Second Chance Romance Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Second Chance Romance Synopsis
Renowned international ballet artist Tan Siting, after achieving great success, returned to her home country to teach. Her greatest wish is to impart her ballet skills, allowing more children the opportunity to experience and understand art, while also discovering more talents, helping them step onto the world stage.
During this time, Tan Siting unexpectedly met ballet prodigy Zheng Yufan, who was facing a technical bottleneck. Under Tan Siting's careful guidance, Zheng Yufan won a gold medal in an international competition, making a stunning debut. The story of Tan Siting's perseverance in pursuing her dreams despite pain and hardship spread widely and was highly acclaimed.
Through a fortunate coincidence, Tan Siting unexpectedly reunited with her former husband, Feng Rui. The calm waters of their hearts were once again stirred. Feng Rui was moved by Tan Siting's pursuit of her dreams, her passion for art, and her unwavering feelings for him. In the end, Feng Rui let go of his reservations and bravely pursued love once more. The two lovers finally became a family, and Tan Siting's ballet career was also passed on, ensuring its legacy.
Second Chance Romance Recap
Episode 1 Recap
At a prestigious international wine gala, Feng Rui, speaking in a mix of fluent French, English, and Chinese, proudly presented the unique Cabernet Sauvignon from his Cygne winery, located in western Sichuan. He elaborated on how the region's diverse terroir influenced the wine's character. After his winery received a gold medal for its exceptional creation, Feng Rui promptly returned to China.
Simultaneously, news reports announced that Tan Siting, the sole Chinese principal dancer of France's Cupid Ballet, had retired at the peak of her career. The decision puzzled many fans and industry insiders, but it was understood she intended to return home to pursue teaching. Back in China, her childhood friend, Yuan, warmly greeted her.
He expressed his joy at her return and, seizing the opportunity, confessed his long-standing feelings for her once more, but Tan Siting gently declined as she had done before, joking that perhaps it could happen in her next life. Yuan then shared updates about Feng Rui, mentioning his retirement from the military to establish Cygne Winery and that he now has a child. Tan Siting admitted to missing her father and expressed her hope of finding him this time.
The following day, while exploring Chengdu, Tan Siting boarded a public bus. There, she unexpectedly spotted Feng Rui. The moment brought back a vivid memory from her college days when they first met on a bus. She had accidentally dropped a possession, which Feng Rui picked up for her. They exchanged contact information, their connection blossoming from that chance encounter. In the present, Feng Rui, though visibly moved, maintained his composure and offered a polite smile.
Meanwhile, Feng Rui's mother was actively trying to set him up with Wen Peiyan, a refined and kind woman who was excellent with children and a skilled pianist, aligning perfectly with Feng Rui’s son, Le’s, piano studies. After a family dinner with Wen Peiyan and Le, as Feng Rui drove them home, the radio announced Tan Siting's return.
His mother, visibly anxious, glanced at him, concerned about the impact this news might have on her son, who had finally started moving forward after a difficult past. The next day, Feng Rui's mother again pressed him to buy a new piano for Le, suggesting he bring Wen Peiyan along to help select it, covertly creating another chance for them to bond.
She subtly probed Feng Rui about his feelings for Tan Siting, to which he calmly responded that it was all in the past and he had forgotten about it. His mother was relieved by his answer. Later, Tan Siting visited Cygne, Feng Rui's winery. The location was deeply significant, as it was on Hantang Road—the very street where they had once dreamed of opening a winery and a dance studio together.
As she arrived, a staff member introduced the winery as a six-year-old business focused on producing wines tailored to the Chinese palate, highlighting their popular dry red and dry white wines. Feng Rui then appeared. Their interaction was strained; his initial politeness had given way to a deliberate coldness. He offered her a glass of wine, which she tasted carefully.
Tan Siting critically observed the wine's "distinct graininess" and its "floral notes appearing briefly and then receding quickly," likening it to a "sharp, bold retreat"—a poignant reflection on her own decision to retire from ballet at her career's peak. She confessed she had returned to China to settle down. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Le and Wen Peiyan, with Le having previously called Wen Peiyan "Auntie" affectionately.
Feng Rui introduced Tan Siting as a friend, but Tan Siting quickly perceived the shift in his life, realizing he had moved on. She politely excused herself, taking a bottle of wine he offered her. As Feng Rui drove Le home, Le thanked him for the new piano. Wen Peiyan had brought Le to the winery after receiving a call from Feng Rui's mother, who had an unexpected company matter.
While driving, Feng Rui caught a glimpse of Tan Siting in his rearview mirror. Despite his earlier assertion of moving on, a deep well of emotion stirred within him, and he wished for time to stand still, allowing him to watch her a little longer. Earlier, Wen Peiyan had a candid conversation with Feng Rui's mother. Wen Peiyan confessed her feelings for Feng Rui but expressed concern about his reserved and overly formal demeanor towards her.
Feng Rui’s mother reassured her, explaining that it was just his personality. She encouraged Wen Peiyan to be more proactive in pursuing him. Wen Peiyan then cautiously inquired about Le's mother. Feng Rui's mother responded by saying that both Feng Rui and the woman were too young back then, only considering their own feelings and not understanding the true nature of life. She emphasized that the past should remain in the past and that they should all look forward.
Episode 2 Recap
Years later, Tan Siting, now a renowned prima ballerina from France's Amour Ballet, returned to China. She met up with her university friends, including Wang Shuhan and Zeyuan. Shuhan expressed how much she had missed Siting and jokingly lamented Siting's unchanging beauty and slim figure. Zeyuan revealed he had flown in on a full-price business class ticket just to see her immediately upon her return.
Over drinks, Siting shared that her life abroad was simple, a routine between the theater and home. She also mentioned that there was still no news about her missing father, and Zeyuan had posted a notice online to help find him. Shuhan then asked if Siting had seen their old university boyfriend, Feng Rui. Siting confirmed she had, that very afternoon.
Shuhan had heard that Feng Rui had left his grandfather's company to open his own winery, and Siting confirmed that the wine they were drinking was from his establishment. Siting explained that she had merely stumbled into his winery by chance. Shuhan teased about them rekindling their old romance, but Siting quickly dispelled the idea, revealing that Feng Rui's new partner and child had arrived while she was there, and his son was quite grown.
Shuhan encouraged Siting to move on, offering to set her up with other bachelors, but Siting declined. That evening, Feng Rui and his son Le were having dinner with Wen Peiyan when Feng Rui's mother, Ms. Gao, arrived. To create alone time for Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan, Ms. Gao used a new game console to persuade Le to spend the weekend at her place. After they left, Wen Peiyan and Feng Rui discussed Le's upbringing.
Wen Peiyan commented that Le was too mature for his age, finding it heartbreaking. She expressed a wish that children should be allowed to make mistakes and be willful, as childhood is fleeting. Feng Rui agreed with her perspective. Wen Peiyan then gently suggested that Feng Rui, too, didn't always have to act strong and could let his guard down with people he trusted. Tan Siting began a new job as a guest teacher at a dance school.
The principal, Ms. Zhuang, proudly announced that Siting, a former prima ballerina, had turned down an offer from France's Royal Ballet School to teach there. Ms. Zhuang assigned Siting to coach a promising student, Zheng Yufan, for an upcoming international competition in Japan. Coincidentally, the school was located in the same arts center where Wen Peiyan worked as a piano teacher and where Le took piano lessons.
One day, Wen Peiyan saw Siting at the center and greeted her warmly, unaware of her history with Feng Rui. Ms. Gao was also present, waiting for Le with Feng Rui. Wen Peiyan innocently introduced Siting to Ms. Gao as "Rui's friend" and Ms. Gao as "Rui's mother." The greeting between Siting and Ms. Gao was visibly strained, with Siting offering a polite but contemptuous smile and Ms. Gao looking panicked. Siting politely excused herself.
Later, a worried Ms. Gao confronted Feng Rui at home, demanding to know why he hadn't told her about meeting Siting. She found the series of "coincidences"—Siting returning, visiting his winery, and now working with Wen Peiyan—highly suspicious. Feng Rui dismissed her concerns, stating they had only exchanged casual greetings. Ms. Gao reminded him of how Siting had supposedly abandoned him and a newborn Le to pursue her ballet career in France, leaving only a letter.
She expressed fear that Siting was back to disrupt their now-stable lives. Feng Rui, resolute, declared that there was no possibility of a reunion. He explained that Siting had already met Le and showed no reaction, which solidified his belief that she had truly abandoned them. He assured his mother that Siting could no longer affect him or their family. Not entirely convinced, Ms. Gao went to the dance school to confront Siting directly.
She told Siting that Feng Rui had found his other half and wanted her to stop bothering him. Reverting to her old tactics, she asked if Siting had returned for money, an accusation Siting met with disdain, stating she had long forgotten Feng Rui and was not in need of money. That night, Feng Rui entered his son's room and found Le asleep, clutching a photograph.
He gently took it and looked at the image he had taken years ago: Tan Siting, dancing ballet in the sunlight. The memory prompted a flashback to his mother's explanation for Siting's departure. Ms. Gao had claimed that Siting left for France right after Le was born, driven by her lifelong dream of ballet.
Despite Feng Rui’s insistence that Siting wasn’t that kind of person, Ms. Gao had retorted that artists thought differently and that having a child would end her dancing career, calling him naive. This memory stood in stark contrast to Siting's own traumatic recollections. In a flashback, Siting recalled being rushed into an emergency room while pregnant. The baby was in distress due to severe oxygen deprivation, and despite the doctors' efforts, the child was lost.
When she awoke, Ms. Gao coldly informed her the baby was gone and prevented her from seeing Feng Rui. Ms. Gao then offered Siting 500,000 yuan to leave, arguing that the tragic history between their families would make a future together impossible. Back in the present, having accepted his mother's version of events, Feng Rui decided to move on. When Wen Peiyan suggested they make their relationship official, pointing out that they already functioned like a family, he agreed.
Meanwhile, Siting, disturbed by her confrontation with Ms. Gao, requested a leave of absence from the training center. Ms. Zhuang, however, persuaded her to stay, entrusting her with the crucial role of discovering and cultivating the next generation of top ballerinas, a task for which Siting's eye for talent was indispensable.
Episode 3 Recap
Feng Rui's mother, anxious about Tan Siting's recent return to the country, visited Wen Peiyan at her workplace with coffee. She inquired about the progress of Wen Peiyan’s relationship with Feng Rui. Wen Peiyan confirmed that she and Feng Rui had officially started dating the previous night after she suggested they "give it a shot," and he agreed.
Overjoyed, Feng Rui's mother proposed that her grandson, Lexuan, stay with her for a few days to allow the new couple more time together. After leaving, she immediately called Feng Rui, excitedly pushing him to set a wedding date. She is desperate to secure his relationship with Wen Peiyan to prevent Tan Siting from discovering a long-held secret: that the child she was forced to give up is alive.
Feng Rui, who still believes Tan Siting abandoned him, agreed to date Wen Peiyan partly out of spite, and he assured his mother he would handle the wedding plans himself. Meanwhile, at a dance studio, Tan Siting noticed a young boy, Feng Lexuan, outside secretly mimicking ballet moves. Recognizing him from a pastry shop, Tan Siting approached him and offered to teach him some basic steps.
Lexuan excitedly asked about the pain of standing on pointe, and Tan Siting explained the intense focus required, cautioning him against practicing at home without proper training. Before they could continue, Wen Peiyan arrived, reminding Tan Siting of an upcoming class. That evening, Feng Rui’s mother saw Lexuan practicing ballet on his tiptoes at home. She scolded him, stating that boys shouldn't learn ballet and that she disliked it.
Lexuan argued back, mentioning that there are male ballet dancers and that she was old-fashioned. He then enthusiastically described the new teacher he met, Tan Siting, calling her beautiful, a famous dancer, and very friendly. This connection is unknown to Lexuan, who has found a photograph of a ballerina at home—a picture Feng Rui once took of Tan Siting—and believes the woman in the photo is his mother.
Later, Feng Rui went to check on his son and found him clutching this very photo. Feng Rui’s company held an anniversary event, where it was announced that they had acquired Soler Winery in Australia, a move expected to lead to self-production and sales of wine. To celebrate, each employee would receive a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Amidst this, Feng Rui received a call from Lexuan's teacher about a fight at school.
Lexuan and his friend had intervened when three older students were bullying a classmate, Yang Zihuan, leading to a scuffle. With no surveillance footage as evidence, the teacher decided that all involved students would receive a major demerit and write a 600-word reflection. Lexuan felt it was unfair, but Feng Rui reassured him that he believed his son. Wen Peiyan later invited Tan Siting to dinner to welcome her as a new colleague.
Unaware of Tan Siting's past with Feng Rui, Wen Peiyan asked how she knew him. Tan Siting jokingly replied that they were each other's "first love" before clarifying they met through a friend and hadn't been in contact for twelve years. Feng Rui arrived to pick up Wen Peiyan and joined them, adding to the awkwardness. Assuming Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan were a married couple, Tan Siting asked how long they had been together.
Wen Peiyan stated they had been together a long time but were now planning their wedding. Tan Siting offered a toast to their happiness. As Tan Siting excused herself, she told Feng Rui and Wen Peiyan to catch up. She then remarked to Feng Rui that Wen Peiyan loved him very much, to which he simply replied that Wen Peiyan was a good person. Later, as they were leaving, they all exchanged WeChat contact information.
In the car, Wen Peiyan brought up Tan Siting's "first love" comment, and Feng Rui dismissed it as a joke. When she asked why he had suddenly brought up marriage at dinner, he replied that it was the natural next step for them. Meanwhile, Tan Siting discovered a talented 11-year-old girl named Qu Zhen from a remote mountain village. Despite having little formal training, Qu Zhen displayed natural musicality and an innate feel for ballet.
During a school committee meeting, teachers were divided on admitting her due to her age and lack of experience. Tan Siting passionately advocated for Qu Zhen, arguing that joy and passion are as important as achievement. She cited Tamara Rojo, a principal dancer who excelled through dedication despite not having ideal physical attributes. The principal agreed, emphasizing the school's mission to help children achieve their dreams, and decided to accept Qu Zhen if she could pass an entrance exam.
However, Qu Zhen and her mother were heartbroken as they couldn't afford the tuition. Upon learning this, Tan Siting immediately offered to have Qu Zhen stay with her and provide special training to help her pass the exam. Later that evening, Wen Peiyan sensed Feng Rui's hesitation, playfully calling herself his "free piano teacher and nanny" but also expressing her sincere desire to take care of him and Lexuan.
At Tan Siting’s apartment, she patiently taught Qu Zhen fundamental ballet techniques. Grateful, Qu Zhen performed a traditional dance from her village for Tan Siting. Watching her, Tan Siting was transported back to her college days, reminiscing about how Feng Rui, captivated by her dancing, had enrolled in a ballet interest class just to be near her. His determination to practice, under her strict guidance, brought them closer and ignited their deep love.
Episode 4 Recap
In a flashback to their youth, Feng Rui couldn't help but smile whenever he saw Tan Siting. During ballet practice, Tan Siting patiently taught Feng Rui to dance, and he struggled to suppress the flutter in his heart. After class, Feng Rui would walk Tan Siting back to her dorm. One evening, noticing her voice was hoarse, he rushed out to buy her pear soup.
He managed to get past the dorm security by leaving his ID with the lady downstairs, then delivered the warm soup to Tan Siting, who was deeply touched by his thoughtfulness. During their conversation, Feng Rui asked if it was too late for him to learn ballet. Tan Siting jokingly agreed but then encouraged him, acknowledging that starting was easy but persisting was hard.
He then informed her he wouldn't be around the following week, as he was going to Hongyuan County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan, for a charity trip on his father's behalf, as his company was too busy for his father to go. Tan Siting mentioned she had never been but heard the sunsets there were exceptionally beautiful. Before he left, Feng Rui suggested they get hot pot the next day as a farewell dinner.
Over a decade later, Feng Rui, a single father, faced a chaotic morning with his son, Le. They were scrambling to get ready for school. Feng Rui, trying to make breakfast and find a band-aid for Le's cut, was overwhelmed. Thankfully, Wen Peiyan arrived, helping them get organized and ensuring Le made it to school on time. Her presence highlighted the absence of a female figure in their home.
Wen Peiyan also advised Le that while standing up for others was good, he should be careful and protect himself first, as he wasn't old enough to handle such situations physically. Meanwhile, Tan Siting dedicated herself to her work. Qu Zhen, a young ballet enthusiast from a minority background, nervously prepared for her ballet assessment.
Another student commented on Qu Zhen's nervousness, but Tan Siting reassured her, advising her to bow respectfully to Ms. Guan, the strict assessor, and to focus on a butterfly-shaped water stain on the ceiling if she felt overwhelmed. Qu Zhen performed a series of basic ballet moves, impressing Ms. Guan and the school principal with her dedication and talent. She passed the assessment. Afterward, Qu Zhen's mother expressed her gratitude to Tan Siting.
Later, Tan Siting found Qu Zhen practicing on her own and gave her specific guidance on hip alignment during stretches. Tan Siting also bought Qu Zhen two new pairs of soft-soled ballet shoes, one size larger, specifically chosen for dancing. Le's grandma learned her grandson had been given a major demerit for fighting after standing up for a bullied classmate. The next morning, she went directly to the school principal.
She argued that giving a demerit without a clear investigation was inappropriate and that the school's surveillance blind spots were their responsibility, not the children's. Drawing on her experience running a company, she pressured the school, which eventually agreed to revoke Le's major demerit. However, after Le's grandma's visit, the boy who had been bullying others, Ren Zhexi, along with his friends Liu Zixin and Fu Yiwei, started provoking Le again.
They mocked him for needing his grandma's help and for not having a mother. Enraged, Le pushed Ren Zhexi. The school immediately called both sets of parents. At the same time, Feng Rui was at the location of the first incident, in the camera blind spot, looking for clues. He noticed two cars covered in dust, suggesting they had been parked there for a while.
He sent a message to the car owners, explaining the situation and hoping their dashcams might have captured footage of the incident on March 21st during the lunch break, which could help clarify what truly happened. That evening, Le came home crying, feeling wronged, and confided in Feng Rui that he had pushed Ren Zhexi because they had insulted his mother. Wen Peiyan gently consoled him, acknowledging that while hitting someone was wrong, Le was justified in his anger.
Le's grandma joined the conversation, arguing with Feng Rui about how to handle the situation. She criticized Feng Rui for not having evidence and suggested transferring Le to another school or even paying the other family to resolve the issue quickly. Feng Rui, however, refused to solve problems with money, insisting on finding the truth and setting a good example for Le. When asked to choose, Le declared he would handle it himself the next day at school.
Seeing Le's distress and the ongoing arguments, Wen Peiyan offered to go to school the next day in the capacity of Le's mother. She believed a mother's priority was protecting her child from suffering, not just winning an argument or using money. The following day, Wen Peiyan accompanied Le to school. Taking Le's lunchbox, she instructed him to pretend he forgot it and that she would bring it to him later.
When she arrived at Le's class to deliver the lunch, the other children, who had been teasing Le, were stunned by his "beautiful mother." Their taunts about him being from a single-parent family immediately ceased. Shortly after, Feng Rui successfully obtained the dashcam footage. The video clearly showed Ren Zhexi, Liu Zixin, and Fu Yiwei bullying another student. Le, Duan Xiyan, and Yang Zihuan intervened to protect the student, only to be pushed and harassed themselves.
The school publicly apologized to Feng Lexuan, Duan Xiyan, and Yang Zihuan, commending their bravery and announcing they would receive commendation certificates at the Monday flag-raising ceremony. Ren Zhexi, Liu Zixin, and Fu Yiwei were given major demerits and placed on probation, with a warning of expulsion for any future misconduct. Later that day, at a family dinner with Feng Rui, Le, his grandma, and Wen Peiyan, everyone celebrated Le's vindication.
Le toasted Feng Rui and his classmates for helping to clear their names. His grandma advised him to always protect himself first. Le then asked Feng Rui if he had signed him up for the free combat class, mentioning his classmates' admiration for his father's actions. Feng Rui agreed to enroll him. In a separate school event, the preliminary round of the 9th School-Wide Model Airplane Competition was held. Le's team placed second, while Ren Zhexi's team took first.
Le, frustrated by their loss, found it suspicious since Ren Zhexi's team had no prior experience. Le's friend, Ji Sen, called him with "major intel," revealing that Ren Zhexi's team had secretly bought their model airplane instead of building it themselves. Le's grandma overheard and, feeling indignant, commissioned a specialized designer from the Aerospace Academy to build an advanced model airplane for Le's team, ensuring they would win.
Le, however, was conflicted, believing that winning by cheating was worse than losing fairly. His friends, including Yang Zihuan, were excited about using the "awesome airplane" to beat Ren Zhexi's team. Feng Rui acknowledged Le's dilemma but proposed a different solution: since Feng Rui himself was a professional in aerospace, he could guide Le's team in building their own superior model, thereby achieving a fair victory. Le agreed.
Feng Rui then took the opportunity to tell Le that in the future, he should firmly refuse his grandma's attempts to bend the rules. Le worried this would cause more arguments, but Feng Rui explained that he and the grandmother weren't arguing, but simply had different ways of showing their love and concern for Le's upbringing. Separately, during a meal with Tan Siting and Qu Zhen, Mr. Wang, who had sponsored the school, joined them.
His son, Wang Hongyuan, innocently blurted out that his father liked Tan Siting, much to Mr. Wang's embarrassment. Mr. Wang, a wine entrepreneur, was also dealing with competitive pressures for an upcoming City Expo red wine selection, where his brand, Cygne, was vying to become the official wine. His main competitor, Huacan, was directly targeting Cygne's young demographic with new wine releases, forcing him to consider bolder, more avant-garde designs and strategies. He tasked his employee, Hao, to buy Huacan's new products for a comparison. After dinner, Mr. Wang and Tan Siting dropped off Qu Zhen and Wang Hongyuan.
Episode 5 Recap
Tan Siting returned to teaching ballet, where a school official excitedly told her that a friend had made a generous donation to the school. Tan Siting recognized the donor as Yuan, realizing he had sponsored the school specifically to help her establish herself there. While driving, Tan Siting thanked Yuan for the sponsorship but expressed discomfort, stating that if his actions were solely motivated by her, he shouldn't do it again.
Yuan admitted that his initial motivation was indeed her, but he also genuinely believed in giving back to society and supporting ballet. He clarified that he was not a wealthy tycoon, just a small-time boss who could only occasionally indulge in such acts of generosity, and assured her not to feel burdened. Tan Siting insisted he refrain from such grand gestures in the future.
As they arrived at her new apartment, she explained she couldn't invite him in as it was still a mess. Noticing she had forgotten her phone in his car, Yuan teased her about her forgetful habit, but then earnestly told her how good it was to have her back.
Later, as Feng Rui prepared to take Wen Peiyan to meet his grandfather, his thoughts drifted back to a difficult conversation from the past when he first told his family about his relationship with Tan Siting. His mother had fiercely opposed the union, bringing up the painful memory of Tan Siting's father causing the death of his cousin, Haotian. She accused Feng Rui of wanting to bring more turmoil into their lives and disrespecting Haotian's memory.
His father echoed his mother's sentiments, urging Feng Rui to reconsider. Feng Rui vehemently defended Tan Siting, arguing that she was innocent and that their long-standing relationship was important. He expressed his frustration that Haotian's death continued to overshadow his own life and accused his mother of showing favoritism towards Haotian. He then revealed a pivotal truth: Tan Siting was pregnant with his child, declaring that they would stay together and have the baby regardless of his family's approval.
At that crucial moment, his grandfather, though initially silent, intervened, stating that despite the circumstances, the child, being Feng Rui's flesh and blood, must be kept. He added that having already lost Haotian, he could not bear to lose a great-grandchild as well. In the present, Feng Rui's mother reminded him to bring Wen Peiyan to see his grandfather. During their visit, the family expressed their happiness. Feng Rui's mother praised Wen Peiyan, saying Rui was lucky to have her.
His grandfather then presented Wen Peiyan with a family heirloom, a symbolic gesture of acceptance, telling her that he was entrusting Feng Rui to her care. Wen Peiyan, though initially surprised by the value of the gift, graciously accepted it. Meanwhile, Le was preparing for his school's model airplane competition. Despite thorough preparation, his practice runs were underwhelming. His grandmother, learning that his competitors had purchased their model planes, spent 30,000 yuan to buy one for Le.
Le liked the new model but felt using it was unfair. His grandmother justified the purchase, claiming they shouldn't let "petty people" win if they resorted to cheating first. Feng Rui was displeased by his mother's approach, accusing her of teaching Le dishonesty. His mother argued that she was merely trying to help Le build confidence after he had been bullied by the same group of kids.
She urged Feng Rui not to overreact and to let her decide how to spend money on her grandson. Feng Rui, drawing on his university background in electronic design, firmly stated that he would not allow such dishonest tactics. Later, Wen Peiyan advised Feng Rui to understand his mother's good intentions, expressing confidence that he would handle the family matter well. Collaborating intently with Le, Feng Rui began designing a new model airplane from scratch.
He explained to Le that while using a more powerful motor was theoretically possible, school rules required identical power configurations, so they would instead focus on reducing the plane's weight. He also instructed Le on how to add a "wing fence" to the main wings to enhance stability and speed. Working diligently together, father and son successfully built their model.
During their test flight, Le asked Feng Rui if he ever had dreams of his own, wondering if he had given up an "aerospace dream" to care for him. Feng Rui reassured him, explaining that life brings many changes, but his current dreams centered on his wine business and watching Le grow up. He encouraged Le to always persevere in pursuing his passions. At the competition, Le and his team, using their self-made model, triumphed, winning first prize.
Afterwards, Le expressed that he finally felt a true sense of accomplishment. One day, Tan Siting was at a bookstore when she witnessed a boy, Ren Zhexi, surreptitiously slipping an unpurchased pen into Le's backpack. Ren Zhexi, who had lost to Le in the model airplane competition, was seeking revenge. As Le attempted to exit, the security alarm blared.
When confronted by a store employee, Le adamantly denied stealing, insisting that he did not know how the pen got into his bag and refused to admit to something he hadn't done. The employee tried to pressure him into paying or confessing, threatening to involve his parents and school. Tan Siting stepped forward, stating she had seen Ren Zhexi plant the pen and offered to testify on Le's behalf.
The employee tried to dismiss her, claiming the area was a camera blind spot, but Tan Siting countered that without evidence, their accusations amounted to defamation and suggested they call the police. Hearing this, Ren Zhexi, fearing a police investigation and the involvement of his parents, broke down in tears and confessed, pleading with everyone not to contact his family. Le, demonstrating maturity, chose to forgive him.
The employee apologized, and Tan Siting bought the pen and gave it to Le as a gift, commending him for his integrity. Later, Le was observing Tan Siting's ballet class while waiting for his father. She invited him to join in if he ever wished. As they chatted, Tan Siting offered to buy him a drink. Le declined milk, explaining he had been allergic to dairy since childhood. Tan Siting was struck by this, revealing she shared the same allergy.
They both opted for cola instead. Le asked about her ballet journey, and she shared that she started at four, endured initial pain, but learned to love it. He commented on the intensity of ballet and mused if his own interest in the art form might be hereditary. Just then, Feng Rui arrived to pick up Le. As they left, Le absentmindedly left his piano score behind.
The combination of their shared milk allergy and Le's forgetfulness sparked an unsettling suspicion in Tan Siting. She went to the school and asked a teacher, Ms. Deng, for Feng Lexuan's (Le's full name) file. She carefully examined the record, which stated his birth date was March 24, 2011.
A flood of memories, including her conversation with Le and a doctor's past report about her own premature baby, born at less than 31 weeks with severe oxygen deprivation, intensified her suspicion. The birth date resonated with that of her own lost child. Her hands trembled as a bold thought emerged: could her child not have died? That night, Tan Siting lay awake, grappling with the possibility. If Le was indeed her son, had Feng Rui known all along?
And had Gao Hui been complicit in concealing the truth? The next day, determined to find answers, Tan Siting visited Le at his school, bringing his forgotten piano book. She also treated him to pizza. During their meal, Le shared more details about his family, clarifying that Wen Peiyan was his father's girlfriend, not his mother. He explained that his birth mother had passed away during childbirth due to difficult labor.
He also mentioned his grandmother's eagerness for his father and Wen Peiyan to marry, citing the recent gift of the family heirloom. He then jokingly asked Tan Siting, as his father's friend, to encourage Feng Rui to be more proactive in the relationship. Tan Siting promised she would. Before leaving, she told Le she would be taking some time off to handle a personal matter, but assured him they would meet again for cola.
As she handed him a napkin, she discreetly plucked a strand of his hair, intending to use it for a paternity test. Later, during a meal with Wen Peiyan, Le recounted his day, mentioning that Ms. Tan had returned his piano score and treated him to pizza and cola, asking Wen Peiyan to keep the cola a secret from his dad.
Episode 6 Recap
Feng Rui's mother, unsettled by Le's innocent mention of Tan Siting returning his forgotten book, intensified her efforts to accelerate Feng Rui's wedding to Wen Peiyan. She unilaterally informed Feng Rui that she had already scheduled a visit for him and Wen Peiyan to Mr. Li's venue the following day to select their wedding location.
Feng Rui, feeling rushed, attempted to defer by citing pressing matters at his winery, but his mother dismissed his work as less important than the wedding. When Wen Peiyan offered to go alone, Feng Rui's mother insisted that the couple must go together. Overhearing, Le even volunteered to accompany Wen Peiyan, but his grandmother swiftly rebuffed the idea. Later, Feng Rui's mother confronted him about Tan Siting, demanding to know why "that woman" was constantly close to Le.
Feng Rui clarified that they merely crossed paths at the same center. His mother, however, insisted that Wen Peiyan should handle Le's piano lessons going forward, pressing Feng Rui to demonstrate his commitment to her peace of mind through his actions. Later, at his winery, Feng Rui hosted two esteemed wine experts. They were intrigued by the name of his wine, "Cygne," which means "swan" in French, and asked Feng Rui to share its story.
Feng Rui explained that the winery was dedicated to a friend who was a ballet dancer, and their first meeting was over a pair of ballet shoes. He then recounted a memorable trip to Hongyuan County in Sichuan with Tan Siting, who had surprisingly decided to join him. Their guide, Duoji, introduced them to the region's breathtaking landscape, dubbed the "Ship of the Plateau," the "homeland of yaks," and the "Green Sea."
During the journey, Tan Siting suffered from respiratory alkalosis, a form of altitude sickness. Despite his own visible symptoms, Feng Rui selflessly tended to her until she felt better. The following morning, Feng Rui awoke to the joyful sounds of local children, whom Tan Siting was teaching to draw. He picked a white flower for her, which he called "Velvet."
Tan Siting revealed it was also known as the "Star of Bethlehem," and its symbolic meaning, "the miracle of turning around," resonated with her. She told Feng Rui he was her "Star of Bethlehem," bringing meaning and peace to her life, and he, in turn, declared her his "Velvet," professing his love. Feng Rui had believed their relationship would last forever.
However, Tan Siting abruptly left to pursue her ballet dreams in France, leaving Feng Rui devastated and unable to find her. He even traveled to France in search of her, only to be told by a landlord that many people stayed briefly and were forgotten. His mother eventually urged him to return to lead their company. Back in the present, Feng Rui admitted that while he had moved on, he still cherished the feeling of missing her.
He likened that bittersweet chapter of his life to his wine, which has a tart beginning, a fruity middle, and a profound violet aftertaste. Impressed by his narrative and the wine's quality, the experts placed an order and expressed their hope for a beautiful ending to his love story.
During a subsequent tasting event comparing Cygne's new Pinot Noir with Huacan's, Ms. Gao, a renowned expert, praised Huacan’s wine for authentically expressing the Pinot Noir grape and its terroir without excessive intervention. Though Cygne didn't win that day, Feng Rui reflected that in wine, true victory isn't about competition, but about mastering the essence before seeking uniqueness. Later, Feng Rui celebrated Le's victory in the 9th Model Airplane Competition.
Le, beaming, attempted to "award" his first-place trophy to his father, claiming to have fulfilled Feng Rui's dream. Feng Rui, however, encouraged Le to cherish his own achievement, emphasizing that each person must pursue their own dreams. Le then playfully asked if he, too, could pursue his dreams independently when he grew up, to which Feng Rui lovingly agreed, noting that while they embark on life together, they each have distinct destinations.
During the celebration, Le astutely observed Wen Peiyan wearing his grandmother's pearl necklace, a family heirloom, and directly questioned Feng Rui about their impending marriage. Surprised by Le's perceptiveness, Feng Rui engaged in some lighthearted banter. Le then teased Wen Peiyan about how she managed to "win over" his father, eliciting a playful retort from her.
Meanwhile, at the ballet school, Tan Siting observed colleagues video-calling their children, stirring a deep longing and uncertainty about whether Le was, in fact, her son. Having dedicated years to her career abroad, she was now focused on nurturing young ballet talent in China and finding her estranged father. During a break, her colleagues, including Ms. Bai and Ms. Guan, chatted about their children.
Ms. Bai, intrigued by Tan Siting’s single status despite her accomplishments and time in France, inquired about her marital life. Tan Siting responded that her demanding career had left no time for such matters. The school was soon embroiled in a conflict when a student, Yufan, re-injured her ankle during practice. The doctor diagnosed it as an anterior talar impact injury, warning that continued training could lead to a bone spur and eventual surgery.
Tan Siting immediately advocated for Yufan to rest and recover fully. However, Ms. Guan, Yufan’s teacher, initially dismissed the injury, prioritizing the upcoming competition finals and the school's reputation. Tan Siting vehemently argued that a single competition was not worth jeopardizing Yufan’s lifelong dance career, accusing Ms. Guan of short-sightedness. Ms. Guan, in turn, accused Tan Siting of being overly dramatic and arrogant, fueled by her international experience. As the argument escalated, the school principal, Ms. Zhuang, intervened to mediate.
Overwhelmed by the tension between her teachers, Yufan tearfully announced her withdrawal from the competition. Ms. Zhuang, understanding Yufan’s immense pressure, advised both Ms. Guan and Tan Siting to allow Yufan space to make her own decision, acknowledging their differing approaches stemmed from a shared concern for the student. Sometime later, Wen Peiyan encountered Tan Siting and, noting Tan Siting had no classes that day, invited her to help choose wedding venues and dresses, valuing her international aesthetic.
Tan Siting agreed. At the bridal shop, after Wen Peiyan had tried on several gowns, she asked Tan Siting for her opinion. Tan Siting, after a slight pause, recommended a classical lace gown with a deep V-back, praising its unique fabric and beautiful design. Wen Peiyan tried on the suggested dress, and as Tan Siting helped her adjust it, Wen Peiyan abruptly questioned her presence, asking, "Why did you come?" and "Are you afraid of seeing me?" She then concluded with a pointed inquiry: "Is there something you haven't told me?"
Episode 7 Recap
At the end of the workday, Wen Peiyan stopped Tan Siting, explaining that since Tan Siting had returned from France, she must have excellent aesthetic judgment. Wen Peiyan hoped Tan Siting would accompany her to choose a wedding dress, and Tan Siting gladly agreed. However, Tan Siting was surprised to find Feng Rui also present.
Seeing his long-lost love by his side, helping his fiancée choose a wedding dress, Feng Rui felt a complicated mix of emotions and directly asked Tan Siting why she was there. Tan Siting calmly reminded him that Wen Peiyan had invited her, and since their past was already behind them, there was no need to dwell on it.
Despite her composure, Tan Siting felt a pang of heartbreak as she watched Feng Rui assist Wen Peiyan in trying on wedding dresses, discussing wedding venue aesthetics, and looking at various invitations and bouquet designs. During the wedding preparations, Wen Peiyan sought opinions on whether a Chinese or Western style would be better for the decorations.
She expressed a personal preference for a Western garden style, imagining herself in a wedding dress, walking under a floral archway beneath a blue sky and white clouds. However, she considered that her parents and Feng Rui's parents might prefer a more traditional banquet. Tan Siting, when asked, suggested that what mattered most was their personal preference, as it would be the most important day of their lives. They also discussed hotel options.
Feng Rui suggested creating a children's play area for the many young guests, and even a canopy in case of rain, or for shade if it was hot. Wen Peiyan found this idea brilliant. Tan Siting added that in France, rain on a wedding day is considered a blessing from heaven, and a canopy would indeed be practical for guests. Wen Peiyan exclaimed that inviting Tan Siting was truly the right decision.
Later, while browsing bouquets, Wen Peiyan was captivated by a unique flower called Velvet, asking about its meaning. Both Tan Siting and Feng Rui surprisingly knew it, and its symbolic meaning: "the miracle of turning around." Feng Rui added that an old business acquaintance, who later cheated him, once told him about the flower when they encountered it in Hongyuan County. Wen Peiyan thought the flower was beautiful, unique, and suitable for her bouquet.
However, Feng Rui abruptly intervened, stating that Velvet seemed too fragile and delicate, and might "fall apart at a touch," making it unsuitable for their wedding. Tan Siting tried to explain that Velvet symbolized good luck and happiness, but Feng Rui dismissed her points. Realizing the tension, Tan Siting apologized for speaking too much and urged them to make their own decision. Shortly after, Tan Siting excused herself, saying she had plans with a friend.
Wen Peiyan thanked her for the valuable advice she had provided. After Tan Siting left, Wen Peiyan commented to Feng Rui that it was unusual for him, usually so agreeable, to have such a strong opinion today, and observed that both he and Tan Siting knew the Velvet flower with their own different stories. She reflected that the flower’s meaning, "the miracle of turning around," might signify a new beginning for them.
Wang Zeyuan sent Tan Siting a message inviting her to dinner, which she saw as an opportunity to escape her distress. She shared her location with him, and soon he picked her up and drove her home. On the way, Tan Siting opened the car window, letting the cool air in to calm her agitated heart.
Wang Zeyuan, who had harbored a secret crush on Tan Siting for years, confessed that while he thought "I love you" was cliché, a writer once suggested saying, "The moonlight is beautiful tonight, and the wind is gentle" to express love. Tan Siting was familiar with the phrase. Wang Zeyuan then asked if she had read "The Young Runtu," explaining that to reject someone who said "The moonlight is beautiful tonight," the reply would be, "It's perfect for hunting badgers."
He playfully warned her not to say that to him, to which she responded, "That depends." Feng Rui's mother, having heard about Tan Siting accompanying them to choose a wedding dress, grew concerned about their continued contact. She suggested Feng Rui have Wen Peiyan change her workplace to minimize their interactions.
Feng Rui, however, refused to interfere with Wen Peiyan's career, reminding his mother not to meddle further, especially since he had decided to marry Wen Peiyan, signifying a complete break from his past. Later, at a family dinner, Feng Rui's mother reiterated her concerns about Tan Siting's presence to Feng Rui's father.
She suspected Tan Siting had an ulterior motive, stating that seeing Tan Siting reminded her of Haotian and she couldn't tolerate her presence, also believing it wasn't good for Le. Feng Rui's father advised her to let the adults handle their own affairs, emphasizing that Le's happiness was paramount. Despite this, as they were leaving, Feng Rui's mother told Feng Rui that she could personally pick up Le from school every day.
Feng Rui, however, instructed her not to concern herself with it. Meanwhile, Tan Siting visited Yufan, a student who had to withdraw from a competition due to a foot injury. Yufan's mother expressed her strong disapproval of ballet, believing it to be a career with a short lifespan, unstable work, and low income. She pressed Yufan to switch to acting, which she believed offered a more promising future. Yufan, however, disliked acting and resisted her mother's forceful demands.
Tan Siting, sympathetic to Yufan, recognized that as an outsider, her intervention would be limited and that the mother's concerns were not entirely unfounded. The mother remained firm, ultimately telling Tan Siting not to "use your dreams to hijack her life." At Feng Rui's winery, a promotional meeting for their new red wines took place.
The PR manager introduced their products, noting the long history of Chinese wine, the top-tier brewing techniques at their Hongyuan County vineyard, and new varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. The Cabernet Sauvignon was particularly highlighted for its ripe dark berry and sweet spice aromas, aged in French oak barrels, and a high score from Robert Parker.
The discussion shifted to a documentary idea proposed by a director, suggesting that ballet and wine share a similar spiritual core and could be elegantly paired to promote the Cygne brand, especially given its recent gold medal win at a French competition. The idea was to enhance the cultural image of wine and help it gain international recognition.
Concurrently, Tan Siting's former teacher informed her that a public relations company planned to film a documentary about ballet at their school to help more people understand and appreciate the art form. The teacher, who founded the school with the same goal, wanted to change the common perception of ballet as solely painful and showcase the powerful inner strength it instills. She believed Tan Siting, having never given up on ballet, was the ideal person to feature in the documentary.
Though Tan Siting had initially not wanted to be in the public eye after her retirement, she readily agreed, acknowledging that media platforms were crucial for reaching a wider audience and fulfilling their shared vision for ballet.
