Well Dominated Love Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Well Dominated Love Synopsis
Professional elite Nie Xingchen and extremely picky boss Yan Jingzhi interpret the strongest BOSS and secretary combination in the record.
In the workplace, they appreciate each other, and in the relationship, they are rivals, playing a highly intelligent workplace love.
Well Dominated Love Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Nie Xingchen, a remarkably capable and independent professional, was preparing for an online promotional event when an urgent call from her boss, Zhao Yuanfang, interrupted her. He informed her that the car intended to pick up a partner's boss had broken down and that she was needed to handle the airport pickup.
Despite her frustration, Nie Xingchen quickly gathered a change of clothes and precisely instructed her driver on the fastest route to Jinghai Airport's Terminal 2, Gate 6, changing into her formal attire during the drive. Meanwhile, at the airport, Yan Jingzhi, the demanding and highly intelligent president of Bojue Group, was displaying his strict nature. Upon learning his secretary could not provide the exact user data for their partner Yuanda's products—specifically, 97,875,600 users with a 67. 5% to 32.
5% male-to-female ratio—he promptly fired him, stating he never gives a second chance to those who are not "good enough." Moments later, Huang Tao, the director of Bojue's President's Office, arrived, disheveled from rushing through traffic. Nie Xingchen, also just arriving, noticed Huang Tao's untidy collar and immediately fixed it. She then introduced herself to Yan Jingzhi as Secretary Nie from Yuanda, warmly welcoming him and informing him that a banquet had been arranged in his honor.
Yan Jingzhi accepted and asked her to join him in his car to provide directions. In the car, Nie Xingchen deduced from Yan Jingzhi's discomfort that he was experiencing motion sickness due to low blood sugar. She offered him a pineapple-flavored candy and adjusted the car's air conditioning to an even number, a detail she seemed to know he preferred.
At the welcome banquet, when Zhao Yuanfang and others pressured Yan Jingzhi to drink, he politely refused, stating he did not consume alcohol. As the atmosphere grew awkward, Nie Xingchen intervened, presenting a bottle of medicine and explaining that Yan Jingzhi's doctor had instructed him to take a pill after meals and strictly avoid alcohol, diffusing the tension.
Later, Yan Jingzhi expressed his curiosity about Nie Xingchen, questioning how she knew about his low blood sugar, his preference for pineapple candy, and his aversion to alcohol. He offered her the position of his chief secretary with a significantly increased salary—first doubling, then tripling it—along with generous benefits. Nie Xingchen firmly declined, stating her loyalty to Yuanda, where she had worked for five years since graduation. Undeterred, Yan Jingzhi was confident she would change her mind.
As he left, he caught a distinct scent of rosemary from her, which startled him and prompted him to ask if they had met before. Nie Xingchen confidently denied it. That night, Yan Jingzhi dreamt of a woman and called his friend Ziyu, noting the dream was unusually vivid. Ziyu suggested that meeting Nie Xingchen might have stimulated his nerves, hinting at memory recovery. Meanwhile, a disturbed Nie Xingchen disposed of all the rosemary-scented products in her home.
The following day, at a strategic cooperation meeting, Yan Jingzhi unexpectedly proposed to acquire Yuanda entirely. After a brief show of hesitation, Zhao Yuanfang agreed to the generous terms: a 200 million price tag, a 20% salary increase for all Yuanda employees, and Zhao Yuanfang retaining 20% of Yuanda's shares. Yan Jingzhi also insisted that all current employees be retained.
Following the agreement, he requested that Nie Xingchen see him off, much to her concealed annoyance, which she vented by subtly kicking Zhao Yuanfang under the table. Yan Jingzhi then confronted Nie Xingchen again, pressing her about her intimate knowledge of his preferences, including his affinity for the color blue and his habit of sleeping on his right side. She maintained that they had only met the previous day.
Despite her denial, Yan Jingzhi remained steadfast, instructing her to report to his office the next day as his new chief secretary. At Bojue Group, Director Huang Tao informed his team that the chief secretary position had been filled by an external hire.
A new colleague, Tong Xin, warmly welcomed Nie Xingchen, but another, Ailu, was less welcoming and deliberately misled Nie Xingchen by telling her the afternoon work session started at two o'clock, hoping to make her late for the 1:30 PM start. Nie Xingchen deliberately arrived twenty-eight minutes late. She confidently apologized to Yan Jingzhi in front of her new colleagues, taking full responsibility for her "mistake" with "no excuses."
This seemingly humble act earned her the admiration of her colleagues, who were impressed by her magnanimous approach. Later, Nie Xingchen delivered Yan Jingzhi's three o'clock afternoon tea, specifying that she had prepared low-calorie oatmeal biscuits to keep the total calories within his strict 100-calorie limit. Yan Jingzhi, observing her meticulousness, correctly deduced that her earlier tardiness was a calculated move to build rapport with her colleagues.
Impressed, he assigned her another task: to clean his newly acquired home for him to move into that night. Nie Xingchen diligently cleaned the entire house, eventually falling asleep on the sofa from exhaustion. Upon returning to his impeccably clean home, Yan Jingzhi found Nie Xingchen asleep. Satisfied with her work, his curiosity about her deepened.
He called her, informing her that she would now also be responsible for his daily diet and living arrangements—requiring her to arrive at his house by 7:30 AM—and offered to double her salary again. He hung up before she could decline. The next morning, Nie Xingchen arrived on time, meticulously preparing his breakfast, selecting his outfit, and presenting his work schedule. Yan Jingzhi was clearly pleased. However, on her way back to the company, Nie Xingchen submitted her resignation.
Zhao Yuanfang later called Yan Jingzhi, praising Nie Xingchen's abilities but warning him of her stubbornness, just as Yan Jingzhi received her resignation notice. Meanwhile, as Nie Xingchen awaited approval, Director Huang Tao sent her on an urgent, two-hour errand. Shortly after she left, the celebrity Zhen Nian arrived at Bojue Group.
Director Huang dramatically announced to the office that Zhen Nian and Yan Jingzhi, who had known each other in America, were getting engaged, pointing to a custom platinum necklace she was wearing as proof. Overhearing this upon her return, Nie Xingchen showed a flicker of disappointment. She went to Yan Jingzhi's office to reiterate her resignation. Annoyed by his accusation that she was playing "hard-to-get," Nie Xingchen directly confronted him.
She listed his eccentricities: sensitivity to low blood sugar and sunlight, meticulous calorie counting, being displeased if work was not perfect yet suspicious if it was, requiring two candies, and demanding even numbers for the air conditioning. She concluded that he suffered from "obsessive-compulsive disorder" and advised him to seek treatment.
Episode 2 Recap
One night, Yan Jingzhi found himself unable to sleep, prompted by an unusual restlessness. He picked up his phone to search for "obsessive-compulsive disorder" and then called his friend, Han Ziyu, at 1 AM. This was uncharacteristic for Yan Jingzhi, who usually slept by 11 PM. He questioned Han Ziyu about his own behavior, asking if he was excessively perfectionistic, overly strict with work, or lacked enjoyment in life.
Han Ziyu, surprised by Yan Jingzhi’s late-night call and strange questions, suggested he come to the hospital the next day for a brain examination, noting that he seemed a little out of sorts. Meanwhile, Nie Xingchen opened a box of old belongings, revealing photos of herself and Yan Jingzhi from their past. As she looked at them, she recalled their sweet moments, her emotions a mix of joy and sadness.
The next day, Nie Xingchen was looking at houses when Yan Jingzhi called, demanding to know why she was late for work and reminding her that as his chief secretary, all her time belonged to him, even on weekends. Exasperated, Nie Xingchen informed him she would be resigning the following Monday and asked him not to disturb her private time anymore, after which she pretended her phone signal was bad and hung up.
Tong Xin, on her way to see a celebrity, received a call from her superior, Huang Tao, asking her to deliver some documents. Despite it being the weekend, she reluctantly agreed and rushed to the hospital. There, she accidentally stumbled and was immediately captivated by the handsome and gentle doctor, Han Ziyu. However, Han Ziyu, who has a fear of women, consciously maintained a careful distance from her.
Later, Yan Jingzhi's brain CT scan results showed no organic lesions and were identical to his scan from five years ago. Han Ziyu explained that his headaches were likely due to mental stimulation. Yan Jingzhi revealed that after returning to the country, he met Nie Xingchen, who gave him a very familiar feeling, yet whenever he tried to recall more, he would get a headache.
Han Ziyu suggested that increased contact with Nie Xingchen could help stimulate his brain and aid memory recovery, provided she was willing. From that day on, Tong Xin, completely smitten with Han Ziyu, decided she would become the president of his fan support club. Concurrently, Zhao Yuanfang visited Nie Xingchen at the Bojue sales office, playfully teasing her that women should invest in themselves with shoes and bags, while men should handle purchasing houses.
After inquiring about internal news, Zhao Yuanfang informed Nie Xingchen that Bojue Group would be releasing a batch of staff welfare apartments the following month. This news made Nie Xingchen reconsider her immediate resignation. Irritated by Nie Xingchen’s "strike" over the weekend, Yan Jingzhi continued to deliberately make things difficult for her at work, but Nie Xingchen managed to resolve each challenge he presented.
At one point, frustrated by his persistent demands, Nie Xingchen deliberately snapped the pearl chain on her bag. Unexpectedly, Yan Jingzhi, despite his severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, uncharacteristically squatted down and angrily picked up all the scattered pearls, handing them back to her, which gave Nie Xingchen a sense of quiet satisfaction. Tong Xin later shared Yan Jingzhi's newly chosen car license plate number, 0521, with Nie Xingchen, who found the number surprisingly familiar.
Feeling responsible for her colleagues’ overtime, Nie Xingchen decided to treat everyone to hot pot once they finished their project. During the meal, Yan Jingzhi called, demanding a document on her computer. He insisted she tell him her computer password immediately, which she revealed was also 0521. As they ate, the colleagues started a "complaint session," playfully criticizing their boss. Just as they were getting into it, Yan Jingzhi unexpectedly appeared.
To accommodate his preferences, everyone had to eat their vegetables raw. Understanding his obsessive-compulsive habits, Nie Xingchen arranged for him to have a separate hot pot at another table. After the meal, Yan Jingzhi questioned Nie Xingchen about her computer password, 0521, which matched his car plate. Nie Xingchen calmly explained that it was the anniversary of her acquaintance with her boyfriend, adding that whether she had a boyfriend or not was her private matter.
As the dinner concluded, Zhao Yuanfang casually draped his arm over Nie Xingchen's shoulder, a gesture that clearly irked Yan Jingzhi. In response, he immediately instructed Huang Tao to organize a mandatory team-building activity for the President's Office the following day, emphasizing that no one was to be absent. The next day, Nie Xingchen was surprised to find that only members of the President's Office were present.
On the bus, Huang Tao suggested playing a "You Say, I Guess" game to win shopping vouchers. Yan Jingzhi assertively insisted that Nie Xingchen be his partner, offering her two days of paid leave if they won. Their incredible tacit understanding during the game astonished their colleagues and sparked discussions, while Yan Jingzhi grew more intrigued by how much Nie Xingchen seemed to know about him. Later, the group participated in an escape room game.
Zhao Yuanfang also appeared, leading to a subtle rivalry between him and Yan Jingzhi for Nie Xingchen's attention. Inside the escape room, Yan Jingzhi was less interested in the game's objectives and more focused on staying with Nie Xingchen, who accidentally sprained her ankle during the chaos. At the game's conclusion, it was revealed that Yan Jingzhi and Huang Tao were the "undercovers."
To everyone's surprise, Yan Jingzhi shot his own teammate, Huang Tao, declaring that he cares more about victory in reality than in a game. Back at the hotel, Yan Jingzhi's attempt to bring medicine to Nie Xingchen was intercepted by Zhao Yuanfang. Undeterred, Yan Jingzhi found Nie Xingchen relaxing alone at the hot spring. He confronted her directly, asking if they had known each other before.
Nie Xingchen tried to deny it, but she fell silent upon seeing a familiar ring he wore. Realizing her reaction was a confirmation, Yan Jingzhi understood she was connected to his lost memories. He stepped into the water and gripped her shoulders, demanding to know the truth.
Episode 3 Recap
Continuing their confrontation from the hot springs, Yan Jingzhi presses Nie Xingchen about her connection to his lost memories, holding out a ring. Nie Xingchen firmly denies any involvement in his past, insisting her memory has no trace of him. As he tries to force the ring on her, Zhen Nian, who had been searching for him at the hotel after being denied his room number by the staff, interrupts them.
Nie Xingchen uses the interruption to excuse herself, and Zhao Yuanfang escorts her away. As they leave, Zhao Yuanfang asks if Yan Jingzhi is her unforgettable first love, but she deflects the question. Later, Zhen Nian questions Yan Jingzhi about Nie Xingchen and Zhao Yuanfang, noting Zhao’s attentiveness towards Nie. Yan Jingzhi states that, as far as he knows, they are not dating.
Zhen Nian then attempts to get closer to Yan Jingzhi, even asking if she could stay in his room. However, Yan Jingzhi clearly distances himself, telling her directly that she is not the owner of the ring he holds. He explains that he had initially felt a familiar connection to her when he helped her in America, but he is now certain she is not the person he is looking for.
Zhen Nian, heartbroken, questions why he would rather wait for an unknown person than give her a chance after five years of her being the only woman by his side. Yan Jingzhi simply replies that he feels he is close to finding that person. Nie Xingchen confides in Zhao Yuanfang, telling him that her continued presence is merely an excuse to confirm Yan Jingzhi is doing well before she leaves for good.
Zhao Yuanfang urges her to either tell Yan Jingzhi the truth and restart their relationship or end it completely, but Nie Xingchen insists she is past that point. Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhi discovers a video of Nie Xingchen and Zhao Yuanfang out together. Infuriated, he immediately orders all staff to return to the company. Back at the office, Yan Jingzhi confronts Nie Xingchen, demanding to know why she is avoiding him.
When she maintains her denial, he tries to force the ring on her finger. Nie Xingchen pushes him away, asserting that she already has a boyfriend. At that moment, Zhao Yuanfang appears, claiming Nie Xingchen as his girlfriend and telling Yan Jingzhi to respect their relationship. Yan Jingzhi retorts that it is still working hours, but Zhao Yuanfang quickly counters that it is now after hours and asks Nie Xingchen what she wants for dinner.
Frustrated, Yan Jingzhi vents his anger on a punching bag. Han Ziyu, noticing his agitated state, advises him to get a psychiatric check-up for potential mania. Separately, Tong Xin encounters Han Ziyu at the hospital and passionately defends his professional abilities to other patients' relatives, highlighting his credentials as an excellent doctor. She then introduces herself as the president of his fan club, pledging unconditional support, which leaves Han Ziyu bewildered.
Later, Zhao Yuanfang meets Yan Jingzhi at a bar and offers his remaining 20% of Yuanda's shares in exchange for Nie Xingchen's freedom. Yan Jingzhi flatly refuses the deal, stating that its profitability is none of Zhao Yuanfang's concern. The next day, Zhao Yuanfang makes a grand entrance at the CEO's office, bringing snacks for the staff. He publicly thanks everyone for taking care of "our Xingchen" and implies she is his girlfriend.
Nie Xingchen quickly pulls him into his office, but Yan Jingzhi follows them. He sternly informs Nie Xingchen that regardless of her private relationships, her sole identity within the company is his chief secretary, and all company matters must prioritize his interests. Nie Xingchen deftly shifts the conversation to work, suggesting they hire a celebrity ambassador for the Quwo app. When asked for a name, she suggests Zhen Nian.
Yan Jingzhi immediately approves and assigns Nie Xingchen to manage the project. Nie Xingchen meets with Zhen Nian to discuss the ambassador role. Zhen Nian claims her biggest worry is how her potential marriage to Yan Jingzhi might affect the brand's image. Nie Xingchen assures her that contractual clauses can address such concerns. Zhen Nian then fakes a call from Yan Jingzhi to make it seem he is arriving, prompting Nie Xingchen to leave.
When Yan Jingzhi arrives moments later, Zhen Nian insinuates to him that Nie Xingchen left in a hurry to avoid him. The Quwo press conference is a success, adding 300,000 new users. Afterwards, Yan Jingzhi presses Nie Xingchen, asking if she has anything to tell him beyond work. She maintains her distance, claiming her recent unavailability was due to work handover. When he insists they talk, she threatens to leave the company and wishes him and Zhen Nian happiness.
Later, at the after-party, Zhao Yuanfang approaches Zhen Nian, offering to drink with her and pointedly referring to her as the "future proprietress." The next morning, Yan Jingzhi is dismayed to find Tong Xin covering for Nie Xingchen, who has called in sick with a severe cold. That evening, Yan Jingzhi unexpectedly appears at Nie Xingchen's apartment. He says he is there to reconcile, promising not to mistake her for someone else again and asking her to stop avoiding him.
Noticing the mess, his obsessive-compulsive tendencies kick in, and he begins meticulously cleaning her home despite her protests. After he finishes, Nie Xingchen complains that she cannot find anything, including her hair ties. Yan Jingzhi, however, precisely recounts the location and number of her hair accessories. She then tries to fend him off by claiming her boyfriend would disapprove of his visit.
Yan Jingzhi dismisses her lie, pointing out the complete lack of any man's belongings in her home and warning her that the noses of children who lie grow longer. The next day, Nie Xingchen’s colleagues show her a short video of Yan Jingzhi she inadvertently filmed that has gone viral, trending with the keyword "My Husband, So Handsome."
The Publicity Director proposes filming a series on the CEO's daily life, but Nie Xingchen rejects the idea, stating Yan Jingzhi dislikes his private life being public. Later, Yan Jingzhi finds her watching the viral video and asks what his fans call him. Nie Xingchen reluctantly replies, "Husband," which visibly pleases him. He then comments on her Sudoku game and unusual snack choice of pitaya with strawberry yogurt, revealing his close observation of her. When she accuses him of invading her privacy, he tells her to stop seeing him as her boss and to view him as an ordinary man.
Episode 4 Recap
When the staff in the CEO's office discussed why Secretary Nie Xingchen hadn't submitted the proposal for filming the CEO's daily routine, Yan Jingzhi happened to overhear. He liked the idea but stated his dislike for strangers filming him. Consequently, he assigned Nie Xingchen to be his personal photographer. Nie Xingchen hesitated, citing her lack of professionalism and the privacy concerns of filming in his home.
However, when Secretary Tong suggested that Nie could handle the raw filming for the Publicity Department to edit, Yan Jingzhi approved the plan and warned his employees against bringing "star-chasing" culture into the workplace. The next morning, Nie Xingchen began filming Yan Jingzhi's daily life, capturing his meals, gym sessions, and meetings. That evening, he insisted she continue filming him at the pool. During the session, Nie Xingchen was momentarily distracted and her phone fell into the water.
As Yan Jingzhi retrieved it, she also slipped and fell in. He pulled her out, noting her rapid breathing. Flustered, Nie Xingchen quickly made an excuse about needing to organize the footage and hastily left. Later, Yan Jingzhi dreamt of a girl whose face he couldn't see, the same one he had been searching for. The following day, Nie Xingchen arranged a live stream for Yan Jingzhi.
When his answers to pre-screened questions came off as stiff, she quickly wrote down questions from fans for him to answer instead. During the broadcast, Yan Jingzhi described his ideal type in great detail: a woman with a high ponytail, big eyes, fair skin, and a preference for professional attire and high heels, whose height would reach his shoulder.
Afterwards, he instructed Nie Xingchen to send gifts to the fans who had asked questions, especially the one about his ideal type. The description sparked speculation among the female employees, who wondered if he was describing someone in the company like Nie Xingchen. To defuse the gossip, Nie claimed it was a publicity stunt. The next morning, many female employees arrived at work sporting high ponytails.
Director Huang Tao reported this to Yan Jingzhi, reassuring him that Nie was purely professional and harbored no inappropriate feelings for him, even hinting that she might be interested in Zhao Yuanfang. Annoyed, Yan Jingzhi questioned if he was inferior to Zhao Yuanfang before sarcastically praising Director Huang’s insight. Later, Yan Jingzhi caught Nie Xingchen secretly filming him for his fans. He initially mistook this for a sign of her attraction but became irritated upon learning the truth.
He ordered her to take down all videos and cease all publicity activities. He then confronted her about the pool incident, asking if she felt any emotion. Nie Xingchen explained it away as the "drawbridge effect," where physiological arousal from an intense situation is misattributed as romantic attraction, stressing that it was just dopamine and had nothing to do with feelings for him.
Meanwhile, Tong Xin visited Dr. Han Ziyu at the hospital with food, explaining she missed his appointment because her boss had suddenly ordered videos to be taken down. Though Han Ziyu was wary of the preserved food she brought, he allowed her to drive him home. Shortly after, Yan Jingzhi arrived at Han Ziyu’s home seeking advice on how to pursue Nie Xingchen.
Han Ziyu suggested the "mere-exposure effect" and gave him a book of dating tips, which Yan Jingzhi dismissed. Following Han Ziyu's advice to give gifts, Yan Jingzhi sent a massive, garish pink-themed gift to Nie Xingchen at the office, causing a stir. Zhao Yuanfang intervened to help a flustered Nie Xingchen, mockingly noting that the gift's poor taste could not possibly be from him, and returned the items to Yan Jingzhi.
Furious at the failure, Yan Jingzhi confronted Han Ziyu again, calling him a quack. Han Ziyu calmly advised that he should give Nie Xingchen gifts she actually likes, which he could learn by asking her or checking her WeChat Moments. Taking this new advice, Yan Jingzhi inquired with his colleagues and discovered that Nie Xingchen's Moments were visible to them, meaning she had blocked him. He then feigned dejection on a sofa in the office.
Seeing this, Nie Xingchen felt awkward and unblocked him. He immediately confronted her, and she explained her desire to separate her work and personal life. Yan Jingzhi pushed back, asking if she had also blocked their other superior, Zhao Yuanfang, implying she was singling him out. Nie Xingchen apologized for her thoughtlessness. Later, Yan Jingzhi had Director Huang send Nie Xingchen to a pedestrian bridge to retrieve documents.
When she arrived, a swarm of drones flew into the sky and formed a heart shape. Yan Jingzhi appeared and explained it was just a product test for a newly acquired UAV company. Relieved, Nie Xingchen accepted his explanation. Yan Jingzhi then seized the opportunity to invite her to dinner, claiming he hadn't eaten yet and putting another one of the book's tips—showing weakness—into practice.
Episode 5 Recap
Following the drone display, Yan Jingzhi brought Nie Xingchen to a restaurant he had exclusively booked for them, a place Nie Xingchen noted was usually impossible to reserve. She found the romantic custom menu, with names like "Just Happen to Like You" and "I Only Have Feelings for You," rather peculiar. During their meal, Yan Jingzhi probed Nie Xingchen's feelings by asking her opinion on the drone show, framing it as an "advertising proposal."
When she admitted that a public confession would feel awkward, like "animals being watched at a zoo," he subtly canceled the surprise he had planned. Nie Xingchen then reminisced about working as a waitress in college, explaining that her parents had insisted she earn enough to buy a house in Jinghai to be allowed to stay, otherwise she would have to return to her hometown.
After remarking on the controlling nature of parents, Yan Jingzhi asked if she would "stay by his side," quickly clarifying that he meant continuing to work for him. Later, while driving Nie Xingchen home, Yan Jingzhi confessed his feelings and presented her with a star-themed necklace. However, Nie Xingchen rejected him, claiming they hadn't known each other long and that his feelings were likely just a "heat of the moment" impulse.
She reiterated that she would be leaving the company soon. When Yan Jingzhi insisted he wouldn't give up, Nie Xingchen challenged him to "pluck a real star from the sky" for her if he wanted her to be his girlfriend.
The next day, after Nie Xingchen posted on social media about wanting to visit an arcade, Yan Jingzhi surprised her by taking her there, playfully declaring it was "work," as his secretary's duty was to help him digest his meal and stay healthy. They played games and both won small teddy bears.
While Yan Jingzhi valued the experience over the cost, Nie Xingchen jokingly called the bear he gave her "ugly," which he humorously took as a challenge to his dignity. Back at the office, Huang Tao advised Nie Xingchen not to quit, revealing that Yan Jingzhi's "surprise" dinner had been orchestrated specifically to convince her to stay. At that moment, Sun Yang offered Nie Xingchen a cup of milk, catching Yan Jingzhi's attention.
A visibly jealous Yan Jingzhi immediately tasked Sun Yang with an urgent deadline, demanding that the annual report for the following month's summit be on his desk by the end of the day. He then instructed Nie Xingchen to accompany him to a real estate sales office. At the sales office, Yan Jingzhi overheard a salesperson mention that Nie Xingchen was waiting for the company's "welfare housing" allocation and had previously visited a property.
This instantly clarified her recent decision to stay on at the company. Believing she was now in a difficult situation, Nie Xingchen took matters into her own hands. It was revealed that she had risked skipping work to sign a house transfer agreement, securing a property below market value from a landlord in urgent need of money. Upon returning to the office, a joyful Nie Xingchen invited her colleagues out for karaoke.
When Yan Jingzhi questioned her absence, she provided a plausible excuse. Feigning disinterest at first, Yan Jingzhi quickly declared he would attend the "group activity," especially since Nie Xingchen was treating. That evening at the KTV, Yan Jingzhi directly confronted Nie Xingchen about the house, asking why she didn't come to him for help, a question overheard by their colleagues. To deflect the awkward situation, Nie Xingchen claimed she was begging him to sing.
Pressured by the group, Yan Jingzhi reluctantly performed, revealing his terrible singing voice and prompting his colleagues to jokingly vow never to listen to him again. Mid-song, Nie Xingchen received a video call from her mother and stepped outside. Her mother tearfully informed her that her father was facing jail time, instantly shattering Nie Xingchen's mood. Yan Jingzhi noticed her distress, but she brushed him off, stating only that she would no longer buy the house.
Back at her apartment, she transferred her 800,000 Yuan in savings to her mother, promised to borrow the remaining 200,000 Yuan, and called the real estate agent to cancel the purchase. The next day, Nie Xingchen's personal troubles clearly affected her work performance. Yan Jingzhi overheard her on the phone with a lawyer, learning that her father was a guarantor for a runaway debtor and would be held liable.
He approached her and made a formal offer with two solutions: either she could stay at Bojue for three more years, during which he would advance her any amount of money she needed, or she could become his girlfriend, which would give him a "reasonable identity" to pay her debts. Nie Xingchen rejected both proposals, accusing him of "taking advantage of her perilous state" and insisting on handling her own problems.
Despite her refusal, Yan Jingzhi secretly began to help, instructing his staff to contact the branch in her hometown, Shashi. Meanwhile, Zhen Nian approached Nie Xingchen with 200,000 Yuan, demanding she stay away from Yan Jingzhi. Nie Xingchen laughed off the clichéd offer and unnerved Zhen Nian by remarking that her name was identical to that of a former college classmate.
Later, a troubled Nie Xingchen met with Zhao Yuanfang, who presented her with 200,000 Yuan, explaining it was the accumulated bonuses she had refused over the years, which he had saved for her. Deeply touched, she accepted the money. Just as she was about to transfer it, her mother called with surprising news: the debtor, Wang Yongchang, had returned and paid off the entire debt himself. The next morning, Nie Xingchen found Yan Jingzhi still in the previous day's clothes.
Realizing he had been working all night to help her, she thanked him for finding Wang Yongchang. Yan Jingzhi confirmed that he had located the man, who then returned the money. He then pressed Nie Xingchen for her true reason for rejecting him, asking her not to use Zhao Yuanfang as an excuse. Finally, Nie Xingchen confessed, "I'm still in love with my ex-boyfriend."
In a flashback, it was revealed that Yan Jingzhi had personally confronted Wang Yongchang, giving him one million Yuan to settle the debt and warning him to stay away from his "girlfriend's" family, thus becoming Wang Yongchang's new creditor.
Episode 6 Recap
Following Nie Xingchen’s rejection, a frustrated Yan Jingzhi meets with Han Ziyu to complain. Han Ziyu analyzes the situation using psychology, explaining that Nie Xingchen is likely experiencing the Zeigarnik effect, where one remains fixated on unfinished matters—in this case, her past love. He compares Yan Jingzhi's frustration to the fable of the fox who dismisses the grapes he can't reach as sour.
Initially annoyed, Yan Jingzhi prepares to leave but has a change of heart, declaring he now wants to "eat the grapes," signaling his intent to follow Han Ziyu’s advice. Adopting Han Ziyu’s strategy, Yan Jingzhi begins to intentionally give Nie Xingchen the cold shoulder. He reassigns her key responsibilities to Secretary Tong, leaving Nie Xingchen confused.
Her bewilderment turns into a mix of complex emotions when Tong Xin informs her that Yan Jingzhi will be spending the weekend on a date with Zhen Nian. During their meal, Yan Jingzhi goes to pay, and the cashier remarks that he looks familiar. Suffering from amnesia, Yan Jingzhi has no memory of being there before. Nearby, Zhen Nian spots a photo of Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen on the restaurant’s photo wall.
Panicked, she quickly snatches it, hides it in her bag, and urges Yan Jingzhi to leave immediately. Meanwhile, Han Ziyu is on a blind date, secretly observed by Tong Xin. Seeing Han Ziyu’s lack of interest, Tong Xin intervenes by posing as the president of his celebrity fan club, successfully scaring the woman away. She then insists on taking a commemorative photo with her "idol."
That night, a restless Nie Xingchen receives a call from Yan Jingzhi, who asks to meet at a shopping center. She agrees and arrives early. Seeing this, Yan Jingzhi privately gloats that Han Ziyu's tactic of using provocation to elicit a reaction is working. He then asks Nie Xingchen to help him choose a gift for his friend, Hanna, whom he describes as "more than a friend" and close to her age.
At dinner with Hanna, Nie Xingchen grows disheartened as Hanna demonstrates an intimate knowledge of Yan Jingzhi’s habits, including his compulsion for even numbers and his picky past. However, in the restroom, Hanna confides that she is merely Yan Jingzhi's neighbor and older sister figure and is already engaged. She encourages Nie Xingchen, hinting that she is the woman Yan Jingzhi has been looking for.
After the meal, Yan Jingzhi attempts his ploy, telling Nie Xingchen he previously acted irrationally due to an "overdose of dopamine" and that they are not a good match. Seeing through his strategy, Nie Xingchen tells him the provocation won't work, reaffirming that her only reason for rejecting him is that she met her first love before him. Bothered by the mention of her first love, Yan Jingzhi confronts Zhao Yuanfang for information.
Seeing a rival, Zhao Yuanfang challenges him to a drinking game, promising to talk if Yan Jingzhi wins. After they both become heavily intoxicated, Zhao Yuanfang feigns memory loss. A frustrated Yan Jingzhi calls Nie Xingchen for a ride, but she offers to send a driver. However, when Zhao Yuanfang calls her moments later, she immediately agrees to come herself, leaving Yan Jingzhi feeling slighted. Nie Xingchen arrives to find both men drunk on a staircase.
Yan Jingzhi complains that she always finds excuses to put him off. With a bartender's help, she gets them into Yan Jingzhi's car. As she fastens his seatbelt, he pulls her into a sudden embrace, making her heart race. After dropping Zhao Yuanfang off, Nie Xingchen takes Yan Jingzhi home. In a drunken state, he begins to undress, forcing her to intervene.
He laments not meeting her sooner, which stirs her old feelings, but when he mentions his deepest regret is not seeing his father for the last time, she is visibly shaken. She pushes him away, warns him not to act that way again, and flees. The next day, Yan Jingzhi fakes an emergency to lure Nie Xingchen to his home. Annoyed by the prank, she declares she is taking the day off for a class reunion.
He tries to block her from leaving, but she retaliates by threatening to disrupt his meticulously arranged belongings, playing on his OCD to make her escape. At the reunion, a classmate named Zhou Weiwei taunts Nie Xingchen about her career and love life. Yan Jingzhi arrives unexpectedly, and another classmate mentions having seen him before, possibly at a basketball court. Alarmed, Nie Xingchen tries to rush Yan Jingzhi out, but he insists on finding out why he was recognized.
Cornered, she confesses the truth: he looks identical to her first love, whom she has never forgotten, and this resemblance is the reason for her special attention. Feeling he has been nothing more than a substitute, an enraged Yan Jingzhi storms off. Zhou Weiwei immediately calls Zhen Nian to report what happened. Hearing that Yan Jingzhi is pursuing Nie Xingchen and that someone recognized him from college, Zhen Nian panics and shreds the stolen photograph.
Meanwhile, the recurring comments about his past make Yan Jingzhi suspicious. He returns to the restaurant and learns from the cashier that a photo of a couple was indeed removed from the wall. He goes directly to Zhen Nian’s home and confronts her, demanding to know what she is hiding and where the photo is. As she nervously picks at her fingers, a telltale sign of her anxiety, he sees through her lies and presses for the truth.
Episode 7 Recap
Yan Jingzhi confronted Nie Xingchen with a photo of them together, pointing out that the date on it matched the day he lost his memory and the ring in the picture was identical to his. Cornered, Nie Xingchen admitted they were once lovers. Enraged and feeling betrayed, Yan Jingzhi questioned why she had lied, revealing he had spent five years searching for the ring's owner.
Nie Xingchen explained that since he couldn't remember and they couldn't go back to the past, she felt hiding the truth was the best solution. Feeling ridiculed for having fallen for her again despite her deception, Yan Jingzhi demanded to know where she was while he was in a coma and facing amnesia alone. Nie Xingchen stated they had already broken up at that time, as she had rejected his proposal.
He left his ring behind and departed, leaving Nie Xingchen to recall their past. Meanwhile, at a bar, Zhao Yuanfang spotted Zhen Nian drinking alone. He discreetly dealt with a paparazzi member trying to photograph her by taking the camera and photos himself. He chided her for drinking, reminding her that as the company's spokesperson, negative publicity would be irresponsible.
Zhen Nian drunkenly asked if he had ever loved someone for many years, and he admitted he had, though not romantically. When Zhen Nian lamented that she never even had a chance with Yan Jingzhi, they found a strange camaraderie in their shared misfortune and continued drinking together. Back at the office, Yan Jingzhi's absence created chaos. Nie Xingchen stepped up, handling calls and rescheduling meetings.
With an urgent payment deadline for the Xishan land contract looming, threatening a breach of contract and the loss of their year-end bonuses, Nie Xingchen boldly forged Yan Jingzhi's signature on the documents, to the astonishment of her colleagues. Elsewhere, Zhen Nian was awakened by her agent and an infuriating text from Zhao Yuanfang, who sent her the photos he had taken as "evidence" of her drunken state.
That evening, at a farewell party for Nie Xingchen, her colleagues pleaded with her to stay, calling her the perfect chief secretary for Yan Jingzhi. As they speculated that he must be missing due to matters of the heart, Nie Xingchen received a call that Yan Jingzhi was hospitalized. She immediately had Tong Xin drive her to Jinghai Hospital, asking her to keep the visit a secret.
There, Dr. Han Ziyu warned her that while amnesia isn't fatal, alcohol poisoning can be. Inside the room, Nie Xingchen watched a sleeping Yan Jingzhi with guilt. Elsewhere in the hospital, Tong Xin tried to get Han Ziyu's attention by feigning dizziness, but he dismissed her as simply being hungry from dieting. When another female patient persistently harassed Han Ziyu, Tong Xin intervened, boldly declaring herself his girlfriend and the president of his fan club.
Later, she explained to a surprised Han Ziyu that she was acting as his "shield" against unwanted advances. She then confided her admiration for him, revealing that a bad experience with a harsh doctor during a childhood illness had left her traumatized. She told him he was "the light that scatters the shadows," unlike any doctor she had ever met. As thanks, she playfully demanded he agree to two "appointments" with her a week, a condition he reluctantly accepted.
Nie Xingchen's mind drifted to a memory of her and Yan Jingzhi in college. She recalled him teaching her to write his signature and her playfully teasing him about being a "three-no" graduate with no house, car, or job. She had naively planned their future, saving for a down payment on a small apartment, confident their hard work would pay off.
Returning to the present, Nie Xingchen gently kissed Yan Jingzhi's forehead and left his room, only to run into Zhen Nian outside. Zhen Nian confessed that she had always been envious of Nie Xingchen in college and that after meeting an amnesiac Yan Jingzhi in America, she had deliberately mimicked Nie Xingchen's tastes to stay by his side. She sadly admitted that despite five years, he never truly loved her.
When Nie Xingchen confirmed she would be leaving again, she clarified it was due to issues between her and Yan Jingzhi, not because of Zhen Nian. Later, Han Ziyu was baffled when his colleagues congratulated him on having a girlfriend, revealing Tong Xin had given out candy in celebration. He vehemently denied they were dating. In his room, Yan Jingzhi awoke to find Zhen Nian by his side. Soon after, Huang Tao entered with urgent documents.
Yan Jingzhi immediately asked for Nie Xingchen, but Huang Tao informed him she had already left the company after her farewell party and denied that she had visited the hospital. Upon hearing this, Yan Jingzhi discharged himself and returned to the office, transforming into a strict workaholic. He harshly reprimanded staff for the delayed payment and their over-reliance on Nie Xingchen, leaving the entire office to wish for her return.
That evening, Zhen Nian and Yan Jingzhi had dinner to celebrate his discharge, where they were secretly photographed. When Zhen Nian offered to have the photos deleted, Yan Jingzhi was unconcerned. Meanwhile, while searching for jobs online, Nie Xingchen saw that Zhen Nian and Yan Jingzhi were a trending topic on Weibo. It was then revealed that Yan Jingzhi himself had arranged for the photos to be leaked, a calculated move to test Nie Xingchen's true feelings.
Episode 8 Recap
Following Nie Xingchen's decision to resign and leave him, Yan Jingzhi grapples with the revelation of their shared past. Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanfang visits Nie Xingchen with a bouquet of flowers, celebrating her newfound freedom. When she informs him that Yan Jingzhi now remembers everything, Zhao Yuanfang questions if she has truly moved on, but she offers no answer. He then asks her to cook for him, deliberately filming a video of the meal to post online.
Upon seeing the post, Yan Jingzhi jealously summons Secretary Tong to inquire about Zhao Yuanfang's leave from work, learning with a darkened expression that Zhao had requested time off for a "wedding." While Zhao Yuanfang enjoys the noodles Nie Xingchen prepared, teasing her with jokes about becoming his private chef or entering a contract marriage, a tormented Yan Jingzhi transforms into a workaholic.
He pushes his staff to their limits with three consecutive days of overtime, making everyone miss Nie Xingchen. Desperate, Secretary Tong presents Yan Jingzhi with a guide Nie Xingchen had left behind. The detailed note outlines his personal preferences and habits, including his tendency to play Minesweeper when upset. The gesture softens Yan Jingzhi, and he allows his weary staff to go home.
On a date, Tong Xin offers to cut Han Ziyu's steak, praising his hands as being meant for saving lives, calling him an "angel in white." She learns that his fear of women stems from a high school trauma where he was pushed down a flight of stairs by a girl whose confession he rejected.
In turn, Han Ziyu learns why Tong Xin is a fan of the pop star J; watching J's dedication to his musical dreams during a period of uncertainty in college gave her the strength and courage she needed. Later, realizing his fear of women is a treatable disorder, Tong Xin spontaneously hugs Han Ziyu, promising to help him with desensitization therapy.
After Han Ziyu learns from Tong Xin that Yan Jingzhi is unhappy, he sends him a photo he took the night Yan Jingzhi collapsed, revealing that Nie Xingchen had rushed to the hospital and stayed with him all night. Upset at not being told sooner, Yan Jingzhi calls and berates Han Ziyu for withholding the information before hanging up.
The next day, armed with the photo, Yan Jingzhi revisits the restaurant from his proposal and learns the truth from a witness: he had fainted before Nie Xingchen could even respond, meaning she never rejected him. With this new knowledge, he immediately goes to her apartment. Yan Jingzhi bypasses Nie Xingchen's text claiming she isn't home—a lie exposed by her WeChat Movement data showing only 48 steps—by following a food delivery person into the building.
She confronts him, insisting their relationship is over and they should be strangers. He retorts that the decision isn't hers alone and demands to know why she lied about the proposal. When she claims not to remember the details, he asks her to help him recover his memories, promising to leave her alone afterward. She refuses out of respect for his supposed girlfriend, Zhen Nian, a claim he quickly dismisses, but Nie Xingchen remains firm.
Soon after, Nie Xingchen is repeatedly rejected from job interviews and correctly suspects Yan Jingzhi is sabotaging her. She confronts him at his office, where he openly admits to blocking her employment prospects, stating she won't find work in the city unless she helps him. With no other choice, Nie Xingchen reluctantly agrees to help him regain his memory on the condition that he stop interfering in her life if she fails and that he follows her arrangements.
The next day, she leads him on a journey into their past, starting with a public bus ride, which they used to take when she thought he was an ordinary employee. At a wood workshop, he crafts a puzzle-piece keychain for her, explaining, "Each piece of the puzzle has its own place. Once a piece is misplaced, the puzzle can't be completed, just like you and me."
Later, they visit a riverside spot, a former dating location, known for its free weekend fireworks. When Yan Jingzhi offers to set off fireworks just for her, Nie Xingchen playfully asks him to dance. He asks if dancing was part of their old routine, and she confirms it was, leading them to share a dance under the fireworks. Yan Jingzhi returns to the office in a surprisingly good mood, which unnerves his staff, who are accustomed to his recent intensity.
He checks Nie Xingchen’s WeChat Movement and sees a high step count, but Secretary Tong warns him the data can be faked. When a text from Nie Xingchen cancels their plans for that evening, he decides to go to her apartment. There, he finds not only Nie Xingchen but also Zhao Yuanfang and her parents. Caught off guard, Nie Xingchen introduces Yan Jingzhi as a "former colleague," and her parents warmly invite him to stay for dinner.
During the meal, Nie Xingchen's parents, unaware they are speaking to her former boss, complain about his "exploitative" demands, describing the job as being a 24/7 nanny. Zhao Yuanfang smirks, while Yan Jingzhi endures the criticism. When Nie Xingchen quickly introduces Yan Jingzhi as her "assistant" to deflect further questions, her parents advise him to quit, claiming the company and its boss have "no future."
The tension escalates as Yan Jingzhi and Zhao Yuanfang engage in a competitive shrimp-peeling contest for Nie Xingchen. After dinner, as Nie Xingchen walks Yan Jingzhi out, he confronts her for not telling him about her parents' visit. She retorts that he has "crossed the line." In response, Yan Jingzhi forcefully kisses her, reminding her of the kiss she gave him at the hospital.
He asserts that she has feelings for him and that she doesn't need to be secretive about it. When she denies it, he points out she didn't resist his kiss. She calls him a scoundrel for twisting her words, but he continues, citing the "Romeo and Juliet effect"—that obstacles only strengthen feelings. He advises her to treat him as a friend like Zhao Yuanfang, not an enemy. When she retorts that she doesn't kiss her friends, he smiles and says, "Neither do I, you rogue."
Episode 9 Recap
Nie Xingchen savored the memory of the kiss from downstairs before stepping into her apartment, where she found Zhao Yuanfang still present. Zhao Yuanfang pointed out that even though Yan Jingzhi had lost his memory, he had fallen in love with her again. However, Zhao cautioned Nie Xingchen that this was likely just an impulsive reaction from Yan Jingzhi, urging her to calmly approach her feelings.
He also encouraged her to be brave and reveal the true reasons behind her rejection of Yan Jingzhi to prevent further entanglement. Zhao Yuanfang's heartfelt words moved Nie Xingchen deeply. Afterward, he departed, carrying the spicy peppers gifted to him by Nie Xingchen’s father. As soon as Zhao Yuanfang left, Nie Xingchen’s mother began comparing him and Yan Jingzhi.
Under pressure, Nie Xingchen had no choice but to confess the truth: Yan Jingzhi was not her assistant but the boss of her former company. The next morning, Yan Jingzhi arrived at Nie Xingchen’s apartment, explaining that Zhao Yuanfang’s leave had been canceled by his boss, allowing Yan Jingzhi to step in. He claimed his own boss was reasonable and considerate, even lending him a car to accompany Nie Xingchen's parents.
Nie Xingchen found his continued presence as an “assistant” rather peculiar. Yan Jingzhi chauffeured Nie Xingchen and her parents to Jinghai’s largest shopping mall. After they purchased numerous items, Yan Jingzhi diligently followed them, laden with shopping bags. Eventually, Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen’s father grew tired and decided to rest on massage chairs. To let Nie Xingchen and her mother shop freely, Nie Xingchen’s father suggested he and Yan Jingzhi try glass cupping.
Panicked, Yan Jingzhi tried to decline and offered to accompany Nie Xingchen’s mother instead, but he found himself surprisingly stuck in the massage chair. Inside the cupping establishment, Yan Jingzhi cried out in pain. Nie Xingchen’s father captured the moment on his phone and sent the video to Nie Xingchen.
Seeing the video, Nie Xingchen’s mother recounted a similar embarrassing incident involving Nie Xingchen’s father during his first cupping session, revealing that men are not always as strong as they appear. This made Nie Xingchen thoughtful. After the session, Yan Jingzhi asked Nie Xingchen’s father to keep his screams a secret, and her father reassuringly promised his discretion. With Nie Xingchen and her mother still at the nail salon, Nie Xingchen’s father took Yan Jingzhi to a local eatery.
Nie Xingchen’s father directly stated that he already knew Yan Jingzhi was her former boss. Wanting to make a good impression, Yan Jingzhi immediately offered to drink with him, also revealing his obsessive need for even numbers by ordering two portions of each dish. As they drank, Nie Xingchen’s father shared a story about Nie Xingchen’s childhood.
He recalled how, at six, they tried to deter her from piano lessons, but instead, she diligently practiced and within a week, could skillfully play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," demonstrating her unwavering determination. Emboldened by the alcohol, Yan Jingzhi then boldly asked what her father thought of him as a son-in-law, causing Nie Xingchen’s father to spray his drink. Recovering his composure, Nie Xingchen’s father calmly stated that their opinions were secondary; what truly mattered were Nie Xingchen's feelings.
Nie Xingchen’s father and Yan Jingzhi returned to the apartment, both slightly inebriated and addressing each other as "brothers." Concerned about Yan Jingzhi's state, Nie Xingchen followed him back to his own apartment. Once inside, Yan Jingzhi, feeling hot from the alcohol, began to strip off his clothes, mistaking the kitchen for the bathroom. Mortified, Nie Xingchen quickly wrapped him in a towel and guided him to the actual bathroom.
Upon waking the next morning, Yan Jingzhi was deeply embarrassed by his drunken antics. Meanwhile, Huang Tao announced to the office that Yan Jingzhi would not be coming to work for the second consecutive day, sparking speculation among the staff about his new love interest. At the same time, Zhen Nian arrived at Bojue Group looking for Yan Jingzhi and encountered Zhao Yuanfang.
Zhao Yuanfang advised Zhen Nian to let go, asserting that Yan Jingzhi had already found someone he liked. Infuriated, Zhen Nian retorted by calling Zhao Yuanfang a coward and a scoundrel. Yan Jingzhi once again visited Nie Xingchen’s parents, bringing thoughtful gifts, including a special soup for Nie Xingchen’s father’s hangover. He then arranged for their return flight to be upgraded to first class and for a branch office in their hometown to pick them up.
While his staff handled the gifts, Yan Jingzhi overheard Nie Xingchen’s parents discussing him. Her mother voiced concerns about Yan Jingzhi being too wealthy and their families not being a “suitable match.” Her father then reminded her of Nie Xingchen’s first love, whose family had obstructed the relationship, revealing that it was Yan Jingzhi’s family who had caused Nie Xingchen’s past heartbreak.
After seeing her parents off, Yan Jingzhi demanded to know the entire truth, threatening to reveal himself as Nie Xingchen’s first boyfriend to her parents if she refused. Under duress, Nie Xingchen recounted the past. Six years ago, she met Yan Jingzhi while working part-time, believing he came from an ordinary family. However, one day, Yan Jingzhi’s father confronted her, stating their families were a mismatch and that marriage required a "suitable match."
He claimed Yan Jingzhi had missed many opportunities because of her and asked her not to accept his son’s impending marriage proposal. On the day of the proposal, Yan Jingzhi’s father repeatedly called. Nie Xingchen answered one of the calls, asserting her determination to accept the proposal despite his disapproval. Later, at the restaurant, Yan Jingzhi sincerely proposed on one knee with two matching rings. Moved, Nie Xingchen was about to accept when Yan Jingzhi suddenly collapsed.
As Nie Xingchen rushed him to the hospital, she saw a message on his phone: his father had died in a car accident. The doctors later informed her that Yan Jingzhi had woken up with amnesia for which they could find no physical cause. Nie Xingchen explained that she had discreetly tested him several times and confirmed his memory loss.
Overwhelmed by guilt, she felt responsible for him missing his father’s final moments because she hadn't told him about his father's visit or the calls. This guilt, she explained, was the reason she left him five years ago and continued to reject him. Yan Jingzhi called Nie Xingchen selfish for using guilt as a reason to reject him again. He asked if they had any shared items from their time together.
Nie Xingchen confirmed they did and promised to gather them, acknowledging they represented his lost memories. After their conversation, Yan Jingzhi stood silently by a window, lost in thought. Meanwhile, Nie Xingchen waited at a bus stop in the falling rain. The bus never arrived, but Yan Jingzhi appeared before her, holding an umbrella. They stood, looking into each other's eyes, in a profound silence.
Episode 10 Recap
Nie Xingchen awoke on Yan Jingzhi's couch, the memory of her confession from the previous night weighing heavily on her. She felt an immense burden of guilt, believing her actions had led to his father's accident and prevented Yan Jingzhi from seeing him one last time. Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhi presided over a business meeting, where a representative from TS Architectural Design Company presented a minimalist architectural design.
Clearly preoccupied, Yan Jingzhi abruptly concluded the meeting, instructing that all design proposals be sent directly to his office. His colleagues noticed his distracted state, linking it to Nie Xingchen's recent departure, though they quickly dismissed their speculation. Nie Xingchen proceeded to her interview at Yatai with Mr. Gu. When questioned about Yuanda's "acquisition" by Bojue, she clarified that Yuanda had chosen to "join" the transnational group to increase its market share and competitiveness.
She explained her move was driven by a desire for a role more aligned with her professional background, leading her to apply for an HR position at Yatai. Mr. Gu then offered her a position at a new Shanghai branch, highlighting her qualifications as ideal for its development. Nie Xingchen, hesitant to leave the city she had lived in for nine years, requested time to consider. As she was leaving, Yan Jingzhi arrived to meet Mr. Gu.
Assuming they were strangers, Mr. Gu mentioned he had just interviewed Nie Xingchen. Yan Jingzhi quickly corrected him, asserting their close acquaintance and praising her as the most capable chief secretary he had ever had. Bolstered by his endorsement, Nie Xingchen informed Mr. Gu she would accept the offer, specifically choosing the Shanghai branch. Later, Tong Xin arrived at Han Ziyu’s home, intending to cook for him. In the kitchen, she struggled with recipes, finding the vague measurements unhelpful.
After a chaotic attempt, she secretly ordered takeout and presented it as her own. Han Ziyu noted the food had a strong, restaurant-like flavor, which she falsely attributed to learning from a professional chef. While eating, she choked on a fish bone. Han Ziyu gently leaned in to help, instructing her to open her mouth so he could locate it. Just then, Yan Jingzhi unexpectedly appeared.
Startled and flustered, Tong Xin questioned why she felt like a mistress and quickly made her exit. Zhao Yuanfang confronted Nie Xingchen, disapproving of her decision to move to Shanghai and suggesting it was an attempt to run away from Yan Jingzhi. Nie Xingchen clarified that her relocation was temporary, only for a year, and admitted she felt it was a good choice given the awkwardness of her role in his father's death.
He also noted that Yan Jingzhi's demeanor when he met her parents didn't suggest a desire to end things. Seeing her distress, Zhao Yuanfang offered her a drink. Yan Jingzhi confided in Han Ziyu, who characterized their relationship as a "miserable love." He cautioned Yan Jingzhi that Nie Xingchen had misled him before, but Yan Jingzhi maintained that her account of the accident was credible. He expressed his desire to regain his lost memories to understand his "silly" past.
Han Ziyu recounted a personal anecdote about regretting giving up on ice fishing, illustrating that persistence doesn't always guarantee success. As a doctor, he advised Yan Jingzhi to distance himself from Nie Xingchen for his well-being; however, as a friend, he urged him not to regret it if he lost her to someone else. At Han Ziyu's request, Yan Jingzhi’s mother made a sudden visit to Jinghai.
She confessed a "little mistake," revealing that Yan Jingzhi's father, before his passing, had stated his only wish was for Yan Jingzhi's happiness and had no intention of obstructing his relationship with Nie Xingchen. She explained that overwhelmed with funeral arrangements and his hospitalization, she had forgotten to relay this crucial message. Yan Jingzhi reassured her she wasn't to blame and told her he needed time to consider how to proceed.
While visiting his father's grave, Yan Jingzhi recalled his father's rigid and controlling nature. Later, Zhao Yuanfang requested annual leave to see Nie Xingchen off. He deliberately provoked Yan Jingzhi by describing her destination as a "poor and remote backwater," implying she was leaving because of him. When Yan Jingzhi balked at the leave request, Zhao declared he would take it as an unexcused absence and walked away.
Agitated, Yan Jingzhi confronted Nie Xingchen, accusing her of leaving for a "poor and remote place" as an act of atonement. She clarified she was moving to Shanghai for work. Later, Nie Xingchen arrived at Yan Jingzhi's apartment with a box of their old belongings. He invited her in, but she declined. Suddenly, his mother's voice called from inside, "Honey, help me with the pajamas."
Misinterpreting the situation, Nie Xingchen concluded that Yan Jingzhi had moved on with another woman and quickly departed. The next morning, Nie Xingchen was informed by Yatai that her job offer had been rescinded. She furiously called Yan Jingzhi, who confirmed his involvement. Reminding her of her offer to compensate him, he instructed her to spend the day with his mother, Miss Ye. Nie Xingchen reluctantly agreed.
Miss Ye proceeded to test Nie Xingchen's patience with a series of demands, including changing plans, taking endless photos, and feigning dizziness. When she asked to buy Nie Xingchen's pre-ordered cake, Nie Xingchen instead offered her candy from her bag, explaining she carried it for a friend with low blood sugar. Impressed by her sincerity, Miss Ye privately concluded she was a good match for her son but left without revealing her identity.
Yan Jingzhi then summoned Nie Xingchen and tasked her with supervising the setup for a major surprise event. He instructed her to oversee every detail, from the venue and flowers to the lighting and photography. Later, Yan Jingzhi met with Zhen Nian for the last time. He revealed that while investigating his past, he discovered they were university classmates, making their acquaintance six years long, not five.
He explained that her deception had ironically proved to him that even with amnesia, he would inevitably fall in love with Nie Xingchen again. He compared Nie Xingchen to the North Star—a constant in his universe. Tearfully, Zhen Nian accepted their relationship was over and departed. Soon after, Zhao Yuanfang received news that Zhen Nian intended to terminate all her contracts with Bojue. Meanwhile, Nie Xingchen was at the venue, meticulously supervising the final arrangements.
Yan Jingzhi appeared and asked if she thought the location was suitable for a proposal. Still believing the surprise was for Miss Ye, she replied that Miss Ye would surely appreciate it. Yan Jingzhi then asked about her own happiness, to which she replied that she wished for his. He countered that only she could make him happy, before clarifying that the elaborate setup was not for Miss Ye, but specifically "Only Miss Nie."
Afterward, a security guard at Nie Xingchen's building noted Yan Jingzhi's frequent visits. Yan Jingzhi explained his girlfriend lived there and proceeded to purchase an annual parking pass, signaling his commitment to stay.
Episode 11 Recap
Continuing from their emotional reconciliation, Nie Xingchen confided in Yan Jingzhi amidst a cosmic backdrop, expressing her deep uncertainty and guilt over his father’s death. Yan Jingzhi reassured her, confessing he shared responsibility for the tragic event and revealed that his father would have found the proposal location regardless. He shared that his father’s dying wish was for them to be happy together, not for them to be apart.
Overjoyed and moved by the elaborate confession scene, Nie Xingchen embraced and kissed Yan Jingzhi, especially after he revealed he had secured naming rights for two asteroids, ensuring that two stars named after them would forever accompany each other in the night sky. He confessed that she was the star illuminating his universe and that after five missed years, he believed in destiny and refused to wait any longer. The next morning, Yan Jingzhi’s video call awakened Nie Xingchen.
He described his newfound understanding of love as the constant desire to be with her and announced her reinstatement as chief secretary. Nie Xingchen initially resisted, asking for a vacation first, but Yan Jingzhi playfully pulled rank as her boss and demanded her immediate return. Upon her arrival, her colleagues gave her a warm welcome. Yan Jingzhi then appeared, attempting to explain her absence by claiming she had a "boyfriend dispute" that was now resolved.
To stop him from revealing more, Nie Xingchen quickly ushered him into his office, leaving their colleagues to speculate about the identity of her mysterious boyfriend. Inside the office, Yan Jingzhi affectionately embraced Nie Xingchen. Citing their sensitive positions, Nie Xingchen urged him to keep their relationship private to avoid workplace speculation and questions about his professional judgment. Though initially displeased, Yan Jingzhi was appeased when Nie Xingchen invited him to dinner.
Later, Hanna’s fiancé visited Yan Jingzhi and noticed a lipstick print Nie Xingchen had accidentally left on his teacup mat. After ushering the visitor out, Yan Jingzhi playfully pulled Nie Xingchen into a deep kiss by the office door. Just then, Director Huang approached to discuss work. To conceal Yan Jingzhi, who was playfully kissing her hand, Nie Xingchen quickly told Huang to maintain his distance.
Having noticed Yan Jingzhi’s compliance with her wishes, Director Huang asked for tips on "handling the boss." Soon after, Zhao Yuanfang arrived, overjoyed to hear Nie Xingchen was back and no longer carried any emotional burden. He playfully asked for a "comforting hug," a moment witnessed by the office gossip, Huang Lu. Huang Lu immediately spread the word, leading everyone in the CEO’s office to assume Zhao Yuanfang was Nie Xingchen's boyfriend.
Yan Jingzhi overheard their discussion and, visibly annoyed, demanded Nie Xingchen clarify her relationship with Zhao Yuanfang. She publicly stated that Zhao was merely a work partner and a very good friend. Still seething, Yan Jingzhi announced he would dock a month’s bonus from everyone involved. Nie Xingchen interceded on their behalf, and Yan Jingzhi relented, issuing a warning instead and advising her to be more cautious to prevent future misunderstandings.
To placate a still-upset Yan Jingzhi, Nie Xingchen tried to comfort him. He candidly expressed his jealousy, stating that while other men could embrace her, Zhao Yuanfang was an exception due to his constant companionship during the five years they were apart. When Zhao Yuanfang called Nie Xingchen, Yan Jingzhi deliberately answered, informing him that he and Nie Xingchen were heading home to cook and inviting him to join.
Zhao Yuanfang arrived at Nie Xingchen's home to see the situation for himself. After some banter and witnessing the couple's sweet, domestic interactions, Zhao Yuanfang left, content that his longtime friend had found true happiness. Once he was gone, Nie Xingchen suggested they do something "meaningful, fun, and technical." Misinterpreting her intentions, Yan Jingzhi excitedly hopped onto the bed, only to be slightly disappointed to learn she meant playing a turntable game where they wrote down requests for each other.
He joined in, playfully attempting to manipulate the game to land on his demands that they make their relationship public and that she maintain a professional distance from Zhao Yuanfang. Later, Nie Xingchen arrived at Yan Jingzhi's home and was stunned to discover that the "Miss Ye" she had been spending time with was actually Yan Jingzhi's mother.
Yan Jingzhi told Nie Xingchen her only task for the day was to accompany his mother to the airport, giving them a chance to bond. Miss Ye was thrilled to see Nie Xingchen, pulling her onto the sofa for a long chat and encouraging her to call her "Mom," while Yan Jingzhi watched them happily. Meanwhile, a frustrated Zhen Nian vented by boxing at a gym.
Zhao Yuanfang found her and, after a sparring match, urged her to be more rational in her business decisions. He contrasted his own successful partnership with Nie Xingchen against her current path, which could lead to losing everything. Persuaded, Zhen Nian agreed to retain the "Quwo" brand but insisted on terminating all other contracts. Back at the office, colleagues were curious about a "meow machine" on Nie Xingchen's desk, a gift from Yan Jingzhi that could print remote messages.
That evening, the staff attended Director Huang’s housewarming party. Yan Jingzhi made an unexpected appearance, bringing a cactus as a gift. During the festivities, a promoter demonstrated the features of the same "meow machine," highlighting how couples could use it to send romantic notes, an idea Yan Jingzhi observed with interest.
Episode 12 Recap
Following their reconciliation, Yan Jingzhi joins Nie Xingchen and her colleagues for a hotpot dinner at Director Huang's new home. The atmosphere is somewhat subdued by the boss's presence until the conversation turns to marriage. Director Huang's praise for married life pleases Yan Jingzhi, who then pointedly asks Nie Xingchen for her views. She deflects, stating she has no plans that would affect her work and claims she and her boyfriend dislike photos, hence having none to share.
However, the mood sours when the group discusses "love scammers," particularly those who avoid publicizing their relationships. Sensing Yan Jingzhi's silent anger, Nie Xingchen quickly changes the subject. Shortly after, Yan Jingzhi feigns a work emergency, using the house's lighting as a pretext, and insists they leave together. Once outside, Yan Jingzhi takes Nie Xingchen to a photo booth, arguing that paper photos hold sentimental value for the future. Their private moment is interrupted by the arrival of their colleagues.
As Yan Jingzhi is about to reveal their relationship, Nie Xingchen improvises, claiming they are scouting the photo booth company for a potential acquisition. Playing along, Yan Jingzhi immediately tasks her with preparing a full acquisition report by the next morning. Impressed, their colleagues attribute Yan Jingzhi's recent intense focus to work and joke that any relationship that could survive such a demanding boss must be "true love."
The next morning, Yan Jingzhi prepares a romantic breakfast for two, complete with rose petals, while poetically musing about wanting to see Nie Xingchen every day. His reverie is broken by Director Huang, who arrives to deliver breakfast on Nie Xingchen's behalf and awkwardly praises Yan Jingzhi's "poem." Nie Xingchen soon follows, presenting the completed acquisition plan for the Guomao Mall, explaining she worked on it all night. She details the mall's potential, making a strong business case.
Seeing she was too busy to see his messages, Yan Jingzhi playfully pouts and asks for "comfort." Just then, Tong Xin arrives to ask Nie Xingchen for dating advice for her and Dr. Han Ziyu. After several of Nie Xingchen's previous date ideas are dismissed, she suggests a classic movie night, which Tong Xin eagerly decides to try. During a meeting later that day, a distracted Yan Jingzhi texts Nie Xingchen to ask what advice she gave Tong Xin.
Upon learning it was the cinema, he insists they go on a movie date that night, feigning memory loss when she reminds him they have been before. Meanwhile, Tong Xin waits for Dr. Han at the theater, but he never shows up. At his apartment, Yan Jingzhi practices how to ask Nie Xingchen to take their relationship to the next level but is interrupted by her arrival.
He then reveals he has chosen a terrifying horror film, hoping she will get scared and seek comfort in his arms. Tong Xin's evening ends in heartbreak. She finds Dr. Han at the hospital with his colleague, Dr. Bai Xiaoqiao. He apologizes for forgetting their date, explaining he had an emergency surgery. The situation escalates when a jealous Tong Xin confronts Dr. Bai, declaring her unsuitable for Dr. Han.
A displeased Dr. Han rebukes Tong Xin for being unreasonable and leaves with Dr. Bai, leaving Tong Xin devastated. Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen's date also falters. Bored by the horror movie, Yan Jingzhi suggests they play a crane game, where he has hidden surprise gifts in the prizes. However, his plan is ruined by repeated work calls to Nie Xingchen from a "Mr. Su."
An annoyed Yan Jingzhi accuses Mr. Su of trying to court her, but Nie Xingchen retorts that his own "24-hour standby" rule is to blame. She then turns his jealousy back on him, bringing up the widespread rumors of his supposed upcoming marriage to Zhen Nian. Just as the argument peaks, a distraught Tong Xin calls, and Nie Xingchen agrees to meet her for drinks, pointedly telling Yan Jingzhi it is now her "private time."
Later, she helps a heartbroken Tong Xin realize that her intense reaction wasn't just a fan's disappointment but genuine jealousy born from her love for Dr. Han. Waiting impatiently, Yan Jingzhi calls Dr. Han to complain about Tong Xin taking Nie Xingchen out drinking. When Nie Xingchen finally returns, she is heavily intoxicated and collapses on the sofa, mumbling for a "hug." Despite his frustration, he relents.
In her drunken state, she apologizes for letting work interfere with their date and, when playfully tested about Mr. Su, claims not to know him. As she drowsily asks for a kiss after she "showers nicely," Yan Jingzhi carries her to his bed, then watches over her all night from a nearby massage chair. The next morning, Nie Xingchen wakes up in his bed and teases him about staying up all night.
Their flirtatious banter continues on the way to work, where Yan Jingzhi subtly tries to suggest she move in with him by talking about the downsides of renting. However, she completely misinterprets his hints, thinking he is proposing new company benefits like staff housing or a commuter bus. Arriving at the office, as Nie Xingchen applies lipstick, Yan Jingzhi leans in for a kiss, complaining his own lips are dry.
His attempt is thwarted by the sudden appearance of Director Huang, who, for the second time, obliviously interrupts their romantic moment. Annoyed, Yan Jingzhi dispatches Director Huang on a sudden business trip to Shanghai. He then informs Nie Xingchen that her mall acquisition case is being transferred to Zhao Yuanfang, as she has a new, more important mission: celebrating their one-week anniversary. He takes her to a supermarket to shop for a special dinner he plans to cook.
There, he demonstrates his expertise in consumer psychology, teaching her how to pick the best products and spot misleading discounts. When Zhao Yuanfang calls her about work, Yan Jingzhi confiscates her phone, declaring it "private time." Elsewhere, after his call is hung up, Zhao Yuanfang encounters a drunk Zhen Nian. Despite her telling him to stay away, they talk, and as her phone rings with what she deems an unimportant call, they share a kiss.
Episode 13 Recap
Yan Jingzhi personally prepared dinner for Nie Xingchen, who, seeing him busy in the kitchen, offered to help but was refused as he wished the meal to be a sincere effort. Watching him, Nie Xingchen was overjoyed. Following a recipe on his iPad, Yan Jingzhi crafted a meal that appeared to be from a Michelin chef. Nie Xingchen devoured the food, praising Yan Jingzhi's talent and skill in creating such a delicious dinner by simply following a recipe.
After their satisfying meal, Nie Xingchen lay on the sofa as Yan Jingzhi presented her with a set of house keys. He explained that unlike a password, a key never expires, symbolizing their new life together. Deeply moved, Nie Xingchen accepted, and they shared a passionate night. The next morning, Zhao Yuanfang awoke in his hotel room to a photo from Zhen Nian on his phone.
He initially perceived it as a sweet gesture but soon realized it was a prank: Zhen Nian had collected all his clothes, leaving only women's attire. Forced to wear a hotel bathrobe, Zhao Yuanfang stepped outside, shivering in the cold, and asked a bellhop to hail him a taxi. Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhi woke to find Nie Xingchen gone and went to the hospital. When Nie Xingchen returned after buying breakfast, she discovered he was also missing.
Tracking his phone's location, she followed him to Jinghai Hospital, wondering if he had remembered something from his past. She encountered him in the elevator, but he appeared to have no recollection of her, even accusing her of harassment and threatening to sue. Distraught, Nie Xingchen realized her fear was true: he had lost his memory again. Suffering from amnesia once more, Yan Jingzhi left Nie Xingchen and drove directly to the Baron Group.
Upon arriving, he surprised the front desk attendant by asking which floor his office was on. Once on the sixth floor, he recognized Director Huang and immediately instructed him to retrieve all of the company's financial statements, meeting minutes, weekly reports, research reports, and employee lists from the time since he returned to the country. When Director Huang mentioned that Secretary Nie usually handled office organization, Yan Jingzhi asked to see her, despite having no memory of their past together.
Nie Xingchen felt immense injustice but couldn't express it, as Yan Jingzhi had no recollection of their relationship. During their meeting, he questioned her role as his chief secretary and grilled her on past business decisions, such as the acquisitions of Yuanda Group and an UAV company. Nie Xingchen explained these were linked to him trying to recruit and confess to her. She even tried to remind him that the mall acquisition was a cover for their "underground love."
Yan Jingzhi, however, adamantly denied any personal connection, stating he never mixes business with personal relationships and accused her of trying to exploit his amnesia for ulterior motives. Nie Xingchen insisted she was his girlfriend and suggested Zhao Yuanfang could vouch for them, but Yan Jingzhi dismissed this, warning her not to reveal his memory loss to anyone. He then ordered Director Huang to remove her from his office.
Subsequently, he questioned her qualifications for the chief secretary position, stating the role required a postgraduate degree. Despite Nie Xingchen's confident defense of her capabilities and her legal rights as an employee, Yan Jingzhi, undeterred, had Director Huang transfer her to the archives. Nie Xingchen packed her belongings and went to the archives, finding it occupied by older employees like Sister Chen and Supervisor Wu.
The room was thick with dust, and they informed her that the archives were a "retirement department" where transferred employees had no hope of promotion. Meanwhile, the President's office was in disarray without Nie Xingchen. Director Huang speculated that Yan Jingzhi's sudden change in temperament was due to a rejected confession, citing how Yan Jingzhi sent him on a business trip right after he had witnessed Yan Jingzhi practicing a confession.
Yan Jingzhi, still demanding efficiency, ordered Director Huang to quickly find a new chief secretary, insisting on meeting candidates the next day. Later, Nie Xingchen tried to confront Yan Jingzhi by blocking his car, but he simply ignored her and drove past. Frustrated, Nie Xingchen sought out Dr. Han Ziyu at Jinghai Hospital. She explained Yan Jingzhi's repeated amnesia, which Dr. Han confirmed was psychological, with no physical abnormalities.
He noted that both instances of memory loss—five years ago when Yan Jingzhi proposed and now after their intimate night—resulted in him forgetting everything since Nie Xingchen entered his life. Dr. Han expressed his bewilderment at why Yan Jingzhi's "firewall" consistently deleted memories involving her, suggesting it was a psychological defense mechanism. Nie Xingchen asked if she was his "bug." Dr. Han explained the "primacy effect," stating that Yan Jingzhi now harbored a negative first impression of her.
He concluded that while proving their relationship might be difficult, since she had made him fall in love twice, there was a chance for a third time. Despite her feelings of unfairness, Nie Xingchen resolved to make Yan Jingzhi fall in love with her again, declaring she would become a "hacker" to "capture" him. The next morning, Nie Xingchen meticulously did her makeup.
As she headed to the Baron Group, she encountered the newly hired chief secretary, Jin Beina, in the elevator, noting her elegant demeanor and that they were, coincidentally, wearing the same outfit. Inside the office, Director Huang informed Yan Jingzhi that Jin Beina was a Cornell University graduate. Yan Jingzhi quickly approved her for the position, commenting that her photo was "pleasing to the eye" and that she was a "replica of Secretary Nie."
Jin Beina later displayed her preparedness by subtly revealing her knowledge of Yan Jingzhi's hypoglycemia and his preference for an even number of pineapple candies. Meanwhile, Tong Xin visited Nie Xingchen in the archives during lunch, complaining about the stifling atmosphere in the President's office caused by Jin Beina, whom she described as a "female version of the boss." She mentioned Yan Jingzhi had praised Jin Beina multiple times that morning, leaving Nie Xingchen disheartened.
Tong Xin also confided her own struggles, feeling like a "little fan" in Han Ziyu's eyes, especially compared to Dr. Bai, who she believed was more suitable for him. Nie Xingchen encouraged Tong Xin to pursue her feelings, implicitly bolstering her own resolve. She stressed that genuine suitability often lies beyond superficial compatibility, urging Tong Xin to consider what story she'd want to tell about her life years later.
Later, Zhao Yuanfang arrived at the President's office and was furious to find Jin Beina occupying Nie Xingchen's former desk with the chief secretary title. He stormed into Yan Jingzhi's office, demanding an explanation for Nie Xingchen's transfer and replacement. Yan Jingzhi remained impassive, telling Zhao Yuanfang he was free to do as he pleased. Angered, Zhao Yuanfang declared he would go straight to Nie Xingchen.
Episode 14 Recap
Zhao Yuanfang was shocked to learn that Yan Jingzhi had forgotten Nie Xingchen again. He questioned if she was crazy or stupid for considering staying, reminding her that their first separation due to his amnesia lasted five years. Nie Xingchen, however, was resolute, declaring that she had already given up on him once, but this time, she would not be the first to leave.
Feeling it was unreasonable to be openly jealous, she was determined to find a way to make Yan Jingzhi accept her again. Zhao Yuanfang, though skeptical, assured her of his constant support. Nie Xingchen then declined his dinner invitation, explaining she intended to work overtime at the archives, aiming for Yan Jingzhi to personally transfer her back, a notion Zhao Yuanfang found utterly insane.
Meanwhile, Tong Xin arrived at Jinghai Hospital to apologize to Han Ziyu, regretting her past comments and admitting she was trying to protect him from fan backlash regarding female companions. She promised to apologize to Dr. Bai as well. Han Ziyu readily forgave her, explaining he hadn't contacted her because he heard she was incredibly busy with daily overtime.
Tong Xin, feeling reassured, expressed her happiness as his fan, to which Han Ziyu countered that he was happier being her idol. At the archives, Nie Xingchen meticulously categorized files. Yan Jingzhi, needing reports on major economic decisions from the past decade, decided to retrieve the documents himself after Jin Beina informed him the full data wasn't in the company database. Upon entering, he was startled when Nie Xingchen, standing on a chair to reach a high shelf, nearly fell.
Yan Jingzhi quickly caught her, but a button on her clothes popped off. He immediately took off his suit jacket to cover her, assuring her that he would have the surveillance video cleared. Nie Xingchen, steeling her resolve, vowed to win him back. The next morning, Nie Xingchen went to Yan Jingzhi's office to return his jacket but was blocked by Jin Beina, who stated that Yan Jingzhi had specifically forbidden Nie Xingchen from appearing there.
Later, Nie Xingchen waited by the elevator, but Yan Jingzhi instructed Jin Beina to take the jacket, reiterating that he had no other matters to discuss with her. Back in the archives, Wu Qun, a manager from the real estate company, called Nie Xingchen to inform her that a company welfare house Yan Jingzhi had approved for her before his memory loss was ready. To her surprise, the house was next door to Yan Jingzhi's residence.
After getting permission from her archives supervisor, who noted no formal leave was needed, Nie Xingchen immediately moved in, seeing it as an opportunity for her plan. The new house’s decor mirrored Yan Jingzhi's home, and a photo from their stargazing confession sat by her bed. Saddened that he had forgotten, Nie Xingchen called Zhao Yuanfang, explaining her intention to re-engage with Yan Jingzhi as a stranger. Later, Yan Jingzhi confronted Nie Xingchen for being absent from the archives.
Reminding her that her personnel file was still under the CEO's office, he accused her of violating company rules. Nie Xingchen countered that she was consulting professionals for her "archives optimization plan" and confidently affirmed that she was the most suitable secretary for him. That evening, Nie Xingchen's Bluetooth speaker kept connecting to Yan Jingzhi's residence, frustrating him. He knocked on her door, and she, wearing a face mask to hide her identity, introduced herself as "Coco" and apologized.
After he left, Nie Xingchen felt confident that while his memory was gone, his tastes remained. She began secretly leaving pineapple-flavored breakfasts at his door. One morning, Yan Jingzhi summoned her to his office. Relieved she wasn't exposed, Nie Xingchen correctly deduced he wanted to discuss her archives plan. She outlined her proposal to improve the intranet and data analysis services. Yan Jingzhi acknowledged the idea but assigned the follow-up work to her supervisor, disappointing her.
Meanwhile, intrigued by Jin Beina's knowledge of his preferences after she brought him Guaraná coffee, Yan Jingzhi asked her to prepare a thank-you gift for his new neighbor. At the hospital, Tong Xin found Dr. Bai sewing a button on Han Ziyu's shirt. When Tong Xin tried to help, she accidentally pricked Dr. Bai's finger. Tong Xin then invited them both to dinner as an apology. At the restaurant, she felt a pang of sadness observing their chemistry.
Dr. Bai recalled Han Ziyu being a "school hunk" who found girls "troublesome," and shared an analogy about the heart's circulation being like a secret crush. Later, Tong Xin asked Han Ziyu for his ideal type: filial, simple, straightforward, and quiet. That night, Yan Jingzhi knocked on Nie Xingchen's door. Startled, she sprained her ankle. He carried her to the sofa and noticed the rosemary scent of her hair, the same as his shampoo.
Sensing a strange familiarity despite her mask, he gave her the gift his secretary had chosen. Nie Xingchen declined, preferring "human kindness" as a reward. Elsewhere, Zhen Nian received a dress from her sponsor, "Party A Dad," with instructions to wear it to a business reception with the boss of Aida Group to secure an endorsement. Nie Xingchen learned from Director Huang that Yan Jingzhi was at a business reception. She called Zhao Yuanfang, and they went to the event.
Inside, Jin Beina pointed out a rival real estate boss to Yan Jingzhi. Noticing a faint rosemary scent on the suit jacket he had lent Nie Xingchen, Jin Beina asked what to do with it; he told her to leave it as it was.
Episode 15 Recap
Following their arrival at the business event, Zhao Yuanfang spots Zhen Nian and strikes up a conversation. Zhen Nian is surprised to learn that the elegant dress she is wearing was a gift from him, declaring she would never have worn it had she known. Unbothered, Zhao Yuanfang deliberately steps on her dress, causing her to call him crazy and warn him to watch his back.
Meanwhile, Nie Xingchen approaches Yan Jingzhi, claiming she is simply idle and worried that her former boss might not be able to handle Mr. Liao of Hengji Real Estate. Yan Jingzhi dismisses her help, so she retreats to a corner to wait for another opportunity. During the event, Yan Jingzhi’s secretary, Jin Beina, discusses Mr. Liao with him, noting his proficiency in Tango.
To create an opportunity for Yan Jingzhi, Jin Beina then deliberately falls in front of Nie Xingchen, twisting her ankle. Though Nie Xingchen apologizes, Jin Beina insists it was her own fault. Yan Jingzhi dismisses the injured Jin Beina and tells Nie Xingchen that as compensation, she must dance the Tango with him. Nie Xingchen initially refuses but agrees in exchange for being reinstated to the President's Office.
Their synchronized dance successfully captures the attention of Liao Zhigao, who is deeply impressed and recalls meeting his own wife, who also wore a red dress, through Tango. Seizing the moment, Yan Jingzhi introduces Nie Xingchen as his girlfriend. In response, Nie Xingchen adds a new condition, demanding to be his Chief Secretary. To maintain appearances before Mr. Liao, Yan Jingzhi plays along.
After Liao Zhigao leaves, Yan Jingzhi agrees to her return to the President's Office on the condition that he drives her home for her safety. Nie Xingchen reluctantly provides her old address, Zancheng Nanyuan, and later takes a taxi to her new apartment. In the car, Yan Jingzhi cryptically remarks that he knows her dancing habits because they were "in love until the moment you forgot me." The next morning, Nie Xingchen finds Yan Jingzhi waiting at her door.
Realizing she cannot avoid him, she quickly hands him breakfast and rushes into the elevator, dropping a shoe in her haste. Back at the company, Yan Jingzhi reflects on his recent encounters with Nie Xingchen and goes to the President's Office. Recalling she had once claimed rosemary was her 'boyfriend's favorite scent,' he asks a colleague about rosemary-scented shampoos.
Nie Xingchen arrives twenty minutes late on her first day back, earning a stern warning from Yan Jingzhi that he can revoke her position at any time. Meanwhile, at Zhen Nian's photoshoot, Zhao Yuanfang insists on multiple retakes, claiming that while her performance is good, it could be better. While inspecting the recently acquired Guomao mall, Yan Jingzhi passes a photo booth and experiences a flash of memory involving himself and Nie Xingchen.
An employee mentions that Zhao Yuanfang had relayed Yan Jingzhi's own instruction to keep it, prompting him to decide to leave it there. At the photoshoot, Zhao Yuanfang continues to be meticulously critical of Zhen Nian's poses. She accuses him of taking personal revenge, but he claims his strictness is for her own good. He then offers her a towel, which is secretly soiled with cake.
Annoyed, Zhen Nian retaliates by feigning an apology while smearing cream cake on his face. To avoid Yan Jingzhi, Nie Xingchen devises a plan to get home. She first has a newspaper delivered to her apartment to confirm he isn't waiting, then orders takeout under his name to lure him downstairs, allowing her to sneak back into her own apartment. After collecting the food, Yan Jingzhi invites the masked Nie Xingchen to eat with him.
She reluctantly agrees, lying that she works for Yatai Technology. As they eat, Yan Jingzhi notes that she seems to know his food preferences as well as his secretary does. Nie Xingchen deflects by talking about Halley's Comet as a metaphor for not misjudging people. She later falls asleep on his shoulder, and just as he reaches for her mask, she wakes up and quickly leaves.
Before she goes, he tells her he sees her as a "neighbor" and "someone familiar." The next morning, Yan Jingzhi again offers Nie Xingchen a ride. She lies about her destination, getting dropped off halfway before taking a taxi to Bojue Group. In a meeting, department managers unanimously recommend Nie Xingchen to lead the critical Heshan land project.
Yan Jingzhi entrusts her with the task, stressing that the company's entire liquidity is tied to the "3-in-1 project," and failure would be catastrophic. He then secretly visits Yatai Technology to ask about an employee matching his neighbor's description, only to be told no such person works there. At the bidding event for the Heshan land, Mr. Liu from Xuhui Real Estate approaches Nie Xingchen, attempts to poach her, and hints at a surprise.
During the presentation, Xuhui reveals their proposal, using the exact same core slogan as Bojue Group: "Original Ecosystem, Most Free." Realizing their plan was leaked, Yan Jingzhi withdraws from the bidding, cryptically citing issues with the competitor's "quality." Liao Zhigao accepts, inviting Xuhui to sign a contract in five days. Back at Bojue Group, the mood is grim. Yan Jingzhi calls an urgent meeting, learning of the massive financial penalties they now face.
He orders a five-day work suspension and an internal investigation into the leak. As Nie Xingchen returns to a worried office, Jin Beina arrives with investigators. Announcing she is leading the search for a "business spy," she asks Nie Xingchen to cooperate with the investigation, leaving everyone stunned.
Episode 16 Recap
Nie Xingchen found herself accused of being a commercial spy in the President's Office. Huang Tao, representing the entire office, vouched for Nie Xingchen's integrity, assuring everyone she would never betray the company. Jin Beina, however, insisted the investigation was standard procedure, given Nie Xingchen was the only individual, besides Yan Jingzhi, who had full access to the proposal. Nie Xingchen accepted the inquiry gracefully and signed the necessary documents.
Immediately following the investigation, Yan Jingzhi confronted Nie Xingchen, asserting she was a commercial spy who had approached him under the guise of affection to steal business secrets. He claimed his deduction was based on logical observation. Nie Xingchen refuted the accusation, emphasizing that logical reasoning did not equate to evidence.
To prove her innocence, she made a bold pledge: she would secure a cooperation deal between her company, Bojue Group, and Mr. Liao's Hengji before their competitor, Xuhui, could finalize their agreement. She set a five-day deadline, vowing to resign if she failed, a challenge Yan Jingzhi accepted. Despite the accusations, her colleagues expressed their unwavering support, but Nie Xingchen assured them she would not be framed for something she had not done.
Nie Xingchen immediately sought out Mr. Liao at his office building, but without an appointment, she was denied entry. Driven by a fierce determination not to lose unless she chose to give up, she decided to wait in the lobby, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion. Meanwhile, Jin Beina reported to Yan Jingzhi that the Technology Department had retrieved Nie Xingchen's email history, confirming that her computer had indeed sent out the proposal.
Jin Beina also suggested arranging a meeting with President Xie to address potential financial shortfalls related to the Hengji project. However, Yan Jingzhi revealed that he had already secured funds from the US headquarters, highlighting his strategic foresight in avoiding over-reliance on a single financial source. Mr. Liao ultimately left through a private exit, sending a message that Hengji had already chosen a partner for the signing and would not be seeing her.
Upon returning to his residence, Yan Jingzhi rang Nie Xingchen's doorbell but received no answer. Simultaneously, Nie Xingchen, having researched Mr. Liao's background, decided to try her luck at his luxury residential complex. Although denied entry by security, she remained within the complex grounds. As she drank some water, an elderly woman unexpectedly approached, took her water, and began speaking about her former home on "Wutong Road in Heshan."
In a parallel development, Yan Jingzhi felt a pang of disappointment at not receiving breakfast from Coco, his neighbor, sensing she might be avoiding him. Nie Xingchen stayed with the disoriented woman, who was revealed to be Yunhua, Mr. Liao's wife. Mr. Liao soon arrived, expressing profound gratitude to Nie Xingchen for her help. He explained that Yunhua had been suffering from Alzheimer's for nearly five years.
Mr. Liao shared their poignant history, recounting how Yunhua, despite coming from a wealthy background, married him when he was poor, and they built their first home in Heshan, finding happiness in simple pleasures like dancing under the stars. He noted that Yunhua still fondly remembered that old house. Deeply moved by their story, Nie Xingchen candidly informed Mr. Liao that Yan Jingzhi's company had not fully presented their proposal because Xuhui had plagiarized their original plan.
While grateful for her help, Mr. Liao remained hesitant to alter a major decision without concrete evidence. He also, to Nie Xingchen's surprise, mistakenly referred to Yan Jingzhi as her "boyfriend" and expressed his enjoyment of their "dance," even promising an invitation to their "wedding," which Nie Xingchen quickly corrected. Inspired by Yunhua's cherished memories, Nie Xingchen decided to visit Mr. Liao's old house in Heshan. Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhi, discovering Nie Xingchen's absence from work, called her.
He mentioned the Technology Department's confirmation of the email leak, leading to a tense exchange where Nie Xingchen challenged his underlying suspicions. To dismiss any thought of her fleeing, she shared her live location with him. Later that day, as heavy rain began to fall, Yan Jingzhi tried repeatedly to call Nie Xingchen, but her phone had lost signal and battery. Concerned for her safety, he drove out to the old house himself.
Nie Xingchen was visibly surprised to see Yan Jingzhi arrive. Inside the modest old house, they conversed, with Yan Jingzhi complaining about her recklessness and his flat tire. Nie Xingchen recounted Mrs. Liao's story, drawing a parallel to Yan Jingzhi's own memory loss and questioning the significance of her continued presence if he would never remember her. Yan Jingzhi then asked if they had ever taken pictures together.
Nie Xingchen confirmed they had, retrieving an intimate photo of them from his wallet, which seemed to evoke a profound sense of regret in him. The following morning, as Yan Jingzhi arranged for a driver, Nie Xingchen proposed transforming the old house into a "romantic check-in spot" within a tourist area, leveraging Mr. Liao's moving love story. Yan Jingzhi found the idea exceptional and immediately tasked her with overseeing the renovation.
Nie Xingchen expressed her unwavering confidence in winning, just as she believed he would eventually regain his memories. Over the next few days, Nie Xingchen worked diligently on the renovations at the old house. Simultaneously, Yan Jingzhi made a dramatic entrance, interrupting the cooperation signing ceremony between Mr. Liao and Mr. Liu of Xuhui. He presented a "new scheme" and urged Mr. Liao to visit a specific location to witness their sincerity.
Upon hearing the mention of "Wutong Road," Mr. Liao paused the signing ceremony. At the renovated old house, Nie Xingchen appeared, gently assisting Yunhua, who had been brought there by Nie Xingchen's team. Nie Xingchen explained their vision to transform the house into a "love check-in spot," emphasizing its potential to inspire and touch the hearts of visitors through Mr. Liao and Yunhua's story.
Deeply moved by seeing Yunhua in their preserved first home, Mr. Liao expressed his profound gratitude and agreed to cooperate with Yan Jingzhi's company. Back at the office, the President's Office celebrated Nie Xingchen's triumphant resolution of the crisis, with Huang Tao playfully demanding hair dye from her for the new white hairs he had gained worrying about her. Later, Yan Jingzhi apologized to Nie Xingchen for his previous misunderstandings, specifically mentioning the harassment accusation.
When Nie Xingchen asked if this meant he now acknowledged her as his girlfriend, Yan Jingzhi clarified that he had only confirmed the truth of their shared past but needed more time to consider their future relationship, admitting he had "someone he liked" in mind. Concurrently, Nie Xingchen was celebrating her success at her apartment with Zhao Yuanfang, who playfully hinted at Yan Jingzhi's growing attraction to Nie Xingchen, his mysterious neighbor.
Shortly after, Yan Jingzhi, sensing a male presence in Coco's adjacent apartment, called property management to investigate. The property manager reported seeing Coco and a man sharing barbecue and Rio, suggesting they might be a couple, a revelation that visibly triggered jealousy in Yan Jingzhi.
Episode 17 Recap
Following the tense discovery of a man in "Coco's" apartment, Zhao Yuanfang, hoping to stay longer, suggested sleeping in a guest room at Nie Xingchen's. She offered him the couch instead, clearly wanting him to leave, but they were interrupted by Yan Jingzhi ringing the doorbell. A nervous Nie Xingchen quickly pushed Zhao Yuanfang into a room, put on a facial mask, and opened the door.
Yan Jingzhi entered, questioning her daily mask use due to his knowledge of her supposed allergies and accusing her of avoiding him. He then confronted her about lying, stating he had visited Yatai Technology and knew she was not an employee there. Nie Xingchen claimed she had resigned that very day. Unconvinced, Yan Jingzhi suspected her "Coco" identity was also a lie. Ignoring her attempts to delay the conversation, Yan Jingzhi pulled open the blinds, revealing a hidden Zhao Yuanfang.
He then tore off Nie Xingchen's mask and, realizing she was "Coco," exclaimed that it had "always been her." Nie Xingchen tried to explain, but a betrayed Yan Jingzhi accused her of playing him for a fool, being Secretary Nie by day and Coco by night. Zhao Yuanfang interjected that her actions were only necessary because Yan Jingzhi had lost his memory, which only angered Yan Jingzhi further, as he saw them as colluding.
He sarcastically told them to just get together and stop setting him up. When Zhao Yuanfang grew agitated, Nie Xingchen held him back, prompting a cutting remark from Yan Jingzhi about their "tight hug." After Nie Xingchen’s continued attempts to explain fell on deaf ears, Yan Jingzhi stormed back to his own apartment. Left behind, Nie Xingchen asked Zhao Yuanfang what to do. He suggested letting Yan Jingzhi calm down, lamenting that Yan Jingzhi was still annoying despite his amnesia.
He questioned why Nie Xingchen stopped him from teaching Yan Jingzhi a lesson, joking they must have been foes in a past life. Nie Xingchen dismissed the idea, calling them both childish. Zhao Yuanfang retrieved his clothes and left, playfully complaining that they both bullied him and vowing not to return. Nie Xingchen attempted to apologize to Yan Jingzhi via Bluetooth, acknowledging her deceit, but he ignored her messages and cut off the signal.
The next morning, she left a carefully prepared breakfast on his doorknob, only for it to be ignored. At the office, her colleagues noticed her low spirits, and Tong Xin suggested that Yan Jingzhi should publicly clear Nie Xingchen's name. During a company meeting about the successful Hengji contract, Mr. Liu from the Planning Department questioned Nie Xingchen's continued access to confidential information, citing unresolved "business spy" suspicions. Yan Jingzhi then dismissed a stunned Nie Xingchen from the meeting.
Afterward, Zhao Yuanfang confronted Yan Jingzhi, criticizing his "demolishing the bridge after crossing it" move and warning that he would regret his actions if his memory returned. Fueled by anger, Nie Xingchen marched into Yan Jingzhi's office. She demanded to know why he wouldn't defend her. Yan Jingzhi coldly asserted he wouldn't explain anything until the investigation was complete and told her to learn professionalism from Secretary Jin. Infuriated, Nie Xingchen signed her resignation on the spot.
Yan Jingzhi accepted it but informed her she could not leave. Citing her access to sensitive company documents, he stated she must undergo the company's "most rigorous review," effectively making her a scapegoat. Nie Xingchen accepted the challenge. Feeling dejected, Nie Xingchen received a reassuring call from Zhao Yuanfang. Shortly after, Secretary Jin approached her, expressing belief in her innocence and offering to help her find new employment.
Nie Xingchen felt a poignant irony that a new acquaintance trusted her more than Yan Jingzhi did. Feigning despair, she lamented being a scapegoat, which was all part of an elaborate ruse orchestrated with Yan Jingzhi to expose the real spy. Nie Xingchen had long suspected Secretary Jin, and had intentionally left a financial report missing and changed her computer password to bait her.
When Secretary Jin entered Nie Xingchen's office, supposedly to look for a backup file, Nie Xingchen confronted her, revealing a newly installed hidden camera. Nie Xingchen then presented two planning documents: the company's original and the one Xuhui Real Estate had submitted. While the contents were identical, there was a critical difference: the page numbers. The company's standard format was center-aligned, but the copy's were right-aligned.
Nie Xingchen, whose habit was to add page numbers last, explained that the thief had added them herself, unaware of this subtle, ingrained company practice—a detail only a newer employee like Jin would miss. Yan Jingzhi then appeared, confirming that Nie Xingchen’s feigned despair was a calculated move to expose Secretary Jin. He instructed his staff to take Secretary Jin and the evidence, vowing to hold both her and Xuhui Real Estate accountable.
Acknowledging Nie Xingchen's professional capabilities, Yan Jingzhi officially reinstated her as his Chief Secretary, though he clarified that his decision was purely professional and he had not forgiven her for the personal deception. Back home, Nie Xingchen used her "meow machine" to send a heartfelt message to Yan Jingzhi, thanking him for not giving up on them for five years and vowing to protect him this time.
Touched by the message, Yan Jingzhi walked to Nie Xingchen's door but, after a moment of hesitation, turned away without ringing the bell, leaving a waiting Nie Xingchen disappointed once again. Yan Jingzhi visited Dr. Han Ziyu, asking if this was the second time he had forgotten Nie Xingchen. Dr. Han confirmed he had pieced together their story and was collaborating with a leading UK specialist to determine the cause of the amnesia.
He subtly suggested that Yan Jingzhi was falling in love with her again, a notion Yan Jingzhi quickly dismissed. Back at the office, Yan Jingzhi officially announced Nie Xingchen's reinstatement to the cheers of her colleagues. With her return, the office was once again efficient and organized. Later, Zhao Yuanfang visited and, noticing Yan Jingzhi lurking nearby, deliberately engaged Nie Xingchen in a flirtatious conversation, which prompted an annoyed Yan Jingzhi to emerge and sarcastically compliment Zhao's "acting skills."
Meanwhile, Tong Xin visited Dr. Han and accidentally fell into his arms, jokingly calling it "desensitization treatment." Coincidentally, Dr. Han's father arrived, was delighted to meet Tong Xin, and immediately arranged a family dinner. At the meal, his parents expressed their joy and pressed the two about marriage, which Han Ziyu gently deflected, clarifying they were only dating.
Elsewhere, Zhao Yuanfang went to a photo shoot and overheard the actress Zhen Nian angrily complaining on the phone that a role she had trained for was given to someone else, making her realize how much her career had depended on Yan Jingzhi's influence. In her dressing room, Zhao Yuanfang discovered a hidden camera and urged her to call the police. That evening, Nie Xingchen brought wine to Yan Jingzhi's apartment.
Finding him trying to jog his memory with old belongings to no avail, she leaned in and kissed him. When he reported only tasting "peach flavor," he declared the attempt was too brief, pulled her closer, and asked her to help him recover his memory before initiating a deeper, more passionate kiss.
Episode 18 Recap
Zhao Yuanfang accompanied Zhen Nian to the police station after they discovered a hidden camera. As a thank-you, he asked her to treat him to a meal, but Zhen Nian playfully told him he would have to make an appointment and wait. The next morning, Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi met at the elevator.
In Yan Jingzhi's car, Nie Xingchen received an urgent call from Director Huang, informing her that a fire had broken out at the tourist resort construction site. Yan Jingzhi immediately sped to the location. However, upon seeing an injured worker bleeding, he was struck by a series of distressing flashbacks. Noticing his distress, Nie Xingchen rushed to his side, only to be knocked unconscious by a falling brick and taken to the hospital.
As Nie Xingchen lay unconscious, Yan Jingzhi reflected on their shared memories, holding her hand and hoping for her recovery. When Nie Xingchen awoke, she had a slight concussion and could not remember him, allowing Yan Jingzhi to experience the pain of being forgotten. Han Ziyu later informed Yan Jingzhi that his amnesia was likely triggered by intense love, meaning he would repeatedly forget the woman he falls for. Distressed, Yan Jingzhi asked Han Ziyu to keep researching his condition.
Overwhelmed with guilt, he returned to Nie Xingchen’s room, kissed her forehead, and left. When Nie Xingchen awoke again, her memory of Yan Jingzhi had returned. She asked Han Ziyu where Yan Jingzhi had gone, and Han Ziyu informed her that he left after bringing her to the hospital. Nie Xingchen was disappointed and confused, as she clearly remembered his concern for her before she fainted.
Later, Tong Xin and Director Huang visited, informing her that Yan Jingzhi had classified her injury as a "work-related incident" with paid leave, making Nie Xingchen suspect he was avoiding her. Meanwhile, Tong Xin visited Han Ziyu's clinic, saw his colleague Dr. Bai, and used an invitation from Han Ziyu's mother as an excuse to arrange a dinner, forcing him to cancel his plans with Dr. Bai.
Distracted by Nie Xingchen’s injury, Yan Jingzhi inquired about her condition from Director Huang. He then received a false report that Nie Xingchen was missing and rushed to the hospital. Just as he was about to check the surveillance footage, Nie Xingchen appeared, revealing her "boy who cried wolf" trick. Fearing his condition would only hurt her more, Yan Jingzhi tried to push her away by offering a blank check as compensation.
It was then that Nie Xingchen learned the truth about his "love amnesia" and his reason for distancing himself. Han Ziyu later asked Yan Jingzhi what he would do if Nie Xingchen, knowing the truth, still wanted to be with him. Yan Jingzhi replied that he did not want to consume her life and that letting her go was her best chance at happiness.
Meanwhile, Nie Xingchen encouraged Tong Xin, who was happily surprised by a visit from Han Ziyu, to be brave and confess her feelings directly. Later, both Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen were seen reflecting on their time together, with Yan Jingzhi smiling at a photo of them in his wallet, showing his reluctance to let her go. Restless, Nie Xingchen wandered into the hospital corridor and comforted a crying patient.
The woman revealed she had stomach cancer and was planning to break up with her boyfriend, who she was supposed to go to Germany with for their doctorates, to avoid being a burden. Nie Xingchen advised that if it were her, she would not give up on the relationship as long as there was hope and they were willing to face it together. She later returned to work, learning Yan Jingzhi and Zhao Yuanfang were on a business trip.
The office staff surprised Tong Xin for her birthday, but she had to reschedule their celebration as she already had plans with Han Ziyu. Frustrated by Yan Jingzhi’s avoidance, Nie Xingchen was in his office when her mother called to arrange a blind date. Seeing an opportunity, she decided to use the situation to provoke him. She video-called Zhao Yuanfang, who was dining with Yan Jingzhi, and he played along.
They discussed her upcoming blind date on the Qixi Festival, with Nie Xingchen adding a pointed remark that people with bad memories are like ticking time bombs that should be discarded. The jab hit its mark, and an angered Yan Jingzhi abruptly left the table.
Episode 19 Recap
At dinner, Han Ziyu noticed Tong Xin seemed distracted, pointing out she hadn't touched her favorite shrimp. He initially gave a clinical warning about the harmful substances her lipstick could absorb, but when she looked disappointed, he quickly changed his tune, telling her it was lovely and peeling a shrimp for her. Tong Xin playfully said she no longer wanted to be a fan, then clarified she wanted more "fan bonus" shrimp.
After excusing herself, Tong Xin returned with a homemade cake, intending to reveal it was her birthday, but the moment was shattered by a call from Xiaoqiao, who had been injured by an e-bike. Explaining he was not only a doctor but also Xiaoqiao's friend, Han Ziyu prepared to leave, and Tong Xin decided to accompany him.
At the scene of the accident, Xiaoqiao apologized for interrupting, to which a frustrated Tong Xin sarcastically replied that she was used to Xiaoqiao always having problems. When Han Ziyu offered to carry the injured Xiaoqiao, Tong Xin intervened, warning against causing a second injury. Han Ziyu then instructed Tong Xin to drive Xiaoqiao to the hospital, saying he would go home himself.
Left behind, Tong Xin sat alone by a bridge, her eyes filling with tears as she opened her birthday cake. Knowing Yan Jingzhi was listening, Nie Xingchen deliberately mentioned on a video call that she was going on a blind date with a senior engineer. The news agitated Yan Jingzhi so much that he couldn't sleep. At 2:30 a. m. , he woke Zhao Yuanfang, delegating all his work so he could fly back to Jinghai and disrupt the date.
He crashed the meeting and systematically dismantled the man, Zekai, pointing out why he was unsuitable by questioning if he could handle her demanding job and close relationship with her boss. In the car, Nie Xingchen playfully accused him of being jealous, a charge he denied. They drove to the restaurant where he had proposed five years earlier.
Nie Xingchen reminded him of the proposal and told him a story about Venus and a hunter to illustrate her own regret and resolve. She declared that she had made up her mind to stay by his side, whether he remembered her or not. Though Yan Jingzhi worried about wasting her time if he forgot her again, Nie Xingchen confessed her deepest regret was leaving him. She proposed they return to the beginning and face the future together.
Deeply moved, they embraced. Back at the office, Nie Xingchen learned Tong Xin had taken sick leave and sent a concerned message. Later, she brought a proposal to Yan Jingzhi's office, where they engaged in playful banter, with Nie Xingchen calling him her "boyfriend." When he feigned chest pain and asked her to rub it, she reminded him they were at work.
He teased that if everyone knew they were a couple, her position would be more secure even if he forgot her again. Calling his idea low-tech, he demonstrated a more "practical" one by pulling her into a deep kiss. Meanwhile, Zhen Nian booked an entire Chuan Chuan Xiang restaurant for Zhao Yuanfang. He reminisced about only being able to afford vegetables there during his startup days, and Zhen Nian insisted he eat his fill.
They chatted happily, with Zhen Nian mentioning the strict diet she follows as an artist. To help him remember, Nie Xingchen began filming their daily life, joking that the videos would be "heirlooms." While they were watching a movie, Yan Jingzhi felt a sudden headache, and Nie Xingchen cautiously suggested they stop. He asked her to stay, but she left, saying she needed to video call her mother.
After her departure, Yan Jingzhi decided to start a journal of his own to preserve their memories. Later, as Zhen Nian and Zhao Yuanfang were leaving the restaurant, fans spotted her. Zhao Yuanfang quickly grabbed her hand and they ran to escape. Zhen Nian hurt her foot while running in high heels, and Zhao Yuanfang, without a second thought, gave her his own shoes to wear, a gesture that deeply touched her.
That night, Yan Jingzhi was startled awake by his recurring nightmare of a woman's bloody wrist and a blood-soaked floor. The next day, he and Nie Xingchen picked up his mother, Ms. Ye, from the airport. Ms. Ye was delighted to see Nie Xingchen and later privately thanked her, crediting her for helping Yan Jingzhi become a person capable of love, unlike his work-obsessed father. Nie Xingchen asked if anything traumatic had happened in Yan Jingzhi's childhood.
Ms. Ye recalled her unhappy marriage and how, in a desperate attempt to get her husband's attention during an argument when Yan Jingzhi was eight, she impulsively slit her wrist. Young Yan Jingzhi witnessed the event. Shortly after, she divorced his father, and Yan Jingzhi, who went to live with his father, seemed to forget the incident entirely. Nie Xingchen immediately suspected this trauma was the root of his amnesia.
Yan Jingzhi began psychological counseling, describing his recurring dream fragments to the therapist. The psychologist confirmed that his amnesia was a self-protection mechanism triggered by the childhood trauma of witnessing his mother's suicide attempt. The event caused him to subconsciously fear love and forget his romantic relationships to avoid similar pain. Yan Jingzhi agreed to cooperate fully with the treatment, committing to three sessions a week.
Afterward, Ms. Ye tearfully apologized to her son, regretting that her pursuit of freedom had come at the cost of his suffering. Yan Jingzhi forgave her, assuring her he no longer blamed her and fondly recalling how her visits made him happy as a child. He urged her to continue living her life for herself. Nie Xingchen captured their emotional reconciliation with a photograph.
Fearing Yan Jingzhi would overwork himself, Nie Xingchen took on more of his responsibilities so he could focus on his therapy. During a lighthearted moment in the office, he teased her that he would approve her future "marriage leave," which led to another passionate kiss. Later, Nie Xingchen drove Ms. Ye to the airport. Ms. Ye expressed her earnest hope that Nie Xingchen would soon be her daughter-in-law before leaving for her Harley Rally. As Nie Xingchen was driving back, she suddenly felt disoriented, her hands slipping on the steering wheel as she struggled to control the car.
Episode 20 Recap
Yan Jingzhi frantically rushed to the hospital after learning of Nie Xingchen's car accident. Upon finding her missing from her bed, he chastised the nurse, threatening to sue if anything happened to the patient. He soon found Nie Xingchen in the hallway, having gone to pay the fees herself. He immediately picked her up and carried her to Dr. Han Ziyu's clinic for examination.
Dr. Han confirmed that Nie Xingchen had no serious injuries but warned her about fatigue driving, explaining that her recent overwork and lack of rest had led to her being absent-minded and having impaired judgment. Nie Xingchen denied being overly tired, claiming it was just a momentary distraction, but Yan Jingzhi sternly forbade her from driving in the near future. After Yan Jingzhi went to get the car, Dr. Han asked Nie Xingchen about Tong Xin.
Nie Xingchen explained that in a relationship, if one person is always the active one, they will eventually grow tired and lose all hope, leaving Dr. Han to ponder if Tong Xin was simply tired of being his fan. Later, as Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen returned home, he noticed a scratch on her wrist from the accident. Blaming himself for her exhaustion, he called Dr. Zhou to inquire about the possibility of a third amnesia episode.
Dr. Zhou confirmed that a recurrence was possible, deepening Yan Jingzhi's anxiety. Deep in thought, Yan Jingzhi sat alone on the sofa. Nie Xingchen woke up the next morning to find him gone and was unable to reach him as his phone was off. At the office, Nie Xingchen was met with rampant gossip about Yan Jingzhi and Zhen Nian, who had been photographed having dinner together, sparking rumors of a reconciliation.
A flashback reveals that Yan Jingzhi had initiated their dinner, asking for Zhen Nian's help to make Nie Xingchen actively give up on him, as he felt he couldn't provide her with the happiness she deserved. Zhen Nian warned him that he would regret it, but Yan Jingzhi hoped that he alone would bear the regret, not Nie Xingchen. They also discussed a future jewelry endorsement, which Zhen Nian accepted as a "thank you" for her assistance.
Zhen Nian continued her deliberate provocations in front of Nie Xingchen, refusing an offer of water and instead drinking from Yan Jingzhi's cup. Nie Xingchen tried to remain composed, telling herself that nothing had happened between them in five years and nothing would happen now. As part of his plan, Yan Jingzhi instructed Nie Xingchen to buy new clothes for Zhen Nian, fabricating a story that hers were dirty.
This was a ruse suggested by Zhen Nian, who framed it as her own form of "revenge" on Nie Xingchen—a provocation Yan Jingzhi went along with to push Nie Xingchen away. Later, Zhao Yuanfang confronted Zhen Nian about meddling in the couple's relationship, asserting that "a good horse doesn't return to old pastures." Zhen Nian sharply retorted that he was overstepping and her choices were none of his business.
That evening, Yan Jingzhi found Nie Xingchen waiting by his car with dinner. She reassured him that she was not angry about his interactions with Zhen Nian, stating her belief in him and emphasizing that friendship is sometimes crucial. However, consumed by his fears, Yan Jingzhi rejected the idea of writing in their shared diary, calling it pointless.
He expressed his deep distress, feeling as if a heavy stone was perpetually weighing on his head, unsure when the next amnesia would strike. He declared that he would rather give up their love than live in constant fear and that he wanted to be a "normal person," free from losing his memory every time he fell in love with her.
As he began to end their relationship, Nie Xingchen stopped him, suggesting they talk when he had calmed down, and then left. In turmoil, Yan Jingzhi tore their shared diary to pieces. While Nie Xingchen felt immense pressure from his words, Yan Jingzhi painstakingly began to reassemble the shredded pages of their diary, grappling with the agony of his decision.
In the following days, Nie Xingchen avoided direct contact with him, using Tong Xin as a messenger to convey work matters. Later, Yan Jingzhi learned that Mrs. Liao had tragically died in a car accident and had Nie Xingchen accompany him to visit the grieving Mr. Liao.
Mr. Liao shared that forgetting is more unfortunate than remembering, as it robs a person of all the happiness in their life, leaving them to desperately cling to the slightest ray of light left in their memory. His words resonated deeply with both Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi. Reflecting on Yan Jingzhi's desire to be "normal," Nie Xingchen returned to his home and found him asleep. Her eyes fell upon the reassembled diary.
As she read it, the agonizing truth was revealed: Yan Jingzhi had deliberately orchestrated the misunderstandings with Zhen Nian in a desperate, self-sacrificing attempt to make her give up on him. He confessed he couldn't bear for her to suffer from his recurring amnesia and believed she would be happier without him. He concluded his entry by stating that because he truly didn't want to forget her this time, he had to be the one to leave.
The next morning, Yan Jingzhi arrived at the office to learn from Huang Tao that Nie Xingchen had resigned and left. He rushed to her residence, but her phone was switched off. He then opened the letter she had left for him. In it, Nie Xingchen explained her decision to proactively give him up.
She didn't want him to end up like Mrs. Liao, risking his life to pursue a glimmer of memory, nor could she bear the thought of him forgetting her again. Nie Xingchen stated her intention to leave Jinghai and asked him not to search for her, believing time would heal their wounds.
Episode 21 Recap
Following days of psychological treatment, Yan Jingzhi's memories of Nie Xingchen were unexpectedly triggered by a boy playing with a mirror and singing a song about stars, bringing back every detail of their past together. Suddenly overwhelmed, he abandoned his computer and frantically searched for her in places they once shared. Her absence left him profoundly distraught, wondering where she could be. He then confronted Zhao Yuanfang at a bar, demanding to know Nie Xingchen’s whereabouts.
Zhao Yuanfang, annoyed, questioned Yan Jingzhi's sincerity, pointing out his recent alleged affair with Zhen Nian. Yan Jingzhi clarified that Zhen Nian was merely a friend whom he had asked to help him create a false impression of a new relationship, an attempt to push Nie Xingchen away due to his fears of recurrent amnesia.
Zhao Yuanfang scoffed, suggesting Yan Jingzhi needed a "love training class" and asserting that Nie Xingchen was not someone to be summoned or dismissed at will. When Yan Jingzhi admitted his foolishness and confirmed his memories had returned, Zhao Yuanfang sarcastically challenged him to drink two bottles of wine for Nie Xingchen’s location. Yan Jingzhi promptly began drinking.
Seeing his determination, Zhao Yuanfang reluctantly revealed that Nie Xingchen had returned to her hometown, but issued a stern warning that this was Yan Jingzhi’s "last chance," threatening severe consequences if he ever hurt her again. Immediately, Yan Jingzhi instructed Director Huang to book a flight to Shashi for him, emphasizing that it was a private matter requiring complete secrecy.
Meanwhile, Tong Xin recorded a detailed self-introduction for Han Ziyu, describing herself as a versatile and loyal "dream girl" whose companionship would be invaluable to him. Listening to her voice brought a smile to Han Ziyu’s face. Upon arriving in Shashi with a bouquet of flowers, Yan Jingzhi learned from a local woman that Nie Xingchen and her family were visiting relatives in their old hometown.
To obtain the address, Yan Jingzhi feigned a crisis, claiming his company was on the verge of bankruptcy and desperately needed Nie Xingchen to return to work. His ploy succeeded, and he received the address. Han Ziyu later called Yan Jingzhi, expressing joy at the news of his restored five-year memory and asking him to schedule a follow-up examination upon his return. Later, Han Ziyu visited Bojue Group, hoping to see Tong Xin.
To his dismay, Tong Xin's colleagues staged a scene, making it appear as though Tong Xin had started a new relationship with a "sweetie." When Han Ziyu managed to speak with Tong Xin privately, she maintained the charade, offering congratulations on his supposed new love and stating she could no longer be the president of his fan club, wishing him well with a "Dr. Bai." Han Ziyu left feeling heartbroken, believing their relationship was truly over.
On his way to Nie Xingchen’s old home, Yan Jingzhi’s taxi broke down on a secluded road. Declining the driver’s offer to wait for rescue, Yan Jingzhi opted to take a three-wheeled vehicle to his destination. He eventually arrived at Nie Xingchen’s rural home, much to her surprise. Han Ziyu's mother visited him, noting his low mood. He confessed that he and Tong Xin had broken up, vaguely explaining she was "no longer a fan" of his.
His mother, visibly distressed, chastised him for misinterpreting Tong Xin, praising her as a good girl and warning him not to let her go. At Nie Xingchen’s home, Yan Jingzhi found himself in Nie Xingchen’s father’s clothes, as his own were still damp from being washed. Nie Xingchen’s father, sensing the tension, made subtle jabs at Yan Jingzhi.
Yan Jingzhi, despite his fastidious nature, readily complied when Nie Xingchen’s father sarcastically suggested he wash the dishes, even without gloves, asserting that they didn’t "be particular about this" in the countryside. While Yan Jingzhi was washing dishes, Nie Xingchen’s father deliberately kept Nie Xingchen busy, first asking her to change his tea, then to massage his shoulders, preventing her from assisting Yan Jingzhi. In the process, Yan Jingzhi accidentally dropped and broke a newly purchased bowl.
Nie Xingchen rushed to his side, but her father quickly interjected, stating that money “isn’t everything” and “cannot make up for emotional damage,” a clear criticism aimed at Yan Jingzhi. He then dismissed Yan Jingzhi from the task, telling him to return to his room and leaving Nie Xingchen to clean up the shattered pieces. Yan Jingzhi seized an opportunity to slip into Nie Xingchen’s room.
Nie Xingchen, visibly upset, questioned his sudden appearance, revealing her worry and frustration over his past incommunicado behavior. Yan Jingzhi then confessed that he had fully regained his memory from five years ago. He passionately declared that Nie Xingchen was the only woman he had ever loved, loved now, and would ever love, pleading with her to return. Nie Xingchen, however, expressed deep apprehension about him losing his memory again and forgetting her.
Yan Jingzhi admitted he couldn’t guarantee against future amnesia but reassured her that she was his "lighthouse" and "Polaris," and as long as she was by his side, he would never be lost. Just as they leaned in for a kiss, Nie Xingchen’s father suddenly knocked and entered.
Yan Jingzhi quickly hid behind the curtain, overhearing her father express strong disapproval of their relationship, worried about the potential difficulties and emotional hardship Nie Xingchen might face with Yan Jingzhi's wealthy family, especially after Nie Xingchen revealed she had already met his mother. Her father, alarmed, then sternly warned Nie Xingchen against secretly marrying, threatening to disown her if she did. After her father left, Yan Jingzhi emerged, disheartened by his continued dislike.
Nie Xingchen reassured him that her feelings were what truly mattered. Yan Jingzhi declared his resolve to stay until her parents approved of him, affirming that he would fight to win her back. Later, Nie Xingchen's father privately asked her mother about the household registration book, indicating his concern about Nie Xingchen potentially eloping, but was reminded that it had been transferred to Jinghai.
Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanfang called Nie Xingchen, who playfully accused him of betraying her by giving Yan Jingzhi her location. Zhao Yuanfang, upon hearing that Yan Jingzhi had successfully found Nie Xingchen so quickly, was left to reflect on the formidable nature of angry women after Nie Xingchen playfully accused him of betrayal. Nie Xingchen then watched a series of video messages Yan Jingzhi had recorded, detailing his deep longing for her from the day she left.
In these heartfelt messages, he expressed how his love for her had become an ingrained instinct, occupying his thoughts throughout every moment of his day. Separately, at a bar, Zhao Yuanfang overheard patrons discussing newly exposed pre-cosmetic surgery photos of Zhen Nian, labeling her a "cosmetic freak." While others criticized her, Zhao Yuanfang silently anticipated that this scandal would finally force Zhen Nian to seek his assistance. The next morning, Yan Jingzhi greeted Nie Xingchen’s grandmother and parents.
He then delivered a formal self-introduction, detailing his age, height, weight, lack of bad habits, and his position as company president. He proudly stated his IQ of 151 and his membership in the Mensa Club. Nie Xingchen’s father, still keen to challenge him, asked if his high IQ enabled him to catch chickens. Despite his initial struggles and the father’s continued taunts, Yan Jingzhi successfully caught a chicken.
Concurrently, news of Zhen Nian’s pre-plastic surgery photos went viral, leading to public outrage. Her assistant informed her that her college classmate, Zhou Weiwei, had sold the photos to entertainment reporters, possibly as revenge after offending Yan Jingzhi, which resulted in Zhou Weiwei's boyfriend being demoted and their breakup. Despite her manager's advice to seek help from Yan Jingzhi or Zhao Yuanfang, Zhen Nian firmly declared her intention to face the overwhelming public backlash alone.
Later, Nie Xingchen’s grandmother accidentally fell down the stairs, causing immediate panic among the family. Yan Jingzhi, however, remained calm and immediately took charge. He instructed everyone not to move her, explaining the risks of aggravating a potential brain blood supply issue or bone dislocation. He confirmed her consciousness and checked for other symptoms, then quickly identified a likely cervical fracture.
He efficiently directed Nie Xingchen’s cousin to find a bed board, Nie Xingchen to get bath towels, her aunt to await the ambulance, and her uncle to carefully straighten the grandmother’s leg. He continuously reassured the grandmother, telling her not to be afraid and that help was on the way. Once the bed board arrived, they carefully moved her onto it just as the ambulance arrived.
At the hospital, the doctor confirmed a cervical fracture but praised the family’s quick thinking and emergency measures, which prevented further injury. Nie Xingchen’s father, deeply impressed, thanked Yan Jingzhi for his prompt and effective actions, which included arranging for subsequent treatment and recuperation. When asked how he knew first aid, Yan Jingzhi humbly stated he had taken relevant courses in school, earning the father's admiration for his versatility. Nie Xingchen also expressed her gratitude, to which Yan Jingzhi replied that her family was now his family, and he would protect them as he protected her.
Episode 22 Recap
Nie Xingchen's father, surprised to learn that Yan Jingzhi had repaid his previous one-million-yuan debt, called Yan Jingzhi out of the hospital room to discuss the matter. Nie's father expressed concern for his daughter, stating he would find a way to repay Yan Jingzhi. However, Yan Jingzhi revealed that he was Nie Xingchen's first love from five years ago.
He explained that he had suffered from an illness that caused him to completely forget her, leading Nie Xingchen to wait for him for five years while he searched for her for five years. Now, with all his memories returned, nothing could separate them. Nie's father was initially surprised but ultimately decided to let the young couple handle their own relationship, though he warned Yan Jingzhi not to hurt Nie Xingchen. Yan Jingzhi assured him he would not be disappointed.
Back at the hospital, Nie Xingchen told Yan Jingzhi that her parents had accepted him, prompting Yan Jingzhi to joyfully lift her and spin her around. Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanfang came to Zhen Nian's aid, taking her to a hotel he had arranged, assuring her of tight security and offering to handle the online fallout. Zhen Nian, however, insisted on managing it herself, a stubborn streak that greatly impressed Zhao Yuanfang.
He found her willingness to face public criticism for him incredibly attractive, and the two shared another passionate kiss. Later, Nie Xingchen sought out Han Ziyu to inquire about Yan Jingzhi's condition, specifically if he might forget her again. Han Ziyu admitted he could not provide a definitive answer regarding potential relapses from emotional changes.
Despite this uncertainty, Nie Xingchen declared her willingness to take the risk, likening it to a high-risk, high-reward investment, stating she would not give up this time. Yan Jingzhi then video-called Nie Xingchen, playfully complaining about her absence from work. Nie Xingchen, still recovering, asked for two more days off and requested him to convey her regards to their colleagues in the CEO's office. Zhao Yuanfang awoke to find Zhen Nian no longer beside him.
Upon checking his phone, he discovered that Zhen Nian was conducting a live press conference in the hotel lobby, boldly addressing her plastic surgery. He was captivated by her unique personality and directness as she asserted her right to pursue beauty and stated her achievements were based on hard work, not just appearance. Publicly expressing his admiration, Zhao Yuanfang playfully asked Zhen Nian to be his girlfriend, and she accepted the "cooperation" with a smile.
Later, Yan Jingzhi sent a message to Nie Xingchen, asking when her gathering would end so he could pick her up. The CEO's office staff were enjoying themselves at a KTV, where Nie Xingchen also learned about Zhen Nian's plastic surgery revelation. Suddenly, Yan Jingzhi arrived at the KTV. The ecstatic colleagues seized the opportunity to enthusiastically recommend Nie Xingchen for the vacant Chief Secretary position.
Despite her past resignations, Yan Jingzhi offered her the role again, and Nie Xingchen accepted, promising to dedicate herself to the company. Everyone cheered her return. As Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi, along with their colleagues, exited the CEO's office, they were immediately surrounded by a swarm of reporters. The journalists aggressively questioned Nie Xingchen about her relationship with Zhao Yuanfang and her alleged status as his fiancée.
Witnessing the chaotic scene, Yan Jingzhi promptly declared to the assembled media that he and Nie Xingchen had been in a relationship since they met six years ago, and she had only ever had him as a boyfriend. He clarified that Zhen Nian and Zhao Yuanfang were merely friends, asserting that there was no "third party" involved in their relationship. After making this definitive statement, he swiftly led Nie Xingchen away.
Later, Nie Xingchen expressed to Yan Jingzhi that Zhen Nian was a diligent person whom she had known since university, and she harbored no resentment towards her. She explained that there was nothing wrong with Zhen Nian pursuing someone she liked, especially since Nie and Zhao had already broken up at that time. Yan Jingzhi later woke up and, upon checking his phone, was annoyed to find that there were no news reports about his public declaration.
He discovered that the PR department had removed all such information from the internet. In a childish display of displeasure, he proceeded to post a photo of himself and Nie Xingchen on his social media. Upon her return to the CEO's office, Nie Xingchen found herself surrounded by colleagues eager to curry favor, offering her gifts and well wishes, which made her feel somewhat awkward. They excitedly mentioned Yan Jingzhi's social media post, which she found amusingly childish.
Later, Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi met Zhen Nian and Zhao Yuanfang for dinner. Zhen Nian and Zhao Yuanfang openly displayed their affection for each other. Nie Xingchen suggested that instead of issuing formal statements, their harmonious public appearances as two couples could naturally dispel rumors and shift public opinion. Yan Jingzhi and Zhao Yuanfang then left to play billiards, allowing Nie Xingchen and Zhen Nian to have a candid conversation.
They discussed their relationships and even formed a "Yan-Zhao Complaint Alliance" to humorously air their grievances about the two men. Meanwhile, Bai Ziqiao noticed Han Ziyu's recent distraction and took him out for a walk. Bai Ziqiao then confessed her long-standing affection for him, dating back to their university days. This confession took Han Ziyu by surprise, and it made him finally understand why Tong Xin had previously "blessed" him and Bai Ziqiao.
Han Ziyu politely apologized to Bai Ziqiao, stating he could not accept her feelings. Immediately after, he sent a message to Tong Xin, arranging to meet her. That night, Tong Xin arrived for their meeting and was astonished to see a completely transformed Han Ziyu. Standing on a bar counter, Han Ziyu passionately sang a love song to her.
He then announced that from that day forward, she would no longer be his fan, and he would no longer be her idol. Tong Xin, misinterpreting his words as a farewell, felt a pang of sadness. As she began to turn away, Han Ziyu re-introduced himself and earnestly asked her to be his girlfriend, a real, "name-and-fame" girlfriend. Overwhelmed with disbelief, Tong Xin asked him to kiss her to confirm she wasn't dreaming.
Without hesitation, Han Ziyu leaned in and kissed her. Overjoyed, Tong Xin immediately embraced him, exclaiming loudly that she had successfully pursued her love. Secretly preparing a surprise proposal for Nie Xingchen, Yan Jingzhi meticulously researched various proposal ideas. He found common options like cinema and billboard proposals unappealing, knowing Nie Xingchen disliked public spectacles.
He then tasked his three most trusted confidantes – his secretaries – to subtly inquire about Nie Xingchen's ideal proposal scenario, stressing the importance of absolute secrecy. However, despite their efforts, they failed to gather any useful information. That night, Yan Jingzhi visited Nie Xingchen's suite to borrow her computer and noticed her browsing a website for "Fantasy Town." This immediately sparked an idea, and he realized it was the perfect location for his proposal.
He then gave his secretaries one final chance to gather information about Nie's preferences, emphasizing they must use "circuitous tactics" to avoid revealing his plan. He clarified that the two male secretaries were not suitable for this task due to its sensitive nature, entrusting the mission to his three female confidantes.
Episode 23 Recap
Yan Jingzhi meticulously arranged a secret proposal plan with a professional agency, visualizing a romantic scene with Nie Xingchen. He told Nie Xingchen to change her clothes, planning to take her to Fantasy Town, which he heard was a popular dating spot, and revealed he had already rescheduled all his meetings for this. To his surprise, Nie Xingchen suggested they take the bus, reminiscing about their college days. Although initially hesitant, Yan Jingzhi agreed.
After waiting for an hour at the bus stop, they discovered that bus route 23 had been suspended. Yan Jingzhi then suggested they walk, revealing he knew a shortcut and even playfully carried Nie Xingchen for a stretch. Along the way, Nie Xingchen admitted she had actually intended to visit Fantasy Town for a company project assessment, as their future resorts might include similar entertainment complexes.
Yan Jingzhi sighed, confessing he wasn't good at creating surprises and asked her directly what she truly desired. Nie Xingchen simply replied, "I like you." Hearing this, Yan Jingzhi immediately knelt, explaining that his previous proposal had failed, and while he had planned to propose in the town, he found he couldn't wait another moment. He then asked Nie Xingchen to spend the rest of her life with him, and she happily accepted.
Later that evening, after they returned home and shared a passionate embrace, Yan Jingzhi abruptly stopped, claiming an urgent video conference. He then retreated to the living room to drink alone, haunted by the fear that he might awaken the next day and forget Nie Xingchen again due to his amnesia. The following morning, Nie Xingchen's colleagues in the President's office immediately noticed the engagement ring on her finger.
They eagerly congratulated her, curious about the proposal details and sharing how Yan Jingzhi had even enlisted their help to scout locations for the surprise. Nie Xingchen offered a brief, vague account of a beautiful setting. Soon after, Huang Tao announced that Yan Jingzhi was going on a business trip to Beijing and required him to accompany him.
Some colleagues speculated that Yan Jingzhi was deliberately putting distance between himself and Nie Xingchen, afraid of getting too intimate and causing her undue stress, all due to his amnesia. Later, Nie Xingchen discovered Yan Jingzhi's private diary and read his deepest fears: his terror of forgetting her if they became too close. Determined to confront his fears, Nie Xingchen surprised him in a seductive nightgown, playfully asking if he was hiding someone.
Yan Jingzhi, however, insisted he had work to do, then unexpectedly wrapped her tightly in a blanket, rendering her immobile, before feigning a return to his work in the living room. Soon after, Mother Ye, Yan Jingzhi's mother, returned to Jinghai. Nie Xingchen went to pick her up and later accompanied her on a shopping trip.
During their outing, Mother Ye affectionately encouraged Nie Xingchen to start calling her "Mom" and requested that Nie Xingchen arrange a meeting with her parents in Jinghai soon to officially finalize the wedding arrangements, expressing her desire for a grandchild by the following year. That evening, Yan Jingzhi returned home to find Nie Xingchen waiting for him. Playfully tipsy, she tackled him onto the sofa, confessing she had read his diary and understood his fears.
She bravely encouraged him to take a "gamble" with her, asserting that she had already taken the initiative. Yan Jingzhi did not refuse her. The next morning, Yan Jingzhi humorously pretended to have amnesia, asking Nie Xingchen who she was. She playfully scolded him, showing him his diary, their photo, and the engagement ring, reminding him not to joke about such serious matters. Yan Jingzhi then admitted they had "won the bet."
Their sweet cohabitation began, with Yan Jingzhi even playfully tying Nie Xingchen's hair and imagining a future daughter. Later, both sets of parents met for dinner, creating a harmonious atmosphere. Mother Ye assured Nie Xingchen's parents that she would not interfere with the couple's life after marriage.
Nie Xingchen's father, initially concerned about the hurried wedding plans, was reassured by Yan Jingzhi, who passionately expressed his desire to be Nie Xingchen's husband for the rest of his life and take good care of her. Convinced, Nie Xingchen's father accepted Yan Jingzhi as his son-in-law, and Nie Xingchen affectionately began calling them "Dad" and "Mom." The wedding date was left for the couple to decide.
Yan Jingzhi meticulously managed every detail of their wedding preparations, while Nie Xingchen continued to oversee various company affairs. During their wedding photo shoot, which was allotted only three hours, Nie Xingchen's work phone constantly rang. While Yan Jingzhi was giving detailed instructions to the photographer, the frustrated wedding planners approached Nie Xingchen.
They explained that Yan Jingzhi was their most demanding client, having revised the decor plan twelve times, and pleaded with her to persuade him to be less strict. Later, in the car, Nie Xingchen attempted to reason with Yan Jingzhi, suggesting that the current plan was already perfect and urging him to relax his stringent requirements so the preparations could proceed smoothly.
However, Yan Jingzhi retorted that she was being too lenient and found his own standards still a bit over the top, expressing concern about the trouble of postponing a wedding whose date had already been announced. Nie Xingchen accused him of not caring about their wedding, but he insisted he trusted her to handle things. That night, Nie Xingchen found Yan Jingzhi still meticulously reviewing wedding details.
She invited him to dance, reminding him that he had chosen her engagement ring because she preferred a low-key style. She explained that while she valued their wedding, they had already built something "more important" between them. After both apologized for their earlier misunderstandings, they decided to finalize all the wedding plans together that very night, choosing a photo for their invitation that captured them looking lovingly into each other's eyes.
Nie Xingchen later wore a breathtaking custom-made wedding dress, a special gift from Mother Ye who had commissioned an Italian designer. Tong Xin and Zhen Nian were captivated by its beauty, prompting Nie Xingchen to suggest they also try on wedding gowns. Soon after, Zhao Yuanfang and Yan Jingzhi arrived at the bridal shop.
Yan Jingzhi was immediately struck by Nie Xingchen's beauty, praising his mother's excellent taste, and adding that his own taste was even better, as his bride was the most beautiful. Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanfang eagerly looked for Zhen Nian, and Han Ziyu admired Tong Xin, as the group took numerous photos. During Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi's grand wedding, many colleagues from the President's office, including Sun Yang, served as groomsmen and bridesmaids.
Zhao Yuanfang and Han Ziyu, both groomsmen, engaged in playful banter, each championing the beauty of Zhen Nian and Tong Xin, respectively. Sun Yang, visibly moved by the couple's love, teared up, a sentiment his colleagues teased him for. Later, as the traditional wedding games began, Yan Jingzhi expressed his impatience with the lengthy procedures to the wedding planner, asserting his desire to quickly finish and embark on their honeymoon to start a family.
He challenged the planner to speed things up, even jokingly threatening his career. For the gate-crashing game, Yan Jingzhi gathered his groomsmen, including Zhao Yuanfang and Han Ziyu, to help him breach the door where Nie Xingchen and her bridesmaids, Tong Xin and Zhen Nian, were waiting. Zhao Yuanfang revealed that Zhen Nian would secretly help them from the inside.
After a playful negotiation involving red envelopes, the bridesmaids presented Yan Jingzhi with five red strings, challenging him to pick the one attached to Nie Xingchen's hand. He failed twice, enduring humorous forfeits, before finally succeeding. Inside, Nie Xingchen presented him with another challenge: finding her shoe among several. He quickly found it, then knelt before her once more. Nie Xingchen teasingly asked, "Are you marrying me or not?" To which Yan Jingzhi, determined, declared, "Yes!" He then triumphantly carried her out.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
The wedding ceremony of Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi was officiated by Huang Tao. As Nie Xingchen walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm with her father, Yan Jingzhi beamed with joy. Upon reaching him, Yan Jingzhi eagerly took her hand and, with a quick gesture, prompted Huang Tao to skip the usual vows and proceed directly to the exchange of rings. Under the blessings and witness of all their guests, they shared a loving kiss.
Following the ceremony, Tong Xin gracefully caught the bridal bouquet. Han Ziyu’s mother immediately suggested that her son and Tong Xin's wedding should be put on the agenda, causing both of them to blush with shyness. At the reception, Zhao Yuanfang asked Zhen Nian why she had avoided catching the bouquet. Zhen Nian candidly replied that since no one had proposed to her, she naturally wanted to let someone else have the luck.
Hearing this, Zhao Yuanfang frantically searched for a ring, only to realize he had nothing suitable to propose with at that moment. After their grand wedding, Nie Xingchen and Yan Jingzhi were utterly exhausted. For the first time, Nie Xingchen affectionately called Yan Jingzhi "husband." Overjoyed, Yan Jingzhi immediately sprang up to prepare food for her, but by the time he finished cooking, Nie Xingchen had fallen asleep from exhaustion.
He gently helped her remove her makeup and offered to bathe her. Upon returning to the President's Office after their honeymoon, Nie Xingchen brought small gifts for everyone. Huang Tao discreetly asked her to intercede on their behalf regarding a project delay. However, during the report, Yan Jingzhi was uncharacteristically lenient, giving them more time and showing understanding, a departure from his usual strict self.
He later explained to Nie Xingchen that he had to be accommodating to her "family" in the President's Office to avoid kneeling on a keyboard at home. Their intimate moment was then awkwardly interrupted by Huang Tao rushing in. To prevent future misunderstandings and awkward situations, Nie Xingchen suggested that Yan Jingzhi should continue to call her "Secretary Nie" while at the office, a suggestion he happily agreed to.
The next morning, Yan Jingzhi and Nie Xingchen brushed their teeth together and stretched on the rooftop, truly appearing as a perfect match. Zhao Yuanfang visited Nie Xingchen, complaining that it had become incredibly difficult to see her since she got married. He explained that he needed her advice because he couldn't understand why Zhen Nian consistently rejected his proposals. After hearing about his dopamine-fueled, car trunk, and bar serenading proposals, Nie Xingchen pointed out that he was overdoing it.
She reasoned that constantly proposing made him seem insincere and didn't provide Zhen Nian with enough sense of security, especially given the short time they had been together. Nie Xingchen advised him not to rush things and to let patience and time prove his sincerity. Zhao Yuanfang seemed to grasp why he had been repeatedly rejected. Later, Yan Jingzhi grew anxious when Nie Xingchen was late returning home.
As soon as he heard movement outside the door, he quickly lay on the sofa, pretending to be asleep. When Nie Xingchen mentioned feeling nauseous, Yan Jingzhi immediately suspected she might be pregnant and urged her to use a pregnancy test. Upon learning of her pregnancy, Yan Jingzhi was beside himself with joy, grinning foolishly on the sofa. He eagerly shared the good news with his mother and his in-laws.
Yan Jingzhi confessed to Nie Xingchen that he felt unsure about being a first-time father, expressing his desire not to raise his children as his own father had raised him, always emphasizing planning and precision for security. He admitted that the unexpected arrival of two "sweet bugs" would require some adaptation.
After their check-up at the obstetrics and gynecology department, where they learned Nie Xingchen was six weeks pregnant and the embryo was developing normally, Nie Xingchen insisted on returning to work. Yan Jingzhi, though reluctant, eventually agreed. At the President's Office, Nie Xingchen received unusually meticulous care from everyone, immediately realizing it was Yan Jingzhi's doing. Later, she discovered that the entire company knew about her pregnancy.
Despite Huang Tao's presence, she playfully complained to Yan Jingzhi about him revealing the news. However, as she received congratulations from everyone, she admitted that sharing her happiness with the world felt wonderful. Yan Jingzhi added that he hoped their child, whom he affectionately named Shanshan, would be the happiest child in the world. He later protected Nie Xingchen from a Mr. Zhou, the president of Bojue, who tried to flirt with her, firmly asserting his role as her husband.
Days turned into weeks, and Nie Xingchen remained busy with company affairs, while Yan Jingzhi, despite being the CEO, took on the primary role of caring for their child. This stark contrast was a significant departure from his previously strict image. One day, Yan Jingzhi suggested to Nie Xingchen that, due to his "even number obsession," they should have another child, perhaps named Liangliang or Shanliangliang.
Zhao Yuanfang frequently complained about how much Yan Jingzhi had changed since becoming a father, constantly posting baby photos and organizing gatherings. Tong Xin also became pregnant. Tong Xin playfully chided Zhao Yuanfang about the slow progress of his proposal. Encouraged by the festive atmosphere, Zhao Yuanfang finally proposed to Zhen Nian, who, after a slight hesitation, accepted, making him leap with joy. The story concludes with everyone enjoying their happy lives, finding joy and contentment in their respective circumstances.
