What If Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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What If Synopsis

What If Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Life is compared to a one-way train journey towards different destinations. The question is posed whether, given a chance to choose again, one would stick to their original path or forge a different one. Xia Guo enjoys a comfortable and happy life in Leshan with her boyfriend, Yu Jian. One morning, she brings breakfast to Yu Jian's home, where they share a sweet moment before she joins his parents for breakfast.

Yu Jian, an interior designer, often sketches Xia Guo and has drawn over seven hundred portraits of her. After breakfast, Yu Jian drives her to work. At the office, Xia Guo learns about a potential transfer assessment to the Shanghai headquarters from her colleague, Ms. Ping, who cannot pursue the opportunity due to family commitments.

Ms. Ping encourages Xia Guo to try, lending her study materials, explaining that passing the assessment could mean working in Shanghai, a significant salary increase, and a completely changed life as a professional elite. Ms. Chen, the Market Department Director from Shanghai, visits the Leshan branch. Her visit is a response to receiving nearly expired goods. Manager Wang Chang'an attempts to shift blame onto Xia Guo for the issue, but Ms. Chen, discerning the situation, clears Xia Guo of fault.

Xia Guo is struck by Ms. Chen's fashionable and capable demeanor, greatly admiring her as a strong career woman. Xia Guo and Yu Jian have agreed to marry after Yu Jian turns 30, prompting Xia Guo to want to earn more money before then. While discussing their future, Xia Guo receives an urgent call about a dispute at the factory stemming from the expired goods.

She rushes to the factory, where workers are arguing and refusing to unload the goods unless compensated. Xia Guo attempts to mediate but is pushed during the scuffle and scrapes her hand. Despite her injury, she focuses on finding a solution. Ms. Chen arrives and observes Xia Guo proposing a practical plan: redirect the nearly expired goods directly to local supermarkets with existing relationships, which would save labor and costs compared to returning and destroying the goods.

She presents sales reports to support her idea, explaining that even nearly expired goods sell in smaller cities like Leshan if discounted, and supermarkets are willing to handle unloading. Impressed by Xia Guo's quick thinking and resourcefulness, Ms. Chen approves the plan and tasks her with implementing it. Later, Yu Jian picks Xia Guo up from work. Xia Guo expresses her desire for him to join her in Shanghai.

Yu Jian is initially hesitant about leaving Leshan, citing his parents' likely opposition and his comfort zone. However, after Xia Guo's persistent pleading, he agrees to go with her. As a designer, Yu Jian applies for positions in Shanghai and gets an interview invitation from G. Archi. He tells Xia Guo he is going to Chengdu for a business trip, keeping the interview a secret.

After his interview, Yu Jian calls Xia Guo during her transfer assessment to tell her he was successfully hired by the Shanghai company. Xia Guo is thrilled and touched by the news. When Yu Jian's mother learns of his plan to move to Shanghai and leave his stable civil servant job, she is very upset, fearing for his future and wanting him to stay close to home.

She goes to the mahjong parlor to find Xia Guo's mother, Wang Yan, hoping for support, but is surprised when Wang Yan expresses strong support for Xia Guo pursuing opportunities in Shanghai, believing it's better for girls to be independent. Xia Guo and Yu Jian share dinner and excitedly look at apartments online, discussing their dreams of life in Shanghai, visiting landmarks like the Oriental Pearl, eating xiaolongbao at the City God Temple, and even getting Disneyland annual passes.

The phone rings; it's a call from the company headquarters. Xia Guo learns that she failed her transfer assessment, losing the opportunity to go to Shanghai. She is devastated. Yu Jian, upon hearing the news, immediately decides not to go to Shanghai either, explaining that he wouldn't go without her. This decision, however, makes Xia Guo even more upset, as she feels responsible for him giving up a coveted opportunity.

At work, Wang Chang'an publicly mocks Xia Guo for failing the assessment and staying in Leshan, suggesting she must accept being ordinary. He then orders her to go buy him alcohol and cigarettes, seemingly just to exert his authority over her. Still unwilling to accept a predictable life, Xia Guo is determined to pursue her ambition. She finds Ms. Chen, who is about to return to Shanghai, and asks for a chance to speak with her.

Despite her limited time, Ms. Chen agrees. Xia Guo candidly expresses her strong desire to go to Shanghai. Ms. Chen recalls her written test score wasn't high, but Xia Guo argues that her practical ability as a top sales performer in the Leshan branch is more relevant for a large city market like Shanghai.

She adds that her boyfriend was hired by a Shanghai company, making her failure particularly difficult, and admits she admires Ms. Chen's success and even her high heels, wanting to achieve something similar. Ms. Chen finds Xia Guo's honesty and ambition compelling. She asks if Xia Guo can accept the potential losses that might come with such a choice.

When Xia Guo confirms she can, Ms. Chen gives her a second chance, instructing her to complete her work handover quickly and meet her at the Shanghai headquarters by the first of the next month. Xia Guo is overjoyed that they can still go to Shanghai. They celebrate with Mr. Tang, a friend, and Yu Jian's former peers, including Wen Ya, who asks Yu Jian for design advice.

They discuss their departure, with Mr. Tang and Wen Ya wishing them well. Amidst the farewells, Yu Jian receives a call from his mother. They rush to the hospital, where Yu Jian's father has been admitted with a severe spinal fracture requiring urgent surgery. This unexpected crisis forces Xia Guo and Yu Jian to face a difficult crossroads, weighing their plans for Shanghai against familial responsibilities and prompting them to carefully consider their next steps.

Episode 2 Recap

Yu Jian's family faced a sudden crisis when his father suffered a severe fall. With his father unable to move and requiring constant care, Yu Jian realized he wouldn't be able to leave Leshan to join Xia Guo in Shanghai as planned. This situation forced Xia Guo to confront a difficult decision: whether to proceed with her move to Shanghai alone, which would mean a long-distance relationship, or to stay in Leshan.

Xia Guo visited Yu Jian's father in the hospital. He was awake and expressed his happiness at seeing her, mentioning he heard she was going to Shanghai and might not see her for a while. He spoke about feeling dependent on Yu Jian now that he was ill and unable to move freely, implying he couldn't bear for his son to leave. Xia Guo tried to reassure him, promising to visit often once he recovered.

Later, Xia Guo and Yu Jian discussed their future. Yu Jian apologized, saying he couldn't keep his promise to go to Shanghai with her. Xia Guo understood, telling him his parents needed him more than she did and assuring him she would be fine. They spoke tenderly about missing each other and taking care of themselves while separated. As Xia Guo traveled, holding a necklace and picture Yu Jian had given her, she reflected on their past.

A flashback showed a younger Yu Jian comforting her during her parents' divorce, cancelling a planned trip to Shanghai to stay with her. Crying on the journey, Xia Guo considered getting off and staying in Leshan. A voiceover mused about whether living a simple, stable life with Yu Jian in Leshan would be a "perfect and happy" life.

A subsequent scene depicted this hypothetical future four years later: Xia Guo was caring for their son, Chen, but Yu Jian was often absent, returning home late, and was shown receiving a message from someone named Wen Ya before entering a hotel. The voiceover questioned if she should have chosen the Shanghai path instead, given how the life in Leshan had turned out. The narrative returned to the actual timeline.

Xia Guo arrived in Shanghai, receiving a package sent by Yu Jian. Unfamiliar with the large office building, she struggled to figure out the elevator system. Ms. Nan, her manager, found her and helped her get a temporary access QR code, explaining she'd need an employee card later.

Ms. Nan emphasized that Shanghai was vastly different from Leshan and Xia Guo had a lot to learn, expecting her to live up to the high expectations placed on her since Ms. Nan had personally recruited her. On her first day in the Marketing Department, Xia Guo met colleagues like Lucy and Larry. She quickly learned she was the only one wearing a company uniform, which was only for factory workers, unlike headquarters staff.

They hurried to the morning meeting where Mr. Xue reviewed the disappointing sales figures, expressing frustration and warning that bonuses were at risk if performance didn't improve. He questioned Ms. Chen's focus on live-stream e-commerce, but Ms. Chen defended it as a necessary trend and a way to counter competitors like Shike Corporation. Mr. Xue stressed adherence to company procedures while also pushing for aggressive strategies.

Ms. Chen introduced Xia Guo, highlighting her familiarity with the southwest region and logistics as valuable assets for their online sales push. After the meeting, Ms. Nan assigned Xia Guo tasks, including researching e-commerce influencers, attending a luncheon with the live streamer Xiao Jie, and getting familiar with the warehouse operations. Later, Xia Guo sprained her ankle while working in heels. Seeking relief, she visited a massage shop offering a free trial.

However, she was persuaded to buy a membership card for 80 sessions costing 4800 yuan. Feeling cheated, she video called Yu Jian to complain about the experience. Yu Jian listened patiently and cheered her up by ordering her favorite food, arranging for a runner to deliver it despite the difficulty in ordering from that particular restaurant.

Meanwhile, Yu Jian's mother expressed disapproval of his continued communication with Xia Guo, feeling that Xia Guo had abandoned him when his father was ill, despite their kindness to her. She urged Yu Jian to consider meeting a nurse she knew who was single. In the office, Xia Guo shared her homemade chili sauce with Lucy and Larry, who enjoyed it.

Lucy teased her about her relatively conservative clothing compared to other female colleagues, suggesting she was missing social opportunities, though acknowledging her good figure. Xia Guo, Lucy, and Larry discussed the company culture. Xia Guo initially found everyone enthusiastic and the atmosphere harmonious, but Lucy revealed the company's strict "last-place elimination" system and Mr. Xue's demanding nature, which led to underperforming employees being pressured to resign.

She warned that even newcomers were not exempt and that being brought in by Ms. Chen might create higher expectations. She also mentioned colleagues like Angela and Orlando from Sales who were let go despite the company investing in their training. Xia Guo had a brief and somewhat awkward encounter with Mr. Xue when she delivered documents for his signature.

She attempted to discuss the content, comparing it to previous data, but Mr. Xue was dismissive, telling her he would review it in his own time and forward it to Ms. Chen directly. During a live streaming session featuring the Haowei cake product, it sold out instantly. The live streamer, Xiao Jie, asked to add more stock.

While Xia Guo tried to contact Ms. Chen, a colleague from the Sales Department, focused solely on boosting sales figures, unilaterally used Xia Guo's computer to add another 8000 cakes to the order without proper authorization or confirming warehouse stock. Xia Guo objected, citing the potential issue with inventory during the peak season, but the colleague insisted they needed to be flexible and prioritize sales.

Following the incident, Mr. Xue was furious about the unauthorized order quantity increase and the resulting logistical problems, which also impacted offline sales. He confronted Ms. Chen about the lack of a contingency plan. Ms. Chen defended the live streaming strategy, arguing it was generating revenue and that group policy didn't set limits on sales channels, suggesting Mr. Xue should support the initiative. Mr. Xue firmly stated that company procedures must be followed and he would not tolerate rule-breaking.

He announced that after discussing the matter with Ms. Chen, the disciplinary action for the live stream incident would be taken against Xia Guo alone, resulting in a deduction of 3000 yuan from her salary.

Episode 3 Recap

Xia Guo was disciplined following a livestream incident; Mr. Xue informed her that she alone would be penalized with a three-thousand yuan wage deduction. She questioned why she was singled out when Tim was the one who gave the instruction to replenish goods. Mr. Xue stated that only the Marketing Department's computers had the encrypted key for backend replenishment, implying she was responsible for safeguarding access.

He also asserted that the allocation of resources between online and offline channels was not her or Ms. Nan's decision, much less hers. Upset and feeling unfairly targeted, Xia Guo confided in Ms. Nan, feeling that the punishment was unjust to the Marketing Department and made their work impossible. She expressed frustration to the point of wanting to quit.

Ms. Nan refused to coddle her, reminding her that she came to Shanghai to make money and that she had promised in Leshan she could handle pressure. Ms. Nan warned her that more difficult situations would arise and advised her not to be overly sensitive. Ms. Nan also revealed that Mr. Xue's actions were primarily aimed at her, and since Xia Guo was her recruit, she needed to be doubly cautious.

Showing her support, Ms. Nan gave Xia Guo her meal card, telling her it would go to waste otherwise due to her expense account. Xia Guo was touched by the gesture. Later, while working overtime, Xia Guo was seen eating a competitor's self-heating hot pot by Mr. Xue. He questioned why she wasn't eating the company's product.

She explained she craved the Bowl Chicken flavor, which their company didn't offer, and added that she was studying the strengths and weaknesses of competitive products. Mr. Xue, noting her recent wage deduction, offered to treat her to dinner, but she declined, citing unfinished work. Mr. Xue told her not to stay too late and expressed concern for her well-being.

The next day, a meeting was held to address a critical stock shortage for the upcoming Chinese New Year promotional season's keto cake, particularly for five shopping malls. With the Shanghai warehouse depleted and only eighteen hours until the malls opened, solutions were urgently needed. Ms. Nan suggested redirecting online inventory from Xiao Jie's livestream, but Mr. Xue rejected this to maintain brand credibility with online customers.

Xia Guo proposed using presale vouchers for the insufficient stock, likening it to massage parlors' systems. She suggested packaging the vouchers into "lucky bags" with free gifts to create excitement and buy time for production and logistics. Ms. Nan expressed skepticism, arguing this method was typically for daily necessities and might be seen as a gimmick for their products, potentially alienating customers and facing resistance from malls.

However, Mr. Xue surprisingly supported the idea, suggesting the lucky bags contain mixed products and include samples of five new products from the next quarter's launch, seeing it as a way to attract customers and promote new items simultaneously.

He immediately directed Ms. Chen (Ms. Nan) to secure a temporary budget, Xia Guo to determine the sample count and arrange stocking, Lucy to design the packaging and vouchers and oversee the process at the warehouse, and others to assist in packaging and setting up displays at the malls. While Xia Guo and her colleagues were busy setting up displays at a supermarket, Mr. Xue arrived with takeout meals for everyone.

Xia Guo was initially hesitant to accept, still holding a grudge about the wage deduction. Mr. Xue sat down with her and explained his reasoning: the computer was her "weapon," and by not safeguarding it properly, she allowed someone else (implicitly Tim) to exploit a loophole. He stated that punishing her was necessary to ensure she learned the importance of protecting her tools and would remember the lesson.

Hearing this, Xia Guo was relieved and felt much better, realizing he knew she was unfairly implicated. Mr. Xue offered her spicy diced chicken, knowing her preference as she is from Sichuan. She happily ate, finding it tasted like home. She again asked why Tim was not punished, and Mr. Xue told her to direct that question to Ms. Chen.

Meanwhile, Yu Jian called Xia Guo, explaining his mother had a sudden headache and had a CT scan, but he was unsure about the local doctors and asked Xia Guo to get a specialist appointment in a major Shanghai hospital (Neurology Department) for a second opinion. Xia Guo, being new to Shanghai, wasn't sure which hospital was best.

Mr. Xue, overhearing, recommended the Neurology Department at Hospital Ruihua and advised her on how to book an appointment online or queue in person. Xia Guo went to Hospital Ruihua but found it extremely difficult to get a specialist appointment, with schedules full for a month, and even regular appointments involved a complex queuing process with pre-examination forms. She called Yu Jian back, explaining the difficulty and that she was at the hospital.

Yu Jian, busy with his father's care, was unsympathetic and urged her not to be inflexible, suggesting she find another hospital or doctor. Xia Guo became upset, telling him she had worked overtime, skipped dinner, and rushed to the hospital, feeling hurt by his lack of understanding. She angrily said she couldn't do it and he should come himself. Yu Jian tried to explain he was talking to a nurse about his father.

After hanging up, Xia Guo felt alone and wronged. She later saw contact information for Dr. Jiang, a Neurology specialist at Ruihua, provided by Mr. Xue, with a note indicating he had spoken to her. She tried calling the number, but it was busy. Feeling overwhelmed and unwell, she longed for Yu Jian's presence and comfort, acknowledging the painful reality that the distance between them made even simple happiness difficult.

In a parallel timeline, Xia Guo chose to remain in Leshan. Upon returning home, she discovered her mother had rented out her room, surprised she hadn't gone to Shanghai. Despite the inconvenience and the rental contract already being finalized, Xia Guo didn't regret staying, wanting to be with Yu Jian. Her mother argued with her, prioritizing Xia Guo's future in Shanghai and mentioning the rental income.

Ms. Ping, a friend, arrived and commented on the situation, advising Xia Guo against her impulsive decision to stay and warning her not to get stuck in a "small circle" like herself. Xia Guo countered that she felt secure in her small circle with Yu Jian and Ms. Ping. A manager, Mr. Wang, confronted Xia Guo about her return, implying she thought she was too important for local work after being considered by Shanghai.

He questioned her absence, suggesting she might be considered absent without leave. Xia Guo invoked labor law regarding annual leave. Her mother intervened, claiming Xia Guo had requested leave from her, which she forgot to report to Mr. Wang. Mr. Wang accepted this but proceeded to assign Xia Guo's tasks, like preparing the price list for Xinghui Supermarket, to another colleague, Liang. Xia Guo questioned why her work was being given away and if he wanted her to leave.

Mr. Wang stated he wouldn't stop her if she found a better job, claiming her "value was different now." Xia Guo reminded him her contract was still valid unless he intended to fire her, which he said he would consider. Xia Guo texted Yu Jian, telling him she was outside and waiting for him after work, affirming her choice to stay and her commitment to him, without regret.

Back in the Shanghai timeline, Xia Guo went to the hospital to keep Yu Jian's father company, allowing his mother to go home and rest. The caretaker, Li, was on temporary leave. Yu Jian's father woke up after his wife left. He seemed to need something but was reluctant to ask Xia Guo directly, suggesting she go outside for fresh air or get water from a full jug. Li eventually returned, and Yu Jian's father immediately requested a urinal.

Xia Guo then excused herself to attend to chores. Later, Xia Guo waited for Yu Jian. He arrived, looking exhausted, having sustained a head injury at the construction site. She expressed concern, but he downplayed it, saying it didn't hurt and would be fine after medication. Xia Guo wanted to discuss something important with him, but he fell asleep sitting down. She covered him with his coat, and he soon woke.

He insisted on taking her home, but she suggested staying with his father instead as he was too tired. Despite this, he walked her part of the way. As they walked, they discussed the costs of his father's care, including the expensive caretaker and upcoming rehabilitation. Xia Guo offered to use her money, but Yu Jian refused, expressing gratitude for her staying and saying he would handle the finances.

Xia Guo insisted on helping because his parents had been so kind to her. Yu Jian joked that she should become his parents' daughter, and they could be sworn brothers, a playful suggestion she deflected. He stopped her before reaching her accommodation, telling her to return to the hospital to be with his father. She agreed to go back, promising to text him when she got home. He told her to be careful, and she watched him go, texting him "How did you come back?" as he walked away.

Episode 4 Recap

Upon returning to her apartment, Xia Guo discovered that her mother had already rented it out. Upset, she called Yu Jian, who immediately told her to come home with him. Since his mother was home, Yu Jian had Xia Guo stay over discreetly, promising to prepare his sister Yu Yan's room for her the next day. Staying overnight felt strange to Xia Guo, as she hadn't done so since she was little.

Yu Jian reassured her, reminding her not to face troubles alone. The next morning, Yu Jian's mother returned home unexpectedly to retrieve her phone and found Xia Guo there. Xia Guo quickly claimed she had forgotten her keys and Yu Jian had brought her back. She added that Yu Jian had already returned to the hospital. Xia Guo offered to accompany her to the hospital shortly. Later, the family discussed Xia Guo's living situation.

Yu Jian and his father were agreeable to her staying, treating her like their own child, especially since Yu Yan's room was empty. However, Yu Jian's mother was concerned about gossip, feeling it was inappropriate for them to live together before marriage. When Xia Guo clarified that she wanted to rent Yu Yan's room, Yu Jian's mother initially objected but then agreed, reasoning that Xia Guo moving in as a tenant would prevent rumors.

She insisted that Xia Guo's mother, Wang Yan, should be the one to pay the rent, as she was the one who had rented out Xia Guo's apartment, leaving her nowhere to stay. Yu Jian pointed out that if Wang Yan didn't pay, Xia Guo would still be the one paying. Ignoring him, his mother insisted Wang Yan should pay.

Xia Guo stepped in, firmly stating that since she was renting, she would pay the rent herself and needed to return to work. After Xia Guo left, Yu Jian's father explained that his wife's real intention was for Wang Yan to return the money she had collected from Xia Guo for her previous apartment rent. Yu Jian later told Xia Guo not to worry about the rent his mother mentioned, but Xia Guo insisted she would pay.

Yu Jian then suggested giving her money that she could then give to his mother, essentially a roundabout way of him covering it. Xia Guo felt she had found a good place and that he was overthinking; by choosing to stay in Leshan, she had chosen to share life's challenges with him, so she wouldn't accept him paying her rent. Yu Jian promised he would give her a better life than those who went to big cities.

Xia Guo challenged him to start by buying her a Ciba cake. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Xia Guo's parallel life was also progressing well. She was settling in and thriving at Haowei Group. At the company's annual celebration, themed around organic produce, the general manager, Mr. Xue, gave a speech highlighting the company's growth. The highlight was the Best Employee awards presented by the chairman, Mr. Lu Wan. Xia Guo was among the recipients.

Mr. Lu praised Ms. Nan for bringing Xia Guo from Leshan and lauded Xia Guo's quick success, particularly her idea for the 'lucky bags,' which helped offline sales and launched new products. Mr. Lu encouraged her, saying Shanghai was the right place for her to grow, attributing her success partly to her own sharp mind. Ms. Nan added that while Xia Guo had made small mistakes initially, she had improved significantly. Mr. Lu acknowledged the challenges the Marketing Department faced.

During toasts, Mr. Xue mentioned a doctor friend, Dr. Jiang, who had just returned overseas. Later, the chairman announced the company's priority for the next year was expanding the production line and told Ms. Nan's department to prepare for big tasks. Other managers commented on Ms. Nan's good fortune in having a capable assistant like Xia Guo, with one suggesting Mr. Xue seemed particularly impressed by her.

Mr. Xue agreed that Xia Guo was capable and said he would be fortunate to have an assistant like her. Following the general praise, Ms. Nan pulled Xia Guo aside, directly asking if she wanted to be Mr. Xue's assistant, referencing the earlier exchange. Xia Guo denied it, believing Mr. Xue was joking. Ms. Nan felt their relationship was already too close for jokes and reminded Xia Guo of her initial conflict with Mr. Xue.

She accused Xia Guo of letting Mr. Xue order her around and interfering with offline sales, sarcastically calling her an 'asset.' Ms. Nan sternly reminded Xia Guo that she was the one who brought her from Leshan and could send her back, warning her to be careful. Ms. Nan also mentioned needing a doctor (alluding to Mr. Xue's earlier comment) and told Xia Guo to stop any 'funny business' and that she wasn't blind.

After Ms. Nan left, Mr. Xue approached Xia Guo, asking if she had been scolded and commenting on the complexity of workplace relationships. He advised her to be smart, not waste time on things she wasn't good at, and to do what she believed was right without regret. He then wished her luck for the upcoming lucky draw. The lucky draw commenced. Prizes included laptops and smartphones. Mr. Xue won the first prize, a new smartphone.

Ms. Nan playfully suggested he donate it and redraw, which he agreed to. She then pushed him to donate ten more phones for a special round, which he generously doubled to twenty. Xia Guo won one of the special prize phones. After the annual celebration, Xia Guo returned to her apartment building and was surprised to find Yu Jian waiting outside. They hadn't spoken much since a previous disagreement.

Yu Jian explained he hadn't dared contact her because she hadn't been replying to his messages. He apologized for being silly on the phone. To resolve the tension, Xia Guo suggested they share some scallion oil noodles, which she loved when hungry. Yu Jian noted how professional she had become, like someone from headquarters, as she described the technical details of her company's noodle product.

They planned to visit the hospital the next day and then explore Shanghai together, since Yu Jian had taken leave. He mentioned that Yu Yan was home taking care of their parents and that he planned to move to Shanghai to be with Xia Guo after his father recovered from being transferred to a rehabilitation hospital after the New Year.

Xia Guo then gave Yu Jian the phone she won at the annual celebration, explaining how Ms. Nan had spurred Mr. Xue to donate it and more. Yu Jian had a gift for her too – a ring. He called it a promise and said he would get her a bigger one once he was living in Shanghai. They promised to stay together forever.

During Yu Jian's stay in Shanghai, he found the city's prices remarkably high, noting the cost of apples and seafood. He also found some aspects of big city life strange, joking about dogs having personal carts. He felt the sense of happiness was lower compared to their hometown. Xia Guo acknowledged the high costs but said ordinary people in Shanghai worked hard and managed. She jokingly said her happiness spiked on payday, especially with a bonus.

Yu Jian teased her about being money-focused and said his happiness would be high if she cooked for him. Later, planning to eat, Yu Jian mistakenly went to the BFC branch of Tensai restaurant while Xia Guo was waiting at the Hengshan Road branch. While waiting for her to arrive at BFC, he saw Mr. Xue and Emma seemingly cut the queue. When he confronted them, Mr. Xue explained he was a member and didn't need to queue.

An argument started, with Yu Jian insisting members should still queue. Xia Guo arrived and quickly introduced Yu Jian to Mr. Xue and Emma. A staff member clarified the restaurant had separate sections: one for walk-ins (Eastern) and one for members who booked ahead (Western), and Mr. Xue was a member. They explained membership required significant spending and an invitation. Yu Jian found the system overly complicated. Xia Guo defused the situation by suggesting they go to a different restaurant.

At the new place, Yu Jian was still upset, feeling he had embarrassed Xia Guo. She reassured him it was a misunderstanding and told him not to think too much of it. He complained about Mr. Xue and Emma's arrogant attitude. Xia Guo defended Mr. Xue, saying he was kind to employees and had even introduced her to Dr. Jiang when they needed medical help. Yu Jian felt she had changed, always defending Shanghai.

He complained about the city's inconveniences, like long waits for food, getting lost, and the exhausting pace reducing sleep. Xia Guo acknowledged her own initial struggles in Shanghai, like not understanding the taxi driver or dealing with difficult clients and colleagues, but emphasized that everyone was striving to survive. Yu Jian asked if living in such a complex city was truly good and not tiring for her.

Xia Guo insisted she was living her own life and had her own feelings, mentioning her Best Employee award as proof of her capability. Yu Jian expressed concern, admitting he could tell she was only sharing good news on video calls and that his heart ached for her. Xia Guo responded that if he truly cared, he should come to Shanghai to be with her. She playfully teased him about wanting to back out of his promise. They embraced.

Xia Guo reassured him that Shanghai wasn't as scary as he thought, that he was capable, and that she would always be there for him. Yu Jian stayed in Shanghai for a few days before preparing to return home. He spoke to his mother, who was being looked after by Yu Yan, confirming Xia Guo was doing well. He mentioned he would head back in two days. The narrator reflected on the anxiety of separation reinforcing their love and the hope that they could both strive harder to be together.

Episode 5 Recap

In Leshan, Xia Guo lived a simple, busy, but happy life. As Chinese New Year approached, Mrs. Yu gave Xia Guo a gift of bird's nest, suggesting she spend the holiday with her own mother this year. Mrs. Yu explained that her daughter Yan was coming back with her husband, and she wanted the family to be together. Since Yan would need her room, Xia Guo, not being a formal part of the family yet, should go home.

Xia Guo understood the implication and decided to return to her mother for the holiday. Xia Guo planned to greet Yan before she left. When Yan arrived, everyone was happy to see her except Yu Jian. Yan distributed gifts she had brought back. She then told her mother the truth: she had to leave soon to accompany Andrew to Chengdu to meet clients and would not be staying for the reunion dinner.

Yu Jian was very unhappy with Andrew, finding him inconsiderate for not visiting their father in the hospital or even coming upstairs immediately. He couldn't understand why Andrew wouldn't stay for the New Year celebration. Yu Jian felt Yan should prioritize staying home with her parents. He accused Andrew of not showing respect for their family, leading to a heated argument between the siblings. Andrew came upstairs, impatient to leave and urging Yan to hurry.

This sparked an argument between them as well. Andrew seemed primarily focused on his clients and work, showing little interest in spending the holiday with Yan's family. The situation became awkward, and Yan eventually left with Andrew. Xia Guo took the food Mrs. Yu had prepared down for Yan, but Andrew threw the items into a trash can, citing the inconvenience of carrying them. Despite their argument, Yan and Andrew resolved their conflict with an embrace.

Later, Yu Jian realized Xia Guo had left and learned from his mother that she had gone home for the New Year dinner. Yu Jian was angry, believing his mother had pressured Xia Guo to leave despite knowing she had a difficult relationship with her own mother. He felt Mrs. Yu had unfairly pushed her away. Yu Jian intended to apologize to Xia Guo on his mother's behalf and went to find her.

Xia Guo arrived at her mother's home for the reunion dinner. Her mother, who had remarried, introduced Xia Guo to her new family, including her stepfather Mr. Zheng, Third Grandpa, Second Grandma, and First Uncle. Her mother praised Xia Guo, stating she was an executive at a large company. The atmosphere felt unfamiliar to Xia Guo. Mr. Zheng repeatedly urged Xia Guo to drink alcohol, although she usually didn't. Not wanting to cause trouble during the holiday, she complied.

She noticed her mother also being encouraged to drink heavily by Mr. Zheng, observing a possible lack of contentment in her mother's life. After drinking more than she was accustomed to, Xia Guo felt overwhelmed. After the dinner, she contacted Yu Jian to pick her up. Seeing Yu Jian, Xia Guo broke down crying. She confided in Yu Jian that she felt like she didn't belong anywhere for the New Year and didn't know about her mother's true circumstances.

She felt like a child with nowhere to go, but Yu Jian's presence gave her a sense of belonging. Yu Jian carried Xia Guo home on his back. When they returned, Mrs. Yu was waiting up. Seeing Xia Guo, she immediately offered to heat up food despite the late hour, deeply touching Xia Guo. Meanwhile, Yan was also facing difficulties in her life, feeling dependent on Andrew and having to do things she didn't like, simply to appease him.

Back at work, Ms. Nan introduced a new assistant, Xu Li. Xia Guo felt marginalized as Ms. Nan reassigned the online business Xia Guo previously handled to Xu Li, telling Xia Guo to focus only on warehouse work. Xia Guo was even excluded from department meetings.

Unsure what she had done wrong, she later learned from a colleague that Ms. Nan's treatment was due to Xia Guo accepting a red packet from Mr. Xue and being perceived as being too close to him. Her colleague also revealed a secret: Tim was the chairman's son, implying he held a protected position. Ms. Nan had deliberately sent Tim to the livestream event with Xia Guo, knowing that if anything went wrong, Tim would not face severe consequences.

This, in a way, protected Xia Guo from potentially harsher punishment herself. The colleague explained the intense power struggles between Mr. Xue and Ms. Chen within the company, stressing the necessity of picking a side, which Xia Guo struggled to understand, believing doing her job well should be enough. Wanting to make a positive gesture, Xia Guo bought coffee for everyone.

She was delayed getting into the elevator with the drinks but Mr. Xue saw her and helped her by using his VIP elevator access card. Despite this, she was late for a department meeting. She arrived during the meeting and began distributing the coffee, which angered Ms. Nan. Ms. Nan told her to leave the meeting, stating it was a main business meeting that didn't concern her warehouse duties. Xia Guo felt hurt and went to cry on a balcony.

Mr. Xue encountered her there and took her to his office. Xia Guo then proposed to become Mr. Xue's assistant, explaining her desire not to return to Leshan and emphasizing her capability and past performance. She asked him to trust her. Mr. Xue replied that he would consider her request.

Episode 6 Recap

Xia Guo, living in a small city, lost her job when her branch merged with another. She spoke with a colleague, lamenting the unexpected turn their seemingly ordinary lives had taken, realizing that stability wasn't a guarantee. Feeling uncertain about the future, she returned home. Yu Jian surprised her there and proposed, telling her he didn't want to wait any longer and wanted to give her a stable home.

Xia Guo hesitated, mentioning his father's hospitalization and her lack of a job, but Yu Jian took her reaction as a yes. When Yu Jian told his mother about their plan to marry, she expressed concerns, particularly about their current situation with his father recovering from surgery. She worried that if Xia Guo moved in, people would assume she was there to care for the elderly. Yu Jian defended Xia Guo, saying she wasn't snobbish.

His mother suggested they should live in Xia Guo's mother's apartment. Xia Guo later discussed this privately with Yu Jian's mother, explaining that her mother's apartment was already rented out on a long-term lease and it wasn't her property to offer. She suggested they could rent a place themselves if needed, but Yu Jian's mother worried about the extra expense, saying they should save money for their future and children.

Yu Jian later told his mother not to interfere with Xia Guo's family's property. Despite Xia Guo's explanation, Yu Jian's mother, Zhang Xiaoqin, went to Wang Yan's apartment building and tried to convince the tenants to move out by claiming she was the landlord's in-law. The tenants, a pregnant woman and her partner who had a three-year lease, refused and asked to speak to Wang Yan directly.

Wang Yan was furious when she found out and called Xia Guo, scolding her for wanting to marry Yu Jian, given his family's situation and lack of a house. She was also upset that Yu Jian's family hadn't formally proposed or even had a meal with her. Yu Jian argued with his mother about interfering and pointed out Wang Yan's own strictness, including charging her daughter rent.

Xia Guo visited Yu Jian's family's home and spoke with his mother, expressing gratitude for her care but asking her not to meddle in her family's affairs. Zhang Xiaoqin admitted she was impulsive, saying she was angry because she believed Xia Guo's name wasn't on the apartment deed. Xia Guo revealed her father had put her name on the deed when he bought it.

Xia Guo assured Yu Jian's mother that they would rely on themselves after marriage and wouldn't ask for financial help. Later, Yu Jian called Xia Guo from the hospital where he was with his father, telling her not to worry about the housing issue and promising to find a solution. They reassured each other of their love.

Xia Guo reflected that life presents various difficulties, whether staying put or venturing out, but taking each step carefully allows one to find a way forward. She arrived at her company in Shanghai and was informed by Ms. Chen, the head of Marketing, that she was being seconded to work as Mr. Xue's assistant. Her work and performance would still be linked to the Marketing Department. Mr. Xue welcomed her and told her not to worry about the arrangement.

He instructed her to focus on setting up offline pop-up stores to ensure her quarterly performance. Mr. Xue then gave her information about a business school course on weekends and offered to cover the tuition, encouraging her to use it to network. Xia Guo transferred some of her savings to Yu Jian to help with family expenses, mentioning how busy she was with work, now preparing a product price list. She told him she was now Mr. Xue's assistant.

Yu Jian was surprised and questioned the reason for the transfer, expressing suspicion about Mr. Xue's intentions. Xia Guo dismissed his worries and urged him to focus on a project with his classmate Yiming. Yu Jian met Wen Ya, a junior sister, at Yiming's place. Yiming explained that Wen Ya wanted Yu Jian to design her flower shop. Yu Jian was initially hesitant, explaining his plan to move to Shanghai soon and the scale of the project might cause delays.

Yiming and Wen Ya encouraged him to consider it, with Yiming offering to oversee the project if Yu Jian left. Yu Jian agreed to review her plans. Yu Jian reviewed Wen Ya's initial drawing for the flower shop and told her her concept needed to be completely redone. He criticized her focus on aesthetics (wabi-sabi style) over practicality, pointing out the lack of natural light necessary for a flower shop and the illogical layout of different areas.

He also noted a structural issue with her plan to add a window in a load-bearing wall. Wen Ya argued for her vision, but Yu Jian maintained his professional opinion and suggested she find another designer if she didn't trust him. Wen Ya acknowledged his point and said she would consider other options, and the discussion ended tensely. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Mr. Xue noticed Xia Guo's frequent phone checking and advised her that her network wasn't rich enough.

He explained the business school wasn't just for academics but for building connections. He introduced her to Peter Huang, a contact whose father was a shareholder in a major department store, potentially relevant to the company's expansion plans. Mr. Xue highlighted the importance of keen observation and understanding people in social settings. At a subsequent gathering, Mr. Xue continued to guide Xia Guo on networking, emphasizing how to engage with people, find common ground, and subtly highlight one's own strengths.

Xia Guo interacted with others, complimenting, sharing, and listening to their conversations about business ideas, reflecting on the learning opportunities available in social situations. Back at the office, company executives discussed hiring influencer Xiao Jie as a brand ambassador. Ms. Chen was reluctant to negotiate directly with Xiao Jie due to their existing relationship and potential for rumors. Mr. Xue proposed Xia Guo take on the negotiation. Mr. Xue and Xia Guo discussed strategy, setting the budget at 1.

5 million and the initial offer at 800,000. Xia Guo expressed her concerns about her lack of experience and whether Xiao Jie might feel undervalued or demand too much. Mr. Xue addressed her worries and offered his support. They discussed the broader business context, including the balance needed between rapidly growing online sales and the impact on traditional offline stores. They decided to continue this strategic conversation elsewhere. Yu Jian visited his father at the rehabilitation hospital.

Wen Ya also arrived to visit his father and spoke with Yu Jian about his recovery. They decided to leave the hospital to talk about the flower shop project, going to a supermarket where Wen Ya found it relaxing. At the supermarket, Mr. Xue engaged Xia Guo in a discussion about observation and storytelling, using everyday items like candy and strawberries as examples.

He used the strawberry analogy to illustrate the need for balance in nature and business, linking it back to his concerns about the overgrowth of online sales potentially harming offline businesses. He also pointed out moments of human connection, like a mother and child or an elderly couple, suggesting these were important considerations not reflected in sales data.

Wen Ya apologized to Yu Jian for her earlier attitude during their design discussion, admitting he was right about prioritizing functionality and practicality. She re-invited him to design her flower shop, promising to fully respect his ideas. Yu Jian accepted. They began discussing the design again, sketching ideas on a wall. Yu Jian asked Xia Guo why she came to Shanghai alone; she explained Yu Jian was meant to join her, but couldn't due to family issues.

She spoke about the difficulty of maintaining a simple relationship while navigating a complex career. Later, as Yu Jian dropped Wen Ya off, she offered to treat him to dinner. Yu Jian declined, saying he needed to video call Xia Guo that night. Wen Ya commented on their long-distance relationship, expressing admiration and adding that if she were in Xia Guo's position, she wouldn't leave the person she loved, prioritizing being together.

Yu Jian defended the importance of giving the person you love the freedom to choose and stated his relationship with Xia Guo was strong enough to withstand distance. Yu Jian dropped her off near Yuyuan Road, briefly mentioning he had walked there alone recently.

Episode 7 Recap

Xia Guo was embarrassed after mistakenly assuming that Emma was Mr. Xue's girlfriend. She had seen Emma downstairs looking for him urgently and mentioned it to Mr. Xue. He was surprised and asked who had told her he had a girlfriend, causing her awkwardness. Later, Xia Guo inadvertently discovered her colleague Lucy was in a secret "underground relationship" with Tim.

Xia Guo was skeptical of relationships driven by money, but Lucy defended her choice, arguing that relationships without financial stability might not last either. Lucy listed her requirements for a partner, including owning a house in the Inner Circle and funding overseas trips and a romantic wedding. Xia Guo called her perspective pessimistic, but Lucy maintained that being realistic was necessary to avoid constant arguments over trivial matters later in life.

Lucy asked Xia Guo to keep the relationship a secret. Xia Guo voiced concerns about Tim's lack of responsibility and deemed him unreliable, believing his request for secrecy was only to protect himself. Lucy, however, asserted her confidence, claiming she was the one who held power in her relationships and told Xia Guo to just prepare a red packet for the wedding.

Xia Guo, busy with her business academy courses, wanted to reduce the frequency of video calls with Yu Jian. He reacted negatively to this suggestion. During their call, Xia Guo was distracted, focusing on exam questions, which further displeased Yu Jian. Seeing his low spirits, she quickly retracted her suggestion. She also mentioned seeing Emma with Mr. Xue in Shanghai again, believing they were a couple, and advised Yu Jian that she should keep her distance from Mr. Xue.

Yu Jian expressed concern for her safety and suggested she request a position transfer. Xia Guo defended Mr. Xue, crediting him with significant help, including sponsoring her business school tuition through the company. She argued that attending the academy was beneficial for her growth and that he should be happy for her. Yu Jian remained worried and quickly ended the call.

In Xia Guo's hometown, preparations were underway for Yu Jian's father's discharge from the hospital, a joyous occasion for the family. However, this raised the immediate issue of where Xia Guo and Yu Jian would live, as they needed to find a rental property. Yu Jian's mother, wanting to save money, sought out Wang Yan, Xia Guo's mother, at a Mahjong game. She hoped Wang Yan would agree to let the couple use her house as their marital home.

Wang Yan flatly refused, stating she would not give Xia Guo any money and advised her to reconsider marrying Yu Jian. She abruptly left the Mahjong game for a beauty appointment, declaring the game boring. Later, other players at the Mahjong parlor suggested to Yu Jian's mother that Xia Guo could potentially remove Wang Yan's name from the property deed.

Upon hearing this, Yu Jian was dismayed, unable to comprehend how his mother could suggest such a thing to Xia Guo. He informed his mother that he and Xia Guo had already found a rental place and he would not bring up the idea of changing the deed with Xia Guo, saying he couldn't bring himself to do it and wouldn't go back on his word.

Desperate, Yu Jian's mother resorted to emotional blackmail, feigning dizziness and claiming high blood pressure but refusing to take her medicine, framing it as a "heart problem" caused by the house situation. She insisted her health would improve if Yu Jian could get the property deed changed. Reluctant but pressured by his mother's apparent distress and refusal to take medication, the filial Yu Jian reluctantly agreed to consider her request.

Unable to bring himself to discuss the property deed issue with Xia Guo, Yu Jian called her, but struggled to find the words, instead asking if she could help pick up his father after a follow-up checkup in two days. Xia Guo, busy with an upcoming interview, dismissed the call as trivial and said they could talk later. Shortly after, Yu Jian overheard colleagues discussing a news story about someone who forged property deeds using online templates.

This gave him an idea. Yu Jian then created a fake image of the property deed, showing only Xia Guo's name listed, and presented it to his mother. She was delighted, praising Xia Guo's sensibility and expressing surprise that Wang Yan had seemingly agreed to the change.

Yu Jian's mother initially found the image unconvincing and wanted to see the physical deed, but Yu Jian provided excuses, saying photos weren't the same as the real thing and arguing that they shouldn't keep the deed from Guo, suggesting it might look like they were after her property. Satisfied, his mother was pleased with his success and promised to cook a celebratory meal.

Yu Jian cautioned his mother against mentioning the matter to Xia Guo, emphasizing the existing tension with Wang Yan and the sensitivity of the situation, urging her to be low-key. Despite Yu Jian's warning, his mother secretly arranged to meet Wang Yan for lunch at the Hilton the next day, intending to discuss the children's marriage. Unbeknownst to his mother, Yu Jian had also separately invited Wang Yan to the same restaurant for the same reason.

Both mother and son were surprised to find the other there. Yu Jian attempted to smoothly announce his and Xia Guo's plan to marry and sought Wang Yan's blessing. However, Wang Yan quickly shifted to practical matters, inquiring about the wedding arrangements, dowry, ring, and house. Yu Jian tried to deflect, but his mother interrupted, becoming defensive and arguing that they had treated Guo like a daughter, unlike Wang Yan who was setting conditions.

The argument escalated, with Wang Yan questioning why only Guo visited her father in the hospital. Yu Jian's mother accused Wang Yan of being fixated on money and property, while Wang Yan retorted that Guo was sensible, unlike her mother. As the argument intensified, Wang Yan stated that she held Guo's hukou and needed to approve the marriage. Yu Jian's mother scoffed, accusing Wang Yan of regretting the property deed change and pretending otherwise.

Yu Jian tried to intervene and take his mother home. Yu Jian's mother continued, asserting that the deed showing only Guo's name was proof, and Wang Yan's regret was too late. Confused, Wang Yan asked what property deed they were talking about. Yu Jian was then forced to confess that the photo he showed his mother was fake, downloaded and edited from the internet, and the real deed still had both names on it.

Wang Yan, furious, pointed to Yu Jian and his mother and asked Xia Guo if this was the family she wanted to marry into. Xia Guo, angered by the deception, walked out, telling Yu Jian not to touch her and that he had let his mother down, not her.

Yu Jian chased after her, trying to explain that he had lied to his mother because she wanted Xia Guo to remove Wang Yan's name so they could live in the house, and he wanted to prevent his mother from troubling her. Xia Guo accused him of agreeing to all his mother's unreasonable demands. Yu Jian denied agreeing and claimed he was trying to find a solution while managing his mother's health issues.

Xia Guo called his actions compromising, not problem-solving. She questioned why he lied instead of refusing directly and how she could trust him, especially since he brought her to this situation under false pretenses. Yu Jian argued that he only lied to his mother and that families sometimes need to compromise. Xia Guo highlighted his lack of principles and responsibility in dealing with his mother's demands regarding Shanghai, living arrangements, and the house.

Yu Jian acknowledged his mother's occasional wrongdoings but insisted her intentions were good and questioned Xia Guo's apparent dislike for her. Xia Guo clarified she was criticizing "his" behavior and reiterated her desire for a responsible partner, not a "mommy's boy." Yu Jian, feeling misunderstood, accused her of looking down on him and his family, just like her mother. Xia Guo, hurt and frustrated, told him not to marry her.

That evening, Xia Guo confided in her friend Ms. Ping about the events. Ms. Ping initially seemed critical of Yu Jian's deception, calling it a character issue. However, she later softened her stance, suggesting that such "white lies" were common in life and served as lubricant, arguing that Yu Jian's actions stemmed from love and an attempt to resolve the situation without distressing Xia Guo.

Xia Guo, however, strongly disagreed, stating she preferred honesty and feared that lying would become a habit. Ms. Ping suggested Yu Jian was likely trying to please both sides and called it a sign of high emotional intelligence, a point Xia Guo disputed, seeing it as a lack of stance. Xia Guo also reflected on her decision to stay in her hometown instead of moving to Shanghai, implying regret and self-blame.

Ms. Ping urged her not to talk out of anger, pointing out that Yu Jian must love her deeply to tolerate being criticized so harshly. Xia Guo remained firm, stating the matter concerned her future and she wouldn't be soft-hearted. Ms. Ping questioned if Xia Guo was considering not marrying him at all, asking how she would handle the inevitable trivialities of marriage, which she argued would be the same regardless of who she married.

She advised Xia Guo, as childhood friends who had come so far, to give Yu Jian a chance, acknowledging his meekness but highlighting his good nature. Xia Guo understood the logic but struggled with her feelings, recognizing the distance between them and her struggle to process the negative emotions. Later that night, wrestling with her decision, she typed "Let's break up" in a message to Yu Jian but hesitated before sending it.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Xia Guo was actively pursuing her professional growth. She was tasked with securing an endorsement deal with a prominent streamer named Xiao Jie. Her initial meeting proved difficult, with Xiao Jie directly inquiring about the terms and fees and rejecting the initial offer of 800,000 yuan for the first year, finding the concept of "sincerity" insufficient and questioning the benefit to the streamer. After the unsuccessful meeting, Mr. Xue asked Xia Guo for her next steps.

He advised against simply raising the price, which could lead to a protracted negotiation and waste valuable time. Instead, he suggested finding a different angle, focusing on the streamer's habits, hobbies, or social circle to find a weakness or preference that could be leveraged. Understanding his advice, Xia Guo shifted her approach, aiming to build rapport and appeal to Xiao Jie's preferences.

She succeeded in getting closer to the streamer, even obtaining a rare signed Michael Jordan jersey for her, which greatly pleased Xiao Jie and opened up possibilities for further discussion after her live stream. However, despite Xia Guo's efforts in building a relationship and showing thoughtfulness, Xiao Jie later informed her that Ms. Chen from Haowei had already visited her studio that morning and signed a contract.

Episode 8 Recap

Chen Nan signed a contract with Xiao Jie for 1. 2 million yuan, surprising Xia Guo, who had been negotiating with the influencer at a lower price. Xia Guo confronted Chen Nan, questioning why she took over the negotiation despite previously recommending Xia Guo for it. Chen Nan defended her actions, claiming Xia Guo was too slow and her earlier negotiation was meant to facilitate Chen Nan's final deal.

Chen Nan then accused Mr. Xue of using Xia Guo to drive down prices and target her. Xia Guo denied being forced by anyone, stating she felt Chen Nan was the one who pushed her away. Suddenly, Chen Nan's assistant reported that the group had not approved the contract with Xiao Jie. Instead, they had approved a different endorsement contract signed by Mr. Xue with a popular young Olympic champion.

Chen Nan confronted Mr. Xue, accusing him of deliberately signing another person to force her to default on her contract with Xiao Jie. She also reiterated that he used Xia Guo to lower Xiao Jie's price and buy time for himself. Mr. Xue countered that his actions were for the company's benefit, arguing that subordinates report to superiors, but superiors are not required to report to subordinates.

He questioned Chen Nan's motive for suddenly raising Xiao Jie's price and stated his goals were aligned with the group's interests, which were satisfied with the outcome. Chen Nan left, feeling outmaneuvered. Mr. Xue then spoke to Xia Guo, telling her the situation was not as simple as she might think. He explained he signed a more valuable endorser for the company at a suitable price, and that Xiao Jie was never presented as the only option.

Xia Guo felt both Chen Nan and Mr. Xue had used her – one as a pawn, the other treating her like an idiot. After the incident, Chen Nan resigned. Office gossip suggested her departure was linked to Xia Guo joining Mr. Xue's side, with some colleagues accusing Xia Guo of using Chen Nan as a stepping stone, comparing it to the story of the farmer and the snake. Others defended Xia Guo.

Amidst the rumors, news spread that TNE Group had canceled their contract with Haowei, with the cancellation email arriving shortly after Chen Nan's resignation, fueling speculation that Chen Nan had poached the client, which was considered a serious breach of industry ethics. Xia Guo, determined to win back the TNE project, asked Mr. Xue to let her handle the negotiation.

She had prepared thoroughly and felt it was a project she needed to fight for, especially since the company had lost it so unexpectedly. Mr. Xue warned her that taking on this task at this time was risky; if she failed, she might be accused by others in the company of being complicit with Chen Nan. Xia Guo accepted the risk, confident she could succeed and silence any rumors.

Xia Guo attempted to contact TNE's director, Ms. Lin, first by phone, only to be told Ms. Lin was fully booked for three months. Undeterred, Xia Guo tracked Ms. Lin down at a coffee shop. Ms. Lin was annoyed by the intrusion, calling it an invasion of privacy, and firmly stated that TNE's decision was final and they would not collaborate with Haowei. She warned Xia Guo that further persistence would result in TNE never working with Haowei again.

Hitting a wall with TNE, Xia Guo arranged to meet Chen Nan. Chen Nan initially refused to help, emphasizing she had no connection to Haowei anymore. Xia Guo appealed to their past relationship and Chen Nan's own teachings about the pragmatic nature of the workplace, suggesting Xue Yuming's actions were simply to maximize company profit and that Chen Nan's departure might be for the best.

Chen Nan acknowledged Xia Guo's growth and even offered her a position at her new company, but Xia Guo declined, stating she needed to prove herself at Haowei and clarifying her relationship with Mr. Xue was strictly professional. Chen Nan then opened up about her reason for leaving: after 11 years at Haowei, she felt overlooked compared to a "parachuted" general manager who only cared about KPIs. She felt she had to choose between him leaving or her leaving.

She admitted to using Xia Guo but acknowledged it meant she owed her a favor. Chen Nan then revealed a crucial piece of information: Mr. Xue had a good personal relationship with the chairman of Huanshi Group, a company whose malls were highly sought after, and TNE's main strategy for the year was to secure a spot in a Huanshi mall. Xia Guo immediately understood the implication and thanked Chen Nan for her help.

Armed with this information, Xia Guo proposed a plan to Mr. Xue. Drawing on Chen Nan's lesson about workplace pragmatism, she suggested they use his connection with Huanshi Group to help TNE secure a desirable spot in their mall. In return, TNE would re-sign the contract with Haowei. She explicitly framed this as her turn to "use" him, just as he had used her.

Mr. Xue admitted securing a spot in Huanshi was difficult and he wasn't sure he could succeed, but after reviewing Xia Guo's proposal, he agreed to try. Xia Guo, feeling bold, asked about receiving a bonus if she succeeded and offered to treat him to a big meal. Meanwhile, in the hometown, Yu Jian's relationship with Wen Ya seemed to be progressing.

Yu Jian's mother was particularly impressed when Wen Ya suggested modifications to Yu Jian's design sketches, and he not only accepted them but praised them, noting that he rarely allowed anyone to change his designs. His mother commented that Wen Ya was "something else." Yu Jian and Wen Ya planned to go out to check a site together. Back in Shanghai, Xia Guo received a photo message from Li Ping, implicitly showing Yu Jian and Wen Ya together.

Li Ping urged Xia Guo to have a sense of crisis. Seeing the photo and the message, Xia Guo felt her fears materializing. She reflected on how distance had created a blind spot in her relationship with Yu Jian and questioned who she could truly trust. Office colleagues, discussing Xia Guo's success with TNE, suggested that her long-distance relationship with Yu Jian might not last, given her rising career and the distance.

They even offered to introduce her to eligible bachelors in Shanghai. In a parallel storyline in the hometown, Yu Jian had returned without Xia Guo, frustrating his parents who were worried about the continued strain in their relationship.

Yu Jian's mother confessed that "she" was the one who had suggested changing the house deed name so that Yu Jian and Xia Guo would have a place to live after getting married, implying the conflict stemmed from her well-intentioned but intrusive actions. Yu Jian's father advised his wife to stop interfering and let the young couple work things out themselves. Yu Jian agreed to continue trying to resolve things with Xia Guo after finishing his work.

Undeterred by Xia Guo's refusal to come home, Yu Jian's mother traveled to Shanghai to see Xia Guo. She found Xia Guo living in a modest apartment and urged her to come home, offering to help her pack. Xia Guo politely but firmly refused, stating that Yu Jian needed to take responsibility for his actions and that they needed to resolve their issues themselves without parental intervention.

Yu Jian's mother complained about Xia Guo's own mother making her pay rent and not supporting her children during difficult times. Xia Guo defended her mother's right to manage her property as she saw fit and insisted that she and Yu Jian could build a good life together on their own. Yu Jian's mother expressed her only desire was for them to marry, have a child, and make her a grandmother, feeling that would give her purpose.

Xia Guo reiterated that their relationship issues were theirs to solve. Yu Jian's mother left, still concerned. Separately, Wang Yan had arranged a blind date for Xia Guo. Xia Guo arrived at the restaurant and met the man, Zhong Jie, a bank business manager who introduced himself and listed his assets and stable income.

Xia Guo quickly realized her mother had tricked her into coming but agreed to chat casually with Zhong Jie, who also seemed to suspect he was set up. Their conversation was going well. Suddenly, Yu Jian appeared at the restaurant. Seeing Xia Guo with another man, he orchestrated a minor distraction (getting a child to spill something) to pull Xia Guo away.

He confronted her, upset that she hadn't responded to his messages and calls for ten days and was now on a blind date. Xia Guo argued that she was free to date if they had broken up, but Yu Jian insisted he hadn't agreed to break up. They argued about their problems – the lack of communication, the house deed issue, their families' expectations, and Yu Jian's feelings of inadequacy when faced with financial pressures and his mother's demands.

Yu Jian expressed frustration that everything he did for her seemed wrong. Yu Jian returned to Zhong Jie, angrily telling him Xia Guo was his wife and warning him away. Zhong Jie was amused and revealed that Xia Guo had "already told him all about Yu Jian" during their chat. He recounted how Xia Guo had described Yu Jian as an excellent designer, quiet but transformed when it came to her, always trying to make her happy.

Zhong Jie shared specific romantic anecdotes Xia Guo had told him about their relationship – from sharing strawberries in spring, drinking medicinal soup in summer, making osmanthus wine in autumn, to peeling warm chestnuts in winter. He highlighted how Xia Guo had described Yu Jian as the most reliable person and the one she wanted to spend her life with. Hearing this, Yu Jian rushed out to find Xia Guo.

He found her sitting alone, offered her a dessert, and apologized for his actions, admitting he was wrong again. Xia Guo expressed her dislike for apologies, saying they make her feel obligated to forgive. Yu Jian acknowledged he had disappointed her and felt he kept doing things wrong, but reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to her. He promised to give her happiness, saying they would rent or work to earn money, and he would never give up on their relationship.

Overwhelmed and deeply moved by her words to Zhong Jie and his earnest apology, Yu Jian proposed marriage, expressing his desire to live a life together forever. He then took her to a newly delivered furnished apartment he had rented for three years, envisioning it as their matrimonial home and describing their future life together there. He playfully dismissed her question about the rent, saying what was his was hers.

Xia Guo, also having good news, shared that she had received an interview notification from Shuangli Company. They reflected on their journey and the challenges of a long-distance relationship, realizing that misunderstandings were the true enemy of love, best overcome by trust and striving to become stronger for each other. Later, the first co-branded product between Haowei and TNE officially went into production, signaling the success of Xia Guo's plan.

Xia Guo met Mr. Xue, who wasn't surprised to hear she'd received help from Chen Nan, noting their complex, "mutually exclusive" relationship dynamics. Xia Guo inquired about her bonus, and Mr. Xue confirmed it was being processed. He then offered her an expensive necklace as a personal gift, acknowledging her help and rapid progress. Xia Guo hesitated to accept such a valuable gift. As she was receiving it, she got a call from Yu Jian.

Yu Jian called to tell her that something had happened at home and he could no longer come to Shanghai as planned. Immediately after hanging up, Xia Guo received another call from an unknown number displaying "Hi Xia Guo".

Episode 9 Recap

Yu Jian was preparing to travel to Shanghai to celebrate Xia Guo's birthday, carrying a cake. At the airport, he unexpectedly encountered Wen Ya, who was also going to Shanghai for an exhibition, and they were on the same flight. However, Yu Jian received an urgent call from the Xiaojiang police station informing him that his mother, Ms. Zhang Xiaoqin, had fainted while cooperating with their investigation into a fraud case she was involved in.

He was asked to return to Leshan as soon as possible. Unable to go to Shanghai, Yu Jian was concerned about Xia Guo's birthday. Wen Ya offered to take the cake to Xia Guo, emphasizing that a birthday only happens once a year and it would be a shame for Xia Guo not to receive it, suggesting it would offer comfort since Yu Jian couldn't be there himself. Yu Jian gratefully accepted and provided Xia Guo's address.

Yu Jian went to the police station and learned the details of the fraud. The police explained that the scammer had previously worked for a proper investment platform and had set up a fake branch in Leshan, even renting an office. Yu Jian's mother had visited the office and believed the scheme, losing 400,000 yuan, which included money from her friends.

The police initially suspected her of inadvertently facilitating the scheme, but after questioning her and her friends, they determined she was simply a victim who fainted from shock upon hearing the news. When Yu Jian asked if the money could be recovered, the police explained the suspect was still at large, and while they were freezing accounts, they could not guarantee how much would be retrieved, acknowledging the possibility that the money might not be recovered.

Despite this, they assured him they would do their best. In Shanghai, Xia Guo received the cake from Wen Ya. She was visibly unhappy, asking if Wen Ya had any other business there. Wen Ya noted her lack of interest in the cake, which Xia Guo retorted was none of her business. Wen Ya then provocatively mentioned knowing Xia Guo was supposed to be friendly and sensible, but Xia Guo's behavior depended on who she was dealing with.

Wen Ya revealed Yu Jian was helping her design her florist shop and praised him as talented, interesting, and thoughtful. She mentioned Yu Jian had told her he would come to Shanghai for Xia Guo's birthday the previous week and could join her after finishing the project, implying she was privy to Yu Jian's plans. Wen Ya stated she couldn't understand Xia Guo's disdain when she had brought the cake out of kindness.

Xia Guo asked her to stop calling him "Yu Jian," but Wen Ya claimed it was a habit from when she first met him. Wen Ya speculated that Xia Guo felt helpless being far away while Yu Jian's family was in trouble, to which Xia Guo replied her speculation was unnecessary. Wen Ya further criticized Xia Guo for being indifferent to the cake and cold to her, the messenger, suggesting it was going too far.

Xia Guo told her to leave if she felt that way. Wen Ya continued, talking about fate and how she would never give up on Yu Jian if she were Xia Guo, implying Xia Guo might have to give up Shanghai.

Xia Guo asserted she wasn't Wen Ya and wouldn't give up either Shanghai or Yu Jian, claiming she knew him well, that they were similar people with the same beliefs, and their relationship had lasted over 20 years, not easily meddled with by others. Wen Ya questioned her confidence, which Xia Guo dismissed as something she wouldn't understand, adding that love required striving for it and inviting Wen Ya to try if she felt "good enough."

Wen Ya stated she didn't need Xia Guo's teaching and could handle her approach or departure from Yu Jian with ease, unlike Xia Guo, who lacked such freedom. Before leaving, Wen Ya delivered a final thought, asking Xia Guo if she hadn't considered a breakup might happen when she chose to leave Leshan. Back home, Yu Jian's mother was distressed about the financial loss, crying and refusing to eat.

His father tried to comfort her, telling her the money was gone and she should be glad she wasn't arrested. Yu Jian discussed their remaining savings, which were less than 10,000 yuan. He suggested using his savings to partially repay his mother's friends and find other ways to cover the rest, emphasizing they had to fill the gap since the friends' money was entrusted to her. His mother objected, saying his savings were for his marriage.

His father supported Yu Jian's plan, saying they wouldn't be getting married soon with Xia Guo in Shanghai. His mother then suggested asking Xia Guo for financial help since she was working in Shanghai, which his father immediately shut down, calling it disgraceful. His mother argued they had raised Xia Guo and Yu Jian had spent a lot on her, so she should help in a crucial moment.

His father reiterated that his mother had lost her mind and suggested Yu Jian not listen to her. His mother then thought about asking a relative for help, but Yu Jian's father pointed out her strained relationship with that relative. Later, Yu Jian video called Xia Guo and asked if she had eaten the cake. She said she had and thanked him. He explained about his mother's scam and why he couldn't go to Shanghai, apologizing.

Xia Guo said she knew and didn't blame him, but noted he still seemed angry. She wanted to know who Wen Ya was, as Yu Jian had said she was just a friend on WeChat, yet she called him "Yu Jian" intimately and made comments about Xia Guo not staying in Shanghai and about her own ease in approaching or leaving him.

Yu Jian replied they had met Wen Ya before Xia Guo went to Shanghai and that the florist project he was working on was Wen Ya's. Xia Guo countered he had said it was Tang Yiming's project. Yu Jian clarified that Wen Ya had approached Yiming, who then approached him. Xia Guo accused him of changing the subject, saying he never told her he was working for Wen Ya, even though they talked and video called frequently.

She contrasted her openness about her work in Shanghai, mentioning her boss Mr. Xue and colleague Ai, with his lack of mention of Wen Ya or her shop, asking why it wasn't important enough. Yu Jian, feeling exhausted, said he didn't want to argue, but Xia Guo insisted it was important because Wen Ya called him "Yu Jian" so naturally and suggested she could approach or leave him easily, implying she was claiming ownership.

Yu Jian insisted Wen Ya was just a client and he didn't mention her because a client's identity wasn't usually important enough to specially introduce, and he had met her at the courier station while mailing something to Xia Guo. He explained Wen Ya had shown him photos she took in Shanghai, asking what was so indecent about it and why Xia Guo didn't trust him.

Xia Guo replied she was filled with anticipation waiting for him in Shanghai for her birthday and was disappointed by what happened, and added that his actions caused the lack of trust. She accused him of sacrificing her and their happiness by staying in Leshan for his family.

Yu Jian expressed confusion about why they were arguing about past issues, saying his family had gone through a huge event, and Xia Guo hadn't asked about his mother's condition or how the situation would be resolved, implying his family had become unimportant to her. Xia Guo defended herself, saying she had asked and had even found a hospital in Shanghai for his family, asking if he saw her as heartless.

Yu Jian conceded the distance contributed to their problems but questioned the meaning of her working herself to exhaustion in Shanghai, suggesting it was only for buying more clothes and shoes. Xia Guo was deeply disappointed by his perception of her work's meaning. Yu Jian pleaded with her to return to Leshan, saying he couldn't bear it anymore and needed her by his side.

Xia Guo responded that he didn't need her specifically, just someone by his side, implying it could be anyone. In anger, Yu Jian proposed breaking up and left. Xia Guo ran after him but was stopped by Mr. Xue, who was outside her apartment. Mr. Xue told her she would regret chasing him. Xia Guo insisted she had to, but Mr. Xue held her back, saying it was too late as she had already seen him leave.

He asked if she was happy, and she replied she wasn't happy at all. Mr. Xue gave her his second piece of advice: the person who initiates the breakup will feel less pain. Xia Guo cried, saying she was in pain just thinking of him. Mr. Xue comforted her. Xia Guo returned to Leshan. One day, she saw Yu Jian and Wen Ya holding hands on a familiar road.

Wen Ya was visiting Yu Jian, who had been silent since returning from Shanghai, worrying his parents. Wen Ya brought him soup she made and some money, which she insisted was an advance payment for his design work on her flower shop, stating it was just half, with the rest coming later. She expressed her deep appreciation for him, saying he was more than an ordinary designer and his value wasn't measured in money.

She offered comforting words about losing money and finding love again, but emphasized not giving up on oneself. Yu Jian thanked her for her help, promising to do a good job on her shop. Wen Ya confessed she liked him and felt he knew it but had shielded himself because of Xia Guo. Now that things were different, she hoped he would reconsider.

Yu Jian tried to speak, but Wen Ya interrupted, acknowledging he might still have feelings for Xia Guo but said it was okay because she could be with him every day from tomorrow and believed he would accept her eventually. Yu Jian thanked her again. As Wen Ya left, Xia Guo, who had witnessed the exchange, confronted Yu Jian, stating she had seen everything and asked if this was his "working relationship" and "nothing indecent about it."

She accused him of asking her to return to Leshan just to see this and called him a liar who had been wanting to break up for a long time. Yu Jian confirmed the breakup, echoing Wen Ya's earlier words that Xia Guo should have expected this when she left Leshan.

Xia Guo noted their similar words, questioning if Wen Ya was gentle, thoughtful, and understanding, and if she was the person he needed most, who could share his burden immediately. She asked why he had gone to Shanghai to "stage an act" the day before, feeling foolish for almost believing him and his efforts. Yu Jian said she could think whatever she liked and admitted Wen Ya had helped him and his whole family.

He then asked where Xia Guo was when he needed help the most and why Wen Ya was helping him instead of her, asking what Xia Guo had been doing. He suggested they stop pretending and part ways amicably. Walking away on the familiar road, Xia Guo felt a profound sense of loss and despair, realizing she had lost the person she treasured most in her small world.

She recalled Yu Jian's promise that she should wait for him in Shanghai, and they would never be separated. She questioned why he had the right to initiate the breakup and why she hadn't listened to Mr. Xue and done it first. She wondered if she could turn back time and wished she hadn't returned to Leshan if it meant avoiding this pain.

Mr. Xue's third piece of advice came to her mind: the best way to cure heartbreak is to start a new relationship. She realized that when her vulnerability was seen and embraced by someone else, that was when she truly lost Yu Jian.

Episode 10 Recap

Yu Jian's family faced a crisis when his mother was scammed in an investment, leaving them with significant debt, including money borrowed from friends. Yu Jian's father expressed his frustration and worry about repaying the others. When his mother's friends, Madam Xu and Madam Li, came to their home demanding their money back aggressively, Xia Guo stepped in. The confrontation became heated, resulting in Xia Guo being pushed.

She tried reasoning with the women, explaining that the investment had risks and that Yu Jian's mother was also a victim. She reminded them of their long-standing friendship and warned them of involving the police. Xia Guo then pulled Madam Li aside and spoke to her privately. After their whispered conversation, the friends agreed to leave, urging them to gather the money quickly.

To help alleviate the financial pressure, Yu Jian decided to take on additional design projects from his friend and colleague, Tang Yiming, agreeing to work for project fees while maintaining his current job. Yu Jian's first project through Tang Yiming was designing a unique flower and cultural gift store for Wen Ya, a former fellow apprentice of Tang Yiming's. Wen Ya arrived with blueprints, eager for Yu Jian to design the space, trusting his aesthetic sense.

Tang Yiming playfully warned Wen Ya about Yu Jian having very specific ideas that were hard to change. Wen Ya invited Yu Jian to have dinner to discuss her ideas further, but Yu Jian had plans to have dinner with his parents that night. Meanwhile, Xia Guo received unexpected news during her pre-employment medical checkup: she was pregnant. Xia Guo shared the pregnancy news with Yu Jian, who was initially ecstatic about becoming a father.

However, Xia Guo was deeply concerned. She explained that having a child now would complicate her new job opportunity and worried about their precarious financial situation, especially with the recent debt. She voiced her fear of being trapped by domestic responsibilities, losing her personal goals, and living a life constrained by finances. Yu Jian insisted he could support them, even suggesting they give up their apartment lease to save money.

Xia Guo countered that his income wasn't enough for a family and expressed her frustration over the continuous "accidents" they had faced. She revealed that she had already sacrificed a chance to go to Shanghai for him and felt she couldn't bear to lose another opportunity. Distressed by the conflict, Yu Jian confided in Tang Yiming and Wen Ya while they were together. He admitted that Xia Guo didn't want the child because she prioritized her career.

Tang Yiming suggested the core issue was money, advising Yu Jian to focus on earning from Wen Ya's project. Wen Ya expressed admiration for Yu Jian's sense of responsibility in facing these challenges. Later, at his parents' house, Yu Jian's mother, Aunt Qin, discovered Xia Guo's intention to have an abortion by looking at Yu Jian's phone. Aunt Qin became furious, scolding Yu Jian for his foolishness and for not discussing such a crucial matter with her.

She argued that Xia Guo must have had some hope if she talked to him about it. Aunt Qin insisted the child was a gift of "fate" and their "family's legacy." She sternly ordered Yu Jian to immediately go to the hospital, stop Xia Guo, and bring her and the child back, threatening to consider him no longer her son if he failed. Yu Jian urgently traveled to the Leshan Maternity and Infant Hospital.

He found Xia Guo in the hallway. Fearing the worst, he apologized for being late, promising her a proper wedding and dowry, and assuring her they could have children later, vowing to protect her from any more suffering. Xia Guo stopped him, revealing that she had not gone through with the procedure; she couldn't bear to abort the child and had decided to keep it. Overjoyed and relieved, Yu Jian was ecstatic at the prospect of becoming a father.

Xia Guo asked him to agree to terminate their apartment lease to save money for the baby, and he promised to agree to whatever she decided from that moment on. She reflected that the life inside her had become both her vulnerability and her strength, reinforcing her decision to stay and work towards a shared future with him. Following this pivotal decision, they proceeded to terminate their apartment lease.

While signing the papers, Yu Jian expressed sadness about them having to leave, wishing he could have shown her the beautiful sunsets from their apartment. Xia Guo reassured him, saying that his effort to make her happy was what truly mattered and that her previous decisions were her own choice, not something he needed to repay.

She shared how terrified she had felt at the hospital until she saw him, which brought her a sense of security and the belief that together they could overcome any difficulty. Yu Jian, holding their newly obtained marriage certificate, made a solemn promise to build her a bigger and better home and give her a grand wedding in the future.

Their friends and colleagues offered their support; Tang Yiming and other alumni collected money for the baby, which Yu Jian initially hesitated to accept but eventually did. Wen Ya also transferred the advance payment for her project. Further good news arrived when Xia Guo received a call from Ms. Liu at Shuangli Trading. Despite her pregnancy, the company had decided to proceed with hiring her as planned, impressed by her abilities.

Xia Guo was thrilled to tell Yu Jian she got the job. They embraced, filled with hope. Yu Jian then suggested they read their marriage vows from the certificate, affirming their commitment to be lifelong partners through all of life's challenges. In a separate sequence of events, possibly a different timeline, Xia Guo was in Shanghai. Her rented apartment experienced severe flooding during a heavy rainstorm when a window blew open.

Her landlord, Mr. Wang, contacted her and helped with the initial damage. However, seeing the extent of the leak, Mr. Wang decided he no longer wanted to rent the apartment and asked Xia Guo to move out soon. He offered to charge only three months' rent for the five months she had lived there, although she had paid for six. Xia Guo was left stranded late at night with her luggage, unable to find a taxi.

She went to the Crossroad bar for shelter, where she was welcomed by Ai, the bartender she had previously befriended. After hearing about her flooded apartment, Ai offered to help her find a new place through his real estate agent contacts. Ai made her a drink he called "Fruit of Midsummer," or "Xia Guo," and discussed the idea of forcing oneself to mature quickly versus staying true to oneself.

While at the bar, Mr. Xue called her and came to pick her up. He took her back to his apartment, offering her food and drinks. He showed her a scented candle he had purchased, mentioning it was similar to one she owned, and offered to exchange it if she preferred a different scent. He provided her with the new access code for his apartment lock and asked her to remember it. As he was about to start some work, she asked him to stay with her for a bit longer, to which he responded that she had initiated their connection.

Episode 11 Recap

In Leshan, Xia Guo and Yu Jian were married. After the wedding, Xia Guo's morning sickness suddenly stopped, which worried Yu Jian's mother. Her mother was also concerned because Xia Guo continued to wear makeup and tight jeans, fearing the cosmetics could harm the baby and the jeans could constrict the developing child. Yu Jian and his father tried to ease her worries, explaining the baby was only the size of a quail egg and wouldn't be restricted.

Xia Guo appreciated Yu Jian and his father covering for her, but she understood her mother-in-law meant well and assured them she could take care of herself. Yu Jian arranged for a car from his company to drive Xia Guo to and from work, ensuring she wouldn't experience bumps on the electric bike. Xia Guo was touched by his thoughtfulness and thanked him for his care. Xia Guo quickly adapted to her new role at work.

Her proposal was well-received and praised by her superiors. To earn more money for her family, which was facing some difficulties, Xia Guo proactively sought out another project, telling her supervisor, Ms. Tao, that she was motivated by the commission. Ms. Tao cautioned her about the tight deadline given her pregnancy, but Xia Guo insisted she could handle the workload.

One day, Yu Jian's mother brought lunch to Xia Guo at work and wanted to stay to watch her eat, which interfered with Xia Guo's meeting. She loudly announced Xia Guo's pregnancy to her colleagues and asked them to take extra care of her, causing Xia Guo considerable embarrassment. During their interaction, the food container fell to the ground. That evening, Xia Guo stayed late at home to work.

To get her to rest, Yu Jian's mother secretly pulled the circuit breaker, claiming the power was out throughout the neighborhood. However, Xia Guo saw lights on in the building across the street and knew her mother-in-law was lying. Frustrated, she called Yu Jian and urged him to come home and talk to his mother. Yu Jian arrived home and saw his mother pushing the circuit breaker back up.

He was exasperated by her secretive behavior and even more so when he learned she had gone to Xia Guo's office that day. He felt his mother was overly anxious and that going to her workplace to supervise her was unnecessary. Yu Jian tried to explain to his mother that they needed to respect scientific advice, relax, and understand that Xia Guo's marriage was not solely for the purpose of bearing children for their family.

His mother, however, remained unconvinced, feeling Xia Guo was still too young and didn't understand the importance of safeguarding the pregnancy. Later, Wen Ya visited Yu Jian's home with gifts. During the visit, Xia Guo learned that Wen Ya had made an advance payment for Yu Jian's design work. This made Xia Guo uncomfortable, as Yu Jian had never mentioned it.

Xia Guo added Wen Ya on WeChat and became more upset when she saw Wen Ya's WeChat Moments post featuring a photo Yu Jian had taken of her, captioned "A wonderful day." Xia Guo's intuition told her Wen Ya had feelings for Yu Jian, and given their frequent work-related meetings, she felt uneasy. Xia Guo told Yu Jian she could not accept Wen Ya visiting their home again.

Yu Jian tried to reassure her there was nothing between them, attributing her feelings to pregnancy hormones, but Xia Guo insisted she was not emotional and demanded that Wen Ya's visits stop. The scene shifts to Xia Guo living with Mr. Xue in Shanghai. Xia Guo learned from a colleague that a highly accomplished returnee was being appointed as the new acting director of their department.

After work, while buying black pepper at the supermarket to cook steak, Xia Guo received a recommendation from a woman she met there. The next day, at a company meeting, Xia Guo was surprised to discover that the woman from the supermarket was Li Qiuman, the new acting director, who introduced herself as Yvonne.

In the meeting, Yvonne immediately asserted herself by presenting her own proposal for the same project, titled "Spring In Europe," before Xia Guo had a chance to present hers. Yvonne's proposal, with its sophisticated concept and color scheme ("nimbus grey," "gilding," "amethyst," "dark green"), impressed some colleagues. However, Mr. Xue interjected, pointing out that Xia Guo had already developed a proposal, "Spring Morning," with the marketing team, and it was already in progress.

He noted both proposals had merit, with Yvonne's targeting a higher-end audience and Xia Guo's incorporating traditional Chinese elements. Yvonne insisted on simultaneously refining both proposals and presenting them to Mr. Xue and the company for a final decision later, which Mr. Xue agreed to. Yvonne also stated she would choose her assistants after getting to know the team better. After the meeting, Yvonne asked Xia Guo to show her around the company.

They continued their conversation from the supermarket about cooking steak. During their walk, Yvonne received a call from her daughter, Migao, who had just returned to the country and wanted her mother to come home for lunch. Yvonne then invited Xia Guo to come along to her home to continue discussing company matters.

At lunch, Yvonne mentioned that Migao was allergic to soybeans, a trait she inherited from her father, and that because of this, they couldn't have related seasonings like fermented chili bean paste in the house. Yvonne's words seemed to carry hidden meaning, and Xia Guo, sensitive to the clues, found Migao somewhat familiar. Back at the company, Xia Guo secretly checked Li Qiuman's Weibo and discovered that she and Mr. Xue had attended the same university.

That night, Xia Guo fell asleep on the sofa at home. Mr. Xue returned and covered her with his jacket. When Xia Guo woke up, a room key fell from Mr. Xue's pocket. She picked it up and realized it was a hotel room key belonging to Li Qiuman (Yvonne). Xia Guo had a sense of foreboding, feeling that Mr. Xue had been deceiving her.

She recalled the conversation at lunch, where Yvonne mentioned Migao's soybean allergy, inherited from her father, and how this prevented certain foods from being in their home. The situation echoed the fable of the hare who trusted the porcupine's quills, only to be unknowingly wounded by them.

Episode 12 Recap

Having secured the necessary funds, Yu Jian promptly repaid Wen Ya the hundred thousand yuan. He expressed his gratitude, explaining that the money had helped him overcome difficulties, and his financial situation was now stable as his wife had a job and his brother's projects were progressing well. He felt it was important to settle the debt now. Wen Ya seemed surprised, feeling Yu Jian was treating her like a client rather than a friend.

She reiterated her trust in him and offered her support, telling him to reach out if he ever needed someone to talk to, even just to sit in silence together. Yu Jian thanked her and took his leave, mentioning he wanted to spend time with his wife and prevent her from worrying unnecessarily.

Back at home, Yu Jian's mother, influenced by a neighbor, had secretly swapped the folic acid Xia Guo was taking for a local remedy believed to influence a baby's gender. Unaware of the change, Xia Guo continued to take the new pills daily. One day, she experienced severe abdominal pain. Fortunately, they went to the hospital immediately.

Under the doctor's questioning, Xia Guo learned that the medication she was taking had been switched, and continuing to take it could result in a miscarriage. The doctor, assessing Xia Guo's condition, advised her to rest and avoid strenuous work to protect the pregnancy. Hearing the doctor's words, Yu Jian suspected his mother was responsible. He rushed downstairs to confront her, expressing his anger and frustration.

From her hospital room, Xia Guo heard Yu Jian's voice and went to the window, witnessing him scolding his mother. The incident left Xia Guo troubled, realizing how much unrest the anticipation of a child had brought to the family. Xia Guo successfully passed her company's assessment and became a regular employee. However, the promotion involved increased workload and required business trips, which caused her to hesitate, considering the doctor's advice and Yu Jian's suggestion to prioritize her health.

After much thought, she decided to resign. She felt it was more important now to focus on caring for herself and her child. She reflected on how pregnancy had changed her perspective, acknowledging her mother-in-law's previous words about the unique responsibilities and missions that come with carrying a child. She resolved to nurture herself and her baby for a safe delivery.

Upon hearing Xia Guo's decision, her mother-in-law was visibly relieved and expressed her understanding, assuring Xia Guo that she wouldn't impose her own ideas anymore. In Shanghai, Xia Guo's lunch encounter with Li Qiuman added to her concerns. The two women found themselves sitting at the same table, having ordered from the same place. Xia Guo subtly inquired about Migao's father.

Li Qiuman revealed that she and Migao's father were never married, and this trip was the first time Migao had met him. She explained that she discovered her pregnancy after they had broken up and had made the decision to have the baby on her own. Their breakup had happened naturally when she pursued studies abroad and he remained in China for work.

She admitted she was willful back then, neither willing to stay for him nor expecting him to leave for her. When Xia Guo asked if she would want to get back together, Li Qiuman said it would be ideal, especially to provide Migao with a complete family. She believed father's love was crucial.

Li Qiuman later mused that although Migao's father had dated other women over the years, none had made him settle down, noting he even changed his apartment password every two months. However, she felt Migao was different and believed he would stay for his daughter. She declared her intention to fight to keep him by her side. Returning home earlier than usual, Xia Guo found herself locked out of the apartment, the password having been changed.

Recalling Li Qiuman's comment about the frequent password changes, a realization dawned on her. She received a message from Mr. Xue containing the new password, allowing her entry. Inside, she found a photograph of Mr. Xue and Li Qiuman from their university days. Seeing it, combined with Li Qiuman's words, she felt a sense of defeat.

The man she had lived with seemed to have held back too much, and she was uncertain how to navigate their relationship or interact with him and Li Qiuman going forward. Deciding she couldn't stay, Xia Guo packed her belongings. She transferred money to Mr. Xue, asking him to use the time to focus on his family, and she sent a message requesting a job transfer within the company, hoping for his approval.

Seeking a change of pace, Xia Guo returned to Leshan to gather inspiration in the mountains. There, she unexpectedly came across Yu Jian and Wen Ya posing for wedding photographs. Witnessing this evoked a complex mix of emotions. That evening, while having dinner with Ping, Xia Guo learned that Yu Jian and Wen Ya's wedding was scheduled for the end of the month.

Ping advised her to let go of the past, acknowledging the difficulty given their long history but emphasizing the fragility of relationships. She shared her own experience, suggesting that children often serve as a bond that sustains marriages, creating a shared goal. Xia Guo, curious but clarifying she wasn't dwelling on Yu Jian, asked if having a child fundamentally changes a couple's relationship, particularly if it shifts the focus towards familial love.

Ping affirmed that it definitely changes things by providing a common purpose. During their dinner, Xia Guo received a message from Allen in Shanghai, who had found a suitable apartment for her. The next day, she returned to Shanghai and met with Allen to view the property. Allen was enthusiastic about the place, located in the suburbs but affordable, mentioning he had already cleaned it and arranged for repairs.

He revealed he lived right next door, in apartment 509, and told her to knock if she needed anything. He jokingly offered her a room in his spacious apartment instead. She declined politely, appreciative of his help. He suggested she treat him to dinner, then proposed she eat at his place; he would cook, and it would be her treat in name.

Allen, who dreamed of opening his own bar, spoke about his passion for mixing drinks and his drive to make money. He probed into Xia Guo's personal life, guessing about her having a high-flying boyfriend and questioning if he was married, had cheated, or had a child. Noticing her reaction when he mentioned having a child, he commented on the complexity of her situation.

Xia Guo told him to mind his own business, and they shared a toast to their respective paths forward. Upon returning to the office in Shanghai, Xia Guo was greeted by a colleague who welcomed her back and lightheartedly teased her about seeing a boyfriend, which Xia Guo denied, explaining she had broken up with him and was back from a research trip.

Her colleague Yvonne soon arrived, and there was a brief, tense exchange between them about their respective project progress. The colleague who had welcomed Xia Guo commented on the apparent rivalry between her and Yvonne, noting their upcoming competition and how Yvonne seemed to be growing closer to Mr. Xue. They speculated that their compatibility and closeness could potentially affect Xia Guo's position, especially since she had transferred departments. Xia Guo dismissed the idea of needing such connections as leverage.

Episode 13 Recap

Market department colleagues discuss having Japanese food for their dinner gathering that evening, mentioning Sanchuan is an option. Xia Guo initially declines, needing to prepare for a proposal meeting the next day, but her colleagues persuade her, emphasizing it's a "good meal" to boost morale, and she eventually agrees. At the dinner venue, Li Qiuman arrives with Migao, stating they are there to celebrate Migao's birthday. The colleagues invite them to join, which Li Qiuman accepts, seeing Migao's excitement.

Mr. Xue then arrives with a birthday cake. Migao rushes to him, calling him "Daddy." Everyone is surprised by this revelation. Li Qiuman then explains that Migao is her and Brandon (Mr. Xue)'s daughter; they were university classmates and have known each other for over ten years. As the dinner continues, Li Qiuman asks Xia Guo to take a video of "our family of three." Despite some hesitation, Xia Guo films the scene.

Afterwards, visibly distressed, Xia Guo abruptly leaves the table, saying she will go by herself. Her friends follow her outside and express their frustration with Li Qiuman's actions, speculating that she is using Migao. Xia Guo feels she cannot stay at the company. The next morning at the office, colleagues greet Xia Guo warmly and praise her for her actions the previous night, calling her courageous for hitting a colleague who was reportedly inappropriate.

They jokingly dub her the "leader of Haowei." Later, the company holds a meeting to decide between Xia Guo's proposal, "Spring Morning," and Li Qiuman's proposal, "Spring in Europe." Li Qiuman presents her plan, highlighting collaboration with top European designers Leon and Hogar to make it an international response.

Xia Guo presents her "Spring Morning" proposal, suggesting a cross-industry collaboration with the popular simulation game "Thousand Miles of Spring River," arguing that connecting with the top-ranked mobile game will quickly reach a younger audience and aligns well with their concept, incorporating diverse regional cultural elements. Mr. Xue offers his analysis, noting both proposals are high-quality and different in style (international/elite vs. local/young), with similar sales expectations.

However, he points out that "Spring Morning" shows better expected data for gross profit and market share increase, though acknowledging "Spring in Europe" is positioned more high-end. The decision is put to a vote among the executives. The results are announced, and "Spring Morning" wins by a large margin. Xia Guo is congratulated.

Following the meeting, Li Qiuman confronts Mr. Xue (referred to here by his full name, Xue Yuming) in his office, demanding to know if he voted for Xia Guo's proposal to embarrass her. Mr. Xue explains his assessment was based on the business metrics he presented. When she presses him on his vote, he states that as her superior, he is not required to report his work to her.

As Migao's father, he tells her he hopes she will stop using their daughter. He makes it clear that a romantic relationship is impossible between them. When she asks if it is possible for him to be with someone else and challenges him to reveal who, he declares, "I like Xia Guo." Li Qiuman reacts strongly, warning him that if the company finds out, it could ruin both of them. He repeats his declaration, "I like Xia Guo."

Xia Guo, arriving at his office door, overhears his words and pauses, stunned. Later, Xia Guo and Mr. Xue coincidentally find themselves in the same supermarket. They talk, and Mr. Xue expresses his appreciation for grocery shopping as a relaxing activity. He offers to pay for her groceries if she tells him a story about each item she buys. As they browse, they reflect on the importance of family and love over simply chasing numbers.

Xia Guo shares a memory related to a mint candy she finds. Mr. Xue tells her that his home password is unchanged and he doesn't intend to change, implying his feelings are steadfast. He then embraces her. Xia Guo feels a mix of emotions, sensing she is breaking through a period of loneliness, unsure of what lies ahead, but feeling a sense of connection in his embrace.

In a parallel story, another version of Xia Guo is deeply loved by her husband Yu Jian and his parents, and their family debt has been repaid. Yu Jian brings home money from a new project, sharing it with his wife and parents. Yu Jian's sister, Yu Yan, unexpectedly returns from the US. The family is surprised but welcomes her. Yu Yan confesses she was bored in Los Angeles and missed her mother's cooking.

She appears unhappy, especially noticing the affectionate way the family treats her pregnant sister-in-law, parallel Xia Guo. Yu Yan is secretly pregnant and doesn't want her family to know, but her mother discovers her morning sickness and realizes the truth. Yu Yan admits she is pregnant but doesn't want the child, revealing that her husband Andrew wants a divorce.

She explains that Andrew has been pressuring her to get an abortion and refuses to be tied down by a child, although he offers better terms for asset division if she agrees to the divorce. Yu Yan's mother advises her to keep the baby, believing it can be a bond to save the marriage, as a husband cannot file for divorce during pregnancy or breastfeeding according to the law.

Yu Yan is resistant, feeling she cannot cope and resents her mother for prioritizing face and practicality over her feelings. She reveals she went to the US to get away from her mother. Despite this, her mother calls Andrew and tells him about the pregnancy. Andrew later arrives at the house. Yu Yan privately confronts him, confirming he came for the divorce.

He confirms he wants the divorce immediately and the child aborted, stating he respects her choice of location for the procedure. Yu Yan insists she will not divorce and will keep the child. Andrew reiterates he does not love her and the child will not save the marriage, again offering improved financial terms for the divorce. Yu Yan calls him a scumbag. Andrew leaves abruptly, citing a client meeting.

Distraught, Yu Yan is later found by parallel Xia Guo, drinking alcohol. Yu Yan tearfully explains her situation, her struggle with Andrew's pressure, and her fear of raising the child alone or regretting abortion. Parallel Xia Guo listens and tells Yu Yan she cannot make the decision for her, but urges her to think if she can take responsibility for the child if she keeps it.

Xia Guo shares her own experience of deciding to keep her baby, motivated by the thought of hearing the first cry. She lets Yu Yan feel her pregnant belly, describing the unique joy of the baby's movements. Yu Yan asks if she is capable of motherhood.

Parallel Xia Guo reassures her that having a child is not a way to salvage a marriage, and if she chooses to keep the child, it should be for herself, not anyone else, emphasizing it is her right. She promises that if Yu Yan decides to keep the baby, the whole family will help care for it. Yu Yan talks tenderly to parallel Xia Guo's belly, speaking to her future nephew or niece about traveling together. The narrative concludes with a reflection on love, overcoming obstacles, and the resilience gained through pain.

Episode 14 Recap

At a company meeting to discuss a collaboration with 'I Joy', a high-end wedding planning company, ideas for joint products are discussed. While 'Spring Morning' is popular, it's noted that using it might conflict with an existing collaboration and seem dismissive to 'I Joy'. The concept of 'Spring In Europe' chocolates is proposed as a better fit.

Li Qiuman, the marketing director, suggests Xia Guo report this idea to Mr. Xue, implying it's best if the suggestion comes from Xia Guo to avoid the appearance of Li Qiuman having a personal agenda. Xia Guo argues that Mr. Xue is professional and won't mix business and personal matters. Later, after work, Xia Guo and Mr. Xue briefly discuss this, with Xia Guo expressing reservations about using 'Spring Morning' for the collaboration.

Mr. Xue reminds her they are off work. Xia Guo then questions her standing with him, referencing his history of having women around, which slightly annoys him, leading him to ask if she thinks he's narrow-minded. Their evening plans are interrupted when Mr. Xue receives a call from Li Qiuman. Li Qiuman explains her meeting in Beijing was unexpectedly rescheduled, requiring her to fly out immediately, and she can't comfort Migao, who is very upset she is leaving.

She asks Mr. Xue to have someone accompany Migao. Mr. Xue asks Xia Guo if she can go to Migao. Xia Guo initially declines, saying she has work to do, and suggests she'd just be alone at home anyway. Mr. Xue insists she shouldn't work so hard and offers to send her home, but she eventually agrees to go to Migao, telling him not to let Migao wait. Xia Guo goes to Migao's place.

Mr. Xue sends her dinner, assuring her she should eat well. Li Qiuman later arrives at Migao's place. Xia Guo speaks with Li Qiuman, expressing her understanding that Migao needs her father but is upset by the timing, feeling Li Qiuman deliberately orchestrated the situation despite Li Qiuman's claim the meeting cancellation was sudden.

Xia Guo emphasizes that Li Qiuman focused only on her own convenience without considering Migao's feelings, while Xia Guo intends to let Migao naturally accept her presence. Li Qiuman acknowledges Xia Guo's "foresight" in her approach but then pointedly asks if Mr. Xue's future plans include a place for Xia Guo. This question deeply troubles Xia Guo, causing her to reflect that a secure future is a "taboo subject" with Mr. Xue.

She recognizes her deepening feelings and dependency on him make her insecure, feeling her love is becoming "inferior" the more attached she becomes. Another evening, Xia Guo and Mr. Xue have dinner at a dimly lit restaurant. Xia Guo expresses discomfort with the dark setting and hints that she feels their outing lacks consideration, perhaps not booked specifically for her.

Mr. Xue assures her it was for her and promises to choose a brighter place next time, sensing her lingering frustration from the previous night involving Migao. They briefly touch upon work, correcting themselves to keep business separate from their personal time. Their dinner is interrupted when Mr. Xue is greeted by Mr. Shao, a business acquaintance, who is with his girlfriend, Cindy. Mr. Shao introduces Cindy as his girlfriend openly.

Mr. Xue introduces Mr. Shao and himself but does not introduce Xia Guo or acknowledge their relationship. After Mr. Shao and Cindy leave, Xia Guo expresses her hurt and frustration, pointing out that even in the dark, people recognize him, and questions why they cannot date openly like a normal couple.

Mr. Xue apologizes, explaining that their relationship is hard-earned and, as long as it's considered taboo at the office, he must protect it by avoiding public displays, even outside of work. He asks for her understanding. Later, Xia Guo learns from Wang Yan that their colleague Lucy has been dismissed by Human Resources because Mr. Wang discovered her secret relationship with Tim. Xia Guo rushes to see Lucy.

Lucy is tearful and distraught, blaming herself for pressuring Tim to discuss marriage with his father, Mr. Wang, which led to her dismissal. She worries that Tim's father will force them to break up, describing Tim as cowardly and obedient to his father. Xia Guo comforts Lucy, encouraging her not to blame herself and assuring her that Tim's willingness to talk to his father indicates his feelings.

She advises Lucy to cheer up and that if Tim truly loves her, his father's opposition is not something she needs to worry about. Lucy expresses envy for Xia Guo's ability to focus on her career, while she herself only desires to marry well but finds it difficult. She hints that Xia Guo might also be involved in a secret relationship, which Xia Guo initially denies but then suggests might be the case.

Xia Guo receives a call from her mother, also named Wang Yan, who is in Shanghai and wants to have dinner. Mr. Xue drives Xia Guo to the restaurant. Before she goes inside, they share a hug, which her mother witnesses from inside the restaurant, looking surprised. Xia Guo joins her mother for dinner. Her mother comments on how Xia Guo now looks like a Shanghai girl.

Xia Guo asks if her mother has been busy lately, in a somewhat reserved tone. Her mother questions Xia Guo about the man who dropped her off, his profession, age, and marital status. Upon learning he is her boss and is not married, she approves, urging Xia Guo to get married quickly and suggesting weddings in both Shanghai and Leshan. Xia Guo feels it's too early and expresses her desire to focus on her career first.

Her mother insists that a woman's best life involves finding a man who loves and cares for her so she doesn't have to worry about daily struggles and can have a warm home. Xia Guo reminds her mother that she previously encouraged independence and questions why she is now pushing her to rely on someone else. Her mother acknowledges she might have said too much in the past and asks if Xia Guo hates her.

Xia Guo deflects, urging her mother to just eat. Her mother concludes by saying that if a relationship doesn't lead to marriage, it's a waste of time and questions if Xia Guo can afford such a waste. She mentions that her companion, Mr. Zheng, is waiting outside, as she wanted to speak with Xia Guo alone. Upon returning home, Xia Guo finds Migao there, brought by the nanny.

Mr. Xue explains that Li Qiuman had a sudden meeting and Migao insisted on coming to find him because she couldn't sleep alone. Xia Guo expresses her frustration. She clarifies that she doesn't mind Migao's presence or Li Qiuman's actions targeting her at work, even accepting having to meet Mr. Xue in the basement parking (B3) to avoid being seen.

What upsets her is that Mr. Xue did not even meet her mother, who had traveled all the way to Shanghai. Mr. Xue explains that meeting her mother suddenly would have been awkward and that he limits sharing details of his personal life, as the previous encounter with Mr. Shao was purely a business interaction. He assures Xia Guo that she is his only girlfriend, and their relationship is undoubted and unshakeable.

He acknowledges that Li Qiuman is Migao's mother and he must consider Migao's feelings, which is why he avoids direct conflict with Li Qiuman. Referencing Lucy and Tim's outcome, he explains that their secrecy is a sacrifice of public freedom necessary to protect their jobs and quality of life, allowing them to work together happily by day and be a couple by night, suggesting this is a beneficial arrangement.

He apologizes for the situation being unfair to her, stating it's temporary and he will do his best to protect her from further grievance. He then takes her home, asking her to promise to tell him whenever she is unhappy. Mr. Xue returns to the place where Migao is staying and finds Li Qiuman there.

Li Qiuman confronts him angrily, questioning his care for Migao and his whereabouts when their daughter came looking for him, accusing him of being irresponsible for returning so late. Mr. Xue admits fault and says he will apologize to Migao the next day. Li Qiuman stresses that children are sensitive and know when someone is neglecting them, demanding he act like a responsible father if he acknowledges Migao as his child. Mr. Xue states he is tired.

Li Qiuman asks if he is tired. He tells her to sleep with Migao and he will sleep in the guest room. As Xia Guo leaves work one day, Li Qiuman sees her. Li Qiuman quickly calls for a short meeting and instructs a colleague, Xu Li, to call Xia Guo back for it.

When Xu Li is unable to reach Xia Guo by phone, Li Qiuman suggests Xia Guo might be in the basement (B3) and tells Xu Li to go after her. Xu Li goes to B3 and witnesses Mr. Xue picking up Xia Guo in a car. Surprised and hesitant, Xu Li doesn't intervene and returns to report to Li Qiuman, apologizing for not stopping Xia Guo and expressing surprise at discovering their relationship.

Li Qiuman's reaction suggests her intention was successful. Other colleagues immediately begin gossiping, speculating about the duration of the relationship, connecting it to Xia Guo's rapid success in securing projects, and labeling her a "home wrecker," noting that although Mr. Xue and Li Qiuman are not married, her actions are still seen as damaging, comparable to preventing Li Qiuman from getting back together with him. The next morning, Xia Guo wakes up to numerous missed calls and messages.

Lucy contacts her urgently, telling her to check WeChat. Xia Guo discovers a company-wide scandal circulating in the group chat. Colleagues are openly discussing her relationship with Mr. Xue, fueled by the sighting in the basement and speculation about their long-standing affair, linking it to her career advancements. The gossip includes labeling her a "home wrecker" because Mr. Xue has a daughter with Li Qiuman, despite them not being married, deeming her actions equally harmful.

A video showing Xia Guo and Mr. Xue together is mentioned. Xia Guo is summoned to Mr. Lu's office. She enters, acknowledging the situation and stating she accepts any punishment. Mr. Lu expresses regret, noting that she was a valued talent and Mr. Xue a key leader, and their violation of company rules has created a negative impact. Xia Guo presents a resignation letter. Mr. Lu clarifies that he did not call her in to resign.

He then reveals that Mr. Xue had already submitted his resignation an hour earlier, anticipating her decision and taking action to protect her, acknowledging the significant effort Mr. Xue made on her behalf.

Episode 15 Recap

After a prenatal checkup, Yu Jian and Xia Guo returned home, where they learned that Yan was missing. The entire family was frantic and went out to search for her. Xia Guo joined Yu Jian, and along the way, she shared details about Yan's relationship with Andrew, revealing the extent of the difficulties his sister had endured. Fortunately, Yu Jian and Xia Guo found Yan by the river.

Yan told them that Andrew was a liar who had no assets, that his house in the US wasn't his, and that he had returned to China with an older, richer woman who was willing to buy him a house and have his child. Yan confessed that if she didn't divorce him, she would be liable for his debts and wouldn't receive any assets from the divorce.

Yu Jian was furious and promised he would settle things with Andrew to ensure Yan wouldn't suffer any injustice. They persuaded Yan to return home. That evening, as Xia Guo began experiencing intense pain, Yu Jian's mother discovered that Yan had attempted suicide in her bedroom. The family was thrown into chaos trying to save Yan.

Xia Guo, in pain, managed to walk to her bedroom door and saw Yu Jian and his father rushing out with Yan, only to discover her own water had broken. Xia Guo called an ambulance and went to the hospital alone. Upon arrival, she was informed that the fetus was at risk of asphyxia and required an immediate C-section.

Since she was alone, she signed the consent form herself, and the hospital proceeded with reporting the situation to the medical services department. Meanwhile, after rushing Yan to the hospital where doctors worked to save her, Yu Jian finally remembered Xia Guo. Unable to reach her by phone, he called his father, who informed him that Xia Guo had gone to the hospital alone because she was in labor.

In Shanghai, Xia Guo had confronted Xue Yuming about his resignation, upset that he hadn't informed her. He explained that he had been mentally prepared and felt his resignation was less detrimental to their future than if she were to leave her job, which she had worked so hard to obtain. He insisted his decision was ultimately for the best outcome for both of them, suggesting she should focus on her career.

Later, while Xia Guo was having lunch at the office, colleagues were gossiping, speculating that Xue had merely been toying with her and had resigned as an excuse to leave her. Their conversation was interrupted when Xue arrived, stating he was looking for his girlfriend. He publicly acknowledged their relationship and brought Xia Guo a dessert, leading to envious glances from her colleagues. Separately, Li Qiuman was preparing to leave with her daughter, Migao.

Migao said her goodbyes to Xue Yuming, asking him to visit them on Christmas. Li Qiuman acknowledged that she felt she hadn't met Xue at the right time. Xue wished her well and expressed his belief that she would meet the right person eventually. Back in the hospital after giving birth, Xia Guo was accompanied by her mother, Wang Yan.

Xia Guo expressed her gratitude to her mother, admitting how difficult childbirth had been and how she had felt she could handle it alone but couldn't. Her mother comforted her, reminding her not to cry during confinement and showing her the healthy baby. Wang Yan had arranged a private ward and hired the best maternity nurse, planning for Xia Guo and the baby to return to Xia Guo's own home after discharge.

Yu Jian and his mother arrived at the hospital, having waited for three days, hoping to see Xia Guo and the baby. Wang Yan refused to let them in, telling them to focus on their own family issues, specifically referencing Yan. Yu Jian apologized, admitting he had neglected Xia Guo during the chaos with Yan's suicide attempt and asked for a chance to make amends. His mother also requested to see the baby.

Wang Yan remained firm, highlighting that Xia Guo's life had been in danger during childbirth and reiterated that they would be going to Xia Guo's home for confinement, dismissing their offers of care. An argument ensued, with Yu Jian's mother asserting her right as the grandmother, but Wang Yan stood her ground. Yu Jian attempted to apologize to Xia Guo via text messages over the following days, expressing his regret and longing to see her and the baby, named Chen.

Eventually, a nurse informed Xia Guo that Yu Jian had been waiting outside for days, and Xia Guo agreed to let him in. Yu Jian entered Xia Guo's room to see baby Chen. He expressed how much the baby looked like him when he was young. He cautiously apologized to Xia Guo for that night and asked about Yan.

He told Xia Guo that Yan had lost the baby but was recovering, though still not talking much, having been discharged the day before. Xia Guo informed him that she would be discharged the next day and would be returning to her own home for confinement, as her mother had retrieved the house, and she felt more comfortable there. Yu Jian accepted her decision and agreed to bring the items he had bought for the baby.

On the day of discharge, Yu Jian picked them up and drove them to Xia Guo's house. His parents were later shown looking at photos of baby Chen, commenting on his resemblance to different family members, and still expressing frustration about Wang Yan's control over their grandson. Meanwhile, Andrew's attorney arrived at the Yu family home to deliver divorce papers to Ms. Yu Yan.

Yu Jian's father became enraged, attempting to physically confront the attorney, but Yu Jian intervened, insisting on handling it through legal procedures. Yu Jian accepted the papers and exchanged contact information with the attorney. Later, Yu Jian and Yan discussed the situation. Yan admitted her poor judgment in marrying Andrew had caused trouble for the family and indirectly contributed to Xia Guo's distress. Yu Jian dismissed the idea of her owing him, calling them family.

He asked about her plans, having heard she intended to return to the US with Andrew. Yan confirmed her decision to go back to the US to finalize the divorce and complete her graduate studies before returning to China. She stated she wasn't afraid after her recent experience. Yu Jian's mother helped Yan pack, expressing her deep care and concern, admitting she had always prioritized Yan. Yan confessed her lifelong desire for her mother's praise, recounting instances of past criticism.

She asked her mother to praise her new short haircut, which her mother eventually did, calling it "excellent." Yan promised she would no longer cause them worry, showing her mother details about her plans for the divorce and living arrangements in the US. Earlier, Yu Jian had a physical altercation with Andrew, which resulted in them being separated by police, who advised them to resolve their issues verbally rather than violently.

Episode 16 Recap

As the coldest season of the year gradually gives way to the warmth of spring, Xia Guo feels a sense of hope. Yu Jian continues to try and express his apologies and care by leaving baby supplies outside her door whenever he has time. Yan visits Xia Guo, expressing her deep regret for her past willfulness which contributed to the difficult circumstances of Xia Guo's labor.

Xia Guo assures her that it's all in the past and she doesn't blame anyone. Yan feels sad about the current situation between Xia Guo and Yu Jian. Seeing baby Chen for the first time, she is delighted, calling him tiny and holding him affectionately. She gives him a gold bracelet, promising to spend all her money on him in the future. Yan shares that her divorce case in the U. S.

is finalized and she has found a safe place to live near her school with a classmate. Later, Yu Jian returns home, and his mother, Wang Yan, expresses frustration that he didn't call. She brings up their grandson Chen's upcoming full-month celebration and asks if Xia Guo intends to stay at her own house forever. Yu Jian says he can't force them. His mother calls him useless and insists she wants to see the "real, living" baby, not just videos.

Yu Jian and his mother visit Xia Guo and Chen. Yu Jian's mother attempts to be helpful but seems out of her element. Xia Guo's mother, also named Wang Yan, arrives. Yu Jian's mother suggests it's time for Xia Guo and Chen to come live with them now that the confinement period is over. Xia Guo's mother coolly suggests they should leave after seeing the baby.

Yu Jian's mother insists, mentioning Yu Jian wants to apologize to Xia Guo in person. Xia Guo's mother retorts that Xia Guo staying at her home for confinement was also considerate because Yu Jian's mother was busy taking care of Yan. Baby Chen wakes up, and Yu Jian's mother is thrilled to finally hold her grandson, noting how much he resembles Xia Guo with his big, dark eyes. Yu Jian asks to speak with Xia Guo privately.

She tells him she doesn't blame him for rushing Yan to the hospital or leaving her side. She understands Yan was in grave danger. However, she recounts the terrifying experience of labor, the intense pain, being told the fetus was hypoxic and needed an emergency C-section, being alone with no family present, having to sign the consent form herself, and fearing she would die. Yu Jian apologizes tearfully, offering to let her hit him to repay the pain.

When he yelps at a light tap, Xia Guo manages a small smile. He tells her he knows he was wrong and pleads for them to come home or for him to stay and help care for them. Xia Guo stands firm in her decision to stay in her own home. She argues that raising a child is difficult, Yu Jian has work, and she needs to be independent.

She even offers to pay her mother rent if that's a concern. Her mother is unhappy with the decision, stating it's Xia Guo's choice and implying she's worried about the burden and wants to focus on her husband. Meanwhile, Yu Jian's mother complains to Yu Jian, blaming Xia Guo's mother and assuming Xia Guo is still holding a grudge against her.

Yu Jian tries to explain that Xia Guo's comfort is the most important thing right now, as it allows them access to see Chen occasionally. He suggests that if both parents work later, they will naturally need his mother's help anyway. His mother feels she is being prevented from taking care of her grandson. Yu Jian tries to soothe her feelings. For the Lunar New Year, Yu Jian brings Xia Guo and Chen to his parents' home.

The grandparents are overjoyed to welcome their grandson home for the holiday. Xia Guo observes the family gathered together, finding warmth and the true meaning of home in the shared meal and presence of loved ones. She feels happy and wishes for time to pass more slowly. In a different possibility, Xia Guo and Mr. Xue enjoy a quiet New Year's Eve together in Shanghai. They watch a movie and discuss themes of love, fear, seizing opportunities, and destiny.

Xia Guo feels happy not to be alone for the holiday. Mr. Xue believes their meeting was fated. Xia Guo emphasizes the importance of setting goals and working hard, not just leaving things to fate. Mr. Xue sees how hardworking she is and worries about her stressing herself out, suggesting she enjoy life more. Xia Guo teases him about headhunters not flooding his phone after he resigned. He says he has opportunities but they aren't what he wants.

They toast to good luck in the new year. Later, Mr. Xue is discussing a job opportunity as General Manager, Asia-Pacific, with someone named Brandon. The position is in Singapore, and Mr. Xue expresses the need to consider his girlfriend's feelings. Brandon pushes him, questioning if he's worried about long distance and if their relationship can survive without his career success, urging him not to miss the opportunity.

Xia Guo receives Lucy's wedding invitation for a destination wedding in the Maldives. Mr. Xue informs her he cannot attend because he's invited to a summit in Singapore. He apologizes for not being able to go with her. Xia Guo initially says she won't go either if he doesn't. He tries to make amends by buying her a beautiful dress for the wedding, joking she'll outshine the bride. He offers to help pick out a wedding gift for Lucy.

At a jewelry store, they look at a necklace, and a salesperson shows them diamond rings, mentioning they are perfect for marriage proposals. Xia Guo clarifies they are buying a gift for a friend. At Mr. Xue's place, while he is installing a light and explaining its features, Xia Guo suddenly says, "Let's get married." Mr. Xue, distracted by the light, says "wait" and then claims the bulb is fused, needing a replacement.

He asks what she just said, but she brushes it off as "nothing." Meanwhile, in Leshan, Xia Guo speaks to someone who mentions Mr. Xue having a child and questions whether he might only want a lover, not a wife. Xia Guo talks about wanting to find a job so she can return. When Yu Jian comes home, he is surprised to see Nanny Qian arriving, noting Xia Guo hired a nanny very quickly.

Xia Guo explains she has multiple interviews and needs the help. Yu Jian expresses concern about leaving their young child with a stranger, suggesting they agreed to find a nanny based on her future salary after she found a job. Xia Guo feels she's been home too long and will become detached from society if she doesn't work.

She feels she is already being a "free nanny" at home and tells him to be direct if he doesn't want her to work. Yu Jian insists he's thinking of her and Chen, but ultimately agrees to her decision and leaves for work. Yu Jian discusses financial matters with Old Tang, mentioning a lower dividend and the need to earn money to support his family, especially since Xia Guo isn't working yet.

Tang acknowledges the company's state and Yu Jian's focus on family, offering support and flexibility with work. Later, Yu Jian attends a housewarming party for Wen Ya's new shop. During a game, he quickly loses a finger for being married and steps outside. Wen Ya follows him, noting he drank despite not being good at it.

Yu Jian expresses confusion about why Xia Guo wants to work outside the home when he believes being a mother and raising their child is important and fulfilling. Wen Ya explains that for women, finding their "self" means being recognized for who they are by their own name, not just in roles like daughter, wife, or mother. She says work is a direct way to achieve this.

She relates it to his passion for design and his name being tied to his work. Wen Ya is happy with her flower shop because it's her ideal, not just work but realizing a dream. Yu Jian acknowledges that he might have overlooked Xia Guo's own dreams. Wen Ya offers to be a confidante if he needs to talk more.

Episode 17 Recap

Yu Jian returned home late after a client dinner, admitting he'd had a little to drink. He apologized to Xia Guo for the earlier disagreement and presented her with a beautiful preserved flower in a box with a tiny bear, explaining it was from a new flower shop he had designed.

He assured her that he had come to understand her need to pursue her own goals, encouraging her to use the nanny's help and take her time finding a fulfilling job without worrying about his opinion or the finances. Xia Guo was touched by his understanding and thanked him sincerely. However, relying on nannies proved difficult. They had gone through several in just a few days.

Xia Guo recounted one nanny who was cutting her nails while feeding the baby, Chen. Yu Jian suggested his mother could help with childcare, but Xia Guo was hesitant, feeling they shouldn't burden their parents, especially since his mother was also caring for his father. She explained that elderly parents and adult children often have different living habits that could lead to issues if they lived together.

Yu Jian pushed back, suggesting she simply didn't want to get along with his mother and implying their inability to live harmoniously was her fault, contrasting them with other families. Xia Guo brought up her difficult experience during confinement, reminding him how his mother had made things hard for her. Yu Jian acknowledged she was wronged then but argued his mother was just fulfilling her role.

Xia Guo insisted she only wanted to learn from the past and avoid causing trouble for anyone, unwilling to risk their child's well-being. Yu Jian became frustrated, accusing her of being upset that everyone had overlooked her and criticizing her for rejecting all solutions to their childcare problem, including his mother's help, which had left their lives chaotic. During their heated argument, their baby, Chen, fell from the bed. They immediately rushed him to the hospital.

At the hospital, Yu Jian's mother called, worried after hearing sounds from the hospital in the background. Despite her anxiety and offer to come, Yu Jian reassured her everything was fine and they were heading home, ending the call. Xia Guo watched him, feeling guilty about Chen's fall and blaming herself for arguing, but Yu Jian comforted her, saying it was an accident and she was a good mother who worked hard for their family.

He apologized for his harsh words earlier. Thinking about her interview scheduled for the next day, Xia Guo considered canceling, but Yu Jian encouraged her to go, offering to take a half-day off work to stay with Chen. The next day, while Xia Guo went for her interview, Yu Jian was called away by his senior, who sternly criticized him for significant errors in recent design drawings and exceeding the budget, calling his work state muddled due to family issues.

Yu Jian apologized and promised to fix the drawings immediately. Xia Guo returned home to find Yu Jian's mother already there, caring for Chen and tidying up. She told her mother-in-law to rest, but her mother-in-law insisted she was happy to help. Noticing how pale and weak Xia Guo looked, she touched her forehead and discovered she had a fever.

Scolding Xia Guo for being stubborn and not calling her, she urged her to lie down and rest while she made ginger water. She expressed concern that Xia Guo was pushing herself too hard for the interview. Xia Guo shared that she was expecting a job offer next week, which her mother-in-law enthusiastically praised. Meanwhile, in Shanghai, Xia Guo was summoned by Mr. Lu, who introduced her to the new general manager, Mr. Wu Yonghui.

Mr. Lu praised Xia Guo's work and expressed his intention to promote her to Marketing Director before his term as acting general manager ended. Xia Guo accepted the challenge, acknowledging her confidence but also questioning if her experience was sufficient. Mr. Lu stated that Haowei values ability over seniority and was confident she was capable based on her performance and character. Xia Guo accepted the responsibility, and they looked forward to working together.

Separately, Xue Yuming was in communication with someone named Brandon about a job offer from Singapore. Brandon mentioned the chairman who interviewed Xue Yuming was very impressed and wanted him to start soon, suggesting he book his flight. Xue Yuming seemed hesitant, wanting to stay in Shanghai longer to handle unfinished business. Brandon pressed him, emphasizing it was an excellent opportunity for a professional manager who had reached the peak of his current path, and he shouldn't miss it.

He suggested Xue Yuming was reluctant to leave his girlfriend and could even bring her to Singapore later. Xue Yuming admitted he didn't want to regret missing the opportunity but still seemed undecided. Later, Xia Guo and Xue Yuming had dinner together. Xia Guo was in high spirits and revealed her good news: she had been promoted to Marketing Director.

She celebrated her achievement and hinted that her ambitions went beyond a director role, suggesting she might want to be her own boss someday. Xue Yuming agreed that she had great potential and could indeed start her own business, though perhaps not by climbing higher within Haowei, suggesting she just needed the right opportunity, which he could help fund later as part of their plan.

Xia Guo playfully worried about him not being able to find her if she was her own boss, asking who would eat with him and date him. He conceded, saying being Director Xia was good and he was happy with their current life, wanting it to continue. Xia Guo reminded him he had messaged saying he had something to tell her, but he claimed he had forgotten.

Upon returning home, Xue Yuming received a call confirming the Singapore offer had been sent via email. He asked Xia Guo to find his laptop and checked the email. He then admitted the offer had just arrived and he hadn't told her because he didn't want to overshadow her promotion news.

Xia Guo felt she should have been told sooner and apologized for her role in his having to potentially move, suggesting he wouldn't have gone through this trouble if she had left Haowei instead. Xue Yuming insisted his decision to leave was the right one for him and reiterated his idea for their future: she would gain more experience at Haowei, then they would start a business together with his investment, giving her autonomy.

Xia Guo then declared she would go to Singapore with him. Xue Yuming seemed taken aback and hesitant, asking if she really wanted to come. She insisted she didn't want to be separated, but he countered that he was going for work, not leaving her permanently, and travel was easy. Xia Guo didn't want the possibility of a long-distance relationship; she only wanted him by her side.

Xue Yuming expressed confidence in their relationship but cautioned her against making an impulsive decision to follow him right after her promotion. He warned that Singapore might feel new initially but she could get bored and face difficulties finding a job there. He stated he didn't tell her earlier precisely because he feared her impulsiveness. Xia Guo challenged his words, asking if he didn't want her to work in Singapore or didn't want her to follow him.

She stated she wasn't afraid of hard work. She then directly asked him if she was part of his future and if he had thought about marrying her. Xue Yuming evaded the question, saying it was a separate matter he couldn't answer at that moment. Xia Guo pressed for an answer, but he couldn't provide one.

He expressed surprise at her shift in focus, thinking they were both career-driven people, and stated that as a man, she didn't understand his perspective. Sometime later, Xue Yuming was seen in a jewelry store looking at a classic six-prong diamond ring. He left the store and went to Xia Guo's apartment holding a ring box, but she wasn't there. At the same time, Xia Guo was standing outside his apartment.

Her phone rang, showing his name, but she didn't answer, and her phone was off. A voice message from Xue Yuming was later heard: "Guo, the plane is taking off. Take good care of yourself. Wait for my return." It appeared he left for Singapore alone after their argument. Meanwhile, in Leshan, Xia Guo's mother, Wang Yan, was gravely ill.

Mr. Zheng, her stepfather, informed Xia Guo that her mother had been battling an illness for nearly a year, refusing surgery, and the doctors feared she might not make it. Xia Guo rushed to the hospital to be with her mother. Back in her hometown, Xia Guo's mother-in-law continued to help care for Chen daily. Seeing the toll it took on her mother-in-law while her own mother was sick, Xia Guo decided they should move in with Yu Jian's parents.

She told her mother-in-law to take Chen home with her, announcing that she and Yu Jian would pack up and join them. Her mother-in-law was overjoyed at the prospect of having Chen live with them. At the hospital, Wang Yan briefly woke up. She admitted Mr. Zheng had told Xia Guo about her condition despite her wishes. Xia Guo tearfully asked why she had hidden it.

Wang Yan explained it was her destiny, and she didn't want to burden her daughter. Xia Guo was hurt by this, feeling misunderstood. Yu Jian was also present and intervened gently. Wang Yan reflected on her life, stating she had always done what she wanted and had no major regrets, although she wished she had been a better mother and grandmother in her final year.

She asked about Chen, and Xia Guo reassured her he was fine and with her mother-in-law. Wang Yan advised Xia Guo and Yu Jian to not put too much pressure on their lives and careers, reminding them they were young and had a long future. She entrusted Xia Guo to Yu Jian and urged them to raise Chen well together. Wang Yan passed away shortly after. After her mother's death, Xia Guo returned to Leshan.

Mr. Zheng showed her her mother's urn and belongings. He explained that Wang Yan hadn't wanted to burden her daughter who was working hard in Shanghai. He gave Xia Guo a bank card, explaining that her mother had saved the money Xia Guo sent for rent without spending it. He also revealed that Wang Yan had changed the ownership of her house to Xia Guo's name when she became ill, ensuring her daughter had a place.

Xia Guo mourned her mother's sudden passing and wished her mother had shown her feelings or even scolded her before she died. Mr. Zheng tried to comfort her, saying her mother would have been proud of her achievements. Xia Guo questioned what achievements she had, feeling helpless watching loved ones leave. She recalled her mother describing herself as a selfish mother who lived without regret because she made her own choices.

Xia Guo reflected on this, questioning if she and Yu Jian had made the right choices at the crossroads in their own lives, acknowledging they had both followed their hearts. She remembered her mother's advice: no matter the path chosen in life, there might be regrets, but once decided, one must keep going, and it would turn out well. Her mother had told her not to be afraid or regretful. Xia Guo wondered if she would choose the same path if given the chance again, concluding that life has no second chances and they must move forward.

Episode 18 Recap

At Haowei, the newly appointed Mr. Wu seemed to have a difficult relationship with Ms. Xia. Even when Ms. Xia worked while sick, Mr. Wu spoke to her sarcastically, suggesting she take a long annual leave to rest and recover. Xia Guo felt misunderstood by his words, believing he was implying she wasn't competent enough for her role as director, especially after the market department hadn't met his expectations.

She told him she needed to work, but he insisted she was being too hard on herself and needed to balance work and rest. Chen Nan reached out to Xia Guo after a long time, suggesting they meet. When they met at No. 18, Bund, Huangpu District, Chen Nan noticed Xia Guo's poor state and guessed she was upset about being targeted by Mr. Wu.

Chen Nan revealed she had moved to a jewelry group and wanted to recruit Xia Guo, expressing her long-standing recognition of Xia Guo's abilities. However, she also frankly told Xia Guo that she seemed to have lost her former fighting spirit, defeated by reality and the situation at Haowei.

Chen Nan encouraged her to regain her passion and offered her full support, including a place to stay if needed, though Xia Guo teased her for making it sound like a hard-luck story. Chen Nan also advised Xia Guo to let go of her relationship with Mr. Xue, describing him as a refined egoist not worth her time. One evening, Xia Guo heard a lot of noise from Allen's apartment next door.

She went over and discovered he was having a pajama party with friends. Invited inside, Xia Guo joined in and felt a sense of relaxation she hadn't experienced before. Despite being younger, Allen offered her perspective and comfort. He shared a method for making decisions: observe a random event, like which way a person walks, and link it to two potential choices (A or B).

He suggested closing her eyes and seeing if the outcome matched her desired choice, as disappointment could reveal her true preference. Reflecting on this, Xia Guo felt that no matter the choice, things might not turn out perfectly, but they wouldn't be terrible either. Thinking about her situation and Allen's words, Xia Guo decided to resign from Haowei and end her relationship with Mr. Xue.

She didn't regret leaving the company she had worked so hard to join, feeling it was necessary for her to rest and plan her future. She sent a breakup message to Mr. Xue and blocked him. Around the same time, Allen mentioned that the owner of the bar where he worked was planning to sell it. This sparked an idea for Xia Guo.

Recalling Allen's "A or B" method and how a chosen outcome aligned with her desire to break from the past, she decided to take on a new challenge. Xia Guo proposed a partnership with Allen: she would invest her savings to buy the bar, and he would handle the operations. Allen initially teased her but agreed, asking to become an official shareholder once they made enough profit.

They celebrated their new venture and welcomed new employees to the bar, emphasizing mutual learning and growth. During this period, Xia Guo fell ill again. Despite her protests, Allen insisted she go to the hospital, even carrying her there. He stayed by her side, making sure she got rest and treatment. While she was recovering, Allen suggested they live together, listing things they could do, like eating, drinking, and dancing together.

Xia Guo pretended to be asleep, unable to respond, feeling hesitant to enter a new relationship after her past heartbreaks. Later, Lucy visited the bar. She quickly picked up on Allen's feelings for Xia Guo and commented on how good Xia Guo looked lately. Lucy encouraged Xia Guo to consider Allen, praising his qualities and how his eyes lit up when looking at her.

Lucy shared her own experience, emphasizing that a woman should find someone who truly loves her and makes her happy, urging Xia Guo to be brave in her choices. Xia Guo acknowledged their working relationship was good and she was currently focused on earning money, not ready for romance. One evening, while driving Xia Guo home, Allen saw her absorbed in checking the bar's monthly revenue.

He suggested they increase the budget for the upcoming New Year and Christmas holidays, focusing on creating a good atmosphere and earning more money. However, Allen expressed less interest in just making money, hinting at his feelings for her again. Xia Guo tried to deflect, citing his age, but Allen pressed on, suggesting they were both single adults and could be together.

Xia Guo explained she wasn't in a good state of mind, still processing things, and couldn't make impulsive decisions like him. He proposed another "A or B" bet based on whether a couple nearby raised their glasses, but the moment was interrupted. Xia Guo insisted they focus on making money and not overthink things. As the New Year approached, Xia Guo was prepared to spend it alone.

Unexpectedly, Allen showed up at her door, claiming his high-speed train was canceled and he had nowhere else to go, so he came to freeload a New Year's Eve dinner. While making dumplings together, Allen, having had a few drinks, confessed his love for her and kissed her. Xia Guo firmly rejected him, reiterating that they could only be friends and asked him to leave if he couldn't accept it.

Allen apologized, and Xia Guo sincerely told him she wished him happiness but that she wasn't the one who could give it to him. She thanked him for being there during a difficult time, helping her find a clearer sense of herself. After the New Year, the bar faced challenges due to the pandemic restrictions. Xia Guo considered laying off staff, but they expressed loyalty and willingness to stay without pay, waiting for the situation to improve.

Just as she was feeling helpless, she received a message asking if they did food delivery. Realizing this was a lifeline, Xia Guo felt they were saved. She instructed the staff to prepare and immediately contacted a platform to start a simple meal delivery service, believing that as long as there was one customer who needed them, the business could survive. Later, Allen celebrated Xia Guo's birthday.

During a live stream, he publicly wished his "goddess" a happy birthday and expressed his wish to always be by her side as her bartender. Afterwards, they discussed their future. Xia Guo, seeing the success of food delivery and the potential, proposed they find a larger place to open a restaurant, believing they could thrive by focusing on takeout and seizing opportunities during the pandemic's low rent and tax periods.

Allen disagreed, feeling it wasn't a good time for a major expansion and preferring a more free lifestyle without constant pressure and crisis awareness. Their differing views on life and business created a significant conflict. Allen felt their values were too different and requested a leave of absence. As he left, Xia Guo wondered if her relentless pursuit of challenges was the right path, contrasting her approach with Allen's desire for a more relaxed life. She felt her heart was too calm, almost missing the earlier turbulence, and reflected on how facing sudden changes teaches one what they truly want.

Episode 19 Recap

Living as a mother in a small town, Xia Guo faced challenges both at home and at work. Although her proposals were well-received by her boss, the company decided to postpone her contract signing due to the pandemic and her recent status as a new mother, citing past negative experiences with first-time mothers impacting work. At home, tensions arose between her and Yu Jian, particularly concerning the care of their young son, Chen.

Xia Guo discovered that a preserved flower Yu Jian had given her was purchased from Wen Ya's flower shop. She saw Wen Ya busy in the shop and became anxious, suspecting Yu Jian was having an affair. She confided in her friend, Ping Jie, who urged her not to overthink the situation. However, Xia Guo remained determined to uncover the truth.

Yu Jian brought Xia Guo a gift, a box of limited-edition makeup including a lipstick in the shade 206 Terracotta Red-Brown. Xia Guo was surprised he knew the specific shade, especially since she rarely wore makeup while caring for Chen. She suspected he had originally bought it for someone else and only gave it to her because she saw it. Their conversation quickly turned into an argument, with Xia Guo questioning his actions and spending.

Yu Jian announced a sudden business trip to Shanghai the next day. Filled with suspicion, Xia Guo waited until he left home, then rushed after him with his gloves, using them as an excuse to follow. At the station, she saw Yu Jian getting into a car with Wen Ya. Seeing Wen Ya, who seemed confident and radiant, highlighted Xia Guo's own feelings of inadequacy and doubt, deepening her suspicion about Yu Jian's loyalty.

Later, in Shanghai, Xia Guo was surprised to encounter Yu Jian again. She was there for work and found that the interior designer she was seeking was him. Yu Jian had become well-known in the industry, with many of his designs turning into popular spots. They discussed her shop project and his plans for the design.

During a phone call, Yu Jian spoke to his young daughter, Tian, revealing he had a child with someone else, highlighting the different paths their lives had taken since they were last close. After discussing work, they decided to watch the sunrise by the sea. Xia Guo reflected on how long it had been since she had seen a sunrise and how unexpected it was to share the experience with Yu Jian. They talked about their lives and past choices.

Yu Jian mentioned returning to Leshan soon, and Xia Guo saw him off. They reflected on their history; Yu Jian recalled leaving Xia Guo years ago after seeing her embrace Mr. Xue, which had led him to decide to move on from her. Sometime later, Xia Guo received a package containing drawings from Yu Jian.

A message conveyed his feelings, stating he was happy drawing her every day in the past and hoped she would be happy looking at the drawings now. He expressed a wish for both of them to always be happy, believing that every experience brings clarity and that future joys and sorrows would be for her own sake, convinced that happiness is always within reach. Back in Leshan, the strain in Xia Guo and Yu Jian's relationship continued to grow.

Their son, Chen, became sick with a viral flu, and during a chaotic visit to the hospital, they argued heatedly about parenting and Yu Jian's constant absence due to work. Yu Jian left for another meeting, saying he wouldn't be home for dinner. Later, Yu Jian's sister, Yan, returned home from quarantine along with their parents. Yan noticed the tension between Xia Guo and Yu Jian.

Xia Guo's anxieties peaked when she saw a message on Yu Jian's phone from Wen Ya arranging to meet downstairs at 9 a. m. the next morning, stating she was ready. The next morning, Xia Guo observed Yu Jian getting ready, putting on cologne. His mother commented on how little he was home. When Yu Jian received a message from Wen Ya saying she was downstairs, he immediately left. Xia Guo followed him discreetly. She watched as Yu Jian got into a car with Wen Ya, and they drove to the Lechuan Hotel and entered together.

Episode 20 (Ending) Recap

After returning home, Xia Guo was heartbroken, and her reaction was noticed by Yan. Xia Guo told Yan what she had seen, but Yan refused to believe her brother, Yu Jian, was capable of cheating, insisting there must be a misunderstanding. Xia Guo knew Yan would naturally side with her brother but didn't press the issue further. That evening, Yu Jian initiated a conversation about their relationship, suggesting they needed to resolve some issues.

He said he had found a place for them to talk the next day and would take her there. Xia Guo agreed, prepared to accept whatever the future held. The following day, Yu Jian drove Xia Guo to a hotel. Seeing the location, Xia Guo became anxious, unsure of Yu Jian's intentions. The name of the hotel, Lechuan Hotel, was visible. In a different time and place, in Shanghai, Xia Guo's business was thriving, and her new shop had opened.

She received flowers from Allen, who was climbing Mount Everest, congratulating her on the opening and his success. To her surprise, Mr. Xue also arrived to congratulate her. He told Xia Guo he had returned and planned to stay, not going anywhere else. Xia Guo, however, didn't want to discuss their past relationship, treating him purely as a customer and welcoming his congratulatory visit.

Later, Mr. Xue sent her a message saying he was happy to see her and hoped she was happy too, which Xia Guo responded to by blacklisting his number. Xia Guo received a special request from a customer named Fisher who wanted to propose to his girlfriend in her shop. Xia Guo took the booking, seeing it as a chance for her shop to become a popular spot for couples.

However, Mr. Xue continued to frequent her shop, often sitting with his laptop, working and waiting for lunch. He seemed unusually invested in the proposal, asking questions about it and even buying a limited edition Valentine's red wine, one of only two thousand bottles worldwide, each featuring a unique love quote revealed upon finishing the wine. He also became fixated on finding the perfect dessert to pair with the wine, suggesting various options that Xia Guo found uninspired.

He showed her photos of fruits and their symbolism, particularly focusing on the fig, which he noted symbolizes guardianship and selfless dedication. Xia Guo eventually discovered Mr. Xue was the customer planning the proposal under the name Fisher. This explained his intense interest. However, Xia Guo could not accept his gesture, viewing it as self-serving rather than truly romantic.

She reflected on their past, feeling that she had always accommodated him, waiting for him whether he wanted to disclose their relationship, get married, or leave for Singapore. She felt she had lost herself. She had worked hard to move past the insecurity, waiting, and disappointment. Now, she wanted to live for herself. Despite her resolve, she questioned if she could truly let go of him. Mr. Xue gave Xia Guo a ring he had bought years ago.

The receipt inside the box revealed he had purchased it the night before he left for Singapore. This silent action highlighted the long period where he didn't explain his leaving, and she didn't ask, leaving things unresolved between them. Later, Mr. Xue came to Xia Guo's home, determined not to give up and seeking her forgiveness. He even used her passcode, which she claimed to have forgotten.

He brought back her belongings, showed her the special red wine again, and spoke about the mistletoe, explaining the British tradition of couples kissing under it for happiness and reconciliation, and that the flower symbolizes hope. He asked if the potential fiancee would have regrets, and then asked Xia Guo about her own ideal proposal day. She described a simple, happy life together, where a ring might just appear one day.

Mr. Xue found this too ordinary, but Xia Guo explained that such simplicity was a luxury for some. He still believed it should be extraordinary. He asked if she still couldn't forgive him. Xia Guo stated that the past was behind them. She admitted to being dejected when he left but had since found contentment in her current state. She told him his presence, or lack thereof, no longer affected her life, suggesting his efforts were futile.

Mr. Xue insisted he was back to stay, to be by her side and protect her, and he formally proposed marriage. Meanwhile, in the alternative timeline set in Leshan, Xia Guo was being led towards a surprise. Yu Jian's recent busyness had been dedicated to preparing their wedding. Yan and their family and friends had all helped keep it a secret. Yu Jian had even invited Xia Guo's stepfather, fulfilling a promise he had made to her years ago.

During the ceremony, Yu Jian expressed gratitude for Xia Guo's sacrifice in staying with him and their family in Leshan. He spoke about believing in miracles and reflected on how their lives might have unfolded if she had chosen a different path. He concluded that their current happiness, with parents nearby, friends around, and their son Chen, wasn't a miracle but a result of her choices and sacrifices.

He thanked her for being with him through difficult times and confidently stated his belief that they would continue to be happy together forever, professing his love for her. It was revealed that Tang, not Yu Jian, was in a relationship with Wen Ya, clearing up Xia Guo's past misunderstanding. In the end, the two versions of Xia Guo, one who stayed in Leshan and one who pursued her path in Shanghai, shared a metaphorical conversation.

They acknowledged that there wasn't one inherently better choice between their paths. The most important thing was to follow one's heart. The Shanghai version thanked the Leshan version for living a happy and fulfilling life, while the Leshan version thanked the Shanghai version for living a bold and free life. They wished each other well in finding the best versions of themselves in their respective lives.