Walk Into Your Memory Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Walk Into Your Memory

Walk Into Your Memory Synopsis

An Ning, a female chef who can read other people’s memories, helps her boss Long Haoqian, who has inexplicably lost his memory for a year, to recover his memory.

In the process, they have a series of ludicrous stories, and gradually get to know each other again and discover each other’s sparkling points.

In the end, they break the shackles of identity and fall in love with each other.

Walk Into Your Memory Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

A friend, however, was less impressed with An Ning's outfit for her upcoming blind date, remarking that it looked like something for "Harvest Moon" and calling her a "flowering cucumber." Despite this, An Ning hurried to her date, determined to find her prince. Meanwhile, Long Haoqian, President of Long Teng Group, was in a tense negotiation. His business partner, Uncle Wang, had unexpectedly defected to their rival, L Group.

Despite Long Haoqian's insistence on the years of partnership and his company's significant investment in the project, Uncle Wang maintained that "profits come first" and had made his decision, leaving Long Haoqian frustrated. At her blind date, An Ning's extraordinary ability to read people's memories quickly revealed her date to be a complete scoundrel. She saw that he had seduced his girlfriend's best friend, slept with multiple women, abandoned his previous girlfriend, and even forced her to have an abortion.

Barely suppressing her anger, An Ning decided to get her revenge. She ordered thirty expensive dishes, then excused herself to the washroom and discreetly left, sticking her date with a hefty bill of 4,239 yuan. Feeling triumphant, An Ning entered an elevator, where she encountered Long Haoqian, the owner of the car she had checked her reflection in earlier. To fill the awkward silence, An Ning began singing to herself, which Long Haoqian found peculiar, internally labeling her "mentally ill."

Suddenly, the elevator lights flickered off and it got stuck. An Ning, who suffers from severe nyctophobia, instinctively embraced Long Haoqian. Unknown to her, Long Haoqian has a profound aversion to physical contact with women due to a traumatic memory, and her touch triggered a violent vomiting spell. Once rescued, Long Haoqian sternly told An Ning to stay away from him. Long Haoqian was still reeling from the elevator incident when his father called, summoning him home.

His father, the Chairman, expressed disappointment over his business failure, attributing it to a "lack of capability" and warning that such a mistake should never happen again. Long Haoqian acknowledged his father's words and affirmed his commitment to making amends. His father also inquired if his mother had contacted him, to which Long Haoqian replied she hadn't. Later that evening, Long Haoqian sought solace by meeting his friend, Yi Mingjun, for a drink and a chat.

However, Yi Mingjun soon abandoned him to flirt with other women, leaving Long Haoqian to confront his frustrations alone. Back home, An Ning was confronted by her mother, who was furious about the failed blind date and the fact that An Ning had been blacklisted by the dating website for ordering 30 dishes and running off.

An Ning tried to explain that the man was a playboy and deserved it, but her mother was exasperated by her daughter's "picky" standards, calling her a "nutjob." An Ning's grandfather intervened, deflecting her mother's anger by complimenting her new hairstyle. Later, An Ning found herself in the bathroom, still in a wedding dress, feeling disheartened.

She recalled her father's comforting words from her childhood, describing a brave, strong, and merciful princess who would one day be swept away by her tall, dashing prince on a white horse to a palace filled with singing, dancing, and delicious food. She still believed her prince was on his way, perhaps just running late. That night, Long Haoqian was tormented by a decade-long nightmare, forcing him to take medication to calm himself.

The next morning, An Ning arrived for her first day as a chef assistant at Long Teng Hotel. She observed the head chef, Gong Chen, bickering with Ma Menglu, the manager of Oriental Cuisines, about proper greetings. An Ning's ability allowed her to see that Ma Menglu, despite claiming to be 23 during her interview, was actually 33 years old and struggling with the insecurities of an older single woman.

Gong Chen introduced An Ning to the kitchen staff, including Yi Mingjun, who was also a chef assistant. An Ning's excellent test scores, despite not attending training, were highlighted. The kitchen staff then received urgent news: Long Haoqian would personally inspect today's important banquet because the VIP guest was a germophobe, demanding impeccable hygiene and presentation. The staff gossiped about Long Haoqian's strictness and his reputation for being "chaste," wondering if he was gay or had other issues.

While preparing for the banquet, An Ning accidentally knocked over a pot of the special "old stock" vital for a key dish. Just then, Long Haoqian entered the kitchen for his inspection. Upon seeing An Ning, both were surprised to recognize each other. Discovering the spilled stock, Long Haoqian was furious. Citing the ruined stock and still recalling their awkward elevator encounter, he immediately fired An Ning.

An Ning protested, asserting that she could find a replacement for the stock that would be just as good, but Long Haoqian refused to listen, stating he wouldn't tolerate any mistakes from his subordinates. An Ning, recognizing this as personal bias, fired back, accusing him of being angry over his recent business failure. Long Haoqian, shocked that she knew about the negotiation, immediately suspected her of being a commercial spy from L Group.

As they argued, Gong Chen rushed in to vouch for An Ning, while other kitchen staff expressed their regret at her sudden dismissal. An Ning, however, declared that she still had something important she needed to accomplish before she could leave.

Episode 2 Recap

An Ning quickly prepared a new soup to remedy her earlier mistake. Her colleagues tasted it, remarking that it smelled good and tasted as good as the original stock, sufficient for the night's banquet, though not a permanent replacement. An Ning acknowledged it was her fault and was ready to leave, but Chef Gong Chen stopped her.

He revealed that An Ning's grandfather was his master and had entrusted An Ning to his care, knowing her great affinity for culinary art. Chef Gong Chen expressed his belief that An Ning would find a solution to the problem and vouched for her character, assuring Long Haoqian that she was not a mole despite previous misunderstandings. He asked Long Haoqian to give her another chance.

Long Haoqian, trusting Chef Gong Chen, agreed to set aside the issue of the mole but remained unconvinced by An Ning's skills. Chef Gong Chen insisted on An Ning's capabilities, leading Long Haoqian to finally grant her another opportunity: if her cooking could impress him, she could stay. Chef Gong Chen then encouraged An Ning not to forget her dream of becoming a chef. An Ning presented Long Haoqian with a bowl of Yangchun Noodles as her most convincing work.

As he ate, Long Haoqian was transported back to his childhood, remembering his grandmother’s declaration that her Yangchun Noodles were the most delicious in the world, and his promise that she needed to get well to keep making them. Snapping back to reality, Long Haoqian questioned An Ning's identity and how she knew about his personal memory of Yangchun Noodles, as well as confidential business information. He struggled to reconcile her claims with the accusation of being a mole.

An Ning argued that a mole wouldn't know about his noodles and pointed out that he must have done a background check to know so much about her if she were truly an enemy. Finally, An Ning confessed her ability to look into people's memories. Long Haoqian scoffed, finding it too magical to believe. An Ning defended her ability, comparing it to New Zealand existing even if one hadn't seen it.

To further illustrate her power, An Ning then recalled a memory of Long Haoqian's involving his good friend Yi Mingjun, revealing a detail Yi Mingjun had told Long Haoqian in that memory: his aversion to being touched by women. Long Haoqian was astonished by this accurate revelation but still demanded proof. He challenged her to prove her ability in a more convincing way, reiterating that she could keep her job if she succeeded.

As they left the hotel, some colleagues speculated that Long Haoqian was personally seeing An Ning off, humorously suggesting it was a new company benefit for fired employees. Out on the street, Long Haoqian and An Ning encountered a police officer trying to assist a lost elderly woman. The woman, disoriented and without a phone, couldn't recall her address or family contacts. An Ning approached the woman, and using her ability, quickly learned her address.

She offered to take the elderly woman home, and with a police officer and Long Haoqian accompanying them, they drove the woman back. Along the way, An Ning compassionately bought the woman candied hawthorn and helped button her coat. Upon arrival, the elderly woman was reunited with her relieved son, who explained she suffered from Alzheimer's and had wandered off. He profusely thanked the police, who in turn credited An Ning.

The son offered An Ning a monetary reward, which she initially refused, but then accepted. Long Haoqian remained skeptical, commenting dismissively on her "proof" of merely sending a neighbor home for a reward. An Ning didn't care about his disbelief.

Approaching the begging father and daughter, An Ning bought an ice cream for the little girl and used her ability to explain their tragic story to Long Haoqian: the father was a farmhand whose wife died two years prior, and his mother recently passed, leaving him and his daughter both suffering from tumors. Despite his lingering doubts, Long Haoqian, attributing his decision to Chef Gong Chen's insistence, granted An Ning another chance to stay employed.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian's father inquired with his assistant and learned that Long Haoqian had not attended his psychological therapy sessions for the past two months. He instructed the assistant to continue monitoring the situation and to inform him immediately if Long Haoqian resumed therapy. Elsewhere, Long Haoqian's mother was at a dinner with a family, where discussions subtly hinted at a prospective marriage alliance.

The family's daughter, a striking red-haired young woman dressed in Lolita fashion, showed clear disdain for the adults' business-driven conversations and dismissed Long Haoqian's mother's attempts at friendliness, leaving the meal early. Long Haoqian's mother smoothed things over, mentioning Long Haoqian was busy with the bay project but would celebrate the girl's birthday later, calling her his "future daughter-in-law." An Ning and Long Haoqian later sat in a coffee shop, observing other patrons.

An Ning asked Long Haoqian to guess the relationship of a couple sitting opposite them. Long Haoqian confidently declared they were a madly in love couple in their honeymoon phase. An Ning, however, revealed that the man was about to break up with his girlfriend because his ex-girlfriend had returned, making the current one merely a rebound. True to An Ning's prediction, the couple soon parted ways unhappily.

They continued this exercise with several other customers, and An Ning consistently proved accurate in her assessments of their emotions and situations. Witnessing these repeated demonstrations, Long Haoqian finally agreed to let An Ning continue working and also promised to keep her unique ability a secret, though he lightly chided her for her often rash words and actions, suggesting that was the real reason she lost previous jobs.

As they exited the coffee shop, Long Haoqian received a phone call from his mother. She expressed her displeasure that he missed an "important meal" with "Uncle Liu," which she stressed was crucial for the bay project. Long Haoqian retorted that its importance was solely to her and that he never agreed to attend.

He flatly rejected her attempts to arrange similar events in the future, declaring he would acquire the bay project on his own terms and that she could compete with Long Teng Group if she wished. He ended the call abruptly, instructing her to contact his assistant Zhao for business matters.

An Ning, who overheard some of the conversation, commented on the fierce dynamic between Long Haoqian and his mother, causing Long Haoqian to quip back about her not being his mother and to stop asking if he was an illegitimate child. An Ning then returned to work, where her colleagues enthusiastically welcomed her back, happy she was staying. During lunch, An Ning had an encounter with Manager Ma.

When asked how she convinced Long Haoqian, An Ning humorously replied it was her charisma. The conversation soon turned to their unmarried status, with Manager Ma adopting a condescending tone, implying her superiority as she was "eliminating candidates" while An Ning was just "single." An Ning quickly retorted, highlighting their shared status despite their supposed "different levels." Their sparring, a common occurrence between Manager Ma and Chef Gong Chen, surprised the other staff when An Ning challenged her.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian met with his old friend Yi Mingjun, who had abandoned his family's Yi Group and a Canadian education arranged by his father to work as a chef at Long Haoqian's hotel. Yi Mingjun confided that he found true freedom and happiness in being a chef, making delicious food, enjoying fine wine, and the company of pretty ladies, and asked Long Haoqian to cover for him with his father.

Long Haoqian expressed frustration at Yi Mingjun's casual approach to his family responsibilities, reminding him of the investment made to secure Chef Gong Chen. Playfully, Yi Mingjun asked Long Haoqian if he kept An Ning because she was pretty, not just skilled. Long Haoqian scoffed at the idea, sarcastically suggesting Yi Mingjun had spent too much time with women if he thought An Ning was beautiful, which Yi Mingjun took as an insult.

Yi Mingjun departed, reminding Long Haoqian to clean his bedroom as he would be staying with him. Separately, An Ning's friend Xia Tian, an aspiring actress, was attending an audition. The director, after dismissing other actresses, invited Xia Tian into his private room. After making suggestive comments about her lack of success and too much pride in the industry, he attempted to physically coerce her. Xia Tian vehemently refused and was forced onto a sofa.

In self-defense, she kicked him to the ground, asserting her dignity, a scene witnessed by Yi Mingjun who had passed by and overheard the commotion. Later that evening, An Ning and Xia Tian met for dinner, sharing their unusual days. Xia Tian recounted how she had to fend off a director, while An Ning described Long Haoqian as a "freak" for his aversion to women.

Long Haoqian was plagued by recurring nightmares stemming from an accident years ago, which caused partial amnesia. He often heard a female voice declaring, "I hate you, Long Haoqian," and desperately sought to uncover the woman's identity and the truth behind his lost memories. A flashback showed Long Haoqian reacting violently to being touched after the accident, asking, "Who is she? And that man, who is he?"

Suddenly, he called An Ning, instructing her to report to his office within an hour or face a pay cut. An Ning, who was having dinner with Xia Tian, reluctantly cut their meal short. Back at An Ning's home, her mother lamented An Ning's single status, disparaging her looks and temperament while worrying about her dwindling chances of marriage. An Ning’s colleagues later observed her walking into Long Haoqian's office.

In his office, Long Haoqian offered An Ning a full-time position, a 20% salary increase, fully paid overseas college tuition, and a substantial sum of money of her choosing. An Ning, surprised by the lavish offer, jokingly asked if he wanted her to be his mistress. Long Haoqian clarified his intention: he wanted to make a deal. He believed it was a waste of An Ning's "power" to only help lost elderly people or understand couples' quarrels.

He explicitly asked her to help him find his missing memories and the truth from that lost year, wondering if the man in his fragmented memory was actually him. An Ning responded with a culinary metaphor, explaining that life, like a dish, needs all its flavors, even the bitter ones, to be complete, implying the importance of retrieving his missing past.

Episode 3 Recap

Ms. Ma was engrossed in gossip with several waitstaff about Long Haoqian and An Ning when she tripped, her high heel catching in a floor gap. She stumbled backward, only to fall into Head-chef Gong Chen's arms. Her surprise turned to slight discomfort as she realized her heel was firmly on his foot, causing his expression to grow increasingly strained. She mumbled an apology.

In the kitchen, Gong Chen rigorously tasted and critiqued the dishes prepared by An Ning and her colleagues. He pinpointed issues with ingredients, suggesting iron mountain yam, and noted one dish was too sour and another's broth too thin. He praised a dish whose taste was good despite its dark color. Gong Chen reminded them that cooking, like life, requires heartfelt dedication, continuous learning, and time to hone skills.

He warned against shortcuts, emphasizing that only one person would become his apprentice and they must earn the spot through skill and hard work. The chefs were preparing diligently for this upcoming apprentice competition. Meanwhile, Ms. Ma was finalizing a wedding banquet menu with a server. Long Haoqian passed by, giving a few instructions.

Ms. Ma thought to herself how unfortunate it was that such a handsome man was not interested in women, imagining she might otherwise have a chance to pursue him. Long Haoqian informed An Ning that their transaction contract would be ready for signing soon, and her pay raise would start next month. He added that she needed to begin fulfilling the contract terms that very night and specifically instructed her not to wear "odd outfits."

An Ning was immediately annoyed, taking offense at his comment and feeling he was mocking her fashion sense. She retorted, "Cucumber Freak," accusing him of calling her names and judging her aesthetic. She warned him that if she continued to criticize her appearance or call her names, she would expose his secrets, regardless of the confidentiality agreement. She declared she wouldn't mind terminating the contract and finding a new job, leaving Long Haoqian utterly frustrated and helpless.

Later, while returning to his office, Long Haoqian overheard two cleaning staff gossiping about An Ning, mentioning she had been blacklisted by dating websites and even suggesting she liked women, which made Long Haoqian frown and shake his head. The hotel welcomed two arrogant VIP guests who, upon arrival, immediately demanded Gong Chen personally prepare their meals. A server explained the hotel's policy that VIP guests could only order one head chef-prepared dish.

One guest scoffed at the rule, calling Gong Chen "just a cook" and questioning the limitation, drawing disapproving looks from other diners. Ms. Ma quickly intervened, politely asking how she could assist. The other guest demanded two dishes: Woolly Fried Perch and Dongpo Pork. When Ms. Ma tried to reiterate the hotel's policy, the rude guest cut her off with a dismissive "Nonsense!"

Realizing they were deliberately causing trouble, Ms. Ma instructed the server to process the order as if it were for two separate tables, ensuring Gong Chen would prepare both dishes. When the message reached the kitchen, Gong Chen remarked on the unusual number of VIPs that day.

As Gong Chen prepared the Dongpo Pork and Woolly Fried Perch, he lectured the other chefs on the crucial control of stove heat, explaining how it profoundly influences flavor and comparing it to maintaining balance in social interactions. The other chefs intently watched, acknowledging Gong Chen as a legendary figure in culinary art whose cooking process was rarely seen.

However, once served, the two guests immediately disparaged the dishes, claiming they were "disgusting," "too sour and salty," and "too greasy," questioning the hotel's integrity and demanding to see the head chef. Gong Chen arrived and was dismayed to find two sets of dishes presented on a single table. He confronted Ms. Ma, accusing her of disregarding rules and creating problems, escalating their usual rivalry.

An Ning, present with the other chefs, used her ability to read the guests' memories and discovered they were from Yi An Corporation, dispatched by L Group to intentionally damage Long Teng Hotel's reputation. She exposed their scheme, reciting their exact conversation, but the guests became even more belligerent. Long Haoqian then stepped in. He affirmed his unwavering trust in Gong Chen's culinary skills but stated that the ultimate judge should be the public.

He requested Gong Chen to prepare the same two dishes again for other guests to taste and provide their honest opinions. After sampling the food, the other diners unanimously praised Gong Chen's cooking, leaving the two instigating guests speechless. Long Haoqian then instructed Ms. Ma to call the police to formally address the disruption and slander. Afterward, Long Haoqian pondered the potential business applications of An Ning's unique ability.

After work, Long Haoqian brought An Ning to a class reunion, introducing her as his assistant and future driver. However, he did not allow her to join them at the dining table, leaving her to sit hungrily on a nearby sofa. She listened as his classmates reminisced about Long Haoqian's significant transformation after high school, recounting a harrowing incident where he was kidnapped and nearly killed, which prompted him to move abroad. Another classmate, Du Kai, arrived late.

An Ning read his memories and discovered that it was Du Kai who had called the police after finding a wounded Long Haoqian following the kidnapping. As the dinner concluded, a famished An Ning attempted to pack the uneaten leftovers, which Long Haoqian found distasteful, telling her, "I said no. Don't you get it?" An Ning, annoyed at being hungry all day, defiantly packed the food anyway and refused to divulge the memories she had seen of his classmates.

Long Haoqian explained his aversion to dining with women. As they bickered, a water truck drove by. An Ning instinctively pulled Long Haoqian in front of her to shield herself, resulting in him getting drenched. The physical contact with a woman also caused him to retch in discomfort. An Ning bought tissues to help him dry off.

Seeing a father and daughter happily playing with fireworks nearby triggered a poignant memory for An Ning: her own father had done the same when she was blind, vividly describing the beautiful "brilliant gem" of fireworks and assuring her she would one day see them for herself. Back home, An Ning was devouring her packed meal.

Her mother casually told her the household registry was in a steel box in her closet, just in case An Ning ever decided to elope. An Ning asserted her continued belief in love, contrasting herself with her friend Xia Tian, who had no boyfriend and no hope for romance. An Ning mused that while she could perceive Long Haoqian's memories, his true character remained elusive to her.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian arrived home, remembering the cleaning staff's gossip about An Ning preferring women. He considered offering to find her suitable female companions if she would share the memories she had seen that day. However, a chilling thought then crossed his mind: what if An Ning, being particular, found no woman appealing and instead developed feelings for him? He shuddered at the grotesque idea of having to "cross-dress" as a solution. The apprentice competition commenced with three rounds.

An Ning won the first round, which focused on decorative garnishes. For the second round, contestants were asked to be creative. An Ning attempted an elaborate Imperial cuisine, Meat-Filled Fish-balls in Stew, but Yi Mingjun won with his preparation of a common dish. The judges noted that while Imperial cuisine was remarkable, the greatest culinary creations often came from common people, and Yi Mingjun's "common cuisine" was the most successful they had seen.

The third and final round required both chefs to prepare stir-fried potato slices from the same ingredients. An Ning secured this round with 12 votes, winning by a margin of two votes, thus winning the competition. She was informed that the apprentice acceptance ceremony would be held soon. Separately, Yi Mingjun, still captivated by Xia Tian after witnessing her stand up to a director, had gathered her personal information and her filming set address, determined to pursue her.

Long Haoqian, recalling the Yi An Corporation incident, hesitated but ultimately decided to enlist An Ning's help for a business matter. However, considering her unique fashion sense, he decided their first step would be to go shopping for new clothes. He called her, telling her he was waiting at the hotel entrance.

When she questioned why they were going to a clothing store, he replied that he didn't want her to be "too dashing" and "scare the others," and that he was judging her fashion sense. She countered, asking if he had a "fetish for fruits and vegetables." After trying on several outfits he disliked, finally selecting a third option, he declared, "We are taking this."

Episode 4 Recap

Long Haoqian finally found a dress for An Ning that he approved of, though its exorbitant price of 16,800 yuan prompted An Ning to tell him she would pay him back in installments. Meanwhile, Xia Tian was on a film set. Her co-star, Shan Shan, proved to be malicious, making Xia Tian drench her hair and clothes in the cold for a scene.

Shan Shan then went to the washroom, and upon returning, repeatedly slapped Xia Tian during takes, claiming she "forgot" the choreography. Xia Tian eventually collapsed into the pool from exhaustion. Yi Mingjun arrived with a bouquet of flowers to visit Xia Tian, and seeing her in distress, he bravely jumped into the water to rescue her. The ordeal left Xia Tian ill, and Yi Mingjun helped her assistant take her to the hospital.

There, the assistant confided in Yi Mingjun about Xia Tian's heavy burden, revealing that she had to work multiple jobs to pay off her deceased gambler father's substantial gambling debts. News of Long Haoqian frequently bringing An Ning to class reunions and shopping malls reached his parents. His mother, particularly suspicious, instructed her assistant to keep a close watch on An Ning. She wondered if Long Haoqian was "cured" since he was no longer seeing Dr. Ren.

Long Haoqian's father also stressed the importance of the Bai Corporation's resort project, stating that if Long Haoqian couldn't secure it, he would personally intervene and meet with Mr. Bai. Long Haoqian later took An Ning to dinner with Mr. Bai to gauge his intentions for the resort project. An Ning, using her ability, informed him that Mr. Bai was indeed positive about him and intended to discuss partnership details next week.

However, Long Haoqian had not disclosed the real purpose of the dinner beforehand. This omission solidified An Ning's suspicion that he was not seeking her help to recover lost memories but rather to gain business advantages. Disappointed, An Ning unilaterally announced the termination of their contract, stating that her agreement was to help him with memories and truth, not business schemes. She felt Long Haoqian didn't understand true pain, which she believed was "a desire to forget," not to remember.

Feeling used, An Ning declared, "I hate you, Long Haoqian!" Back home, Long Haoqian was plagued by headaches and recurring nightmares featuring a female voice. He called Dr. Ren for an appointment. Under hypnosis, the results were the same as always. Dr. Ren admitted that after ten years, if hypnosis were effective, it would have worked by now, asking Long Haoqian if he truly wished to spend the rest of his life this way.

An Ning, meanwhile, pondered her own experience of regaining sight, wondering if painful memories should be forgotten or remembered. During lunch, the hotel staff engaged in their usual banter. Colleagues speculated about An Ning and Yi Mingjun's closeness, which An Ning attributed to her beauty and good opposite-sex appeal. Ms. Ma, despite her disdain, found herself losing arguments with An Ning. In frustration, she began to obliquely mock Gong Chen, describing him as "so old. . .

but act so childish, yet trying to toughen himself like he is mature." An Ning defended him, noting that even a man at the age of 99 could still behave like a boy. When Gong Chen later confronted Ms. Ma, asking if he was "old" or "stank," the others merely laughed. An Ning's phone rang, displaying Long Haoqian's number, but she ignored it, having told him she was "done talking."

Undeterred, Long Haoqian pursued her from the hotel to the subway. Lacking a card, he found himself unable to enter. A kind old woman asking for directions inadvertently touched him, triggering his aversion to female contact, causing him to vomit. An Ning, feeling a pang of guilt, stayed to help him. Long Haoqian then tried to buy her cooperation back, offering to increase her payment. However, An Ning insisted it wasn't a matter of money.

Elsewhere, the cosplay girl named Min Er, who had dined with Long Haoqian's mother before, held a photo of the handsome man she met at the horse track. She expressed her reluctance to attend the dinner her parents had arranged for her with Long Haoqian, unaware that the man in her photo was, in fact, Long Haoqian himself.

Her mother, concerned about their family's standing and future financial stability, urged Min Er to marry Long Haoqian, reminding her of her brother's "wasted life" and the family's changing circumstances. Min Er, however, disliked the "arrogant look" of Long Haoqian's mother and stated she was still young and confident in her income from live streaming, promising not to "cross the line."

Yi Mingjun, upon learning that Long Haoqian had gone to the subway despite his condition, remarked, "Are you out of your mind? You went into the subway? Catastrophe!" He then declared to Long Haoqian that he was truly "in love" with a girl and needed to meticulously plan his pursuit with "flowers, wine and diamond ring. Sports car, cash and candle light dinner."

Later, Yi Mingjun nervously called Xia Tian, but his awkward opening made her assume he was a "pervert," and she promptly hung up. Determined, he decided to meet her in person, appearing before her with flowers, much to her surprise. An Ning, still concerned about Long Haoqian after the subway incident, tried calling him but received no answer. She searched online for cases of "allergic to women's touch" but found nothing relevant. Worried, she decided to visit his house.

Upon entering, she was awestruck by the sheer luxury of his mansion, complete with a crystal chandelier, an attendant offering slippers, and even an elevator. Long Haoqian had been expecting her, but feigned indifference, reading a book as she arrived. An Ning brought the expensive dress she had previously worn, now cleaned, and a pot of porridge she made for him.

Long Haoqian, still holding a grudge from their earlier argument, dismissed her offerings, saying he had no appetite after "puked the whole night." He blamed her for his discomfort, asking, "Did I ask you to follow me? Did I push you into the subway?" An Ning retorted, "Eat it or leave it."

They continued to argue about the contract, with Long Haoqian attempting to persuade her by praising her qualities (being "pretty, kind and gentle, great at cooking and thoughtful") but ultimately insulting her demeanor ("mean and obnoxious"). As An Ning turned to leave, Long Haoqian inadvertently stepped on the heel of her slipper, causing both of them to tumble down the grand staircase.

In the ensuing chaos, Long Haoqian's hand landed awkwardly on An Ning's private parts, creating an intensely embarrassing moment for both, with An Ning internally thinking, "So this is how it feels like to get my buttock touched. It's feel so awkward and flattering." An Ning quickly fled. The fall, however, triggered a vivid memory in Long Haoqian: he recalled "Du Kai was there as well" during his past kidnapping.

He rushed out to follow An Ning, only to accidentally step in pet waste. After a brief conversation outside, An Ning's attitude softened, and she hinted that continuing the contract "depends on my mood," suggesting a possible reconciliation.

Episode 5 Recap

After Yi Mingjun took off his sunglasses, Xia Tian recognized him as the man who had saved her at the pool. Yi Mingjun immediately invited her to dinner. Xia Tian initially claimed to be too busy with filming, but after his persistent invitations, she eventually agreed. Later, Yi Mingjun finally had dinner with Xia Tian and directly confessed his feelings, proposing that she be his girlfriend or even marry him.

Xia Tian, however, stated that she takes relationships very seriously and would not easily embark on a relationship without considering the consequences. Unfazed by her rejection, Yi Mingjun found himself even more impressed by her. He then decided to invest in the drama Xia Tian was starring in, stipulating that she be cast as the main female character. Unaware of Yi Mingjun's intervention, Xia Tian was puzzled by the sudden script changes and her new role.

The rest of the crew, however, seemed to believe she was feigning ignorance, leading to her ostracization. Long Haoqian found himself reflecting on the daytime incident where he and An Ning tumbled down the stairs. Surprisingly, he hadn't thrown up during that physical contact with a woman, and now, he couldn't stop thinking about An Ning. Meanwhile, Yi Mingjun sought out An Ning to understand the complexities of a girl's mind.

An Ning, using her unique ability, immediately saw Yi Mingjun's memories and realized he was in love with Xia Tian. Based on her understanding of Xia Tian, An Ning directly advised Yi Mingjun to give up, stating that they were incompatible and Xia Tian was not someone who said one thing and meant another. Yi Mingjun, disheartened by the cold reception, decided to seek advice from Manager Ma instead.

The next day, he presented Xia Tian with a diamond necklace, hoping to change her mind from their previous conversation. However, Xia Tian rejected the gift, telling him that what she truly desired was "a sincere heart." Feeling dejected, Yi Mingjun called Long Haoqian, expressing his heartbreak and asking him to meet for a commiserating drink. At the bar, they unexpectedly encountered Xia Tian and An Ning.

Long Haoqian initially mistakenly believed An Ning was the one who had rejected Yi Mingjun's affections. As the four talked, the misunderstanding was cleared. However, An Ning inadvertently let slip that Yi Mingjun had spent a considerable amount of money to secure Xia Tian the lead role. This revelation angered Xia Tian, who had previously held a decent impression of Yi Mingjun.

She now blamed and disliked him, explaining that the role change had subjected her to online backlash and even cost her friends in the crew. Seeing the escalating tension, Long Haoqian remarked that An Ning had caused trouble, which promptly led to An Ning and Long Haoqian bickering again. As they left the bar, Yi Mingjun drove Xia Tian home. An Ning mentioned that her house was nearby and she could walk.

Long Haoqian, despite verbally stating he didn't want to drive her home (making an excuse that his car smelled of alcohol), watched her departing figure with concern. He quickly pulled her out of the path of a speeding motorcycle, resulting in another close physical encounter. Imperceptibly, a mutual attraction seemed to be developing between them, and they both began to see the other in a more favorable light.

Upon returning home, Xia Tian was confronted by three large men who had come to collect a debt. Her mother confessed to borrowing 200,000 yuan in high-interest loans for stock speculation, hoping to alleviate Xia Tian's financial burden. With interest, the total now stood at 300,000 yuan, and they demanded repayment within three days.

Xia Tian desperately tried to sell her house and car, but found it nearly impossible to raise such a sum in so little time, while also enduring gossip. Facing her lowest point, her long-held pride and principles seemed to crumble against the weight of her circumstances. She decided to accept an engagement to a wealthy older man who offered her 300,000 yuan, bowing to her fate.

It was during a conversation with this man that Yi Mingjun unexpectedly appeared, confronting Xia Tian and demanding to know if she had rejected him because she was after money. Long Haoqian's father, having heard about his son securing the resort project, urged him to continue working hard and cautiously. He also reminded Long Haoqian to visit his mother for her upcoming birthday, to which Long Haoqian reluctantly agreed to try and find time.

Meanwhile, at her apprenticeship ceremony, An Ning received a generous red packet from her master, Chef Gong Chen, much to the envy of her colleagues. A message then came from the lobby that a birthday celebrant requested longevity noodles from the head chef. Everyone eagerly anticipated watching Gong Chen cook. Gong Chen explained that to truly master a dish, one must first understand it, just as one must understand a person to love them.

An Ning was reminded of her own father saying similar words to her mother. Later, Long Haoqian, holding the congee pot An Ning had given him, intended to return it. He happened to overhear An Ning advising Yi Mingjun about Xia Tian. An Ning told Yi Mingjun that he and Xia Tian were incompatible and urged him to give up, warning him not to add unnecessary trouble to her already difficult life.

She described Xia Tian as seemingly mature but truly innocent and down-to-earth, uninterested in shortcuts or unearned wealth, and thus unsuitable for Yi Mingjun's frivolous romantic pursuits. An Ning concluded by stating that "true love is not to burden, but to share the burden," sharing in each other's suffering and worries, which money cannot accomplish. Long Haoqian, listening intently, felt he gained a deeper understanding of An Ning, realizing that beneath her quirky exterior lay profound wisdom.

An Ning later visited her colleague Na Na, whose father was hospitalized after a car accident. She encountered Na Na's boyfriend, also a colleague, and with her unique ability, she already knew about their secret relationship and reassured them. An Ning accessed Na Na's father's memories, seeing that he had initially opposed his daughter's relationship but had ultimately come to accept it, even planning to buy dowry jewelry for her.

Na Na, unaware of her father's changed heart, was consumed by guilt, believing his accident was linked to her relationship, and insisted on breaking up with her boyfriend. An Ning's attempts to reveal the father's true feelings were in vain. Witnessing the various unavoidable and desperate situations in life, An Ning felt perplexed by why pure love often became entangled with financial considerations, spoiling beautiful things, and why regret always seemed to come too late. As An Ning waited at a red light, Long Haoqian pulled up in his car and gestured for her to get in.

Episode 6 Recap

Yi Mingjun confronted Xia Tian, pulling her into his car to question her. However, Xia Tian fainted, prompting Yi Mingjun to rush her to the hospital. The doctor informed him that Xia Tian was suffering from over-fatigue and extreme stress, prescribing rest and an IV drip. While Xia Tian was still unconscious, her phone rang. Yi Mingjun answered it to find a debt collector on the other end, demanding 300,000 yuan.

Meanwhile, An Ning was in Long Haoqian's car, her mind still preoccupied with Na Na's situation. Long Haoqian inquired about a contract, but An Ning instead suggested arranging a wedding ceremony for Na Na and Xiao Zhong at Long Teng Hotel. Long Haoqian questioned her motives, asking what she stood to gain, to which An Ning retorted, questioning if a true businessman must always seek reciprocation.

They stopped for some street barbecue, and An Ning, noticing Long Haoqian's hesitation, joked about his aversion to eating with women, reminding him that he calls her a "cucumber freak." Long Haoqian asserted that the humble setting did not match his identity, referencing his father's advice about staying grounded in life. An Ning, finding it hard to communicate with him, then emphasized that helping friends should not require reciprocation.

Their meal was interrupted by a phone call from Yi Mingjun, who urgently summoned Long Haoqian regarding Xia Tian's situation. An Ning accompanied him. Upon arrival, they found the debt collectors had escalated their demand from 300,000 to 350,000 yuan. An Ning became furious, pointing out that the original principal was only 200,000 yuan, making the interest for one month an outrageous 150,000 yuan.

Long Haoqian, displaying an unusual lack of adverse reaction to physical contact when stopping An Ning, coolly told the collectors they were not qualified to discuss the matter with him. He then sent a message, which promptly brought the debt collectors' boss, Jin San, to the scene. Jin San apologized profusely to both Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun, explaining that his underlings were unaware that Xia Tian was their friend and claiming it was all a misunderstanding.

He offered to let the matter slide entirely, but Yi Mingjun insisted on paying 200,000 yuan, warning them to treat Xia Tian with respect in the future. Long Haoqian then dismissed them. Elsewhere, Ma Manager was walking home when she was suddenly stalked. She quickly sprayed the assailant with pepper spray, only to discover it was Gong Chen.

Annoyed, Gong Chen used eye drops and complained that Ma Manager was too cautious for her age, suggesting she'd only be robbed for money, not for sex. Ma Manager retorted that someone like Gong Chen wouldn't even have scandals. They realized, to their mutual disdain, that they had become neighbors after Ma Manager moved.

Gong Chen then launched into a lengthy explanation of what he considered a "good-looking matured man," citing his own "strength," "traces left by passing time," "precious medals of life," and beard as examples of masculine charm. Ma Manager laughed at his self-importance, correcting him that these were merely forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, smile lines, and neck lines. Frustrated, Gong Chen declared it pointless to discuss such matters with someone like her, who lacked "literacy knowledge and feelings."

Back at the hospital, Yi Mingjun pulled An Ning aside, asking her not to reveal to Xia Tian that he was the one who paid off her 200,000 yuan debt, suggesting An Ning claim responsibility to spare Xia Tian the pressure. An Ning asked if he was sincere about Xia Tian, and Yi Mingjun admitted that seeing Xia Tian consider marrying an older man for money had driven him almost crazy.

An Ning agreed to his request, though she said she and Xia Tian would find a way to repay him. Yi Mingjun stayed behind to care for Xia Tian, telling Long Haoqian and An Ning to leave. Long Haoqian, noticing Yi Mingjun pulling An Ning aside, felt a subtle pang of unease. As Long Haoqian and An Ning departed, Yi Mingjun noticed their closeness, wondering when they had become so familiar.

In the car, An Ning teased Long Haoqian about his cool demeanor during the debt negotiation. She then expressed her thought that after seeing Yi Mingjun's sincerity, she might even encourage Xia Tian to accept his pursuit. Long Haoqian, however, redirected the conversation to his lost memories, asking if An Ning had any new clues or if he kept a diary.

Long Haoqian then instructed An Ning to sit in the front passenger seat, claiming it was tiring to twist his neck to speak to her otherwise. As they continued discussing his fractured memories, An Ning, after making eye contact with Long Haoqian, suddenly fainted.

She found herself in a fragmented memory of Long Haoqian's, seeing a hospital ward and a patient named Long Haoqian, and a girl being wheeled away on a gurney, but she couldn't clearly discern the girl's face. Long Haoqian, concerned, took the unconscious An Ning to a doctor, only to be told she was simply in a very deep sleep. When An Ning finally awoke, she saw a frantic call from her mother, Mdm.

Cauliflower, and rushed home, fearing her mother's scolding for being out late, even leaving her shoes unfastened in her haste. Long Haoqian offered to drive her home. Meanwhile, Xia Tian awoke in the hospital to find Yi Mingjun by her side. He gently told her that An Ning had paid her usurious loan, and all she needed to do was recuperate.

He promised that he would continue to pursue her but would no longer force her to accept his feelings, declaring that loving her was his matter, and she just needed to live a good life. He also expressed that he couldn't bear to see her fall sick again, as his heart would ache for her. An Ning arrived home and looked up at the night sky, wondering which star her father had become, assuming it was the brightest.

She reminisced about her childhood, recalling a time when she had fallen and couldn't see, and her father had carried her, promising to do so until she married and had children, and then carry her grandchildren too. She remembered asking him if she would ever regain her eyesight, and he assured her that she would, as long as she maintained a good mood. Her maternal grandfather then approached her, observing her distant gaze.

He remarked that as people age, their oldest memories become clearer, comparing it to distant stars appearing like the moon. He then inquired if anyone had introduced her to any new male friends, expressing concern about her future. New Year's Day arrived, and the kitchen staff, led by Gong Chen, were enthusiastically preparing for Na Na and Xiao Zhong's wedding banquet, aiming to make it perfect.

Long Haoqian watched An Ning, realizing he had never seen such a warm, pure, clean, and gentle smile before, one that had unexpectedly opened his heart. Later, at a bar, Long Haoqian and An Ning shared drinks.

An Ning confided in him about her father, admitting to a tinge of jealousy that Na Na's father was alive to witness her wedding, while she never had the chance to perform any of the loving gestures a daughter should for her own father. Long Haoqian consoled her, telling her that her father's love would always be enough to face life's difficulties, and that her father was surely watching over her.

An Ning then revealed that her aspiration to become a chef stemmed from her late father's wish for someone to inherit his special dish, "The Godsent Marriage," a dish he created for her mother. Despite her efforts, she hadn't yet been able to recreate it. Long Haoqian encouraged her, assuring her she would succeed, and complimented her smile. The two of them, perhaps swept up by the music and ambiance, then held hands and danced.

The next morning, Long Haoqian awoke to find An Ning in his bed. Startled, he quickly grabbed his clothes and retreated into the bathroom. Just then, Yi Mingjun arrived at Long Haoqian's house, frantically searching for him. Long Haoqian and An Ning struggled to keep her presence a secret from Yi Mingjun. While Long Haoqian distracted Yi Mingjun, An Ning stealthily slipped out of the house.

However, as soon as she opened her own front door, she was met by her mother, Mdm. Cauliflower, who immediately reprimanded her. Yi Mingjun had come to Long Haoqian for advice because Xia Tian was now determined to marry the older man she had met with due to her financial burdens. Long Haoqian questioned her decision, prompting Yi Mingjun to relay Xia Tian's desperate reasoning: after seeing Na Na's wedding, Xia Tian no longer saw marriage as inherently horrible.

She recounted her traumatic upbringing with a gambling father who left her family with debts and poverty, leading her to believe that fate was uncontrollable. She expressed that she no longer wanted to live under constant financial pressure and saw marrying the wealthy older man as a way to secure a future for herself and her potential child, inheriting his wealth after twenty years.

Long Haoqian urged her not to give up, reminding her that God might just be starting to bless her. Yi Mingjun, equally distressed by Xia Tian's decision, pleaded with Long Haoqian to help him find a solution to prevent Xia Tian from marrying the man and losing the love of his life. Long Haoqian agreed to help.

Episode 7 Recap

An Ning was questioned by her mother and grandfather about where she spent the night. Her mother scolded her for staying out and not actively seeking a husband. An Ning explained that she had attended Na Na's wedding, drank too much, and her phone died, so she stayed at a female colleague's house. Her elders were disappointed, especially upon hearing it was a female colleague, expressing their hope for her to find a partner.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian reflected on the morning's events, which, instead of being unpleasant, brought him a sense of joy. His thoughts were entirely consumed by An Ning. An Ning, on the other hand, was frustrated, realizing she remembered nothing from the previous night. The beautiful memories she expected were completely gone, like used tissue. Long Haoqian attempted to send An Ning a message but kept typing and deleting, unsure of what to say.

Just then, Yi Mingjun called him, initially discussing arrangements Long Haoqian had already made regarding Xia Tian. However, Long Haoqian overheard Yi Mingjun mention An Ning's name and immediately rushed out of his office. An Ning and Yi Mingjun were about to confront the older man Xia Tian intended to marry, ready for a direct confrontation. Long Haoqian arrived and intervened, embracing both of them by the shoulders to prevent them from acting rashly.

The trio then found a discreet spot to observe Xia Tian and the man from behind. Long Haoqian inadvertently opened his phone and accidentally sent a "I miss you" message he had drafted for An Ning. Fearing she would see it, he quickly took her phone and urged her to focus on the situation with Xia Tian. Long Haoqian had arranged for the man's other women and children to arrive, exposing his philandering nature.

This made it clear to Xia Tian that the man would never truly be responsible for her, and she finally changed her decision regarding the marriage. As they left the hotel, Long Haoqian swiftly pulled An Ning into his car, stating he didn't want any "third wheels." This left Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian to depart in a separate car. Unbeknownst to them, a camera captured Yi Mingjun helping Xia Tian into the car, foreshadowing inevitable trouble.

In the car, Long Haoqian seemed bothered and jealous by An Ning's private meetings with Yi Mingjun. He reminded her to think about helping him retrieve his fragmented memories once she had finished helping others. An Ning expressed her gratitude to Long Haoqian for his assistance to Na Na and Xia Tian. She reiterated her belief that the events of their drunken night shouldn't be pursued, nor did she expect Long Haoqian to take responsibility.

Unexpectedly, Long Haoqian then proposed marriage. He leaned in to kiss her, but the seatbelt held him back, preventing him from reaching her. An Ning, who had closed her eyes in anticipation, laughed at the comical revelation. Elsewhere, An Ning's mother was busy making calls, casting a wide net to find suitable matches for her daughter.

Having become neighbors, Manager Ma and Gong Chen frequently encountered each other on their way to and from work, extending their playful arguments beyond the workplace. Gong Chen, showing a hint of chivalry, suggested they look out for each other as neighbors, but Manager Ma, with her usual stubbornness, dismissed his sentiment. However, later that day, Manager Ma returned home to find her lights out and reluctantly sought Gong Chen's help.

During the process of fixing the light, there was a moment when Manager Ma found herself seeing an unexpected charm in Gong Chen. Startled by an insect on the floor, she accidentally bumped into him, causing them both to fall, and Gong Chen unfortunately injured his hand. An Ning, Long Haoqian, Xia Tian, and Yi Mingjun were drinking at a bar. Xia Tian's engagement had been called off, and Yi Mingjun seized the opportunity to pursue her, even proposing marriage.

He also noticed the unusual dynamic between Long Haoqian and An Ning. An Ning enthusiastically supported Yi Mingjun, asserting that commitments born of true love deserved blessings, implying this was preferable to promises made merely out of a sense of responsibility, which she attributed to Long Haoqian. Long Haoqian, in the midst of arguing with her, accidentally let slip details about their drunken night, revealing their "one-night stand" to both Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian.

Back at home, An Ning pondered Long Haoqian's proposal, finding it hard to believe. However, opening her phone to see his "I miss you" message left her astonished, wondering about the series of "miraculous encounters" she had been experiencing lately. Later, she and Xia Tian, good friends, spent the night together, offering each other encouragement, yet both admitted to a similar reluctance when it came to their own romantic feelings. Long Haoqian's father learned An Ning's name from his assistant.

He stated that if An Ning could cure Long Haoqian's condition, he would ensure Long Haoqian married her grandly, instructing the assistant to keep this matter secret from Long Haoqian's mother. Yi Mingjun received a call from his father, who demanded he pack his bags and come to New York immediately. Yi Mingjun was distressed, especially realizing his father was already aware of his relationship with Xia Tian.

With the National Cooking Contest approaching, challenges arose: Gong Chen's hand was injured, his sous-chef Fatso Fang's family required his care in the hospital, and Yi Mingjun had gone to America. After discussions, Gong Chen and Long Haoqian decided that An Ning would represent Long Teng in the competition. Despite her lack of confidence, An Ning, encouraged by her master and Long Haoqian, resolved to gather her courage and give her best effort.

After work, Long Haoqian picked up An Ning and took her to his secret garden, a place known only to him. He confessed his deep feelings for her, and An Ning, in turn, reciprocated his affections.

Episode 8 Recap

Long Haoqian intended to confess his feelings to An Ning and share a first kiss, hoping their relationship would naturally progress. However, his attempt was clumsy, resulting in An Ning bumping her head. The awkwardness led him to simply comment on how bright the moon was that night. Realizing Long Haoqian hadn't eaten, An Ning offered to cook him some porridge. She called home to say she would be late.

Her grandfather encouraged her to practice more for the upcoming competition, while her mother lamented that An Ning was so engrossed in cooking she had no time for dating or finding a boyfriend. As An Ning served the porridge, Long Haoqian began to tell her something important, but a sudden blackout plunged them into darkness. An Ning, who suffers from nyctophobia, instinctively cowered in Long Haoqian's arms, frightened and unable to see.

Unlike a previous incident in an elevator, this time, Long Haoqian was genuinely happy to hold her, reassuring her that it was just a power outage and she had nothing to fear. An Ning confessed her past, revealing that she had been blind from the age of two until fourteen, spending twelve years in complete darkness.

She shared the pain of never knowing what her family looked like, and not seeing her father's face before he passed away, only later seeing him in photos. After regaining her sight, she acquired the unique ability to see others' memories. Initially, this power brought her distress as she witnessed many ugly and selfish aspects of human nature, making her despise the ability.

However, as she saw more beautiful things and realized she could help others, she eventually accepted her special gift. Long Haoqian, deeply moved, then told her, "I love you." An Ning, finally accepting her true feelings, reciprocated his love, and they shared their first kiss. This private moment marked the beginning of their official relationship.

The next morning, back at the hotel, Long Haoqian and An Ning walked in together, encountering Manager Ma and other staff distributing Laba porridge to the needy. Manager Ma observed the two, sensing a subtle but significant change in their demeanor. Meanwhile, in the US, Yi Mingjun continued his ardent pursuit of Xia Tian.

He frequently sent her loving messages, expressing how much he missed her and detailing his future plans that included her, such as outings in the countryside in spring, beach trips in summer, hiking in autumn, and hot spring visits in winter. He also ordered takeaway for her, sending a thoughtful message urging her to take care of herself and assuring her of his growing love. An Ning prepared a few dishes for Gong Chen to taste.

He immediately noticed they were not up to her usual standard and asked if she was under too much stress. Gong Chen explained that every dish possesses a soul, influenced by the chef's mood. He elaborated that while the taste might not differ significantly, the feeling conveyed could be vastly different, creating either happy or sad dishes. He advised her that to make a truly good dish, both wisdom and a positive mindset are crucial.

An Ning acknowledged his profound advice, understanding that a chef's emotional state directly impacts their culinary creations. Min Er, the cosplayer mentioned previously, arrived at a film set to visit friends. She confided that she was in the process of moving abroad, a deliberate act to oppose her parents' arranged marriage with Long Haoqian. Separately, Long Haoqian attended an event with his mother and various dignitaries.

In a private conversation with his mother, he firmly rejected the idea of pursuing a relationship with Min Er, stating he would manage his own affairs. His mother, frustrated, reminded him of past relationships and admonished him for his "capricious" behavior, dismissing his past trauma as a "small incident." Long Haoqian retorted, pointing out his mother's prioritization of business, money, and status over marriage, love, and children.

Later, Long Haoqian and An Ning went on a date, enjoying roasted sweet potatoes by the roadside. Long Haoqian, who had never tried such a common delicacy, was initially unfamiliar but found it delicious as An Ning playfully guided him through the experience, emphasizing the simple joy of street food in winter. Unbeknownst to them, their tender moment was captured by an opportunistic photographer.

As the national culinary competition drew near, Long Haoqian, An Ning, and Gong Chen traveled to the host hotel. Before the intense competition began, Long Haoqian and An Ning carved out time for a date at the resort, which Long Haoqian revealed was called "Blooming Flowers and Full Moon," a place rumored to inspire love. He playfully suggested that they, too, were blessed by Cupid, to which An Ning agreed.

Long Haoqian's health continued to improve, mirroring the blossoming of their relationship. Meanwhile, An Ning's mother, still unaware of her daughter's new romance, continued to worry about An Ning finding a partner. She mused about the possibility of An Ning meeting a handsome foreign journalist at the competition, much to her father's dismay, who jokingly suggested finding an alien instead.

On the day of the competition, An Ning unexpectedly requested to change her chosen dish, making the already tight schedule even more challenging. Despite the increased pressure, Gong Chen expressed unwavering confidence in her. An Ning then began preparing "The God-sent Marriage," a signature dish of her late father. A judge, observing her technique, found it remarkably familiar, pondering where he might have encountered it before.

As An Ning presented the dish, the judge immediately recognized it, recounting how he had tasted it once by coincidence two decades ago and had thought the dish was lost forever. He lauded "The God-sent Marriage" for its intricate integration of China's eight major cuisines and its strict selection of premium ingredients, describing it as a symbol of prosperity and auspiciousness, full of Chinese wisdom. During this description, Long Haoqian whispered to An Ning, "You are my perfect match." The commentators speculated excitedly that "The God-sent Marriage" would surely be the champion, but the question of its ultimate victory remained.

Episode 9 Recap

The cooking competition concluded with "The Godsend Marriage" taking first place, a testament to An Ning and her team's dedication. Long Haoqian immediately began to openly dote on An Ning, showering her with affection and a bouquet of blue cornflowers, whose flower language signifies encounter and happiness. He suggested they stay longer for a vacation, brushing aside An Ning's concerns about "jobbery" by confidently stating his authority.

Their newfound romance was clear to Gong Chen and Xiao Wu, who playfully dubbed it a "kitchen romance" and joked that if Manager Ma, who sought a husband with Long Haoqian's standards, knew, she would be furious. Later, Long Haoqian took An Ning to a wishing tree, where they visited a shop and wove marriage knots, wishing to be "born to be together, never separate."

Unbeknownst to them, a photograph of Long Haoqian and An Ning together had reached his mother. Upon learning that An Ning was a chef, his mother grew furious, smashing the photo and railing against his choice of a "chef" over a girl from a suitable family background. The mystery surrounding Xiao Wu's sudden departure and An Ning's last-minute change to her competition dish was finally revealed.

An Ning admitted she had detected vinegar in the soup base early on but strategically waited until the critical final moment to change the dish, ensuring the saboteur had no further opportunity to interfere. Long Haoqian correctly surmised that Xiao Wu was responsible. An Ning revealed she had kept silent because Xiao Wu had taken money from L Group to tamper with the food due to his mother's illness.

Out of compassion, An Ning gave Xiao Wu 20,000 yuan, urging him to pay back L Group and return to school to complete his studies. She stressed the importance of having principles and reminded him that harming others, regardless of the reason, is difficult to forgive.

Long Haoqian, who had already noted An Ning's generous nature when she paid the remaining balance for Na Na's phoenix crown, also provided financial support for Xiao Wu's education, albeit disguised as a loan with bank interest. An Ning acknowledged that she was beginning to understand Long Haoqian better, finding him "slightly better than what I have expected."

In a lighthearted moment, Long Haoqian playfully pressed for their relationship to advance beyond kissing, to which An Ning teasingly called him "thick skinned." Meanwhile, Xia Tian, distracted during filming by thoughts of Yi Mingjun, received a package containing a voice message from him expressing how much he missed her and warning her not to talk or smile at other guys. Soon after, Yi Mingjun returned and surprised Xia Tian.

The two, on a date, unexpectedly ran into An Ning and Long Haoqian, who were also together. The two couples' happy reunion was cut short by the unexpected arrival of Angel, a junior and family friend to both Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun.

While Long Haoqian casually introduced Angel as being "like a sister," An Ning, using her ability to see memories, saw flashbacks of Angel writing love letters, weaving scarves, and acting as a cheerleader for Long Haoqian, even wanting to confess her feelings publicly. Xia Tian then exposed similar past romantic actions by Yi Mingjun towards Angel, indicating he had also pursued her.

Realizing the extent of their intertwined history, An Ning and Xia Tian confronted their boyfriends about this "triangle love." Both Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun tried to downplay the situation, claiming Angel was merely a "sister" and her past affection was insignificant. However, when pressed, Yi Mingjun admitted that both he and Long Haoqian had recently seen Angel at her birthday party. Furious, both An Ning and Xia Tian demanded their boyfriends write a 20,000-word self-review.

An Ning's mother, Ms. Caihua, overheard the commotion outside, prompting An Ning and Xia Tian to retreat indoors, leaving Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun outside. Long Haoqian expressed disbelief at being "scolded by a woman" and lamented that An Ning had been giving him the cold shoulder for days, holding a grudge about Angel. He then, reflecting on An Ning's strong personality, found himself "addicted to it."

Long Haoqian later asked An Ning about the self-review, but she firmly told him to do his seriously and not to meet her until it was done. Long Haoqian, hoping to avoid the task, tried to convince Yi Mingjun not to write his review, falsely claiming An Ning hadn't demanded one from him and boasting that "my woman knows the bottom lines."

He lectured Yi Mingjun that "woman is like a kid; the more you love her, the more she will be arrogant." However, Long Haoqian secretly copied a lengthy self-review from the internet. When Yi Mingjun confronted Long Haoqian about their joint decision not to write the reviews, Long Haoqian stood firm in his lie. But moments later, Xia Tian appeared and accepted Yi Mingjun's sincere, albeit shorter, review, even agreeing to terminate his "probation."

Seeing this, Long Haoqian quickly changed his tune, presenting his own copied review and declaring his love for An Ning, asserting that the more arrogant she became, the more addicted he was to her. An Ning, however, immediately spotted the plagiarism, pointing out absurd lines like a "kid peed on the bed" in his review. She dismissed his efforts, telling him she wasn't walking him out and to close the door on his way.

Left outside, Long Haoqian lamented Yi Mingjun's "betrayal" in showing loyalty to Xia Tian. Back home, An Ning went straight to her room, trying to avoid her mother, Ms. Caihua, who was eager to know if she had found an "exotic boyfriend" during her trip, or any boyfriend at all. An Ning deflected, stating she wasn't interested in a long-distance relationship, though she kept her current romance a secret from her family.

In another household, Min'er's mother inquired about her son, who was an actor working with Xia Tian. Worried about his marital status, she revealed plans to arrange a blind date for him with the daughter of her university friend—an excellent lawyer who owned a big law firm. Min'er discreetly called her brother to warn him about their mother's intentions, revealing that he already had someone in his heart. Meanwhile, Long Haoqian's mother tasked Xiao Ding with investigating An Ning's background. Upon Angel's return, Long Haoqian's mother immediately summoned her, revealing she had an "extremely important task" for her.

Episode 10 Recap

Gong Chen's hand was injured after helping Ma Manager change a light bulb. Despite his injury, Ma Manager came to his aid by cooking dinner for him, but the dishes she prepared were entirely unappetizing. She proudly announced that because of her "heart of gold," she cooked for him and expected gratitude, suggesting that in her "gorgeous" company, anything would taste remarkable.

Gong Chen, however, retorted by asking why he was injured in the first place, teasing her by saying she had calcium deficiency and was no longer young. Ma Manager indignantly denied being old, claiming to be in her prime, leading Gong Chen to mock her for using such a phrase. As it grew late, Gong Chen suggested she go home. Ma Manager responded that she only dined with people of class and good looks, then left.

Gong Chen, left alone with the inedible food, secretly acknowledged to himself that he had actually recovered from his injury but had chosen to conceal it from her. An Ning and Xia Tian were trying on clothes when An Ning's mother presented her with another blind date opportunity, pushing An Ning to wear the new clothes for it. Her mother even moved the date up, stating that "another day alive is another day older" for An Ning.

An Ning expressed reluctance, but her mother insisted. Xia Tian observed An Ning's reluctance and questioned why she hadn't yet told her mother about her relationship with Long Haoqian. An Ning admitted she didn't know how to start the conversation, explaining that her mother, while seemingly nice, was very picky.

An Ning then playfully deflected, revealing her own fear of introducing Yi Mingjun to her mother, joking that her mother would "latch onto him" like a "thirsty mosquito" and "suck him dry," causing Xia Tian to tease An Ning about her affection for Yi Mingjun, which An Ning denied. Angel arrived at Long Haoqian's residence, announcing her intention to live there while in the country and asking if he didn't welcome her.

Long Haoqian, though seemingly recovered from his own previous illness, responded by asking Uncle Qi to prepare a room for her, clearly wanting to keep his distance. Angel even secretly overheard Long Haoqian expressing his true feelings for An Ning, which left her feeling upset. His mother, speaking to Angel over the phone, reiterated her desire for Angel to live in Long Haoqian's house and "win his heart over."

Yi Mingjun confronted Long Haoqian about Angel's presence, pointing out that Angel's family had been in America for years, making Long Haoqian her only option. Long Haoqian, worried about An Ning finding out, declared his intention to move out. Yi Mingjun teased him for being afraid of An Ning.

Yi Mingjun then revealed his decision to work for the Yi Group instead of studying abroad, a choice driven by his profound love for Xia Tian, explaining that his feelings for her made him want to be a more responsible man, not just someone who could provide money. Long Haoqian asked if Yi Mingjun felt a similar connection with An Ning, and Yi Mingjun confessed that without An Ning, he would feel "abandoned by the whole world."

They then lightheartedly argued over who Angel "belonged" to. Long Haoqian subsequently informed Yi Mingjun that he was moving out of his house to avoid "gossips" regarding Angel, a move he himself initiated, intending to return only after she went back to America.

Yi Mingjun mentioned that he too was moving to Long Teng Hotel because Xia Tian's filming location had been changed there, teasing Long Haoqian that he only agreed to help him because Long Haoqian arranged for Xia Tian's filming at Long Teng. An Ning received a visitor at the restaurant, who informed her that "Madam" wished to speak with her.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian began to experience flashes of a lost memory from an accident, seeing a girl yell, "Long Hao Qian, I hate you!" and calling for her "My girl!" He pondered to himself if he was truly the culprit and whether An Ning would still stay with him. Long Haoqian's mother met An Ning, acknowledging An Ning's closeness to her son.

She subtly attempted to undermine An Ning, suggesting that Long Haoqian's interest was merely curiosity for something "plain" and that he would eventually return to someone "best," like Angel. An Ning bravely confronted Long Haoqian's mother, questioning her understanding of her own son. An Ning detailed Long Haoqian's struggles—his high fevers, tireless work to prove his worth, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and the ten years he spent haunted by nightmares—all of which his mother seemed unaware of.

An Ning passionately asserted that she knew his pain, his fear of a woman's touch, his weaknesses, fears, and doubts, and declared that she trusted Long Haoqian and believed he and Angel shared no special relationship, confidently stating that he was her boyfriend. Back in the kitchen, An Ning appeared anxious, prompting her colleagues to notice her odd behavior and speculate about the man in the black suit she had just met.

Soon after, Long Haoqian found An Ning, telling her he was just about to look for her. An Ning hugged him tightly, admitting she just wanted to. They resolved their tension over Angel, with An Ning acknowledging his gesture of moving into the hotel for her. Long Haoqian then confided that a new memory had surfaced, causing him to fear he might be the culprit in the accident. As he spoke, An Ning suddenly fainted.

She was drawn into his memory, where she witnessed Long Haoqian being brutally beaten and a girl screaming for her "brother" before being attacked. An Ning desperately tried to intervene but could do nothing. Upon waking, An Ning reassured Long Haoqian that the memory confirmed he was not the true assailant, bringing them both relief.

They discussed the confusing aspects of the memory, such as why the rescued girl hated Long Haoqian if he was trying to save her and why she left him injured. They theorized about An Ning's ability to enter his memories, concluding that an initial trauma created an entry point, and subsequent entries occurred through "shared consciousness" when they recalled the same memory simultaneously.

Long Haoqian then confessed his profound fear that he was the culprit, that he might have done something unforgivable, and that he might not deserve An Ning or that she would leave him. An Ning comforted him, telling him not to be silly, that he was kind, and that she would never leave him, considering the pain of the past decade a worthwhile trial if it led her to him.

Elsewhere, Min'er, determined to identify her "Prince Charming" from a photo, asked a stable staff member about the man in the picture. She learned that the horse, "Cucumber," formerly named "General," belonged to Long Haoqian, President of Long Teng Group, confirming her crush's identity. Yi Mingjun visited Xia Tian on her film set, having taken a day off. He expressed jealousy over William, a co-star Xia Tian praised for his professional demeanor and humility.

Yi Mingjun dismissed William, claiming Xia Tian was "the best in the world." Suddenly, Xia Tian received an urgent phone call about her mother's hospitalization. Yi Mingjun immediately accompanied her. At the hospital, Xia Tian worried about her mother's recurring health issues and missing work. Yi Mingjun reassured her, promising that no one would dare scold his girlfriend and volunteering to handle the hospital paperwork to ensure the best doctors in the country would diagnose her mother.

Xia Tian's mother claimed to be "fine," feeling like she'd just taken a nap, while Xia Tian was deeply grateful for Yi Mingjun's support. Long Haoqian's father inquired about the National Cooking Contest and expressed approval of An Ning, even asking Long Haoqian to invite her to dinner, explicitly referring to her as his "future daughter-in-law." This filled Long Haoqian with surprise and happiness. However, unbeknownst to him, An Ning was on the blind date her mother had arranged.

Her date, John, impressed her with a gift of lilies, chivalry in helping an old lady, and a keen interest in social issues and cooking, making An Ning find him charming. Angel, unable to reach Long Haoqian, texted him to meet her. When Long Haoqian arrived at the meeting place, he was furious to find An Ning happily chatting with John. Angel then arrived, recognizing John as an acquaintance.

Long Haoqian, visibly jealous, immediately claimed An Ning was his "girlfriend," which An Ning quickly denied, stating they were merely "colleagues" and "closest buddies." John and Angel soon made their excuses and departed. Long Haoqian confronted An Ning, angered that she was having ice cream with John and by her question about a "private room" reservation made for him, which he tried to explain was not what she thought.

An Ning apologized, but Long Haoqian, still upset, abruptly picked her up in a princess carry. Coincidentally, Min'er, who had just discovered Long Haoqian was her crush and was worried about having offended his mother, witnessed Long Haoqian carrying An Ning into a car. Instead of being discouraged, she found herself even more attracted to him.

Episode 11 Recap

Long Haoqian and An Ning were bickering in the car when Long Haoqian playfully stopped, reminding An Ning about a night they both got drunk. He teased her, saying that when he gets mad, even he's afraid of himself, implying she wouldn't have been able to handle him if a traffic officer hadn't intervened. A traffic officer then indeed approached, telling them they couldn't park there, which Long Haoqian quickly acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian's father urged his wife to stop interfering with Long Haoqian and An Ning's relationship. His mother, however, remained resolute, viewing it as her duty to choose the best partner for her son. She felt misunderstood, believing her husband saw her as stubborn and unkind.

Long Haoqian's father stressed the importance of their son's well-being, noting that it was rare for Long Haoqian to find a girl who could bring normalcy back into his life, and that his son's mental and physical health were paramount. In contrast, Long Haoqian's mother maintained that her son's future was far more crucial, unequivocally declaring that she would never agree to their marriage, highlighting the deep division between the parents.

Xia Tian visited her mother, who had just woken up in the hospital. Her mother immediately turned on her, asking why she bothered to come when she hated seeing her and staying home. Xia Tian, concerned, offered to get her food, but her mother harshly told her to leave, stating that seeing Xia Tian only reminded her of Xia Tian's "cursed father" and brought her pain. An Ning arrived, and Xia Tian's mother continued to insist Xia Tian leave.

Xia Tian agreed and walked out. Later, An Ning's mother commented to An Ning that Xia Tian was a good person with a difficult life. An Ning suggested her mother could adopt Xia Tian as a god-daughter, but her mother thought Xia Tian's own mother wouldn't allow it. An Ning countered that Xia Tian's mother might prefer her out of the house, always pushing her to marry a rich man.

An Ning's mother defended this as being for Xia Tian's own good. However, Xia Tian's mother then declared to Xia Tian that she was not her real mother, and they were not related by blood; her birth mother had died in a car accident when she was a baby. Xia Tian, distraught, dismissed it as confusion due to her mother's illness, but her mother offered a paternity test to prove it. Heartbroken, Xia Tian left.

Still believing Gong Chen's hand was injured, Ma Manager continued to cook for him. While they were talking, she accidentally cut her finger while slicing ingredients. Gong Chen quickly took over to treat her wound, and in his haste, he used his "injured" arm freely, revealing that it had actually healed a long time ago. Instead of being upset by the deception, Ma Manager seemed touched.

Gong Chen then confessed his feelings for her with a kiss, which she reciprocated, admitting she liked him too. The next morning, their relationship had clearly transformed. Ma Manager, now much gentler, asked Gong Chen to call her by more intimate nicknames like "Lulu" or "Meng Meng" instead of her formal title, and insisted on making him breakfast.

Later, when Ma Manager called Gong Chen to discuss "what happened yesterday," he playfully misunderstood, referring to their intimate moment, and told her to wait for him that night, leaving her flustered but smitten. Angel decided to return to America that afternoon. Long Haoqian saw her off, expressing relief that she was leaving. Angel confessed that she now believed in fated love and acknowledged An Ning as a good girl, offering her blessings to the couple.

Long Haoqian thanked her, and they shared a friendly farewell hug, with Angel asking if he would miss her as a good friend, to which he affirmed they would always be friends. Later, Long Haoqian's mother summoned An Ning to showcase her immense wealth, emphasizing that all of it would eventually belong to Long Haoqian.

She questioned if An Ning truly believed she and Long Haoqian were compatible, subtly accusing An Ning of coveting their riches and offering her a monetary settlement to leave her son. An Ning fiercely rejected the offer, stating that Long Haoqian was worth more than all the wealth in the world to her.

She acknowledged Long Haoqian's mother's concerns but pointed out that the love and care she offered was something Long Haoqian had never fully experienced, and she would share all her happiness with him unconditionally. Long Haoqian's mother tried to dissuade her further, urging her to consider Long Haoqian's future and to know when to withdraw from a losing gamble.

An Ning remained defiant, declaring that she had bet her whole life on this relationship and would not allow herself or Long Haoqian to lose. After this intense confrontation, An Ning avoided Long Haoqian's calls and texts, seeking solitary space at a bookstore and a KTV to process and rethink her future. When Long Haoqian finally found her, he confronted her about her unresponsiveness. An Ning admitted she felt lost and needed space to plan her future.

Long Haoqian playfully dismissed her need for planning, asserting that he was her future. He then asked what Angel had said to her. An Ning recounted Angel's words of returning to America and calling An Ning a good girl. Long Haoqian expressed surprise at Angel's generosity, having expected a long fight. An Ning then joked about Long Haoqian not being able to touch any woman other than her, which he quickly confirmed.

An Ning informed him she was taking a day off to meet two important people, refusing to disclose their identities, much to his playful annoyance. They shared a goodnight kiss. The next day, An Ning, her mother, and her grandfather visited the graves of An Ning's father, An Jiayuan, and her elder sister, An Yi. An Ning's mother had finished making a cheongsam for An Yi, expressing her hope that An Yi would like the color.

She also voiced a long-standing regret about never making a cheongsam for An Ning, fearing An Ning might be upset. Her grandfather reassured her that An Ning was not a petty person and understood. At the graveside, An Ning's mother addressed her deceased husband, stating that they were all there to visit him and An Yi. An Ning spoke to her father and sister, asking how they were.

An Ning was wearing a bracelet that appeared to be the same as one Long Haoqian remembered on a girl from his past. With Angel out of the picture, Long Haoqian's mother quickly arranged a lunch meeting for him with the Liu family, insisting he attend as she had made a promise.

Long Haoqian reiterated his demand for her to stop interfering, but his mother expressed frustration that he would reject such a good marriage opportunity for a woman who "works in a kitchen." She revealed that she had investigated An Ning and even met with her twice, confirming her opinion that An Ning was "just a commoner." Long Haoqian retorted that she had no right to meddle in his life.

He accused her of abandoning him for the past ten years, only acknowledging him due to the success of Long Teng Group. He made it clear he didn't want any outsider interfering with his marriage or his life, asking for her blessing or, at the very least, for her to stay out of it. His mother then tried to bribe him, offering to acquire the bay project for him if he broke up with An Ning.

Long Haoqian firmly rejected her offer, stating that he didn't want her intervention in his business either. He then questioned why An Ning had not told him about these two meetings with his mother. Long Haoqian's mother attended the dinner with the Liu family alone. Min Er, now aware of her crush on Long Haoqian, was noticeably more respectful and apologetic towards his mother for her previous coldness.

Long Haoqian's mother reciprocated, saying she liked Min Er too much to be angry. When asked about Long Haoqian's absence, his mother explained he was busy with his career. Min Er then subtly inquired if Long Haoqian had a girlfriend, to which his mother firmly stated he was still single, implying he had no time for relationships due to his work. The atmosphere at the dinner was harmonious.

At home, An Ning was playfully ribbed by her mother and grandfather about her failed blind dates and single status, with her mother jokingly threatening her with a life as a nun if she didn't marry soon. Their lively dinner was interrupted when Yi Mingjun arrived, carrying a heavily drunk Xia Tian. This immediately diverted everyone's attention, and concerns shifted to Xia Tian's well-being.

An Ning's mother instructed them to bring Xia Tian inside and prepared honey water, while An Ning expressed concern, asking Yi Mingjun why Xia Tian, who never usually drank, had gotten so intoxicated. Yi Mingjun was introduced as Xia Tian's friend. An Ning then disclosed Xia Tian's mother's shocking revelation about not being her biological mother, which An Ning's mother found hard to believe but admitted Xia Tian's mother didn't seem to be lying.

An Ning sat with the unconscious Xia Tian, lamenting the cruelties of life and gently chastising her friend for trying to shoulder everything alone. Meanwhile, Long Haoqian, having learned of his mother's confrontations with An Ning and suspecting she had said hurtful things, grew increasingly worried. After many unanswered calls and messages from An Ning, he rushed to her house, waiting outside and sending her a final message, urging her to meet him.

Episode 12 Recap

Long Haoqian picked An Ning up, instructing her to buckle her seatbelt without revealing their destination. Meanwhile, Ma Manager, excitedly planning her wedding with Gong Chen, asked him whether they should have an oriental or a western ceremony, or even two. Gong Chen, flustered, tried to explain modern views on marriage compared to conventional ways, eventually suggesting a combination of styles. Ma Manager was thrilled by his "creativity," imagining a mix-and-match attire.

Long Haoqian drove An Ning to a secluded spot and confronted her, asking why she hadn't told him about the pressure his mother had put on her. He stated that as her boyfriend, he should be the one to deal with such issues, questioning her trust in him. An Ning reassured him that she had settled everything peacefully and explained that her meetings with his mother were calm, and they had simply clarified their stances.

Long Haoqian’s mother disapproved of their relationship, but An Ning made it clear that she could look after her boyfriend and his mother's disapproval wouldn't affect her. Long Haoqian, seeing An Ning in high spirits, was relieved. He had brought her there to watch a meteor shower, which turned out to be a cloudy night. He then playfully pretended the car ran out of fuel to keep her with him longer.

He confiscated her phone, took a picture of them together, setting it as her lock screen as a reminder of their relationship. He also changed his contact name in her phone to "My Dearest," which An Ning found too mushy and insisted on changing back to his name. Later that evening, while brushing her teeth at home, An Ning unexpectedly dry-heaved.

She became alarmed when she realized her period was late and, after checking her phone, began to suspect she might be pregnant. The next day, An Ning’s mother, a kind woman, asked An Ning to deliver some emergency financial assistance to Xia Tian's mother. Upon meeting Xia Tian’s mother, An Ning realized there were underlying reasons for her estrangement from Xia Tian. An Ning went to the hospital for a check-up.

The doctor advised her to avoid cold and spicy food and reduce stress. Initially, An Ning was convinced she was pregnant, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. However, the doctor clarified that she was experiencing an endocrine disorder, encouraging her to consider having children soon, as she was at an ideal age for a quick recovery. An Ning felt a twinge of disappointment upon hearing the truth.

She then vividly recalled the night she and Long Haoqian got drunk, remembering they had only been drinking, singing, and playing games, even stripping off clothes as a game penalty, leading her to realize that nothing intimate had actually happened between them. Meanwhile, William finally obtained an address, though unsure of its accuracy, and decided to pursue it. However, he was called back by his director just as he arrived at the location.

Long Haoqian was furious when An Ning once again didn't answer his calls, claiming she didn't hear her phone ring. He presented her with a new phone and, to everyone's surprise at Long Teng, publicly announced his relationship with An Ning, eliciting a frantic pinch from Ma Manager to Gong Chen. Moments later, Long Haoqian pulled An Ning out of the kitchen during work hours.

An Ning, imagining a romantic kiss from her "dominant CEO" boyfriend, was surprised to find Yi Mingjun also present. Long Haoqian playfully teased her about her thoughts, stating they had urgent business. At home, Xia Tian's mother suffered from intermittent pain, taking emergency medication while looking at her daughter's photos, her heart filled with sorrow.

While Xia Tian was on set rehearsing lines, Yi Mingjun and Long Haoqian arrived suddenly, informing her that her mother had been admitted to the hospital again. Xia Tian rushed to the hospital with them. A nurse gravely told her she was "too late," momentarily devastating Xia Tian.

Just then, her mother’s voice called out her name, and she rushed into the hospital room, revealing that the entire situation was a setup orchestrated by Yi Mingjun, An Ning, and Long Haoqian. They explained that Xia Tian’s mother, though not her biological parent, had raised her as her own daughter for over two decades. The 200,000 yuan loan she took previously was to settle with the unscrupulous director An Ning had assaulted.

She wished for Xia Tian to marry a wealthy man, hoping her daughter wouldn't suffer the same hardships she had. Through this emotional intervention, Xia Tian and her mother finally expressed their true feelings and resolved their misunderstandings. Yi Mingjun also promised Xia Tian's mother that he would take good care of her, ensuring she received the best medical care for her surgery. Long Haoqian drove An Ning home, noticing her attempts to hide him from her mother.

He realized An Ning's mother, whom An Ning often affectionately referred to as "Mdm. Cauliflower," was unaware of his existence. An Ning explained she hadn't figured out how to tell her family, leading to another playful argument between the couple. Later, Long Haoqian returned home and began researching ways to win over his future mother-in-law.

He confessed to Yi Mingjun that he found dealing with An Ning's mother (the legendary mother-in-law) challenging, despite her newfound kindness towards him after the reconciliation. Ma Manager, still resentful about Long Haoqian and An Ning's relationship, attempted to mock An Ning. However, An Ning saw through her facade and turned the tables, revealing Ma Manager's secret relationship with Gong Chen, leaving Ma Manager speechless.

Xia Tian continued filming at the Long Teng Hotel, and Yi Mingjun frequently visited her, often accompanied by Long Haoqian. This gave William an opportunity to meet Long Haoqian. William observed that Long Haoqian was not an easy man for any ordinary woman to "tame," expressing quiet concern for his sister Min’er, who admired Long Haoqian.

Episode 13 Recap

Xia Tian's mother was hospitalized, and An Ning's mother and grandfather frequently visited and helped, finally resolving her medical treatment. An Ning continued her daily work, while Xia Tian was busy filming. Yi Mingjun, under his father's arrangement, began to take over company responsibilities, and Long Haoqian was researching how to win over his future mother-in-law. Long Haoqian was excitedly preparing with his father to introduce An Ning to his family.

Both of them were aware of Long Haoqian's mother's attitude towards An Ning. His father advised him that marriage and love are different, and the issues of the older generation should not entangle the younger generation. Long Haoqian already disagreed with his mother interfering in his relationships, and with his father's support, he was grateful and full of hope for his future with An Ning. An Ning, concerned about Xia Tian's mother's health, met Xia Tian for lunch.

By coincidence, they ran into William. As soon as William saw An Ning, he rushed over and hugged her. Being a famous actor, his actions immediately drew surprised glances from others in the restaurant. William clearly remembered that they hadn't seen each other for four years, eight months, and seventeen days. He asked for An Ning's phone number and expressed how much he had missed her, surprising An Ning that he still kept her photo on his phone.

After finishing filming, William was chatting with Xia Tian when Yi Mingjun arrived to pick her up. Yi Mingjun, clearly jealous, asserted his claim and took Xia Tian away, a reaction William shrugged off. William was actually waiting for An Ning to finish work. When An Ning asked him what was wrong, he replied, "Can't you tell. . . what's up with me?" Yi Mingjun dropped Xia Tian off at the hospital to see her mother.

From Xia Tian's phone, which she had left behind, he discovered that she and William seemed to be discussing something. He decided to confront William and dragged Long Haoqian along to a bar. To their shock, the girl William confessed his love to in the bar was An Ning. An Ning even whispered something to William, and they shared a hug. Long Haoqian, enraged, started a fight with William, and Yi Mingjun joined him.

Xia Tian, upon hearing the news, rushed to the scene. It turned out William's confession to An Ning was genuine, and he had indeed been looking for her for four years, but An Ning had clearly rejected him, stating she had found her soulmate, Long Haoqian. Xia Tian and An Ning demanded that Yi Mingjun and Long Haoqian apologize to William, but the two men defiantly refused, claiming they would never apologize to a "pretty boy."

An Ning and Xia Tian were busy with Xia Tian's mother's surgery and had ignored their respective boyfriends. Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun, true to their brotherhood, both waited for their girlfriends to apologize first. When no calls came, they became despondent, drank, and complained about women's "heartless" nature, finally deciding to focus on their own lives and careers.

However, their nonchalant exterior was a facade; inwardly, each was already plotting how to win back his girlfriend, even if it meant "betraying" his good brother. Long Haoqian considered calling An Ning, ready to "forgive" her if she called first, but her phone was engaged. Yi Mingjun also worried, wondering if Xia Tian was with William. Gong Chen, on his way home from work, passed Ms. Ma's door and saw a man's silhouette inside.

The man quickly closed the door, making Gong Chen suspicious, wondering if he was being "cheated on" again by an unreliable woman and almost got "tricked" into marriage. Later, Ms. Ma, in a dispute with the man, was beaten and robbed of money. When Gong Chen passed by again, he saw the man leaving. He knocked on Ms. Ma's door and found her distressed.

He followed her and later that evening encountered the same man attempting to rob Ms. Ma again. Gong Chen intervened, fighting the man and retrieving Ms. Ma's wallet. Treating the man as a robber, Gong Chen prepared to call the police, but Ms. Ma stopped him, revealing that the man was her ex-boyfriend. Her ex-boyfriend persistently demanded money, blaming her for his financial misfortunes and company failure, believing she brought him bad luck.

Ms. Ma had never reported him to the police, fearing it would affect her family. Gong Chen, angered by this, decided to accompany Ms. Ma to and from work from then on to protect her, which deeply moved her. After Xia Tian's mother recovered, she was welcomed to An Ning's home to recuperate. The two families had a strong bond. An Ning's mother, especially after An Yi's death, had always treated Xia Tian as her own daughter.

Now, she proposed that An Ning and Xia Tian become sworn sisters, further strengthening the families' ties. As the daughters poured tea for the elders, a knock came at the door. An Ning opened it to find Long Haoqian and quickly tried to push him out. Long Haoqian insisted on entering and introduced himself to An Ning's mother and grandfather as An Ning's boyfriend. Before the elders could fully react, Yi Mingjun also arrived.

He and Long Haoqian exchanged disdainful glances before greeting the elders. Despite their initial serious demeanor, An Ning's mother and grandfather were quite pleased with Long Haoqian. At the dinner table, they began discussing wedding banquet arrangements, including the number of tables and future children, with both Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun competing for the elders' favor by making grand promises.

News of Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun's bar brawl with William made it into the gossip columns, reaching Long Haoqian's mother. She was furious, believing she had been "too soft-hearted" with her son. She picked up An Ning's home address, seemingly plotting her next move.

Episode 14 Recap

Ma Manager proposed marriage to Gong Chen, expressing her willingness to entrust her future to him. Gong Chen, however, hesitated, suggesting they discuss the matter further. He then launched into a detailed explanation of why marriage, with its "trivial matters" and "daily domestic needs," could be irritating and destroy the romance of love, concluding that "Marriage. . . is just a certificate. It's useless." Ma Manager countered that she wanted to wear a wedding gown and have a baby.

Gong Chen proposed waiting until she was pregnant before discussing it. This led to Ma Manager accusing him of still missing his ex-wife and planning to use her to have a baby before returning to his ex. Frustrated, Ma Manager told him to leave, and they parted angrily. Meanwhile, Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun were enjoying their time at An Ning's home.

Yi Mingjun played chess with An Ning's grandfather, while Long Haoqian joined An Ning and their mothers in a game of mahjong. Long Haoqian remarked that after over twenty years, he finally understood what a family truly felt like. Elsewhere, Min Er saw a gossip news report about Long Haoqian, Yi Mingjun, and William fighting over An Ning.

She immediately called her brother, William, asking if the "Sister An Ning" in the news was the woman he had been searching for for four years. Realizing An Ning was in a relationship with Long Haoqian, Min Er urged William to express his feelings to An Ning. William told her to stay out of his business, but Min Er insisted he arrange a meeting for her with An Ning, stating that An Ning remained "the little fairy in my heart."

Early the next morning, Long Haoqian's mother, Mdm. Lin, arrived at An Ning's home. An Ning's mother extended a warm welcome, expecting to greet a future in-law, but was met with a cold demeanor. Mdm. Lin spoke arrogantly, stating that An Ning and her family were not compatible with the Long family. She claimed to have spoken to An Ning twice already, but An Ning "doesn't seem to understand my point." Mdm.

Lin then insulted An Ning, calling her and her family "Tom, Dick and Harry," and questioned "what kind of family has brought up this kind of girl" after hearing An Ning was staying at Haoqian's. She concluded by offering money in exchange for An Ning leaving Long Haoqian. An Ning's mother was enraged, refusing the money and angrily throwing out the gifts Long Haoqian had previously given them, along with Mdm. Lin herself, accusing her of being a "shrew."

An Ning's grandfather and Xia Tian soon arrived, and An Ning's mother recounted the humiliating encounter. The grandfather was furious, wanting to confront Mdm. Lin. Xia Tian tried to calm them, acknowledging the social differences between the families, but the grandfather and mother insisted on throwing out all of Long Haoqian's gifts. Later, Yi Mingjun discussed with Xia Tian that he liked her, even more than Long Haoqian liked An Ning.

Xia Tian expressed her concerns about Long Haoqian's mother accepting An Ning and feared An Ning might get hurt in the future. Yi Mingjun assured her that Long Haoqian would do anything to protect An Ning if anyone tried to stop them. Separately, Long Haoqian, mindful of the upcoming annual banquet, went to a department store to purchase a lady's night gown, telling the assistant it was for his fiancée and asking for the best one.

As An Ning walked behind Gong Chen and Ma Manager, she spotted Ma Manager's ex-boyfriend and, using her ability, perceived his malicious intentions to attack Gong Chen. Meanwhile, Min Er, waiting outside the hotel for An Ning, noticed her hurried departure and followed her. An Ning attempted to call Long Haoqian to warn him, but he was on the phone with his mother, who was demanding he come to her office immediately.

Long Haoqian tried to decline, but his mother insisted, causing him to hang up or for the call to be cut off. Unable to reach him, An Ning continued to follow Gong Chen and Ma Manager. Suddenly, Ma Manager and Gong Chen were ambushed and attacked. An Ning was also struck and knocked unconscious. Both An Ning and Gong Chen were forced into a vehicle.

From a distance, Min Er managed to photograph the kidnapper's license plate and immediately called William. The kidnapper's leader instructed his subordinates to guard the captives while he attended to other matters. Soon after, Long Haoqian's mother confronted him about An Ning's mother's behavior. Long Haoqian firmly declared that An Ning was as important as his life and warned his mother not to harm her again, saying he might not be as "reasonable as today" if she did.

Feeling threatened, his mother reluctantly stated she would no longer interfere with his choices. Moments later, Long Haoqian received a frantic call from Ms. Ma, informing him that An Ning and Gong Chen were in trouble. Long Haoqian immediately rushed out to save them. Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian followed with Ms. Ma, with Yi Mingjun expressing concern that Long Haoqian might act recklessly due to his anxiety. Long Haoqian's group arrived at the police station to report the kidnapping.

Officer Zhang identified the suspect as Jin San, Ma Manager's ex-boyfriend, who was known for gambling and frequented clubs. The officer surmised the motive was likely both money and revenge for Gong Chen having previously beaten Jin San. As they left the station, William and Min Er arrived, providing a photo of the kidnapper's vehicle that Min Er had taken.

Long Haoqian instructed Min Er to send the photo to Officer Zhang, and they all joined forces to search for An Ning. At the kidnappers' hideout, one of the thugs attempted to assault An Ning. Gong Chen bravely intervened to protect her and was stabbed by the kidnapper. In the ensuing chaos, An Ning was also knocked unconscious from a blow to the head.

Back home, An Ning's mother felt a sudden pang of unease, wondering why her daughter had not returned. The head kidnapper later returned, reprimanded his subordinate for the injury, and then left An Ning and Gong Chen in Jin San's custody, taking his men with him. Long Haoqian, along with the police, eventually located An Ning and Gong Chen. Both were severely injured and were rushed to the hospital.

Doctors confirmed that Gong Chen's wound was not critical, and he would recover after a few days of observation. However, An Ning's head injury was serious, and she remained in critical condition, causing Long Haoqian immense pain and distress. The hotel kitchen staff were also deeply worried about An Ning and Gong Chen. Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun deliberated on how to explain the situation to An Ning's family, and Long Haoqian's father also expressed his profound concern.

While in a coma, An Ning had a vivid dream where she saw her deceased father and sister, An Yi. She yearned to stay with them, but then remembered her profound attachments: her mother, grandfather, "Godsent Marriage," and one more person she couldn't quite recall. Suddenly, An Ning's vital signs deteriorated, prompting doctors to rush in and perform emergency resuscitation. After their efforts, An Ning's condition stabilized, but it was uncertain when she would regain consciousness.

Long Haoqian remained faithfully by her side, holding the elegant dress he had intended to give her. He spoke to her softly, recalling his plan for them to attend the ball together and enjoy a romantic dinner. He vowed to wait for her. In her dream, An Ning saw Long Haoqian, who reached out his hand and pulled her back to the real world. She finally woke up. Meanwhile, with Ma Manager's devoted care, Gong Chen also made a steady recovery. Upon waking, An Ning realized that her unique ability to see others' memories had seemingly disappeared.

Episode 15 Recap

After waking up from her coma, An Ning had a conversation with Long Haoqian. She recalled hearing someone say in her semi-conscious state that she would have a baby with him if he recovered, and that she would never be too old for him. Long Haoqian teased her, asking if she wanted it to be just a dream. An Ning then admitted that she was terrified at the thought of losing him.

Later, while watching a movie in Long Haoqian's home screening room, An Ning playfully pretended to feel dizzy and nauseous when looking at him, claiming she was perfectly fine when seeing other men. She then confessed that only three men had ever truly entered her heart: her grandfather, her father, and Long Haoqian. She described Long Haoqian as outwardly condescending but possessing the softest heart, being the purest, kindest, most domineering, and handsome person she had ever met.

She declared her intention to keep him in her heart forever. An Ning also revealed that she had lost her superpower to see others' memories after recovering from the coma. Long Haoqian, however, assured her that he would always love her, jokingly adding that now he could finally touch women, to which An Ning quickly objected, prompting his playful agreement not to. Meanwhile, Xia Tian confided in Yi Mingjun that she had decided to leave the entertainment industry.

She explained that she used to see herself as a superwoman, handling everything alone, but after her mother's recent incident, she realized she only wanted to be with Yi Mingjun and live a peaceful life, embracing the role of a good wife and mother. She asked if he was willing to support her, and Yi Mingjun promised to be her best supporter and provide her with a good life.

Elsewhere, William informed his sister, Min'er, that he had accepted a new role that would take him away for a year. Min'er was unhappy, believing he should have told An Ning about all he had done for her over the years. William maintained that his actions were for himself, not An Ning, and urged Min'er not to interfere in his or An Ning's affairs, especially since An Ning was still recovering.

Min'er also raised concerns that with Long Haoqian's mother's strong stance, her marriage to Long Haoqian might truly materialize, and suggested William pursue An Ning now to spare her future heartbreak. William firmly told her that An Ning and Long Haoqian would not easily separate. Min'er then questioned if William had intentionally sought An Ning during her accident, which he denied, claiming he was just passing by and helping.

An Ning's mother met with Long Haoqian, returning the hospital admission fee for An Ning. She thanked him for his concern but suggested that he and An Ning should forget each other. Long Haoqian apologized for his mother's past behavior. An Ning's mother acknowledged that there was a significant gap between their families.

Long Haoqian then confessed that before meeting An Ning, he did not understand love, giving, or the concept of family, but An Ning's wholehearted love had made him realize he was truly human. An Ning's mother explained that love is personal, but marriage involves two families, and while she disliked Long Haoqian's mother's attitude, she understood her concerns were valid.

Long Haoqian declared his willingness to give up everything, start from scratch, and devote his life to loving and caring for An Ning, asking for her permission for them to be together. To earn their blessing, Long Haoqian began undertaking all the physical chores at An Ning's house. An Ning's grandfather questioned if Long Haoqian could cook, to which he sheepishly admitted he could only eat.

He diligently cleaned, chopped ingredients, changed light bulbs, and cleaned the toilet, eager to prove himself. After he prepared a meal, the family sat down to eat. Her grandfather, though initially joking that Long Haoqian had failed the test, granted him a second opportunity. Long Haoqian enthusiastically promised to work harder and take good care of An Ning.

Her grandfather then asked Long Haoqian about An Yi, revealing that An Yi was An Ning's elder sister who had passed away years ago, donating her corneas to An Ning so she could regain her sight. He emphasized that An Ning was his cherished granddaughter and he wouldn't rush her marriage. The grandfather continued to test Long Haoqian by making him drink a lot of baijiu, causing him to get drunk.

An Ning's mother later scolded her father for making Long Haoqian drink excessively, but her grandfather insisted it was a necessary test of character for An Ning's sake. Later that night, as Long Haoqian slept off the alcohol in An Ning's room, she gazed at him, remarking on his long eyelashes and tall nose, and playfully commented that it was fortunate he couldn't touch women before, or he would surely have been seduced. She wished him a good night's sleep.

An Ning’s mother also entered, watching Long Haoqian sleep, and expressed that he was a good, educated, and successful young man, concluding that An Ning's long wait for a partner had been worth it. Long Haoqian woke up to find An Ning still awake and asked her why she had never mentioned her elder sister. An Ning sadly recounted that her sister, An Yi, was three years older and had passed away at 17, ten years prior.

An Ning described An Yi as prettier, with bigger eyes. She recalled An Yi’s last birthday, where An Yi told her to cherish her words and, if she ever saw again, not to cry but to see all the beautiful things in the world.

An Yi promised they would go to school together and travel with their family, and then told An Ning that her gift was in her room, advising her to love and respect her family, be understanding, obedient, take care of herself, and live a happy life.

An Ning remembered finding the gift and asking An Yi if it was nice, but An Yi was already gone, leaving her final wishes as a memory: to fulfill her dreams, find a nice man, get married, and have a baby. An Ning recounted waiting for An Yi in the garden that day, but her sister never returned.

The following night, her grandfather and mother rushed home to tell her An Yi had been in a car accident and was hospitalized, after which An Ning herself was rushed to the hospital for a corneal transplant. An Ning later discovered the truth: An Yi had not had an accident but had committed suicide by jumping off a building. Her only message was a note requesting her corneas be donated to An Ning, so her sister could live for her.

The devastating news led to An Ning’s father suffering a fatal heart attack. Everyone had hidden the truth from An Ning, and it was only a month later that she learned both her sister and father were gone. An Ning cried uncontrollably, and it was then that she inexplicably gained her superpower, through which she witnessed the dirty, selfish, and ugly sides of humanity.

She spoke of life as walking on a sharp knife, leaving scars—some healed but ugly, others lasting a lifetime, hurting terribly with every touch. The next morning, Long Haoqian, wearing an apron, was preparing breakfast when the doorbell rang. It was his father, who politely greeted An Ning’s family, bearing gifts. He stated his purpose for the visit: to meet them and formally propose marriage for Long Haoqian and An Ning.

Long Haoqian, however, received an urgent call about a work crisis and had to leave for the office, reassuring An Ning that he would call her after resolving the issue. At the Long Teng Hotel, Long Haoqian was immediately surrounded by reporters, who questioned him about a customer reportedly suffering from food poisoning. He calmly stated that an investigation was underway and the hotel would provide a reasonable explanation once the results were known.

His manager informed him that the customer, who had dined alone, exhibited symptoms consistent with food poisoning, and the incident had been quickly publicized online. Long Haoqian instructed the staff to maintain a normal appearance and not show any fear. Another report confirmed that initial inspections found no issues with the hotel’s hygiene or ingredients, but the customer’s food samples were still awaiting assay results.

A chef lamented the numerous cancellations and negative news, expressing his doubt about the food poisoning claim. The situation escalated when the customer’s family arrived at the hotel, causing a scene and accusing Long Teng of negligence, all while being filmed by reporters. The hotel's stock price also experienced a significant drop. Long Haoqian’s father visited him at his office.

He acknowledged the hotel incident and the potential trouble with the directors, informing Long Haoqian that he would attend the Annual Director Meeting with him. Long Haoqian initially assumed his father was there to help him deal with the hotel crisis. His father clarified that while he expected Long Haoqian to handle business challenges, his primary reason for attending the meeting was to solemnly announce the marriage of the Long family’s sole heir.

He revealed that he and An Ning’s grandfather had already set the wedding date for the sixth day of June in the lunar calendar, instructing Long Haoqian to make proper preparations and plan a public announcement to introduce An Ning to their business partners and the media. Long Haoqian was visibly pleased by his father’s swift actions and the newfound closeness between them.

His father also sternly warned him not to mistreat An Ning, as she was her family's only daughter. Long Haoqian readily agreed, his face beaming with happiness. Meanwhile, Gong Chen, granted a two-hour leave from the hospital, took a taxi to the Long Teng Hotel kitchen. During the ride, the taxi driver badmouthed Long Teng, claiming its food was poisonous and calling it an "unscrupulous enterprise."

Gong Chen, vehemently defending the hotel, declared himself the head chef and told the driver to stop spreading baseless rumors. An Ning also visited the hotel kitchen, feeling restless at home. Long Haoqian reminded her to prioritize her health, take her medicine, eat on time, and rest, promising to accompany her to her follow-up appointments when he had time. Back at home, Long Haoqian’s mother sat alone, visibly distressed by the hotel crisis. Long Haoqian’s father then arrived and asked to speak with her.

Episode 16 Recap

Long Haoqian's father meets with his mother, Ya Ruo. He explains that he wants to transfer half of Long Teng Group's shares to her, stating it's what he owes her and she should accept it peacefully. Ya Ruo is suspicious, questioning if he's playing tricks or if something happened to Long Teng. She firmly refuses any connection with the company and tells him to take the contract back.

Long Haoqian's father leaves the contract with her, assuring her that she can claim the shares whenever she changes her mind. An Ning is at the Long Teng Hotel when Xia Tian arrives, offering to work as a waitress, claiming expertise from previous roles. Yi Mingjun is already helping in the kitchen. Soon after, Gong Chen, having left the hospital because he couldn't rest, returns to the kitchen. He finds the staff despondent due to the lack of customers.

He boosts their morale by reminding them of their responsibility and emphasizing their clear conscience, stating that as long as their dishes are good, there's nothing to worry about. Just then, two customers arrive. Gong Chen rallies his team, telling them to serve well, and declares these two his lifelong VIPs. He personally serves the guests, introducing himself as the head chef and thanking them for their trust in Long Teng during its crisis.

The customers express their belief in Long Teng's integrity, citing its long history of charity work. Gong Chen is deeply moved and declares their meal free, promising to cook for them personally whenever they visit. The customers record Gong Chen's words and the hotel's service, live-streaming it online, which gradually attracts more guests and restores the staff's confidence. An Ning's mother watches news reports of the poisoned customer's family creating a disturbance at Long Teng Hotel.

Feeling it's unfair to Long Haoqian, whom she considers her future son-in-law, she angrily declares her intention to confront those slandering him. However, An Ning's grandfather intervenes, reminding her that "good fortune follows upon disaster, disaster lurks within good fortune" and advising her against impulsive actions that could worsen the situation for Long Haoqian by making her appear as a "crazy mother-in-law" in the media. She reluctantly agrees not to go.

In the kitchen, as staff discuss the cancelled New Year's Eve banquet and potential waste, Gong Chen gathers them to explain his unwavering loyalty to Long Teng. He reveals that despite offers from many other hotels, he chose to stay because Long Teng consistently provides free meals on New Year's Eve for the elderly, orphans, and homeless, and distributes free traditional foods on other festivals like Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn, and Laba.

Crucially, the hotel has never used these acts of charity for self-promotion, proving its "kind and upright" nature. Gong Chen believes such a noble enterprise will not be wronged by God or easily swayed by rumors. He urges everyone to protect Long Teng and stand by it through this difficult time. The staff affirm their commitment to stand with Long Teng until the end. An Ning is visibly distraught, eating very little at dinner, which concerns her mother.

She tries calling Long Haoqian, but his phone is off, so she sends him a message reminding him to eat and to call or text her when he has a moment. Xia Tian later voices her apprehension to An Ning, questioning whether An Ning and Long Haoqian are truly compatible, citing the disparity in their family backgrounds. An Ning tries to deflect by asking about Xia Tian's relationship with Yi Mingjun.

Xia Tian then confesses her own fear of investing everything only to be hurt, acknowledging that she, too, feels out of place when considering Yi Mingjun's family background. Long Haoqian holds a meeting with Lin Ze Yu, CEO of L Group.

Long Haoqian directly confronts Lin Ze Yu, suggesting L Group was behind the online smear campaign against Long Teng, as well as past troubles like the two troublemaking customers at the hotel and adding vinegar to the old soup during the cooking competition. Lin Ze Yu initially denies involvement but Long Haoqian makes it clear he knows the truth.

Lin Ze Yu, acknowledging Long Haoqian as his strongest opponent, admits that despite years of employing various schemes, L Group's performance has declined, while Long Teng, known for its consistent charity work, has flourished. He expresses his weariness of their rivalry and proposes an alliance. Long Haoqian welcomes this, stating it would be Long Teng's honor to partner with L Group for a promising future.

They shake hands, and Lin Ze Yu even expresses L Group's willingness to join Long Teng's charity efforts, requesting an invitation to next year's New Year's Eve banquet. Early the next morning, An Ning's family realizes she has gone to Long Teng. She finds Long Haoqian there and confronts him for not answering her calls or messages. Long Haoqian apologizes, explaining he had an overnight meeting and had turned off his phone, only seeing her messages that morning.

He informs her that the food poisoning issue has been resolved; test results confirmed no problem with the hotel's food. The customer's poisoning was due to a chemical reaction between a large amount of donkey meat he had eaten the night before and the fungi dishes consumed at the hotel.

An Ning expresses guilt for being unable to help him during his stress, but Long Haoqian reassures her that her presence by his side is all he needs to be happy and satisfied. He then asks her to wake him in half an hour for a meeting. At a board meeting, worried directors question Long Haoqian's father about measures to counter Long Teng's falling stock. Long Haoqian's father, stepping back from daily operations, announces Long Haoqian's engagement.

Despite board members' concerns that announcing a marriage during a crisis might be inappropriate or perceived as a publicity stunt, Long Haoqian insists his personal life is separate from the company's challenges. He then reveals his strategic plan for the bay project: he deliberately inflated Long Teng's bid and leaked it to Lin Ze Yu, knowing Lin Ze Yu would outbid them at an exorbitant price.

This move, combined with L Group's existing financial struggles, caused L Group to exhaust its cash flow. Capitalizing on this, Long Teng Group and L Group signed a cooperation agreement the previous night, making Long Teng the second-largest shareholder of the bay project. This announcement, coupled with the continued success of Long Teng's resort project, leads to a rapid recovery of Long Teng's stock, earning Long Haoqian praise from the delighted shareholders.

Yi Mingjun brings good news to the kitchen: the food examination report confirms Long Teng's innocence. He further announces that a well-known media columnist has published a special article, criticizing the online rumors and detailing Long Teng's extensive charity work over the years, finally clearing the hotel's name. It's revealed that this columnist is the relative of the lost elderly woman An Ning and Long Haoqian had helped.

The relative expresses his gratitude, saying he was looking for an opportunity to repay them and stating that such a noble enterprise should not be slandered. He jokingly hopes to be invited to An Ning and Long Haoqian's wedding in the near future. The Long Teng Hotel is quiet on New Year's Eve, with kitchen staff lounging around due to lack of customers. Gong Chen sternly reminds them to stay prepared.

An elderly man then walks in, inquiring about the free New Year's Eve dinner, which the staff enthusiastically confirm. This marks the beginning of a steady stream of guests. An Ning's grandfather also arrives in the kitchen, eager to help, which An Ning's mother notes proves his underlying concern despite his earlier remarks. Manager Ma expertly handles the bustling lobby. Lin Ze Yu of L Group arrives, Long Haoqian having reserved a seat of honor for him.

When a server accidentally splashes water on Lin Ze Yu, he reacts gracefully and calmly, impressing Min'er who is caught staring at him, prompting William to playfully tease her about her eyes "almost falling out." Long Haoqian has planned a surprise proposal for An Ning, with flowers and a ring. An Ning's mother is invited to witness the event.

As everyone gathers for the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, which now includes Lin Ze Yu from L Group and An Ning's mother, Long Haoqian makes a heartfelt speech. He talks about Long Teng's meaningful charity work and how it taught him the value of genuine kindness. He then expresses his deep gratitude to An Ning, who taught him to be grounded and filled his once empty life with purpose, describing her as sincere, kind-hearted, and inspiring.

After thanking his family, friends, and staff for their support during Long Teng's crisis, Long Haoqian gets down on one knee, presenting a ring, and proposes to An Ning. He tells her that she made him believe in fairy tales and he wants to be her prince, sheltering her from life's storms. Overwhelmed, An Ning tearfully accepts his proposal. From a distance, Long Haoqian's mother watches the emotional scene, her stern expression subtly softening as she observes her son's happiness.

Episode 17 Recap

An Ning fainted after experiencing a dizzy spell, which occurred after she encountered a boy and seemingly witnessed a memory of him being bullied. She was found by a passerby who called an ambulance. She awoke in the hospital to find Long Haoqian by her side. A doctor informed them that she was generally fine, just suffering from hypoglycemia, and advised her to carry sweets.

The doctor also mentioned that while her old head injury wouldn't cause further illness, she should still be cautious due to its past severity. An Ning then confessed to Long Haoqian that her ability to perceive others' memories had returned, though it was intermittent. Long Haoqian reassured her that her health was paramount. Gong Chen visited An Ning's family, bringing Ma Menglu to meet his master, An Ning's grandfather, and An Ning's mother.

He formally introduced Ma Menglu as the manager of their Chinese restaurant and, more importantly, as his girlfriend, referring to her by her first name. An Ning's mother noted their relationship was "quite obvious." An Ning's mother asked An Ning if she was feeling better, to which An Ning replied she was doing fine. An Ning's mother then thanked An Ning for handling a recent issue, presumably related to the hotel crisis.

An Ning's grandfather pressed Gong Chen about setting a wedding date, offering to be the chef for the event, but Gong Chen admitted it wasn't set yet. An Ning's mother warmly invited An Ning's colleagues to feel at home and offered to cook for them, though her father playfully told her to stick to making cheongsams. Long Haoqian and An Ning paid a New Year's visit to Long Haoqian's father.

An Ning offered well wishes, and Long Haoqian expressed regret for his past absence. His father, in turn, acknowledged Long Haoqian's success with the bay project and offered financial support. Long Haoqian sensed a change in his father, who confessed to feeling helpless in business due to his age. His father also entrusted An Ning with keeping Long Haoqian in line, to which An Ning jokingly agreed not to show mercy.

During this visit, An Ning perceived the secret of his father's illness, understanding that a doctor had discussed an urgent surgery. She also realized this illness was the reason behind his urgency to transfer shares to Long Haoqian's mother and to solidify Long Haoqian's marriage.

An Ning then heard Long Haoqian's father's internal thoughts reflecting on his decision to divorce and how he had left those memories in the past, accepting his fate and asking his wife to sign the paperwork. An Ning, troubled by Long Haoqian's father's illness, insisted they visit Long Haoqian's mother, feeling there was something crucial to tell her. Long Haoqian's mother, Ya Luo, initially reacted coldly to their presence.

An Ning then requested a private conversation with her, bringing up a diamond necklace from ten years ago. While waiting, Long Haoqian reflected on the night he supposedly slept with An Ning, a metallic reflection causing him to doubt if anything truly happened.

Inside, Ya Luo was shocked An Ning knew about the necklace and the real reason for her divorce, a truth Long Haoqian himself didn't know, believing his mother prioritized her career, while Ya Luo harbored a deep misunderstanding about his father's past actions. An Ning then revealed that Long Haoqian's father was gravely ill and that his past actions, including the equity transfer and his will leaving half his wealth to her, were genuine and not corporate plotting.

She urged Ya Luo to let go of her hatred and visit him, as he missed her. An Ning passionately implored her to reconsider her pride and cherish the short time they had left. Ya Luo, though initially resistant, showed a hint of concern when asking about his current condition. An Ning left, wondering if she should create an opportunity for them to clear the misunderstanding.

After An Ning's private conversation with his mother, Long Haoqian commented on An Ning's unique ability to influence his mother. An Ning then cautiously broached the topic of discovering a long-held misunderstanding, asking how he would feel. Long Haoqian, understanding she was referring to the truth of his parents' divorce, confirmed he already knew and found it hard to accept.

An Ning proposed a plan to help them reconcile, suggesting they book a luxurious, romantic suite outside of Long Teng to avoid gossip. Misinterpreting An Ning's intentions, Long Haoqian eagerly agreed, believing she was planning a romantic night for them to "make amends" for their unconsummated night. An Ning asked him to keep the plan a secret, to which he promised to do his best to make it happen.

An Ning confided in Xia Tian about Long Haoqian's father's serious illness and her uncertainty about how to tell Long Haoqian. An Ning briefly mentioned how Long Haoqian's parents divorced due to a misunderstanding involving his father being framed for infidelity. Later, An Ning's mother called An Ning and Xia Tian to take their measurements for cheongsams. Xia Tian reminded her mother that she hadn't made a cheongsam for anyone else since An Yi's death, only burning one annually.

An Ning's mother reminisced about her regret for not making a cheongsam for An Yi when she was alive, but now, with An Ning and Xia Tian's impending marriages, she was ready to resume making them. Ma Menglu expressed her frustration to Gong Chen, showing him numerous invitations for weddings and baby full-month banquets from her friends. She pressed him about their own wedding date, sensing his reluctance.

When he evasively addressed her as "Lulu," she snapped, accusing him of not wanting to get married. In a fit of pique, she dramatically cornered him by the elevator, forcing him to choose between getting married or taking the stairs, as she couldn't stand the sight of him. Gong Chen, clearly exasperated, asked if marriage was truly that important. An Ning and Long Haoqian arrived at the specially booked suite, which Long Haoqian still believed was for their romantic night.

As he commented on the preparations, his parents unexpectedly arrived, catching Long Haoqian off guard. Long Haoqian's mother, Ya Luo, invited An Ning to make dumplings together for the reunion dinner, reflecting on how cooking brings people closer and can heal old, unhappy memories. During the meal, Long Haoqian's father expressed his deep regret, confessing he hadn't removed his wedding ring despite their divorce and had things he needed to tell her before it was too late.

Ya Luo, now aware of his malignant tumor, questioned why he hadn't told her sooner and vowed to find the best doctors for his treatment, accepting their fate together. Long Haoqian's father, for his part, expressed his desire to spend his remaining time with his wife, son, and family. Seeing their reconciliation, Ya Luo explicitly approved of An Ning, instructing her to take good care of Haoqian, and the family finally shared a harmonious reunion dinner.

At a cosplay event, after having someone else take her photo, Liu Min Er approached Ling Ziyu and initiated a conversation. She reminded him that they had met before at the Long Teng New Year's Eve ball when she accidentally dirtied his suit, but he didn't recall the encounter. Min Er introduced herself and quickly established a connection by mentioning that the club was a subsidiary of L Group and that William, her brother, was the ambassador for the group.

Impressed, Ling Ziyu offered her free entry whenever she visited the club. Min Er thanked him, clearly pleased with the interaction, and Ling Ziyu politely excused himself to attend to other matters. Ma Menglu, intending to return Ling Ziyu's cleaned suit, mistakenly entered the men's restroom in his office building, where she encountered him. Flustered, she presented the suit, awkwardly suggesting he try it on.

Realizing her faux pas, she quickly apologized and offered to treat him to lunch as an apology. Ling Ziyu, despite his busy schedule, agreed to a one-hour lunch, prompting Ma Menglu to inwardly muse about the honor of dining with such an exceptional man, even if marriage remained a fantasy. At the restaurant, while listening to "Canon," Ma Menglu tearfully recounted the tragic love story behind the piano piece, finding it very moving.

Ling Ziyu, touched by her sincerity, assured her he didn't mind her sentimentality and found the story captivating. When the bill came, they discovered Ling Ziyu's expenses were complimentary, much to Ma Menglu's embarrassment. Afterwards, Ling Ziyu drove her back to Long Teng, and they agreed to have lunch again sometime, with Ling Ziyu expressing it would be his honor.

Episode 18 Recap

As An Ning and Long Haoqian left the house, An Ning's mother received a call from a friend offering to set An Ning up on a blind date. An Ning's mother happily informed her friend that An Ning's wedding date was already set, proudly mentioning that An Ning's fiancé owned a hotel, expressing her joy at finally having good news to share about her own daughter. On the way to work, Long Haoqian and An Ning encountered a road scammer.

An Ning cleverly resolved the situation by pretending to be a frightened, bleeding pregnant woman, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain. Long Haoqian played along, feigning concern and threatening to call an ambulance, the police, and even the fire brigade. Seeing the situation escalate, the scammer, who had been pretending to be hit by their car, quickly fled.

An Ning's clothes were stained with tomato juice from her act, so Long Haoqian took her to a shopping mall to buy new ones. There, he sweetly referred to An Ning as his wife while speaking to a sales assistant. An Ning playfully questioned him, threatening to leave if he ever mistreated her, but Long Haoqian promised to be good to her for life.

Meanwhile, Ma Menglu was surprisingly invited by Lin Zeyu to be his dance partner at a lavish banquet, where she was constantly complimented on her beauty. Min Er, also at the event, asked Ma Menglu if she was Lin Zeyu's girlfriend, which Ma Menglu denied, explaining she was simply returning a favor for a previous lunch.

Ma Menglu confided in Lin Zeyu that such a luxurious event was vastly different from her usual life, but he assured her she would grow accustomed to it, hinting at his serious intentions. Ma Menglu later met with Gong Chen, having argued with him multiple times about marriage. She directly asked him if he ever intended to marry her, reminding him that he would risk his life for her but refused to marry her.

Gong Chen explained that marriage was not just about passion but also about mundane daily life, like paying bills, buying groceries, and doing laundry, which he found tiresome. Ma Menglu countered that not marrying her wouldn't absolve him of these responsibilities. Hurt, she concluded that it was futile to try and shackle a man who didn't love her with marriage.

She expressed her desire for a grand wedding, a peaceful married life with a loving husband, beautiful children, and even the trivial worries of a household. Despite Gong Chen's attempts to speak, Ma Menglu insisted they end things peacefully, suggesting they remain only colleagues and neighbors, as she no longer wished to waste her time on a relationship with a man who wasn't ready to commit to a future with her.

Later, Ma Menglu, An Ning, and Xia Tian had lunch together. Ma Menglu thanked An Ning for her help during the New Year's Eve dinner and shared that she and Gong Chen had peacefully broken up because he never wanted to marry her and she was tired of forcing him. Xia Tian, on the other hand, was hesitant about meeting Yi Mingjun's father, expressing fear.

During their meal, Min Er called, inviting them to a cosplay club that evening, and they all agreed to go. Yi Mingjun, having decided to take Xia Tian to meet his father regardless of her apprehension, playfully suggested combining his wedding with Long Haoqian’s. Long Haoqian scoffed at the idea, joking that his own "quality" wedding might traumatize Yi Mingjun.

Shortly after, Gong Chen tried calling Ma Menglu but couldn't reach her, so he called Long Haoqian, who tried to reassure him that An Ning, and by extension Ma Menglu, knew better than to cross any lines. However, Long Haoqian was immediately proven wrong when Yi Mingjun showed him a picture, implying their girlfriends were indeed engaging in questionable activities at the club. The club turned out to be owned by Lin Zeyu.

Upon learning that Ma Menglu was there, he had his car prepared and headed to the club. Long Haoqian, Yi Mingjun, and Gong Chen also donned cosplay costumes and went to find their respective girlfriends. Lin Zeyu arrived, exchanged pleasantries with Long Haoqian, and then made a strong move on Ma Menglu. He had her favorite wine brought to her and directly asked her if she had a boyfriend (she replied no).

He then proposed the idea of becoming her boyfriend or even husband, insisting he was not joking and gave her two weeks to consider, inviting her to join him in France. When Ma Menglu expressed surprise and questioned why him, given their limited acquaintance, Lin Zeyu explained that he felt free from pressure when he was with her and enjoyed her stories, a feeling he had never experienced with other women.

Both Gong Chen and Min Er were visibly displeased by Lin Zeyu's aggressive pursuit, while Ma Menglu seemed completely taken aback. Back at the hotel kitchen, chefs gossiped about Ma Menglu, speculating that she had found a rich suitor and abandoned Head Chef Gong Chen, who looked visibly downcast. An Ning, still busy in the kitchen, was suddenly called away by Long Haoqian, who took her to a horse farm.

He explained he had long wanted to bring her there and didn't want to miss the opportunity again. The club incident deepened the rift between Ma Menglu and Gong Chen, leading Gong Chen to accuse Ma Menglu of breaking up with him because she had found a rich suitor in Lin Zeyu. Later, An Ning passed a cake shop and unexpectedly ran into some former classmates.

They invited her to sit down and chat, but their conversation quickly devolved into bragging and thinly veiled mockery of An Ning's past blind dates. An Ning downplayed her current situation, vaguely mentioning she was "soon enough" to getting married, and described Long Haoqian as a colleague who owned a "small restaurant," trying to avoid revealing his true identity and wealth.

Her classmates, assuming she was not doing well, openly disparaged the idea of her husband's company holding a dinner gathering at such a "small place." Just then, Long Haoqian entered the shop to buy cakes for An Ning, who had been dieting for her wedding dress. After being mocked by her classmates, An Ning, perhaps frustrated, stated that Long Haoqian's "restaurant" was actually "Long Teng Hotel."

Long Haoqian then smoothly introduced himself as An Ning's boyfriend, Long Haoqian, and further revealed his ownership of the Long Teng Hotel and its subsidiary, Lan Kwai Fong, even offering one of her classmates a business card for complimentary services there. After the awkward encounter, Long Haoqian confronted An Ning, questioning why she always hid his identity from her family and friends. He declared that if she truly accepted him, she should accept his wealth, status, and identity.

He stated that this was "an order, not a negotiation," and if she couldn't proudly stand by him, it meant he didn't hold a place in her heart. He told her he would be in Hong Kong for business and expected an answer upon his return. Meanwhile, Lin Zeyu took Ma Menglu to a horse farm, where he continued his persistent pursuit, openly admiring her beauty and suggesting they get to know each other better. He encouraged her to address him by his first name, "Ze Yu," which she hesitantly did before they went horse riding and took photos together.

Episode 19 Recap

An Ning, with Xia Tian, began taking dance lessons, aiming to better integrate into Long Haoqian's life. During this time, she missed a call from him. Xia Tian questioned her sudden interest in dancing, and An Ning explained she didn't want to wait until she was older and unable to follow steps.

She admitted her efforts were for Long Haoqian, feeling an imbalance given his many talents, such as horse riding, golfing, swimming, speaking several foreign languages, and his business acumen, while she only knew cooking. She recalled initially finding him arrogant and picky, but now felt he was becoming more and more excellent, attributing this change to the power of love, which made her feel smaller in comparison. Long Haoqian called An Ning to ask why she hadn't picked up.

She explained her phone was on silent. When he pressed, she knew he was worried, though he denied it. Before leaving for a business trip to Hong Kong, Long Haoqian presented An Ning with a beautiful gown. He told her that upon his return in a week, they would hold a press conference to publicly announce their marriage and introduce her to his business associates.

He urged her to be brave and take the first step towards his world, promising that if she did, he would walk the rest of the way towards her. He expressed his hope that she would wear the gown and appear proudly at the event, assuring her he would wait for her decision. Meanwhile, Meng Lu listened to Lin Zhe Yu play the piano at a restaurant, her thoughts drifting to past moments with Gong Chen.

Lin Zhe Yu observed that she was easily pleased, content with a glass of red wine and a piano piece, a quality he found rare and charming. Meng Lu playfully asked if he wasn't afraid she was faking it, but he confidently stated his experience in business allowed him to see through people. It was Meng Lu's birthday, and despite not having a cake, she expressed satisfaction with the day's activities, including horse riding, new clothes, and the romantic dinner.

Later, Gong Chen was waiting outside for Meng Lu after Lin Zhe Yu dropped her off. He noticed her feet were sore from new shoes, prompting him to comment that expensive shoes don't always fit well, implying a deeper metaphor about relationships. Meng Lu defended Lin Zhe Yu as a busy businessman, contrasting him with Gong Chen who only seemed to cook and clean.

Gong Chen criticized her, claiming women like her didn't understand true happiness, mistaking it for material possessions. He then carried her home and tenderly applied medicine and a bandage to her injured foot, advising her to take care of herself.

Meng Lu questioned if he wasn't jealous or angry about her date, but Gong Chen stated that at his age, having experienced much including marriage, he believed in respecting each other's choices if there was true love, acknowledging there was more to life than just marriage. He noticed she hadn't eaten much and, remembering it was her birthday, made her longevity noodles. After he left, Meng Lu, despite his kindness, cried and cursed him for always refusing to marry.

Xia Tian received a new script offer and, despite having recently quit the entertainment industry, felt a renewed passion for acting. Yi Mingjun disagreed with her decision to return to acting, calling most urban dramas uninspired. He was also frustrated that Xia Tian was still hesitant to meet his father, especially as Long Haoqian and An Ning were already setting their wedding date.

Min Er, dressed in a Hanfu, arrived at a club and openly confessed her feelings to Lin Zhe Yu. He dismissed her, calling her a "little girl" and telling her to go home. Lin Zhe Yu later had a conversation with Min Er at a restaurant, the same one he had previously visited with Meng Lu. Min Er critiqued the steak and the pianist's performance, claiming she had experienced better.

Lin Zhe Yu advised her to look at others' strengths and cultivate her own hobbies. He then clarified that he did not have romantic feelings for her and apologized if he had caused any misunderstanding. Min Er felt hurt and wondered if she was unworthy of love. Lin Zhe Yu comforted her, saying that rejection was a normal part of growing up and nothing to be ashamed of.

Following this experience, Min Er decided not to go overseas as planned, choosing instead to retake her university entrance exams. Her brother, William, realized she was motivated by the rejection from Lin Zhe Yu and recognized her newfound maturity. An Ning continued diligently studying foreign languages, dance, and etiquette, constantly worrying she wasn't good enough for Long Haoqian.

Xia Tian reassured her, declaring that Long Haoqian was incredibly fortunate to have met An Ning, having "rescued the universe" in a past life. An Ning admitted that while she knew Long Haoqian loved her, she felt an inferiority that made her hesitant to discuss their relationship. She resolved to do her best to blend into his life to avoid negative comments from others. The press conference for Long Haoqian's announcement was held.

Reporters swarmed Long Haoqian with questions about business and his rumored engagement, while Xia Tian and William were also peppered with gossip questions, which they denied. Long Haoqian inquired about Yi Mingjun, who was at a shareholders meeting, and Xia Tian updated him that despite a recent argument, Yi Mingjun was serious about her, though still on "probation."

Xia Tian, who was leaving for a long filming stint, entrusted An Ning's care to Long Haoqian, warning him of severe consequences if he upset her. As Long Haoqian worried about An Ning's absence, she finally made her entrance, stunning the reporters with her beauty. To everyone's surprise, An Ning took the initiative, publicly asking Long Haoqian to be her man, declaring she would be responsible for his happiness, and asking if he would be with her for this lifetime.

He agreed, sealing it with a handshake, and they walked hand-in-hand into the center of the ballroom. Later, An Ning and Xia Tian began preparing for the wedding under the watchful eyes of their mother and grandfather. They went shopping for wedding necessities. An Ning's grandfather also pressed Xia Tian to meet Yi Mingjun's father, despite her fears that he wouldn't approve of her or her acting career.

Her mother stressed the importance of a formal in-laws meeting to smooth over any past "unpleasant experiences" before the wedding. Long Haoqian then picked up An Ning and Xia Tian, taking them to a villa to relax and enjoy a barbecue with Yi Mingjun. Upon arrival, An Ning observed that the villa only had one bedroom and one bed, and when she questioned the sleeping arrangements for four, Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun jokingly replied "ladies first."

An Ning, having foreseen a prank through Long Haoqian's memories, discreetly informed Xia Tian that the two men had a scheme to embarrass themselves and decided they should play along. As they began to eat the freshly grilled meat, Yi Mingjun and Long Haoqian eagerly suggested playing some exciting games.

Episode 20 Recap

Determined to facilitate a meeting between Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun's parents, Long Haoqian and Yi Mingjun hatched a plan to get An Ning and Xia Tian drunk. The initial idea was for Long Haoqian to play chess with An Ning and Yi Mingjun to play poker with Xia Tian, with the losers drinking. However, An Ning saw through their trick.

When Yi Mingjun suggested playing games and consuming a prized liquor he had been saving, An Ning quickly altered the pairings, choosing to play poker with Long Haoqian herself, leaving Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun to play chess. Yi Mingjun had boasted about his chess skills, believing An Ning would be easy to defeat, having never lost to her grandfather. He also assured Long Haoqian that An Ning had lost her superpower, meaning their scheme would go undetected.

Ultimately, their plan backfired completely as all four ended up playing mahjong, and the two male executives lost spectacularly, having to drink repeatedly. Xia Tian later confronted Yi Mingjun, asking if he and Long Haoqian had "bad ideas" in mind. Yi Mingjun quickly threw Long Haoqian under the bus, claiming it was all Long Haoqian's idea.

Later that evening, with Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian in the living room, Long Haoqian offered to tell An Ning a bedtime story, but he was suddenly overcome by a headache. An Ning realized he was again trying to recall his lost memories. Understanding his struggle, An Ning once more delved into Long Haoqian's memory. There, she revisited the traumatic event, discovering that the girl who was being abused was her older sister, An Yi.

The bullies had used Long Haoqian to lure An Yi out, which explained An Yi's anguished cry of "I hate you, Long Hao Qian!" during the memory. An Ning abruptly woke from the memory, shouting "Don't come any closer!" at Long Haoqian. Distraught, Long Haoqian drove away from the villa, ignoring the bewildered questions from Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun. An Ning also rushed out, her mind replaying An Yi's last days.

She remembered An Yi, seemingly fine, discussing their aunt's illness and promising to celebrate An Ning's upcoming birthday with a gift. Overwhelmed by the revelations and past grief, An Ning collapsed, repeatedly questioning "Why?" Back at his residence, Long Haoqian succumbed to heavy drinking, unable to erase An Ning's image from his mind. His house manager reported to Yi Mingjun that Long Haoqian had been breaking things and had locked himself in his room for a night, drinking excessively.

Yi Mingjun tried to get Long Haoqian to open the door, even threatening to call An Ning, but Long Haoqian remained unresponsive. Having no other choice, Yi Mingjun then called Xia Tian. Meanwhile, An Ning's maternal grandfather gave An Ning's mother a golden bangle, originally belonging to An Ning's grandmother, and his entire pension. He instructed her to keep it as An Ning's dowry. He explained that the other bangle of the pair had been buried with An Yi.

Despite the Long family's wealth, he insisted that An Ning should not marry empty-handed, so she could hold her head high among her in-laws. He emphasized that if the Long family ever mistreated An Ning, her family would be there to support her, even if it meant fighting to his last breath. He also encouraged An Ning's mother to pursue her own life once An Ning was married.

An Ning, unable to compose herself, returned to her home but, hearing her mother humming happily in the courtyard, felt she couldn't face her in her current state and turned away. Long Haoqian, determined to uncover the truth, had someone retrieve a ten-year-old high school directory. He soon found a photo and the name "An Yi" within it. An Ning visited An Yi's grave.

As she reminisced about happy childhood memories with her sister, including playing on swings and lighting fireworks with their parents, she had a vision of An Yi, wearing a traditional qipao. An Yi lovingly advised her not to cry with her eyes, but to look for beautiful things in the world, to let go of those who no longer deserved her, and to forget all the bad things. An Ning, weeping, promised her sister she would live well.

In another part of the city, Meng Lu met Lin Zeyu for a game of golf. She decided it was time to be honest with him. She confessed that while she once dreamed of marrying a rich man and living a princess-like life, receiving all these luxuries from him made her realize she didn't deserve them as they weren't earned through her own efforts.

She explained that she felt flattered by his impeccable nature, which only highlighted her own feelings of inadequacy. She offered to return all his gifts and compensate for his expenses, but acknowledged she couldn't compensate his feelings. Lin Zeyu, in turn, revealed he already knew about her feelings for Gong Chen due to his own research into her background, admitting his conceit prevented him from realizing the depth of her love for Gong Chen.

Meng Lu clarified that her decision to break up wasn't necessarily about being with Gong Chen, but about finding comfort and stability in her life. She used an analogy of expensive, beautiful shoes that, if unsuitable, would make her feet bleed on a long journey, compared to comfortable sport shoes that she desired instead. Lin Zeyu understood, agreeing that compatibility was crucial in a marriage, and accepted her decision.

They finished their golf game amicably, unwilling to let the good weather go to waste. An Ning arrived at Long Haoqian's office. She looked at a photo of them together, her heart heavy with sadness. Despite her deep reluctance, she left her resignation letter on his desk, along with her engagement ring, and tore her own image from their shared photograph. She gave her resignation to Gong Chen, who expressed his surprise and asked for a reason.

An Ning requested that he keep it a secret from her mother and grandfather for the time being, promising to tell them when the time was right. Gong Chen, though not understanding her reasons, agreed and sternly forbade the kitchen staff from gossiping about An Ning and Long Haoqian's relationship or her departure. He also reminded her never to forget her dream of becoming a chef.

Back home, An Ning kept silent about her resignation and her break with Long Haoqian, wanting to spare her mother and grandfather any worry. When Xia Tian asked her directly if she was fighting with Long Haoqian, even mentioning that Yi Mingjun had called her (Xia Tian) about Long Haoqian's distress, An Ning denied anything was wrong.

Later, when her mother called, asking her to bring Long Haoqian home to get measured for new clothes, An Ning stammered, unsure how to respond, before quickly ending the call. She walked past a bridal shop, memories of Long Haoqian's New Year's Eve proposal flashing in her mind. Unbeknownst to her, Long Haoqian was watching her from a short distance away. He called her, asking if they could meet. An Ning, still struggling with her emotions, replied that she was busy. Long Haoqian then simply instructed, "Look to your right." She did, and saw him.

Episode 21 Recap

Even after discovering Long Haoqian's connection to her sister's death, An Ning found herself still loving him. She sat down with him to talk, using their incompatibility in personality and family background as a pretext to insist on their separation, explaining that stopping now was their best option before they made a bigger mistake.

She expressed appreciation for their time together, declaring her intention to live as if she had never met him, focusing on finding a new job, going on blind dates, and caring for her family, and hoped he would do the same. An Ning firmly stated she never liked being friends with exes and that they should avoid meeting again. Long Haoqian, heartbroken, could only tell her to take care, watching her leave and cry alone, unable to offer comfort.

While An Ning and Long Haoqian privately grieved, their families were blissfully unaware, happily discussing the menu for their wedding banquet. An Ning's grandfather suggested Chinese food for its uniqueness, while her mother tried to defer to Long Haoqian's parents. Their joyous planning was abruptly interrupted when An Ning returned home and announced to everyone that she could not marry Long Haoqian. Long Haoqian's mother grew anxious, fearing An Ning's decision stemmed from her own initial poor attitude.

An Ning quickly reassured her it wasn't the case, explaining that she and Long Haoqian had "broken up peacefully." The families reacted with shock and sorrow. An Ning's grandfather, bewildered, asked if Long Haoqian had bullied her, offering to teach him a lesson, but An Ning reiterated there was no bullying or misunderstanding, only that they weren't meant for each other. Stating she was tired, An Ning retreated to her room, leaving the stunned elders helpless.

Long Haoqian remained in his room, silently consumed by despair. Yi Mingjun confronted him, expressing disbelief and concern, reminding him of his deep love for An Ning and the set wedding date, asking what he truly wanted. He warned Long Haoqian that if he let An Ning go, he might end up alone. Despite Yi Mingjun's pleas to call her, Long Haoqian remained unresponsive.

Meanwhile, An Ning, like Long Haoqian, refused to reveal the true reason for the breakup, even to Xia Tian. Min Er learned of the breakup and An Ning's resignation from Meng Lu and immediately called William. William initially found it impossible to believe, knowing An Ning's deep affection for Long Haoqian. He instructed Min Er not to interfere, stating he would see An Ning himself, convinced that her feelings for Long Haoqian were too profound for an easy separation.

Late that night, An Ning was in the kitchen, practicing her cooking. Her worried mother found her there, asking why she was still awake. An Ning explained she needed to fulfill her father's wishes and perfect her culinary skills to find a new job and better provide for her mother, even joking about buying her pretty clothes and taking her to do her hair so she could "have face" in her square dancing group.

While speaking, she accidentally cut her hand. The pain finally broke her composure, and she began to cry. Her mother, deeply distressed, embraced her, repeatedly asking if Long Haoqian had hurt or betrayed her and promising her unwavering support. An Ning, however, kept insisting that nothing was wrong, apologizing for making her mother worry. Her mother, her voice filled with anguish, reminded An Ning that she was "all I have" and implored her to be well.

An Ning's grandfather watched the scene from the doorway, his heart aching for his granddaughter who stubbornly kept her pain hidden. An Ning's grandfather, heartbroken by his granddaughter's profound sadness—a grief he hadn't seen since An Yi and her father passed away—went to confront Long Haoqian, seeking an explanation. He reminded Long Haoqian of his past promises and questioned his integrity, asking if there was some unspoken reason for the breakup.

Long Haoqian could only offer apologies, unable to reveal the truth about An Yi, which would re-open deep wounds for An Ning's mother who had only recently started to heal. The grandfather spoke of An Ning's immense sorrow, how she lost two beloved family members abruptly, and how her restored sight came from her sister's donated corneas.

He described An Ning's outwardly optimistic and strong demeanor as a facade, revealing that she truly lived for her remaining family and the memory of her lost loved ones. He yearned for a man who could truly understand and love her, to spend the rest of her life with her, as he and her mother were aging.

Overwhelmed with guilt, Long Haoqian apologized again, telling the grandfather not to forgive him, asserting that An Ning deserved a better man as he was "not good enough for her," leaving the grandfather to wonder if their breakup was truly irreversible. Meanwhile, Meng Lu suffered from dizziness and nausea, her face pale. Nana noticed and urged her to rest, but Meng Lu insisted she was fine. She tried to call Gong Chen, but his phone was unreachable.

Looking at a positive pregnancy test, Meng Lu realized she was pregnant, leaving her at a loss for what to do, as she had intended to cut ties with Gong Chen. Unbeknownst to her, Gong Chen was at that very moment practicing his marriage proposal, fumbling his heartfelt words about treating her well and her "hot-tempered and simple-minded" nature. When Meng Lu opened her door, she found Gong Chen on her doorstep.

They immediately began their usual bickering, with Meng Lu sarcastically asking if he was there to bless her ex-boyfriend and her, and Gong Chen reminding her of his past kindness. During their argument, Meng Lu was suddenly overcome by morning sickness. Gong Chen, upon discovering the pregnancy test, was overjoyed. He took the opportunity to propose, expressing his love for her and the baby. Meng Lu initially resisted, accusing him of proposing only because of the child.

Gong Chen, however, produced a ring he had already bought, explaining his sincere intention to marry her regardless. He confessed his past hesitancy due to a previous painful marriage but swore he was willing to conquer his fears for her. Meng Lu, still playful, challenged him to pursue her properly once more, "like how Long Haoqian pursued An Ning," before she would accept his ring. Gong Chen enthusiastically agreed to win her over again.

William visited An Ning, relieved to see her appear well despite the breakup. He offered to take her on an out-of-town film shoot, hoping a vacation would help her heal and rediscover her vibrant self. At the same time, Long Haoqian instructed his assistant to prepare his American villa. He informed Yi Mingjun that he planned to take his father to America for surgery and, after business meetings, would not return to China.

Yi Mingjun vehemently opposed this, concerned about An Ning and expecting Long Haoqian to attend his wedding with Xia Tian. Long Haoqian, however, stated that An Ning no longer concerned him and firmly refused to discuss it, wishing Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian happiness. Even when Yi Mingjun mentioned Xia Tian's concern that An Ning was unwell, Long Haoqian remained resolute, stating it had nothing to do with him anymore.

Separately, Min Er, inspired by past advice, decided to recommit to her studies and prepare for university. She frequently sought guidance from Lin Zeyu, who, despite his busy schedule, happily served as her "life mentor," offering support based on her progress. An Ning decided to accept William's offer and travel with him. Her mother and grandfather lovingly bid her farewell, urging her to stay safe and keep in touch.

Xia Tian also encouraged An Ning, hoping that a change of scenery would help her move on, philosophically attributing the breakup to fate. On the very same day, Long Haoqian was also scheduled to fly to America. Upon arriving at William's filming location, An Ning immediately recognized the hotel. It was the place where she and Long Haoqian had stayed when they represented Long Teng in a culinary competition, a time when their relationship was just beginning.

What was meant to be a therapeutic escape quickly became a painful reminder of their past happiness. William, unaware of her specific emotional connection to the place, simply remarked on the fresh air and beautiful scenery, highlighting its suitability for a vacation. That evening, hotel staff delivered supper to An Ning, informing her that "a mister" had ordered it for her. An Ning initially suspected William, but a quick inspection made her doubt it.

She called Yi Mingjun, who had been trying to reach Xia Tian. Yi Mingjun then revealed that Long Haoqian was flying overseas that very night and "might not come back again." An Ning feigned calm, simply saying "Okay, I got it" before ending the call. Moments later, William arrived with supper for her, noticing the food already on her table.

An Ning quickly explained she had ordered it herself, leaving her to ponder the mystery of who had truly sent the first meal. Later, An Ning found herself at a picturesque spot where she and Long Haoqian had once made wishes. She began to shout into the scenic landscape, repeatedly declaring, "Long Hao Qian, I don't love you any more!" and "I don't want to love you any more," as if trying to convince herself.

As rain began to fall, she tried to take cover but slipped and fell. Long Haoqian, who had been silently following her, rushed forward, helping her up and draping his jacket over her. A quiet moment passed between them. Noticing a scrape on her, Long Haoqian hurried to get medication.

As he carefully applied it, he gave her a lengthy list of instructions, emphasizing avoiding water, allowing the wound to heal before cooking, and remembering to change the bandage, noting her usual carelessness. It was revealed that Long Haoqian had postponed his departure to America after finding An Ning's wish on a wishing stone, which read: "Long Hao Qian, I desperately want to forget that I love you."

He had followed her all day, heard her declarations, and was the one who had secretly ordered supper for her. As they prepared to part ways, An Ning realized she still had his jacket. She rushed after him to return it, only to find Long Haoqian collapsing, his body overheating, seemingly from another severe headache.

Episode 22 Recap

An Ning carefully placed Long Haoqian in her room. William offered to take over the care for the night, suggesting she rest in her own room as she had to work the next day. However, An Ning insisted on looking after him herself, stating that he was sick because of her. William, sensing her true desire to care for Long Haoqian despite her politeness, eventually agreed, advising her to take care and let him know if anything happened.

As Long Haoqian lay unconscious, he repeatedly murmured An Ning's name, pleading, "Don't go." An Ning, listening, felt a complex mix of emotions, reflecting on how her profound love for him had ultimately led her to a deep abyss from which there seemed no return. She wondered if it was all a dream, where she could love him and just stare at him without any other worries. An Ning then left, carrying her luggage without a word.

Passing a wishing tree, she retrieved a marriage blessing charm she had written with Long Haoqian. The original inscription read, "A match made in heaven, a perfect pair." Now, two additional lines were added on the back: "Even if we can't be together in this life, may we be in the next." She pondered the nature of destiny and whether not being together in this life meant a chance in the next.

When An Ning returned home, her mother, who had been missing her, was overjoyed, though she playfully scolded An Ning for not giving her advance notice. Both An Ning's mother and grandfather were still bewildered by An Ning and Long Haoqian's sudden breakup, questioning why such a good relationship ended. An Ning's mother shared her nuanced feelings about Long Haoqian's family, mentioning that while his father was understanding, she still disliked his mother's arrogance.

She emphasized the importance of equal status, not just economically, but spiritually. Her grandfather lamented that her "mother's" talent in qipao making, inherited from her ancestors, would be lost. An Ning's mother confessed that she had initially wanted to pass the skill to the quiet An Yi, but after An Yi's departure, she hadn't thought about it again.

Now, she realized she needed to restart her craft and teach an apprentice, hoping to give An Ning confidence in her relationships and provide her with a proud family background. An Ning's mother had also taken out all the family's qipaos to sun, and was determined to make a new wedding gown for An Ning.

Her mother revealed her deepest fear: that An Ning was being looked down upon because of their family status, as she couldn't fathom any other reason for the breakup. She felt frustrated that her daughter's desire to marry seemed so difficult. An Ning tried to reassure her mother that she didn't need to do this, but her mother, saddened, insisted on providing her daughter with a strong, proud family background.

Meanwhile, Meng Lu arrived home to find Gong Chen had prepared a romantic candlelight dinner. He cooked steak and poured red wine, gently reminding her to drink only a little due to her pregnancy. He presented her with a uniform, declaring that even at 100, he would only be the personal cook for one woman: her.

He poured out his heart, acknowledging her sacrifices for him, promising to spend the rest of his life with her, to treat her well, and to be responsible for her and their child. He then knelt and formally proposed to Ma Meng Lu, asking her to marry him, to let him care for, protect, and love her desperately. Overwhelmed by his sincerity, Meng Lu tearfully accepted.

She expressed gratitude to Gong Chen for helping her realize that true happiness wasn't found in high-class restaurants or expensive shoes, but in him. In another part of the city, Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun met with Yi Mingjun's father. Xia Tian greeted him respectfully and showed her knowledge of the Yi Group, also presenting him with a special Long Jing tea. Yi Mingjun's father inquired about her background and her late father.

He noted that Yi Mingjun had officially introduced her, and surprisingly, had chosen to stay and work for the family business rather than pursuing further studies in Canada, a decision he now understood was because of Xia Tian. Xia Tian acknowledged Yi Mingjun's sacrifice, knowing his true dream was to be a chef. Yi's father then revealed that he knew about Xia Tian's past struggles, including her financial difficulties and a past incident with a director.

While stating that her background wasn't ideal for a daughter-in-law of the Yi family, he admitted his son needed someone who would truly love and care for him, and he decided to entrust his "naughty and worrisome son" to her. However, he imposed a condition: Xia Tian must quit showbiz and could only work in the company if she wished.

Both Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun strongly objected, with Xia Tian emphasizing her passion for acting and the effort it took to get where she was. Yi Mingjun's father, seeing their resistance, challenged Yi Mingjun to prove his capability. He cited Long Haoqian's success in managing Long Teng Group and declared that unless Yi Mingjun could take responsibility for the entire group, he would have no say in the family.

Xia Tian boldly accepted the challenge on their behalf, agreeing that if Yi Mingjun met the requirement, his father must uphold his promise. Yi Mingjun’s father then tasked them with winning a company bidding project at the lowest price within one month. Yi Mingjun expressed apprehension about the tight deadline, but Xia Tian encouraged him, recognizing that this was his father's way of pushing him to take charge of the company for his own good.

Yi Mingjun, inspired by Xia Tian, declared his determination to succeed. Later, An Ning sought solace in alcohol at a roadside stall. The owner, noticing her heavy drinking, kindly advised her to stop, but An Ning insisted she had no other way to forget her sorrows. As she drank, she hallucinated her late father, confiding in him about her breakup, claiming she had "kicked him away" because of An Yi.

Her "father" reassured her that An Yi's fate was not her fault and that her encounter with Long Haoqian was also destiny. He urged her to embrace love and kindness rather than regret and self-blame, promising that she was never alone. An Ning, in her drunken state, wondered if her father thought she was useless for failing in love and marriage, and for being unable to cook "The Godsent Marriage" dish as he did.

Her "father" clarified that he made that dish for her mother, filled with his love, and encouraged An Ning to cook it "her way," implying she should express her own love through it. Unbeknownst to An Ning, Long Haoqian had been watching her silently from his car. When she passed out, he took her home. An Ning's mother, seeing Long Haoqian, asked if they had been drinking together and worried about An Ning.

Though Long Haoqian tried to leave quickly, An Ning's mother and grandfather insisted on giving him ginger tea for the road, expressing concern for his health. The next morning, An Ning woke up disoriented, asking her mother how she got home. Her mother revealed that Long Haoqian had brought her back, emphasizing that he still cared deeply for her, as evidenced by his concern.

An Ning questioned if her own father had ever made an unforgivable mistake, wondering if Long Haoqian's fidelity was the issue. Her mother clarified that Long Haoqian would never be disloyal, then listed three unforgivable mistakes for a man: unfilial behavior, abuse, and addiction to drugs or gambling. Affairs, she explained, were more nuanced.

She recounted a past incident where her own husband’s childhood friend had tried to get close to him, leading her to refuse to speak to her husband for half a year. She expressed deep regret for wasting that precious time, especially after his untimely death, wishing she had been more tolerant.

She advised An Ning to be discerning before marriage but tolerant afterward, lamenting An Ning's stubbornness in demanding absolute perfection in love, which she believed often led to couples splitting up. Later, An Ning, holding a ring, reflected on her mother’s words. She acknowledged that love could be bewildering, but felt she couldn't move forward without clarity. She resolved to face the truth of her relationship with Long Haoqian, even if it meant a painful end.

She needed to know what truly happened, stating that if the outcome was as dire as she suspected, she would discard the ring, but if a miracle occurred, he would place it on her finger again. She questioned if things could truly be worse than their current state of living in pain and illusion, reiterating her desperate need for Long Haoqian to tell her the truth.

Episode 23 Recap

An Ning decided to delve back into Long Haoqian's memories, seeking the truth. She witnessed a past where An Yi, Long Haoqian's new classmate, also harbored feelings for him. An Yi would cheer for him during basketball games and secretly leave water on his desk after sports class. Long Haoqian himself had come to An Ning's aid when her bag was snatched, leading to an injury.

He insisted on taking her to the hospital, despite her initial request to go straight to the police station. He asked her name, noticing she resembled someone he knew, but then she called him "Uncle," which quickly dampened his curiosity. He internally dismissed the idea of them being sisters due to their vastly different personalities.

Nevertheless, Long Haoqian took An Ning to the hospital, then to the police station where she filed a report about her stolen bag which contained keys and 250 yuan. After that, he sent her home. Impressed by her optimism despite her blindness, Long Haoqian decided to help.

Upon returning home, he summoned Uncle Qi, instructing him to contact Dr. Bai to inquire about alternative treatments for An Ning's eye condition beyond a corneal transplant, and to follow up on her stolen bag, as it contained an important health report. An Ning, reliving these memories, expressed her deep gratitude to Long Haoqian.

Continuing through Long Haoqian's memories, An Ning saw an incident after school where An Yi was accosted by several unruly boys, one demanding she be his girlfriend. Long Haoqian, with his assistant and driver present, intervened, causing the boys to back off. As he drove An Yi home, Long Haoqian inquired about An Ning. An Yi mentioned that An Ning still believed the kind person who helped her after the mugging was an "Uncle."

Long Haoqian acknowledged to himself that An Ning was indeed bold but slow to react. The memories then shifted to a pivotal event: Long Haoqian was lured to a small grove behind the school by a note, a forgery of An Yi's handwriting, inviting him there at 5:30 p. m. An Ning, observing from outside the memory, desperately tried to warn him not to go.

In the grove, Long Haoqian found An Yi, who was soon discovered severely injured on the ground, and he himself was attacked and badly wounded. Afterward, Long Haoqian was recovering in the hospital while An Yi was also admitted after jumping off a building. Later, Uncle Qi recovered An Ning's stolen bag and brought it to Long Haoqian.

However, due to his head injury, Long Haoqian had lost some of his memory and could no longer recall who An Ning was. He asked Uncle Qi about the girl in the grove, but Uncle Qi claimed they found no girl, only Long Haoqian lying injured, and assured him the police were investigating the attackers. During this time, Long Haoqian's father was making arrangements for him to go abroad, with Yi Mingjun already awaiting him in America.

This period of recovery was also marked by personal tragedy: Long Haoqian's father was falsely accused of infidelity, leading to his mother initiating divorce proceedings, a development that deeply affected Long Haoqian, who pleaded with his mother not to leave. Back in the present, An Ning remained unconscious, and Long Haoqian was plagued by headaches. When An Ning's eyes suddenly started bleeding, he rushed her to the hospital.

Xia Tian and Yi Mingjun arrived, where a doctor informed them that An Ning's condition was critical and she might enter a vegetative state. Xia Tian broke down, while Long Haoqian struggled to accept the news, his mind flooded with cherished memories of An Ning and her hopeful words about their future and wedding plans. An Ning, still trapped within Long Haoqian's memory world, desperately tried to return to her own body.

She cried out for Long Haoqian, Xia Tian, and Yi Mingjun, but they couldn't hear her. A doctor explained that An Ning's internal organs were failing, and there was a risk of sudden, fatal organ failure. Long Haoqian held An Ning, gently reassuring her and himself that she would be fine after some rest.

Determined to escape the memory world, An Ning consciously revisited a traumatic memory of Long Haoqian, where he had broken down, holding her hand and begging her not to leave him. Xia Tian, looking at a childhood photograph of herself with An Ning and An Yi, recalled An Yi promising to earn money to cure An Ning's eyes, and her own vow to always be by An Ning's side.

An Ning, at the time, eagerly anticipated being able to see and play shuttlecock with them. After her corneal transplant, a hopeful An Ning expressed to Xia Tian her desire to visit the cornea donor's family with her parents and sister to thank them. When An Ning inquired about her sister and father, Xia Tian's demeanor changed, and she promised to treat An Ning even better than An Yi.

Later, An Ning overheard hospital staff discussing that her new corneas came from An Yi, who had committed suicide by jumping from a building, and that their father had died of a heart attack upon hearing the news. This revelation shattered An Ning, and she wept uncontrollably, her eyes bleeding. Xia Tian attempted to comfort her, but An Ning was inconsolable, crying out for her father.

Long Haoqian kept vigil by An Ning's hospital bed, grappling with whether to disclose the truth to An Ning's grandfather and mother, fearing that doing so might lead to him losing An Ning forever. An Ning's mother and grandfather arrived, bringing him chicken soup and urging him to take care of himself. Long Haoqian then confessed everything, admitting that An Ning's current state was a result of entering his memories, where she witnessed his role in An Yi's death.

An Ning's mother was overcome with grief and anger, striking Long Haoqian and demanding her daughters back, questioning why both her daughters had encountered him. Her grandfather, though acknowledging Long Haoqian as a victim in An Yi's passing, stated that An Yi had gone to the grove because of him and forbade Long Haoqian from approaching An Ning ever again, telling him to leave.

Gong Chen and Meng Lu, along with Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian, arrived and witnessed the emotional scene. Long Haoqian pleaded to be allowed to stay and care for An Ning until her recovery, even offering his life in exchange, but An Ning's mother and grandfather remained unyielding, refusing any further contact between An Ning and Long Haoqian. Despite the others' attempts to mediate, their efforts were in vain.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

Long Haoqian knelt in the hospital corridor, prompting Xia Tian to demand what An Yi's death had to do with him. Long Haoqian admitted that he had caused An Yi's death, a revelation that made Xia Tian realize An Ning had been silently enduring this painful truth for a long time.

Xia Tian's sympathy for Long Haoqian vanished, but Yi Mingjun followed her, explaining that Long Haoqian had suffered immensely for An Ning, drinking heavily, taking sleeping pills, and even contemplating suicide. He stressed that everyone had witnessed the profound love between Long Haoqian and An Ning and argued that Long Haoqian was also an innocent victim in the past events. Xia Tian then approached An Ning’s mother, who was deeply distressed, and knelt before her.

Xia Tian implored An Ning's mother to let go of the past for An Ning's sake, explaining that An Ning truly loved Long Haoqian and only he could potentially wake her. She reminded An Ning's mother that An Ning's deep connection to Long Haoqian was evident, especially since she had entered his memory world. An Ning's mother was moved and asked if Long Haoqian was still outside, but Xia Tian informed her that he had already left.

Meanwhile, Long Haoqian held a sudden press conference, announcing his resignation from all positions within Long Teng Group and delegating full responsibility to the vice president. His father, upon seeing the news, was enraged. Long Haoqian's mother tried to calm him, but he insisted on calling Long Haoqian.

Initially demanding an explanation for such a reckless decision, his tone immediately softened when Long Haoqian revealed his resignation was to dedicate himself to caring for a sick An Ning, anxiously asking about her condition. Long Haoqian quickly ended the call, urging his father to rest and to contact Yi Mingjun for any assistance. News of Long Haoqian's resignation quickly reached the Long Teng Hotel kitchen, where Gong Chen and his colleagues realized the serious implications of his decision.

Back in An Ning's hospital room, Xia Tian showed An Ning's mother and grandfather the video of Long Haoqian's press conference. Long Haoqian reaffirmed his commitment, promising An Ning's family that he would only marry An Ning in his life and would care for her no matter what. Seeing his unwavering devotion, An Ning's mother finally consented to let Long Haoqian care for An Ning, hoping he could wake her.

Long Haoqian dedicated himself to An Ning's care, meticulously clipping her nails, wiping her hands, and speaking softly to her. He called her his "darling" and "wife," updating her on recent events like Gong Chen and Manager Ma's marriage and Nana being on maternity leave, for whom he had prepared a large red packet on An Ning's behalf.

He even planned a future holiday to Blooming Flowers and Full Moon, describing the beautiful garden and promising to take her horseback riding, watch sunsets, and eat instant noodles by the lake. Long Haoqian performed a symbolic wedding ceremony for himself and An Ning in her hospital room, which drew a crowd of onlookers outside. Day after day, he spoke to her and diligently learned to cook.

His parents also visited, revealing that the board had not approved his resignation but had granted him a long leave of absence to care for An Ning until she recovered. Suddenly, An Ning's pulse and breathing monitor alarmed. Doctors rushed in for an emergency, as An Ning, still in Long Haoqian's memory, felt herself growing weaker and panicked. Long Haoqian simultaneously suffered a severe headache.

The doctor emerged, stating that while An Ning's condition was temporarily stable, the prognosis was grim, and her organ failure was accelerating. Determined, Long Haoqian declared he would take An Ning to seek the best medical care possible to cure her. Before leaving, Long Haoqian visited An Yi's grave. He informed her that those who wronged them had faced legal justice and that he himself had endured ten years of torment as punishment.

He spoke of meeting An Ning and falling hopelessly in love with her, acknowledging the wonderful unpredictability of fate. He confessed his lack of confidence in saving An Ning and desperately implored An Yi's spirit to bless An Ning so she might wake up soon, offering his life in exchange for her recovery. Long Haoqian prepared to take An Ning to the airport, ready to spare no expense or effort for her recovery.

A large group gathered to see them off, including his colleagues from Long Teng's kitchen, William, his parents, Yi Mingjun and Xia Tian, and An Ning's mother and grandfather. Even reporters and the begging father and daughter, whom An Ning had once helped, came to offer their blessings, creating a scene filled with well-wishes as Long Haoqian embarked on their journey. Within her memory world, An Ning encountered her sister, An Yi.

They finally reconciled, and An Yi urged An Ning to break free from the past, to bravely embrace love, and to live happily, promising their father and her eternal blessings. As Long Haoqian pushed An Ning in her wheelchair through airport security, her bracelet slipped off. As he re-fastened it, An Ning's eyes fluttered open, and she called out his name, confessing she couldn't live without him.

After several days of observation at the hospital, An Ning's health returned to normal, though she could no longer perceive others' memories. To celebrate, Gong Chen personally cooked a meal at An Ning's home. During the joyful gathering, An Ning's grandfather proudly presented his handmade "Godsent Marriage" dish.

Yi Mingjun announced his successful bid on a project and shared the exciting news that his wedding to Xia Tian, who was now expecting, would be held on the same day as Long Haoqian and An Ning's. An Ning finally understood the true meaning of the "Godsent Marriage" dish: to live life filled with happy memories and to embrace the world's love and warmth.