to his car, they find Jiang Baili sleeping by it. Ge Bi angrily wakes her, but she tries to offer him the toiletries and food she brought.

Chen Mohan, infuriated by Jiang Baili's presence, warns Ge Bi to sever all ties with her or face the end of their relationship. Chen Mohan leaves abruptly in a taxi. Although frustrated, Ge Bi doesn't lash out at Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili, in turn, insists he takes the items and asks for the invitations he promised.

Ge Bi, however, declines, saying the invitations are not with him and he will have someone else send them, adding that they should not meet again. Noticing Jiang Baili's cold hands, Ge Bi realizes she has a fever. Despite her protests that she is fine and just needs to sleep, he drives her back to school. During the ride, Ge Bi reiterates that their breakup is final and this is the last time he will drive her.

At a red light, he tries to text Chen Mohan, seeking forgiveness, but receives no reply. He gently drapes his jacket over the sleeping Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili wakes up upon arrival at school, finding Ge Bi asleep in the driver's seat. She sees a package of medicine and a note left for her, which reads "Medicine for you. No next time."

She quietly places his jacket back over him before taking the medicine and leaving, silently uttering "I love you" as her final farewell to him, unsure if it stirred any feelings in him. Back in her dorm, she confides in Luo Zhi about the day's events. Her roommates, Guo Xiaoxiao and Li Mi, bring her traditional fermented rice wine with eggs to help with her fever, and Luo Zhi lovingly feeds it to her.

Jiang Baili expresses gratitude for her roommates' comforting presence. As the project approaches its final stages, Sheng Huainan receives a voice message from his mother, informing him that his father is furious about him not contributing to their family company's program development and demands an explanation.

Later, Li Mi urgently wakes Luo Zhi, revealing that Sheng Huainan's anti-lost smart band project is now widely known across the school, and a team from the computer science department is pursuing an identical project. Shocked, Luo Zhi rushes to find Sheng Huainan and relays the alarming news. Sheng Huainan is equally astonished, having confirmed with the professor recently that their team was the only one on this topic. He has no immediate explanation for the overlap.

As the team members are exhausted, Sheng Huainan tries to find a comfortable spot to rest, first on Zhang Mingrui's desk and then on Lei Tian's couch. Luo Zhi, seeing Zhang Mingrui sleeping soundly, decides not to disturb him. She goes to check on Sheng Huainan. As he stirs and turns over in his sleep, he accidentally kisses Luo Zhi on the lips. Startled, Luo Zhi quickly pulls away from him.

Episode 14 Recap

Sheng Huainan fell asleep on the sofa after working tirelessly for 24 hours. Luo Zhi leaned in to hear his murmured dream-like words, and as he turned his head, his lips accidentally brushed against her mouth. Unbeknownst to them, Ye Zhanyan observed this intimate moment from outside, and it fueled her anger. Ye Zhanyan confronted Luo Zhi on the rooftop, demanding to know if she was dating Sheng Huainan.

Luo Zhi denied it, explaining her previous trip with Sheng Huainan was merely a friendly gesture at Ding Shuijing's request. Ye Zhanyan accused Luo Zhi of secretly enjoying her emotional vulnerability and knowing details of her family’s past, but Luo Zhi calmly stated she genuinely didn't dwell on others' histories. Ye Zhanyan persisted, criticizing Luo Zhi for her seemingly detached and superior demeanor, suggesting it was a tactic to attract men.

Luo Zhi dismissed the conversation, deeming it inappropriate for their acquaintance. Ye Zhanyan then stepped precariously onto the rooftop ledge, challenging Luo Zhi to join her if she dared to be her rival. She declared her enduring, reckless love for Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi, however, refused to risk her life, emphasizing that her feelings were a private matter and unnecessary to prove.

Ye Zhanyan continued to accuse Luo Zhi of using subtle tricks to make Sheng Huainan believe he was his true self only when with her. Luo Zhi questioned if Ye Zhanyan truly understood Sheng Huainan, pointing out that Ye Zhanyan seemed more concerned with her own needs, even orchestrating moments like having Ding Shuijing call Sheng Huainan when she was distraught. Ye Zhanyan retorted that, regardless of Luo Zhi's long-standing affection, her year as Sheng Huainan's girlfriend proved her victory.

Returning to the office, Ye Zhanyan's arrival created a tense atmosphere. She brusquely ordered everyone to begin work and informed Sheng Huainan that Luo Zhi had left for class. She attempted to settle near Sheng Huainan for work, but Zhang Mingrui subtly moved a chair to a distant power outlet, forcing her to sit across the room. Annoyed, Ye Zhanyan plugged in her charger with a forceful gesture, intimidating the team.

She even glared at Xu Zhian for eating, causing him to stop. When Lei Tian, unable to hold it any longer, let out a loud fart, the entire office was overwhelmed by the smell. Declaring the environment too distracting, Ye Zhanyan quickly packed her belongings, opting to work from home to complete her part of the project. Her departure brought a palpable sense of relief to Sheng Huainan and the others.

Shortly after, Sheng Huainan received a phone call, learning that another team had developed an identical project, both in title and content. Zhang Mingrui immediately suspected Xu Riqing. Confronted, Xu Riqing tearfully confessed to having "said a few words" about their project to senior Zhang Wei, unaware he would plagiarize.

Lei Tian confirmed Zhang Wei's team was indeed led by him in the venture competition, and Xu Zhian and Zhang Mingrui reacted with fury, noting that Zhang Wei’s project had been suspiciously renamed to match theirs. Sheng Huainan revealed Zhang Wei's known reputation for plagiarism. Xu Riqing apologized profusely, explaining her pride in their project led to the accidental disclosure.

While Lei Tian and Xu Zhian initially blamed Zhang Mingrui for bringing Xu Riqing into the office, Zhang Mingrui took full responsibility. Sheng Huainan then intervened, urging everyone to stay calm and focus on completing their project, promising to find a way for their collective hard work to be recognized. Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, and Xu Zhian all pledged their unwavering commitment to fight alongside Sheng Huainan until the very end.

While Chen Yongle and Zhang Wei were smug about the situation, Ye Zhanyan, Sheng Huainan, and Zhang Mingrui confronted them at the student union. Ye Zhanyan questioned the plagiarism, but Chen Yongle dismissed it, claiming Zhang Wei had original evidence and that it was unclear who copied whom. Sheng Huainan pointed out that as a computer science student, Zhang Wei could easily manipulate document dates.

He firmly stated his commitment to the project and his refusal to tolerate any foul play. Chen Yongle, in his capacity as student union president, then promised a post-competition investigation if plagiarism was confirmed. However, Zhang Mingrui interjected, citing competition rules that disqualify projects involving plagiarism. He then dramatically presented what he claimed was a "property right" document for their team's research, warning Zhang Wei and his team that presenting any similar content would constitute "legal plagiarism."

Faced with this, Zhang Wei and Chen Yongle became visibly uneasy. As Sheng Huainan, Zhang Mingrui, and Ye Zhanyan departed, Zhang Mingrui warned Zhang Wei not to jeopardize his academic future by being an accomplice. Sheng Huainan later questioned Zhang Mingrui about the "trick" behind his confident legal arguments. Zhang Mingrui sheepishly revealed that the "patent document" was merely his law introduction class notes, used as a bluff.

This clever tactic was Luo Zhi's idea, which Zhang Mingrui implemented after Luo Zhi instructed him over the phone to use a bluff to intimidate their opponents. While Luo Zhi had indeed applied for intellectual property rights, the official document would not have been issued so quickly. The team was amazed by Luo Zhi's quick thinking and preparedness, praising her for finding a way to make their opponents retreat, even with a temporary bluff.

Ye Zhanyan, hearing all the praise directed at Luo Zhi, grew increasingly unhappy. Everyone felt confident after the confrontation. Ge Bi even discussed with his father buying their patent at a high price. The team, including Zhang Mingrui and Lei Tian, eagerly calculated their potential earnings, dreaming of wealth and future plans. Luo Zhi, however, reminded them that intellectual property approval takes time and they still needed to rely on their true abilities.

Ye Zhanyan suggested they aim for first prize in the competition, believing it would lead to even higher offers. Ge Bi, determined to be part of the project, declared he would double any price offered. Sheng Huainan then expressed his disinterest in awards or high acquisitions, revealing his original intention was to freely provide the app for parent-child venues, viewing it as a contribution rather than a commodity.

The team, including Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, Xu Zhian, and Ye Zhanyan, strongly objected to donating their hard work for free, arguing that charity could be pursued after earning money. Ge Bi, frustrated, echoed Chen Yongle's earlier sentiment, accusing Sheng Huainan of treating the venture competition as a game. Ye Zhanyan declared she would submit her work on the competition day and expected a satisfactory decision from Sheng Huainan.

Luo Zhi, stepping in, suggested it was too early to finalize the discussion, emphasizing focusing on the project and respecting Sheng Huainan's initial vision. The internal disagreement left everyone uncertain. Zhang Mingrui suggested they all rest and allow Sheng Huainan time to reflect. When Luo Zhi offered to stay and help, Sheng Huainan, feeling vulnerable, asked her to leave, wanting to hide his distress. He ignored an incoming phone call.

Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan met Zhuo Chen at her usual study spot. He observed her study habits, and after they solved a math problem, she explained her attachment to drinking cola, associating it with Sheng Huainan and his strength. Zhuo Chen, in turn, expressed a wish for her to try his preferred jasmine tea. Luo Zhi later spoke with Jiang Baili on the phone, asking about indirect kisses, which led Jiang Baili to excitedly speculate about Luo Zhi kissing Sheng Huainan.

Luo Zhi clarified it was an accidental touch while he was asleep and that he was unaware. Zhuo Chen made another attempt to woo Ye Zhanyan, stating he could surpass Sheng Huainan in math, but also provocatively suggested she only cared about herself and didn't truly love Sheng Huainan. Ye Zhanyan angrily dismissed him. Later, Luo Zhi, unable to find Sheng Huainan in the office, received a call from him.

She quickly located him eating barbecue and drinking alone, seeking solace. He apologized for her seeing him in such a vulnerable state, but Luo Zhi reassured him, playfully reminding him of his promise to show her all his different sides. In his drunken state, Sheng Huainan declared his intention to do something silly for her: pick stars from the sky and spell her name.

Luo Zhi gently led him to a glass window, using a flashlight to demonstrate how he could "write" her name with lights, simulating stars. Despite his playful struggles to see her impromptu "star-writing" and calling her silly, Luo Zhi acknowledged his sincere effort. He then promised that one day, he would truly use the stars in the sky to write her name. This tender moment, though simple, reflected the innocent idealism of their youth. Sheng Huainan's drunken promise became a heartfelt aspiration to one day realize this romantic gesture, forever etching Luo Zhi's name among the stars.

Episode 15 Recap

Sheng Huainan confided in Luo Zhi about his father's fury over his participation in the Entrepreneurship Competition. His father had issued an ultimatum: either withdraw and join the family business, or pursue studies abroad. Sheng Huainan found this predetermined path, devoid of challenges, to be without promise. He articulated his frustration that his father consistently prioritized commercialization over students' passion and creativity.

His resolve to prove himself and forge his own path, rather than being overshadowed by his family's prestige, was only strengthened. Luo Zhi offered encouragement, reminding him that "Trying to wear the crown must bear the weight." Inspired, Sheng Huainan decided not to commercialize their handband project, instead wanting it to be a contribution to society. He conveyed this decision in a voice message to Zhang Mingrui, expressing his desire to maintain their student ideals without excessive commercial entanglement.

While some teammates, like Lei Tian and Xu Zhian, initially yearned for the financial success the project could bring, they soon re-embraced the spirit of youth and friendship. The next day, as Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi headed to the competition, they found themselves stuck in heavy traffic. With time running out, Sheng Huainan called Zhang Mingrui, instructing him to lead the rest of the team into the venue while he and Luo Zhi continued on foot.

Rushing to make up for lost time, Luo Zhi was accidentally hit by a bicycle, injuring her leg. Sheng Huainan immediately carried her on his back and ran towards the competition hall. Meanwhile, Chen Yongle’s team taunted Zhang Mingrui and the others, hinting at plagiarism accusations against Sheng Huainan. Ye Zhanyan countered by asserting their copyright, but Chen Yongle's team confidently claimed their own patent application was further along, implying Sheng Huainan's project would be deemed a copy.

Despite the provocations, the team stood firm, refusing to enter without Sheng Huainan. With only five minutes left, Luo Zhi insisted Sheng Huainan put her down and enter the competition, emphasizing that the team's honor was paramount and she would feel guilty if her injury jeopardized their chances. She assured him she would arrange for Jiang Baili to pick her up.

Luo Zhi's earlier message to the team, explaining Sheng Huainan's motivations and the immense family pressure he faced, had already united them. She reminded them that their original purpose in joining the team was to create "passionate and unforgettable memories" and foster "innocent and sincere friendship" during their youth. This message resonated, solidifying their support for Sheng Huainan's vision. When he finally arrived, they affirmed their commitment and readiness to showcase their team's strength against Chen Yongle.

Despite their efforts, Sheng Huainan's team did not place in the top three, and Chen Yongle’s team was awarded the championship. Chen Yongle and his teammates continued their taunts, but Sheng Huainan exposed Chen Yongle’s plagiarism, detailing how Chen Yongle's greenhouse design and wireless control system were strikingly similar to a multi-year project from Wageningen University.

When challenged for proof, Ye Zhanyan, drawing on her foreign language expertise, declared she would compile and present the foreign research data to the judges, effectively silencing Chen Yongle’s team. Afterward, Sheng Huainan reassured his teammates that he would formally report the plagiarism to the school, ensuring their reputation was cleared. Ge Bi, acknowledging the wisdom in Luo Zhi’s message, pledged his continued support for future research and development, prioritizing their shared passion over immediate financial gain.

Sensing a positive shift in his teammates’ outlook, Sheng Huainan asked Zhang Mingrui to forward Luo Zhi’s message to him, then rushed off to find her. Sheng Huainan found Luo Zhi walking alone, still nursing her injured foot, and expressed his concern. Luo Zhi, in turn, inquired about his well-being and the competition. He thanked her for her unwavering presence and support.

Sheng Huainan promised to report Chen Yongle’s dishonest tactics to the school and voiced his relief at seeing her smile, valuing the team's unity above the competition's outcome. Luo Zhi, ever the optimist, suggested that perhaps they just weren't fully prepared, but "good things take time." Sheng Huainan then reminded her of his outstanding "Gulangyu Island trip" promise, bringing a smile to her face.

That evening, Sheng Huainan brought snacks to his dorm as a gesture of apology for the competition's outcome and any communication gaps. Initially met with silence, his roommates swiftly warmed up when he humorously threatened to take the food elsewhere. He formally apologized for the unsatisfactory results and his poor communication.

Lei Tian, still incensed by Chen Yongle's "arrogant" demeanor, shared the news that Ye Zhanyan had meticulously exposed Chen Yongle's plagiarism by comparing his report to foreign research, submitting a detailed dossier to the judges. The news was already spreading, indicating significant trouble for Chen Yongle. Sheng Huainan thanked his team for their enduring trust. Despite the setback, the team's spirits were high.

They joked about their previous "luxurious office" being a mere vacation and reaffirmed their commitment to Sheng Huainan, vowing to remain his core team for future projects, even if it meant seeking angel investors in the coming years. Zhang Mingrui, however, brought a dose of reality by mentioning their dwindling funds for everyday expenses like Xiamen thin pancakes. Sheng Huainan understood and declared he would "start taking orders," indicating his intention to find ways to earn money.

To address their financial needs, Sheng Huainan officially opened "Huainan's Repair Station" for mobile phone repairs. Zhang Mingrui enthusiastically promoted it, and the station immediately attracted a long line of students seeking his services. In another part of the campus, Zheng Wenrui faced a different kind of struggle.

Her roommates complained about the strange smell emanating from her bag, which contained Yunnan specialty bugs, to which Zheng Wenrui retorted with a defiant defense of her eccentric diet as the source of her academic success. Later, Zhang Mingrui overheard Zheng Wenrui angrily confronting her mother on the phone about being pushed into blind dates.

Venting to Zhang Mingrui, she felt her mother saw her as nothing more than a "burden" and that her hard work, scholarships, and part-time jobs could never elevate her above her brother in her mother's eyes. She questioned the persistence of "preference for boys over girls" in modern times. Zhang Mingrui tried to console her, suggesting her mother simply wished for her happiness, but Zheng Wenrui, feeling profoundly misunderstood by people like him and Sheng Huainan, dismissed his attempts.

She confessed her desire to be as "excellent and popular" as them, and her quiet longing to merely observe Sheng Huainan from a distance. When Xu Riqing intervened, somewhat crudely agreeing with Zheng Wenrui’s self-description as a "freak," Zheng Wenrui was further distressed. Zhang Mingrui chided Xu Riqing, admitting his own past criticisms had contributed to Zheng Wenrui’s current state. Xu Riqing, however, argued that only Sheng Huainan could truly bring Zheng Wenrui happiness.

Having meticulously planned their Gulangyu Island trip overnight, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi set out. To their surprise, they encountered Professor Wen Yuan from their university working as a tricycle driver at the scenic area. He initially feigned ignorance, claiming to be his twin brother, Wen Bo, until they pressed him. Despite their reluctance to hire his tricycle, Professor Wen persistently followed them, playfully singing "Happy Breakup" and teasing Sheng Huainan about their meager budget.

Eventually, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi relented and agreed to an eighty-yuan ride. As they navigated the narrow streets in the tricycle, Professor Wen quizzed Sheng Huainan on the meaning of "门当户对" (matching families or social status in marriage).

Sheng Huainan playfully deferred to Luo Zhi, who impressively explained that "门当" refers to the stone piers or drums placed at the entrance of large residences, believed to ward off evil, while "户对" refers to the wooden or brick carvings on the door lintels, always in even numbers. Luo Zhi then felt as though she was in a dream, savoring the intimate moment but also fearing that this fleeting "mirage" would vanish.

Sheng Huainan subtly placed his hand on the back of the seat, creating a tender, almost embracing gesture. Later, while admiring the scenery, Sheng Huainan focused on the distant landscape, while Luo Zhi found herself gazing at his back, enchanted by the feeling of a romantic outing, even as she tried to temper her own hopes and fantasies.

Episode 16 Recap

Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi were on Gulangyu, where Sheng Huainan mused that he preferred falling leaves and bare branches to blooming flowers, connecting it to Luo Zhi's essay "To the Youth That We Will Be Gone." He quoted Neruda, noting how life's essence becomes visible when beauty fades, which Luo Zhi's writing echoed. Sheng Huainan praised her high school composition skills, prompting Luo Zhi to ask if he had ever read her essays.

He apologized, admitting he had not read a single one, dismissing school compositions as "fake and vulgar." A flashback revealed that Luo Zhi's essay had received the highest score in her grade and was circulated as a model. At the time, she had meticulously revised the piece, hoping her words would convey her innermost feelings to Sheng Huainan, only to realize he never saw them.

Sheng Huainan expressed regret for not having met Luo Zhi sooner, feeling he had missed a significant part of her past. He promised to read any future essays she might write for him.

Their conversation was interrupted by Professor Wenyuan, who, after learning their names, joked if they were destined for a "baby engagement" because their names, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi, echoed the famous idiom: "An orange grown south of the Huai River is an orange, but grown north of it, it becomes a trifoliate orange." Sheng Huainan acknowledged the coincidence but wondered why Luo Zhi had never mentioned it, guessing she desired a kindred spirit who understood her without needing words.

Luo Zhi, however, countered that perfect understanding was an "irresponsible myth" that set unrealistic expectations. She stated that ordinary people, lacking great wisdom, yearned for others to comprehend them, but she herself never explained when misunderstood, nor did she expect anyone to truly understand her. Despite her philosophical stance, Sheng Huainan expressed his hope that they would never misunderstand each other and playfully vowed to undertake the "difficult task" of achieving such a connection with her.

Zhang Mingrui was discreetly following Zheng Wenrui when she confronted him. She initially assumed he harbored feelings for her, despite her having previously treated him harshly. Zhang Mingrui clarified that he had come to apologize for past remarks, admitting he had found her behavior "weird" and had called her a "negative energy transmitter." Zheng Wenrui accepted his apology, acknowledging her own unpopularity.

He then offered to intervene with Professor Wenyuan on her behalf regarding a recent warning, but Zheng Wenrui angrily refused, threatening him if Sheng Huainan learned about her blind date or the disciplinary action. She declared her inability to tolerate Sheng Huainan looking down on her, even if everyone else did.

Later, Luo Zhi received a taunting text message from Zheng Wenrui, accusing her of using "tricks and schemes" since high school to approach Sheng Huainan and vowing to prevent him from being a "fool" again. Luo Zhi simply ignored the message, though it reignited her inner turmoil. During their date, Sheng Huainan tried to persuade Luo Zhi to try local Xiamen snacks, including "frozen bamboo shoots," which she comically refused to eat, calling them "bugs."

They playfully debated the merits of Harbin versus Xiamen, and Sheng Huainan teased her about her "second stomach" for sweets. Sheng Huainan shared an anecdote about Zhang Mingrui's failed attempts to engineer "accidental encounters" with girls in the library. He stressed that genuine coincidences felt more authentic, considering "routines" as "emotional fraud" and emphasizing his desire for "true and pure" feelings.

Luo Zhi agreed, but his words sent a pang of fear through her, realizing her long-term planning to be near him could be seen as manipulative. They then went ice skating, where Sheng Huainan playfully asked if a "Harbin girl" like her was afraid. When Luo Zhi took an accidental fall and injured her leg, Sheng Huainan was quick to offer aid.

She playfully noted his preparedness, to which he responded that the first-aid kit was actually hers, which she had stored with him. Luo Zhi, lost in his gentle care, barely felt the pain, though a sense of unease lingered, fearing the fleeting nature of their sudden happiness. As their date concluded, Sheng Huainan waited outside Luo Zhi's dorm. He surprised her with a gift of several Gibran books, which he had carried with him all day.

He explained he had seen her reading Gibran in the library and had bought the books, intending to give them to her later, but felt "excited" and brought them. Luo Zhi was deeply touched but also worried about his back, asking if it hurt. Sheng Huainan dismissed her concern, saying her happiness was all that mattered. He recounted his surprise when she quoted Neruda earlier and considered giving her Neruda's poems.

Luo Zhi, delighted, jokingly listed a complete set of Jin Yong books as her next desired gift, making Sheng Huainan feign protest at the thought of carrying so many. As they bid goodnight, Zheng Wenrui appeared, confronting Luo Zhi and calling her a "liar," warning that Sheng Huainan would eventually uncover her "lies."

Back in her dorm, a still-troubled Luo Zhi confessed to Jiang Baili that Sheng Huainan's increasing kindness only heightened her fear that their "understanding" would be revealed as a deliberate "lie" and he would see her as a "deceiver." Jiang Baili, trying to lift her spirits, showed her a flyer for an upcoming new book forum featuring Luo Zhi's beloved mystery author, Mo Dan. Jiang Baili, however, had to reveal that Ye Zhanyan was slated to host the "first-in-Asia" event.

Luo Zhi remained unfazed, deeming Ye Zhanyan suitable. Jiang Baili, convinced Luo Zhi was better qualified, revealed she had recommended Luo Zhi to the student council to review the interview draft, an offer Luo Zhi declined. Jiang Baili encouraged her to reserve a spot the night before, promising they would set up tents to ensure she met her idol.

Luo Zhi's mood visibly brightened, and Jiang Baili shared anecdotes about Mo Dan's rare public appearances and his viral photo, eagerly joining Luo Zhi in the excitement. Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan was furious about the online criticism Sheng Huainan faced after the venture capital competition, blaming rival participants for plagiarism that undermined his work. She lamented that her efforts to rekindle their relationship during the project had failed, as Sheng Huainan seemed only to focus on Luo Zhi.

She felt increasingly distant from him, sensing that even his friends preferred Luo Zhi, which she saw as an ominous sign. She also revealed that Ding Shuijing, who was currently in Xiamen for an art exhibition, had confessed to drawing on a shirt bought by Luoyang's fiancée, and then retrieved it after Luoyang discarded it, an act Ye Zhanyan found baffling, professing she would have destroyed such an item herself.

Amidst her frustrations, an old news article caught Ye Zhanyan's eye. She showed Ding Shuijing a report about a technician who died in a fire at Shengshi Enterprise in Harbin. To Ding Shuijing's shock, Ye Zhanyan revealed this technician was Luo Zhi's father. While Ding Shuijing felt pity for Luo Zhi's tragic past, Ye Zhanyan, with a sinister glint, concluded that Luo Zhi's true motive for approaching Sheng Huainan was not love, but revenge against the Sheng family.

Acting on her new suspicion, Ye Zhanyan arranged to meet Sheng Huainan. She pretended to have come to terms with their breakup, claiming she had tried to move on and bless his new relationship, but still felt conflicted.

She then fabricated a story, claiming that Ding Shuijing had messaged her saying Sheng Huainan had important things for Luo Zhi to return to Ye Zhanyan, and Ye Zhanyan specifically claimed that Luo Zhi was meant to return a breakup letter and the crystal necklace Sheng Huainan had given her. Sheng Huainan was confused, clarifying that the necklace was a gift from him to Ye Zhanyan and asking why Luo Zhi would be involved.

Ye Zhanyan then claimed she was not "generous" enough to return those items directly to him. She accused him of prioritizing Luo Zhi's feelings during the competition, ignoring her own, and consistently siding with Luo Zhi on important decisions. She concluded that this made her realize she had to give up on him. She further lied, stating she had asked Ding Shuijing to handle the return because she feared Luo Zhi's mockery.

When Sheng Huainan confirmed he had not received any items, Ye Zhanyan feigned surprise, implying Luo Zhi had deliberately hidden them to prevent their reconciliation. Sheng Huainan cut her off, firmly stating that they had already broken up and he had no intention of getting back together with her.

Episode 17 Recap

Ye Zhanyan confronted Sheng Huainan, accusing him of prioritizing Luo Zhi's feelings over hers, especially during moments when she needed him most. She lamented that he consistently sided with Luo Zhi when making important decisions, leading her to believe she should abandon all hope. Ye Zhanyan then recounted her attempt to return a gift, admitting she backed off from giving it directly to Luo Zhi due to fear of mockery and instead entrusted it to Ding Shuijing.

When Sheng Huainan questioned Ding Shuijing's involvement, Ye Zhanyan explained that Ding Shuijing was in Xiamen for an art exhibition and claimed to have passed the gift to Luo Zhi. Ye Zhanyan then insinuated that Luo Zhi had not given him the gift because she feared a reconciliation between Sheng Huainan and herself. Sheng Huainan was quick to shut down her accusations, reminding her they had broken up and he had no intention of reuniting.

He stated that the disposition of his gifts was her concern, and any interaction regarding them with Luo Zhi was solely between them. Instead of pursuing the matter, Ye Zhanyan handed Sheng Huainan a document, instructing him to review it. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili expressed regret over agreeing to read a love prophecy for Ge Bi and Chen Mokan. Luo Zhi then asked Jiang Baili to perform a tarot card reading for her own secret crush on Sheng Huainan.

Luo Zhi drew "the Tower" card. Although Jiang Baili initially hesitated and suggested drawing another, Luo Zhi insisted on understanding its meaning. Jiang Baili revealed that "the Tower" signifies that "false lies will be severely tested." Later, Luo Zhi messaged Sheng Huainan, inviting him to see Tiffany and Jack that evening. Sheng Huainan declined, citing an urgent need to leave campus.

Shortly after, Luo Zhi received a call from Zhu Yan, who informed her that Tiffany and Jack had a fever, causing the tutoring session to be canceled. Luo Zhi then messaged Sheng Huainan again, letting him know he could continue with his business since her tutoring was also canceled. Sheng Huainan reviewed the document given by Ye Zhanyan, which detailed a fire at his father's bicycle factory from a decade prior.

Ye Zhanyan highlighted that the man who died in the fire was Luo Zhi's father, and Sheng Huainan's father was the factory manager at the time. She suggested Luo Zhi's decade-long pursuit of him was a calculated plot for revenge, urging him to investigate Luo Zhi's true motives and warning him against giving her his sincere affection. Sheng Huainan, however, rebuked Ye Zhanyan, noting her change from a warm-hearted and straightforward girl.

He condemned her past actions of showing him Luo Zhi's diary through Ding Shuijing, framing Luo Zhi with a necklace for jealousy, and now digging into Luo Zhi's past to make him doubt her. Ye Zhanyan insisted her actions were "for him," but Sheng Huainan retorted that they were for her own competitiveness.

He clearly stated that even if he and Luo Zhi didn't end up together, he and Ye Zhanyan would, at most, remain friends, with no possibility of rekindling their romantic relationship. Ye Zhanyan, still convinced of Luo Zhi's hidden agenda, declared that only she truly cared for him. At the third canteen, Zhang Mingrui mentioned that Sheng Huainan had returned to the dorm late and pale the previous night, immediately falling asleep, and had left early that morning.

Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili were unaware of his whereabouts. The next day, Sheng Huainan met his mother in Xiamen. She expressed anger that he defied his father's plans and expected an apology. Sheng Huainan refused, stating he only sought a clear conscience regarding his team's research and denying that any friends had influenced his decision to participate in the venture competition. He then showed her the newspaper article about the old factory fire.

His mother, recognizing the technician Yu Guang, Luo Zhi's father, as an "unlucky" son-in-law who drank frequently, recounted how Yu Guang's careless operation of new machines during his shift led to the devastating fire, causing his death and severe losses for their factory.

She further detailed how Yu Guang was held responsible for the fire, and his wife and "skinny child" (Luo Zhi) came to their home dressed in mourning clothes during the New Year, demanding compensation and disrupting their peace. Sheng's mother adamantly refused to help, fearing public gossip that would implicate their family in the accident. Sheng Huainan was struck by this revelation, realizing the painful past hidden beneath Luo Zhi's proud demeanor.

His immediate thought was why his parents didn't offer help to Luo Zhi's family, rather than dwelling on who was responsible for the fire or suspecting Luo Zhi's motives. He wondered why she had never shared it with him. His mother then declared that the Sheng family would never allow "strange children" like "Ye" or "Luo" into their home, indicating her strong prejudice. Back at school, Li Mi asked Jiang Baili to write a recruitment plan for their new guild.

Jiang Baili, only interested in makeup and skincare, suggested Luo Zhi. Luo Zhi, after learning Li Mi and Guo Xiaoxiao's former guild leader had unfairly kicked out Li Mi, agreed to help, promising to write the plan by the next day. Later, Jiang Baili expressed frustration over Sheng Huainan's continued silence after their date, lamenting the passive nature of secret crushes while the loved one can play hot and cold.

Luo Zhi, still lost in thought, looked at the "Tower" tarot card, fearing Sheng Huainan would discover her "lies." Zhang Mingrui later informed Luo Zhi that Sheng Huainan had been suffering from a cold for several days, keeping to himself in his dorm, not talking to anyone, and looking "strange." He noted that Sheng Huainan, usually healthy, wasn't even this depressed after his breakup with Ye Zhanyan.

Zhang Mingrui added that he and his roommates had been taking turns bringing him food and various medicines, but his condition hadn't improved. Luo Zhi realized this was the reason for Sheng Huainan's recent disappearance, almost blurting out her fear that he had discovered her secret, but quickly covered it by remarking on the changing weather.

Sheng Huainan, alone, replayed Ye Zhanyan's accusations in his mind, along with his mother's biased account of Luo Zhi's family history, wondering if Luo Zhi's secretiveness meant she didn't trust him or intended to hurt him. Zhang Mingrui arrived with takeout, expressing concern about Sheng Huainan's prolonged illness and mentioning Luo Zhi's worry.

Sheng Huainan confessed his mind was a mess, admitting his previous confidence in understanding human nature was shaken, as he felt he knew nothing about Luo Zhi despite their perceived connection. Zhang Mingrui urged him to stop overthinking and to contact Luo Zhi, accusing him of playing hard-to-get. Sheng Huainan, however, insisted he'd never wanted to understand someone so deeply and questioned why he always felt like the one apologizing.

He refused Zhang Mingrui's offer to message Luo Zhi on his behalf, asserting it was his personal matter. Afterward, Zhang Mingrui excitedly prepared for a shopping trip with Xu Riqing, asking Sheng Huainan for fashion advice and borrowing his skincare products. Before leaving, he reminded Sheng Huainan to eat his takeout and contact Luo Zhi, but Sheng Huainan remained unresponsive.

Luo Zhi, seeing Zhang Mingrui leave and worried about the potentially greasy food he had brought for Sheng Huainan, decided to go buy him some light porridge. Jiang Baili, watching Luo Zhi rush off, felt a sense of familiarity, likening Luo Zhi's urgency to her own past efforts for Ge Bi. Luo Zhi went to a porridge shop and ordered porridge with Chinese yam, corn pancake, and stir-fried Chinese broccoli for Sheng Huainan.

As she was about to reach the male dormitory, Jiang Baili called, urging her not to deliver the porridge, warning that Sheng Huainan's prolonged silence and sudden illness seemed suspicious. Jiang Baili suggested that even if he was sick, he could at least send an emoji. Jiang Baili believed there was a definite "trick" in his cold indifference.

The call unsettled Luo Zhi, and while climbing the steps, she stumbled, falling to the cold ground and spilling the hot porridge on her leg. Unknown to Luo Zhi, Sheng Huainan, wearing a hat and mask, witnessed her fall but did not reveal himself. He secretly followed her as she returned to the porridge shop to buy an identical order.

He then watched her instruct Sheng Huainan's roommate (whom she had called to come down and collect the food) to take the porridge upstairs. Once Luo Zhi had limped away, Sheng Huainan emerged, silently snatched the food bag from his roommate, and headed upstairs. Later, Ye Zhanyan obtained the materials for Mr. Mo Shan's new book symposium from Chen Yongle. She was furious to see Luo Zhi's name listed as a co-host alongside hers.

Chen Yongle explained that Luo Zhi, being a big fan and mystery enthusiast, was listed as a backup in case Ye Zhanyan struggled with professional questions or fan interactions. Ye Zhanyan, offended and questioning her competence, threatened to withdraw from the event. Chen Yongle quickly apologized, reassuring her of his respect and explaining that a backup was a mandatory requirement for such an important event and for an important person like her.

He then revealed the other co-host would be Sheng Huainan. Ye Zhanyan accepted the backup rule but adamantly declared that only she belonged by Sheng Huainan's side and she would ensure Luo Zhi had no opportunity to take the stage. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili found Luo Zhi, whose pants were dirty from the fall. Jiang Baili asked who had hurt her, but Luo Zhi replied she had fallen by accident.

Luo Zhi expressed a realization that she wasn't even "qualified to run errands" for Sheng Huainan, reflecting on how she used to perceive Jiang Baili's efforts for Ge Bi. Jiang Baili comforted her, saying they were both "fools" and that she shouldn't blame herself, then helped Luo Zhi back to their dorm.

Episode 18 Recap

After Luo Zhi's previous attempt to deliver porridge to Sheng Huainan resulted in her falling and spilling it, she bought an identical bowl and had her roommate deliver it. Unbeknownst to her, Sheng Huainan witnessed her accident and subsequent efforts. Luo Zhi was being comforted by Jiang Baili, who was tending to her injured leg.

Luo Zhi confessed that she used to think Jiang Baili’s constant errands for Ge Bi were simple, even mocking her, but now realized she wasn't even qualified to do the same for Sheng Huainan. Jiang Baili reassured her, saying they were both "fools" in love and shouldn't blame themselves, then helped her back to their dorm. While walking, Jiang Baili sang a song, and back in the room, she applied a special plaster that quickly eased Luo Zhi's pain.

As Jiang Baili prepared instant noodles for them, Luo Zhi recalled a strange habit of her middle school deskmate and admitted that her current predicament felt like karma for a lie she once told about drinking a concoction of seasoning packets. Jiang Baili asked if Luo Zhi would still pursue Sheng Huainan in the same way if given another chance. Luo Zhi nodded, explaining that her relentless pursuit was her only "weapon," and secret love had become a habit.

Jiang Baili affirmed her, declaring she too would do anything for the person in her heart. Meanwhile, in his own dorm, Sheng Huainan stared silently at a bowl of porridge Luo Zhi had sent him. His friends, Lei Tian and Xu Zhian, urged him to eat, revealing that Luo Zhi had specifically asked them to keep her involvement a secret.

Lei Tian described how Luo Zhi had fallen badly while delivering the porridge, limping and covered in it, looking truly pitiful. He concluded that, from an outsider's perspective, Luo Zhi cared deeply for him. After his friends left, Sheng Huainan carefully took a bite. As tears welled up, dripping into the porridge and making it taste bitter, he recalled Luo Zhi’s fall.

He then received a text, implicitly from Luo Zhi or her roommate, confirming he had received the porridge and advising him to drink it hot for his cold. Sheng Huainan pondered why Luo Zhi would do so much for him. Later, during a law class, Sheng Huainan deliberately chose a seat at the front, away from Luo Zhi, inadvertently sitting next to Zheng Wenrui. Zheng Wenrui, visibly flustered, dropped her pen.

Sheng Huainan picked it up, and in her excitement, Zheng Wenrui grabbed his hand, scratching him. Luo Zhi, observing from afar, quickly wrote a note, wrapped a band-aid in paper, and had Zhang Mingrui pass it to Sheng Huainan. Sheng Huainan glanced at Zhang Mingrui, who subtly pointed towards Luo Zhi, then pocketed the note. Professor Wen Yuan, lecturing on forms of crime, noticed Zheng Wenrui's distraction and called on her to answer a question.

Zheng Wenrui, still giddy, blurted out that Sheng Huainan had picked up her pen, causing the class to erupt in laughter. Annoyed, Professor Wen Yuan reminded the class of his strict rules regarding attentiveness, then dismissed Zheng Wenrui from the course. After class, Zhang Mingrui tried to console Luo Zhi, suggesting Sheng Huainan’s distance was due to his illness and fear of infection. Luo Zhi claimed not to mind, but her heart was heavy with unspoken concern.

As soon as class ended, Sheng Huainan quickly packed his bag to leave. Luo Zhi gathered her books, intending to follow him, but Ye Zhanyan intercepted Sheng Huainan, reminding him of their shared role as hosts for Mo Dan's seminar. She had just received the plan and interview script and asked him to review them with her. Sheng Huainan, seeing Luo Zhi nearby, agreed and left with Ye Zhanyan.

Luo Zhi, choosing not to pursue them, walked to a secret balcony she often shared with Sheng Huainan. From there, she sent him three consecutive messages asking about his health, why he was ignoring her, and if there was a misunderstanding. She cried, hoping her barrage of texts would prevent him from pretending he hadn't seen them. She reflected on her refusal to give up, even if her "understanding" with him was a lie she created.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a phone call, not from Sheng Huainan, but from Ge Bi. Ge Bi, acknowledging her as a devoted fan and expert in Mo Dan's work, invited her to the student union to offer professional advice for the upcoming new book seminar, highlighting Ye Zhanyan’s lack of specialized knowledge. Luo Zhi, despite her initial reluctance to speak with Ge Bi, accepted the invitation.

At the student union, Luo Zhi found Sheng Huainan and Ye Zhanyan already immersed in discussion. Ye Zhanyan suggested including a question about Mo Dan's hobbies, which Sheng Huainan agreed would interest the audience. When Ge Bi welcomed Luo Zhi and explained her role in providing interview script feedback, Ye Zhanyan expressed her irritation at Luo Zhi's involvement, arguing there was no need for an additional person during the preparation phase.

Luo Zhi calmly assured her she was merely there to review the manuscript and wouldn't steal her spotlight. Luo Zhi then demonstrated her extensive knowledge of Mo Dan’s background, including his past interests in art, music, and mechanics, and suggested incorporating his artistic journey into the interview. Sheng Huainan, in turn, proposed focusing on well-known quotes from Mo Dan’s works to help new readers, and then transitioning to the new book’s themes, suggesting a more approachable angle.

Ye Zhanyan wholeheartedly agreed with Sheng Huainan, emphasizing that the event should be engaging for all students, not an academic paper filled with obscure terms. Sheng Huainan, asked for his opinion as host, reiterated the need for thorough preparation but stressed that an interesting and accessible theme was crucial for a new book launch. Ge Bi concurred, emphasizing audience participation. Sheng Huainan then abruptly ended the meeting, advising everyone to prepare separately and use WeChat for communication.

Ge Bi urged Luo Zhi to take the interview draft home and provide professional input, stressing the importance of the event. Luo Zhi took the draft, while Ye Zhanyan, seemingly satisfied, left the student union, followed by Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi. Later that day, a heavy rain began. As Jiang Baili and Luo Zhi's homework flew away in the wind, Luo Zhi saw a message from Sheng Huainan asking if he should pick her up.

Luo Zhi initially thought it was a mistake. Jiang Baili, however, received a message from Ge Bi, inviting her to pick up invitations at the student union, which filled her with a brief moment of hope that he remembered his promise. Jiang Baili encouraged Luo Zhi to seize the opportunity with Sheng Huainan before hurrying off to the student union.

Luo Zhi received another message from Zhang Mingrui, offering to bring her an umbrella as he was already taking one to Xu Riqing. Luo Zhi quickly ran back to her dorm, put on rain boots, packed her white shoes, and messaged Zhang Mingrui, falsely stating she was in her dorm and didn’t need an umbrella. She then messaged Sheng Huainan, falsely claiming to be stranded at a coffee shop due to the rain and asking him to pick her up.

Sheng Huainan immediately replied, promising to be there. Luo Zhi, upon reaching the coffee shop, quickly changed into her white shoes and waited outside. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili arrived at the student union, where Chen Mohan was captivating everyone with a piano performance. Ge Bi proposed a charity fundraiser during the alumni sharing session, with Chen Mohan performing. Jiang Baili was shocked to see Chen Mohan.

Ge Bi questioned who had invited Jiang Baili, and Chen Mohan admitted she had, then instructed Ge Bi to quickly give Jiang Baili the two invitations to get it over with. Jiang Baili took the invitations, thanked Ge Bi, and left quickly, her last hope shattered. Back at the coffee shop, Sheng Huainan arrived with only one umbrella, and Luo Zhi thought he would share it with her. Instead, he handed her a yellow female raincoat.

Luo Zhi immediately recognized it as the same raincoat Ye Zhanyan had worn. In a prior conversation, Ye Zhanyan had given Sheng Huainan the "couple's raincoat" they had once worn, suggesting he use it to test Luo Zhi. Ye Zhanyan had argued that Luo Zhi's repeated presence around Sheng Huainan seemed like deliberately arranged encounters.

The crucial detail was revealed: after Sheng Huainan received Luo Zhi's message about being stranded, he also recalled Zhang Mingrui mentioning that Luo Zhi was in her dorm and didn’t need an umbrella. This blatant contradiction exposed Luo Zhi's lie and solidified Sheng Huainan's resolve to test her. Luo Zhi accepted the raincoat, her heart aching, but she feigned composure and thanked Sheng Huainan, promising to return it.

Episode 19 Recap

In a pouring rain, Luo Zhi felt deeply hurt by Sheng Huainan's obvious test, realizing her lie was exposed. She thought about how Sheng Huainan had come to pick her up with his ex-girlfriend's raincoat, questioning if he knew all her secrets and if he wanted to confirm that their supposed telepathic connection was merely a result of her fifteen years of observing and secretly liking him.

After Luo Zhi walked away in the rain, Sheng Huainan, equally distraught, discarded his umbrella and left in the opposite direction. Luo Zhi found her way to a school balcony, where she moved her secret flower pot. She tried to wipe the words "Sheng Huainan" off the wall, but like the person deeply ingrained in her heart, the marks remained, unyielding to her efforts.

Back in her dorm, Luo Zhi felt like a lost soul, but she would fill herself with various texts, and study diligently, a coping mechanism to prevent herself from falling apart, no matter how riddled with holes her heart was, so that others wouldn't discover her deep-seated pain. She found it unbearable to stop studying even for a moment. In his own dorm, Sheng Huainan sat silently, appearing distraught.

His roommate, noticing his soaked clothes, handed him a towel, but Sheng Huainan covered his face, unable to hide his sorrow, even admitting he hated himself. Later, his roommates tried to cheer him up, offering snacks and games, but he remained listless. They then surprised him with a cake, claiming it was their "500th day of living together," even though he corrected them that it was closer to 400.

Sheng Huainan eventually joined in their playful cake fight, looking more like himself. He admitted he felt unmotivated to do anything, prompting a roommate to directly ask if it was "because of Luo Zhi." In their dorm, Jiang Baili wondered if their "dorm feng shui" was bad, as both she and Luo Zhi were experiencing relationship troubles.

She then revealed that a recent message to her from Ge Bi's phone was actually sent by Chen Mohan, who wanted her to see how she and Ge Bi were inseparable in the student union. Jiang Baili wished she could have taken the invitation from Chen Mohan and slapped it on Ge Bi's face. Jiang Baili contrasted Luo Zhi's "study well" approach with her own "loser" style of crying, eating, and sleeping after a breakup.

Luo Zhi explained that her heart felt empty, and she had to fill it with studying and writing to avoid falling apart. Jiang Baili, seeing Luo Zhi's silent struggle, pulled her into a hug. Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan found themselves repeatedly in the same places—the library, the cafeteria, the basketball court—but they consistently avoided each other.

On one occasion, while walking past the basketball court with Jiang Baili, Luo Zhi involuntarily searched for Sheng Huainan's figure, a habit she'd had since high school. Jiang Baili, noticing Luo Zhi's pensive mood, urged her to return to the dorm to eat instant noodles. Hidden nearby, Sheng Huainan overheard their conversation. He silently apologized to Luo Zhi, admitting he had hurt her but couldn't give up, pondering how one could "sort out" feelings once fallen in love.

Later, Zhang Mingrui met Luo Zhi at the cafeteria, offering her a bread slice, claiming he bought it "on the way." He then invited her to walk dogs with him, explaining it was "physical labor" but "well-paid." Luo Zhi accepted. As they walked the dogs, Zhang Mingrui revealed he was working multiple jobs to save money to buy a gift for Xu Riqing. Luo Zhi encouraged him, promising to join him for future dog-walking jobs.

Zhang Mingrui then took Luo Zhi to his next job in a lab, offering to show her human genes. However, upon seeing Sheng Huainan there, Luo Zhi immediately found an excuse and fled. Zhang Mingrui was confused by their behavior and confronted Sheng Huainan.

He reminded Sheng Huainan that he had been buying Luo Zhi her favorite bread and taking her dog walking at Sheng Huainan's request, because Sheng Huainan was "afraid that Luo Zhi will think too much in the dormitory." Zhang Mingrui demanded an explanation for the awkward atmosphere between them, but Sheng Huainan merely gave him instructions about lab work and a parcel, skillfully avoiding the topic.

Meanwhile, Luo Yang visited Ding Shuijing in the art room and presented her with a book of Modigliani's paintings, knowing it was her favorite artist from a recent exhibition. Ding Shuijing passionately discussed Modigliani's unique style, his pursuit of the subconscious over reality, and how he depicted figures without eyeballs as a form of introspection. Luo Yang agreed, appreciating Modigliani's courage to transcend tradition. Ding Shuijing admitted she had long wanted the book but couldn't afford it.

Luo Yang explained he was helping her because he felt bad she had dropped out of school to retake exams, hoping she would get into a better university. Ding Shuijing dismissed his "reason," suggesting he should paint if he felt inspired. Luo Yang’s blushing face hinted at deeper feelings. Later, Luo Yang attended a "boring seminar" with his fiancée, Chen Jing. He texted Ding Shuijing from the bathroom, but she didn't reply, intending to surprise him.

When she entered the seminar hall, she saw Chen Jing introducing Luo Yang to a professor as a "die-hard fan" and a highly honest art teacher at Zhenhua High School, hoping the professor could help him become a "museum director" or "gallery manager." Luo Yang was visibly upset, telling Chen Jing that the seminar had no meaning for his art and that she had lied about him being a fan.

He valued the fulfillment and happiness he found teaching high school students and their uninhibited creativity, which he felt was much better than "climbing the social ladder." Chen Jing argued that he deserved "a better life" and that her actions, as his fiancée, were "for our own good" to plan for their future, mentioning buying a "new house" and "new car." Luo Yang responded firmly that this was "the life you want, not mine."

Chen Jing apologized, offered to find another professor, and insisted he follow her advice for a better future, reminding him they had "wedding photos" in Xiamen tomorrow. Ge Bi was having dinner with Chen Mohan. Earlier, while Chen Mohan was practicing piano, she saw a message from Jiang Baili on Ge Bi's phone and became angry. Ge Bi immediately apologized and promised to delete and "block" Jiang Baili, as encouraged by another friend.

At the restaurant, Ge Bi tried to appease Chen Mohan by cutting meat for her, apologizing for interrupting her practice. Chen Mohan accepted the meat and, after tasting it, requested to be fed again, playfully calling him a "single dog." Ge Bi became distracted, recalling the first time he saw Chen Mohan playing the cello under the "spotlight," describing her as beautiful as a goddess.

Chen Mohan coldly stated she didn't like "meaningless recollections" and only remembered being interrupted during her first performance. In a vivid flashback to the same restaurant, Ge Bi remembered celebrating his birthday with Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili, despite having eaten earlier, insisted Ge Bi order whatever he liked, including a "2608 yuan" set meal.

She then pretended not to be hungry but devoured the meat Ge Bi fed her, exclaiming how "delicious" it was and that her "tongue was so happy." She wished him a happy birthday and hoped to celebrate with him again next year. Back in their dorm, Jiang Baili was enthusiastically trying on various dresses for an upcoming alumni sharing session. She consulted Luo Zhi, who, though busy, helped her choose.

Jiang Baili ended up buying several outfits, joking that she would have to live on "bread" for the next two months because of the cost. She then considered a "backless" dress, calling the event a "battlefield where women must never admit defeat," and playfully tried to put an "eye mask" on Luo Zhi.

Episode 20 Recap

Jiang Baili, preparing for a new symposium, went shopping to ensure she looked her best when appearing alongside Ge Bi and Chen Mohan. Ge Bi, though perhaps already harboring feelings for Jiang Baili and accustomed to her constant presence, remained deeply fixated on a past, unattainable love, which left him feeling lost. During a dinner with Chen Mohan, Ge Bi was mostly silent, reduced to merely trying to please her.

Meanwhile, Luo Yang and Chen Jing were taking their wedding photos. What should have been a joyful occasion felt mechanical, with Luo Yang reluctantly posing and even withholding a kiss for Chen Jing. While Luo Yang was away, Ding Shuijing, who had been observing them, approached Chen Jing. Ding Shuijing, confident in her understanding of Luo Yang, asserted that he was unhappy with Chen Jing and that their union was a mutual burden.

Chen Jing, who had been with Luo Yang for five years and supported him through his lowest points, desired a stable life and thought practically. Ding Shuijing, in her youth, was ready to pursue dreams with Luo Yang, regardless of the consequences. Feeling a profound sense of defeat in front of Ding Shuijing, Chen Jing had to admit that Ding Shuijing was more appealing to men, a realization that cast a shadow over her special day.

Later, in Xiamen, Luo Zhi, her brother Luo Yang, and Chen Jing had lunch together, showcasing Luo Zhi and Chen Jing's close relationship. Ding Shuijing, who had been watching from a distance, felt out of place. Luo Zhi, Luo Yang, and Chen Jing took photos, and Luo Zhi noticed Ding Shuijing in the background of one of them. Chen Jing then excused herself to the restroom, with Luo Zhi following close behind.

There, Ding Shuijing directly confronted Luo Zhi, expressing surprise at Luo Zhi's brief "wish you success" and questioning her aloofness towards a classmate of three years. Luo Zhi advised Ding Shuijing to focus on getting into a good art school. Ding Shuijing then threatened Luo Zhi, claiming to know many of her secrets. When Luo Zhi found Chen Jing, whose face was pale, she asked if Chen Jing knew the girl who had just left. Chen Jing nervously denied it.

Ding Shuijing then met Luo Yang, who was glad to see her but explained it wasn't a good time with his fiancée and sister present. Ding Shuijing explained she was in Xiamen for art research and requested to continue using Zhenhua's art classroom for a few more days, as she hadn't found a new studio. Luo Yang, perhaps without realizing it, felt a sense of loss.

After Ding Shuijing left, Luo Zhi saw a flyer in Luo Yang's hand that was identical to one Ding Shuijing had. Chen Jing offered to take Luo Zhi back to school, saying Luo Yang was busy. Once they were in the elevator, Chen Jing confessed that she had lied, admitting she knew Ding Shuijing, who was Luo Yang's junior from Dongjiang University. Luo Zhi finally understood why Ding Shuijing had sent her so many messages since college.

Chen Jing, feeling insecure, confessed that she felt Ding Shuijing was a charming and challenging woman, but still believed her brother was faithful. Luo Zhi, considering Chen Jing her sister-in-law, promised to talk to Luo Yang. Luo Yang then brought a sandwich and salad to Ding Shuijing, hoping for a picnic. Ding Shuijing refused to eat, stating that Luo Yang was unhappy with Chen Jing and merely acting as an obedient puppet.

Luo Yang advised her to focus on her studies and art. Ding Shuijing pressed further, questioning why he was marrying Chen Jing as a form of repayment, when he clearly didn't love her and was suppressing his desire to paint. She accused him of not daring to tell Chen Jing the truth. Luo Yang tried to change the subject, offering to buy coffee.

Ding Shuijing, rejecting his food and company, called him "boring" and "tasteless" before leaving, though she then joked that she was only teasing and urged him to cherish his remaining time alone before marriage. Luo Yang was left lamenting that Chen Jing found him too casual and Ding Shuijing found him tasteless. Back in the dorm, Li Mi returned to find Jiang Baili teasing Luo Zhi with a bra, with Guo Xiaoxiao also present.

After Guo Xiaoxiao went to shower, Luo Zhi, engrossed in editing Mr. Mo Shan's interview draft, threatened to withhold her notes and homework if they bothered her, sending them away. Jiang Baili felt it was unfair that Luo Zhi was doing all the work when Ye Zhanyan would get the credit. Li Mi then discovered the student union's promotional webpage for the symposium, which listed Luo Zhi's name but featured only Ye Zhanyan's photo, placed prominently beside Sheng Huainan's.

Jiang Baili, incensed, declared Luo Zhi to be the superior choice as host. However, Luo Zhi calmly stated she was content simply to participate and hear Mr. Mo Shan discuss his creative philosophy. Later, Sheng Huainan's roommates, led by Lei Tian, recorded a comical birthday video for Tang Wen, surprising a delivery person with their costumes. Sheng Huainan received a package containing a photo album.

As he looked through pictures of Luo Zhi from high school, he reflected that he had no memories of her from that time and wondered if it was too late to fill that void. Ding Shuijing sent another message to Luo Zhi, reiterating that she knew many of Luo Zhi's secrets.

Luo Zhi replied, saying she wasn't interested in what Ding Shuijing knew or hid, and urged her to face herself honestly and focus on her passion, emphasizing that art reflects the creator's inner world. She reminded Ding Shuijing of the painting she did for the school celebration, a work Luo Zhi had admired, and encouraged her to pursue what she loved without regret.

Ding Shuijing recalled that it was Luo Zhi who had given that first painting its beautiful name, "Zhenhua's Early Spring." Ye Zhanyan approached Ding Shuijing, asking about a message she'd asked her to pass to Sheng Huainan. Ding Shuijing recounted telling Sheng Huainan about Ye Zhanyan's breakup letter and necklace being thrown away by Luo Zhi, but Sheng Huainan hadn't believed it.

Ye Zhanyan then admitted she had shown Sheng Huainan the old news about their families' past conflicts to expose Luo Zhi's supposed "scheming." She noted that Sheng Huainan had since distanced himself from Luo Zhi but also stopped contacting her. Ding Shuijing expressed doubt that Luo Zhi was scheming, but Ye Zhanyan insisted Luo Zhi was trying to get involved in the symposium.

Ye Zhanyan then asked Ding Shuijing to help her devise new ways to make Luo Zhi give up on Sheng Huainan. Ding Shuijing responded that "this game is boring," and accused Ye Zhanyan of stooping to using Luo Zhi's family's past tragedy against her. She held up her phone, telling Ye Zhanyan to "look at yourself," saying she no longer resembled the confident and passionate Ye Zhanyan she once admired.

Despite this, Ye Zhanyan, consumed by her hatred for Luo Zhi, ignored Ding Shuijing's words. Luo Zhi then went to the student union and handed Liu Jing a USB drive containing her suggestions for the Mo Shan symposium interview draft, asking her to pass it to Ge Bi. After Luo Zhi left, Ye Zhanyan questioned Liu Jing about Luo Zhi's visit and then took the USB drive, claiming that she was in charge of the symposium interview.

Luo Zhi later arrived at the cafeteria, where she found Zhang Rui already queuing for her favorite food. Zhang Rui playfully teased her about her love for a particular biscuit, then invited her to watch him play basketball, mentioning that Sheng Huainan was not on campus. Zhang Rui often took Luo Zhi for walks when he walked dogs for his part-time job, trying to distract her from overthinking.

These gestures, from buying her favorite food to taking her for walks, were actually at Sheng Huainan's indirect request, as he cared for Luo Zhi but was unwilling to approach her directly. Sheng Huainan, meanwhile, was still dwelling on the photo album, reflecting on his high school years, lamenting that he hadn't noticed Luo Zhi's existence then and wondering if it was too late to make up for lost time.

Episode 21 Recap

Luo Zhi sat on the bleachers watching her classmates play basketball, a familiar habit from high school, even though Sheng Huainan, the person she once eagerly watched, was no longer among the players. She recalled a time in high school when a basketball had accidentally hit her, presenting a chance to connect with Sheng Huainan, but her shyness had made her flee. Suddenly, another basketball flew her way, but Zhang Mingrui quickly intercepted it before it could hit her.

He then sat down beside her, sharing his recent dating woes with Xu Riqing. Zhang Mingrui admitted that while having a crush was easy, actual interaction with Xu Riqing left him feeling exhausted and powerless due to their differing interests. He described it as a "beauty in the distance of a crush," where idealizing someone from afar makes it difficult to reconcile with their true self when close.

He felt a vast gap between them, like a designer bag versus a cheap street stall item, and that her desired birthday gifts required extensive part-time work for him to afford. Luo Zhi advised him that understanding can be cultivated, as no one is naturally compatible.

Zhang Mingrui then suggested a new part-time job for Luo Zhi: an English tour guide and translator for his professor's foreign friends visiting Gulangyu Island, noting Luo Zhi’s recent trip there and excellent English skills. As Luo Zhi considered this, she saw a crystal swan necklace on display, which brought back memories of a similar crystal swan necklace she had once admired.

Her mother had offered to buy it when it was on sale, but Luo Zhi, not wanting her mother to spend lavishly, had made an excuse and pulled her away. She also remembered Ye Zhan Yan proudly showing off a similar necklace given to her by Sheng Huainan, reinforcing Luo Zhi's long-held feeling that she and Sheng Huainan were never meant to be. Sheng Huainan eventually followed Luo Zhi, who was visibly upset, asking why he was trailing her.

Luo Zhi retorted, questioning his sudden interest in her financial situation, sarcastically suggesting he was a "rich young man" investigating common folk’s living standards. She then challenged his expectation for her to explain herself while he offered no explanations for his own actions or prolonged absences. Sheng Huainan then directly asked if she liked him, revealing that Ye Zhan Yan and Shui Jing had shown him her high school diary, which he had learned about after their trip to Dreamland.

He accused her of observing him and collecting information to create an illusion of a deep connection, all to make him like her. Luo Zhi found his perspective ridiculous. He pressed her further, asking why it was him, given their lack of interaction in high school and college. Luo Zhi, with a surge of emotion, confessed that in her "dark and difficult youth," he was her "only light," and that the reason was simple: "Because you are Sheng Huainan."

Sheng Huainan interpreted this as her having a hidden agenda, yet assured her she didn't need to resort to such means, as he would accept her feelings openly. Luo Zhi, however, declared it her choice and freedom, having nothing to do with him. Sheng Huainan expressed how her actions had made him care, and now her dismissal of their connection felt like a betrayal.

He referenced Ye Zhan Yan's claim that Luo Zhi had thrown away the breakup letter and necklace, a claim he hadn't believed but now left him unable to discern her true self, asking how many lies she had hidden. He then accused her of retaliating for him standing her up for a planned visit by using Ye Zhan Yan's raincoat.

Though he admitted his impulsiveness regarding the raincoat, he pressed her to answer if any of her actions towards him were sincere. Luo Zhi, hurt by his distrust, finally revealed her truth: since high school, she had always viewed him as a goal to surpass and had loved and pursued everything about him.

She admitted that all the "coincidences," such as their shared preferences, were her carefully crafted lies, but these lies were what allowed her to gradually get closer to him. She then declared, "Sheng Huainan, I like you. This is my only sincerity. Do you believe me? Are you satisfied?" With that confession, Luo Zhi felt her most precious, years-long secret had been "trampled" and her "confession" was nothing more than "torture."

She recalled his past question about whether they were friends, and her hope that he would be the one to show her how to stop the pain. She then rushed into a hair salon. She thought to herself that she had kept her long hair for him and her years of secret love, but now that the humble secret love was over, there was no need to hold on to it anymore.

A heavy rain began to fall as Luo Zhi ran from the salon, her tears mixing with the rain. She ran around the track field, constantly venting her emotions until she collapsed. Unseen, Sheng Huainan sat in the downpour, lost in thought, until his mother found him and urged him inside, worried for his health and offering to help with anything. Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui, worried after receiving a brief thank-you message from Luo Zhi, realized he couldn't reach her.

He called Jiang Baili, and together they frantically searched the campus. They eventually found Luo Zhi collapsed and unconscious on the track field and rushed her to the hospital. Luo Zhi woke up the next day, disoriented, asking about the time and her tutoring commitments. Jiang Baili reassured her that she had handled everything, calling in sick and telling Luo Zhi's mother she was in the shower. Jiang Baili then asked if Sheng Huainan had hurt her again.

Luo Zhi recounted the "torture" of their confrontation, revealing that Sheng Huainan knew of her lies, leaving her without even her "most humble crush." Luo Zhi began to doubt herself, hating the person she was when she had deceived Sheng Huainan in her youth. Jiang Baili tried to comfort her by humorously recalling Luo Zhi's less-than-glamorous dorm habits and teeth-grinding.

Unbeknownst to them, Zhang Mingrui, who had gone to get them breakfast, overheard part of their conversation from outside the room. Later, Sheng Huainan’s aunt, Zhu Yan, visited Luo Zhi in the hospital with her children, Jack and Tiffany. The children presented Luo Zhi with handmade cards and flowers, though Zhu Yan gently reminded them that flowers were not allowed in the hospital due to pollen.

The children also brought fish soup, claiming it made one smarter, to which Zhu Yan interjected that Luo Zhi needed chicken soup for energy. After sending the children off with her driver, Zhu Yan asked Luo Zhi what had happened, recalling Luo Zhi's previous mention of Sheng Huainan. Luo Zhi confided in Zhu Yan about her "unromantic confession," Sheng Huainan’s knowledge of her lies, and her inability to distinguish her true feelings from her calculated actions.

She felt the sweetness of their past interactions was now unreal, attributing the deception to herself. Zhu Yan empathized, stating that Luo Zhi's illness was a sign her heart could no longer bear the strain. She advised Luo Zhi not to despise her past self, as that youthful, loving self represented a precious and unrepeatable part of her life.

Separately, Sheng Huainan's mother continued to press him about his future, suggesting he either go to London for studies or join his father's company. She directly questioned if he was serious about "Luo's daughter." Sheng Huainan received an urgent phone call from Ge Bi, informing him that Mr. Mo Dan's agent found their seminar manuscript too superficial and ill-informed about the author’s work, demanding immediate revisions. Ge Bi expressed concern that the symposium would be jeopardized.

Sheng Huainan decided to return to school at once. Before leaving, he firmly told his mother not to interfere in his love life, declaring it his "bottom line." At the student union, Sheng Huainan found Ge Bi frantic, complaining that Chen Yongle had gone missing and was only looking out for his own future. With the symposium widely advertised and important guests invited, its failure would ruin the student union's reputation.

Sheng Huainan immediately proposed rewriting the interview manuscript, and Ge Bi, realizing Luo Zhi was the only one with the necessary expertise, suggested they seek her help. Luo Zhi, meanwhile, was preparing for discharge. She instructed Zhang Mingrui not to tell Sheng Huainan about her hospitalization, and he agreed, understanding their strained relationship. While Zhang Mingrui went to buy food, Luo Zhi called her mother.

Her mother spoke of buying Luo Zhi's favorite potatoes and tomatoes, feeling happy imagining her daughter at home, even though Luo Zhi wasn't there to eat them. Luo Zhi suggested they have a video call to share a meal together. Her mother, sensing something was amiss in Luo Zhi's voice, asked if she was hiding anything.

Luo Zhi denied it, claiming to be in the library and unable to speak loudly, but her mother urged her not to keep things bottled up, assuring her that despite the distance, her heart was always with her daughter.

Episode 22 Recap

Since her father's passing, Luo Zhi has lived a difficult life, relying solely on her mother. Now that Luo Zhi is older, her mother regrets raising her to be too sensible, making her cautious in everything she does. Luo Zhi's mother called her, expressing how much she missed her, even buying Luo Zhi's favorite foods and imagining they were eating together.

She sensed something was wrong with Luo Zhi and urged her not to keep things to herself, regretting that she had made Luo Zhi too careful. Luo Zhi reassured her mother that she was fine and would return home after her IELTS exam, but she cried after the call. Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan and Ge Bi were in a bind over a rejected interview script for a talk show featuring Mr. Mo Shan.

Liu Jing informed them that Luo Zhi had previously submitted a USB drive with interview suggestions, but Ye Zhan Yan had taken it. Ge Bi tried to call Luo Zhi, but couldn't reach her, so he called Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili then revealed that Luo Zhi was hospitalized and had nearly developed pneumonia. Hearing this, Sheng Huainan immediately rushed out of the Student Union building, his concern evident. At the hospital, Zhang Mingrui arrived with popping candy.

He playfully fed it to Luo Zhi, recalling how his mother used to give it to him to ease stomachaches. His efforts cheered Luo Zhi up. Later that afternoon, as Jiang Baili and Zhang Mingrui were escorting Luo Zhi out of the hospital, Sheng Huainan and Ge Bi arrived at the entrance. Luo Zhi tried to avoid Sheng Huainan, claiming their car was too crowded.

Zhang Mingrui, making an excuse about needing to buy things for Xu Ri Qing, quickly left. When Luo Zhi still insisted on taking a taxi, Sheng Huainan, without a word, scooped her up and carried her into their car. Inside the car, Sheng Huainan, sitting in the passenger seat, adjusted the rearview mirror to keep an eye on Luo Zhi.

He also instructed Ge Bi not to turn on the air conditioning because Luo Zhi was a patient and played music, but Luo Zhi found it too noisy, so he turned it off. Ge Bi then broached the topic of the rejected Mo Shan interview script, urgently asking Luo Zhi for help. He falsely claimed they had already incorporated her previous suggestions but still needed her expertise. Sheng Huainan supported this fabrication.

Jiang Baili, despite her lingering resentment towards Sheng Huainan for Luo Zhi's recent illness, urged Luo Zhi to help Ge Bi for her sake. Luo Zhi, unable to refuse Jiang Baili, agreed to assist. Upon returning to the Student Union, Luo Zhi reviewed the rejected script. She discovered that none of her valuable suggestions had been adopted.

She learned that Ye Zhan Yan had taken her USB drive and independently revised the script, filling it with superficial and overly private questions that led to Mr. Mo Shan's refusal. While Luo Zhi worked, Jiang Baili helped Ge Bi organize materials, leaving Sheng Huainan an opportunity to be alone with Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan approached Luo Zhi, asking about her new short haircut. She coldly retorted, "None of your business."

He then offered her a glass of water, but she remained distant and unresponsive. Later, Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili returned to their dorm to find Zhang Mingrui waiting at the door. He delivered medicine, bread, and popping candy, reminding Luo Zhi to take her medication on time before he left. Jiang Baili, seeing Zhang Mingrui's attentive care, questioned Luo Zhi about his intentions, suggesting he might be interested in her, not Xu Ri Qing.

Jiang Baili even mused that Zhang Mingrui's personality might be a better fit for Luo Zhi than Sheng Huainan's, criticizing Sheng Huainan as arrogant and mysterious, and a demanding boyfriend who often disappears. Luo Zhi dismissed the idea, asserting that Zhang Mingrui liked Xu Ri Qing.

That evening, Li Mi also brought Luo Zhi a tonic, saying someone specifically requested it for her, and warned Jiang Baili that many students were already camping out for Mo Shan's symposium tickets, which would be issued the next day.

While Jiang Baili and Li Mi set up their tent for the ticket line, Ge Bi called Jiang Baili, desperate for her to find backup copies of the past two years' Student Union account documents, which he had lost, fearing disciplinary action from the teacher from the Youth League Committee. Jiang Baili rushed to the Student Union, where she witnessed Ge Bi being scolded.

She found that the electronic accounts were even deleted from her own computer, so she decided to help him. Noticing Jiang Baili's distress, Luo Zhi called Zhang Mingrui, who confirmed Ge Bi's predicament. In the Student Union office, Ge Bi struggled with the accounts, hampered by some junior students. Sheng Huainan intervened, sending the junior students away.

Ge Bi lamented that Jiang Baili used to handle all his accounts and he felt awkward asking her for help now that they'd broken up. Jiang Baili then arrived, offering to compile the two years of accounts herself overnight. Sheng Huainan suggested she might need help, and she revealed Luo Zhi, her "best assistant," was also coming. Luo Zhi clarified that she was helping for Jiang Baili's sake and her love for Mr. Mo Shan's work.

Despite Sheng Huainan's concern for Luo Zhi’s health, she insisted on working on the accounts with Jiang Baili in their tent at the ticket line. Later that night, as Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili worked on the accounts in their tent, Ge Bi and Sheng Huainan arrived uninvited. Luo Zhi tried to distance herself from Sheng Huainan in the cramped space.

Sheng Huainan noticed Luo Zhi had a mosquito bite and offered her mosquito repellent, which he had brought along with drinks. He initially offered her a coke, but seeing her cold expression, he quickly switched it to afternoon tea, knowing her preference. Ge Bi received a call from Chen Mohan, who wanted him to attend rehearsal. He politely declined, citing the urgent account work.

Sheng Huainan then orchestrated a plan to get Ge Bi and Jiang Baili out of the tent, suggesting they buy snacks for everyone, and insisting Ge Bi needed help carrying everything, thus pushing Jiang Baili to go with him. Alone with Luo Zhi, Sheng Huainan actively expressed concern for her health, asking if her fever had truly subsided and if she had taken her medicine.

Luo Zhi coldly stated they weren't in any special relationship and there was no need for such concern. Sheng Huainan, in a newfound domineering manner, declared that since she was helping him, he had an obligation to ensure her health. He placed a sleeping bag over her and told her to drink more hot water. Luo Zhi observed that their roles had subtly shifted, with Sheng Huainan now actively pursuing her, no longer content with her quiet understanding.

Episode 23 Recap

Ge Bi and Jiang Baili playfully chased each other on their way to buy late-night snacks, with Ge Bi teasing Jiang Baili about her height. Jiang Baili caught him and playfully hit his head. Ge Bi then remarked on her surprising speed, comparing it to "last time." This innocent comment, however, instantly dissolved their cheerful mood, as it reminded them of a painful past breakup when Ge Bi had told Jiang Baili to "give up" and "end it now."

The lightheartedness vanished, replaced by an awkward distance, as they politely offered to go buy the snacks alone before ultimately deciding to go together. Meanwhile, with the project accounts still being sorted, Luo Zhi felt the need to stretch her legs and stepped out of the tent. Sheng Huainan immediately followed her, expressing concern for her lingering fever, which she had tried to conceal.

When he offered to take her for a check-up, Luo Zhi firmly stated that since they had no special relationship, there was no need for such warm concern. Sheng Huainan, asserting his obligation to ensure her well-being while she was helping, became unusually overbearing, insisting she drink hot water. Luo Zhi found his current demeanor strange, noting he hadn't been this way before.

She refused his implicit invitation to move closer in the tent, choosing instead to go for a walk outside. When Sheng Huainan again tried to open a conversation, Luo Zhi preemptively asked if he wanted her to confess the details of her past crush or clarify which of her words were "scheming and tricks." Sheng Huainan clarified that he only wished for them to resume their "comfortable and natural interactions" of the past.

Luo Zhi apologetically yet unequivocally refused, stating, "We can't go back." She explained that what he considered "ease and chat" felt like "dancing on knife-edges" to her. Since he already knew her true feelings, she felt there was nothing left to say between them, emphasizing these were her "sincere words, not lies." Sheng Huainan's past actions had deeply wounded her, leaving a lasting mark, and she clearly no longer held any illusions or expectations for their relationship.

After working through the night, the project accounts were finally completed. Sheng Huainan praised Luo Zhi's meticulous work, calling it well-organized and easy to understand. While Luo Zhi woke up a pretending-to-be-asleep Jiang Baili, Sheng Huainan and Ge Bi went to present the accounts to their teacher. Predictably, Chen Yongle, the student union president, took all the credit for the successful accounts and the smooth preparations for Mo Dan's upcoming seminar, dismissing Ge Bi's complaints about his shamelessness.

When Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili came to return the sleeping bags, Chen Yongle also lauded them as "great contributors." As a reward for their hard work, Sheng Huainan gave Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili two VIP tickets to Mo Dan's seminar, explaining that two reserved guest seats had become available. He emphasized to Luo Zhi that the interview draft for the seminar had been prepared by her, so the ticket "originally belonged to her."

Jiang Baili thanked them, also confirming she was fine after being caught in the rain previously. Back at her dorm, Luo Zhi saw the freshly cleaned yellow raincoat in her drawer. She decided to return it, taking it with her while going to return books at the library, where she coincidentally encountered Sheng Huainan. Without hesitation, she handed him the raincoat, remarking that she had washed it.

Sheng Huainan called out to her, apologizing for "being wrong" after their previous encounter, reflecting on how he seemed to always be apologizing to her, as if he owed her a great deal. Luo Zhi, however, questioned his sincerity, noting that he always offered apologies without ever explaining his inconsistent behavior. She admitted she had wanted to ask for an explanation but he remained silent.

Sheng Huainan then expressed a belief that no matter what he did, she would understand him. Luo Zhi responded by acknowledging that he had never physically harmed her or said overly harsh words, but his actions had simply made her "very sad." When he offered another apology without explanation, she stated she wouldn't ask further.

She then defended herself, admitting to having lied to him, but clarifying that these lies were only to maintain her "illusion and balance," and that she had "never done anything unethical, not a single thing." Luo Zhi then turned and walked away. Watching her leave, Sheng Huainan felt a profound sense of understanding, realizing how many times she must have watched his back while he walked away, completely unaware of her feelings.

He longed to chase after her and apologize again for the pain he caused, promising to protect her heart, but knew that simple apologies were not what she truly desired. Jiang Baili and Luo Zhi used their VIP tickets to enter Mo Dan's new book seminar. Backstage, a staff member informed Ye Zhanyan that Mo Dan was very disappointed.

Ge Bi, Sheng Huainan, and Chen Yongle confronted her, learning that Mo Dan, initially pleased with the interview draft, had asked Ye Zhanyan several in-depth questions about his extensive bibliography and personal background which she couldn't answer, having only read his new and recent works. Sheng Huainan criticized her lack of preparation and failure to grasp Mo Dan's background.

Mo Dan's agent had emphasized that for his first Asian book launch, he sought a truly in-depth discussion, not a superficial interview, to inspire young people. Chen Yongle quickly realized Ye Zhanyan was no longer suitable to host. Despite Ye Zhanyan's indignant protests, Sheng Huainan and Ge Bi proposed Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan argued that Luo Zhi, with her quick wit and his support, could handle it, also reminding Ye Zhanyan that she had previously ignored Luo Zhi's valuable advice.

To buy time, Chen Mohan performed a Bach aria. During this, Jiang Baili expressed admiration for Chen Mohan's stage presence, wishing she were as charming. Luo Zhi, however, reassured her friend, praising Jiang Baili's resilience, wit, and capacity for both playfulness and deep conversations, saying that if she were a man, she would definitely choose a woman like Jiang Baili, as life with her would never be boring.

Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan secured Mo Dan's approval to change the host, explaining that Luo Zhi was the actual author of the impressive interview draft. Ge Bi then secretly approached Luo Zhi, urgently pleading for her to host the seminar, with Jiang Baili echoing his request. Luo Zhi, motivated purely by her admiration for Mo Dan and a desire for him to have a positive experience at Sida, ultimately agreed.

Chen Yongle expressed immense relief upon hearing the news, stating that his presidency could now end without infamy. Surprising everyone, Ye Zhanyan put aside her personal feelings. She took Luo Zhi aside and, after declaring that Luo Zhi's unkempt appearance would shame the university, meticulously did her makeup. She then, to ensure Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan matched on stage, gave them both formal outfits she had originally prepared for herself.

This was a significant moment for Ye Zhanyan, as she willingly sent her perceived rival to stand by Sheng Huainan, watching them walk onto the stage together, lamenting that "that position was originally mine." At the seminar, Mo Dan expressed his pleasure at being interviewed by Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi. Luo Zhi delivered a captivating introduction for Mo Dan's new book, "The Albatross of the Southern Cross," a love story that deviated from his usual crime novels.

She confessed to falling in love with him all over again for this new direction, a statement that garnered cheers from the audience, who even declared she had "defeated Sheng Huainan" and called for her continued success. Luo Zhi continued by explaining how the book "exposes the true and false love in the human world," drawing parallels to the albatross's exceptional loyalty in love, flying thousands of kilometers only to return to its mate.

She highlighted how the book's albatross, while loyal, also maintained its individuality and pursued its solitary path, unconstrained by worldly norms, with only the Southern Cross as its lifelong pursuit. She then subtly critiqued the "ambiguous tricks" found in human relationships, contrasting them with the albatross's honesty. Mo Dan agreed that such ideal love was "going extinct" and encouraged everyone to be their own "Southern Cross," bravely exploring the world.

Sheng Huainan interjected with a romantic interpretation of the albatross's lonely journey, while Luo Zhi, seizing the moment, offered advice to female students "overly obsessed with scumbags" who "still hold illusions," asserting that the book would free them. Jiang Baili enthusiastically cheered her on. Mo Dan then posed questions to both interviewers about their understanding of love after reading his book.

Luo Zhi interpreted love as a "suspense novel without murder or corpses," where one constantly guesses at affection, only knowing the truth at the very end. Sheng Huainan spoke of the albatross's flight as a "lofty ambition" and "self-discovery," a search for a soulmate that gives life meaning, even if it might be mocked. Mo Dan wished for Sheng Huainan's "flight to land soon" and for him to find his "true destiny."

The seminar concluded successfully, with Mo Dan expressing immense satisfaction with the excellent performance of Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi. Back in their dorm, Jiang Baili, Li Mi, and Guo Xiaoxiao celebrated Luo Zhi's success, excitedly telling her she was the top trending topic at Sida. Jiang Baili recounted the backstage drama, humorously declaring Ye Zhanyan "inferior" and praising Luo Zhi's wisdom and beauty.

Luo Zhi, however, preferred a quiet celebration with her friends, revealing she had declined the official student union gathering. They toasted to Luo Zhi, calling her the "Goddess of Sida." Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan, drinking with Zhuo Chen, expressed her disbelief at her own generosity, lamenting that she had prepared her "love rival" and sent her to stand by Sheng Huainan, watching them leave together, a position she felt was rightfully hers.

Episode 24 Recap

Ye Zhanyan struggled to comprehend how she had allowed Luo Zhi to claim all the attention, praise, and most importantly, Sheng Huainan. Yet, reflecting on it, she realized she would make the same choice again. She regretted the effort she had put into preparing a Chinese translation of Baudelaire's poem "The Albatross" from "Flowers of Evil", which she had intended to recite on stage but now had no opportunity to do so.

Zhuo Chen, a science student more accustomed to solving equations, found the only way to help was to lead Ye Zhanyan to the platform in front of the track, urging her to imagine it as her stage. Despite her initial impression of his gesture as childish, Ye Zhanyan found Zhuo Chen's presence uniquely special. When Zhuo Chen began to recite the beautiful poem in a flat, emotionless tone, like a mathematical formula, Ye Zhanyan turned around.

Bathed in the light from behind, she appeared pure and beautiful, captivating Zhuo Chen's gaze. After her own heartfelt recitation, she received genuine applause from the students watching, lifting her spirits. Following the symposium, Zhang Mingrui apologized to Sheng Huainan for missing the event due to work. Sheng Huainan, however, assured him that a replay was available online.

Sheng Huainan then expressed his admiration for Luo Zhi's selfless dedication to the student union, acknowledging her deep affection for Professor Mo Dan's work. Seeing through his words, Zhang Mingrui pressed Sheng Huainan about his feelings for Luo Zhi, to which Sheng Huainan implicitly admitted his fondness. Zhang Mingrui playfully chided Sheng Huainan for his overly rational approach to love, comparing him to a character in an idol drama who was too concerned with "saving face."

Sheng Huainan conceded that he had been "a bastard" recently and offered to let Zhang Mingrui vent his frustrations. Zhang Mingrui, in turn, advised Sheng Huainan to be more proactive, seizing the moment while Luo Zhi's feelings for him were still strong. Later, Jiang Baili showed Luo Zhi a trending online discussion about the symposium, complete with numerous photos and posts featuring Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan.

Although Luo Zhi feigned disinterest, she was secretly pleased when Jiang Baili presented her with an edited photo, removing Professor Mo Dan to create an exclusive image of Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan, framed by a heart. Luo Zhi asked for both the original and edited versions. Squeezing onto Luo Zhi's bed, Jiang Baili then admired pictures of Gobi, crediting Luo Zhi for stepping in and saving Gobi from embarrassment.

Luo Zhi, in turn, thanked Jiang Baili for recommending her to the student union, which had given her the opportunity to share the stage with Professor Mo Dan and Sheng Huainan. They both reflected on their recent heartbreaks but found joy in their shared happiness. Sheng Huainan invited Luo Zhi to the library, but she declined, stating she needed to make final preparations for her IELTS exam the following day.

Luo Zhi then teased Sheng Huainan, blaming him for Zheng Wenrui's absence from law class after his actions inadvertently led to Zheng Wenrui being disciplined by the professor. Sheng Huainan felt it was unfair to place the blame on him. Luo Zhi then departed on her bicycle. Zhang Mingrui, observing Sheng Huainan's lingering gaze, commented on how the tables had turned, with Sheng Huainan now experiencing the pain of watching Luo Zhi walk away.

He urged Sheng Huainan to pursue Luo Zhi while her feelings still remained. After her IELTS exam, Luo Zhi met Jiang Baili, confident about her performance. She shared an anecdote about a well-off girl in line who worried about not scoring above six, contrasting it with her own anticipated score of seven. Luo Zhi expressed that she felt no envy.

Jiang Baili, using tarot cards, confirmed Luo Zhi's success, interpreting the "Queen" card as a sign that her efforts would yield satisfying results. To celebrate Luo Zhi's recovery and the completion of her exam, Zhang Mingrui treated them to ice cream. Later that night, Sheng Huainan and his roommates discussed the mating habits of albatrosses during a quiz game, noting their loyalty and prudence in choosing their mates, before the dorm lights out.

The next day, Luo Zhi, with her luggage, took a taxi home to Harbin, declining a new invitation from Zhang Mingrui for Christmas Eve, as she already had plans. She received joyful messages from her mother and cousin, Luoyang. Sheng Huainan called Luo Zhi, hoping to invite her out, but was disappointed to learn she had made other arrangements.

Meanwhile, at the university, Sheng Huainan, after carefully grooming himself and even applying moisturizer, woke his roommates, mistakenly believing it was a weekday and they were late for an experimental class. They corrected him, reminding him it was Saturday. Sheng Huainan's roommates teased him about his elaborate preparations, correctly guessing he was getting ready for the student union's celebration party and hoping to impress Luo Zhi. His friends pledged to help him in his pursuit.

Sheng Huainan and his three roommates arrived at the celebration venue an hour early, striking "Terminator" poses with sunglasses, eagerly anticipating Luo Zhi's arrival. However, Gobi, leading other student union members, informed them that Luo Zhi had a prior engagement and would not be attending, adding that she had sent the message only to him. Sheng Huainan was visibly disappointed, worrying that Luo Zhi was intentionally avoiding him.

His friends tried to console him, reminding him that love often involves waiting and persistence, and that they needed to eat to gain strength for the long journey ahead. Inside the celebration, the atmosphere felt unusual. Zhang Mingrui revealed that Gobi and Chen Yongle, the student union president, had a major disagreement after the symposium, with accusations exchanged regarding preparation and responsibility. Sheng Huainan's mood remained low, lamenting that the celebration felt incomplete without Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili.

Gobi then mentioned that Chen Mohan would also be arriving, adding that he couldn't have his ex (Jiang Baili) and current (Chen Mohan) girlfriends meet. Sheng Huainan reminded Gobi that Jiang Baili had helped voluntarily and wasn't his girlfriend, implying that bringing Chen Mohan to an event where Jiang Baili might appear was insensitive. Gobi promised to thank Jiang Baili privately. Gobi then questioned Sheng Huainan, asking why he cared so much about Luo Zhi, as she was not "his."

Back home, Luo Zhi was in her room, looking at postcards. Her mother expressed concern, noticing she seemed less cheerful than on her previous visit, and asked if everything was alright at school. Luo Zhi assured her mother she was fine and gently urged her to rest, reminding her that she needed to visit her father the next day.

Luo Zhi’s mother mentioned that her grandmother’s family would also be there, prompting Luo Zhi to plan an early visit to avoid them, admitting that their encounters were always awkward. Later, Luo Zhi had a private conversation with her cousin, Luoyang. While she found him relaxing and warm to talk to, like family, she couldn't fully understand his perspective on marriage.

Luoyang, despite his own unspoken regrets, viewed his upcoming marriage to Chen Jing as a man's responsibility, especially since Chen Jing had supported him through a difficult period. He reiterated that he now considered Chen Jing family, and marrying her was a way to provide her with security and acknowledgment.

Luo Zhi, sensing his underlying unhappiness, subtly brought up Ding Shuijing, a high school classmate who was retaking exams to transfer to Zhenhua, implying that Ding Shuijing’s motivations were not as straightforward as they seemed and that she knew Luoyang. Luoyang acknowledged her words, promising to ensure the happiness of both Luo Zhi and Chen Jing, as they were the most important women in his life.

Episode 25 Recap

Luo Zhi was alone, she took out a treasured postcard. The postcard's message, which she had wanted to share with Sheng Huainan as the Zhenhua High School Student Ambassador Representative, expressed how beautiful the place was, her happiness to be there, and how much she missed him, even when far away, but that she couldn't say it. She recalled that Sheng Huainan had actually given up his selection for the ambassador role.

Looking at a message from Sheng Huainan on her phone, asking why she didn't attend the celebration and if she truly wouldn't contact him, Luo Zhi realized that her bitter feelings ultimately had to be borne alone. She didn't reply to his message. At the celebration banquet, students gossiped about Ge Bi's new girlfriend, Chen Mohan, describing her as a talented cellist who was haughty and only interacted with Ge Bi.

Ge Bi soon introduced Chen Mohan as his girlfriend, a famous cello artist. Their happiness was short-lived as Chen Yongle arrived, bringing Jiang Baili. Chen Yongle, after praising Jiang Baili for her help in recommending Luo Zhi for the successful international event, deliberately arranged for Jiang Baili to sit at the same table as Ge Bi and Chen Mohan. He then quickly left, claiming other engagements, clearly trying to create an awkward situation.

Ge Bi, visibly upset, immediately apologized profusely to Chen Mohan, promising Jiang Baili would not appear before her again. Sheng Huainan, saddened by Luo Zhi's absence, discreetly moved to sit next to Jiang Baili, asking about Luo Zhi's whereabouts and why she hadn't responded to his messages. Jiang Baili informed him that Luo Zhi had returned to Harbin. As she tried to leave, Sheng Huainan stopped her, pressing for more information about Luo Zhi's return.

Jiang Baili, expressing her long-standing dissatisfaction with Sheng Huainan's superficial concern, vented her frustration at him. She accused him of superficial concern for Luo Zhi, highlighting how Luo Zhi had selflessly cared for him when he was sick, even getting injured in the process. In stark contrast, Sheng Huainan had shown no genuine care for Luo Zhi when she was ill, unlike Zhang Mingrui, who had provided consistent support.

She pointed out that his past gestures, like buying drinks and supper, were tied to Luo Zhi helping him with his accounts. Jiang Baili revealed that Luo Zhi, despite all this, never blamed him and even took the fault upon herself. She concluded by questioning why he spoke so much about caring if he didn't truly mean it, then left the banquet. As Jiang Baili left the banquet, Chen Mohan followed and called out to her.

Chen Mohan directly warned Jiang Baili that Ge Bi would never return to her and that she should stop shamelessly pursuing him, threatening that she would not tolerate Jiang Baili coveting her possessions. Jiang Baili, taking a defiant stance, asserted that she acted only to avoid future regrets and advised Chen Mohan to keep Ge Bi on a tight leash, hinting that he might still return to her one day.

Chen Mohan responded with a mocking laugh, but Jiang Baili walked away without a backward glance. Reflecting on Jiang Baili's harsh words and recalling his Aunt Zhu Yan's description of Luo Zhi's deep and selfless love for him – how he was her beacon, how she pursued his silhouette hoping to become a better person worthy of him, and how she wished him well despite all the hurt – Sheng Huainan realized the immense difficulty in conveying one's true feelings.

He pondered how many apologies it would take to make Luo Zhi understand how much he truly cared. Sheng Huainan decided that some things couldn't be communicated through messages. He abruptly left the banquet, informing Zhang Mingrui, who had followed him, that he was heading to Harbin to ask Luo Zhi in person if there was still a possibility for them.

Zhang Mingrui, although supportive, questioned what he would do if Luo Zhi said no. Sheng Huainan replied he would think about it on the way, and Zhang Mingrui wished him a triumphant return. In snow-covered Harbin, Luo Zhi and her mother visited her father's resting place, where his ashes had been scattered beneath a beautiful tree due to their past financial difficulties. Luo Zhi, while greeting her father, tearfully questioned why he hadn't protected them when they were bullied.

Her mother gently comforted her, saying that despite the hardships, they had endured, and life had moved on. Later, her mother, observing Luo Zhi's pensive mood, asked if she had a boyfriend. Luo Zhi denied it. Her mother then spoke about the past, admitting her love for Luo Zhi's father and her sacrifices for him and their family, yet stating she held no resentment or guilt.

She confessed to often reflecting on their past struggles and the unresolved grievances that had once made her fear for Luo Zhi's future. Now, however, she urged Luo Zhi to pursue her own happiness bravely, even if the person she loved was a member of the Sheng family, reassuring her not to be burdened by their generation's grudges. Luo Zhi, deeply touched, realized her own tendency to overthink consequences had led to her pain.

In that moment, she yearned to openly admit that the person she loved was indeed a Sheng, wishing to cast aside the family feuds and her mother's expectations. Yet, she also acknowledged the stark reality: a relationship with Sheng Huainan would inevitably mean confronting the unresolved conflict between their families. Sheng Huainan managed to reach Luo Zhi on her phone, expressing his relief and concern that she hadn't attended the celebration.

He informed her about the drama involving Jiang Baili and Chen Mohan at the party, confirming that Jiang Baili was unharmed. Then, Sheng Huainan confessed, "I miss you." Luo Zhi, feigning a bad signal, claimed she didn't hear him and swiftly ended the call, only for her phone to inexplicably shut down moments later.

Sheng Huainan, unable to reconnect, left her a message, pleading for a reply or at least a text to confirm her safety if she didn't want to talk. Luo Zhi considered borrowing her mother's phone to call him back but ultimately decided against it, reasoning there was no urgency. She then told her mother she would take her broken phone for repair and visit Zhenhua High School.

Unable to reach Luo Zhi, Sheng Huainan traveled to Harbin and went to Zhenhua High School, hoping to find her there. Instead, he encountered Ye Zhanyan. She greeted him, feigning surprise and suggesting they spend Christmas together looking at ice sculptures, but Sheng Huainan quickly stated he was there to find Luo Zhi. Ye Zhanyan mentioned she had also been at the school looking for teachers and hadn't seen Luo Zhi.

She then tried to engage him, noting his avoidance since the forum, and informed him of her plans to study in London after the New Year, suggesting he might never know the real reason for their breakup if he didn't listen now. When Sheng Huainan tried to leave, uninterested in talking about their past, Ye Zhanyan dropped a bombshell: their breakup was related to his Aunt Zhu Yan.

This revelation finally piqued Sheng Huainan's interest, and he agreed to go to a cafe with her to hear more. In the cafe, Ye Zhanyan revealed a painful family secret: her father, despite being married, had exploited his aunt Zhu Yan's feelings for career advancement, leading to Zhu Yan being cast out by her family. Subsequently, Ye Zhanyan's mother suffered from depression and eventually took her own life.

Ye Zhanyan expressed her confusion to Sheng Huainan, questioning why he still cared so much for Luo Zhi, given the deep-seated grievances between their families and Luo Zhi's years of secret strategizing in her unrequited love. Sheng Huainan responded that he didn't want to know if Luo Zhi approached him out of hatred, as love was a private matter between two people.

He asserted that the only thing he was certain of was Luo Zhi being the only person to stay by his side without expecting anything in return, and he believed this demonstrated her genuine affection. Therefore, he would reciprocate with his own sincere feelings. After taking her phone for repair, Luo Zhi visited Zhenhua High School, reflecting on her many memories with Sheng Huainan in that place. Unbeknownst to her, Sheng Huainan had just left.

There, she unexpectedly met Ding Shuijing. Ding Shuijing expressed surprise, noting that no students usually came on a Sunday. She then invited Luo Zhi to her art studio, where they reminisced about high school. Ding Shuijing admitted she never understood why she didn't like Sheng Huainan until college, when she realized she was actually in love with Luo Yang. Luo Zhi mentioned Luo Yang's upcoming marriage, subtly suggesting Ding Shuijing's feelings were inappropriate.

Ding Shuijing countered, questioning if Luo Yang was truly happy with Chen Jing, believing her understanding of him was deeper. Luo Zhi firmly stated that no one could decide another's life and that she would respect Luo Yang's choices, emphasizing that true love isn't about control or forcing one's own idea of "good" onto someone, but rather about watching them pursue their chosen path and offering genuine blessings.

Ding Shuijing then challenged Luo Zhi, asking if she could truly let go and bless Sheng Huainan if he ultimately didn't choose her. While Luo Zhi was out, Sheng Huainan, undeterred by Ye Zhanyan's revelations and confident in Luo Zhi's sincerity, continued his search. In a lively square filled with freely floating balloons, they suddenly spotted each other.

Sheng Huainan rushed to Luo Zhi, asking why she hadn't contacted him, explaining he had been searching for her all day and was so worried he almost called the police. Luo Zhi explained her phone had broken and was at the repair shop. Realizing he had come all the way to Harbin specifically for her, she silently allowed him to accompany her to retrieve her phone. Sheng Huainan accompanied Luo Zhi to the phone repair shop.

Upon receiving her repaired phone, Luo Zhi saw numerous messages from Sheng Huainan, expressing his worry. Her heart softened at his evident concern and his special trip. Sheng Huainan, feigning hunger and sadness about his day-long search, entreated her to have dinner with him, even though she initially resisted, stating she should go home to her family. She eventually agreed.

As they ate, Sheng Huainan confessed his regret at not knowing her better in high school, including basic things like her home address or her friends' contact information, and vowed they would spend more time together to understand her. Luo Zhi, however, challenged his earlier claim of searching for her all day, revealing that he had been with Ye Zhanyan at a cafe, discussing their past.

She also pressed him on why he had only messaged Ge Bi about her absence from the celebration, not her directly. Before Sheng Huainan could fully respond, an incoming message from Ye Zhanyan popped up on his phone, asking if he had met Luo Zhi and what they were discussing at the cafe, once again disrupting their fragile moment.

Episode 26 Recap

Sheng Huainan, having traveled to Harbin, finally found Luo Zhi and tried to reconnect with her. He admitted his regret at not knowing more about her in high school and expressed a desire to understand her better in the future. Luo Zhi, however, challenged his sincerity, pointing out he could have easily asked her teachers at Zhenhua Teaching Building for her contact information.

Sheng Huainan explained that he had gone to Zhenhua but encountered Ye Zhanyan at the school gate, who told him Luo Zhi wasn't there. Ye Zhanyan then requested to speak with him, leading them to a cafe. Luo Zhi retorted that his actions didn't align with his claims of searching for her all day.

Feeling wronged, Sheng Huainan countered that Luo Zhi had missed the celebration party, ignored his numerous calls, and only messaged Gobi, who Luo Zhi clarified was the event organizer. When Ye Zhanyan messaged Sheng Huainan, asking if he had found Luo Zhi, Luo Zhi directly questioned him about his conversation with Ye Zhanyan. Sheng Huainan refused to disclose the details, stating he wouldn't tell a third person, even when Luo Zhi asked if she, herself, counted as a "third person."

Luo Zhi, exasperated, demanded to know the real reason he came to Harbin, accusing him of acting without clear thought. Sheng Huainan admitted he hadn't fully figured out his motives, prompting Luo Zhi to sarcastically suggest they could simply be "good friends" and move on as if nothing had happened.

He apologized for his inability to explain his complex feelings, but Luo Zhi remained firm, questioning if he truly believed his presence and acts of kindness would erase their past unhappiness. She then challenged his trust, noting he readily believed Ye Zhanyan's claim that Luo Zhi wasn't at Zhenhua, but would he believe her if she insisted she had been there all afternoon?

With that, Luo Zhi took her bag and decisively left the restaurant, leaving Sheng Huainan to call out her name and then ask for the bill. Back home, Luo Zhi's mother urged her to eat, but Luo Zhi was distracted. Aunt Fu arrived and joined them for dinner, praising Luo Zhi's cabbage chicken soup. Aunt Fu then mentioned seeing "the Sheng Family's child" waiting outside their community, which is how Luo Zhi learned Sheng Huainan was there.

Luo Zhi tried to excuse herself, but her mother and Aunt Fu continued to discuss how Sheng Shida had been reported for purchasing scrap aging equipment, and that he wouldn't escape justice this time, with investigations ongoing. Overhearing this, Luo Zhi looked out the window and saw Sheng Huainan standing in the cold. Despite hearing his "love words," she resisted the urge to compromise, even as she watched his shivering figure.

He messaged her, expressing fear she might secretly return to Xiamen. Luo Zhi sent a voice message, angrily asking if he thought she would simply fall for him and accept his mixed signals. Sheng Huainan, watching her from the window, told her he was determined and wouldn't easily give up on someone he had identified as his love, telling her she could let him stand there as long as she wished.

Luo Zhi curtly responded for him to "sleep as he liked." Eventually, a kind security guard invited the freezing Sheng Huainan into his home to warm up, offering him hot water and advice. Later, Luo Zhi, unable to shake her concern, quietly delivered a box of hot chicken soup to him at the guard's home. Sheng Huainan saw her retreating figure from the window and happily drank the soup.

The next morning, Luo Zhi attempted to quietly leave her home with her luggage, but Sheng Huainan was already waiting for her at the community entrance. He thanked her for the chicken soup, mentioning he had washed the pot and left it with the security guard to return to her mother. Luo Zhi's mother then came out, bringing pastries Luo Zhi had forgotten. As Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan walked away, her mother watched, genuinely happy to see them together.

In a taxi, Sheng Huainan offered Luo Zhi a flatbread, which he revealed he knew she liked from high school. When Luo Zhi tried to ask about his night, he preemptively assured her he hadn't caught a cold, though she feigned indifference. To alleviate potential boredom, Sheng Huainan suggested they share music with an earbud, then leaned on her shoulder and fell asleep, which she quietly permitted.

Meanwhile, Ding Shuijing conversed on the phone about Christmas plans in Xiamen, while Luoyang also had a phone call. Ding Shuijing, noticing Luoyang's quiet mood, teased him good-naturedly. Luoyang then firmly told Ding Shuijing not to bother Luo Zhi or Chen Jing, as they were important family members to him.

Ding Shuijing expressed gratitude for his past encouragement but lamented her inability to pursue her dreams, feeling she lacked the "capital" for "free things," unlike Luoyang, who she believed could achieve anything. Luoyang explained that his choice for a "safety card," for his family's sake, might not be what he truly wanted, but he couldn't bear to see his family worry or look at him with disappointment again.

Ding Shuijing cried, not for herself, but for the "free-spirited boy" within Luoyang, who yearned to be unrestrained. Luoyang then suggested they go for a walk. They played playfully in the snow, and Ding Shuijing presented him with a handmade necklace she had spent four nights making, featuring a design similar to one she had drawn on his shirt. Luoyang, feeling he hadn't given her any gifts, said her drawing was the best gift.

He then reminded her that this was their last meeting. Ding Shuijing, accepting this, asked him to take a selfie with her for a keepsake. As she was setting up the shot, Chen Jing called. Ding Shuijing, seeing the call, told Luoyang to answer it and left. Luoyang called out to her, urging her to take care of herself, stop self-torturing, and work hard on her retake exam.

Elsewhere, Zhang Mingrui, who had bought Luo Zhi's favorite biscuits, felt his appetite gone since she wasn't back. He saw Zheng Wenrui queuing for the same biscuits, but they were sold out. Seeing her disappointment, he impulsively offered her his hot biscuit, claiming he was just "doing good and accumulating virtue." Zheng Wenrui, however, was suspicious, stating she never liked owing favors and directly asked what he wanted in return, fearing he had ulterior motives.

The vendor aunt then fueled Zheng Wenrui's misunderstanding by remarking that Zhang Mingrui often bought those biscuits for a girl he liked, leading Zheng Wenrui to believe he was secretly in love with her. Horrified by her misinterpretation, Zhang Mingrui fled the canteen, declaring that even if Zheng Wenrui were the last woman on earth, he would never be interested in her.

After arriving in Xiamen, Sheng Huainan continued to insist on carrying Luo Zhi's luggage and walking her back to the dormitory. Luo Zhi accepted his apology for past carelessness but firmly told him she wouldn't accept his ambiguous behavior, demanding clarity on his true intentions. She listed his recent actions – chasing her to Harbin, treating her to meals, waiting all night – and confessed she didn't understand what he was thinking, as his "concern" wasn't helping her.

Sheng Huainan claimed his actions were merely instinctive. Luo Zhi reiterated that she could accept unrequited love but not their current ambiguous state. Sheng Huainan clarified that he wasn't trying to be ambiguous, but was expressing his care in his own way and wanted her to know how much he genuinely cared for her, admitting he felt "crazy" when he heard no news from her after the student union banquet.

Luo Zhi, frustrated, asked if they still had a chance, then urged him to think clearly and decide what he wanted to say. Until he could give a clear answer, she proposed they pretend not to know each other, as she couldn't handle being "slapped back" by his regret or guilt.

Sheng Huainan then insisted on taking her to a favorite spot of his, a balcony, where he confessed that every time he came there, he was reminded of the Zhenhua Teaching Building window. Luo Zhi initially thought he was referring to memories with Ye Zhanyan, but Sheng Huainan revealed he had realized the girl he met there, who corrected his equation, was "her", not Ye Zhanyan.

He then recounted a fairy tale about a boy indirectly confessing by asking a girl if she preferred sunny, cloudy, or rainy days, and the girl shyly choosing "cloudy." Luo Zhi, recognizing the story she had recommended to him, confirmed she was the one who shared it. They reminisced about their past study sessions, where he would help her with math while listening to music.

Finally, Sheng Huainan explicitly stated that Luo Zhi was the girl from his Zhenhua memory and the one who recommended the fairy tale. Luo Zhi then directly asked what he wanted to ask her, and he responded that he wanted to ask her name, wondering "what will happen if I said." However, a text message from Ye Zhanyan, asking him to eat in Xiamen, interrupted their conversation.

Luo Zhi pressed him to explain his current behavior and the "causes and consequences" of their relationship, asking if he could let go of the resentment related to their parents' past feud and truly accept her. Sheng Huainan struggled, admitting he couldn't explain the complex "cause and effect" now, asking for more time, but asserting that his feelings for her were true. Luo Zhi, unable to get the clear answer she sought, turned and left in frustration.

Feeling adrift, Luo Zhi went to Gulangyu, a place of a past meet-up with Sheng Huainan; its past beauty now accentuated her present loneliness. There, she coincidentally encountered Wen Yuan, who initially mistook her for a tourist and offered to show her around for a fee. Upon recognizing each other, Luo Zhi mentioned she had just had an argument with Sheng Huainan, explaining it stemmed from a misunderstanding involving his ex-girlfriend framing her for something she didn't do.

Wen Yuan advised her to communicate directly and explain things, noting that simply initiating a conversation "is" communication. Luo Zhi admitted her reluctance to explain, prompting Wen Yuan to ask if she feared Sheng Huainan wouldn't believe her. He then gave her humorous but direct advice: if Sheng Huainan and his ex-girlfriend's issues were unclear, she should confront him assertively, even dramatically, by threatening to "die with him" if he didn't explain himself.

He added that the more she "worked" for their relationship in this way, the more he would love her, reminding her to later "coax him back" as men need to save face. Concluding that Luo Zhi wasn't there for sightseeing, Wen Yuan urged her to get in his car so he could take her to the dock, telling her not to waste time and to go find her boyfriend. Wen Yuan's advice, though somewhat jocular, left it unclear how much Luo Zhi truly took it to heart.

Episode 27 Recap

Today is Christmas. Sheng Huainan listened as Zhang Mingrui received a call from Luo Zhi to spend the holiday together, and he immediately focused his attention, then decisively refused Zhang Mingrui's request to help Luo Zhi with her luggage. After Luo Zhi left in anger, Sheng Huainan took the suitcase back to his dorm; now, this was the only reason for him to see Luo Zhi again.

Sheng Huainan dragged the suitcase to the girls' dormitory building and, in a rogue manner, demanded that Luo Zhi come downstairs herself to retrieve it. Although Luo Zhi feigned dislike, a hint of sweetness arose in her heart, never expecting Sheng Huainan to be so domineering and roguish. After Christmas dinner, Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili left together, so as not to be a third wheel for Zhang Mingrui and Xu Riqing.

Zhang Mingrui specifically went outside a jewelry store and pointed to a piece of jewelry Xu Riqing once liked the most, intending to surprise her with a magic trick, but Xu Riqing spoke first, complaining that the jewelry was outdated. Xu Riqing's disdain made Zhang Mingrui lose the courage to present the carefully prepared gift, so he chose to conjure a rose instead.

Xu Riqing could not accept being dismissed on a holiday with a "rotten" rose, but Zhang Mingrui's bag still held a gift he had worked hard for two months to earn, though this gift was also destined to be returned. In the KTV room, only Ye Zhanyan was drinking alone, and only Li Dawei was willing to rush over from his distant hometown thousands of miles away.

But Li Dawei, taking advantage of Ye Zhanyan's drunkenness, attempted to forcibly assault her. Fortunately, Zhuo Chen arrived in time, preventing a tragedy. Zhuo Chen, with an injured face, took Ye Zhanyan home. The flower in his hand, although handmade, was difficult for him to give. However, Ye Zhanyan took Zhuo Chen's flower and specifically went home to fetch a medical kit for him. The new day saw the student union in an uproar.

The Dutch greenhouse design team suspected Chen Yongle of plagiarizing their research results, leading to his first prize being revoked. Chen Yongle's family was poor, and he had entirely depended on the prize money and honor to provide a better living environment for his family. At the same time, it was discovered that Chen Yongle had been living in the student union and was expelled by the teacher on the spot.

All of this was because Sheng Huainan's team had initially suspected Chen Yongle of plagiarism, which led to foreign attention to his work and subsequently a warning. Now, Chen Yongle had nowhere to go, and his only way out was blocked. Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi, by coincidence, took responsibility and wanted to proactively help Chen Yongle clear his name of plagiarism.

In Sheng Huainan's view, his impulsiveness at the time had caused him to only focus on the similarity of Chen Yongle's data, overlooking the essential differences in their works. Luo Zhi had also obtained Chen Yongle's project data and was helping him apply for intellectual property rights. Chen Yongle couldn't even afford dorm fees, so Sheng Huainan invited him to stay in his dorm for one night. Originally, Zhang Mingrui and the other roommates harbored deep dislike for Chen Yongle.

However, upon hearing that they were feeling unwell, Chen Yongle used his family's traditional blind massage technique, and only then was he accepted by everyone. Ever since Ge Bi successfully pursued Chen Mohan, he had been doting on her and serving her like a servant.

As Ge Bi watched Chen Mohan's perfect appearance in the sea breeze, he carelessly let the sheet music in his hand fall into the sea, causing Chen Mohan to complain endlessly, completely disregarding Ge Bi, who was injured from jumping into the sea to retrieve the music score. At this moment, Ge Bi finally understood that in Chen Mohan's heart, his position was not even as important as a piece of music, which made him recall Jiang Baili's kindness.

In this world, perhaps only Jiang Baili would value Ge Bi more than herself. Even after breaking up, Jiang Baili couldn't help but care about Ge Bi's every move, even worrying if he was in a bad mood if he hadn't posted on Weibo for several days. Jiang Baili was always so attentive to everything concerning Ge Bi.

Episode 28 Recap

Online, photos of Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi entangled are circulating, prompting speculation about their relationship. Among Sheng Huainan's many admirers, Xu Riqing is the most accepting of Luo Zhi. At dinner, she relentlessly presses Luo Zhi for details about her and Sheng Huainan's relationship, successfully making Luo Zhi uncomfortable enough to leave.

Earlier, Zhang Mingrui attempted to deflect Xu Riqing's gossip by claiming he was merely asking Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili about typical girl talk, a pretense they both supported to appease Xu Riqing. However, Xu Riqing quickly brought up the photos of Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan, asserting that Luo Zhi was the only woman she could approve of near Sheng Huainan, urging her not to disappoint. Jiang Baili tried to intervene, telling Xu Riqing not to gossip.

Xu Riqing, sending Zhang Mingrui away for a soda, continued to probe Luo Zhi until Luo Zhi excused herself, claiming she was full. Luo Zhi, hoping for more sincerity from Sheng Huainan, wishes to fully open up to him, confessing she is the girl who made a promise in front of the church years ago. She subtly records these feelings on Weibo, hoping he will eventually understand her hidden message.

Meanwhile, students are buzzing about the upcoming Alumni Sharing Meeting, eager to attend the speeches by Deng Ke, the chairman of a new chain of convenience stores, and the renowned lawyer Gu Zhiye. Sheng Huainan is slated to host the event, and since Gobi invited the guest speakers, both will be significant figures at the meeting. Earlier that day, Zhang Mingrui and Lei Tian were reluctantly preparing for the event.

Zhang Mingrui mentioned Xu Riqing insisted they attend to support Deng Ke. Zhang Mingrui teased Sheng Huainan, who was looking at church photos, asking if he was scouting a wedding venue. Sheng Huainan dismissed the idea and jokingly sent Zhang Mingrui and Lei Tian away when they tried to help him with his tie, stating such tasks were for girlfriends or wives.

Luo Zhi receives a message from Sheng Huainan, asking if she will attend and saying he will wait for her, but she does not reply. Jiang Baili, excited for the event, shares with Luo Zhi that her boss is none other than Deng Ke, much to Luo Zhi's surprise. Jiang Baili also reveals she sponsored snacks for the event, especially Gobi's favorite ones, because she worried he might not accept them directly from her.

Luo Zhi helps Jiang Baili with her dress, acknowledging her unwavering dedication to Gobi. The event's original first-prize winner, Chen Yongle, faces a public scandal after his award is revoked due to plagiarism accusations regarding his research data. His team's project is now abandoned, but he remains undeterred. At the venue, Chen Yongle attempts to hand out business cards to entrepreneurs, but most ignore him.

His teammates are embarrassed and want to leave, but Chen Yongle insists they stay, believing they can still "turn over." Sheng Huainan, as Vice Chairman of the Student Union, opens the event. Gu Zhiye arrives, and when Chen Yongle introduces himself as the Student Union Chairman and offers his business card, Gu Zhiye's assistant accepts it, but Gu Zhiye does not reciprocate. Gu Zhiye also dismisses Chen Yongle's attempt to discuss intellectual property, citing the recent plagiarism incident.

Sheng Huainan then announces that Chen Mohan, whose father is a senior alumnus, has provided the catering through Huayu Enterprise and will perform a cello piece to raise funds for education in remote areas. He invites Chen Mohan and Gobi, head of the student union's cultural department, to the stage.

As Chen Mohan's cello music fills the air, Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili, though initially hesitant, decide to enter the venue, encouraging each other to be strong and face the situation. After Chen Mohan's performance, Sheng Huainan concludes the opening, thanking her and announcing the funds will support education in remote mountainous areas. Earlier, Gu Zhiye had subtly brushed Chen Mohan's hair as they passed, a minor interaction Gobi, busy fawning over Chen Mohan, seemed not to notice.

Gu Zhiye then takes the stage to share his experience on resume writing. During his presentation, a student named Zheng Wenrui drags a suitcase full of her awards, certificates, and even childhood red flowers onto the stage, believing her impressive past qualifies her for any high-paying job. Gu Zhiye dismisses her approach, explaining that recruiters only have about a minute to review a resume.

He emphasizes that a resume should be concise and focused on how the applicant can provide value to the company, rather than just listing achievements. This revelation makes many students realize the challenges of entering the professional world. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili, upset by seeing Gobi and Chen Mohan together on stage, suggests getting food with Luo Zhi. Despite her pain, Jiang Baili decided to stay to witness the couple, viewing it as closure for her youth.

During the snack time, Sheng Huainan accidentally spills water on Chen Mohan. Gobi jokingly chides Sheng Huainan for using a "splashing water routine" on his girlfriend, and Chen Mohan leaves to clean up. In the restroom, Jiang Baili confronts Chen Mohan, expressing her profound, selfless love for Gobi.

She observes that Chen Mohan doesn't truly know Gobi's preferences or habits, such as his tie being crooked when he came off stage, his dislike for lemon-flavored foods, or his low alcohol tolerance, implying a superficial connection. Chen Mohan retorts that Gobi's willingness to compromise for her is a testament to his love, questioning if Gobi ever made such concessions for Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili, feeling like a "loser" for loving more, wonders if she can ever win in love.

Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan asks Jiang Baili about Luo Zhi's whereabouts. Luo Zhi is in a less crowded area, eating snacks alone. Gu Zhiye, who earlier observed Luo Zhi's disinterest in networking and focus on food, finds her again. He offers her a job post-graduation at twice the typical high-paying salary and a candlelight dinner if she can correctly guess his profession within two tries.

Luo Zhi finds the offer uninteresting and advises him to seek out other "glamorous girls" in the room. Unfazed, Gu Zhiye proposes that he will guess her details, and if he's correct, she must spend New Year's Eve countdown with him. He keenly observes her logical mind and meticulous habits, correctly identifying her as a law student.

He further impresses her by accurately describing her personality, noting her indifference to fame and fortune, quiet nature, cold exterior but passionate interior, guessing her zodiac sign as Cancer, and her blood type as A. Stopping at the peak of her curiosity, he promises to reveal his methods during their "candlelight dinner." Luo Zhi, now intrigued, asks him directly if he is a lawyer.

Episode 29 Recap

Sheng Huainan observed Luo Zhi engaging in conversation with Mr. Gu from a large window. He immediately moved to intervene, trying to separate the two, and then secretly took Mr. Gu's business card, which Luo Zhi noticed. Mr. Gu, a guest at the alumni sharing session, still managed to impress Luo Zhi by accurately guessing details about her, including her logical mind, rigorous work ethic, quick wit, and her profession as a law student.

He described her as indifferent to fame and fortune, quiet, and outwardly cold but inwardly passionate, and dedicated in love with expectations for family. He even correctly identified her as a Cancer, Type A. Mr. Gu then proposed they spend New Year's Eve counting down together, mentioning a candlelight dinner later.

After this interaction, Sheng Huainan warned Luo Zhi to be cautious of Mr. Gu, suggesting he had a history of inviting female students from Sida University for internships at his firm, implying a romantic interest. Luo Zhi dismissed the idea, questioning why Mr. Gu would choose her among many "delicate beauties." Sheng Huainan retorted that perhaps Mr. Gu was attracted to her temperament. Meanwhile, a drunk Ge Bi was being pressured to drink by an admiring girl.

Chen Mohan, Ge Bi's current girlfriend, was visibly embarrassed by the situation. Jiang Baili, despite loudly declaring that Ge Bi was no longer her boyfriend, still stepped in to shield him from further drinking, even finishing a glass of wine for him. After praising Ge Bi for his successful event, she made a graceful exit. Luo Zhi followed her out, finding Jiang Baili in distress.

Luo Zhi comforted her, remarking that she had handled the situation well, like a "Virgin Mary," and that it would change how people viewed her. Jiang Baili, however, cried that she didn't care about others' opinions, but decided that she would make anyone who treated her or Luo Zhi badly pay. Despite her distress, Jiang Baili then sensibly left first, not wanting to disturb Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan's time alone.

Sheng Huainan then approached Luo Zhi, taking her bag to prevent her from leaving, insisting she stay to talk with him. Their conversation was interrupted by Xiaoba, who informed Sheng Huainan that a fight had broken out inside, again involving Ge Bi, and urged him to quickly resolve it. Sheng Huainan, still holding Luo Zhi's bag, briefly told her to wait for him while he went to handle the conflict. Luo Zhi, frustrated, called him a "rogue."

Inside, Sheng Huainan calmed the escalating argument between Chen Mohan and another girl vying for Ge Bi's attention. After dispersing the crowd and delegating cleanup tasks, Ge Bi, still intoxicated, tried to convince Chen Mohan to spend New Year's Eve with him. She, however, rejected him, feeling humiliated by the day's events. Ge Bi was left alone, lamenting that no one would celebrate the New Year with him.

Sheng Huainan returned to Luo Zhi outside, where he suddenly hugged her tightly and confessed his feelings, expressing his desire to marry her. Luo Zhi, who had admired him for years and subconsciously wanted to calm down, was critical of his inconsistent "hot-and-cold" behavior, stating she couldn't tolerate it and had asked him to clarify his intentions previously. Sheng Huainan admitted he often struggled to explain himself but hoped she would trust his sincerity.

He referenced a past misunderstanding involving Ye Zhanyan's necklace, stating that if she truly trusted him, she wouldn't need constant explanations, as her heart would tell her he wouldn't intentionally mislead her. He then wondered if their relationship would have been different had they met earlier, to which Luo Zhi called his thoughts "nonsense." Sheng Huainan confessed he didn't know how to approach her, acknowledged his imperfections, and asked for a chance to start a relationship.

Luo Zhi countered that she never expected him to be perfect and he didn't understand her desires. Frustrated by her cautiousness, Sheng Huainan playfully called her an "ugly pig" before repeatedly declaring his love, saying he would do so a thousand times a day until she understood. Overwhelmed, Luo Zhi fled back to her dorm. She talked to herself about Sheng Huainan's sudden proposal, rousing her roommates Li Mi and Guo Xiaoxiao.

They mistakenly thought Luo Zhi was getting married, but she quickly dismissed it as a dream. Just before midnight, Luo Zhi received a voice message from Sheng Huainan, inviting her to the library rooftop for the New Year's countdown. Meanwhile, a heartbroken Ge Bi, abandoned by Chen Mohan, thought of Jiang Baili. Chen Mohan, crying in a taxi, was calling someone for help to deal with the situation with Ge Bi and Jiang Baili.

Mr. Gu found Jiang Baili crying alone by the roadside. He offered her a handkerchief, gently wiped her tears, and expressed concern for her safety and well-being. Jiang Baili thanked him, apologized for dirtying his handkerchief, and offered to return it cleaned. Mr. Gu then gave her his business card, tucked inside the handkerchief, and advised her to go home early. A short while later, Mr. Gu, seeing it was almost midnight, invited Jiang Baili to countdown with him.

In his car, Jiang Baili noted that he liked the same music as Ge Bi. Mr. Gu deduced that Ge Bi was the one who had hurt her. When Ge Bi called Jiang Baili, tearfully admitting he was alone and missed her, Mr. Gu took her phone and, without identifying himself, told Ge Bi that Jiang Baili was with him and they were happily celebrating the New Year, instructing him not to call again.

As the clock neared midnight, Mr. Gu encouraged Jiang Baili to shout out all her past grievances. He started by yelling about a "Liu Dashan" stealing his clients, and Jiang Baili followed, powerfully declaring, "Ge Bi, I love you! I hate that I love you! Ge Bi, you big scumbag, I will definitely quit you next year! Definitely, definitely, definitely!"

As the countdown reached zero, both Mr. Gu and Jiang Baili, and separately Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi on the library rooftop, shouted "Happy New Year!" Mr. Gu wished to obtain his Lawyer Certificate and internship certificate soon, while Sheng Huainan wished to spend every New Year with Luo Zhi and avoid any misunderstandings between them. Luo Zhi, in turn, wished to uncover Sheng Huainan's unspoken secrets and maintain a clear understanding with him.

Luo Zhi later reflected that her wish came true, but Sheng Huainan's did not. On New Year's Day, Li Mi and Guo Xiaoxiao departed for Gulangyu Island, leaving Luo Zhi to wait for Jiang Baili, who had been out all night. Jiang Baili eventually returned, excitedly recounting her New Year's Eve with a "handsome, mature lawyer" who was "very thoughtful and gentlemanly" and had driven her around Xiamen.

Luo Zhi, unaware that the lawyer was Mr. Gu, encouraged Jiang Baili to pursue the new relationship and move on from her past with Ge Bi. Jiang Baili, however, admitted she still couldn't stop loving Ge Bi. Later, over breakfast, Jiang Baili was surprised to find a forum post that had labeled her "Virgin Mary." She felt it finally gave her some recognition within "Ge Bi's Huahua loves the world."

Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili then checked their phones; Sheng Huainan had messaged Luo Zhi asking about her sleep and inviting her to breakfast, while Ge Bi messaged Jiang Baili with similar questions and an invitation for hotel breakfast. Both girls decided to ignore their respective messages, with Luo Zhi calling Sheng Huainan a "scum" who only teases girls.

Jiang Baili then received another invitation, this time from the lawyer for dinner, and pleaded with Luo Zhi to accompany her to assess his character. Luo Zhi initially resisted being a "light bulb," but eventually agreed, making Jiang Baili promise to pay. As they headed to the school gate, Luo Zhi recognized the "lawyer" as Mr. Gu, her demeanor immediately turning cold.

Mr. Gu, unfazed, invited them into his car, playfully reminding Luo Zhi that she still "owed" him a candlelight dinner. As they drove off, Sheng Huainan watched from afar, clearly upset. At the restaurant, after Mr. Gu ordered local delicacies, Jiang Baili excused herself to reapply her makeup. Luo Zhi seized the opportunity to confront Mr. Gu, questioning his true intentions with Jiang Baili, asking if he was genuinely interested or merely seeking amusement.

Mr. Gu smirked, asking how she could be so sure of his insincerity. He then revealed that they had met before at her university when he heard her debating intellectual property with Professor Li in a "rule of law and society" class. He admitted he had intentionally approached her at the sharing session to get to know her better. Luo Zhi, however, firmly stated that she had no desire to know him better or dine with him.

Mr. Gu then asked if she intended to tell Jiang Baili about his earlier "flirtation" at the sharing session. Luo Zhi warned him to "know his limits," advising him not to "play with female students' feelings" just because of his professional success. When Jiang Baili returned from the restroom, she found Luo Zhi gone, as Luo Zhi had left after her heated exchange with Mr. Gu.

Mr. Gu assured Jiang Baili that Luo Zhi had left due to prior commitments and that he had the rest of their evening "all arranged" for her to simply "play." Luo Zhi, while waiting for a taxi, received a call from her cousin, Luo Yang, who wished her a happy New Year and invited her to dinner with his wife. Luo Zhi accepted.

On her way to the restaurant, using her phone for navigation, Luo Zhi unexpectedly encountered Sheng Huainan and Ye Zhanyan. Ye Zhanyan, deliberately acting intimate with Sheng Huainan, greeted Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan, also present, suggested they all eat together. Luo Zhi politely declined, stating she had an appointment, and wished them a Happy New Year. Luo Yang then arrived, complaining about the difficulty of finding the restaurant.

Ye Zhanyan, still acting chummy with Sheng Huainan, then provocatively asked Luo Zhi when she got such a "handsome boyfriend," feigning happiness for her. Luo Zhi clarified that Luo Yang was her cousin, and then, turning back, directly confronted Ye Zhanyan. She demanded the return of her diary, which she had lost before her college entrance examination, asserting that either Ye Zhanyan or Ding Shuijing had it. Ye Zhanyan feigned ignorance, claiming she knew nothing about any diary.

Luo Zhi accused Ye Zhanyan of hypocrisy, stating that she had never harmed her, only loved the same person, and criticized Ye Zhanyan for professing friendship while "stabbing her in the back." She challenged Ye Zhanyan, asking if she had the "guts to do it, but not the guts to admit it."

Episode 30 Recap

Despite Luo Zhi’s outward display of strength, her tears became uncontrollable as the distance between her and Sheng Huainan grew. She couldn't understand why every time Sheng Huainan seemed to get closer, the situation would immediately turn dire, leaving her unable to trust his promises anymore. After confronting Ye Zhanyan about a lost diary, Luo Zhi walked away from Sheng Huainan, who tried to explain the situation.

Her cousin, Luo Yang, noticed her distress and offered to carry her bag, encouraging her to express her feelings. Luo Zhi tearfully confided in Luo Yang, revealing that her temporary return to Zhenhua was for Sheng Huainan, whom she had loved all along. She recounted his past promise to marry her and questioned why such hurtful situations kept recurring, making it impossible for her to believe him. Luo Yang gently comforted his crying cousin.

Luo Zhi continued to express her deep sense of betrayal, furious that Sheng Huainan had promised to marry her just twenty-four hours prior, only to turn around and seek out his ex-girlfriend. She lamented her lack of courage to confront him directly. Luo Yang, while comforting her, acknowledged that in relationships, the one who loves more often gets hurt more, and that Sheng Huainan's fickle behavior was unacceptable.

Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan confronted Ye Zhanyan, mistakenly believing she had orchestrated their entire encounter. However, he was correct in accusing her of deliberately creating misunderstandings, especially by putting her hand in his pocket when Luo Zhi arrived, and exploiting his trust to hurt Luo Zhi. Ye Zhanyan swore that Luo Zhi’s presence was a coincidence and that she truly missed him.

However, Sheng Huainan, disbelieving her lies, ended their relationship, telling her he couldn't trust her anymore and to let go. Ye Zhanyan refused, asserting her worth and wondering who else but Sheng Huainan could be her boyfriend. Sheng Huainan clarified that he was just an ordinary person with many flaws, not the perfect man she imagined, and that they were impossible.

Ye Zhanyan accused him of thinking she was materialistic, but also expressed her desire for a lover whose eyes and heart were solely on her. Sheng Huainan tried to discuss their emotional issues, but Ye Zhanyan angrily redirected the blame to Luo Zhi and his mother. Sheng Huainan calmly stated that love should make two people better, but she had become less like herself.

Ye Zhanyan, in desperation, admitted to lying, saying she would do anything to keep him by her side for even a minute, asking what he had ever done for her. Sheng Huainan finally cut ties, telling her not to contact him again, to which Ye Zhanyan vowed he would regret it. Later, Sheng Huainan met Ye Zhanyan in person to return an item, telling her his New Year could only truly begin once he had returned her belongings.

Luo Yang decided to propose to Chen Jing, using her upcoming birthday as an occasion for a 'double happiness' celebration on New Year's Day. Chen Jing was delighted, but her happiness waned when Luo Yang tried to put the ring on her finger. Luo Zhi noticed the ring was several sizes too big, and after playfully chastising Luo Yang for forgetting to remove the tag, she later consoled Chen Jing in the restroom, advising her to be understanding.

Chen Jing, while initially disappointed by Luo Yang's oversight, revealed that after five years together, they had their own way of communicating, and she could always find the good in him, even when he was clumsy. She encouraged Luo Zhi not to worry about them and to take care of herself. Jiang Baili went on a date with Gu Zhiye at the same restaurant where she had her first date with Ge Bi.

She found it astonishing how similar Gu Zhiye was to Ge Bi—same car, same preferred restaurant, even sitting in the same seats. Gu Zhiye, however, preferred not to be compared to others and directly asked if she was rejecting him. Jiang Baili confessed to feeling like she was "committing a crime" by dating someone so similar to her ex-boyfriend so soon after their breakup.

Gu Zhiye, finding her "unconventional thinking" interesting, assured her he was not Ge Bi, despite their similarities. He then confessed to having researched her on the university forum out of curiosity, acknowledging he saw the "Sida Saint" comments but emphasizing that he only cared about what he observed himself. He then made his intentions clear, hoping she would forget past heartaches and promising to win her over. Separately, Ye Zhanyan met Zhuo Chen, who presented her with flowers.

She told him that Sheng Huainan was unreliable and unfaithful, and that she now knew what she truly wanted: something unique and exclusively hers. She informed Zhuo Chen that she would be studying abroad after the New Year and promised to be his girlfriend if he could show her something truly unique before she left. Zhuo Chen, cherishing this opportunity, readily agreed.

Back at the dorm, Jiang Baili, oblivious to Luo Zhi’s subdued mood, excitedly recounted her date with Gu Zhiye, complaining about Luo Zhi abandoning her. Luo Zhi warned Jiang Baili that Gu Zhiye and Ge Bi were "similar types" and urged her not to "lose herself." Jiang Baili defended Gu Zhiye, questioning his motives given his wealth and connections, but Luo Zhi remained suspicious and insisted she not get deeply involved.

Jiang Baili, however, dismissed Luo Zhi’s concerns, declaring Gu Zhiye to be merely a "rest stop for a broken relationship." Meanwhile, Ge Bi sought Chen Mohan's forgiveness in a hotel room, presenting her with roses and apologizing for the previous night's "sharing session" incident. He tried to charm her by highlighting the room's excellent view of the New Year's Eve fireworks, lamenting that he had watched them alone.

Chen Mohan, seemingly appeased, told him to change clothes so they could leave. While Ge Bi was changing, Chen Mohan secretly checked his phone and discovered a message he had sent to Jiang Baili. Enraged, Chen Mohan used Ge Bi’s phone to call Jiang Baili, unleashing a torrent of abuse, accusing her of being shameless and constantly pursuing other women’s boyfriends.

Jiang Baili heard Ge Bi struggling to retrieve his phone and the escalating argument between them before the call abruptly ended. Worried that Chen Mohan might physically harm Ge Bi, Jiang Baili wanted to intervene, but Luo Zhi stopped her, explaining that Chen Mohan needed a "punching bag" and Ge Bi was getting what he deserved. Jiang Baili reluctantly agreed to stay out of it.

Chen Mohan stormed out of the hotel in a taxi, leaving Ge Bi behind, shouting that being with him was her worst decision and questioning Jiang Baili’s standing. That evening, Sheng Huainan waited downstairs at the female dormitory, asking other students to call Luo Zhi down. Xu Riqing saw him and, guessing he was waiting for Luo Zhi, went up to call her. Jiang Baili also urged Luo Zhi to go down.

However, Luo Zhi exclaimed that Sheng Huainan was "out of his mind" for causing such a scene. Despite efforts from her friends to get her to go down, Luo Zhi refused, remembering advice she'd heard that women should "act spoiled" to make men care. She explained that going down would only fuel gossip. The next morning, Sheng Huainan was still waiting downstairs. He approached Luo Zhi, attempting to explain his encounter with Ye Zhanyan.

Luo Zhi, however, firmly told him she had nothing to do with him and didn’t need an explanation for his social life. When Sheng Huainan offered to accompany her to the library, Luo Zhi said she already had plans. Just then, Zhang Mingrui arrived on his bicycle. Zhang Mingrui offered his bike for Sheng Huainan to take Luo Zhi to the library. However, Luo Zhi chose to ride with Zhang Mingrui instead, intentionally using him as a "shield."

As they rode, Zhang Mingrui playfully asked if he was her shield, and Luo Zhi apologized, explaining she didn't want to see Sheng Huainan. As an apology, she offered to buy him ice cream. While at the ice cream shop, Zhang Mingrui performed a card trick for a laughing Luo Zhi. He joked about Sheng Huainan "stabbing him in the back," and Luo Zhi joined in the teasing.

Luo Zhi then stated that once this "foolish thing" was over, she wouldn't owe him any more favors, to which Zhang Mingrui replied she never owed him anything. Xu Riqing saw Luo Zhi and Zhang Mingrui together, laughing, and became upset. She approached Sheng Huainan, questioning why he had called her instead of being with Luo Zhi, who was currently with Zhang Mingrui.

She then confronted him about repeatedly sending Zhang Mingrui to care for Luo Zhi, asking whether he was chasing Luo Zhi himself or letting Zhang Mingrui chase her. Sheng Huainan insisted he would win Luo Zhi back himself. Xu Riqing then praised Zhang Mingrui, stating he was far better than Sheng Huainan for always cleaning up his "emotional messes."

Sheng Huainan, annoyed, revealed that Zhang Mingrui was working hard to buy gifts for Xu Riqing, suggesting she lower her material desires for a better relationship. Later, in class, Sheng Huainan saw an empty seat next to Luo Zhi and eagerly moved towards it. Luo Zhi, playing hard to get, quickly told Zhang Mingrui, who was passing by, that the seat was for him. Sheng Huainan was forced to sit behind them.

When Luo Zhi adjusted Zhang Mingrui's collar, Sheng Huainan, clearly jealous, flicked Zhang Mingrui with a paper ball. Zhang Mingrui and Luo Zhi exchanged knowing glances and joked about the "childish" person responsible. After class, Sheng Huainan blocked Luo Zhi with his bike, offering a ride to the dorm. Luo Zhi declined, saying she needed to go to the library.

Sheng Huainan followed her there, even attempting to reserve a seat for her, but she intentionally found her own spot, leaving him feeling disheartened. He continued to follow her, observing her from a distance, such as when she went for a walk on the playground. The dynamic had completely reversed; once Luo Zhi secretly followed Sheng Huainan, now he was the one persistently shadowing her.

Episode 31 Recap

Jiang Baili, desperate for a reason to see Ge Bi, found an opportunity when Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan successfully resolved Chen Yongle's plagiarism issue. Their efforts helped Chen Yongle receive an invitation from a Dutch experimental team interested in his greenhouse design. Jiang Baili, accompanied by Zhang Mingrui, delivered the relevant documents to Chen Yongle at the student union.

Zhang Mingrui also presented a patent application acceptance notice that Sheng Huainan had already secured for Chen Yongle, highlighting Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi's intuitive coordination. Zhang Mingrui sternly reminded Chen Yongle that despite the good news, the university would still place him on probation for plagiarism, expecting him to genuinely reflect and reform. Chen Yongle expressed deep gratitude to Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan, accepting his punishment and promising to change his ways.

While at the student union, Jiang Baili repeatedly cast furtive glances at Ge Bi. As she left, Ge Bi followed, expressing concern that Chen Mohan might have physically harmed her, a notion Jiang Baili dismissed by noting Ge Bi understood Chen Mohan's domineering personality best. Ge Bi then pressed Jiang Baili about whom she spent New Year's Eve with, clearly bothered that she had declined his invitation for the first time.

Jiang Baili vaguely referred to "a new friend," but two other women, Liu Jing and Xiaoxue, who were also vying for Ge Bi's attention, mocked Jiang Baili, accusing her of fabricating a new relationship. Jiang Baili simply stated that "fate is here and it can't be stopped" before walking away. Sheng Huainan continued his persistent pursuit of Luo Zhi. At the cafeteria, he joined Luo Zhi and Zhang Mingrui, offering Luo Zhi a bread cake.

Luo Zhi mentioned Zhang Mingrui had already bought her one, opting to eat Zhang Mingrui's instead and suggesting Sheng Huainan eat his own. Zhang Mingrui playfully took a bite of Sheng Huainan's bread cake. After a brief exchange, Luo Zhi abruptly left, claiming she was full and had to work, leaving her wonton for Zhang Mingrui. Sheng Huainan immediately snatched the wonton away from Zhang Mingrui.

Sheng Huainan then self-satisfiedly remarked on his increasing boldness, to which Zhang Mingrui encouraged him. Luo Zhi's next tutoring session for Tiffany and Jack was unexpectedly joined by Sheng Huainan, who had already completed their homework. Tiffany's mother encouraged Luo Zhi to relax and play with the children, as Sheng Huainan had already finished their academic duties.

Tiffany then insisted that Luo Zhi team up with her brother for a game, as she and Sheng Huainan were already a team, effectively pairing Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi. Later, on their way back to school, Sheng Huainan confessed his feelings to Luo Zhi, suggesting they be together and playfully using a movie analogy that stepping on someone's shadow meant they'd follow you forever.

Luo Zhi responded with a playful kick, then explained her principled nature, recounting a childhood incident where she insisted on a deduction for a perfect math score because her solution was incomplete. She stated her inability to tolerate ambiguity in life or relationships. Sheng Huainan wondered about the probability of her accepting his confession.

Luo Zhi retorted with a question about the probability of him eventually growing tired of her and wanting to "return" her if she didn't live up to his expectations. Angered, Sheng Huainan pointed out that she was already contemplating a breakup before they had even started, to which Luo Zhi clarified that wasn't what she meant. Sheng Huainan then insisted his fifteen years of admiration for her were not superficial.

Luo Zhi then kicked Sheng Huainan and left him on the street. The next day, Ge Bi arrived at Haida University with a bouquet of roses to apologize to Chen Mohan. He attributed his past transgressions to loneliness and promised it wouldn't happen again, declaring her the "white moonlight" of his heart. Chen Mohan agreed to forgive him on the condition that he fully disclose all his whereabouts and phone contacts.

Ge Bi, after some hesitation, agreed to her terms and deleted contacts he deemed unnecessary. Soon after leaving Chen Mohan, Ge Bi found Jiang Baili, laden with her favorite snacks like Orange Soda, spicy duck neck, calcium tablets, and cocoa powder, showcasing his surprising knowledge of her preferences. He then begged her to help him find a lost "Si Xiu" textbook, essential for his graduation.

Jiang Baili, despite her resolve to avoid further entanglement, agreed and began searching the library, where all copies were already borrowed. Luo Zhi pulled Jiang Baili aside, urging her to shed her "saintly persona" of self-sacrificing behavior. Jiang Baili explained Ge Bi's predicament, but Luo Zhi suggested it was his responsibility. Jiang Baili, feeling obligated, decided to seek Zhang Mingrui's help, as he knew many people who might have the book.

After Jiang Baili left, Luo Zhi continued searching for the textbook. She spotted Sheng Huainan and tried to slip away unnoticed, but he quickly followed. He messaged her, asking what music she was listening to; she sent him the link, and he put on his headphones to listen with her from a distance.

Sheng Huainan then sent her a long message, vowing to find her even if she felt lost and asking if she would consider being with him, hoping for a reply at their next meeting. Later, Jiang Baili delivered the "Si Xiu" textbook to Ge Bi, complete with highlighted notes and an exam outline she had prepared.

Ge Bi noticed her dark circles and expressed concern, making Jiang Baili momentarily touched before she reminded him that such care was Chen Mohan's prerogative. Ge Bi then invited her to dinner as a thank you. During their meal, both received phone calls. Jiang Baili quickly dismissed a call from Gu Zhiye. Ge Bi, however, received a video call from a suspicious Chen Mohan, who demanded to know his whereabouts.

Ge Bi lied, claiming to be alone at a vintage café. As he tried to pan his phone quickly to show the "empty" cafe, Jiang Baili, understanding the situation, swiftly hid under the table. When a waiter brought their order and announced "private kitchen duck neck," Chen Mohan questioned why he was eating her favorite dish. Ge Bi quickly improvised, claiming he ordered it for the "junior" who brought his textbook. After Chen Mohan hung up, relieved, Jiang Baili emerged.

Though she initially wanted to leave, she reluctantly stayed after Ge Bi reminded her that the duck neck was her favorite. Later, Jiang Baili inquired about Ge Bi's recent life and observed that he and Chen Mohan were experiencing some difficulties. Ge Bi remarked that Chen Mohan seemed to have changed, but Jiang Baili countered that Chen Mohan's personality remained the same; it was only now that Ge Bi was truly paying attention to it.

Meanwhile, Ye Zhanyan received a call from Lan Xin, who was astonished to learn that Zhuo Chen had skipped his final exams to embark on a quest to a snow mountain, determined to find a unique item for Ye Zhanyan. Ye Zhanyan later called Ding Shuijing, recounting how, after Sheng Huainan had accused her of creating misunderstandings and asked her not to contact him, she impulsively told her suitors that she would date whoever could bring her something truly unique.

To her surprise, Zhuo Chen had taken this challenge seriously, disregarding his own safety. Ye Zhanyan expressed her bewilderment, as she had always believed men were selfish, prioritizing their own interests. Ding Shuijing, however, viewed Zhuo Chen's actions positively, suggesting that Ye Zhanyan should consider him, even if he wasn't Sheng Huainan. Xu Riqing, having dressed up, deliberately invited Zhang Mingrui to the library for studying, subtly attempting to capture his attention.

Luo Zhi joined them, asking about Sheng Huainan, to which Zhang Mingrui informed her that he was with a professor. Xu Riqing then purposefully asked Zhang Mingrui for help with a math problem to keep his focus on her. During lunch, Sheng Huainan joined their table and directly asked Luo Zhi if she had found an answer to his earlier proposal. Luo Zhi replied that his question was too profound and required more time for reflection.

Sheng Huainan then observed Luo Zhi and Zhang Mingrui's similar food orders, playfully hinting at their "tacit understanding" or a "secret relationship." Luo Zhi dismissed it as an illusion, leading to a complex, academic debate between her and Sheng Huainan about emotions, logic, and quantification, which left Zhang Mingrui and Xu Riqing utterly confused. Sheng Huainan expressed frustration that Luo Zhi hadn't "finalized" their "joint work" (their relationship), while Luo Zhi maintained her independent thoughts and resistance to being rushed.

Feeling disheartened by Luo Zhi's evasiveness, Sheng Huainan went to his favorite rooftop spot to clear his head. He noticed a flowerpot that seemed out of place. Moving it, he discovered Luo Zhi's confession carved on the wall, along with answers to a question he had previously written there. In that profound moment, Sheng Huainan realized that the mysterious song he had heard on the rooftop and the insightful answers on the wall had always been from Luo Zhi.

He felt an overwhelming sense of a deep, telepathic connection with her, even without explicit communication, and was overcome with joy, like a child. Filled with renewed hope, Sheng Huainan went to meet Ding Shuijing to retrieve Luo Zhi's high school diary. Ding Shuijing directed him to a locker at Zhenhua High School. She then asked why he hadn't inquired about Ye Zhanyan's crystal necklace incident.

Sheng Huainan stated he never doubted Luo Zhi's integrity and knew she wouldn't act out of jealousy. Impressed by his unwavering trust, Ding Shuijing admitted that she missed the purity of their high school days—pure happiness, tears, and love. She confessed that she, Luo Zhi, and Ye Zhanyan had all been caught in a cycle of self-deception for unrequited loves, and she was tired of it.

Ding Shuijing revealed that if Luo Yang could honestly acknowledge his true feelings and dreams, she might finally be able to let go of her lingering resentment for him. Later, at the library, Sheng Huainan arrived with drinks for Luo Zhi, Zhang Mingrui, and Xu Riqing, to which Zhang Mingrui teasingly told him he could leave now that his mission was accomplished.

Ignoring him, Sheng Huainan sat next to Luo Zhi and casually placed his hand on the back of her chair. Zhang Mingrui playfully kicked Sheng Huainan, reminding him to be mindful in a public setting. Sheng Huainan kicked back, but inadvertently caused an accidental exchange of kicks that also involved Luo Zhi and Xu Riqing, with Sheng Huainan apologizing for accidentally kicking someone else. Xu Riqing complained, "Why do you always kick the wrong person?" while Luo Zhi, making light of the situation, told Zhang Mingrui to kick more accurately next time, implying his lack of athletic coordination.

Episode 32 Recap

To escape an awkward situation, Luo Zhi pretended to be asleep by pulling out a pillow, eventually drifting into genuine sleep. Sheng Huainan watched her with gentle eyes, lightly brushing her thick eyelashes. He then rested his head on the table, facing Luo Zhi, and slowly fell asleep, immersed in their shared moment.

Luo Zhi had often dreamed of being enveloped by Sheng Huainan’s presence, and even now, feeling the warmth of his jacket, which carried his beloved scent, she found the happiness almost unreal. Upon waking, she too couldn't resist gently touching Sheng Huainan’s eyelashes. She wondered if she would have immediately accepted his relationship proposal, had it not been for the necklace she soon discovered.

The necklace, which Ye Zhanyan had previously claimed was a "token of love," was found in Sheng Huainan's pocket. This discovery led Luo Zhi to a complete misunderstanding. A flood of past memories and painful interactions with Sheng Huainan and Ye Zhanyan flashed through her mind, seemingly revealing the source of all her suffering. In a decisive act, she threw the necklace into the sea, firming her resolve.

Returning to the library, Luo Zhi approached Sheng Huainan with newfound determination, pulling him into a spontaneous kiss. She recalled Ye Zhanyan's words that "a secret crush, no matter how long, cannot compare to a real kiss." For Luo Zhi, this kiss served as a definitive end to her feelings for Sheng Huainan. Before Sheng Huainan could even process the surprising joy, he was met with her stark rejection, leaving him speechless.

Sheng Huainan later sat alone on a balcony, gazing blankly at the confession Luo Zhi had carved on the wall. While he was in this state of distress, Zheng Wenrui arrived, armed with a photo of his kiss with Luo Zhi and Luo Zhi’s diary, attempting to prove Luo Zhi had ulterior motives. Sheng Huainan, however, angrily demanded the diary back. Frustrated that Sheng Huainan wouldn't give her a chance, Zheng Wenrui lashed out, blaming him for her life’s misfortunes.

She recalled a love letter she had written in high school, which she claimed he had carelessly discarded. Sheng Huainan denied any recollection of it. He, who had always strived for perfection, initially believed Zheng Wenrui was merely socially awkward, but her extreme and self-pitying accusations provoked him to speak harshly to her for the first time, telling her she had a "brain disease" and that he wasn't responsible for her unhappiness.

Unfazed, Zheng Wenrui asserted that she understood him best, embracing even his anger. Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui found himself in his own romantic predicament. After Xu Riqing spontaneously kissed and confessed her feelings to him, he surprisingly rejected her desire to formalize their relationship. Startled, he gently pushed her away, which clearly indicated his true feelings.

He confessed that while he enjoyed seeing her smile, their interactions had revealed fundamental incompatibilities, and he no longer harbored any romantic intentions, adding that he could not satisfy her materialism and desires. Xu Riqing, believing he was toying with her due to her past liking for Sheng Huainan, also expressed her exhaustion from trying to cater to him, before refusing his offer of friendship and accusing him of playing the "warm guy" by being ambiguous without genuine affection.

Later, Sheng Huainan confided in Zhang Mingrui, both of them reeling from recent emotional turmoil. Zhang Mingrui, recognizing Sheng Huainan’s distress, helped him understand the root of his problems. Sheng Huainan realized that he was the one clinging to a "perfect halo" and that his inability to accept being disliked had created a blind spot. He resolved to break free from this self-imposed image and pursue Luo Zhi genuinely once more.

Similarly embroiled in emotional confusion, Jiang Baili was both delighted and troubled by Gu Zhiye's persistent pursuit and Gobi's renewed attention. She had never been the focus of such intense interest. To escape making a choice, she hid in a cyber cafe. When Gu Zhiye called, offering a luxurious five-star bento, and Gobi's continuous calls came in, Jiang Baili was almost tempted.

However, with Luo Zhi's encouragement, Jiang Baili rejected Gu Zhiye's food and, after Gobi's persistent calls, eventually turned off her phone, no longer wanting to entertain the attention from these two "scumbags" as Luo Zhi put it. Unbeknownst to them, Gu Zhiye, still carrying the bento, arrived on campus and coincidentally encountered Gobi, who was on the phone, seemingly making excuses to his girlfriend, Chen Mohan.

Feigning ignorance of Gobi's situation, Gu Zhiye praised Jiang Baili's purity and charm, openly expressing his strong feelings for her, and mentioned they spent New Year's Eve together. He subtly advised Gobi, suggesting that since Gobi already had someone he liked (Chen Mohan), there was no need to jeopardize his relationship with her over "unimportant women."

Gobi was left bewildered by Gu Zhiye's confidence, perhaps finding it hard to believe that a man seemingly more outstanding than himself would pursue Jiang Baili so earnestly. Meanwhile, as Jiang Baili shared a meal of spicy duck neck with her roommates, she reminisced about how she came to love the dish because Gobi had once joined her in eating it when no one else would.

She confessed that despite Gobi's current relationship, his small gestures of remembering her preferences were enough to make her willing to help him. Luo Zhi and her other friends called her "The Virgin Belle" for her unending generosity. Jiang Baili, however, stated that she was content with her choices and would only let go when she stopped loving him, just as Gobi had loved Chen Mohan for years without complaint. Luo Zhi acknowledged the profound wisdom in Jiang Baili's perspective, jokingly calling her "Mother Rong" for her insightful lesson on love and acceptance.

Episode 33 Recap

Jiang Baili and her roommates cheerfully finished their boxed meals. Meanwhile, Luo Zhi went to the cafeteria and found Zhang Mingrui looking downcast. She asked about Xu Riqing, and Zhang Mingrui explained that he had made it clear to Xu Riqing that their values were incompatible, and they could only be friends. Luo Zhi admired his candor, then playfully asked if he liked her, noting his habit of buying her bread rolls.

Zhang Mingrui revealed that it was Sheng Huainan who had initially asked him to buy bread rolls for Luo Zhi, as Sheng Huainan knew she loved them. He further explained that when Luo Zhi was hospitalized, Sheng Huainan anonymously sent her health products, reminded him to ensure she took her medicine, and made sure she received non-greasy meals. Sheng Huainan had quietly shown his concern but preferred to let Luo Zhi believe the gestures were from Zhang Mingrui.

Zhang Mingrui added that he had never seen Sheng Huainan care so deeply for anyone else. Luo Zhi acknowledged Sheng Huainan’s consistent concern, but declared that she had decided not to be swayed by his actions anymore. Zhang Mingrui then revealed that Sheng Huainan was planning to take the Ideological and Political Theory exam unprepared, which he believed was Sheng Huainan’s way of "going crazy for love."

Later, Xu Riqing met Luo Zhi by the sea, entrusting her with a coat to return to Zhang Mingrui. Xu Riqing felt embarrassed and said she wouldn't see Zhang Mingrui again, but Luo Zhi reassured her that anyone would have been misled by Zhang Mingrui's charming smile and constant care. Luo Zhi added that Zhang Mingrui and Sheng Huainan, being from the same dorm, both enjoyed "flirting," and conceded that people often seek out such ambiguous feelings themselves.

Luo Zhi then called Zhang Mingrui, urging him to come downstairs from his dorm, and quickly handed him the coat. Upon seeing Sheng Huainan approach, Luo Zhi pretended to receive a phone call, attempting to leave. Sheng Huainan exposed her lie, remarking on her "acting skills." Luo Zhi admitted she was lying and explained that she had been there to return a coat to Zhang Mingrui on Xu Riqing's behalf, adding that she was afraid he would freeze.

She also confronted Sheng Huainan about throwing away Ye Zhanyan's necklace, to which he responded that he already knew and approved, saying she "threw it well." Luo Zhi then questioned Sheng Huainan about his plan to take the Ideological and Political Theory exam unprepared, which he confirmed, even suggesting Luo Zhi could tutor him if she was concerned. Luo Zhi playfully blamed Zhang Mingrui for Sheng Huainan's "corrupted" behavior, causing Zhang Mingrui to quickly retreat.

Sheng Huainan then asked Luo Zhi if she liked "the corrupted me who doesn't play by the rules," and asked her not to avoid him. However, Luo Zhi retorted that his exam performance was none of her business and pulled away, hurrying to the cafeteria. At the cafeteria, Ge Bi stopped Luo Zhi, asking if Jiang Baili had a new boyfriend since she wasn't answering his calls or messages.

Luo Zhi fiercely defended Jiang Baili, scolding Ge Bi for continuing to bother her after their breakup, reminding him of how much he had hurt her and made her cry. Ge Bi tried to offer a meal as thanks for Jiang Baili helping him with an Ideological and Political Theory textbook. Just then, Jiang Baili called Luo Zhi, excitedly suggesting they celebrate the end of exams with a big meal.

Luo Zhi quietly asked Jiang Baili to send her the restaurant address. After hanging up, Luo Zhi sternly told Ge Bi that she wouldn't repeat herself and urged him to stay away from Jiang Baili, stating that ending their connection was the best way to repay her. Ge Bi said he understood but still asked Luo Zhi to return the textbook, as he no longer needed it, and to thank Jiang Baili for him.

Luo Zhi reluctantly agreed to take the textbook. Luo Zhi arrived at the restaurant, annoyed to find Gu Ziye accompanying Jiang Baili. Jiang Baili explained that Gu Ziye had joined them to celebrate their exam success and offered to pay, which Jiang Baili appreciated despite Luo Zhi's quiet disapproval. While Jiang Baili went to the supermarket, Gu Ziye spoke to Luo Zhi, sensing her wariness.

Luo Zhi admitted her caution stemmed from his recent closeness to her best friend and her intuition that he might not be a "good person." Sheng Huainan then passed by, saw Luo Zhi and Gu Ziye together, and greeted them, asking if Luo Zhi and Gu Ziye were a couple.

Luo Zhi denied it, while Gu Ziye claimed they were, leading Sheng Huainan to comment on their inconsistent statements, adding that if Luo Zhi caught a cold, her "little boyfriend" would blame him. When Jiang Baili returned, Sheng Huainan asked her to take good care of Luo Zhi to prevent her from catching a cold, then left. In the car on the way to the KTV, Luo Zhi gave Jiang Baili the textbook from Ge Bi.

Jiang Baili shared that Ge Bi had recently told her he felt less comfortable with Chen Mohan than he did with her. Gu Ziye interjected that if someone suspects a man is lying, he most likely is, explaining that as a man, he understood Ge Bi's intentions. Luo Zhi discretely messaged Jiang Baili, warning her to be cautious of Gu Ziye due to his age and presumed experience in relationships.

However, Jiang Baili expressed her happiness about the exams being over and having gotten through the hardest part of her breakup, asking Luo Zhi to turn a blind eye for now. Gu Ziye, after discreetly taking a call, then suggested they go to a karaoke room to celebrate. Jiang Baili enthusiastically agreed, and Luo Zhi, wanting to appease her friend, reluctantly went along. At the KTV, Sheng Huainan, who had followed them, found Ye Zhanyan in another room.

Ye Zhanyan was hosting a farewell party before going to study in the UK. She thanked Sheng Huainan for attending and suggested they put their past differences behind them, to which Sheng Huainan agreed, advising her to be careful and take care of herself abroad. In the room with Luo Zhi and Jiang Baili, Luo Zhi was selecting songs while Gu Ziye sat on the sofa and Jiang Baili went to the restroom.

Unbeknownst to them, Ge Bi and Chen Mohan, along with some friends, were in an adjacent room. Jiang Baili was on her way to the restroom when she heard Ge Bi singing "Eternal Love" to Chen Mohan in room 520. The song triggered painful memories, as it was the same song Ge Bi had sung to her on their first date. Jiang Baili broke down crying at the doorway, surprising Ge Bi and Chen Mohan when they opened their door.

Gu Ziye quickly came to her side, pulling her away from the situation. As Jiang Baili ran out of the KTV in distress, she nearly got into a car accident, but Gu Ziye shielded her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she then threw herself into his arms, asking for five seconds to compose herself. Gu Ziye seemed to have a moment of genuine concern, almost reaching out to comfort her, but the five seconds passed quickly, and Jiang Baili pulled away.

She then shared with him that "Eternal Love," once theirs, now belonged to another girl. Gu Ziye playfully feigned jealousy, which made Jiang Baili smile. Meanwhile, Luo Zhi, searching for Jiang Baili, encountered a heavily intoxicated Xu Riqing, who tearfully insisted Luo Zhi stay and sing with her, causing a commotion. Zhang Mingrui arrived to take care of Xu Riqing, assuring Luo Zhi he would handle it.

Back in her KTV room, Luo Zhi found Sheng Huainan, who had messaged her but received no reply. He refused to leave, declaring that even if they became strangers, he would simply get to know her again. He introduced himself, listing his alma mater, university, major, hobbies, and favorite things, concluding with, "And I like a girl called Luo Zhi."

Luo Zhi pointed out how he had been following her, knowing her preferences, and sarcastically asked if their roles had reversed, making him the one secretly crushing on her. Sheng Huainan admitted it, saying he had been secretly following her, like her shadow, wanting to share the same experiences as her and become like her.

He then urged her to check the university forum, revealing that "now all the students in Si University know that a man named Sheng Huainan likes you. Only you don't know." Luo Zhi was stunned. Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui, carrying a still-tipsy Xu Riqing out of the KTV, explained to her that his affection for her was more like that for a younger sister. Xu Riqing, now sobered by his words, accepted their changed relationship and bid him farewell.

In their KTV room, Ge Bi and Chen Mohan were also in low spirits. After Ge Bi accidentally spilled chicken soup on Chen Mohan and declined to sing a duet, he excused himself to clean up. Chen Mohan followed him, but Ge Bi was more concerned about calling Jiang Baili, who didn't answer. He eventually returned to the room with Chen Mohan.

Elsewhere, Ye Zhanyan received a message from Zhuo Chen containing a photo of their constellations aligned, accompanied by a voice message. While initially delighted, she grew furious as Zhuo Chen's message revealed it was the "last thing" he could do for her, stating she was "like this beautiful starry sky. So close but forever out of reach." Ye Zhanyan angrily demanded he return and explain himself.

As Sheng Huainan pulled Luo Zhi out of the KTV, they walked past Ye Zhanyan, who called out to Sheng Huainan. He ignored her completely, continuing to lead Luo Zhi away. They went to a store, where Sheng Huainan picked out a bottle of strong liquor, challenging Luo Zhi to drink it, declaring he would "go with" her.

Episode 34 Recap

Ye Zhanyan, consumed by jealousy, watched Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi walk away hand-in-hand. She couldn't understand why, after finally achieving a unique happiness, she had to lose it completely at the same time. Luo Zhi's happiness was a source of pain for Ye Zhanyan, who, after each loss, deeply regretted it but never understood where she went wrong.

She had just received a message from Zhuo Chen, who explained how he had climbed a snowy mountain to capture a unique photograph of both their constellations, created using linear algebra to locate their exact coordinates. He called it the last thing he could do for her, describing her as a beautiful, unreachable starry sky, and wished her a Happy New Year.

Infuriated and confused, Ye Zhanyan immediately called Shuijing, demanding to know what Zhuo Chen meant by his words and why he would leave her without her permission. Seeing Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi together intensified her anger, and she vented to Shuijing, expressing her profound jealousy and inability to understand why Luo Zhi could find happiness while she was simultaneously losing hers.

Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi continued their night by purchasing strong liquor and then impulsively sneaking into an exhibition hall. Luo Zhi expressed a desire to see the pipe organ, which was closed for the night, but Sheng Huainan playfully insisted they could still see it, daring her once they were inside. As they looked at the pipe organ, Sheng Huainan remarked that its sound reminded him of murder scenes from Detective Conan.

Luo Zhi then playfully began to "interview" Sheng Huainan, asking him questions she had heard about him, seeking to uncover the real person behind the rumors. She questioned him about a high school legend where he supposedly memorized an entire English textbook in a week; he denied it, only recalling the first lesson about a handbag. Luo Zhi then revealed she had memorized the whole book in an effort to catch up to him.

She also asked if he was hurt when his basketball teammates failed to catch him after a winning throw, to which he admitted it was painful but he had hidden it due to pride. Sheng Huainan then playfully responded to her questions about his morning routine, saying he thinks of reasons to find her, and his preferred clothing style, which he described as "couple's clothes like yours."

When Luo Zhi questioned why he always linked everything to her, he simply replied he didn't know, he just thought so. He dodged a question about the last time he cried, deeming it a matter of "a man's dignity," promising to tell her when she became his wife. Finally, Luo Zhi asked about his consistent laundry detergent scent, which he attributed to using too much detergent and not rinsing thoroughly.

Sheng Huainan then asked if his answers satisfied her, expressing a slight fear that he might not meet her expectations. Luo Zhi assured him that her questions meant she wanted to hear the truth directly from him, asserting she could discern his sincerity even if he spoke white lies for her sake. Sheng Huainan, taking her hand, then promised to show her his sincerity.

He led Luo Zhi to a wall outside the exhibition hall, where an aphorism of love was displayed, declaring that a woman is part of a man, and thus they leave their parents to become one flesh. Later, at a cafe, Sheng Huainan described the liquor they were drinking as sweet with a bitter aftertaste, much like love itself.

Luo Zhi reminisced about an earlier time at Dreamland when Sheng Huainan offered her his water bottle, and she drank from it directly to conceal her feelings, contemplating how that could have been an indirect kiss, much like their current shared drink. Sheng Huainan then asked if Luo Zhi had realized his interest from their first meeting at the cafe. She playfully denied being "self-deluded" like Ge Bi.

Sheng Huainan then confessed that while he usually avoided confessions from girls, her past declaration of feelings was the only one that helped him overcome his "obsession with pure love." He emotionally admitted how much it pained him to see her cry that day and that he truly could not bear to be apart from her, regardless of any past misunderstandings.

As they talked, Luo Zhi observed Sheng Huainan, who had boasted about drinking all night, quickly falling asleep on her shoulder, finding him endearingly cute despite his stubbornness. Luo Zhi, in an internal monologue, affirmed her unwavering commitment to their love, regardless of how challenging her secret love had been. When Luo Zhi woke up the next morning, she found herself resting on Sheng Huainan's leg, with him holding a book to shield her from the glaring sun.

As Sheng Huainan leaned closer, Luo Zhi's first thought was her unbrushed teeth, but their mutual affection overshadowed any such concern. He then kissed her, a moment warmed by the sunlight, making it even more memorable. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili, feeling lost in her own romantic entanglement, consulted tarot cards, lamenting that she could not find true love.

In a separate moment, Ge Bi stared at Jiang Baili's contact on his phone but ultimately decided against calling, choosing to silently endure his regret. At the beach, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi officially began their relationship. Sheng Huainan playfully buried Luo Zhi in the sand, claiming she would have "many, many boyfriends" by next autumn if he did so.

He then presented her with a hair clip, revealing he had carried it with him daily, confident that she would eventually be his girlfriend. He asked her to close her eyes while he put on the clip, secretly taking a photo of himself kissing the clip near her head.

Luo Zhi, discovering his playful prank, demanded to see the photo, but Sheng Huainan refused, promising to send it to her later and asserting she would love him even more after seeing it. She teased him about his newfound skill in flirting, then challenged him to a game of chase, refusing to let her go unless she kissed him.

As they ran, Luo Zhi reflected on secret love, noting it was about constantly testing boundaries, trying to see who loved more, and eventually facing one's honest self. Sheng Huainan then declared, "You are my Southern Cross. With you, I will never be lost in life," establishing the Southern Cross as their token of love.

The next morning, Luo Zhi returned to her dormitory to find Jiang Baili hand-washing clothes in the cold, seemingly as a way to distract herself from troubled thoughts. Luo Zhi questioned why she wasn't using the washing machine, but Jiang Baili admitted she preferred to keep busy to avoid thinking about her problems. Observing that Luo Zhi had been out all night, Jiang Baili playfully interrogated her, asking for details.

Luo Zhi confessed that she and Sheng Huainan were officially dating. Jiang Baili, overjoyed and emotional, congratulated Luo Zhi as if she were an "old mother" witnessing her child's happiness, calling it "perfect." However, Luo Zhi noticed Jiang Baili's swollen eyes and asked if she had been crying. Jiang Baili denied it, attributing it to eating too much.

When pressed about her activities with Gu Ziye the previous night, Jiang Baili vaguely stated they had gone for drinks at a bar, and she returned early to avoid a scolding. Luo Zhi also pointed out Jiang Baili was washing summer clothes, questioning if she had time before her early bus. Jiang Baili then reiterated her congratulations for Luo Zhi's happiness with Sheng Huainan.

Later, over coffee, Luo Zhi admitted to Jiang Baili that her new relationship felt "unreal" after such a long secret crush, and she was unsure how to be a girlfriend. Jiang Baili, despite her own struggles, offered advice on "girlfriend privileges." Luo Zhi, however, reflected that these privileges sounded more like something Jiang Baili herself would do for a boyfriend, rather than receive.

Jiang Baili sadly agreed, admitting she had never truly experienced being pampered in a relationship, only sacrificing and trying to please. Luo Zhi consoled her, noting that now Jiang Baili was being doted on by both Ge Bi and Gu Ziye, caught in a dilemma. Jiang Baili conceded this was merely superficial, revealing she had decided to sort out her feelings during the upcoming Spring Festival, and mentioned she had refused a love letter from Ge Bi.

As the Spring Festival approached, students prepared to go home. Sheng Huainan, back in his dorm, found his roommates Xu Zhian and Lei Tian lamenting their lack of funds after purchasing game items, now needing money for gifts for their girlfriends. Sheng Huainan offered them money, curious if they were planning to introduce their girlfriends to their parents. Xu Zhian explained his girlfriend simply wanted to eat, as they wouldn't see each other during the break.

Lei Tian jokingly remarked how lucky Sheng Huainan was to be single and free of such worries. Just then, Zhang Mingrui entered, and Sheng Huainan announced his news: "I'm not single. I'm with Luo Zhi." His roommates reacted with surprise and congratulations. Sheng Huainan then sought their advice on how to tell his parents about Luo Zhi, as he planned to take her home.

Zhang Mingrui, acting as Luo Zhi's older brother, playfully demanded Sheng Huainan call him "big brother," leading to a mock attack from Sheng Huainan and the other roommates. Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan received a phone call from his mother, who urged him to come home early because his grandfather was seriously ill and might have to spend the New Year in the hospital.

She also warned him not to mention Luo Zhi or past events to his father, who was already stressed with company matters. Despite his mother's warning, Sheng Huainan remained determined to bring Luo Zhi home, wanting to demonstrate the seriousness of his feelings and provide her with a sense of security. Before leaving for the Spring Festival, Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi went on a date, enjoying themselves like any ordinary couple.

Luo Zhi mentioned she was trying to buy train tickets on her own, but Sheng Huainan insisted she should rely on him, her boyfriend, for such matters, offering to teach her how a relationship works. As they walked, Sheng Huainan metaphorically compared himself to the syrup on sugar-coated haws – outwardly easygoing but inwardly governed by strict principles, making him "hard to get along with."

He admitted to preferring only the traditional haw flakes, viewing other fruit varieties as mere "gimmicks." Luo Zhi countered that she favored strawberry-flavored tanghulu, playfully asking if he considered her superficial. Sheng Huainan then took her strawberry tanghulu, explaining that she was the one who made him break his rules and principles, comparing her to the perfect strawberry, completed only when coated in his "syrup." Luo Zhi teased him about his sweet words, admitting he was "sweeter than tanghulu."

When Luo Zhi got sugar on her face from eating, Sheng Huainan gently cleaned it off with his own mouth. They then bought some duck neck, a favorite of Jiang Baili, along with other Xiamen specialties for Luo Zhi to take home to her mother. Sheng Huainan then invited Luo Zhi to come home with him to Harbin.

Luo Zhi, taken aback by the suddenness of meeting his parents, expressed her hesitation, but Sheng Huainan reassured her it was merely a formality and that she was the one he truly wanted, no matter what. Luo Zhi reciprocated his feelings.

On the day of their departure for the Spring Festival, Luo Zhi helped Jiang Baili pack her excessively heavy and overflowing suitcase, which included a music ball and a plush toy, a "lucky charm" given to her by Ge Bi. As they struggled, a knock at the door revealed Ge Bi, who offered to help with her luggage, having seen her social media post. Luo Zhi intervened, urging Jiang Baili not to accept his help.

Jiang Baili, wishing to avoid further entanglement with Ge Bi, claimed someone else was already taking her to the station. Ge Bi, suspecting Gu Ziye, was proven right when Gu Ziye arrived shortly after. A tense confrontation ensued as both men vied for the right to carry Jiang Baili's suitcase, with Ge Bi making pointed remarks about Gu Ziye "eating humble pie" and Gu Ziye retorting about Ge Bi's business.

In their struggle, Jiang Baili tried to intervene and ended up getting hurt. Overwhelmed, Jiang Baili expressed her frustration, realizing that while being loved by one man was a blessing, being fought over by two felt like "poison," causing her immense distress and making her feel like she was developing a "split personality." She vowed to visit a temple during the New Year to pray for a change of luck.

Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan, having traveled to Harbin by train using tickets Sheng Huainan secured through a relative, shared a tender moment upon arrival. Luo Zhi spoke to Jiang Baili on the phone, who teasingly wished them sweetness. Sheng Huainan then offered Luo Zhi a ride in his family's car, but Luo Zhi politely declined, choosing to take a taxi home.

She expressed her concerns about the timing of meeting his parents given their family's complicated past, preferring to cherish their present happiness without demanding too much from the future. As they temporarily parted ways, Sheng Huainan promised to meet her again soon. Luo Zhi's internal monologue reflected her deep affection for Sheng Huainan and her hope that their "beautiful dream of happiness" would not end too soon, despite the "complicated" history between their families.

Episode 35 Recap

Sheng Huainan's family faced turmoil upon his return to Harbin. His mother urged him to take over the family business, which was facing significant financial dangers, intensifying arguments between his parents. His father, visibly frustrated, accused his wife's cousin of trying to sabotage the company and hinted at her family's attempts to take it over. He also revealed that Sheng Huainan's grandpa was critically ill and might be hospitalized.

Despite the strained atmosphere, Sheng Huainan confessed to his mother that he was dating Luo Zhi and deeply cared for her. His mother, however, was displeased, expressing her disapproval and questioning the timing of such a relationship. Meanwhile, Luo Zhi's mother noticed her daughter's newfound cheerfulness and asked if she had a boyfriend. Luo Zhi confirmed her relationship but explained it was not yet the right time to introduce him.

Her mother then shared her desire to move to Guangzhou with Uncle Chen, though she was torn about leaving their home and Luo Zhi. Luo Zhi, recognizing her mother's sacrifices, encouraged her to pursue her own happiness, emphasizing that she had grown up and her mother deserved a life beyond tending to an empty house. Her mother, while understanding, expressed sadness at the thought of seeing Luo Zhi less frequently.

Later that night, Luo Zhi called Sheng Huainan to wish him a Happy New Year. Sensing his weariness and hearing his parents' ongoing arguments in the background about their business and family matters, Sheng Huainan briefly paused their call. When he returned, he apologized for the commotion and asked Luo Zhi to keep him company during the New Year holiday, to which she eagerly agreed.

Their conversation ended sweetly with goodnights and a playful exchange of virtual kisses, with Sheng Huainan jokingly demanding daily goodnight kisses from her in the future, followed by a sincere declaration of his love. The next day, Luo Zhi joined Sheng Huainan, and they spent time building snowmen, placing red envelopes on them, and then exchanging gifts. Sheng Huainan's red envelope contained a 100-yuan note with the special serial number "1314," symbolizing "forever," and he wished her prosperity.

Luo Zhi's gift was a photo of them together. They were both delighted. Sheng Huainan recognized a bookmark in the photo, recalling it from a book he had found in the library. They playfully affirmed their connection, with Luo Zhi saying, "I am yours, and you are mine." Sheng Huainan playfully corrected her, saying, "I am mine, and you are also mine," asserting his claim over both. They concluded their snowy outing by skateboarding.

After the New Year holiday, back at school, Luo Zhi learned from Zhang Mingrui that Sheng Huainan's grandpa had been admitted to the intensive care unit, and Sheng Huainan had rushed to the hospital. There, Sheng Huainan was distressed by his parents' continued arguments regarding family finances and his father's reliance on his mother's family connections. While leaving the hospital, he unexpectedly met Ye Zhanyan, who was carrying flowers.

She informed him that she was there to visit her "boyfriend," Zhuo Chen, who had been injured in a mountain climbing accident and was in a coma. Ye Zhanyan, who had previously learned about Zhuo Chen's accident through a news report after failing to reach him by phone, then went to Zhuo Chen’s bedside. She gently massaged his hand, reminiscing about their college days and how he had always been the kindest to her.

She confessed her realization that he was truly the best for her and promised to stay by his side until he woke up, urging him to recover quickly. Separately, Luo Zhi was called to Zhu Yan's home, where she found Zhu Yan packing to move to the United States with her boyfriend and two children. Luo Zhi expressed her sadness but congratulated Zhu Yan, who explained her children needed a father figure and she wouldn't be returning.

Looking at an old college photo of Zhu Yan taken in Harbin, Luo Zhi recalled seeing Zhu Yan in the government compound with her own mother in the past. This memory triggered Zhu Yan's recollection of a distressing incident involving a woman begging for a pension, and she realized the sad little girl present was Luo Zhi. Luo Zhi was surprised to learn that Zhu Yan was Sheng Huainan's aunt, a revelation that deepened the coincidences of their intertwined pasts.

Zhu Yan explained her estranged relationship with the Sheng family but thanked Luo Zhi for unknowingly facilitating her renewed connection with Sheng Huainan. Learning that Sheng Huainan was currently unreachable due to caring for his ailing grandpa, Zhu Yan urged Luo Zhi to be patient with him, emphasizing the immense pressure he bears as a member of the Sheng family. Before departing, Zhu Yan wished Luo Zhi a safe journey.

Luo Yang, dressed as a groom, seemed unhappy even when seeing Chen Jing in her wedding gown, though Chen Jing helped him with his tie. Before the wedding, Ding Shuijing met Luo Zhi, asking if Luo Zhi expected her to cause trouble at the event. Luo Zhi admitted she initially did, but seeing Ding Shuijing's simple attire, she realized she wasn't there to create a scene.

Ding Shuijing shared her recent success in art, having found peace and a professor's recommendation for a good art university since leaving Zhenhua. Luo Zhi congratulated her. Ding Shuijing then apologized for her past actions, acknowledging her resentment over Luo Zhi's friendship with Chen Jing and admitting to having conspired with Ye Zhanyan to spread lies about Luo Zhi to Sheng Huainan out of spite.

Luo Zhi, displaying maturity, forgave her, saying that the past was irrelevant as long as the present outcome was positive. Though Luo Zhi invited her to Luo Yang's wedding, Ding Shuijing declined, stating she was no longer interested in him or the wedding, having finally moved on. Luo Zhi received an exciting opportunity: her school selected her as an exchange representative for a two-week workshop on intellectual property and financial regulations at Plymouth University in the UK.

She was overjoyed and shared the news with Sheng Huainan. He wholeheartedly supported her, emphasizing the valuable experience it would provide for her future, despite her initial reluctance to be separated so soon after they had just begun dating. Sheng Huainan light-heartedly promised to video call her every night and make her say "I love you" multiple times.

To make their farewell memorable, Sheng Huainan surprised Luo Zhi by taking her on a date to the "Fantasy Kingdom" theme park, the place where they had first truly connected, wishing to create beautiful memories before her departure for the UK.

Before the theme park date, Jiang Baili had confided in Luo Zhi about being pursued by both Ge Bi and Gu Ziye, and her confusion about her feelings, revealing that Ge Bi had consistently messaged her, while she had even bought a birthday gift for Gu Ziye. Separately, Ge Bi had asked Jiang Baili if she would return to him if he broke up with Chen Mohan.

During Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan's date at Fantasy Kingdom, they unexpectedly encountered Jiang Baili and Ge Bi. Jiang Baili explained to Luo Zhi that she had only agreed to this outing after Ge Bi's persistent invitations, assuring her it would be the last time. Sheng Huainan suggested they all enjoy the park together. Throughout the day, Ge Bi and Sheng Huainan engaged in a lighthearted competition to outdo each other in doting on their respective girlfriends.

At one point, Ge Bi, trying to impress Jiang Baili, offered to buy her all the balloons from a vendor, but she politely declined. Ge Bi then pulled Jiang Baili away for a private date, while Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi happily continued their own. Ge Bi took Jiang Baili to a roller coaster. Noticing his apprehension, Jiang Baili offered to do something else, but Ge Bi insisted, wanting to make her happy.

He asked why she suddenly wanted to ride a thrilling ride when she used to prefer gentle ones like carousels. Jiang Baili revealed she had always chosen activities to cater to his preferences, but today, with his encouragement to do whatever she wanted, she felt empowered to be herself. As the roller coaster launched, Jiang Baili cheered with excitement, while Ge Bi, despite his fear, held on tightly, determined to embrace the experience for her.

Episode 36 Recap

While enjoying a day at the amusement park, Sheng Huainan received a distressing call from his lawyer. The lawyer informed him that the Sheng family company was in dire straits and likely to face bankruptcy. Furthermore, Sheng Huainan’s father had previously mortgaged their house in Harbin to the bank, meaning it would be legally seized if the company failed.

Upon seeing Luo Zhi return with ice cream, Sheng Huainan quickly put away his phone, forcing a smile to hide his worry and avoid affecting their date. Luo Zhi suggested they visit a haunted house after finishing their ice cream. When Sheng Huainan teased her about being scared, Luo Zhi confidently declared that as a child, she had once beaten up five or six kids.

Skeptical, Sheng Huainan challenged her, prompting Luo Zhi to casually recount how she had defended him when he was being bullied as a child. Sheng Huainan was stunned, realizing that Luo Zhi was the very little girl he had encountered at a relative's wedding, the one he had then jokingly asked to be his bride. Overjoyed, he recalled how he had previously mentioned this "little girl" to Luo Zhi, only for her to keep the secret.

When he asked why she hadn't told him sooner, Luo Zhi playfully replied that it wouldn't have been as fun. Sheng Huainan expressed his disbelief and happiness that the girl he had remembered for so many years had been by his side all along. Luo Zhi asked if he still remembered the promise he made back then.

Sheng Huainan affirmed, stating he had promised to marry her when he grew up, and then reiterated, "As soon as I graduate, I will marry you home." They sealed their promise with a pinky swear, then spent the rest of the day joyfully riding various attractions like the pirate ship, roller coaster, and carousel. That evening, after watching a performance based on Liao Zhai, Luo Zhi commented on the sadness of a love that required a lifetime of waiting.

Sheng Huainan assured her he wouldn't let her wait a lifetime, though Luo Zhi observed that it sounded as if they were about to part ways. Sheng Huainan clarified that he simply regretted making her wait for him for so long in the past. Meanwhile, Jiang Baili also expressed her curiosity to Ge Bi about how the world looked from his perspective and what she looked like to him, given his height.

Ge Bi responded by lifting her onto his shoulders, allowing her to experience his view. As fireworks lit up the night sky, symbolizing a countdown, "Sheng Huainan loves Luo Zhi, the whole world knows," a message was displayed. Sheng Huainan and Luo Zhi shared a passionate kiss amidst the brilliant display. Jiang Baili, too, was mesmerized by the beautiful fireworks, smiling brightly. However, when Ge Bi leaned in to kiss her, she subtly, almost unconsciously, avoided it.

A wave of sadness washed over her as she anticipated their impending separation. The time came for Luo Zhi to attend an academic exchange seminar in the UK. Though she assured her friends, Sheng Huainan and Zhang Mingrui, that she would only be gone for two weeks, she couldn't shake the feeling that this was the last time she would see Sheng Huainan smiling with such radiant joy.

During her time abroad, Luo Zhi felt like a sponge, absorbing knowledge and broadening her horizons, excitedly looking forward to sharing her experiences with Sheng Huainan. As predicted, after returning from the seminar, Sheng Huainan vanished from her life, much like before, but this time for a full five years. Upon her return, Luo Zhi, unaware of what awaited her, eagerly messaged Sheng Huainan, asking him to meet her on the rooftop, promising a surprise.

However, it was Zhang Mingrui who showed up, looking distraught. He explained that Sheng Huainan's Grandpa had passed away, and he had returned home for the funeral, likely not to be back until exams. Luo Zhi expressed concern for Sheng Huainan's state, mentioning he hadn't told her anything in his recent messages. Zhang Mingrui quickly brushed off her worries, urging her to focus on her exams and assuring her that Sheng Huainan's grades were fine.

He also vaguely mentioned having a gift for her later and then rushed off, claiming a meeting with a professor. Luo Zhi, feeling uneasy, later called Sheng Huainan. To her surprise, Zhang Mingrui’s phone rang, revealing Sheng Huainan's phone was in his possession. She confronted Zhang Mingrui, realizing he had been impersonating Sheng Huainan in their messages while she was abroad.

Luo Zhi demanded to know what had truly happened to Sheng Huainan, questioning why he would keep her in the dark after all they had been through. Zhang Mingrui explained that it was Sheng Huainan's decision; he didn't want Luo Zhi to get entangled in his family's troubles. Sheng Huainan’s Grandpa was critically ill in the ICU, his father’s company was under investigation with widespread implications, and he felt he was about to lose everything.

Zhang Mingrui conveyed Sheng Huainan's belief that he owed Luo Zhi too much and didn't want her to worry about him, instructing Zhang Mingrui to maintain contact and reassure her. Sheng Huainan was convinced Luo Zhi would wait for him to resolve his issues. Luo Zhi, however, was heartbroken, lamenting that Sheng Huainan had chosen to bear his burdens alone, excluding her from his suffering when they should be sharing everything.

Zhang Mingrui revealed that the opportunity for the Plymouth University seminar, which had allowed Luo Zhi to freely develop her talents and experience such courtesies abroad, was originally Sheng Huainan's. He had rejected it, believing he had already received too much due to his privileged background, and recommended Luo Zhi instead, seeing her as someone who earned every opportunity through her own hard work. This revelation left Luo Zhi in tears, realizing the depth of Sheng Huainan's sacrifice and selflessness.

Sheng Huainan, meanwhile, faced immense pressure. Employees of his family's collapsing company confronted him, demanding repayment of debts. He appealed for more time, subtly reminding them of their own complicity in his father’s illicit dealings, which had led to his father's imprisonment. He promised to repay everyone but asked for patience. When he called his maternal uncle for help, he was met with a cold rejection, his uncle fearing entanglement with the disgraced Sheng family.

At the hospital, Sheng Huainan's mother, terrified of being imprisoned like her husband and unable to accept the desolate turn in her once-privileged life, desperately urged him to seek help from relatives, only for Sheng Huainan to reveal that all their contacts had already distanced themselves. He then confronted his mother about the factory fire that killed Luo Zhi's father years ago, revealing that it was caused by his father’s scheme to take kickbacks by purchasing faulty machinery.

His mother was shocked, having been told a different story, but ultimately saw his father’s current predicament as retribution for the injustice done to Luo Zhi's family. Sheng Huainan reassured his mother that she wasn’t implicated in the company’s accounts and promised to keep her safe. Later, Sheng Huainan made a phone call to his director.

Back at school, Luo Zhi continued to seek news of Sheng Huainan from Zhang Mingrui, who reiterated his advice to focus on her studies and avoid going to Harbin, stressing that keeping herself well was the best way to help Sheng Huainan. Soon after, Luo Zhi received an unexpected phone call. It was from lawyer Liu Dashan of Dasha Mountain Law Firm, who, at her professor's recommendation, offered her an early internship.

Despite not yet being of internship age, Luo Zhi was thrilled to accept, as the firm was her long-held aspiration. As she left the meeting, she saw Gu Ziye and Jiang Baili intimately entering an elevator, seemingly on their way to dinner, with Jiang Baili excitedly discussing high-end steak. Luo Zhi tried to follow, but it was too late.

Episode 37 Recap

Luo Zhi had just received exciting news; despite not yet being old enough for an internship, her professor's recommendation led to Dasan Mountain Law Firm offering her an early internship with the promise of a full-time position after graduation. She expressed her long-standing admiration for the firm and gratefully accepted the opportunity, becoming a colleague with Mr. Liu. As she was about to leave, she noticed Jiang Baili entering a hotel elevator with Mr. Gu, appearing quite close.

Luo Zhi immediately called Jiang Baili, who excitedly told her it was Mr. Gu's birthday and they were going to have a grand dinner on the hotel's top floor. However, when Luo Zhi inquired at the front desk, she learned that the top floor consisted solely of high-end suites, with no restaurant, confirming her suspicion that Jiang Baili was being deceived.

On the top floor, Jiang Baili noticed the absence of a restaurant, but Mr. Gu reassured her they would order room service and celebrate while enjoying the view. As Mr. Gu was about to open the door to a suite, Ge Bi and Chen Mohan unexpectedly appeared. Chen Mohan immediately launched into an accusation, implying Jiang Baili was having an illicit encounter with Mr. Gu, sarcastically remarking on her alleged lack of a boyfriend and Mr. Gu's prominent status.

Jiang Baili was speechless, but Luo Zhi arrived just in time, exposing Chen Mohan's scheme by revealing that she was the one who booked the hotel room. Inside the empty suite, where only a cake was present but no celebratory decorations, Ge Bi pressed Chen Mohan about her involvement in the setup. Mr. Gu intervened, confessing he was Chen Mohan’s uncle and that he had been "acting" all along.

He explained that Chen Mohan had asked him to approach Jiang Baili. Ge Bi realized the whole setup was a trap orchestrated by Chen Mohan to slander Jiang Baili's character, making it seem like she was having an affair. Chen Mohan admitted her intention was to prevent Ge Bi from lingering over Jiang Baili, stating that his indecision about whom he truly loved led to her insecurity.

When Ge Bi demanded an apology from Chen Mohan, she refused, arguing that he shouldn't be angry at her for making her feel insecure. Tired of the charade, Mr. Gu pulled Chen Mohan aside, scolding her for her manipulative behavior and reminding her there was a limit to her willfulness. He then sincerely apologized to Jiang Baili for his involvement in the deception.

Turning to Ge Bi, Mr. Gu, speaking as a man, urged him to clearly define what love truly is, stating that Ge Bi didn't love Chen Mohan herself, but rather the image of Chen Mohan playing cello under the spotlight. After forcefully taking Chen Mohan away, Luo Zhi led a distraught Jiang Baili out, leaving a reflective Ge Bi behind. Luo Zhi comforted a tearful Jiang Baili, advising her to forget about the "jerks" Ge Bi and Mr. Gu.

She explained that Chen Mohan's true intention was to ruin Jiang Baili's reputation by spreading rumors that she was a gold-digger. Jiang Baili, however, couldn't bring herself to blame them, even trying to rationalize Chen Mohan's domineering personality and Mr. Gu's loyalty to his niece. She felt foolish for believing she had found true love and questioned why she was always the one being deceived, tearfully wondering if she was undeserving of love.

Luo Zhi strongly urged her to stop making excuses for her tormentors and instead focus on herself and her own worth. Sheng Huainan received his withdrawal notice from Si University. His professor expressed deep concern, urging him to prioritize his studies, even if it meant transferring to another institution, and to always seek help if facing difficulties.

Later, in their dorm, Sheng Huainan confessed to his friends that his family had gone bankrupt, relatives had abandoned them, and his mother was hospitalized, leaving him as the sole support. He described it as his "stupidest decision" but felt he was at his "wit's end" and couldn't bear to watch his mother suffer.

Later, in their dorm, Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, and Xu Zhi'an confronted Sheng Huainan, angry that he had kept his struggles and decision to drop out a secret, especially from Luo Zhi. Zhang Mingrui asked what Sheng Huainan thought of them, emphasizing their bond. Sheng Huainan initially retorted that he didn't treat them as brothers but then tearfully corrected himself, declaring them his "best brothers." His friends, understanding his plight, assured him of their unwavering support.

Sheng Huainan then requested one last drink together as a farewell. As they shared drinks, they reminisced about their time together – from their first meeting when Sheng Huainan fixed Zhang Mingrui's phone, to their daily classes, basketball games, and late-night gaming sessions. Xu Zhi'an recalled how they believed their bond would last forever. Lei Tian, who usually wasn't good with words, expressed how much their brotherhood meant to him.

They worried about who would help with homework and phone repairs after he left, to which Sheng Huainan jokingly offered a discount for his services. Despite the sadness, they tried to cheer each other up, affirming Sheng Huainan's capability to succeed wherever he went. They shared hugs, sang, and drank until they were all intoxicated, believing they would reunite one day.

The next morning, as Luo Zhi helped Jiang Baili back to school, she overheard classmates discussing Sheng Huainan's withdrawal, the news having spread across the entire campus. Learning from forum posts about his family's troubles, Luo Zhi immediately rushed to his dorm with Jiang Baili. Xu Zhi'an opened the door, and they found Sheng Huainan's belongings gone. Luo Zhi woke up Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, and Xu Zhi'an, who had passed out from drinking.

Realizing Sheng Huainan had left without a word, they all hurried to the school gate. Meanwhile, Sheng Huainan was already in a taxi at the school entrance, placing his luggage inside. He took a final, longing look at the campus, which held all his youth and cherished memories, especially those of Luo Zhi. He silently hoped Luo Zhi would continue to a better, brighter future, and confessed, "I love you."

He remembered a personal video where he stated, "My name is Sheng Huainan. . . I like a person called Luo Zhi. Sheng Huainan loves Luo Zhi, the whole world knows it." Just as Luo Zhi and the others arrived, frantically chasing after him, Sheng Huainan's taxi drove away, leaving them a step too late. Although Sheng Huainan was gone, his presence lingered in their dorm. His friends began tidying his belongings, finding books and project plans he left behind.

Lei Tian picked up a calculus book, recalling how Sheng Huainan had spent an entire afternoon teaching him calculus as freshmen, which led him to score third highest in the class. Xu Zhi'an revealed that Sheng Huainan’s detailed career planning had helped him decide to enter the workforce directly after graduation rather than pursuing further studies.

Zhang Mingrui, finding one of Sheng Huainan’s cherished project plans, declared his intention to form his own team for the next startup competition, inspired by Sheng Huainan’s past encouragement. His friends resolved to use Sheng Huainan’s books and notes to study harder, aiming to become strong enough to be his "strongest support" and give him a surprise upon his return.

Meanwhile, Luo Zhi found herself habitually returning to places where she used to see Sheng Huainan, a painful process of realizing his complete disappearance and grappling with the regret of not having a proper farewell. Far away, Sheng Huainan sat in a hospital corridor, watching over his sick mother. On his phone, he replayed old videos: one of his friends excitedly celebrating his birthday, and another of Luo Zhi having afternoon tea in England, repeatedly saying, "I miss you."

These memories brought him profound sadness. With graduation approaching, everyone began to forge their own paths. Jiang Baili, after all her emotional turmoil, decided to volunteer as a teacher in the countryside. She explained to Luo Zhi, Li Mi, and Guo Xiaoxiao over a farewell meal that she had seriously considered her options; as a psychology student, this experience would serve as a practical internship, an alternative to pursuing a master's degree.

Li Mi jokingly teased Jiang Baili about her sudden shift, contrasting it with her recent heartbreak, and playfully suggested she was "traveling around" for love. However, Guo Xiaoxiao supported Jiang Baili's choice, believing it was better to explore and find her true calling by traveling around than to continue studying without a clear direction. Guo Xiaoxiao also shared her own anxieties about the competitive job market, especially in Xiamen.

Inspired by their successful small game project, she invited Li Mi to join her in starting a studio. Li Mi enthusiastically accepted the offer, and they all raised their glasses, toasting to each finding their own place in the world, and celebrating Jiang Baili's new journey.

Episode 38 (Ending) Recap

That summer, Sheng Huainan completely disappeared from Luo Zhi's life and the campus, while Jiang Baili left school to volunteer in Guizhou, following a new love. Almost everyone was busy with post-graduation employment, trying to find their footing as their innocent college lives quietly concluded. Luo Zhi, reflecting on her 15-year unrequited love that eventually became mutual, hoped that their separation would lead them to become better people for each other, anticipating their eventual reunion.

Luo Zhi, now a capable lawyer, earned praise from a junior lawyer named Zhang for her incredible performance in court. Zhang noted her effortless use of legal statutes and evidence, resulting in a clear defeat for Mr. Gu. Luo Zhi, however, attributed her win to Mr. Gu's carelessness and being undermined by his own client in a domestic violence case.

Luo Zhi asked Zhang to prepare for an upcoming rental dispute case and, despite a meeting request from Manager Liu of Dacheng Group for Friday afternoon, prioritized a scheduled public legal service event for migrant workers, instructing Zhang to reschedule with Manager Liu. Later, a surprised Luo Zhi received a phone call from Jiang Baili, who informed her that her manuscript was finished and she needed legal advice.

Luo Zhi playfully offered a discount before agreeing to a free consultation, to which Jiang Baili jokingly referenced "Jiang Baili by Daming Lake." Luo Zhi later learned that Dacheng Group specifically requested her as their intellectual property consultant, an opportunity usually reserved for gold medal lawyers with over a decade of experience, acknowledging her significant achievement.

Meanwhile, Zhang Mingrui drove Sheng Huainan to an apartment complex for a delivery before an important evening presentation, unknowingly passing Luo Zhi at a traffic light. After their delivery, Sheng Huainan and Zhang Mingrui diligently promoted their "Southern Cross Computer Company" to residents, offering 24-hour on-site computer installation and repair services. Noticing Zhang Mingrui's nerves before the venture capital meeting, Sheng Huainan encouraged him to relax.

He then drew strength from Luo Zhi's diary, silently promising to bring her the fruits of his five years of hard work. At the venue, their teammates Lei Tian and Xu Zhian hurried them to change into suits, as their creative presentation was imminent. While preparing, Sheng Huainan recalled his aunt's offer to send him to America to study five years prior.

He had thanked her for managing his mother's affairs and the family's debts, but affirmed his decision to build his own path from scratch, aiming to recover all he had lost, step by step, believing this was the only happiness he could give Luo Zhi. His aunt, expressing her belief in him, had urged him not to let Luo Zhi wait too long.

Sheng Huainan presented his "Guardian Bracelet" project, explaining its origin from a college competition where his team had initially developed a child anti-lost app for Luo Zhi with limited resources. The project had since evolved into a public welfare initiative, and now aimed to reach more consumers.

He highlighted its core purpose: to be "always by your side, guarding your loved ones," capable of monitoring the health of the elderly and sick, and ensuring the travel safety of friends and relatives. His presentation received enthusiastic applause. The host then announced the "Guardian Bracelet" startup team as the winner of the angel investment, prompting joyful celebrations from Sheng Huainan, Zhang Mingrui, Lei Tian, and Xu Zhian.

Immediately after, a junior student confessed her long-standing affection for Zhang Mingrui, stating she had fallen for him the first time she saw him, untidy and arrogant, not just his polished appearance that day. In their separate yet parallel lives, Luo Zhi and Sheng Huainan pursued their careers, working hard for each other with a tacit understanding, even in places unseen by the other.

Luo Zhi felt an enduring presence of Sheng Huainan, believing he had never truly left her, always silently supporting and encouraging her, much like her pursuit of his shadow during their 15 years of secret love. Though they had walked past each other many times in the bustling city, they remained unaware of each other's proximity. Jiang Baili, arriving late for her meeting with Luo Zhi, presented her with her newly published book.

Luo Zhi remarked that Jiang Baili's past tumultuous relationships had not been in vain. Jiang Baili shared how she had impulsively followed a boy to Guizhou to volunteer, only for him to return to Beijing days later for a corporate job. These "bumpy love experiences," she explained, inspired her novels, which had since generated significant income and boosted her standing. She then showed Luo Zhi a message from Ge Bi.

Jiang Baili revealed that Ge Bi messaged her almost daily with expressions of love and longing, like "good morning, good afternoon, good evening, I love you, I miss you, I miss you every day." Luo Zhi observed the striking role reversal in their dynamic, noting Jiang Baili's current reluctance to reply.

Jiang Baili also shared that Ge Bi and Chen Mohan had broken up, and Ge Bi, who was studying in Australia, was struggling to graduate, facing a threat of disinheritance from his father if he failed to earn his degree. Jiang Baili believed it was time for Ge Bi to take responsibility and that some hardship might be beneficial for him.

Luo Zhi toasted Jiang Baili, congratulating her on shedding her "saint" persona to become a "leader," wishing her continued success in her career and reassuring her that she would eventually find love. Luo Zhi received a message from her junior, Geng Geng, who, during an outdoor wedding photoshoot, had captured a picture she thought Luo Zhi would want to see. Luo Zhi then returned to Zhenhua High School to give a speech.

She recounted the historical tale of "citrus growing south of the Huai River is citrus, growing north is hawthorn," but offered her own interpretation: while environment can influence people, it cannot alter their inner hearts. She emphasized that individuals should not be judged solely by their origin, nor should all their actions be blamed on their surroundings. She encouraged the student ambassadors to take initiative with unwavering will, asserting that even barren soil can yield beautiful flowers and sweet fruits.

After her speech, Director Wang thanked Luo Zhi for her invaluable guidance, recalling her past excellence representing the school during an exchange program in Myanmar. He lightheartedly questioned her name, asking if she was from "HuaiBei or HuaiNan," to which Luo Zhi confidently declared, "I'm from HuaiNan," implying that "Zhi" (her name) only belongs to Huainan. As Luo Zhi signed the red guest book, a hand appeared beside hers, writing "Sheng Huainan."

Sheng Huainan, having prepared himself to protect Luo Zhi, greeted her with "Long time no see." Standing in the sunlight, they embraced their reunion, everything feeling as if it were just yesterday, bringing their long-awaited secret love story to a joyful conclusion.