You Are My Glory Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

You Are My Glory Synopsis

After ten years, Qiao Jingjing’s unexpected to reunite with her former high school classmate Yu Tu in a game, who had rejected her in high school.

They have not seen each other for ten years since the first parting of the high school entrance exam.

However, in fact, he can see her everywhere, in various news media, various large and small screens, even subway ads, bus stops. There is her figure everywhere.

Qiao Jingjing was an ordinary girl during her student times. But after ten years, she transformed into a popular actress, and became the spokesperson of the game “Arena Of Valor”

In order to restore the image of the spokesperson, she starts to practice her game skills. In such coincidence, on the online game re-encounters the game master Yu Tu, and invites him to be her game coach.

Ten years later, she confesses her love to Yu Tu again, but she is rejected once again.

During the period of being her game coach, the relationship between them becomes much closer and they get to know each other better. After losing her, Yu Tu realizes how important she is to him and decides to pursue her with a “love letter”.

You Are My Glory Recap

Episode 1 Recap

At the National Aerospace Research Institute, Guan Zai, the J-X Project Chief Designer, concluded his presentation on Proposal SK-1, a detector design. The expert panel acknowledged the proposal's innovation and refreshing approach. However, they emphasized that aerospace is a complex systems engineering, stating that the proposal's feasibility hinged on a high specific impulse engine.

Afterward, Guan Zai noticed Yu Tu, the J-X Project Head Designer, was uncharacteristically quiet and seemed preoccupied, a state he’d been in for months, though Yu Tu downplayed it. Meanwhile, in bustling Shanghai, the Penguin TV anniversary celebration at the Shanghai Exhibition and Convention Center was a dazzling event. Celebrated actress Qiao Jingjing, radiant in a white gown, won the "Most Popular Actress" award, instantly topping Weibo's trending topics.

While her beauty and acting skills were lauded, her fame also brought unwanted scrutiny. Inside her car, her agent, Ling, showed her a new trending post revealing details of Jingjing’s high school crush and rejected confession. The anonymous post claimed Jingjing wasn't pretty then, suggesting plastic surgery, and that she was mercilessly rejected by a "smart guy" (Yu Tu) who said he required someone smart.

It further alleged that this "smart guy" went on to Tsinghua University with a "beauty scholar" (Xia Qing) and they became a couple. Jingjing clarified that she had always been beautiful, albeit unpolished, and Yu Tu’s rejection was polite, not merciless. She also defended her intelligence, stating she graduated from a Project 211 university.

An old friend's WeChat message provided an update, revealing that Yu Tu and Xia Qing had broken up years ago in their senior year and that Yu Tu was now also in Shanghai. Reflecting on her high school confession, Jingjing recalled asking Yu Tu if he needed a girlfriend and if she would be suitable. His reply was that he sought someone who could "strive together with him."

She mused on the irony that the person he eventually chose also failed to strive with him until the end. Upon returning to Shanghai after filming, Jingjing faced another crisis. Ling confronted her about a leaked video of her playing "Honor of Kings", which showed her poor gameplay. This directly contradicted her carefully cultivated image as a gaming expert and endangered her endorsement with the game.

Ling explained that the game had a spectator function that allowed recordings, which Jingjing hadn't known. The leaked video jeopardized her potential contract renewal with "Honor of Kings" and her chances for a leading role in Director Li's new film, ironically titled "Authenticity." Alex, a representative from "Honor of Kings", called Ling, inquiring if the alt account in the video belonged to Jingjing. Ling confirmed it, explaining Jingjing was using an alt to practice unfamiliar heroes.

Alex suggested a public clarification on Weibo but proposed a more impactful solution: Jingjing should play an exhibition match at the Super League's upcoming annual awards ceremony in about a month. This match would feature Jingjing, five lucky players, and two professional players per team, turning the crisis into a win-win situation. Despite Ling’s initial hesitation, Jingjing, overhearing the conversation, boldly accepted the challenge, vowing to dedicate all her time over the next month to rigorous practice.

After her latest project wrapped, Jingjing immediately returned to Shanghai to begin her intensive gaming training. To avoid further leaks, Ling arranged for her husband, Guo, a King-ranked player, to be Jingjing's coach. Guo began by explaining the basic lanes and positions in the game.

Recognizing Jingjing’s novice skills and the presence of professional players who would naturally take on core roles, he advised her to focus on playing Support, a role that is both easier and less demanding in terms of responsibility. They started practicing with Zhang Fei, but Jingjing struggled, accidentally blowing enemies away from her Marksman and then, in another instance, blowing an enemy "towards" her critically wounded ally, leading to her teammate's defeat.

After equally unsuccessful attempts with Sun Bin, Niumo, and Zhuang Zhou, Guo decided they needed a day off so he could reassess and develop a new coaching strategy. Determined to improve on her own, Jingjing decided to practice on her personal phone using a new game account, confident that she could disable the spectator function and maintain anonymity. She registered a new "Honor of Kings" account under the quirky nickname "Hand-picked Cotton" using her QQ.

To her astonishment, she discovered Yu Tu's name in her QQ friends list. A flashback revealed her past efforts to add him; after numerous rejections, she had finally succeeded by pretending to be a fellow enthusiast from a "Space Fans forum." Suddenly, Yu Tu sent her an invitation to a game, having clicked her name by mistake from his QQ friends. Observing her new and unranked status, he still initiated the match.

Jingjing, feeling mischievous, accepted, planning to "troll" him a decade after his rejection. In the first game, she selected the Support hero Cai Wenji. Yu Tu played as the Marksman, Marco Polo, and despite Jingjing's clumsy performance, he single-handedly carried the team to a swift victory. After the match, one of his friends started a new lobby and invited her again. This time, Yu Tu picked the Mage hero Zhuge Liang.

His teammates were surprised, noting it was unusual since their friend Zhai Liang always picked the Mage, preventing Yu Tu from ever playing the role. Yu Tu simply stated he was demonstrating how the hero should be played correctly.

Episode 2 Recap

Yu Tu, playing as Zhuge Liang, was in a game with his friends—Zhai Liang, Dragon King, and another teammate—along with Qiao Jingjing, who was using her alt account and playing as Cai Wenji. The other teammates were surprised to hear a girl's voice, teasing Yu Tu, the "ladies repellent," for bringing a female player. Yu Tu feigned ignorance, claiming he didn't know the player's gender, much to Jingjing's relief that he hadn't recognized her voice.

Zhai Liang observed Jingjing's novice skill level and advised her to simply follow Yu Tu. Despite her lack of experience, Jingjing, under Yu Tu's protection, managed to secure two kills. Off-screen, Qiao Jingjing diligently practiced playing games between her filming schedule. To encourage Yu Tu's teammates to play with her, she generously purchased numerous attractive skins. She gifted two skins each to Zhai Liang, Dragon King, and their other teammate, but intentionally left Yu Tu without any.

Zhai Liang later teased Yu Tu for not receiving any skins from her. Meanwhile, Jingjing's manager, Ms. Ling, discussed Jingjing's gaming progress with her husband, Guo, who noted Jingjing's lack of natural talent but impressive willpower. Jingjing, eager to play more, often left her studio training sessions early, claiming she was going home to "train her abs," secretly hoping to suddenly emerge as a "peerless master."

During another gaming session with the team, Zhai Liang expressed his desire to switch to ranked matches. Jingjing, worried her expensive skins might be for nothing if she couldn't play with them, mumbled about her "wasted" investment. Zhai Liang, hearing her, proposed a deal to Yu Tu: if Yu Tu would carry Jingjing in regular matches and win two games, Zhai Liang would handle a day's worth of household chores.

Yu Tu accepted the challenge, and after winning over a dozen games, he forced Zhai Liang to take on a week's worth of chores. Jingjing was thrilled to be carried by Yu Tu, finding him incredibly impressive while playing. Yu Tu was contemplating resigning from the aerospace institute to pursue a career in the financial industry.

A university senior, having learned of Yu Tu's plans from a mutual friend, invited him to his company, offering a position should he decide to leave the institute. Yu Tu confirmed his intention to resign but stated that his decision wasn't final, also mentioning his own entrepreneurial ambitions.

Later, another friend called Yu Tu to discuss job offers he had received, including one from DF Capital, advising him to carefully consider the pros and cons of investment banking versus venture capital financing. Meanwhile, Yu Tu's friend, Zhai Liang, who had lost his job, moved into Yu Tu's apartment in Shanghai.

Zhai Liang questioned Yu Tu's decision to leave the aerospace field, reminding him of the significant mortgage pressure and his past breakup with Xia Qing, which was reportedly due to his dedication to his aerospace dreams. Zhai Liang suggested Yu Tu take a trip to Beijing to relax, reconnect with old classmates, and even hinted at a possible reconciliation with Xia Qing, whom he heard was still single. Yu Tu, however, dismissed the idea.

Reflecting on his situation, Yu Tu recalled that his resignation application hadn't been approved by his superior. Instead, he had been instructed to take all his accumulated annual leave and only reconsider his departure afterward. Back home, Qiao Jingjing anxiously monitored Yu Tu's game status, waiting for him to come online. Her friend, Peipei, called to inform her about rumors circulating in their high school chat group regarding Jingjing and Yu Tu.

To Jingjing's surprise and delight, Yu Tu personally stepped in to clarify the situation, denying the rumored statements and offering his cooperation for any necessary explanations. His intervention immediately silenced the gossipers. Jingjing found herself feeling a sweet sensation as she read Yu Tu's message, remembering her high school confession to him. At the time, Yu Tu had politely rejected her, stating that he desired a partner who could "work hard together" with him, and later dated Xia Qing.

Trying to emulate Yu Tu's impressive Zhuge Liang gameplay, Jingjing found herself struggling, highlighting her limited gaming skill. When she saw Yu Tu online, she received a message from him saying he didn't need her to send him skins. Seizing the opportunity, Jingjing, still concealing her identity, messaged him, boldly asking him to be her coach.

She then concocted a story about her company hosting a "King's Glory" competition, even sending him a Photoshopped poster as "proof," claiming that winning would benefit her career. Yu Tu declined her request, explaining that he was currently on leave and might quit playing the game at any time, making it impossible for him to commit to being her coach.

Jingjing, persistent, then asked if he could at least offer guidance during their regular game sessions and promised to find another coach if he decided to stop playing. She pleaded with him, addressing him as "Jade Rabbit God."

Episode 3 Recap

Qiao Jingjing asked Yu Tu to be her personal coach for the game, but he declined, stating that he might stop playing at any time and suggested she find someone else. Undeterred, Jingjing proposed that he could at least guide her when they played, offering to find another coach if he stopped. Yu Tu agreed to this compromise, much to Jingjing’s delight, who felt she had successfully taken the first step towards her goal. The five friends began another game.

With her preferred Support role taken, Yu Tu advised Jingjing to play Wang Zhaojun and change her summoner spell to Flash. He explained that her upcoming unit match would likely be in Draft Pick mode, where her usual hero, Cai Wenji, might not be available, and Wang Zhaojun was suitable for beginners. Jingjing followed his instructions, even though she had never played the hero before.

Another teammate, Zhai Liang, who learned about Jingjing’s unit match, praised Yu Tu’s coaching abilities, recounting how much Yu Tu had improved his own Xi Shi play. Zhai Liang, however, humorously claimed his current skill was mostly due to his own intuition. During the game, Jingjing worried about letting her teammates down, but they ultimately secured a victory by pushing to the highland.

Afterward, Jingjing reflected on the "devious" tactics used, realizing that Yu Tu's strategies, which were even more "devious," contributed to their win. She joked that her previous losses might have been due to her "upright" approach to gaming. Feeling more accomplished playing Wang Zhaojun than Cai Wenji, she noted her kill count finally surpassed her deaths. After the game, a teammate remarked on Yu Tu, usually a "kill stealer," intentionally allowing Jingjing to secure kills.

Jingjing confirmed this with Yu Tu via QQ, who explained it was more advantageous for her to get the kills given his own strong in-game economy. Jingjing spent the next few days playing games intensively at home. Her manager, Ms. Ling, returned from a business trip to discover Jingjing had been absent from practice. Rushing to Jingjing's apartment, Ms. Ling was astonished by Jingjing's significant improvement in solo ranked games, having reached Gold 4.

Jingjing revealed she was being tutored by an "online game expert" whom she considered superior to Ms. Ling’s husband, Guo, who had previously tried to teach her. Ms. Ling grew concerned about the expert’s reliability and the possibility of Jingjing’s identity being exposed, but Jingjing reassured her that they were merely online friends and he was unaware of her true identity. Ms. Ling checked the expert’s game profile, "Jade Rabbit Pounding Elixir," and was impressed by his 93% win rate.

She remarked how much faster Jingjing would learn with in-person coaching from such a skilled individual. Ms. Ling then emphasized the need for intense training for the upcoming match, which was a month away, as she had already cleared Jingjing’s schedule. Jingjing continued to wonder why Yu Tu was online every day, seemingly spending his vacation solely on games. She reached out to her friend Pei Pei to inquire about their high-achieving classmates’ careers, eventually asking about Yu Tu.

Pei Pei informed her that Yu Tu was working at the Aerospace Research Institute in Shanghai, which surprised Jingjing, recalling his college major in finance. Jingjing then remembered a high school conversation where Yu Tu, talking with Zhai Liang, confidently declared his ambition to conquer Mars and lead humanity into space, even envisioning a moon base as a starting point.

This made Jingjing realize that Yu Tu had never abandoned his high school dream and was still pursuing it in the same city. Armed with the knowledge that Yu Tu’s aerospace institute had co-developed a "Jade Rabbit" air purifier, Jingjing devised a plan. During a group game, she feigned a broken purifier, complaining about poor after-sales service and her "parents" suffering from severe coughs at home.

Her teammates, particularly Zhai Liang, pressured Yu Tu to personally inspect the supposedly faulty device. Though initially reluctant, Yu Tu eventually agreed to visit her apartment in Pudong, believing her parents were present. Jingjing excitedly prepared for his arrival, trying on various outfits and makeup, before instructing her assistant, Xiao Zhu, to go downstairs and meet Yu Tu. Upon seeing Xiao Zhu, Yu Tu initially mistook her for Jingjing. Xiao Zhu clarified she was Jingjing’s assistant and led him upstairs.

Jingjing greeted Yu Tu outside her apartment. After a decade, they recognized each other. Jingjing immediately confessed that the air purifier was working perfectly; it was all a ruse to get him to meet her. She then suggested they go for a walk, feeling stir-crazy from being cooped up indoors. Yu Tu agreed, and Jingjing briefly went to change into warmer clothes.

As they walked outside wearing masks, Yu Tu commented that being with Jingjing felt "unsafe" due to the attention they were attracting, to which Jingjing playfully reminded him that she was the famous one. During their walk, Yu Tu expressed surprise at finding Jingjing on his QQ friends list. Jingjing, feigning forgetfulness, quickly changed the subject, directing him to her Weibo account.

There, Yu Tu discovered her post endorsing the Jade Rabbit Purifier, which had caused it to sell out rapidly due to her immense influence, even without her being paid for the promotion. She explained her intention was purely to support the motherland's aerospace industry. Yu Tu then called her "unscrupulous" for the purifier deception, prompting Jingjing to confess her true reason for seeking him out.

She revealed that a video of her poor gameplay, recorded by a WeChat friend and leaked to a marketing account months prior, had exposed her true gaming skills to the public. To redeem her image as an Honor of Kings endorser, she needed to participate in an exhibition match next month, playing alongside and against professional players.

Jingjing pleaded with Yu Tu to coach her in person, stressing her unconditional trust in him as a classmate and noting his current vacation. Despite Yu Tu’s initial hesitation about his ability to coach, Jingjing insisted she would not seek help from anyone else. Yu Tu, recalling a similar request from her in high school when she wanted him to teach her math, eventually agreed.

He then questioned her earlier lie about her parents being home, to which she admitted they were in their hometown. Excited that Yu Tu had agreed to coach her, Jingjing suggested they stop walking and return to her apartment to start practicing immediately. Yu Tu, observing the tight schedule before her match on the tenth of next month, quickly entered a systematic coaching mode.

He explained that while he needed time to thoroughly study the game to develop a precise teaching plan, they could begin by reviewing the numerous mistakes she had made in their recent games. Jingjing was amused by his swift transition into "scholar teaching mode." Yu Tu admitted he had "more than ten" errors for her to review.

Episode 4 Recap

After driving Qiao Jingjing home, Yu Tu provided her with some fundamental game instructions and agreed to return at 9 AM the next day to begin her coaching. Exhilarated, Qiao Jingjing went inside and told her assistant, Xiao Zhu, that her girlhood dream of having the "top student" teach her "math" had come true.

Xiao Zhu later reported to Ms. Ling that Yu Tu had agreed to be the coach, though Ms. Ling found the situation unusual, especially after hearing they had apparently switched to "studying math." Yu Tu returned to the apartment he shared with Di Liang and joined an online game Qiao Jingjing was playing with him. When Di Liang asked why he was late, Yu Tu explained he had missed the last subway.

Over the in-game voice chat, Di Liang asked about the air purifier. Yu Tu deferred to "Cotton"—Qiao Jingjing's in-game name—and she confirmed it was fixed, praising his skill. Curious, she asked if they were colleagues, leading Yu Tu to explain they were university classmates and that he had recently resigned, now staying with Di Liang temporarily after his lease ended. When Di Liang later asked for Qiao Jingjing's opinion on Yu Tu's looks, she casually replied he was "not bad."

After the game, Di Liang noticed Yu Tu watching a professional match. Di Liang then pressed Yu Tu about Qiao Jingjing's looks. Remembering her ubiquitous posters, Yu Tu dismissively said she was the kind of girl you see everywhere. Di Liang chided him for being harsh, revealing that Qiao Jingjing had also found Yu Tu's looks "mediocre." Annoyed, Yu Tu told Di Liang to leave. After Di Liang left, Yu Tu recalled Qiao Jingjing's bright eyes and smiled to himself.

Later that night, Qiao Jingjing messaged Xiao Zhu to request a double breakfast but quickly retracted it. Instead, she messaged Yu Tu, asking him to bring her breakfast and realizing she hadn't yet added him on WeChat. The next morning, Yu Tu arrived punctually with a variety of breakfast items, unsure of her preferences. Qiao Jingjing suggested they save the leftovers for lunch so her assistant wouldn't have to come.

She then confirmed that Xiao Zhu would deliver lunch and dinner, implying Yu Tu would stay until 9 PM, to which he agreed. After breakfast, Yu Tu began his formal coaching. Qiao Jingjing explained that her manager's husband had taught her to play Support, but she preferred Wang Zhaojun. Yu Tu had her watch professional games, after which she noted the pros' cautious engagement and precise skill assessment.

She was particularly impressed when a Support player, You Yu of Team Luo Shen, became the MVP, making her realize the role was more critical than she'd been led to believe. Yu Tu acknowledged her Gold rank, achieved on her own, but then had her play on his Diamond-rank account. She struggled immensely, and he explained that the competition she would face required far more than proficiency with a single hero.

He tasked her with reaching the King rank on her own within the remaining month, a challenge she confidently accepted. Instead of ranked matches, Yu Tu started her with a rigorous 1v1 training regimen to familiarize her with every hero. Having studied the current game version, he instructed her on each hero's skills, damage, and cooldowns. He gave specific tips, such as using Yu Ji's second skill for physical immunity and correcting her skill choice for Donghuang Taiyi.

Throughout the "brutal training," Qiao Jingjing repeatedly muttered, "I must stay strong," after each defeat, at one point telling Yu Tu to stop watching her defeat screen before he instructed her to practice with Xiao Qiao. Xiao Zhu brought dinner, giving Qiao Jingjing a plain chicken breast while Yu Tu received a regular meal. Qiao Jingjing lamented her diet, and Xiao Zhu promised to clean up after Yu Tu left.

Later, Xiao Zhu returned to find Qiao Jingjing already cleaning; she admitted she had to feign diligence to hide her usual laziness from Yu Tu. After days of 1v1s, Yu Tu moved to the next phase: 3v3 matches in a custom lobby with AI teammates, where he would play on the opposing team. After a long session, Qiao Jingjing asked for a break from the AI and suggested they team up against human players. Yu Tu agreed.

During a team fight in the subsequent game, Yu Tu received a call from Xia Qing. When Qiao Jingjing asked if he would answer, he declined, choosing to finish the match first even as minions attacked her tower. After the game, Yu Tu told Qiao Jingjing he needed to make a call and would be leaving for the day, instructing her to continue practicing.

As he left, she worriedly wondered if Xia Qing was now in Shanghai and if she would lose her coach. Meanwhile, Xia Qing was waiting at a cafe in Lujiazui. When Yu Tu arrived, she explained she was on a business trip in Hangzhou but came to see him, having heard from a mutual friend that he was resigning from the aerospace institute. She questioned his decision, recalling how he had prioritized his aerospace dream over their relationship.

His willingness to abandon it now made her feel their past breakup was meaningless, remarking that he "could" give up his dream, just not for her. Yu Tu reminded her she knew of his ambitions before they were together. Xia Qing then updated him on her career, having become a marketing director. She mentioned hearing that Beijing's DF headquarters had given him an offer and offered her consulting services, as her office was in the same building.

Yu Tu thanked her but revealed he had already declined the offer, leaving her visibly disappointed. As they sat in silence, Xia Qing noticed Qiao Jingjing's face on a large public screen nearby.

Episode 5 Recap

Xia Qing and Yu Tu concluded their meeting. Yu Tu offered to take her to the subway, but Xia Qing politely declined, stating she hadn't taken the subway in years and had a private car waiting to take her to a client meeting after her flight. Before she departed, Xia Qing confronted Yu Tu, asserting that his focus had always been on his grand ambitions, making personal relationships seem insignificant. She expressed regret that he had "delayed" her.

Yu Tu perceived this as a jab, but Xia Qing insisted it was her honest sentiment. After Xia Qing left, Yu Tu returned to Jingjing's home, where Jingjing, observing his solemn demeanor, correctly inferred that the meeting had not gone well. Yu Tu and Jingjing then resumed their game practice. Di Liang joined their voice chat, unaware that Yu Tu was at Jingjing's apartment.

He excitedly told Jingjing that Yu Tu had been "leaving early and coming home late," a rumor he heard from Slimebag, suggesting Yu Tu might be in a relationship. Jingjing found this amusing. Yu Tu quickly muted Jingjing's microphone, telling her to concentrate on the game. Moments later, the doorbell rang. Jingjing mentioned it was her assistant, Xiao Zhu, bringing dinner.

Upon opening the door, Yu Tu was surprised to find Mr. Su, Jingjing's ex-boyfriend and a prominent figure in the financial world. Mr. Su appeared awkward and quickly excused himself. Jingjing then dismissed Mr. Su as "pretentious" and an "ex-boyfriend who broke up two years ago."

She immediately called her assistant, Pei Pei, instructing her to change her apartment's door password to "1316," representing her best game score of "13 kills, 1 death, 6 assists," to ensure she wouldn't forget it, adding that Mr. Su's elevator biometric access had already been removed. Jingjing reflected on the unusual coincidence of both their exes appearing at the same time. She explained her breakup with Mr. Su, acknowledging his talent but noting his narcissism.

He had demanded she quit acting due to his family's disapproval, to which she retorted by asking him to quit his risky business career, which her family disliked. Yu Tu revealed he was familiar with Mr. Su's work, having studied finance in university himself. Jingjing then asked about Yu Tu's breakup with Xia Qing, a detail Pei Pei had gossiped to her about, mentioning they dated in their junior year.

Yu Tu openly explained that after his undergraduate studies, he left Beijing to pursue his master's and doctorate degrees in Aerospace Engineering, leading to a long-distance relationship that eventually ended. Jingjing expressed surprise that he initially majored in finance, recalling his childhood dream of the galaxy. Yu Tu clarified that his parents had opposed his aerospace aspirations, so he chose finance but simultaneously pursued aerospace, admitting he was "young and frivolous" to think he could balance both.

Despite this, he successfully earned degrees in both fields and joined the Aerospace Research Institute. Jingjing, pleased by his dedication to his dream, then questioned his unusually long vacation from such a demanding research field. With a visible somberness, Yu Tu then revealed his intention to "give up the sea of stars," abandoning his lifelong aerospace dream.

Later, upon returning to his own home, Yu Tu was confronted by Di Liang, who inquired about his meeting with Xia Qing, having heard about it through "Dragon King." Yu Tu gave a brief reply and urged Di Liang to start his new job in Shenzhen, advising him to stop spreading gossip to Jingjing.

Di Liang then informed Yu Tu that their college classmate, Qu Ming, had invited them to a dinner in Lujiazui the following evening at 6:30 PM, ostensibly as a send-off for Di Liang. Di Liang pressed Yu Tu to attend, emphasizing that all their Shanghai University classmates would be there.

At the restaurant, Qu Ming greeted Yu Tu with overly enthusiastic remarks about his "double major" before immediately making lighthearted jokes about Yu Tu's past, implying he was more focused on aerospace than his finance studies. Another classmate defended Yu Tu's athletic abilities in college, but Qu Ming, claiming to be the former basketball captain, dismissed it. Qu Ming then announced that he had also invited Xia Qing but she hadn't arrived.

He pretended to call her, concluding with a staged conversation claiming she had "urgent matters to attend to in Beijing" and had just arrived at the airport. However, a classmate in their group chat then read aloud a message from Xia Qing, apologizing for missing the reunion and stating she had returned to Beijing "yesterday" due to urgent matters.

This exposed Qu Ming's fabrication; he had clearly used the reunion as an excuse to invite Xia Qing, who ultimately hadn't come, while inadvertently bringing Yu Tu. Di Liang, overhearing Qu Ming's charade, whispered to Yu Tu that Qu Ming's true intention was not the reunion or his send-off. Qu Ming, now aware of Yu Tu's potential resignation from the Aerospace Research Institute, continued to boast about his own wealth, ordering an expensive bottle of Lafite 1990 wine.

He then made a pointed remark about Yu Tu applying to a state-owned company under Ren Wang, sarcastically suggesting Yu Tu was "switching jobs" and would be "starting over" with a salary comparable to a "fresh graduate." Meanwhile, Pei Pei, who was at the same restaurant to pick up salad for Jingjing, overheard Qu Ming's belittling comments and immediately called Jingjing.

Enraged, Jingjing contacted the restaurant owner, instructing him to send Yu Tu a complimentary meal and a bottle of Romanee-Conti, supposedly stored there under "Mr. Yu and Ms. Qiao's" names, to publicly support Yu Tu. Di Liang attempted to defend Yu Tu against Qu Ming's taunts, explaining the "period of confidentiality" required for his resignation from a confidential unit.

He then subtly rebuked Qu Ming's arrogance by recalling his own past success with a "million annual salary" without ever being so conceited. The arrival of the expensive wine and the additional food, presented as the "owner's compliments," shifted the dynamics at the table, impressing the other classmates. Recognizing Jingjing's thoughtful intervention, Yu Tu, excusing himself, rose and left, taking the bottle of Romanee-Conti with him.

Yu Tu arrived at Jingjing's apartment with the wine, mentioning he brought it back because he "couldn't bear to let them drink it." Jingjing playfully asked if he thought she was "too nosy," to which Yu Tu affirmed he wasn't unappreciative. She then asked if he felt "glad and happy," comparing the feeling to a "successful rocket launch," and suggested they drink the wine to celebrate.

Jingjing then revealed her clever ruse: the "expensive" Romanee-Conti bottle was actually an empty prop from a past film shoot at that restaurant, filled with ordinary wine worth only a few hundred yuan. She explained she would never waste such an expensive bottle on strangers. Since Yu Tu had brought the bottle back, and her left thumb had developed a callus from playing games, she decided they should relax for the evening.

She then began setting a cozy and romantic atmosphere with candles and fruit, inviting him to share the wine by the French window. As they enjoyed their drinks, Yu Tu expressed his gratitude to Jingjing for the "few hundred yuan Romanee-Conti" and for teaching him how to play games. They engaged in lighthearted banter about red wine versus the sweeter rice wine from their hometowns and jokingly checked calorie counts on Jingjing's phone.

Jingjing recounted an amusing story about a frustrating game where her teammates' hero choices left her at a disadvantage against opponents equipped with magic-resistant cloaks. However, as the evening progressed, a somber mood settled over Yu Tu, reflecting the sadness and worry he felt about his current circumstances. Noticing his shift in mood, Jingjing quickly tried to cheer him up by sharing more gaming anecdotes and playfully taking selfies. After their shared evening, Yu Tu left Jingjing's apartment.

He checked his phone and saw multiple messages from Di Liang, repeatedly asking, "Who is Ms. Qiao?" A faint smile touched Yu Tu's lips as he typed his reply: "My former classmate. We were just getting to know each other."

Episode 6 Recap

One morning, Jingjing woke up and saw Yu Tu asking what she would like for breakfast via WeChat. She smiled and told him that anything would be fine. Yu Tu had already bought breakfast, but Jingjing decided to brew some coffee for him. Her assistant, Xiao Zhu, called and pointed out that Yu Tu’s attitude seemed to have changed ever since Jingjing helped him out the other day. Jingjing believed it was simply gratitude, as she had kept him company.

Xiao Zhu teased her about posting dozens of selfies in the group chat that day, but Jingjing explained it was her "high EQ" strategy to help Yu Tu relax. Soon after, Yu Tu arrived with a low-calorie breakfast, which was a welcome change, as Jingjing had criticized his previous high-calorie choices. Jingjing praised him for being a quick learner, to which Yu Tu humbly replied that he merely used addition.

She then told him to get the coffee she had made for him in the kitchen. When Yu Tu saw the coffee, he chuckled, noting that while he appreciated the gesture, he couldn't quite make out the rabbit she had drawn on the foam, calling it "three parabolic lines." Jingjing insisted the ears were "so obvious" and accused him of lacking artistic perception. During breakfast, they discussed Jingjing’s gaming skills.

Yu Tu stated that based on her recent matches, she should give up playing as a Jungler. He suggested that her most suitable positions were Marksman, Mage, and Support. For Mage, he recommended Angela, Ganjiang Moye, and Xiao Qiao due to their long ranges. For Support, he listed Donghuang Taiyi, Zhang Fei, Niumo, and Zhuang Zhou, citing their high fault tolerance and simple abilities.

As for Marksman, he noted her preference for Yu Ji, whose third skill is effective and second skill helps her escape. He also complimented her accuracy with Yu Ji’s first skill, though he playfully remarked that she never abandoned unfamiliar teammates but would readily sacrifice him, which she attributed to "faith" in him. Jingjing expressed a desire for more "flashy" or "cool" heroes. Yu Tu suggested Baili Shouyue, known for his long-range sniping, noting Jingjing’s good aim.

He pointed out that her previous game with Yu Ji wasn't good because her teammates took resources, and her sidestepping needed improvement. Yu Tu also candidly critiqued her performance with Sun Shangxiang and Marco Polo as "beyond words." Jingjing called him harsh, mentioning how his past comments about her Nakoruru play ("like a moth to a flame") had spread throughout her studio.

Yu Tu clarified that he was merely being objective, then explained that beyond sidestepping, Jingjing primarily lacked map awareness, constantly asking basic questions during games. To address this, Yu Tu outlined a rigorous training schedule: half a day of practical matches and half a day of watching professional games. He illustrated strategies on paper, explaining that before each game, she needed to assess team compositions, predict enemy actions, and plan her own moves.

He concluded that she would only "pass" once she could anticipate her opponents' next actions. Jingjing playfully complained about his "merciless, demanding, and deadly serious" approach, lamenting that if he had tutored her in math during high school, she might have attended Tsinghua University and become "one of the most educated actresses" in the entertainment industry. Yu Tu assumed she was doing it for her fans, but Jingjing inwardly dismissed that notion.

Before Yu Tu left, Jingjing mentioned she would be away tomorrow in Jiangsu for a Double 11 gala and would take a day off from training. She invited him to watch her sing, though her segment would be late. Yu Tu asked her to send him a message before she went on stage, and Jingjing teased him, calling him a "VIP" for wanting a reminder. He responded, "Respect your teacher," and she playfully complied, "All right, Mr. Yu."

Back at his apartment, Yu Tu encountered Zhai Liang, who was preparing to go to Hangzhou to visit his friend Dragon King for a couple of days and invited Yu Tu to join. Yu Tu declined, explaining that he wasn't as free as Zhai Liang, and handed him breakfast to eat on the way. Zhai Liang commented on Yu Tu’s recent strange behavior of leaving early and returning late.

Later, Yu Tu received a message from his senior, inviting him to dinner to discuss work. Yu Tu accepted and arrived on time. During their meal, his senior praised Yu Tu’s extensive knowledge, especially in aerospace materials, and asked him to share some cutting-edge research papers. He reiterated his desire for Yu Tu to join his team, highlighting two upcoming projects that required an analyst with Yu Tu’s expertise.

He acknowledged Yu Tu needed time to consider, having promised his professor to decide within a month, and assured him he wouldn't rush him. The senior then raised a toast, wishing Yu Tu an early "return to Earth." During dinner, Jingjing messaged Yu Tu, saying she was bored and wanted to play a game. Yu Tu replied he was with his senior and would need 30 minutes.

His senior noticed the message and playfully remarked on Yu Tu’s enduring charm, recalling how popular Yu Tu was with the ladies at his company and how he made their university football team the "most watched" on campus. Yu Tu joked if he was recruited solely for his looks, and his senior affirmed that good looks were indeed a talent.

The senior also asked about Yu Tu’s single status, expressing surprise given his eligibility, but Yu Tu confirmed he was still single. When his senior invited him to a bar with friends after dinner, Yu Tu declined, stating he had other plans. His senior quipped that a handsome guy's nightlife was always eventful. Yu Tu finished dinner, declined the bar invitation, and found a quiet spot outside the restaurant to play games with Jingjing.

During their first match, Yu Tu played Niumo while Jingjing played Marksman. Jingjing complained that Niumo was harder to play than Zhang Fei. Yu Tu said he would record the game for a later review. In the team voice chat, a teammate playfully remarked that Jingjing’s character was worse than his own girlfriend's, to which Jingjing retorted that he wasn't as good as her boyfriend.

She declared she had to win the argument, then defused a frustrated teammate who wanted to quit because it was Singles' Day and he was annoyed by couples. Jingjing corrected him that Singles' Day was tomorrow, reassuring him to continue playing, which led to their victory. After the win, Yu Tu initially wanted to decline another match, but Jingjing accepted an invitation from a player in their last game and pulled Yu Tu along.

Yu Tu indulged her, joining a new match where their former teammate played Marco Polo to show off, while Yu Tu selected Li Bai. Jingjing, anticipating Yu Tu's impressive performance, muted her team's voice chat to prevent her staff from "fangirling." Yu Tu, despite claiming he rarely played Li Bai, effortlessly secured a Penta Kill, leaving everyone in awe. When their teammate playing Marco Polo expressed that his pride was hurt, Jingjing encouraged him, saying "darling, you're the best."

Yu Tu alone contributed over 40% of their team's damage output, securing another easy victory. After the game, Yu Tu sent Jingjing a message but quickly recalled it, leaving her to wonder what it said. The next day, Jingjing was visibly distracted during their game review session. Yu Tu replayed the previous match where Jingjing played Niumo, pointing out her premature engagement and explaining Niumo’s role as a counter-engager.

Jingjing, still bothered by the recalled message, directly asked him why he retracted it. Yu Tu subtly changed the subject by suggesting they watch professional Niumo gameplay. Jingjing complained about having to practice on Singles' Day with "ugly" heroes like Niumo, wishing for cooler choices. She then tried to deflect again, claiming her laptop screen was too small to see team fights clearly and suggesting they use her multimedia room instead.

Yu Tu joked about her "assassin-level speed" for finding excuses. Yu Tu declined the offer to use her multimedia room, explaining he had a colleague's gathering that evening to discuss work-related matters. Jingjing expressed envy that she was stuck indoors while he could go out. Before leaving, Yu Tu instructed her to continue practicing Niumo and Zhang Fei. Jingjing, feeling resigned, muttered that she wished she could go out with him.

Yu Tu glanced at her and asked, "If I invited you, would you dare to go?" He then said, "Have fun. See you tomorrow," and left, leaving Jingjing in deep thought.

Episode 7 Recap

Yu Tu attended a gathering with his colleagues, where they discussed their lives. One colleague remarked that Yu Tu’s move to investment banking, a "world of temptations," meant he might not remain as "pure" as them. They also learned that Guan, another colleague, was facing divorce from his wife due to the demanding nature of his work.

His model tasks were already arduous, and with Yu Tu leaving, Guan had to shoulder even more, leading to long hours and neglecting his family. However, another colleague, Da Meng, refuted the rumor, stating Guan had just proudly shown him a loving breakfast his wife made. The person who spread the rumor was then teased for having the "envy of a bachelor."

When a colleague tried to discuss a technical paper with Yu Tu, he was reminded to "keep it secret" and "not divulge our technology" outside. The colleague jokingly wondered if they should instead discuss "the real estate market in Lujiazui," which was met with playful admonishment for being too daring. As the gathering ended, the others suggested going for karaoke, but Yu Tu declined, saying he wasn't interested.

A colleague then directly asked Yu Tu if he was truly planning to leave the institute, to which he confirmed, "Pretty much." His colleagues raised their glasses, wishing him a bright future and all the best, understanding that their chances of meeting again would be slim. Instead of joining karaoke, Yu Tu returned to Jingjing’s building and called her.

Jingjing, who was playing a game, answered, wondering if he was "spying" on her since he knew which character she was playing. Yu Tu simply stated he "just took a look" and invited her out. Jingjing, surprised to find him downstairs, asked if his gathering was nearby. He said, "Pretty much," reiterating his disinterest in karaoke. When she asked where they were going, he suggested "to the movies."

At the cinema, Jingjing found it hard to choose a movie, expressing concern about conflicts with other celebrities or one actor being her "bestie's" ex-boyfriend. Yu Tu admitted he didn't know much about "your circle." Jingjing eventually picked an animated film that was a rerun. Only "seats by the aisle" were available. To avoid being recognized, they decided to enter separately.

Jingjing got two tickets and left one on a table for Yu Tu to pick up, instructing him on how to find her inside. Yu Tu eventually found her and, sitting beside her, teased her by pretending he had found the ticket on the table. Jingjing playfully regretted not teasing him back, deeming it an embarrassment for "my entertainment circle." The movie they watched featured a character grappling with parental disapproval for his passion.

This resonated with Yu Tu, who mused aloud that his parents had not approved his college application choices, making him think about having to "give up my dream of the stars." Jingjing worried if the movie brought back painful memories for him. After the movie, as Yu Tu walked her home, Jingjing clarified that she hadn't known the plot beforehand.

She then pressed him about why he wanted to give up his dream, recalling that his parents had approved his aerospace studies for graduate school. Yu Tu then revealed that his parents had recently visited Shanghai for his mother's medical check-up, but they hadn't told him. He only found out when his aunt called. He found them staying in a "budget hotel," surviving on "cookies and instant noodles" to save money.

Although his mother's condition turned out to be "a false alarm," Yu Tu couldn't shake the guilt. He wondered if he could have provided "the best medical treatment" or "have the time to be with them and care for them" if it had been serious. He lamented that he "should be able to" but currently "I don't" have the means, due to his job.

He then shared his plan to switch to "investment banking," admitting he felt like he had "accomplished nothing" despite being "conceited since I was a kid." Back at his own place, Yu Tu was haunted by memories of his parents, remembering their phone calls, their reluctance to disturb him during missions, and their worries about money and his future.

He recalled his father suggesting he pursue a career in finance for "more free time" or stay in their hometown, while his mother insisted on supporting his ambition. He also remembered his mother mentioning he had returned "half of the money" for his "house loan down payment," leaving him with little savings.

Jingjing messaged Yu Tu, sharing a quote she felt suited him: "But you are already the rabbit who has seen the most stars," which she noted was from the "Yutu Rover's official account on Weibo." She encouraged him, reminding him not to invalidate his past achievements. She emphasized that even if he chose to "start over," his previous contributions were "still there" and "must be very valuable," arguing that striving for one's ideals was "not a mistake."

Yu Tu thanked her, told her to "go to bed," and promised "ranked matches tomorrow." The next day, as Jingjing and Yu Tu were playing games, Jingjing suggested watching a live stream of Snow, a popular gamer. She expressed her fascination with live broadcasts, saying that if she hadn't become an actor, she would have wanted to be a streamer, showcasing her diverse skills like singing, playing games, makeup, fashion, and yoga. She believed she'd be famous.

Yu Tu noted her newfound knowledge of "pro players" like Zhou Yin and Snow, which she attributed to him introducing her to "pro game" matches. They discussed the age requirements for e-sports, with Yu Tu pointing out Snow was 18, 11 years younger than his own 29 (he would be 30 next month). Suddenly, the large projector screen they were using went dark. Yu Tu suspected it was "overheated."

He asked Jingjing for tools, mentioning she had "tricked" him once before by claiming to have a full set. Jingjing denied tricking him, saying it was about playing games. She found a "black plastic box" containing tools in her "storage room" on the fourth rack. Yu Tu began to fix what he identified as a problem with the "power board," confidently stating that as an "aerospace" professional, he understood "fundamentals" and could even be a "first-rate worker" at "welding."

Jingjing teasingly called him "narcissistic as he was in high school." While Yu Tu was busy repairing the power board, Jingjing received a call from Ms. Ling, her agent. Ms. Ling informed her that Director Li had changed his itinerary and wanted to meet "this afternoon at half past three" instead of tomorrow, as he was returning to Beijing that night. Ms. Ling added that she, along with the "makeup artist and stylist," were already downstairs and "coming right up."

Jingjing, caught off guard, realized the awkward predicament she and Yu Tu were in. In a separate earlier call, Ms. Ling had also brought up photos of Jingjing at the cinema alone on Singles' Day that had surfaced online, urging her to consider "finding love" as even her fans were "roasting" her for being single.

Episode 8 Recap

After receiving a call from Ms. Ling, Jingjing had to leave Yu Tu in the audio-visual room. Ms. Ling had long wished to meet Yu Tu, but since her makeup team was outsourced, Jingjing couldn't reveal that Yu Tu was staying at her home. Yu Tu was understanding of Jingjing’s situation and stayed alone in the audio-visual room. After Jingjing left, she messaged Yu Tu to wait for her return.

Ms. Ling had called to inform Jingjing that Mr. Li had changed his itinerary and would return to Beijing that evening, so their meeting was rescheduled for that afternoon at 3:30 PM. Ms. Ling had already brought the makeup artist and stylist downstairs, explaining it would be faster and they were already at the office. Jingjing expressed concern about Yu Tu being there, to which Ms. Ling playfully asked if he was.

Yu Tu, hearing this, joked that Jingjing should tell them he was an appliance repairman, but Jingjing retorted he was too handsome for that. Yu Tu then suggested she simply close the door when she left. Ms. Ling, immensely curious about Yu Tu's looks, jokingly attempted to meet him, but Jingjing stopped her, saying he would be shy.

While Jingjing was out, Yu Tu occupied himself by researching projector parts online and texting a friend that he was house-sitting for someone who felt comfortable leaving him alone. Jingjing went to meet Mr. Li. Ms. Ling reminded her not to be nervous, as Mr. Li had his own unique way of assessing people. They met Ms. Sha, a prominent producer Mr. Li frequently worked with. Ms. Sha complimented Jingjing, who later met Mr. Li and Duan Wu.

Duan Wu mentioned having previously guested on a variety show with Jingjing. Mr. Li explained the sudden meeting, stating his new movie would be unlike any he had made before—cooler and more imaginative. Duan Wu's agent, spotting arcade machines, guessed the film might involve games and referred to its rumored title "Authenticity," linking it to themes of game, reality, and artificiality. Mr. Li, however, playfully urged them to stop trying to extract information.

After the meeting, Jingjing called Yu Tu excitedly, revealing that she had likely secured the movie role and, more importantly, Mr. Li had commented that she was too thin. She then invited Yu Tu to Ms. Ling's husband, Guo’s, birthday dinner, calling it a "free dinner" and a "surprise" for Ms. Ling. Yu Tu wryly questioned if it would truly be a surprise.

At Ms. Ling’s home, Guo expressed his joy at the prospect of eating his wife's cooking, to which Ms. Ling teased him about implying she didn't care for the home. Jingjing and Yu Tu arrived. Jingjing presented Guo with a birthday gift—a necklace for Ms. Ling—quipping that she was helping him save money on his wife’s gift. Ms. Ling, who had long heard Pei Pei praise Yu Tu’s good looks, was instantly impressed upon meeting him.

As an agent, she immediately tried to recruit him into the entertainment industry, assuring him his good looks were talent enough and promising to make him famous within six months. Yu Tu politely declined, stating he lacked such talent. Jingjing also discouraged Ms. Ling from pursuing the idea. Ms. Ling then lamented that Jingjing’s unannounced arrival meant they hadn’t prepared enough food.

Jingjing suggested ordering hotpot, and Ms. Ling agreed, inviting more friends and colleagues like Dan Dan to join the lively dinner. During the meal, Jingjing mentioned to everyone’s surprise that she and Yu Tu were junior high schoolmates, with their schools having merged, placing him in Class 1 and her in Class 9. She jokingly added that in high school, she felt intellectually "crushed" by people like Yu Tu.

Ms. Ling recounted the earlier meeting with Mr. Li, where Duan Wu’s manager had tried to undermine Jingjing by questioning her gaming prowess in contrast to her public image. Jingjing, unfazed, took the agent’s Platinum-rank phone and played a game, winning the Most Valuable Player award, thus restoring her reputation and solidifying her chances for the role.

Duan Wu later explained via text that his company was replacing his manager, and the current manager was causing trouble for both of them. Feeling competitive and a bit jealous that Jingjing had found a new master, Guo, who was Jingjing's first gaming teacher, challenged Yu Tu to a solo match. Despite multiple attempts and switching heroes, Guo suffered repeated defeats, comically blaming his losses on not having eaten lunch earlier.

The friendly banter and games added to the festive atmosphere. After dinner, Yu Tu and Guo discussed stock investments. Guo, intrigued by Yu Tu's expertise, asked about his profession. Yu Tu revealed that he would be starting a job in investment banking next month. Jingjing, overhearing this from the balcony, joined Yu Tu.

She confessed that she had admired him since high school for his exceptional academic abilities and had always envisioned him as a brilliant scientist, a thought that made her proud. Yu Tu then shared how he had been called selfish for pursuing his dreams, which he felt caused his family to sacrifice, referring to their financial struggles. Jingjing, with her optimistic nature, encouraged him, arguing that his diverse talents meant high expectations, but he was outstanding regardless of his path.

She insisted that all his efforts and contributions held value, and he was the best in her eyes. Jingjing also playfully questioned his "Chief Coach of 80 Heroes" title, noting Honor of Kings had over a hundred heroes. Yu Tu humorously replied that he deemed himself "unworthy" of learning the remaining challenging heroes like Li Bai and Zhuge Liang. Jingjing accepted this, jokingly attributing it to his busy schedule.

She asked if he could continue teaching her until her upcoming match, and Yu Tu agreed. Jingjing then confirmed their friendship, which Yu Tu readily affirmed. Jingjing initiated her "Weight Gain and Star Shine Plan," aiming to gain five pounds in 30 days and reach Star Shine rank in ten days. However, she achieved her weight goal within a single week, earning a scolding from Ms. Ling.

Jingjing blamed her weight for having a "mind of its own," while Ms. Ling worried about her gaining too much and facing public criticism. Jingjing, however, retorted that a rival blogger was now heavier than her. As for her rank, Jingjing excitedly reported being at Diamond 1, with Star Shine rank within reach.

Ms. Ling suspected Yu Tu was carrying her, but Jingjing vehemently denied it, claiming she had been solo-queueing and Yu Tu had been "cold," not helping her even after a ten-game losing streak against "set-up" teammates. Jingjing declared her intention to enjoy one last big meal tonight before strictly controlling her diet. Yu Tu, having observed her games, explained that solo queuing was crucial for developing individual skills needed for competitions with unknown teammates.

He gently pointed out that in her last game, she was the one who rushed team fights before her teammates were ready, effectively "setting others up" rather than being set up herself. He had recorded the game and urged her to review it. Jingjing, checking her weight again after lunch, found herself at 96 pounds and realized a large dinner might push her to 97.

Torn between her desire for a good meal and her celebrity image, she proposed a new condition: if she reached Star Shine rank before 5:30 PM, they would go out for dinner, but strict dieting would begin the next day. Yu Tu noted she needed four more stars for Star Shine and had only an hour and a half, meaning no losses.

He watched as she played, and surprisingly, she quickly won two games, even earning an MVP title in one. This was partly due to an opponent being away from their keyboard and another team fighting among themselves. Jingjing mused that "Timi" (the game developer) must want their endorser to eat more. As they prepared to leave, Yu Tu unexpectedly said, "Jingjing, I want to ask a favor."

Episode 9 Recap

Yu Tu and Qiao Jingjing were at a restaurant for dinner, where Jingjing had already reserved a private room. Yu Tu, however, looked uneasy as he spotted his former professor, Mr. Zhang, and his wife, Mrs. Wang, waiting in a long queue for a table. He hesitantly asked Jingjing if they could give up their private room for his professors, offering to take her to another restaurant.

Jingjing, unfazed, suggested they simply invite Mr. and Mrs. Zhang to join them, stating she didn't mind sharing the table. Yu Tu was relieved and grateful, and he promptly invited his mentors over. Upon their arrival, Yu Tu introduced Jingjing to Mr. Zhang and Mrs. Wang. Mrs. Wang warmly greeted Jingjing, remarking on her beauty and a sense of familiarity, as if she had seen her before.

Jingjing, assuming it was a birthday celebration, asked if it was Mrs. Wang's special day. Mrs. Wang clarified that it was their wedding anniversary, which they annually celebrated at this very restaurant, though their reservation seemed to have been misplaced this time. Yu Tu offered for them to leave, but Mrs. Wang insisted they stay, expressing that she and Mr. Zhang loved company, especially with a "pretty girl" like Jingjing, and welcomed them to join.

Mrs. Wang then took charge of ordering, confidently selecting an array of dishes that included smoked fish, drunken chicken, candied lotus root, Four-Treasures-In-Huadiao-Wine, red braised pork belly, stir-fried prawn, sautéed peas, and fish noodles. Jingjing jokingly worried about the richness of the food, but Mrs. Wang reassured her that it was a rare occasion and suitable for young people. During the meal, Mr. Zhang turned the conversation to Yu Tu’s career.

He informed Yu Tu that he had successfully intervened to resolve the issues concerning his pre-research model project. He acknowledged that the institute had previously been overly conservative, always prioritizing success and employing redundant measures, but emphasized that with China's growing strength, it was time to encourage innovation. Mr. Zhang stated he understood Yu Tu’s initial impulse to quit, and that his "holiday" was meant to help him calm down.

He further revealed that he and Mr. Hu had been working to change the institute's conservative stance, and their attitude was indeed softening. Stressing the importance of Yu Tu and Guan Zai’s project, Mr. Zhang urged Yu Tu to return after his leave, rework the proposal with Guan Zai, and secure the institute's support. Yu Tu remained silent, clearly troubled.

Mrs. Wang attempted to lighten the atmosphere, but Mr. Zhang pressed on, asking if Yu Tu still intended to resign and for his reasons. After a moment, Yu Tu admitted, "I left for money." Mr. Zhang expressed profound disappointment, saying that while he understood why others had left, he never expected such a decision from Yu Tu, his most brilliant student.

He contrasted Yu Tu with Guan Zai, who had given up a high-paying job in the US to return, expecting Yu Tu to possess the same ideals and commitment. Jingjing then interjected, reminding Mr. Zhang that Yu Tu had also previously foregone high-paying opportunities. She passionately argued that top talents like Yu Tu and his colleagues deserved the best treatment and questioned whether it was a "guilt trip" to demand they sacrifice everything for their ideals and beliefs.

Yu Tu, visibly embarrassed by Jingjing's bluntness, quickly stopped her, apologized to his professors, and announced that he and Jingjing would be leaving. Outside the restaurant, Yu Tu confronted Jingjing, telling her that as someone who enjoyed the greatest benefits of society, she had no right to speak to his professor in such a manner. Jingjing, with tears in her eyes, countered, asking if her celebrity status meant she couldn't express her honest thoughts.

She clarified that she had only wanted to defend him and that she wished for him to continue being an aerospace engineer more than anyone else, before walking away. Yu Tu noticed a passerby clandestinely taking photos of their argument and politely asked them to delete the images, which they did. He then sent an apology message to Jingjing.

Later, Mrs. Wang messaged Yu Tu, advising him not to dwell on Mr. Zhang's words, assuring him that they respected his choices, and asked him not to blame Jingjing, as "what she said was true." Yu Tu thanked Mrs. Wang. Meanwhile, at the Northwest Satellite Control Center, staff discovered a critical malfunction in the JX satellite, which had lost its telemetry signal and was out of attitude control.

Yu Tu received an urgent phone call from his institute, ordering him to immediately cut short his holiday and report to the center. He promptly took the last flight to Xi'an. At the control center, Yu Tu met Guan Zai, who had also rushed over from Beijing.

They were briefed on the dire situation: the ground station had failed to receive JX's telemetry signal after its first rotation the previous night, and repeated attempts to switch to the backup transponder had also yielded no response, an extremely rare occurrence given their heterogeneous design. Yu Tu and Guan Zai, along with other engineers, immediately began analyzing the available data, working through the night.

Mr. Hu, the director of their institute, who was on a business trip in Taiyuan, arrived early the next morning, expressing profound anxiety over the satellite's fate, as JX was his last project before transitioning to an administrative role. After extensive analysis, Yu Tu suggested a possible cause related to external factors, specifically a solar storm forecast he had recently seen.

Investigations into the International Space Environment Web confirmed relevant information, and rough calculations by Yu Tu and Guan Zai indicated this was a plausible explanation, especially since it coincided with a peak year for solar activity. The team immediately contacted the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Space Department for confirmation, which soon replied, corroborating a solar storm event at the precise moment of the satellite's malfunction.

With this critical lead, the team launched a rapid response: running simulations, precisely calculating the satellite's orbit, preparing command scripts, and checking the power supply. Mr. Hu demanded hourly updates on their progress. Further simulations validated that JX had encountered a high-energy particle storm, which likely caused simultaneous single-event upsets in both transponders, thereby disrupting the satellite's communication system.

Recognizing that the transponder’s analog reception circuit was unaffected by such events, the team devised a plan to blindly transmit reboot commands to both transponders during the satellite's next pass. The Jiamusi post successfully transmitted the commands, and telemetry signals were received. However, the stabilization subsystem remained abnormal, failing to achieve three-axis stable earth-orientation, and the power subsystem showed excessive discharge.

Yu Tu identified the power issue as a secondary effect from the stabilization system's failure to properly orient the solar panels towards the sun. The immediate priorities became reducing the satellite's power consumption and correcting its attitude by sending solar-oriented commands. The satellite then flew out of the monitoring range, with its next pass scheduled for 8:03 PM. The team faced another all-nighter as they continued their urgent efforts to save JX.

Back in Shanghai, Jingjing appeared noticeably dispirited and had been spending an unusual amount of time at her studio. Her assistant, Xiao Zhu, confided in Ms. Ling that Jingjing had an argument with Yu Tu, who hadn't been seen for days. Ms. Ling, trying to boost Jingjing's spirits, shared positive news: Director Li’s contract for an upcoming film had returned with favorable terms, and offers for her next drama had increased significantly.

Jingjing, however, expressed a sense of detachment, questioning whether she was truly "worth the money" for a mere five months of filming. Ms. Ling reassured her, explaining that her market value was undeniable, with TV channels and advertisers fiercely competing for her involvement. She argued that if Jingjing didn't accept the market rate, the money would simply enrich the investors, rendering her "sentimental" thoughts about her worth inconsequential.

Ms. Ling advised Jingjing to focus on delivering strong performances, avoiding controversy, and continuing her charitable work. Still troubled, Jingjing inquired about Yu Tu's whereabouts. As Ms. Ling left the studio, she asked Xiao Zhu to keep a close eye on Jingjing. Later, Jingjing checked her phone and saw a WeChat message from Yu Tu: "I'm off to a business trip. Don't know when I'll be back." This explained his sudden absence.

Episode 10 Recap

Working tirelessly at the Northwest Satellite Control Center, Yu Tu and Guan Zai focused on resolving the J-X satellite's malfunction. During a meal break, Guan Zai urged Yu Tu to eat, reminding him to prioritize his health. Yu Tu checked his phone, noticing Qiao Jingjing had not replied to any of his messages. Guan Zai remarked that he had seen Qiao Jingjing’s advertisement and realized she was Yu Tu’s high school classmate.

Yu Tu confirmed this, later apologizing to his professor’s wife, Mrs. Wang, for his delayed reply to her message. As they ate outside, Guan Zai shared news about the European Space Agency's Tycho Brahe satellite, which, like J-X, had been launched only a year ago but was severely affected by solar wind, damaging its power supply and forcing its abandonment. He expressed optimism that J-X would not suffer the same fate, highlighting their successful solar orientation and charging.

Guan Zai recounted the past few days as suspenseful, noting that while they anticipated attitude orbit control issues, they didn't expect the main interface to fail. Yu Tu suggested optimizing the earth-oriented attitude maneuver strategy, which currently relied solely on the backup system, before returning to his work, demonstrating his intense dedication. Two days later, the team at the control center prepared for the satellite's re-entry.

The Jiamusi Station reported its entry, and telemetry soon confirmed that all systems were functioning normally, capable of attitude maneuvering. The command sequence for earth orientation was sent. With bated breath, the team watched as the satellite successfully entered earth orientation mode, its attitude and system parameters stabilized, ready to resume its on-orbit missions. Cheers erupted throughout the center, celebrating the successful rescue. Mr. Hu commended the young engineers from both institutes for their dedication, persistence, and ideals.

Guan Zai praised Yu Tu, noting that despite his recent vacation, Yu Tu’s mind remained sharp, always thinking ahead, and that his crucial contributions had quickly resolved the crisis. He even joked that a colleague, Mr. Li, had tried to poach Yu Tu. Guan Zai acknowledged that the satellite's lifespan was affected but still expected it to exceed its original design, deeming its rescue a stroke of luck.

He reminded Yu Tu that J-X was Yu Tu’s first satellite design and their first collaboration. Guan Zai recalled his initial impression of Yu Tu, admitting he thought Yu Tu was merely a good-looking face, only to be proven wrong when Yu Tu presented a detailed information flow interface diagram, demonstrating his impressive talent.

Transitioning to Yu Tu’s personal matters, Guan Zai inquired if Yu Tu was facing any difficulties, hinting at family issues, as he remembered Yu Tu acting strangely after a family phone call. Yu Tu dismissed family concerns, admitting his mind was just in turmoil. Guan Zai then probed about Yu Tu’s interest in investment banking, asking if it was truly as profitable as rumored, with some graduates earning over a million.

Yu Tu clarified that earnings varied by individual and market conditions, mentioning how the 2008 financial crisis affected his own graduation prospects. He also compared potential high-paying jobs at Google or NASA, but noted that as a foreigner at NASA, he would likely never access core technology.

Guan Zai shared that he never tried to persuade Yu Tu to stay because he never believed Yu Tu would actually leave, seeing them as kindred spirits—"untimely," as Guan Zai’s wife often described them. Changing the subject, Guan Zai offered to set Yu Tu up with an acquaintance, but Yu Tu politely refused, admitting he had recently reconnected with a girl he liked—his high school classmate, Qiao Jingjing.

This past month had been difficult for Yu Tu, facing disappointment from his mentors and family pressure, and the memory of Jingjing’s tear-filled eyes after their argument weighed heavily on him. Guan Zai then grew serious again, asking a hypothetical question: if the satellite repair had taken months, would the investment bank still wait, or would Yu Tu abandon the project?

The question hung in the air, revealing Guan Zai's deep disappointment in Yu Tu's decision to leave a profession they both cherished. Later, as they waited for a gate to open, Guan Zai, feeling unwell, asked Yu Tu to call his wife, Shen Jing, to report their safety. Suddenly, Guan Zai collapsed. Yu Tu rushed him to the hospital, where he learned of Guan Zai's serious condition.

Upon regaining consciousness, Guan Zai expressed regret for not resting longer before returning to Shanghai but insisted on going home, as he missed his family. He told Yu Tu to go home and rest once they reached Shanghai, refusing Yu Tu's offer to accompany him to the hospital there, stating he wanted to tell Shen Jing about his illness himself.

In the car, Guan Zai agonized over how to break the news to his wife, recalling unfulfilled promises to take her and their son on trips. He requested his medical records and examination report from Yu Tu, revealing he had pressed the doctors for answers, realizing Yu Tu had not planned to tell him. Yu Tu admitted he hadn't known how to deliver the difficult news.

Upon arriving home, Guan Zai put on a brave face, hiding his illness from Shen Jing and his son, Mengmeng. He told them he would no longer be taking business trips and would stay in Shanghai. Inside, Mengmeng struggled with a challenging math problem, jokingly calling his mother "slow" for not figuring it out, contrasting her with his "exceptionally smart" father and "Uncle Yu," who graduated from Tsinghua with double degrees.

Guan Zai quickly provided a third solution to Mengmeng’s problem, delighting his son. Mengmeng, reluctant to go to his hobby class, asked his father if he would "disappear" again, to which Guan Zai firmly promised he was home to stay. Throughout this ordeal, Yu Tu continuously checked his phone, staring at Qiao Jingjing's avatar, but she still hadn't replied. He deeply pondered the unpredictable and fragile nature of human life.

Meanwhile, Qiao Jingjing received a call from her manager, Ling, informing her that the upcoming "Honor of Kings" entertainment match would use an updated game version and possibly new heroes. Jingjing, now an experienced player, decided to test new heroes and adjust her equipment. Ling praised Jingjing's transformation from a newbie to an expert in just a month, noting her attention to detail regarding game versions.

Jingjing responded that in e-sports, there were no guaranteed wins, even for pros, and her goal was simply to perform at her best. Ling encouraged her not to stress too much, pointing out Jingjing had already reached the Star II rank. Ling then asked if Yu Tu hadn't been teaching her lately. Jingjing defiantly replied that she could climb the ranks herself, with or without him, before abruptly ending the call to read her script.

Later, Qiao Jingjing was testing heroes in "Honor of Kings" when Yu Tu sent her a game invitation. Despite her lingering anger and the emotional distance between them, and after a moment of hesitation, she accepted. They played several ranked games, with Yu Tu guiding her to a winning streak. Suddenly, Pei Pei arrived at Jingjing’s door to deliver something and asked if Jingjing had "locked Mr. Yu downstairs."

Surprised to hear Yu Tu was there, and overcoming her earlier frustration, a longing for him took over. Without a moment's thought, Jingjing rushed downstairs in her slippers. She found Yu Tu sitting there, still playing the game with her. As she approached, Yu Tu stood up, his first words a sincere question, "Are you still angry?" ready to put their argument behind them.

Episode 11 Recap

After Yu Tu arrived at Qiao Jingjing's apartment building, he spotted her. He asked if she was still upset with him. Jingjing acknowledged that she had not replied to his messages, which prompted him to come and ask if she still needed his guidance. She apologized for her inappropriate words the other day and asked him to pass her apologies to his teacher, to which Yu Tu replied he already had.

He also mentioned that his teacher's wife had texted him, asking if his classmate Jingjing was the famous celebrity Qiao Jingjing. Yu Tu then added that he had seen her game stats and noticed she had been playing well in his absence. He again asked if she still needed his help. Jingjing then brought up the strange-looking machine parts Yu Tu had ordered, which had arrived at her address but with his phone number on the package.

She was relieved the building management had collected them and asked if he was just going to leave them at her place. Yu Tu assured her he wasn't, and Jingjing invited him upstairs for a meal. Yu Tu explained that he had taken a night train and smelled bad, so he preferred to go home, shower, and return the next day.

Jingjing was surprised he came directly to her place after a night train journey, commenting that it was a good thing he brought a power bank, or his phone would have run out of battery. She insisted her chauffeur drive him home, not allowing any refusal, and jokingly said she didn't want him "to suffocate people in the subway." Yu Tu agreed.

On the way, the driver, Mr. Wang, mentioned that Yu Tu's commute to Jingjing's place usually took an hour and a half by subway, making a round trip three hours. Yu Tu quickly asked Mr. Wang not to tell Jingjing this. Meanwhile, Guan Zai's wife, Shen Jing, pressed him to keep his promise about not traveling for work this year and staying in Shanghai.

She reminded him that he often broke his word, recalling his excessive overtime and business trips from the previous year. While preparing a large meal, she expressed how happy their son would be to see all the dishes. Guan Zai then apologized to Shen Jing, confessing he had encountered a "problem" but assured her it wasn't serious and he was confident it would get better. Upon returning home, Yu Tu was tired.

His roommate, Zhai Liang, asked when he got back and why he was packing again. Yu Tu said he would be staying elsewhere for a while and asked Zhai Liang to look after the apartment, half-jokingly saying they were "still using him before he goes" after his resignation. Seeing Yu Tu hungry from his journey, Zhai Liang offered him instant noodles.

Soon after, Shen Jing called Yu Tu, thanking him for taking care of Guan Zai during his time in Xi'an. Yu Tu replied it was his duty and that he was about to call her, offering to stay with Guan Zai that night. Shen Jing accepted his offer, explaining that they had no relatives in Shanghai, and while she could leave her child with a friend during the day, she had to pick him up at night.

Yu Tu immediately agreed to help and prepared to go to the hospital. Later, in the hospital, Shen Jing visited Guan Zai, bringing a thermos of porridge and toiletries for Yu Tu. She told Yu Tu that Guan Zai was resting as he was uncomfortable after checkups and asked Yu Tu to check if Guan Zai felt like eating the porridge once he woke.

She informed him she would return before the morning rounds, which were around 8 AM, and declined Yu Tu's offer to see her off. Outside the room, overwhelmed, Shen Jing sat alone and cried. She recounted having asked doctors in Xi'an and researched Guan Zai's illness, learning it had a high recovery rate, especially for someone young like him.

Her main distress was figuring out how to tell their son that his father wouldn't be home again, deciding to tell him it was another business trip because Guan Zai "never keeps his word" and "always lies" to her. When Guan Zai woke up, Yu Tu checked on him. Guan Zai asked about Shen Jing and if she had cried. He then asked Yu Tu to solve a math problem for their son because his mind felt "a bit messy."

Yu Tu joked that Guan Zai's "fatherly image" would crumble if his son saw different handwriting. Guan Zai then suggested Shen Jing hire a caregiver so Yu Tu wouldn't have to visit so frequently, stating he could manage on his own. Yu Tu countered that finding a trustworthy caregiver was difficult.

Guan Zai then asked Yu Tu to keep reminding Shen Jing about the high recovery rate of his illness, as she easily gets anxious but is also easily convinced if told repeatedly. The next morning, Shen Jing arrived at the hospital before 8 AM, bringing fresh porridge she had made for Guan Zai and two meat buns for Yu Tu.

She offered Yu Tu some porridge, and when Guan Zai questioned why she woke so early to cook, she explained she made breakfast for their son and had enough time because Yu Tu was helping at night. As she entered Guan Zai's room, she wiped her tears, composing herself. She remarked that he looked much better and encouraged him to have confidence, again emphasizing the high recovery rate due to his youth and lack of other underlying conditions.

She playfully told him that he was taking a much-needed break at home with her, teasing him that he wouldn't be able to "float around outside working" anymore. She gave the meat buns to Yu Tu, noting they were from a well-loved stall in her neighborhood, for him to eat on his way. Later that morning, Yu Tu came to Jingjing's home, bringing breakfast.

Jingjing was already playing games and complaining about losing ten stars, though she was proud to have been the MVP in five of those losses. Yu Tu, while eating the meat buns Shen Jing gave him, critiqued her gameplay, pointing out issues with the support and mid players, and a jungler's poor tempo. He offered to "carry" her. Jingjing asked about his business trip, wondering if something good had happened to make him so kind.

He told her he had been to Xi'an but couldn't reveal any more due to confidentiality, even to family, much to Jingjing's boredom. Jingjing noted she was turning up the floor heating. As Yu Tu played, Jingjing observed his gaming style had changed after his business trip; he was more aggressive and used less common heroes. Yu Tu explained it was good to try a different style. Together, they achieved ten consecutive wins.

Yu Tu then told Jingjing to continue playing on her own while he went to fix her projector. Jingjing expressed impatience with the repair time and suggested they sneak into the finals if it wasn't fixed. Yu Tu playfully responded, "That depends on your performance." Jingjing then started a solo match and was quickly stunned. Her teammates began mocking her Luna character, calling her weak and out of mana.

Jingjing, frustrated, pleaded with Yu Tu for help and asked him to "teach that Su Lie a lesson" for laughing at her. Yu Tu assessed their in-game economy was too low for a direct attack but decided they could "tease him." He skillfully used a wall-passing ability to evade a low-health situation, outmaneuvering and escaping the enemy Su Lie while still farming.

Jingjing noticed a significant change in Yu Tu; he was more patient and willing to entertain her requests, unlike before when he might have lectured her about wasting time on unnecessary actions. Taking advantage of his changed demeanor, she boldly asked if she could use his phone to practice for an upcoming competition, as the designated phone model was the same as his. Yu Tu agreed and gave her the password, "0424," telling her to get the phone from the living room.

Episode 12 Recap

Jingjing asked Yu Tu if she could use his phone to play games, explaining that her upcoming show match required a specific phone model, which his happened to be, and she wanted to practice with it. Yu Tu readily gave her his passcode, 0424, and told her to retrieve the phone from the living room. Once she had his phone, Jingjing didn't immediately start playing. Instead, she asked Yu Tu if he was in their high school group chat.

When he confirmed he was, she admitted she wasn't and expressed curiosity about their classmates' lives. She then asked if she could use his WeChat to view their Moments. Yu Tu agreed, stating that Moments were for friends, and as their classmate, she was welcome to look. While scrolling, Jingjing privately mused that he didn't quite grasp her underlying romantic intentions, but found his innocence appealing. After Yu Tu won a game, Jingjing felt she should reciprocate.

She jokingly announced she would win a game for him. Yu Tu suggested she just look at Moments instead, but Jingjing insisted, asking if he doubted her ability. Just as she was about to play, a call from Xiao Zhu came through on Yu Tu’s phone. Jingjing answered, and Xiao Zhu informed them that a brand had sent Jingjing a birthday gift, comprising three large boxes.

Jingjing then asked Yu Tu if he could bring the boxes up, as it was inconvenient for the driver. Upon seeing the boxes, Jingjing mistakenly assumed they were the brand's gift. However, Xiao Zhu corrected her, revealing they were actually clothes, bags, and shoes Jingjing had purchased earlier, which had arrived simultaneously. Xiao Zhu suggested mixing and matching them for the next match.

Jingjing, embarrassed by Yu Tu knowing about her excessive purchases, tried to downplay it, but Xiao Zhu continued to loudly discuss Jingjing's overflowing and messy wardrobe, mentioning that she often gave away unworn items to friends like Pei Pei. Internally, Jingjing worried Yu Tu would think she was spoiled. Yu Tu, amused by her obvious attempts to cover up, jokingly complimented her "exaggerated acting technique" before genuinely assuring her that everything was "quite good."

Relieved, Jingjing believed he saw her "beautiful, dazzling, and simple heart." Yu Tu informed Jingjing that he had work and needed to leave around 6 PM, taking his dinner with him and telling her not to prepare dinner for him starting the next day. Jingjing asked if he would still watch her final match on Saturday. He confirmed he would make arrangements to watch the match, which started around 5 PM, but he might arrive later in the morning.

Before he left, Jingjing reminded him not to bring her meat buns the next day. Later at the hospital, Shen Jing was on the phone with Guan Zai, frustrated that he had implied she wasn't doing enough to introduce Yu Tu to others. When Yu Tu arrived, she asked him directly if he had a girlfriend. When Yu Tu confirmed it, Shen Jing, perhaps to tease Guan Zai, demanded a photo, which Yu Tu couldn't produce.

She then accused Yu Tu of not being straightforward and dramatically stormed out, saying she needed to pick up her child. Yu Tu followed her out to see her off. Shen Jing apologized for her behavior, explaining that she was intentionally trying to lighten the mood for Guan Zai, who was unwell, and to hide her own stress.

She also confided that she wouldn't have introduced her junior to Yu Tu anyway, because Yu Tu was just like Guan Zai—always prioritizing work and neglecting family—a hardship she wouldn't wish on her junior. Yu Tu then called his senior to decline an investment banking offer, apologizing for any inconvenience. The senior accepted, but asked if Yu Tu had resolved the initial reasons for wanting to resign from the Aerospace Institute.

Back in Guan Zai's room, Guan Zai, displaying surprising composure, was noting down work details that could be handled over the phone, asking Yu Tu to keep this confidential from Shen Jing. Yu Tu later offered to heat some food, and Guan Zai observed that Yu Tu now brought his own meals.

Yu Tu's earlier conversation with Shen Jing seemed to resurface in his mind, recalling her lamenting his and Guan Zai's similar workaholic tendencies and the way they neglected their families, concluding that he shouldn't "delay people" (in reference to potential partners). Suddenly, Guan Zai experienced a severe bout of vomiting. Yu Tu immediately called for a doctor. The doctor soon confirmed Guan Zai had cancer. Fortunately, it was discovered early and had not metastasized.

The dizziness Guan Zai had been experiencing was attributed to overexertion and stress, but it was precisely this symptom that led to the early diagnosis. The doctor recommended surgery as soon as Guan Zai’s condition stabilized. Guan Zai, now awake, accepted the news with a resolute calm, saying he would simply "treat the illness" since it was caught early. Mr. Hu and Mrs. Hu arrived at the hospital to visit Guan Zai.

Shen Jing suggested they leave, as Guan Zai was lethargic. They agreed to return on the weekend, with Mrs. Hu offering to bring some clear soup. As they departed, Mrs. Hu commiserated with Shen Jing, noting how haggard she looked. She recalled her own past experience, mentioning that Mr. Hu's work schedule was so demanding that he had almost missed the birth of their child.

Mr. Hu urged Yu Tu to reach out if Shen Jing needed any help, observing that Guan Zai and his wife were reluctant to burden others. Mr. Hu then asked Yu Tu to keep Guan Zai's illness a secret from Mr. Zhang for the time being, as Mr. Zhang was unwell and might not cope with the news about his two most cherished students.

After their departure, Yu Tu informed Mr. Hu that he wished to apply for an extended vacation, citing his accumulated leave. Mr. Hu asked if this meant he had turned down the investment banking offer, which Yu Tu confirmed. Mr. Hu cautioned Yu Tu not to feel overly responsible for Guan Zai or let others influence his career decisions.

Yu Tu clarified that his decision had nothing to do with others; rather, his experience in Xi'an saving the JX satellite had solidified his conviction that he belonged in the Aerospace Institute. Mr. Hu agreed to process the one-week extended leave, and Yu Tu added that he had another personal matter he had promised a friend to complete. Later, Jingjing and Yu Tu were watching a professional esports match at her home.

Yu Tu, exhausted, gradually drifted off to sleep during the intense game. Jingjing quietly adjusted the volume and admired his sleeping face, particularly his long eyelashes, attempting to secretly take a photo. In her attempt to get a better angle, she accidentally slipped and landed on his lap. Yu Tu woke up, mistakenly thinking she was reaching for an orange, and handed her two. He then asked who won the match.

Jingjing made him guess, and Yu Tu correctly deduced that her chosen team had lost, meaning she owed him a request. Yu Tu's request was for Jingjing to tell him what birthday gift she wanted for her upcoming birthday at the end of the month. Jingjing was momentarily flustered, finding the question too direct, and asked for time to think about it. She then asked Yu Tu for advice on selecting professional teammates for her show match.

Yu Tu suggested Zhou Yin from Heavenly Palace. He explained that while Heavenly Palace had lost to Luo Shen in the finals, Zhou Yin was an exceptional all-around player and team captain, whereas Luo Shen's strength lay in team coordination. Yu Tu revealed that he had been imitating Zhou Yin’s (and another player named Snow's) playstyle during their recent games to help Jingjing familiarize herself with their tactics and improve her coordination with them.

Jingjing, inspired, finally decided on her birthday gift: she wanted Yu Tu to get her a Penta Kill. She emphasized that she wanted him to achieve it using "his own" playstyle, not an imitation, because she enjoyed coordinating with him the most. Yu Tu chuckled, noting it sounded like hard work, and playfully told her to first drop 30 stars by playing alone, as his current rank was too high for him to "afford" a 50-star Penta Kill.

Jingjing refused to drop her rank. She then handed him two tickets to the awarding ceremony, asking him to bring "So Panicky" (Zhai Liang) with him. She reminded him to get enough sleep so he wouldn't fall asleep again during the event, and suggested he could then proudly tell "So Panicky" that "Hand-picked Cotton" (her in-game name) was the most beautiful person on stage.

As Yu Tu walked home alone later that night, he saw Jingjing's advertisement playing on a large building screen. He paused, looking up, and then remembered the "unfinished business" he had promised a friend to complete, an echo of his earlier conversation with Mr. Hu. Jingjing's voice was heard again, asking him to continue teaching her until the match, to which he agreed.

Episode 13 Recap

The Honor of Kings Award Ceremony was underway, with numerous professional e-sports players and celebrities in attendance. Qiao Jingjing, as the game's endorser, arrived elegantly dressed. Before the ceremony, she met with the pro players backstage, making a positive impression with her approachable demeanor and professional knowledge. Many players asked her for autographed photos. During her preparations, Jingjing's manager, Ling Jie, discussed outfits, hoping Jingjing would look good regardless of the match outcome.

Jingjing, however, preferred honest reporting over "honorable loss" narratives. Ling Jie also noted Jingjing's recent rank drop, to which Jingjing playfully attributed to Yu Tu's intense "demon training" sessions, pushing her for Penta Kills. Ling Jie had also hoped Jingjing would "sweet talk" the pro players for an easier match, but Jingjing insisted that mercy was not in the vocabulary of e-sports athletes.

Jingjing opted to share a communal makeup room with the players, explaining that it was important to understand their playstyles as an endorser and for her upcoming match. The ceremony began with emcee Ying Kai introducing various professional teams. Jingjing's manager remarked on how hard Jingjing had been training for the event. In the audience, Jingjing's ex-boyfriend, Mr. Su, was also present. When it was time for the match, Jingjing made her grand entrance to enthusiastic cheers.

She expressed confidence, stating she was not nervous, though her future teammates might be. Five lucky audience members were introduced as potential teammates, ranging from a programmer to a lawyer and a streamer. Jingjing then introduced herself as a King 15 stars player but strategically avoided revealing her main heroes to prevent bans. Next, teams were formed by a random draw.

Jingjing was paired with Battle Bear and Nine Tomatoes, while the other three amateurs, including streamer Wine Among Flowers, formed the opposing team. Jingjing named her team "Good Luck Team," explaining that besides skill, luck was a crucial element in gaming. The opposing team was named "Star-reaching Team." Both teams then had to choose two professional players from the audience. Jingjing's first pick was Zhou Yin from Heavenly Palace.

She jokingly said he had asked her to pick him, then professionally explained her choice by highlighting his versatility and deep hero pool. She confirmed she had prepared a list of top players for each role but refused to reveal it to avoid offending anyone. Star-reaching Team selected Pig Rider and Heliu.

For her second pick, Jingjing again chose a player from Heavenly Palace, Snow, explaining that selecting two players from the same professional team would create better synergy, resulting in a "1+1>2" effect. Watching from the audience, Yu Tu was impressed by her strategic thinking, noting it was her own idea, not something he had taught her.

As the first game's ban-and-pick phase began, casters noted that the Star-reaching Team banned Wang Zhaojun and Cai Wenji, heroes whose stats Jingjing had posted online. Good Luck Team, in turn, banned Meng Ya and Marco Polo, known picks for Wine Among Flowers. Jingjing, unfazed by the bans, revealed that the heroes she had publicly posted were not her most skilled ones, hinting at the depth of her hero pool developed through Yu Tu's "demon training."

After some discussion, Good Luck Team decided on Bian Que for mid-lane, with Jingjing picking Donghuang Taiyi as the support, a choice that surprised many, but Yu Tu understood her decision. The casters highlighted Donghuang Taiyi's high-risk, high-reward role, noting that Jingjing would bear significant responsibility. In the early game, Jingjing's Donghuang Taiyi immediately invaded the enemy jungle, successfully disrupting their jungler Li Bai and helping her team secure the blue buff, gaining an early advantage.

Her strong map awareness was praised by the casters. Later, around the ten-minute mark, a crucial team fight erupted near the enemy's inner turret. Jingjing initiated perfectly, flashing in and using her ultimate to lock down the enemy mid-laner, Diao Chan. Her team followed up, securing a swift team wipe. The casters and audience were thoroughly impressed by her decisive play. Good Luck Team then pushed to the enemy nexus, securing victory through impeccable teamwork and Jingjing's effective engagement.

While some online comments dismissed her contribution as merely "being carried" because she played support, her fans fiercely defended her, pointing to her high damage taken and astute team selections. Snow, playing Sun Shangxiang, was awarded the MVP for the game. After the game, the teams drew special privileges for the next round.

Jingjing's Good Luck Team won the right to ban an additional hero, while the Star-reaching Team won the right to remove the previous game's MVP, forcing Snow to leave the stage. Citing a rule from the official game blog, Jingjing requested to pick a non-professional player from the audience as Snow's replacement.

Despite the host's skepticism about a non-pro's skill level compared to a professional, Jingjing insisted, stating this person had "always been her teammate" and she wished to "fight alongside him this time." Her teammates enthusiastically supported her choice. Jingjing then announced her pick: Yu Tu. The audience was initially confused, unfamiliar with the name, but soon, a spotlight illuminated Yu Tu in the crowd, and his striking appearance drew gasps of admiration.

Jingjing reminisced about seeing Yu Tu on stage in high school, equally dazzling then. Now, he was walking onto "her" stage, into "her" world, symbolizing his gradual entry into her life. Yu Tu, with a subtle smile, made his way to the stage.

Episode 14 Recap

Upon entering the stage, Yu Tu joined Jingjing's team, prompting the host to inquire about his relationship with Jingjing. Jingjing candidly revealed that Yu Tu was her middle school and high school classmate, but they had lost contact for many years and only reconnected recently because of Honor of Kings. She lightheartedly added that she didn't get into Tsinghua University, subtly acknowledging Yu Tu's academic background.

As the host playfully hinted at a potential romance, Ms. Ling, Jingjing's manager, watched from backstage with concern. She feared that old rumors about Jingjing's high school confession and Yu Tu, who had a girlfriend at the time, would resurface, wrongly accusing Jingjing of being a third party.

Aware of this risk, Jingjing cleverly stated on stage that Yu Tu had been single for a long time and was currently on vacation, a statement Yu Tu subtly affirmed, showing remarkable synchronicity. Before the second game commenced, Yu Tu introduced himself, announcing his in-game ID as "Jade Rabbit Pounding Elixir," his rank as King 50 stars, and his profession as an aerospace designer specializing in deep space exploration, much to Jingjing's surprise.

The second game promised to be as intense as the first, especially since the Star-reaching Team was now aware of Jingjing's true skill. Yu Tu analyzed the situation, encouraging Jingjing to be bold. He proposed playing Mid while she took the Marksman role, suggesting Baili Shouyue as her best hero. As both teams began banning heroes, Jingjing's Donghuang Taiyi was banned, creating a tricky situation for her.

Online commentators speculated that Jingjing was merely a "support player" who relied on others to carry her. However, defying expectations, Jingjing selected Baili Shouyue, surprising everyone present. Yu Tu, in turn, chose Zhuge Liang. Jingjing's Baili Shouyue performance captivated the audience. Her first shot was a direct hit, immediately silencing skeptics and validating her prowess.

Soon after, Yu Tu, playing Zhuge Liang, secured the first blood during a casual chat with Jingjing, earning a playful reprimand from her for being reckless. Yu Tu and their teammate Zhou Yin, playing Pei Qinhu, displayed aggressive synergy, dominating the early game. Their overconfidence, however, led to a team-wipe. Despite the momentary setback and the visible tension among fans, Yu Tu remained unfazed.

His Zhuge Liang, upon respawning, quickly achieved a Quadra Kill, leaving even professional players amazed and eager to review the replay. The game intensified, culminating in the Good Luck Team narrowly winning the second match with a decisive final push. Cheers erupted as the Good Luck Team celebrated their victory. When Jingjing stood up, her high heels almost caused her to stumble, but Yu Tu swiftly caught her.

Their eyes met, a spark visible between them, a scene noticed by Mr. Su, Jingjing’s former boyfriend, who watched her intently. Jingjing’s performance had impressed viewers nationwide, and during the post-match interview, the host showered her with praise. A Star-reaching Team member expressed regret at their loss, with another lightheartedly joking about being repeatedly sniped by Jingjing, while another lauded Yu Tu’s exceptional Zhuge Liang.

Yu Tu gracefully accepted the compliments, and their undeniable chemistry led fans to enthusiastically accept him as "brother-in-law," marking the end of the exhibition match. Jingjing then proceeded to the next segment of the event to present the Most Popular Toplaner of the Year award to Sweet Dream, followed by the Most Popular Botlaner of the Year award, before heading to a photo session. Yu Tu stayed behind, holding her phone.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ling and her assistant, Xiao Zhu, were off to a meeting with Honor of Kings representatives, instructing Yu Tu to inform Jingjing that the driver would take her home. After all her duties were concluded, Jingjing returned to Yu Tu with his coat and retrieved her phone. Yu Tu initially suggested taking the subway home, but Jingjing, noting the large crowd of fans outside, proposed they use a special staff passage. After a brief consideration, Yu Tu agreed.

Episode 15 Recap

As Qiao Jingjing and Yu Tu rode in a car, Yu Tu was visibly deep in thought while Jingjing focused on her phone. She discovered that both she and Yu Tu were on trending searches. People were praising Yu Tu, commenting on his good looks, intelligence, and excellent gaming skills, even suggesting he join show business or speculating if he worked at the National Aerospace Research Institute.

Concerned about the intense public scrutiny, Jingjing immediately contacted Ms. Ling, urging her to remove the trending topics quickly and tell marketing accounts and media to avoid mentioning Yu Tu. She explained that she didn't realize Yu Tu intended to return to scientific research, and she worried the noisy entertainment world would distract him, emphasizing his need to maintain a low profile at the institute.

Jingjing then asked Yu Tu about his earlier statement on stage, confirming his profession as an aerospace designer. Yu Tu acknowledged that he had decided to return to the institute, a decision made during his trip to Xi'an, and would resume work tomorrow. He expressed regret, telling Jingjing that he likely wouldn't be able to give her the "Penta Kill" she desired for her birthday because he wouldn't have time for games anymore.

Jingjing felt a pang of disappointment, sensing a subtle coldness from him. Yu Tu requested to be dropped off at a subway station, stating it was convenient for him to get home from there and that he had to work the next day. He politely declined the invitation for a celebratory supper. As Yu Tu walked away, Jingjing, fearing this might be their final farewell, chased after him.

Mustering her courage, she asked him directly if he was willing to be with her. With a heavy heart, Yu Tu gently rejected her, explaining that she belonged to a dazzling world, while he belonged to another, implying they were not meant for each other. Jingjing, heartbroken by this second rejection since high school, turned and walked away, struggling to hold back her tears. Yu Tu watched her leave, feeling a profound sadness.

Yu Tu returned home to find Zhai Liang playing games. Zhai Liang had already discovered Yu Tu's participation in the Honor of Kings match with Qiao Jingjing, even recognizing her voice as familiar. He tried to question Yu Tu about it, but seeing his friend's obvious exhaustion, Zhai Liang decided to drop the matter, though he noted the university group chat was buzzing with excitement. The following day, Yu Tu returned to the National Aerospace Research Institute.

Mr. Zhang warmly welcomed him back to the office, apologizing for his previous harsh words and acknowledging that the challenges faced by younger generations in terms of living costs and industry disparities were different from their own era. He then asked if Yu Tu had truly thought through his decision to stay. Yu Tu assured him that he would dedicate himself fully to his work. Mr. Zhang then brought up Jingjing, mentioning his wife told him she was a celebrity.

He praised Jingjing, calling her a "nice girl" and even suggesting she made some good points. He encouraged Yu Tu to be proactive in pursuing her, stating it was time for Yu Tu to consider his marriage. However, Yu Tu responded that he felt he had nothing to offer her. Mr. Zhang was angered by this, asserting that Yu Tu, a prospective chief engineer and a graduate of a prestigious school, was more than suitable for a celebrity.

He dismissed money as a factor, reminding Yu Tu that the aerospace industry was the most romantic profession, regardless of income. Mr. Zhang then informed Yu Tu that Guan Zai had suddenly fallen ill and asked him to take on some of Guan Zai's responsibilities, starting with leading the confirmation work for the improved exploration rover. Yu Tu, Mr. Zhang, Mr. Luo, and other colleagues proceeded to the assembly department.

Mr. Zhang explained that with the head engineer busy on other models and Guan Zai unexpectedly sick, Yu Tu would lead the confirmation work for the exploration rover. In a meeting before work, Yu Tu outlined the day's experiments, which included tests for speed, turning capabilities, and mobility under extreme conditions. The team began the linear motion experiment on flat ground. The work was repetitive, with multiple normal completions of the drive cycle.

However, during a slope-climbing test, the rover unexpectedly lagged, and the telemetry showed abnormal data. They tried to reproduce the error, and each team member confirmed their standalone devices, the communication system, and the integrated electronics were all functioning correctly, having sent indications to the mobile device without issues during prior tests. They then reviewed the test reports and blueprints, searching for the cause of the malfunction.

As the day stretched late, colleagues expressed frustration, with one lamenting missing his girlfriend's birthday. Yu Tu suggested they call it a day and revisit the problem with a clearer mind tomorrow. While others left, Yu Tu stayed behind, meticulously reviewing documents. He picked up his phone and watched a video of Jingjing's birthday interview. In the interview, Jingjing mentioned she hadn't received any "special gifts" yet, but anticipated her fans' gifts would be unique.

This reminded Yu Tu of the "Penta Kill" he had promised her as a birthday gift, a promise he now knew he couldn't keep. Reflecting on Shen Jing's past difficulties due to Guan Zai's frequent absence, Yu Tu reaffirmed his belief that he could not provide Jingjing with constant companionship or the luxurious lifestyle she deserved, and therefore, he felt unworthy of her.

Episode 16 Recap

After analyzing detailed design reports and blueprints, Yu Tu suspected that the experiment's failure was due to electromagnetic interference. He discussed with Zhao Bo about the five-fold difference in current between flat ground and slopes, confirming that interference from the power line on the electric machine's Hall effect sensor was the problem, caused by the 1. 6 mm distance between them, leaving no margin for error. A colleague suggested simulating the situation, so Yu Tu proposed a wheel loading test.

During the initial slope test, the wheel speed was inconsistent, and the Hall effect sensor showed abnormal spikes due to the high chopper frequency and current, confirming the interference. The team then reconfigured the setup, separating the signal and power lines. A second slope test showed normal wheel operation and Hall effect sensor waveforms, indicating the problem was resolved. Yu Tu instructed his colleague, Zhang, to leave early to celebrate his girlfriend's birthday. Later, Mr. Hu and Professor Zhang arrived.

Mr. Hu praised Yu Tu's composed and efficient handling of the issue, recognizing him as an outstanding beginner. Professor Zhang added that Yu Tu still needed to hone his skills. Mr. Hu then announced that Guan Zai, who was originally scheduled to lead the next month's field test for the Beijing-collaborated rover project, would be unavailable.

He assigned Yu Tu to take over part of Guan Zai's work and to lead Research Project Uno, with further arrangements to be decided later. Professor Zhang then pulled Yu Tu aside, asking why Guan Zai wouldn't be returning next month and if Yu Tu had been keeping information from him. Yu Tu revealed that Guan Zai didn't want others to worry but confirmed he was having surgery in two days.

Soon, Professor Zhang, Mr. Hu, and other colleagues gathered outside the operating room. Guan Zai's wife was also present, anxiously awaiting news. Dr. Huang eventually emerged, announcing that the surgery was successful. He advised them that Guan Zai would be available after the anesthesia wore off and recommended family visit him a few days later to allow for ample rest. Relieved, Guan Zai's wife and colleagues waited to see him before departing.

Later, Zhai Liang commented to Yu Tu that he seemed quiet and in a bad mood, suspecting it was due to Guan Zai's condition. Yu Tu urged him to focus on their work so Guan Zai wouldn't worry. Zhai Liang also wondered if a new leader would be assigned to Research Project Uno. When Yu Tu visited Guan Zai in the hospital, Guan Zai was surprised to see him but grateful for the company.

Yu Tu confirmed he had decided to return to the institute permanently. Guan Zai speculated that Yu Tu's return was partly for him, which Yu Tu playfully dismissed. They discussed the project, with Guan Zai asking about his modification plans for Project Uno. Yu Tu confirmed he had reviewed them and found some viable, but also expressed his determination to prove that the "unrealistic goals" they once had were achievable.

Guan Zai supported Yu Tu's conviction but admitted his illness meant he could no longer lead the project, and Yu Tu currently lacked the experience. Guan Zai believed Tong Bo was the most likely successor, a kind and professional individual, but whose conservative mindset might lack foresight, leading to a project that would not be internationally competitive in a few years.

Yu Tu revealed that he, Da Meng, and Xiao Hu had discussed it and wanted to continue with the current plan. Due to their junior status, they planned to persuade a professor to lead the project. With about a month until the satellite launch and two months before it was handed over to Xi'an Control, they aimed to iterate on the plan and convince a senior faculty member. Guan Zai acknowledged Yu Tu's thoroughness, urging him to strive for it.

Finally, Guan Zai asked Yu Tu to name the project, suggesting they stop calling it "Uno." Yu Tu proposed "Search for God," signifying a mission to seek truth about Earth and humanity's origins, and the possibility of other miracles, to prove mankind is not alone. Guan Zai approved the name and entrusted Yu Tu with the "Search for God" project, advising him to visit the hospital less frequently. Meanwhile, in Beijing, Xia Qing met with a friend at a bar.

Her friend noted Xia Qing's continued preoccupation with Yu Tu, despite her claims of never regretting their breakup. Xia Qing defended her past decision, citing Yu Tu's "selfishness" for pursuing his aerospace dream at the expense of a higher salary, which would have left her solely responsible for their financial future in expensive Beijing. Her friend, however, countered that both Xia Qing and Yu Tu were self-centered and prone to uncompromising arguments, suggesting their breakup was clean.

Xia Qing conceded that Yu Tu could date anyone, but vehemently opposed him being with Qiao Jingjing. A high school flashback showed her unease about other girls, including Jingjing, having crushes on Yu Tu. Her friend reminded her that Yu Tu had rejected Jingjing's confession in high school. Xia Qing responded that "fame sure does come in handy" now. Driven by this "unresolved feeling" and unwillingness to lose to Jingjing, Xia Qing decided to travel to Shanghai.

Upon arrival, Xia Qing tried to organize a class reunion to see Yu Tu. Yu Tu, however, was busy and asked Zhai Liang to decline the invitation. Unable to meet him through the reunion, Xia Qing called Yu Tu directly. She asked about "Ms. Qiao" from a previous class gathering, and Yu Tu promptly replied, "It's Jingjing, of course." After the call, Yu Tu returned home to eat instant noodles.

Zhai Liang, who found Yu Tu hard to reach since he started working long hours, relayed Xia Qing's persistent invitations, but Yu Tu remained unavailable. Unyielding, Xia Qing obtained Yu Tu's workplace address from Zhai Liang and insisted on waiting for him at a coffee shop nearby. Yu Tu, unable to deter Xia Qing, went to meet her. Recalling their past breakup, where Xia Qing had left him due to his career choices, Yu Tu arrived with a solemn expression.

Xia Qing, driven by her "unresolved feelings" and a desire not to "lose" to Jingjing, subtly questioned Yu Tu about Jingjing, even hinting at Jingjing's success in the "complicated and dubious" entertainment industry. Yu Tu grew increasingly displeased. He apologized for his youthful thoughtlessness in agreeing to their relationship, admitting he hadn't considered what he needed to contribute beyond appreciating her independence.

He acknowledged he was not an ideal partner, and she had been smart to end things when she did. Xia Qing took offense at his "generosity," questioning the point of their meeting after so long. She remarked that his return to the institute meant "worldly possessions no longer concern" him, and wished him luck in "holding onto his precious chance." After his encounter with Xia Qing, Yu Tu found himself watching Jingjing's interview videos, his thoughts constantly on her.

Zhai Liang, who had earlier given Xia Qing Yu Tu's address, expressed his doubt that Xia Qing would contact Yu Tu again. Yu Tu, however, was more concerned about Jingjing. Zhai Liang mentioned that Jingjing, as "Cotton," was adorable but also commented on the distance between them, noting that she had disappeared without a word after two months of playing games, attributing it to her "superstar" status. Yu Tu asked if Jingjing had logged into the game again.

Zhai Liang checked her game history, finding it stopped on the day of their competition, but noted her impressive last two matches. Yu Tu then revealed that Jingjing had given him two tickets for the event, intending for both him and Zhai Liang to go, but he hadn't invited Zhai Liang. He clarified that Jingjing's absence wasn't arbitrary; he had upset her, and he urged Zhai Liang not to misunderstand her.

Episode 17 Recap

On New Year's Eve, Qiao Jingjing was in Xi'an, immersed in her busy work schedule. Despite the festive atmosphere, she felt a profound sense of loneliness watching the city's fireworks from her hotel room. Her manager discussed a packed itinerary: a roadshow in Chongqing, then flying to Beijing for the movie premiere on New Year's Day, followed by two more roadshows in Wuhan and Nanjing.

Despite Nanjing being close to Shanghai, Jingjing decided not to return home, opting to fly directly to Beijing for upcoming interviews, a magazine shoot, an advertisement shoot, and several award ceremonies before the Spring Festival. She also confirmed her attendance at the Spring Festival Gala. Jingjing was informed that the table read for Director Li's movie was set for the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, with official filming starting on the eighth.

She expressed her desire to complete as much work as possible before filming to avoid taking leaves. Her manager also mentioned an invitation to an Aerospace Day Gala in April, noting it would be positive for Jingjing's image and perhaps offer a chance to meet Yu Tu. Jingjing readily agreed to attend. Meanwhile, Yu Tu was in a somber mood, which his colleague Zhai Liang noticed before leaving for his own month-long business trip.

Zhai Liang expressed concern, mentioning "Cotton" and reminding Yu Tu of his status as an "idol," urging him not to let things get him down. Yu Tu then left Shanghai and arrived home on New Year's Day, surprising his parents. His mother and father were delighted to see him, especially since he was about to leave for another month-long business trip and was unsure about cell service.

They enthusiastically prepared to cook his favorite fresh dishes, like shrimp, fish, and chicken. His father mentioned his mother's improved health after a recent scare, noting her new focus on healthy eating, and jokingly confessed to sneaking out for fattier pork head meat. Later, Yu Tu went to his room and retrieved his old high school computer from a storage room.

He found an old math textbook, which brought back a vivid memory of Jingjing in high school offering him fried chicken if he would teach her math. Powering on the computer, he logged into his old QQ account and scrolled through past conversations with Jingjing. She had added him after seeing his QQ ID on an aerospace forum, inquiring about Chang'e 1. His replies were brief and pointed, even suggesting she "Baidu" (Google) answers, which frustrated her.

He saw how she later joined an aerospace fan group where he was also a member, known as "Xingchen." Group members welcomed the "new girl," noting her age (17). He saw a message from Jingjing asking for physics help, and a "Mr. Fish Head" offered a solution that was later confirmed wrong by Jingjing's teacher. Finally, he read Jingjing's declaration that she needed to study hard to get into Tsinghua University.

She had revealed to the group that she confessed her feelings to someone but felt rejected due to her grades, and she wanted to get into the same university to prove herself capable of standing beside him, noting her city ranking was around 200, while his was consistently first.

He also recalled another conversation where Jingjing questioned his decision to pursue a finance major, reminding him of his dream of "stars and the sea," and expressing her fervent wish for him to become an aerospace designer, more than anyone else. Reflecting on these past exchanges, Yu Tu realized that Jingjing's ambition to attend Tsinghua was for him, not her fans, and that he had failed to appreciate the depth of her love and support for his aerospace dream.

That evening, Yu Tu went for a walk with his mother. She sensed his troubles and encouraged him to share. He confessed that he had previously submitted his resignation to the institute but had since decided to stay. His mother regretted pushing him into finance during his college applications, expressing how proud she was of him and advising him to pursue his own happiness and dreams without worrying about her and his father.

She then brought up his marriage, suggesting he find a caring girl who wasn't necessarily beautiful or wealthy. Thinking of Jingjing, Yu Tu offered a slight smile and responded that he preferred "the opposite" of her criteria. After his brief holiday, Yu Tu flew to Dunhuang. He arrived to meet his aerospace team for a month-long field experiment in the desert. He greeted a contact person, who directed him to a bus, as his institute's vehicle was already full.

On the bus, he recognized Mr. Zhou from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, whom he had previously spoken with during a teleconference. Mr. Zhou enthusiastically recounted rumors of excellent food at the base, including a dedicated ramen master, while Yu Tu simply said he was content as long as he could eat his fill. Upon arrival at the base, amidst a strong sandstorm, they were instructed to take precautions before disembarking. Yu Tu and his colleagues prepared to settle into their new environment for the upcoming month.

Episode 18 Recap

Yu Tu and his team are diligently conducting X3-2 rover field tests in the Dunhuang desert. Every step of the testing process is meticulously executed, with precise monitoring of the remote telemetry subsystem, X-band transponder, and motion commands for autonomous barrier mode under specific solar zenith angles. The rover operates normally, and telemetry data is confirmed to be within expected parameters. A second test of the same driving cycle is then prepared with a different solar zenith angle.

During a break, some colleagues joke about gaining weight from eating too many noodles at the testing ground and suggest organizing weight management activities. They also discuss Guan Zai, whose surgery was successful, noting he is in good spirits and praising him as an intelligent, professional, and joyful "all-rounder" who makes the base less dull. Mr. Li encourages Yu Tu to join after-work activities like ping-pong, photography, and card games to unwind, but he declines.

Later, he joins some colleagues for stargazing using a large telescope brought by Mr. Li. A colleague aptly quotes a line about the "Jade Rabbit" (Yu Tu's namesake rover) being "the Rabbit who's seen the most stars," a sentiment that resonates with Yu Tu. He helps them pinpoint Mercury's location before excusing himself. Alone in his room, Yu Tu listens to old voice messages from Qiao Jingjing.

In one message, she reassures him that his past achievements are meaningful, and pursuing his dream is not a mistake, even if he considers a career change. Old chat messages also show Jingjing recommending a funny streamer and playfully calling Yu Tu a "technical streamer." She even asks him to bring her 'youtiao' for breakfast.

Mr. Zhou overhears one of Jingjing's voice messages, mistakenly thinking she is Yu Tu's current girlfriend, and wonders if she knows he's on a business trip in the desert. Yu Tu clarifies that these are old messages, leading Mr. Zhou to conclude that Yu Tu must miss her deeply. Later, during a communal shower after a sandstorm warning, colleagues joke about playing cards. Mr. Zhou playfully insists Yu Tu has a girlfriend, referring to Jingjing's voice message he overheard.

Colleagues are surprised, jokingly asking if he found a "sister" within the institute, but Yu Tu rushes them to finish showering, avoiding the question. During a subsequent navigation test, the rover malfunctions and deviates from its track. An urgent meeting is called, where Yu Tu realizes the navigation software's algorithm failed to account for varying sunlight incidence angles under natural lighting conditions, leading to miscalculations by the visual system.

This crucial insight is accepted as the probable cause, and the team immediately begins modifying parameters and updating the algorithm. Due to an impending sandstorm forecast, Mr. Li dismisses the team early. Yu Tu later receives a call from Guan Zai, who is still recovering in the hospital.

Guan Zai reports that Mr. Li is concerned about Yu Tu's single status because his "melancholic" habit of stargazing alone after work has captivated many young female colleagues, unintentionally hindering the romantic prospects of other bachelors. Guan Zai jokes that Yu Tu has also been "kicked out" of card games for winning too consistently.

He then reveals that Mr. Li wanted to know if Yu Tu had a girlfriend and suggests telling him that Yu Tu is interested in his high school classmate Qiao Jingjing, mentioning the widely shared gaming video of them in the company's WeChat group and noting Jingjing's apparent interest in Yu Tu.

Yu Tu turns somber, admitting his doubts about what he can offer Jingjing, citing his limited income as a researcher and his inability to consistently be by her side. Guan Zai, relaying his wife Shen Jing's perspective, insists that love cannot be calculated this way. Yu Tu acknowledges the truth but states that "objective facts always exist" and he "couldn't handle it." After a month of intense work, the field tests successfully conclude, with all rover functions meeting their targets.

The team celebrates with a festive meal and a group photo, enthusiastically declaring, "Our journey is the sea of stars!" Back in his room, Yu Tu writes a heartfelt letter to Jingjing. Reflecting on his journey, he apologizes for his past insensitivity and expresses gratitude for her steadfast presence, acknowledging her profound message about him being "the Rabbit who's seen the most stars." The next morning, as he mails the letter, a colleague teases him for being "old-fashioned."

Upon returning to the institute, Yu Tu immediately convenes a meeting to discuss modifications to Project "Number One." He proposes renaming it "Search for God," a name suggested by Guan Zai. Yu Tu passionately outlines the project's grand mission: to explore the vast cosmos in search of the truth about humanity's and Earth's origins, and to find evidence of other miraculous existences, thereby proving that humanity is not alone.

Colleagues praise his dedication, noting he worked on this even during the field test, and one jokingly points out his new, strict catchphrase, "Let's work a little harder." Meanwhile, in Shanghai, it is snowing heavily. Following her attendance at the Star Award, Qiao Jingjing is advised by Ms. Ling to attend a cocktail party hosted by a platform, as the director and screenwriter of her upcoming drama will be present. Jingjing agrees to change and attend.

At the party, where she is congratulated for her success, she makes eye contact with a man from an upper level. His expression changes as he recognizes her, revealing him to be her ex-boyfriend, Mr. Su.

Episode 19 Recap

Following the X3-2 rover test in Dunhuang, Yu Tu was consumed by thoughts of Jingjing. He looked at their old chat logs, unsure how to break the silence between them. A colleague, Mr. Zhou, assumed he was texting his girlfriend, which Yu Tu didn't deny, but clarified that the messages were old. When an issue arose during the rover test, Yu Tu and his team worked tirelessly to identify the problem, barely stopping to eat.

In the midst of a sandstorm, while Yu Tu and his colleagues were showering, Mr. Zhou mentioned hearing a voice message from Jingjing asking Yu Tu to bring her breakfast. His colleagues were surprised, as Yu Tu always ate in the cafeteria. Yu Tu didn't elaborate and quickly finished showering. Later that night, Lao Guan called Yu Tu, relaying information from Mr. Li that Yu Tu spent his free time looking at the stars.

Mr. Li also inquired if Yu Tu had a girlfriend, and Lao Guan mentioned Jingjing, noting their shared gaming videos and how obvious it was that Jingjing was interested in him. Yu Tu admitted that he constantly thought about Jingjing, but questioned what he could offer her. He felt inadequate because of his financial situation and inability to be present in her life. Lao Guan understood, but still delivered Shen Jing's words of encouragement, that feelings shouldn't be calculated.

A month passed quickly. The team's field test was a success, and everyone celebrated. Yu Tu returned to his room and wrote a letter to Jingjing. The next day, the team returned home. At the institute, Yu Tu held a meeting to discuss revisions to Project One. He suggested the name "Sōushén" (Godseeker), inspired by Lao Guan.

The project's mission was to seek truth about humanity and Earth in the vast universe and search for the possibility of another miracle, proving humans weren't alone. In Shanghai, snow fell steadily. After attending the Starlight Awards, Jingjing changed clothes and went to the after-party. There, she unexpectedly encountered her ex-boyfriend, Mr. Su. At the after-party, Mr. Su approached Jingjing, commenting on how long it had been.

He asked if Yu Tu was one of the reasons she broke up with him so decisively. Jingjing didn't answer. Later, Mr. Su apologized for the leaked video of her playing games, explaining it was his ex-girlfriend who posted it. He claimed he only saved the video because he found it amusing and didn't know how his ex-girlfriend had found it, regretting his carelessness.

He also mentioned seeing Jingjing play in the King of Glory competition and expressed interest in rekindling their relationship, pointing out that she had said she was single during the event. Jingjing countered that Mr. Su seemed to have enjoyed watching the drama unfold with his ex-girlfriend. She pointed out that if she had lost the competition, he wouldn't be standing there trying to reconcile.

She then reminded him that their breakup had nothing to do with anyone else; she had been serious about their relationship. The real reason they broke up was that he had asked her to give up her career, which made her realize he had never seen her as an equal. " We belong in different worlds," she stated firmly, ending the conversation.

Later that evening, Jingjing was on the phone with Ms. Ling, her manager, who pressured her to invite Yu Tu for dinner. Jingjing avoided the topic, claiming to be too busy. After the call, Jingjing found several letters from Yu Tu in her mailbox. In the first letter, Yu Tu responded to a message she had sent him on QQ back in high school, which he had ignored at the time.

Now, he patiently answered her questions, including one about the escape velocity of spacecraft. In subsequent letters, Yu Tu elaborated on the history of modern aerospace and deep space exploration. In the last letter, he asked if she would be returning to Yixing for the Spring Festival. Jingjing remembered a time in high school when she learned from a friend that Yu Tu was dating Xia Qing. Heartbroken, she had deleted everything related to Yu Tu and cried all night.

Overwhelmed by these memories, she opened Yu Tu's WeChat and typed a message: "Thank you for your answers, but they don't matter anymore." On New Year's Eve, Jingjing's parents arrived to spend the holiday with her. They enjoyed a reunion dinner while watching the Spring Festival Gala. After dinner, Jingjing checked her WeChat and saw that Yu Tu hadn't replied. She felt disheartened.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, after her parents left, Jingjing prepared to return to Yixing after her performance. To her surprise, Yu Tu was waiting for her in the parking lot. Yu Tu explained that he learned about her travel plans from Pei Pei and offered to drive her back himself. During the silent car ride, Yu Tu confessed that he had come from Yixing that morning specifically to see her, driven by her last message. At a service area, while Jingjing returned from the restroom, Yu Tu stopped her before she got back in the car, asking, "So my answers truly don't matter anymore?"

Episode 20 Recap

Jingjing questioned Yu Tu about his recent letters, asking if they were merely a result of his feeling touched by her past foolishness, rather than genuine affection. She clarified that she didn't want a relationship based on such feelings. Yu Tu admitted that his actions might seem foolish, but his profound affection for her was sincere, stating that all the foolish things he had ever done were because of her.

He confessed that he had regretted his initial rejection long ago but was afraid to admit it. During a month-long business trip in the desert, he realized he spent very little time struggling with his decision; most of his thoughts were consumed with how to win her back. He even found himself blaming her for asking him to be together too soon, wishing he had been the one to ask.

He then formally asked her, "Would you like to be with me?" Jingjing responded that she was "a little willing" but felt unhappy about it. Seeing her distress, Yu Tu pulled her into a hug and repeatedly apologized for hurting her. Jingjing explained that she didn't want to be with someone who liked her less than she liked him.

Yu Tu earnestly denied this, clarifying that his past rejection was based on superficial concerns like his income and whether he could adequately care for her, admitting he had overthought their future. Jingjing countered that true affection was impulsive, without hesitation or overthinking, and maintained that he still loved her less. Yu Tu, in a playful but serious tone, challenged her to provide a "calculation method" to quantify their love, promising to make up the difference.

When she accused him of bullying her, he apologized again, and Jingjing simply stated, "I didn't agree." Yu Tu acknowledged her decision. As Jingjing felt cold, they got into the car, and Yu Tu asked her to sit in the front to help him navigate, admitting he didn't remember the way back. After a brief stop for gas, Yu Tu drove Jingjing home.

Before she exited the car, he inquired about her return to Shanghai, mentioning that her assistant, Xiao Zhu, had informed him she planned to return on the fourth day of the New Year and leave for filming on the fifth. Jingjing confirmed his information, and they exchanged New Year wishes. Jingjing then asked how he would get home, and Yu Tu replied he would walk, as his home wasn't far.

She jokingly told him she wouldn't reply to any messages from him, and they bid each other good night. Upon returning home, Jingjing was greeted by her family, who were playing mahjong. Her mother chided her for not calling or ringing the doorbell and wondered why her driver wasn't with her. Jingjing, while participating in the family game, checked her phone and noted it took Yu Tu half an hour to walk home.

She wondered if he still lived in the old town. Meanwhile, Yu Tu returned to his house. His mother, sensing his preoccupied state, expressed her concern to his father. She recalled Yu Tu previously mentioning a pretty girl who wasn't very caring. She was upset that the girl had kept him out so late on New Year's Day, calling it "insensible," and remarked that Yu Tu was usually the one being pursued by girls, not the other way around.

Yu Tu's father, however, encouraged her to let their son handle his own affairs. The next morning, Yu Tu messaged Jingjing, asking if she was awake and if she wanted to go for tofu pudding, famous in Yixing. Jingjing, still in bed, saw the message but was called by her mother to get ready for a visit to her maternal grandma.

At Yu Tu's home, his cousin noticed Yu Tu constantly checking his phone and teased him about being in love, implying the girl was giving him the cold shoulder. Yu Tu put his phone away and, in typical "top student" fashion, deflected by advising his cousin on improving his math skills. Later, while Jingjing was in the mountains digging bamboo shoots with her family, Yu Tu called.

Jingjing intentionally let her phone ring, but her brother picked it up and handed it to her. Yu Tu learned she was digging shoots and suggested they go for a walk by Dongjiu Lake, mentioning the area had changed beautifully. Jingjing declined, stating she was visiting her maternal grandma, then her paternal grandpa the next day, and had no time.

Yu Tu offered to drive her back to Shanghai on the fourth day, but Jingjing cryptically replied, "We'll talk about it then," before hanging up. Jingjing's brother playfully critiqued her "acting skills," to which she simply told him to continue digging. Later that day, Yu Tu, hoping to "accidentally" encounter Jingjing, went to a scenic mountain area with his cousin. His cousin complained about the long walk, noting they had already taken over 15,000 steps.

However, they missed Jingjing, who had already left for Taihua to visit her paternal grandparents. In Taihua, Jingjing was pampered by her grandparents. Her grandmother made her favorite foods and insisted she stay until after dinner, overriding her mother's desire to return to Yixing early for a mahjong game. Jingjing agreed, wanting to spend more time with her grandparents, and even went digging for bamboo shoots with her grandfather. After dinner, Jingjing's family headed back to Yixing.

During the drive, Jingjing texted Yu Tu, informing him she was on her way back and suggesting he might want to arrive a little later if he planned to meet her. Back in Yixing, Jingjing was initially reluctant to go out. However, her friend Pei Pei, after trying on some clothes Jingjing had given her, enthusiastically suggested they go out for drinks and then to Dongjiu Lake.

Pei Pei described how Dongjiu had transformed into a beautiful, romantic spot with charming cafes and private rooms, popular among couples. Jingjing, remembering Yu Tu's earlier suggestion to visit Dongjiu, agreed to go. As they were about to leave, Pei Pei got into the driver's seat and spotted a driver's license. Assuming it was Jingjing's, she picked it up, intending to chide her for leaving it around. Jingjing tried to stop her, but it was too late; Pei Pei opened the license to discover Yu Tu's photo on it.

Episode 21 Recap

Pei Pei held Yu Tu's driving license, found in Jingjing's backseat, and pressed Jingjing for details about their relationship, questioning if they were dating. Jingjing downplayed their reunion, explaining they had met in a game, and Yu Tu had come to her home to teach her how to play. Pei Pei scoffed, teasingly adding that other "wild men" like Zhao Yun, Li Bai, and Zhuge Liang didn't count.

Jingjing insisted nothing happened, stating that if she were dating Yu Tu, she wouldn't be out with Pei Pei alone. Pei Pei, observing Jingjing's phone, noticed a string of unanswered messages from Yu Tu and urged Jingjing not to keep the "proud top student" waiting. Jingjing denied doing so. Later, Pei Pei asked to borrow Jingjing's Honor of Kings account to experience high-level gameplay. Jingjing reluctantly handed over her phone.

Pei Pei was surprised by Jingjing's high win rate and exclaimed upon seeing two Penta Kills. Jingjing, taking her phone back, realized that Yu Tu had secretly earned those Penta Kills as a belated birthday gift after their recent entertainment match, as she hadn't logged in to see them. This clarified a past misunderstanding where she believed he hadn't given her a gift. Pei Pei suggested Yu Tu must have had his reasons for giving a gift so discreetly.

Jingjing recalled Yu Tu's earlier confession where he "overthought" their future, leading her to believe his affection was less than hers. Now, she understood his deep concern for their life together. With this newfound clarity, Jingjing, eager to see Yu Tu, immediately agreed to attend a high school reunion at a KTV when she saw the gathering mentioned in their class chat group.

Meanwhile, Yu Tu's aunt attempted to set him up with a single young woman, but Yu Tu politely declined, not wanting to waste anyone's time. He initially had no plans to attend the reunion. However, a classmate called him, mentioning that Qiao Jingjing, the superstar, would be attending. Upon hearing this, Yu Tu quickly ended the call and rushed out, hailing a taxi.

When traffic brought his taxi to a standstill, he paid the driver and ran towards the KTV, desperate not to miss Jingjing. Jingjing and Pei Pei arrived at the KTV, finding their classmates in a larger room, B11 of Zone B. Classmates excitedly greeted Jingjing, asking her to sing. As Jingjing performed a song, Yu Tu entered the room, his gaze fixed on her.

He watched her finish her song, then was immediately surrounded by male classmates who complimented his unchanging handsome appearance, while one lamented his own baldness. Yu Tu, however, walked directly to Jingjing, ignoring the others. He looked into her eyes and asked, in front of everyone, if she had come to the reunion because of him. Disarmed by his gentle demeanor, Jingjing ceased her internal resistance. Yu Tu suggested they leave, but Jingjing hesitated, feeling awkward about abandoning their classmates.

Without further words, Yu Tu leaned in and kissed her, then took her hand and led her out of the room, leaving the stunned classmates behind. Outside, Yu Tu tenderly helped Jingjing put on her coat and wrapped a scarf around her. Jingjing brought up the two Penta Kills, and Yu Tu explained he hadn't mentioned them because he hadn't achieved them playing alongside her, thinking they wouldn't count. He then asked if she had accepted his proposal.

Jingjing, playfully evasive, deflected by reminding him he still had other things to consider, like her question about Mars immigration. Just then, they heard people approaching on the fire escape stairs. Yu Tu, fearing Jingjing would be recognized, pulled her into a tight hug. He remarked that with her, even the fire escape stairs were no longer safe, but added that he had already gotten used to it. Yu Tu then led Jingjing to their old high school.

The guard recognized Yu Tu, who explained he was showing his school to his girlfriend, which amused Jingjing. She mentioned having visited that morning. As they strolled through the campus, holding hands, they recalled old memories. Jingjing teased Yu Tu about a time he was reprimanded for picking wild flowers with female classmates, and he reminded her of when she used to bribe him with fried chicken to teach her math.

Jingjing confided her past goal of attending the same university as him, to which Yu Tu revealed he knew from their old "Space Fans" chat group. She spoke of her teenage struggles with academics, realizing that not everything could be changed by effort alone. Yu Tu, with unwavering patience, offered to teach her, confidently stating he would succeed because he was smart, prompting Jingjing to playfully tell him not to be so narcissistic.

Standing outside their old classroom, Yu Tu gently lowered his head and kissed Jingjing. They had reconciled and were finally together. As they embraced their future, Jingjing teased him that she might bring up old stories later on, to which Yu Tu replied that he looked forward to it.

Episode 22 Recap

Yu Tu and Jingjing walked through their high school, where Jingjing pointed out the spot that used to display Yu Tu's achievement photos. She recalled telling him in the past that he would become an amazing aerospace engineer, and she would be proud as his classmate. Yu Tu confirmed he remembered.

Jingjing then revealed her true, imaginative fantasy: she envisioned him returning for a school festival much later in life as a celebrated aerospace engineer, with her by his side, not just as a classmate, but as his companion. She playfully urged him to work hard, stating she had high expectations. Yu Tu humbly responded that she might be "blind" when it came to him.

He confessed that in high school he was arrogant, thinking he was smart, but after going out into the world, he realized how vast it was and how insignificant he truly was. He admitted he wasn't the genius he once imagined and his IQ wasn't even close to the first tier, naming luminaries like Qian Xuesen, Sergei Korolev, and Theodore von Kármán. Despite this, he promised to work hard, believing he could achieve his goals.

Jingjing jokingly accused him of gravitating towards "BDS" (a term he told her to Baidu-search herself), to which he retorted playfully. As they left the school, they thanked the gatekeeper, who seemed to recognize Jingjing. They walked away, holding hands as snow began to fall. As Yu Tu dropped Jingjing off at her doorstep, she decided to temporarily keep their relationship a secret from her parents, as they were still inside playing mahjong.

Yu Tu questioned how long "temporarily" would last, and whether their parents would truly be surprised if the news eventually came out. For her trip back to Shanghai the next day, Jingjing planned for Yu Tu to act as an "old classmate." Yu Tu was concerned his sudden appearance might raise suspicion, prompting Jingjing to concoct an elaborate backstory. She would claim her driver was unavailable, forcing her to drive herself back to Shanghai.

Knowing her parents would object to her driving alone, she would then "discover" a message in their high school group chat from an "old classmate" (Yu Tu) also heading to Shanghai and offering a ride, mentioning he was a seasoned driver. Yu Tu found her storytelling abilities amusing, comparing her to an impromptu screenwriter, and joked that as the person who would spend the most time with her in the future, he needed to be mentally prepared for her schemes.

Jingjing was flattered but teased him, asking if he was scared, which he denied. Later that evening, after Jingjing had returned home, she saw messages in a high school group chat. One of her friends, Peipei, mentioned that her husband had interrogated her about the "good-looking classmate" who dropped her off. Jingjing messaged Yu Tu, who replied he was "reporting to his mom" and would call her later. Curious, Jingjing waited for his call but eventually drifted off to sleep.

The next morning, Yu Tu called Jingjing, who was still asleep. He gently teased her about waking up late, contrasting it with his past punctual visits. Jingjing then asked about his "report" to his mom. Yu Tu explained that his mother had pressed him about who he had been seeing recently. Because Jingjing had wanted to keep their relationship private, he had vaguely described her as "a pretty girl" he hadn't "managed to win over yet."

Jingjing jokingly chastised him for painting her in a negative light, making it seem like she was non-committal, which she worried would create a bad impression with his mom. Yu Tu apologized, admitting he hadn't considered that perspective. He then playfully suggested he could tell his mom that "Ms. Qiao is my new love interest," but Jingjing quickly shot down that idea, not wanting to appear as a rebound.

Yu Tu reassured her it was a joke and that he wasn't worried, believing she would charm his parents instantly. He then mentioned he was about to go downstairs to clear the snow from their old residential area, which lacked formal property management. Jingjing initially feigned sleepiness, but after hanging up and while brushing her teeth, she suddenly had an idea. With her plan in mind, Jingjing drove herself to Yu Tu's neighborhood, confident in her memory of his address.

She found Yu Tu clearing snow and playfully approached him, pretending to ask for directions to a famous Yixing beancurd shop, claiming she was hungry. Overjoyed and surprised to see her, Yu Tu immediately pulled her into a tight embrace. As they hugged, Yu Tu's mother called out to him from the house, mentioning that his grandaunt would be arriving soon for a meal. Jingjing realized they had been caught.

When Yu Tu's mother came closer and asked about Jingjing, Jingjing quickly stepped forward, introduced herself as Yu Tu's girlfriend, Qiao Jingjing, and wished her a Happy Lunar New Year. She then smoothly explained that she and Yu Tu had been dating for a long time, but he had been reluctant to introduce her because he thought his parents "might not like her," leaving her no choice but to seek them out herself.

Yu Tu, flustered, tried to interject, but his mother was already scolding him for "talking nonsense" and ruining her and his father's image. She affectionately told Jingjing that they could never dislike her, and in fact, she was a big fan of Jingjing's dramas, watching every episode. Yu Tu's mother was pleasantly surprised to learn that her son and the famous actress were high school classmates and now a couple.

Since his grandaunt was arriving, Yu Tu quickly explained that they preferred to keep their relationship private for now and whisked Jingjing away to get breakfast, as she hadn't eaten. His mother agreed to keep their secret, wishing Jingjing well. Yu Tu took Jingjing to a local shop for beancurd, which she thoroughly enjoyed. While they were eating, Yu Tu's mother called him, asking for confirmation that Qiao Jingjing was indeed his girlfriend.

Upon his affirmative reply, she pressed him to invite Jingjing over for a meal, suggesting tomorrow noon. Yu Tu explained that Jingjing had to return to Shanghai that afternoon and start filming early the next morning, so a visit would have to wait until her next holiday. His mother expressed disappointment and reiterated her scolding for not being told about their relationship sooner and for misrepresenting her and his father's image to Jingjing.

She emphasized how much they adored Jingjing and eagerly welcomed her to their home at any time, urging Yu Tu to clarify that his earlier remarks were baseless. Yu Tu assured her that Jingjing was already aware.

Jingjing then explained to Yu Tu that her quick-thinking explanation to his mother – that he thought his parents wouldn't like her – was a tactic to prevent his mother from having a negative impression of "her", and also a playful retaliation for him portraying her poorly to his mom earlier.

Yu Tu conceded it was a "good idea" and acknowledged her quick response, noting he needed to learn from her "EQ, trained up after all these years of variety shows and interviews." For their next activity, Yu Tu suggested visiting Hufu, a scenic area he had only partially explored previously.

Upon arriving at the lake, Jingjing was surprised to find they would be taking a boat, and even more so when Yu Tu confidently stated he would be steering it himself. Despite her initial skepticism, she put on a life vest as instructed, playfully conceding she had no choice since she was already on his boat. Yu Tu also donned a life vest, then started the engine, much to Jingjing's impressed surprise.

After cruising for a while, Yu Tu stopped the boat in the middle of the lake, claiming it "can't go any further" and needs "fuel." He then pulled Jingjing closer and passionately kissed her. With the "fueling" complete, they resumed their journey. Back at home, Jingjing reiterated her plan to Yu Tu for the afternoon: he would pose as her high school classmate picking her up, and she would signal him when her elaborate "act" with her parents was complete.

Yu Tu agreed to wait. During dinner, Jingjing announced her imminent departure for Shanghai. Her parents, concerned about the snowy weather and early darkness, inquired about her driver. Jingjing executed her planned deception, stating her driver's flight was canceled, leaving her to drive alone. Her parents immediately and vehemently objected, citing her infrequent driving and the hazardous road conditions outside the city. They firmly declared there was "no room for discussion."

Just then, Jingjing "recalled" seeing a message in their high school group chat from a classmate, a "long-time driver," who was also heading to Shanghai and could give her a ride. Her parents, relieved, agreed to this solution. When Yu Tu arrived at their doorstep, Jingjing's parents warmly greeted him, recognizing him as her classmate, and invited him in for a warm drink given the cold weather.

Jingjing, eager to stick to her original script, tried to hurry them along, saying they didn't need water and should leave immediately. However, Yu Tu, addressing them as "Mr. and Mrs. Qiao," politely declined the offer, stating there would "probably be more chances in the future." Then, with a mischievous smile, he dropped his own bombshell: "Actually, I'm Jingjing's boyfriend. We've been in a relationship for a long time.

But she always refused to bring me to see you and told me to say that we're just ex-classmates." Jingjing and her parents were left stunned. Yu Tu then calmly began helping Jingjing with her luggage, leaving her father to exclaim in bewildered surprise, "What's going on?"

Episode 23 Recap

Yu Tu and Jingjing drove back to Shanghai, with Jingjing on the phone with her mother. Her mother inquired about Yu Tu's job, and Jingjing explained that he works at the Aerospace Research Institute, exploring Mars and the moon. Her mother then scolded her for keeping the relationship a secret and for being irresponsible and inconsiderate of others' feelings. Jingjing tried to explain that they had only "just started dating yesterday" and she didn't intend to hide it.

Overhearing the conversation, Yu Tu later told Jingjing that his own mother had also called him irresponsible and inconsiderate. Even his father had advised him to treat Jingjing better. Yu Tu playfully insisted that Jingjing "started it" by initiating their relationship, but Jingjing teased him back, saying he was naturally hard to bully and "naturally sly."

While driving, Yu Tu received a WeChat voice message from Zhai Liang, who claimed to be home for the New Year and forced on a blind date, though he liked the girl. Zhai Liang boasted he would get a girlfriend faster than Yu Tu. Jingjing, seeing the message, playfully replied for Yu Tu, wishing Zhai Liang luck but hinting that Yu Tu would get out of singlehood before him. Surprised by the reply, Zhai Liang immediately initiated a video call.

He explained his phone had fallen in tea and might short circuit, so Jingjing shouldn't be surprised if the call disconnected. He then asked her to point the camera at Yu Tu, eager to see if he had a "look of love" on his face. Jingjing initially said Yu Tu looked unchanged, but Zhai Liang, knowing Yu Tu well, insisted it was a "typhoon-level smugness."

Jingjing asked about Yu Tu's past behavior, and Zhai Liang revealed that Yu Tu used to ignore Jingjing's street advertisements and quickly close game endorsement pop-ups featuring her. He also recounted a time when Yu Tu, after fixing Jingjing's air purifier, described her as "someone who could be seen everywhere on the streets." Jingjing glared at Yu Tu, who quickly defended himself by clarifying that he meant her ads were "everywhere on the streets," which actually proved he noticed them.

Jingjing playfully asked Yu Tu if he was "shameless," and Zhai Liang teased Yu Tu by asking Jingjing if he was "flirtatious." Zhai Liang then offered to give Jingjing "detailed scoops" about Yu Tu if she added him on WeChat. Jingjing agreed, offering to use Yu Tu's WeChat to push her contact card, much to Yu Tu's feigned dismay. Zhai Liang, whose phone was still functioning, invited Jingjing to play another game, and she accepted.

Yu Tu commented on Zhai Liang's diminished gaming skills, to which Jingjing playfully scolded Yu Tu for slandering Zhai Liang and then reminded Yu Tu of his past dismissive comments about her (e. g. , "Indifferent Mr. Yu," "Everywhere Qiao Jingjing"). As they played, Zhai Liang realized Yu Tu was at Jingjing's home. Yu Tu then took Jingjing's phone, expertly took over the game, and secured a victory. Jingjing praised Yu Tu's superior gaming skills.

After the game, Yu Tu took Jingjing to her mailbox, which he accessed smoothly using the same code as her door, much to Jingjing's playful annoyance. He retrieved a letter he had sent her, which Jingjing recognized as the one he mentioned in a previous letter about the Jade Rabbit. Yu Tu confessed that while writing it, he had imagined reading it to her in person and answering her questions.

He began reading the letter, which described the Jade Rabbit model and its real size. Jingjing found the content deep and eventually drifted off to sleep. Waking up, Jingjing realized it was late and urged Yu Tu to catch the last subway. However, Yu Tu announced he would be staying over, offering to sleep on the couch.

He explained his intention to be more proactive in their relationship going forward and asked her to tell him if he ever "went too far," citing his decision to stay overnight as an example. He logically pointed out that to send her to her 8 AM flight, he would have to wake up at 4 AM if he went home.

Jingjing, touched and pleased by his assertiveness, confirmed that it was "not out of line" and she appreciated his new approach. The next morning, Xiao Zhu arrived at Jingjing's apartment, surprised to find Yu Tu there. Yu Tu confirmed he had stayed overnight, leading Xiao Zhu to instantly deduce their new relationship status. Both Yu Tu and Xiao Zhu had brought breakfast.

Jingjing chose Yu Tu's more indulgent breakfast, which included fried dough sticks and rice balls, despite her earlier concerns about her weight. Yu Tu thoughtfully noted that her sugar-free soy milk was likely from a meal set and was less sweet than his milk tea. When Jingjing found her soy milk bitter, Yu Tu let her try his milk tea and then took a sip from her cup, making her soy milk "sweet" for her.

Witnessing their intimate interactions, Xiao Zhu jokingly asked if she now needed to knock, ring the doorbell, and wait for permission before entering, acknowledging she was a "mature and sensible assistant." Later, Yu Tu drove Jingjing and Xiao Zhu to the airport. Ms. Ling was already there and expressed surprise at seeing Yu Tu. Xiao Zhu quickly confirmed that Yu Tu was at Jingjing's home that morning.

Ms. Ling, quick to react, immediately began planning a public relations strategy and advised Yu Tu to always wear a mask when out in public. Yu Tu told Jingjing he would return to Yixing to face further "criticism" from his mother. Jingjing explained that her movie filming would conclude by early May, but taking leave was difficult. The location for an upcoming brand event was also undecided, meaning she might not be back in Shanghai.

They realized they would be apart for over two months. Yu Tu mused that he had previously worried his busy work and frequent business trips would prevent him from caring for her, but now saw that Jingjing's travel schedule was even more demanding, playfully wondering who was "delaying whose youth." Jingjing, in response, happily accepted any "delay." As they parted ways, they shared a kiss through their masks, much to the wide-eyed shock of Ms. Ling and Xiao Zhu.

On the plane, Ms. Ling expressed her concern to Jingjing about the unexpected relationship, stressing the need for proper PR planning and warning her about the challenges of a long-distance relationship. Jingjing, however, was too absorbed in her new romance to pay much heed. Their long-distance relationship began with constant communication, often through video calls while working.

Yu Tu sent Jingjing a photo of the breakfast he had cooked himself, jokingly claiming it was the only meal he knew how to prepare. Jingjing messaged him back, informing him that her filming officially started that day and she was nervous. Yu Tu had also returned to his institute, typically arriving at 7 AM for a 9 AM start. She playfully teased him about his past academic success, wondering if he studied secretly while others slept.

Jingjing had playfully adopted the persona of "AI Jingjing" in their messages, and Yu Tu suggested her human-centric terminology was "inappropriate" for an AI. During his workday, Yu Tu explained he would be in a meeting and wouldn't have his phone, so Jingjing declared she would remain "backstage" until his WeChat "activated" her. At the institute canteen, a curious colleague asked why Yu Tu constantly photographed his meals.

Yu Tu explained he was "activating his AI app," describing it as a "new online dating program." Later, Jingjing expressed how delicious the canteen food looked and asked if she could visit, then remembered his workplace was a confidential unit. Yu Tu assured her she could enter by leaving her ID at the gate, jokingly boasting about his own ID photo, to which Jingjing replied that her ID photo was also beautiful.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ling, at Jingjing's film set, discussed an upcoming activity, hoping its location would be in Shanghai, a sentiment Xiao Zhu actively supported. Ms. Ling then playfully called Yu Tu "transparent," noting that despite his frequent visits to Jingjing's apartment for a month and their visible presence at the KTV reunion, no one had exposed their relationship. Jingjing relayed this "transparent" observation to Yu Tu. He humorously confirmed that light could not physically pass through him.

He then explained that at the KTV reunion, their friend Peipei had created a group chat and distributed "hush money" to all attendees, which Yu Tu later reimbursed her for. He lightheartedly joked about deducting this sum from his "betrothal gifts" in the future. Jingjing, wanting to focus on her script, attempted to end the conversation. However, Yu Tu immediately video called her back.

He started writing a story for her, a "Mars immigration" narrative, with a character named "Yu Xiaoqiao," a combination of their surnames, representing their future descendant. Jingjing found the name a bit random but charming. She questioned why "Yu Xiaoqiao" would need a math tutor and not inherit Yu Tu's intelligence. Yu Tu took the opportunity to flirt, playfully asking if she would "allow his genes to influence hers," which made Jingjing blush and happily scold him.

Episode 24 Recap

Qiao Jingjing was on set, struggling with a dramatic scene. The director repeatedly cut the take, emphasizing that her emotions lacked the necessary depth and complexity. Eventually, he called a break and asked her to come over for a detailed discussion about the scene. Meanwhile, Yu Tu was at work, discussing the challenges of aerospace engine performance, specifically the need for a higher specific impulse.

That evening, Yu Tu called Qiao Jingjing, but she didn't answer due to a sore throat, so they switched to texting. She confessed that she had to re-shoot a scene multiple times, an embarrassing experience she hadn't faced in a long time. Although the scene eventually passed, she felt disheartened and sought comfort. Yu Tu’s initial response was that "final success is what matters," which Qiao Jingjing found dismissive.

He then explained that setbacks were a common part of his work and he was used to them. He advised her not to put too much pressure on herself, emphasizing that scientific breakthroughs emerged from countless failures, a truth applicable to any industry aiming for innovation. Qiao Jingjing found solace in his words, realizing how wonderful it felt to have a soulmate. She playfully texted that she was being a wonderfully supportive girlfriend.

Yu Tu responded by asking if the difficult scene wasn't a kissing scene, prompting Qiao Jingjing to tease him back that her image of a "discouraged boyfriend" was just an illusion. Later, Yu Tu informed Qiao Jingjing that he was going on a business trip to Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an. During the trip, Yu Tu and his colleague, Da Meng, were on a video call with Qiao Jingjing.

Da Meng was in high spirits as their trip had yielded significant progress, increasing the feasibility of their project. Yu Tu inquired about Qiao Jingjing’s filming, and she happily reported receiving compliments from a visiting screenwriter. She then asked when he would return to Shanghai. Yu Tu confirmed he would be back the next day but would be busy with follow-up work, hinting at slower replies to her messages.

Qiao Jingjing retorted by asking who was the one away on a trip for over two months, referencing her own long filming schedule. Qiao Jingjing commented on Da Meng's amusing personality. Yu Tu then recounted how Da Meng had once overheard their conversation and mistaken Qiao Jingjing for a WeChat mini-program, even asking where to download her a few days later. Yu Tu joked that this was why male scientists were often perceived as having low emotional intelligence.

Seeing that Yu Tu had nicknamed her "AI Little Girl" in his contacts, Qiao Jingjing was indignant, asking what messages could possibly have made her sound like a robot and demanding to see the chat history. She ended the call, playfully annoyed. Shortly after, her assistant Xiao Zhu informed Qiao Jingjing that the Starlight Event was scheduled for Shanghai and suggested she share the good news with Yu Tu.

Qiao Jingjing, still feigning annoyance, declared that "AI is not available today." Yu Tu messaged Qiao Jingjing that he was off work and heading to play basketball with his colleagues, as he wouldn't be working overtime and only had a debriefing the next day. Qiao Jingjing asked for a selfie in his basketball gear.

Yu Tu sent a photo taken by a colleague and revealed that he told his colleagues it was for a "blind date," which led them to ask for her photo. He assured her he had "gotten rid of them." Qiao Jingjing teased him, asking if his blind date was attractive. Yu Tu called her, stating that while selfies often aren't reliable, he was eager to meet his "blind date" in person.

The next day, after a meeting where he presented a detailed report on breakthroughs in the Soushen-hao deep space probe, Qiao Jingjing was informed by a staff member that due to a change in filming schedules, she could finish her scenes early and fly back to Shanghai on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday morning for her event. Qiao Jingjing excitedly texted Yu Tu, jokingly referencing his "WeChat mini-program" remark and saying she was returning to Shanghai for a brand event.

Yu Tu immediately called her to confirm her flight details, offering to pick her up. Qiao Jingjing mentioned her tight schedule: the event was at 6:30 PM, but she had a magazine interview after her makeup session, which was scheduled to start at noon at her hotel. On Friday, Yu Tu arrived at the airport to pick up Qiao Jingjing. Before they left, Qiao Jingjing checked Yu Tu’s face against his photo, declaring he looked better in person.

Yu Tu, in turn, teased her about the trustworthiness of her selfies. Xiao Zhu, observing their affectionate interaction, discreetly left, urging them to "restrain themselves" in public and insisting she had other errands to run. As Qiao Jingjing and Yu Tu drove off in her Benz, they were unaware that paparazzi had spotted them and were trailing their car. The photographers excitedly planned to release the photos on April 1st, expecting a major trending story.

They speculated about the nature of the relationship, noting their intimacy and the fact that the assistant had been sent away. Stuck in heavy Shanghai traffic, Qiao Jingjing lamented the congestion. Yu Tu noted that her home in Lujiazui was almost two hours away due to peak hour traffic. He proposed an alternative destination: his place in Tianyu City, which was only twenty minutes away.

Qiao Jingjing playfully accused him of trying to bring his "blind date" home on their first meeting. Yu Tu countered that he wouldn't be the first, recalling a girl who invited him over after only a few games, though he admitted he didn't go. Qiao Jingjing called him a liar, saying she couldn't trust his words. After some back and forth, she seemingly "accidentally" activated the navigation to Tianyu City and agreed to go.

The paparazzi, still following, were initially confused when the car took the outer ring instead of heading to Lujiazui, but continued their pursuit. Yu Tu drove past the National Aerospace Research Institute, which Qiao Jingjing recognized as his workplace. He explained that his apartment was just across the road, a commercial property developed by the institute, which he had bought from a colleague years ago for its convenience.

Qiao Jingjing felt it was "tacky" to visit a blind date's house so soon, but Yu Tu admitted his problem was more significant: he already desired her. As they pulled into the parking garage, Yu Tu, unable to control himself, kissed Qiao Jingjing. Paparazzi, observing from a distance, could not capture the moment clearly but noted it was likely Yu Tu's home, as Qiao Jingjing lived in Lujiazui. One photographer went to scout the building.

Inside Yu Tu’s apartment, he offered Qiao Jingjing a pair of cute slippers he had bought after Lunar New Year. Qiao Jingjing asked if he had "planned this," to which he replied it wasn't that long ago. She then boasted about buying him an air purifier, implying her gesture was more elaborate. Qiao Jingjing was struck by the sheer number of books in his living room.

Yu Tu explained that as part of the main department, extensive knowledge helped him better communicate with engineers. She then spotted a 1:30 scale model of the Jade Rabbit rover, marveling at its intricate details and its ability to move. Yu Tu offered to show her more models in his room. Qiao Jingjing playfully resisted, wanting to maintain her "reserved" image, but eventually agreed. In his bedroom, Qiao Jingjing was surprised by its tidiness.

Yu Tu joked that his girlfriend had been away for months, making his life feel like that of a single man. She observed more books, feeling embarrassed comparing her wardrobe-filled home to his library-like apartment. Yu Tu explained his books were a "professional need," and Qiao Jingjing claimed her extensive wardrobe was also for "work needs." In the guest bedroom, Yu Tu found a Long March 5 rocket plush toy, which he gave to Qiao Jingjing.

She found it adorable and joked about him keeping it "locked up." Yu Tu then told Qiao Jingjing to eat dinner, but she said she had eaten on the plane. He insisted she at least try some of the noodles he had made. Qiao Jingjing took a bite but found them "stiff" and confessed she couldn't compliment his cooking. Yu Tu insisted they were "okay," to which she responded that he must have a strong digestive system.

She handed the noodles back to him and picked up her phone to play a game, mentioning a new hero in Honor of Kings she needed to promote. Her friend Chen Xue called, urging Qiao Jingjing to play with her to reach Star Shine rank, as she was only four stars away. Qiao Jingjing hesitated, knowing Chen Xue often caused her to lose stars.

Yu Tu offered to play for her, expressing interest in trying the new hero and confidently estimating he could get Chen Xue to Star Shine rank within an hour. Chen Xue sent a 200 yuan red packet. Yu Tu, after checking the new hero's skills, started the game. He lost the first three matches, prompting Qiao Jingjing to suggest he switch heroes. He insisted he had "gotten the hang of it."

After the third loss, Chen Xue was furious, complaining about losing three stars despite paying, and demanding Qiao Jingjing use voice chat and stop "acting." Qiao Jingjing relayed Chen Xue's complaints to Yu Tu, who then agreed to switch heroes. He subsequently won the necessary games, finally getting Chen Xue to Star Shine rank. By then, it was almost midnight. Qiao Jingjing expressed her need to go home to rest for her interview the next day.

Yu Tu pointed out that driving her home would take over an hour and suggested she stay at his place, offering her the guest bedroom. As Yu Tu went to tidy the room, Qiao Jingjing suddenly realized he had purposely prolonged the games to stall for time. She confronted him, accusing him of "acting" and intentionally losing. Yu Tu denied it, blaming his unfamiliarity with the new hero and being rusty.

Skeptical, Qiao Jingjing challenged him: if he could win a solo queue Diamond rank game with the new hero while achieving at least 15 kills, she would not go home. Yu Tu agreed to try. He played and secured the win with the required number of kills. Despite this, Qiao Jingjing still insisted he take her home. Yu Tu hugged her, accusing her of not keeping her word.

Qiao Jingjing clarified that she said she wouldn't go "home," but she never said she would stay "here"; she planned to go to a hotel. Yu Tu admitted he "miscalculated." He then explained that he had days off and could accompany her to the event, but he had been rushing work and was exhausted. Driving her home and returning would mean getting back past 2 AM. Touched by his concern, Qiao Jingjing softened and agreed to stay. He then asked if she was hungry and offered food, but she firmly refused his noodles.

Episode 25 Recap

In the early morning, paparazzi were still staked outside Yu Tu's apartment, having already photographed him and Qiao Jingjing entering the building together the previous night. Despite their fatigue, they remained determined to capture the couple leaving together, especially after confirming Jingjing had stayed overnight when Yu Tu was seen taking her luggage inside. Meanwhile, Qiao Jingjing was on a phone call with her friend, Chen Xue, playfully complaining about a game she was playing.

She then revealed she had a boyfriend, a handsome non-celebrity who was excellent at gaming. Jingjing humorously described him as someone who could be a "liar," use "puppy-dog eyes," and was quite "perceptive," leading Chen Xue to jokingly remark that he sounded like a scumbag. That night, Yu Tu retrieved an extra blanket and pillow from the master bedroom, which he offered to Jingjing, leaving her to sleep there while he took the guest room.

Jingjing, however, found herself restless in bed. She texted Chen Xue, who playfully teased her about being "full of energy" and staying up all night, which made Jingjing blush. Unable to settle, Jingjing went out to find Yu Tu still working, translating complex aerospace documents. When she asked why he wasn't sleeping, Yu Tu confessed he needed to read academic papers to "calm himself down."

He then firmly instructed her not to leave the room again, implying he wouldn't be able to control his desires if she did. Blushing, Jingjing returned to her room, still unsettled. She then messaged Ms. Ling, asking for the next day's interview outline, stating she needed it "to keep calm." The next morning, Yu Tu woke Jingjing with a kiss.

She playfully complained about the pillow being too high, which she couldn't tell him about earlier since he had told her not to leave the room. He offered to change it, and they headed to eat the breakfast he had prepared. While eating, Jingjing called Ms. Ling and Xiao Zhu, informing them she was at Yu Tu's place and would go to the hotel herself.

Ms. Ling, amused, referenced Jingjing's "need to keep calm" from the night before, hinting at her real reason for staying. Jingjing tried to use traffic as an excuse for staying at Yu Tu's, but Ms. Ling insisted on picking her up, and Yu Tu provided their address. As they left, the paparazzi seized the opportunity, capturing photos of the couple and her team together, excitedly noting that their relationship was now "going public."

They decided to follow them to the event. On the way to the hotel, Jingjing suggested Yu Tu pretend to be a staff member so he could stay with her. Ms. Ling, however, pointed out his striking good looks would make that impossible. Jingjing admitted she just wanted Ms. Ling to compliment him. Ms. Ling then proposed having him pose as Jingjing's "image consultant" after a quick makeover, and they made a detour to Ivan's styling studio.

At the studio, the makeup artist was captivated by Yu Tu's handsome appearance and unique aura, suggesting he should become an idol. Jingjing jokingly offered him a demanding "ten-year contract," to which Yu Tu playfully agreed, only requesting "some living expenses." After her makeup, Ms. Ling arranged for Jingjing's interview and asked Yu Tu to wait elsewhere due to sensitive media. Jingjing then asked Yu Tu to help her choose a gown.

After some playful teasing about his limited vocabulary, he chose one that seemed "lighter" to him. When asked if he minded the revealing styles, Yu Tu claimed he wasn't "narrow-minded," but then jokingly confiscated a necklace, deeming it "too flashy" and saying "it attracts too much attention." He affirmed his possessiveness by saying, "You're mine anyway," to which Jingjing happily agreed. After leaving the hotel, Yu Tu went to a cafe to work.

The paparazzi, still trailing him, cynically debated whether he could afford expensive gifts for Jingjing, even speculating that she might break up with him to avoid scandal if their relationship were exposed. While at the cafe, several women approached Yu Tu for his contact information, but he politely rejected them all, earning admiration from the paparazzi for his composed demeanor. Noticing Jingjing's event was about to begin, Yu Tu headed to the venue, with the paparazzi close behind.

Qiao Jingjing, dazzling in a red gown, made a grand entrance at the Starlight jewellery event. Her fans cheered enthusiastically, calling her "Jingjing, I love you!" and "Wife!" The paparazzi, having followed Yu Tu, were thrilled to capture photos of the couple together, confident their exclusive shots would make headlines. After the event, Jingjing found Yu Tu and eagerly asked if he thought she looked beautiful, it being his first time seeing her at a live event.

He described her as "gorgeous," and after some playful teasing, eloquently quoted a classical poem, likening her to "the sun as it shines light on the cloud." Yu Tu then inquired about her fans calling her "wife." Jingjing playfully asked if he was jealous, to which he smiled and replied that it didn't bother him, as "in the end, she would come home to him anyway." She retorted, wondering if coming home would just mean watching him translate papers.

Later, Xiao Zhu arrived to find the room empty, realizing Jingjing and Yu Tu had already departed for his home, and wondered if she had interrupted their plans. Back at Yu Tu's apartment, a playful banter ensued. Yu Tu, teasing Jingjing, claimed he had been "scammed" by their "dating event," as the advertised "three days" had amounted to only "a day and a half." Jingjing, playing along, refused to "return the money."

Yu Tu then suggested that "developers" usually offer "compensation," like "a new map." Jingjing, misinterpreting his meaning, jokingly called him a "hooligan," but Yu Tu clarified he was referring to his "master bedroom." Jingjing feigned innocence, asking if this was his idea of "being decent." Yu Tu then expressed his impatience, saying Jingjing had been away "for too long," and he "couldn't wait anymore." He asked if anything else on the bed, besides the pillow, made her uncomfortable.

Jingjing subtly implied that it was him, to which Yu Tu lovingly assured her she "would get used to him." He then gently adjusted her position, holding her close, and as their embrace deepened, he softly told her, "Don't move," as their passion finally overwhelmed them. They spent the night intimately together in the master bedroom, fully embracing their love.

Episode 26 Recap

Paparazzi had been closely following Qiao Jingjing and Yu Tu, capturing moments of them embracing and making heart signs as Yu Tu dropped Jingjing off at the airport. After observing them for days, the paparazzi were touched by what they perceived as true love and decided to edit their footage to portray the couple beautifully, rather than exploitively.

However, their leader had a plan: first, expose the romance, and then, after public curiosity peaked, reveal Yu Tu's identity and background to dominate the trending searches for a week. They planned to follow him to work on Monday. Following Jingjing's departure, Yu Tu returned to his disciplined routine, which the paparazzi noted was exceptionally healthy, despite his early waking hours. They tailed him to the National Aerospace Research Institute, where they continued to discreetly photograph him.

However, their persistent filming near a confidential unit led to their arrest by National Security Bureau officers, who mistook them for spies. Yu Tu received an urgent call from Mr. Hu, who summoned him to his office. There, he met with National Security Bureau officers. Yu Tu found the situation rather amusing as he explained that his girlfriend, Qiao Jingjing, a celebrity, had been staying at his place for the past three days of his leave.

He also clarified that he was unaware of anyone following them. The security officers, after verifying Yu Tu's statement against the paparazzi's confession, confirmed it was a misunderstanding. They decided to release the paparazzi after a stern "education" and confiscated all their footage. The officers then warned Yu Tu to be more vigilant about confidentiality protocols, especially given his relationship.

After the security personnel left, Mr. Hu congratulated Yu Tu on his romance, encouraging him to embrace it but to maintain a low profile and avoid excessive publicity. Yu Tu shared the amusing story of the paparazzi with Jingjing, who in turn recounted it to Ms. Ling over the phone. Ms. Ling initially seemed exasperated, jokingly chastising Jingjing for their brazenness and confidently detailing her prepared PR contingency plans.

However, upon hearing that the paparazzi had been arrested as spies for photographing a confidential aerospace unit, she was highly amused. Shortly after, the paparazzi leader, A Dou, called Ms. Ling directly. He sincerely apologized for their intrusion and expressed gratitude, explaining that Yu Tu's gracious clarification had saved them from severe trouble. A Dou promised that his team would never expose Jingjing's relationship or film her again, out of loyalty.

Ms. Ling accepted his apology but lamented to her husband that her elaborate PR plans, and the money spent on them, were now wasted. Two years passed. While Jingjing was filming in the desert, her relationship with Yu Tu once again made it to trending searches. Her assistant informed Ms. Ling that the recent buzz stemmed from photos taken months ago by an ordinary citizen, depicting Jingjing and Yu Tu at a Beijing movie theater during Yu Tu's business trip.

Ms. Ling, reflecting on the numerous times the couple had been photographed and trended over the past two years without an official announcement, found it almost convenient. She realized that since Jingjing had no intention of going public, these trending searches would eventually die down naturally, saving them the cost of new PR campaigns. Ms. Ling called Jingjing, struggling with poor network reception in the desert, to inform her about the renewed trending searches.

She reiterated her suggestion for Jingjing to make her relationship with Yu Tu public. Jingjing, however, firmly declined, citing the sensitive nature of Yu Tu's work. She reasoned that making it public might not reduce public scrutiny, and their current low-key approach conveyed their genuine desire for privacy, which people would eventually respect. Ms. Ling understood and, before hanging up, cautiously reminded Jingjing to avoid any conflict with Zhou Xiaoqi, who was set to join the film crew.

Jingjing, feeling insulted by the unnecessary advice, quickly ended the call. True to Ms. Ling's warning, Zhou Xiaoqi arrived on set, immediately causing a stir. The animosity between Jingjing and Zhou Xiaoqi was well-known, and their initial encounter was a strained display of artificial warmth, laced with veiled insults. After their first scene together, the director highly praised Jingjing's performance.

Zhou Xiaoqi, while outwardly composed, privately expressed her surprise and frustration at Jingjing's significant improvement in acting, admitting she almost felt overshadowed. Soon after, Zhou Xiaoqi's boyfriend, Mr. Chen, arrived to visit, making a grand entrance with an abundance of barbecue, spicy hot pot, and snacks, even bringing a private chef, which garnered appreciation from the crew but visibly annoyed the director due to the disruption.

Zhou Xiaoqi's assistant offered Jingjing some of the food, but Jingjing politely declined, recognizing it as unhealthy, high-oil, and high-salt. Xiao Zhu, aware of Yu Tu's impending visit, worried he would be outshone by Zhou Xiaoqi's boyfriend's lavish display. She suggested Yu Tu also bring provisions for the crew, with Ms. Ling footing the bill, emphasizing the need not to "lose" to Zhou Xiaoqi in this regard. Jingjing, however, chided Xiao Zhu for her competitive spirit.

She pointed out the director's visible displeasure with Mr. Chen's ostentatious visit, which had disrupted filming. Jingjing insisted that Yu Tu should arrive and depart discreetly, prioritizing the professionalism of the set. She playfully reminded Xiao Zhu that her comments about being prettier than Zhou Xiaoqi were never serious, asserting that true competition should be based on work, not boyfriends, and that Yu Tu's inherent excellence didn't require her to flaunt it.

As Jingjing was busy filming, Xiao Zhu was tasked with picking up Yu Tu, who arrived in a striking outdoor outfit, immediately impressing Xiao Zhu and bolstering her confidence that Yu Tu would outshine Zhou Xiaoqi's boyfriend. Xiao Zhu led Yu Tu to the set, where he witnessed the strenuous nature of Jingjing's work, including a scene where she had to crawl through sand.

The moment Jingjing completed her take, she rushed to Yu Tu and embraced him tightly, declaring how much she had missed him. Zhou Xiaoqi and her assistant observed this public display of affection, with the assistant commenting on Jingjing's lack of celebrity reserve, while Zhou Xiaoqi recognized Yu Tu as the aerospace researcher from the trending searches and noted their long-standing relationship. Yu Tu gently checked Jingjing for injuries, brushing sand off her.

Back in their tent, as Jingjing suggested getting lunch, Yu Tu surprised her by saying they had "business" to attend to first. He then revealed his true intention: to install a custom-made signal booster for the crew. He explained that commercial boosters were often poor quality and could interfere with base stations, clarifying that his device, made by a specialist friend, was superior and portable.

He admitted that his primary motivation was not wanting Jingjing to be unreachable for so many hours daily, especially with her upcoming night scenes. The director, immensely grateful for Yu Tu's ingenious solution to their persistent network problems, tried to arrange a celebratory dinner. However, upon learning that Yu Tu had to leave by 2:30 PM to catch his 6 PM flight, the director impulsively decided to postpone the afternoon's filming by an hour.

Despite Yu Tu's protests about not delaying work, the director insisted, ensuring the couple had an extra hour of private time together. Yu Tu, with a playful smile, asked Jingjing if they could "do whatever they want" with their newfound hour.

Episode 27 Recap

As Yu Tu prepared to leave the film set, the director expressed his gratitude by sending him some food for his journey. Qiao Jingjing bid him a reluctant farewell, asking him to take care of himself. News of Yu Tu's visit to the set, specifically his feat of fixing the internet signal, had already spread online, contrasting sharply with A-lister Zhou Xiaoqi's boyfriend who had arrived with a lavish catering team.

Online users were amazed by the "guy in the technology field" who provided full internet signals in the remote shooting location, joking that "knowledge is power" and calling him a "gem." Later, Yu Tu was on a bus heading home, talking to Jingjing via video call. He mentioned that his colleague, Da Meng, was asleep beside him. Jingjing, ever playful, pretended to be doing a live broadcast on ancient-style makeup.

When Da Meng stirred and asked what Yu Tu was watching, Jingjing continued her charade, prompting Da Meng to remark on the endless pursuit of knowledge. Jingjing later confirmed to Yu Tu that Da Meng had genuinely fallen for her prank. Upon his return to the Aerospace Research Institute, Yu Tu found Guan Zai, now fully recovered, back at work. Yu Tu shared the latest experiment data, including specific impulse and total impulse figures.

Guan Zai was impressed, noting that Yu Tu's capabilities had surpassed his expectations over the past two years. Yu Tu also showed him a video of the thruster's ignition and thrust calibration in a vacuum. Later, Guan Zai, acting on a promise to his wife, insisted Yu Tu leave work on time, reminding him that Jingjing's acting work was finished and she was likely in Shanghai.

He invited Yu Tu to bring Jingjing over for dinner, as his wife missed her. Yu Tu agreed but playfully warned Guan Zai that Jingjing disliked being called "Princess." Meanwhile, Jingjing had returned to Shanghai after wrapping up her drama. She expressed mock annoyance to her assistant, Xiao Zhu, that Yu Tu hadn't "skipped work" to pick her up, attributing his dedication to the return of his "best friend," Guan Zai.

Despite her feigned indifference, she instructed the driver to take her to Yu Tu's place, where she immediately fell asleep, exhausted from shooting overnight and an early flight. Yu Tu arrived home and found her sleeping. After changing, he joined her in bed. Jingjing teased him about his muscles despite his busy work, to which he replied that lab work is also hard labor. Yu Tu then asked how long her break would be.

Jingjing casually mentioned she would leave tomorrow when he went to work. Yu Tu was visibly disappointed, recalling her earlier promise of a two-month break. Jingjing explained that the movie shooting had been extended, and she had unexpected commitments. Later, as Yu Tu prepared dinner, he received a phone call from Ms. Ling, who inadvertently revealed that Jingjing would indeed be staying in Shanghai for two months. Feeling misled, Yu Tu became somewhat distant and cold while serving dinner.

Jingjing noticed his unusual calm and worried he might be angry or that she appeared too disheveled. That night, as they lay in bed, Yu Tu confronted her about Ms. Ling's call. Jingjing explained that she wanted to give him a "surprise" and add some playful fun to their relationship, clarifying that while she said she would leave during the day, she never said she wouldn't return at night. She had planned to decorate the apartment the next day.

Yu Tu, finding her explanation amusingly absurd, decided not to argue further, pulling her closer for an intimate moment. Afterward, Jingjing confirmed she would stay for two months, promising not to lie again. Later that night, Yu Tu asked Jingjing if she had noticed any changes in the apartment. Having been asleep upon arrival, she hadn't. He then revealed he had converted the storeroom into a wardrobe for her, anticipating her two-month stay and her love for fashion.

He showed her the control panel for the new closet. Jingjing was deeply touched, thanking him for the "gift," though Yu Tu called it "nest building." After Yu Tu left for work the next day, Jingjing enthusiastically began to redecorate the apartment, softening its "hard-lined" interior with decorative items to make it a warmer home. She proudly shared her boyfriend's renovations with her friends via messages, inviting them over to see.

She also called Yu Tu, who was already at his office, to express how much she missed him, teasing him about his dedicated work ethic. Yu Tu clarified he wouldn't work overtime that day and reassured her that the pillows she wanted were in the guest room. Later, Ms. Ling and Xiao Zhu arrived with more of Jingjing's clothes. They teased Jingjing about Yu Tu's vast collection of books and computer usage, asking if he ever paid attention to her.

Jingjing playfully defended him. They also learned about Yu Tu's rigid work schedule and short lunch breaks, meaning he wouldn't come home during the day, but that he usually finishes work early when not working overtime. Jingjing then excitedly showed them the transformed wardrobe.

Ms. Ling admired its sleek design, a "dark gray closet with a glass door," but Jingjing highlighted its functionality: a "double-layer rotating closet" designed to accommodate her extensive clothing collection, which Xiao Zhu pointed out was much quieter and faster than Jingjing's previous one. Ms. Ling inquired about where it was custom-made, only for Jingjing to reveal that Yu Tu had designed and built the rotating mechanism himself after finding existing market options too expensive and cumbersome.

Jingjing attributed this ease to his background in aerospace design. As they unpacked Jingjing's coats, Ms. Ling realized Jingjing truly intended to stay for two months. Jingjing explained it was convenient for Yu Tu's commute, and as a homebody, she didn't mind.

She then disclosed details about Yu Tu's house: he bought it early at a lower price, with some initial help from his parents (which he had since repaid), and still had over two decades of mortgage payments of around ten thousand yuan per month. She reasoned that his frugal lifestyle—eating at work, no commute, and few expenses beyond books—meant he faced little financial pressure.

Ms. Ling, seeing the transformation in Jingjing from a big star who splurged on luxury to someone discussing mortgage payments while unpacking her own clothes, felt reassured. Jingjing laughed, calling her manager sentimental.

Episode 28 Recap

Ms. Ling and Xiao Zhu assisted Jingjing with her packing, during which Jingjing treated them to a lavish meal and granted Xiao Zhu a two-month vacation, encouraging her to travel with her mother, with all expenses covered. Ms. Ling, initially concerned that Jingjing was becoming overly focused on romance, questioned the long break. Jingjing assured her that she was not sacrificing her career for love, emphasizing that she has always prioritized good projects.

She explained that she wanted to be a person of value, not just someone chasing fleeting fame or trying to cash in on her youth. Jingjing expressed her desire to concentrate more on impactful acting roles and reduce other work that brings only short-term attention, acknowledging that Yu Tu's dedication had influenced her thinking. Pleased by Jingjing's maturity, Ms. Ling agreed to support her new career path.

In a later phone call, Ms. Ling reflected on how living together would reveal the true compatibility between Jingjing and Yu Tu. Later that evening, Jingjing and Yu Tu visited Guan Zai and Shen Jing for dinner. Jingjing, who had grown quite close to Shen Jing, helped her prepare the meal. While in the kitchen, Jingjing playfully filmed Shen Jing, coaxing her to tease Yu Tu about his cooking skills, particularly his inability to master braised tofu.

Shen Jing joked that Guan Zai had been equally inept in the kitchen for many years. At the dinner table, Jingjing mischievously tried to claim one of Shen Jing's dishes as her own creation, but Guan Zai quickly detected the deception after tasting it. Jingjing then confessed she had only added some vinegar to the dish, which Guan Zai promptly criticized for ruining the flavor.

During the meal, Guan Zai's child inadvertently revealed online rumors about Jingjing's boyfriend being an aerospace engineer, citing past sightings near Guan Zai's workplace and their joint participation in a competition, and noting that news of their relationship always remained suppressed online. The adults bantered about their demanding work schedules until Shen Jing noticed Yu Tu seemed preoccupied, intuiting that he was still struggling to accept Guan Zai's recent decision.

Guan Zai, however, reassured her that Yu Tu was a broad-minded person who would eventually come to terms with it. Driving home, Jingjing noticed Yu Tu's troubled demeanor and gently inquired about it. Yu Tu confided that Guan Zai had decided to leave the "Search for God" project.

He explained that Guan Zai, his long-time mentor who had entrusted him with the project during his illness, felt the project no longer required his input and cited his own health as a reason, saying he could not sustain the intense, round-the-clock work required for the final bidding stages. Yu Tu expressed his deep disappointment, having hoped to work alongside Guan Zai again.

Jingjing listened patiently, then reminded him of their shared purpose in deep space exploration, emphasizing that even if they were no longer working on the same model, they were still moving forward together towards the same grand objective, just as she and Yu Tu were in their different fields. Yu Tu found solace in her words.

Back home, Yu Tu mentioned his renewed resolve to work even harder, a sentiment Jingjing echoed, sharing her own conversation with Ms. Ling about wanting to become an even greater actress. She playfully remarked that it would be embarrassing if Yu Tu, a brilliant aerospace engineer, had a spouse who was merely "just a pretty person" with no other achievements.

Jingjing then posed a playful question to Yu Tu, wondering if living together for an extended period might reveal personality clashes. Yu Tu reminded her that they had already spent countless hours together playing games. Jingjing countered that those were daytime hours, while now, with his work, their shared time would be mostly evenings. Yu Tu, with a sly grin, suggested they wouldn't have time to argue during the nights.

The following weekend, Yu Tu arranged a dinner to welcome Guan Zai back and to introduce Jingjing to his colleagues. While Jingjing prepared, Yu Tu playfully rushed her, observing that her elaborate yet natural-looking "beguiling makeup" was similar to the one she wore when she first "tricked" him into coming to her apartment to fix her air purifier.

On their way to the restaurant, Da Meng, Yu Tu's colleague and the last remaining singleton in the group, called to check on their arrival, suggesting they dine in the main hall to save money since the private room had a minimum spend. Yu Tu, to Jingjing's amusement, insisted on the private room, claiming his "girlfriend is a delicate girl."

He then teased Jingjing in the car by driving alternately too fast and too slow, to which she playfully declared she was "not a delicate girl." Upon their arrival, Da Meng was utterly stunned to see the celebrity Qiao Jingjing with Yu Tu, and Guan Zai quickly captured an unflattering photo of his shocked face.

Da Meng, messaging Guan Zai to delete the photo and offering bribes, then confronted Yu Tu, jokingly accusing him of being part of a "Secrecy Bureau" for hiding his relationship for so long. Realizing Yu Tu and Jingjing were high school classmates, Da Meng dramatically questioned if they had been secretly dating for "more than 10 years."

Jingjing, seeing Da Meng's texts, mused about what their lives would have been like if they had dated since high school, but quickly decided against it, asserting that she wouldn't have become the beautiful and interesting person she is today. She then teasingly reminded Yu Tu that, even after a decade, he still ended up with a beautiful and adorable girlfriend, asking him to express his happiness through action. Da Meng later messaged the group again, wondering where they had disappeared to.

Episode 29 Recap

Qiao Jingjing video-called Yu Tu's mother, proudly showing off their newly redecorated living room. Jingjing highlighted her effort in choosing and waiting a month for the new curtains, which were a cheerful color compared to the "stuffy" ones Yu Tu preferred for being "dirty-resistant." She carefully explained that she hadn't touched Yu Tu's bookshelf, knowing he'd be annoyed if she moved his books, a habit he'd had since childhood.

Yu Tu's mother seemed pleased with Jingjing's thoughtfulness, then playfully scolded Yu Tu for making Jingjing entertain herself on a Sunday while he worked on a thesis. Yu Tu, overhearing, teased Jingjing about having lied to his mother once before. Later that day, Chen Xue called Jingjing, recounting a funny story about how Yu Tu’s visit to a film set had infuriated another actress, Zhou Xiaoqi.

Chen Xue, eager to meet Yu Tu, invited Jingjing and him to her place for dinner, promising fresh hairy crabs. Jingjing consulted Yu Tu, who agreed to the dinner. Chen Xue then casually mentioned inviting Duan Wu and Mr. Zhou and suggested a mahjong game after dinner. Jingjing firmly rejected the idea of playing mahjong, explaining that it would make them seem unprofessional in front of Yu Tu, a scientific researcher.

Chen Xue quickly understood and promised to create a sophisticated, academic atmosphere instead. When Jingjing and Yu Tu arrived at Chen Xue’s home, Duan Wu and Mr. Zhou were already there, seemingly engrossed in rehearsing lines. After Jingjing introduced Yu Tu to her friends, Chen Xue, playing along, said they were practicing a group scene for an "interstellar-themed" movie and needed an extra person. They roped Jingjing into playing the "leader of the peace-seeking faction," an old man.

Jingjing, showing her professionalism, quickly memorized her lines. After their spirited performance, Chen Xue admitted that they had been playing cards just before Jingjing and Yu Tu arrived and had quickly put them away to create the "academic atmosphere." Jingjing, feeling a bit self-conscious, asked Yu Tu how she did. He praised her acting, but then pointed out a scientific inaccuracy in the script: the new weapon's performance parameters were "too conservative" for an interstellar setting.

The screenwriter, who was on the phone at that moment, was highly impressed and immediately asked for Yu Tu's WeChat, eager to discuss the script's scientific details, including "wormhole science." Afterward, Chen Xue complimented Yu Tu's good looks and intellect, stating that she now understood why Jingjing chose him over her wealthy ex-boyfriend Su Ye; despite Su Ye's charm, he was too arrogant. Jingjing clarified that she didn't choose Yu Tu; rather, she was chosen.

Chen Xue then posed a hypothetical question: if Jingjing weren't a successful actress, would she still choose Yu Tu? Jingjing confidently declared that her beauty and diligence would ensure her financial success even as a live streamer. However, if she were truly penniless, she would "hold onto him tightly all the more." Yu Tu, who had overheard the conversation, chuckled, acknowledging his girlfriend's "super smart" logic.

He then playfully teased her for bringing home all of Chen Xue's leftover uncooked crabs. The next day, Yu Tu was reluctantly drafted to play in his institute's basketball semi-final after a teammate got injured. He had originally planned to have dinner at home with Jingjing. His colleague, curious about the "beautiful" girlfriend Da Meng had been raving about, asked if his "family member" was, in fact, his girlfriend. Yu Tu confirmed it.

He then called Jingjing to inform her he wouldn't be home for dinner, to which she jokingly complained about the steak she had already marinated. She also playfully questioned his basketball skills, recalling his days as a high school varsity star and teasing him about being "old" at 32. Yu Tu defended himself, asserting his stamina and skill were still superior to the younger graduates, inviting her to witness it herself.

Jingjing arrived at the institute, carrying corn juice that Yu Tu had bought. At the gate, she temporarily exchanged her ID card for a visitor pass. The security guard, recognizing her name, looked at her in surprise. Inside, Yu Tu proudly took off Jingjing's mask and held her hand, announcing her presence to his astonished colleagues. They were all shocked to discover that Yu Tu’s girlfriend was the famous actress Qiao Jingjing.

Jingjing, maintaining her down-to-earth demeanor, explained that she and Yu Tu were high school classmates who reconnected years later when both were single. Yu Tu went to change, entrusting Jingjing to a colleague. During the game, Jingjing enthusiastically cheered for Yu Tu, just as she had in their high school days, proudly exclaiming how "cool" his three-point shots were.

After the game, Jingjing continued to tease Yu Tu, playfully critiquing his shift from aggressive "direct attacks" in high school to relying on "technique" now, attributing it to his aging "stamina." Yu Tu asked for more encouraging words, and Jingjing affectionately called him "handsome." Later, Jingjing compared her beautiful ID photo with Yu Tu's.

Yu Tu, ever the scientist, suggested that for a proper comparison, they needed to take a new photo under "the same exact conditions: the same lighting, the same photographer, and the same venue." He then gently proposed, asking, "When will we take our certificate photo together?" Jingjing, beaming with joy, shared the news with her manager, Ling Jie. Ling Jie, however, found Yu Tu's "unconventional" proposal (without a ring or kneeling) quite surprising.

Jingjing confirmed that they would be meeting their parents next week to discuss their engagement and wedding plans. Overwhelmed by the enormity of wedding planning – from venue and guests to the dress and gifts – Ling Jie worried about the tight timeline, especially after Jingjing casually mentioned planning the wedding after her next 12-episode drama, which would finish in about a month.

During a discussion with both sets of parents, locations like Hainan (for privacy) and Shanghai (for convenience) were considered. Yu Tu's parents, being supportive, deferred to Jingjing and Yu Tu's wishes. Ling Jie, however, warned about the intense public scrutiny celebrities faced regarding every detail of their weddings. Jingjing’s assistant, Xiao Zhu, let slip that they called Yu Tu "Mr. Yu" because he had taught Jingjing how to play games years ago and had "tricked her into being his girlfriend."

Yu Tu's mother jokingly hoped their future daughter wouldn't be so easily charmed. Yu Tu, in jest, vowed to protect her, claiming he could still achieve a "Penta kill" even at eighty. As they drove back to Shanghai, Yu Tu's mother advised Jingjing to focus on her career, assuring her that Yu Tu could take care of himself. Yu Tu quickly reminded his mother that this wasn't what she usually told him.

Jingjing remarked that Yu Tu's mother's initial requirement for a daughter-in-law had been someone who would take care of Yu Tu, a standard she seemed to abandon upon meeting Jingjing. Jingjing then cheekily asked Yu Tu about his parents' criteria for a son-in-law, guessing it was "just being handsome," to which Yu Tu proudly responded that he had "won at birth."

While driving, Jingjing browsed her phone, excitedly pointing out recent successful rocket launches from the Taiyuan and Jiuquan launch centers, demonstrating her keen interest in the aerospace industry. She proudly stated that she followed numerous aerospace public accounts, including Yu Tu's unit's official account, asking if she was a "qualified family member of an aerospace worker." Yu Tu then teased her about not following entertainment news, asking her to do so.

Jingjing mentioned an upcoming romance drama but quickly stopped herself from detailing any intimate scenes, concerned Yu Tu might be upset, even though he had claimed he wouldn't be. Yu Tu retorted that the drama's focus was mostly on her career after an early breakup. Suddenly, Jingjing stumbled upon a post on Yu Tu's unit's official account announcing a "group wedding" for employees. Her eyes lit up as she exclaimed that she wanted her wedding to be like that too, causing Yu Tu's expression to change dramatically.

Episode 30 Recap

Jingjing, excited about the prospect of a group wedding, eagerly urged Yu Tu to sign up, highlighting the limited twelve spots available. She reasoned that such a wedding would resolve all their previous concerns, eliminating worries about public opinion, criticisms, banquet arrangements, and allowing them to invite only their closest friends. She passionately declared it her dream wedding, even humorously suggesting her manager, Ling, would be moved to tears by her thoughtfulness.

Yu Tu, however, was skeptical, believing Jingjing, known for frequently changing her mind about wedding plans—from beaches to grass, hotels, and back to beaches—would soon abandon this idea as well. Later, Jingjing called Yu Tu from her filming set in Hengdian to ensure he understood she was serious. Yu Tu questioned if she had considered their parents' and Ling's opinions, to which Jingjing confidently replied she would manage her parents.

Soon after, Yu Tu’s mother called him, expressing surprise that Jingjing wanted to participate in a group wedding at his unit, as Jingjing had already convinced both sets of parents, who were now quite pleased. Yu Tu’s mother urged him to discuss any lingering reservations with Jingjing. Feeling conflicted and burdened, Yu Tu left work early, a rarity for the "workaholic" as his colleagues noted.

Back home, he rewatched an old interview where Jingjing described her dream wedding as incredibly romantic, filled with flowers and many friends, complete with her walking down the aisle in a white gown to exchange rings and vows. He worried that Jingjing was compromising her ideal wedding due to his financial situation and resolved not to let her feel that way. That night, Yu Tu drove over two hundred kilometers to Hengdian to speak with Jingjing.

He immediately questioned her desire for a group wedding, reminding her of her earlier interview where she spoke of a lavish, romantic celebration. Jingjing, surprised by his misunderstanding, clarified that her interview answers were fabricated on the spot to fulfill interview expectations. She explained that she genuinely desired a simple, pure wedding, free from the pressures of public scrutiny, endless social obligations, and the constant threat of trending searches.

She yearned for an intimate "one-on-one" experience where she and Yu Tu could focus solely on each other, even amidst other couples. Touched by her sincerity, Yu Tu confessed that his previous proposal felt rushed and insincere. He then formally proposed again, expressing deep regret for the thirteen years they lost due to his past prejudices. He asked Jingjing to entrust her remaining life to him, vowing to be a devoted husband and love her forever.

Jingjing tearfully accepted, and they shared a tight embrace. The next day, Yu Tu went to his institute and signed up for the group wedding. Ms. Wang, the registrar, was taken aback, jokingly asking if he had a new girlfriend since Jingjing was a celebrity. News of his decision quickly reached the leadership, and Mr. Zhang, Yu Tu’s professor, summoned him, concerned he might be facing financial difficulties and offering assistance.

Yu Tu thanked him, explaining that he and Jingjing simply wanted a modest, private wedding. He added that Jingjing had initially hoped the institute would ensure privacy, but they realized it might not be possible since the wedding would be held at a nearby hotel, not within the institute itself. Yu Tu jokingly suggested that if the wedding details leaked early, they would change their plans, but if it leaked during the ceremony, they would "run away."

He even teased Jingjing about needing a pair of sneakers for her wedding dress. Mr. Zhang was deeply relieved and expressed his joy for Yu Tu, reminding him to treat Jingjing well. On the wedding day, Yu Tu and Jingjing arrived discreetly, with Jingjing wearing a veil to maintain secrecy. Their appearance, however, still surprised everyone when their identities became known. As preparations were underway, a group of makeup artists had an accident and couldn't make it.

While other brides fretted about not having their makeup done, Jingjing calmly offered her own professional makeup team, resolving the crisis for everyone. Meanwhile, a colleague, Mr. Wang, approached Yu Tu, assuming he was there as a best man, unaware that Jingjing was his bride. Yu Tu clarified that he was also a groom, leaving Mr. Wang astonished that a celebrity like Jingjing would participate in a group wedding.

Seizing an opportunity, Yu Tu led Jingjing away, feigning a need to "run" from being discovered and to "rehearse" the ceremony. He brought her into the main wedding hall, which was transformed into a romantic starry sky theme. Jingjing was captivated by the beauty, especially noticing a spoon-shaped pathway. Yu Tu revealed that the path represented the Big Dipper constellation and that he had designed it himself, with stars lighting up as she walked.

He then guided her through a "rehearsal" of the ceremony, explaining each step: walking onto the stage, exchanging vows, and finally the moment they could embrace and kiss. Mr. Zhang, Yu Tu's mentor, officiated, speaking about the balance of a "stargazer's romance" and "grounded happiness." Yu Tu and Jingjing then walked hand-in-hand down the aisle, exchanged rings, and recited vows to honor their parents, raise their children, and cherish each other.

The ceremony culminated with Yu Tu passionately kissing Jingjing, their eyes fixed only on each other. Soon after, photos of Jingjing and Yu Tu at the group wedding were shared online, causing a sensation among netizens. Many expressed disbelief that a prominent celebrity like Jingjing would opt for a group wedding, concluding it must be a testament to true love, especially given Yu Tu's profession and handsome appearance.

Later, Jingjing officially announced her marriage on social media, posting a simple yet heartfelt message: "I love you too," a sweet public response to Yu Tu's "I love you" during their wedding vows.

Episode 31 Recap

Five years after their collective wedding, Qiao Jingjing and Yu Tu continue to dedicate themselves to their respective careers. Qiao Jingjing, whose acting career has steadily flourished, is discussing her upcoming schedule with her manager, Ms. Ling. Ms. Ling asks Qiao Jingjing about her plans for the latter half of the year, suggesting that if she doesn't take on new acting projects, she and Yu Tu could consider having a child.

Qiao Jingjing smiles, revealing that they are already considering it and that he wants a daughter. Earlier, while filming a dramatic scene, Qiao Jingjing had jokingly remarked that the male lead was not as handsome as her husband, making it difficult to fully immerse herself in the role. She recounted how Yu Tu, before leaving for his long business trip, had meticulously read her script and even offered professional acting advice.

Soon after, Yu Tu calls Qiao Jingjing from the base, where he has been on a business trip for several months. During their phone call, he tells her a humorous story about two young colleagues who were "disillusioned" after seeing a female celebrity on his phone’s home screen, unaware that the celebrity was his wife. When he clarified that it was his wife, they still seemed skeptical.

He humorously asks Qiao Jingjing to help him "prove it" by visiting him at work and watching a rocket launch. He explains that the base has been organizing family visits for aerospace workers for several months, and after applying five times, he finally secured a spot for her. He warmly invites "Mrs. Yu" to the Haijiao Launch Center to see him, now 38 years old. Qiao Jingjing joins the aerospace family group chat and arrives at the Haijiao Launch Center.

Her road manager, Xiao Zhu, had expressed concern that Yu Tu might be too busy to greet her, but Yu Tu surprisingly shows up to pick her up. A young employee named Xiao Zhang recognizes Qiao Jingjing at the gate and excitedly tells her he grew up watching her dramas, much to Qiao Jingjing’s slight embarrassment and Yu Tu’s amusement. Yu Tu and Qiao Jingjing then ride a vehicle to the base hotel.

Yu Tu introduces the Haijiao Launch Center as one of China's four major launch sites and the only low-latitude one, also mentioning its excellent canteen food. He proudly states that he will be sending the "Search for God" probe into space from this very location. Qiao Jingjing immediately declares it her favorite launch center, impressing Yu Tu with her knowledge of satellite assembly and rocket fairings, which she credits to his teachings.

They share a playful moment about the abundance of security cameras. Upon arriving at the base hotel, Yu Tu hands Qiao Jingjing a room key and explains that king-sized beds are limited and he gave his room to a colleague. He suggests they can move their two single beds together later, a prospect Qiao Jingjing finds potentially embarrassing for housekeeping. They then test sitting on one bed and realize it's doable.

Yu Tu has to leave for several coordination meetings, so he entrusts Qiao Jingjing to Professor Zhao, the wife of Chief Scientist Xiao. Qiao Jingjing cheerfully greets Professor Zhao, whom she already knows from their WeChat group. While Qiao Jingjing gets acquainted with the base, Yu Tu attends a series of long meetings, even grabbing a quick bite of bread between sessions.

His colleagues playfully tease him about his celebrity wife and how he "chased" her, to which Yu Tu recites his wife's "standard answer": they were high school classmates who reconnected ten years later, both still single, so they "just made do." The meetings focus on the meticulous final preparations for the "Search for God" mission, covering power supply, internal power transfer procedures, and favorable weather conditions predicted for the launch on the 27th.

Despite the reduced hands-on work for his team, Yu Tu expresses his lingering anxiety, constantly reviewing every detail to ensure nothing is missed, aware of the nation's multi-billion dollar investment and the decade of dedication from thousands of people. Late that evening, Yu Tu returns to their room. Qiao Jingjing, who has spent the day exploring the base guided by other family members, playfully scolds him for being a "derelict" host.

Yu Tu apologizes for not being able to spend time with her, but Qiao Jingjing dismisses his guilt. She explains that she's exhausted from filming and plans to enjoy her vacation by organizing sightseeing tours for the other aerospace families, who often feel bored at the base. She enthusiastically declares herself the "tour group leader." The next day, Qiao Jingjing leads a lively sightseeing tour for the other family members, including Professor Zhao.

She reveals she had already arranged a tour guide and a travel agency, and the cost would be covered by a promotional Weibo post from her. Initially, one family member, Xiao Li, seems hesitant but is encouraged to join. Meanwhile, at dinner with his colleagues, Yu Tu hears a string of humorous "complaints."

Chief Scientist Xiao laments having to meticulously review ten almost identical photos his wife, Professor Zhao, took, and another colleague complains that his wife, inspired by Qiao Jingjing's slim figure, has started dieting, eliminating his cherished late-night stews. Yu Tu, with a sly smile, promises to relay their "feedback" to Qiao Jingjing. He then calls Qiao Jingjing, pretending to "seriously discuss" complaints about her "luring family members away."

Qiao Jingjing, incredulous, insists her efforts merely allow their husbands to work without worry. She has him put her on speakerphone, then asks her "tour group" who complained. The family members immediately defend Qiao Jingjing, praising her for organizing the fun tours that saved them from boredom. Yu Tu quietly hangs up, giving a playful "you're welcome," while his amused colleagues call the couple "mischievous." Later that night, Qiao Jingjing returns to the room, tired from the day's activities.

She tells Yu Tu that she and the group will no longer go out, as the rocket launch is just two days away, and she wants to stay at the base to offer "love and care." Yu Tu admits to feeling nervous, acknowledging the immense national investment and the collective decade of youth poured into the "Search for God." Qiao Jingjing reassures him of their success.

Yu Tu then mentions that immediately after the launch on the 27th, he will fly to the Aerospace Control Center in Beijing for several more months of work. Qiao Jingjing, having anticipated this, offers to join him there, to which Yu Tu eagerly agrees. Qiao Jingjing then brings up Xiao Li, Xiao Hu's wife, who seemed unhappy during their trip.

Yu Tu explains that Xiao Li had been hospitalized the previous month, and Xiao Hu was unable to return home due to their busiest work period. Qiao Jingjing expresses a desire to help but feels at a loss for appropriate words. Yu Tu advises her to let things take their natural course.

He reflects that being the family member of an aerospace worker is indeed challenging, and if Xiao Li feels her sacrifices are too great and she is unhappy, they should not pressure her to continue. Qiao Jingjing agrees, musing that she's fortunate to be busy herself, otherwise she might also find herself complaining about his demanding career. As the night deepens, Qiao Jingjing wakes up to find Yu Tu standing alone on the balcony, gazing intently at the distant launchpad.

Episode 32 (Ending) Recap

The story begins in the early hours before the launch of the "Search for God" Solar System Boundary Explorer. Yu Tu quietly rose, kissed Jingjing while she slept, and thoughtfully turned off her alarm before heading out to the base. When Jingjing awoke later, she was playfully annoyed that her alarm had been canceled but decided to make her way to the launch site anyway.

All across the country, excitement was palpable, with many people, including tourists, flocking to Wenchang, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Long March 5 Launch Vehicle's ascent. Tour guides advised early arrival, as a key bridge to the observation area would close later that afternoon.

At the launch center, Yu Tu and his team were engaged in their final, meticulous checks for the "Search for God" probe, a mission that embodied ten years of their youth and the hopes of the nation. The atmosphere in the Command and Control Center was tense but focused. Key personnel, including the Electrical Test Conductor, the Integrated Electronics Engineer, the Payload Conductor, and the Attitude and Orbit Control Engineer, all confirmed their readiness.

Yu Tu gave the command for the pre-launch status check and the power-up sequence for the probe. All systems reported normal functionality. Yu Tu then spoke with Mr. Wang from the rocket team, who confirmed the rocket had been fueled and its performance indicators were stable, meeting all launch requirements. They agreed to a final, detailed cross-check of all parameters. Jingjing and other aerospace families arrived at the Haijiao Launch Center, expressing their excitement and nervousness.

They were ushered into the Command and Control Hall on the tenth floor, a place familiar from television broadcasts, and were reminded to maintain silence to avoid disturbing the busy staff. Among the family members, a professor shared anecdotes about past launch sites, highlighting the immense dedication and hardship endured by aerospace personnel, who often spent months away from home with limited communication.

Jingjing reflected that Yu Tu himself had been in Hainan for over half a year for this mission. However, an unexpected change in arrangements meant that the families could not remain in the Command and Control Hall for the launch. They were asked to move to an outdoor viewing area downstairs.

As Jingjing left the hall, she glanced back at Yu Tu, who was completely absorbed in his work, and was reminded of his high school dream to fly beyond the solar system. She vividly recalled telling him she believed he would become an outstanding aerospace engineer, and now, he truly had. As launch time approached, a palpable tension filled the air.

The countdown began at "T minus 30 minutes," progressing steadily through "T minus 20 minutes," "Ten more minutes," and "T minus one minute." Finally, the last ten seconds were counted down by everyone in unison: "Ten. . . Nine. . . Eight. . . Seven. . . Six. . . Five. . . Four. . . Three. . . Two. . . One! Liftoff!" The Long March 5 Launch Vehicle ignited with a spectacular blaze, ascending majestically into the sky.

Cheers erupted from the crowds, both at the site and abroad, celebrating China's aerospace achievement. Inside the control center, initial reports confirmed that Ground 177, Lidar, and telemetry signals were all tracking normally, and the rocket was flying as expected. The rocket continued its journey, and soon, its second-stage engine shut down, followed by the successful separation of the probe from the rocket. The rocket team, having completed their mission, celebrated and wished the "Search for God" team good luck.

Yu Tu, however, remained intently focused on the screens, monitoring the "Search for God" probe. His team reported the successful deployment of the nuclear reactor, followed by the antenna, and finally, the completion of the probe's attitude adjustment.

A representative from the Haijiao Launch Center then announced to the gathered leaders, experts, and colleagues that, according to the Beijing Aerospace Control Center, the Long March 5 Launch Vehicle had flown normally and the "Search for God" probe had accurately entered its predetermined orbit, with its nuclear reactor successfully deployed. He officially declared the "Search for God" launch mission a complete success, prompting another wave of enthusiastic applause.

The jubilant atmosphere continued in the control hall, even as many people began to disperse. Deputy Chief Engineer Xiao Hu was interviewed by reporters, explaining that the successful launch was just the beginning of "Search for God's" challenging expedition to the solar system boundary. He highlighted the technical breakthrough of developing a nuclear reactor to power the probe, replacing conventional solar panels for its long-distance journey.

Xiao Li, watching the interview, felt a deeper understanding and appreciation for her husband's work and forgave him. Jingjing, noting that many engineers were still inside, suggested to the remaining family members that they wait for their loved ones together. As engineers gradually emerged, families reunited, expressing their relief and happiness. Xiao Hu, still visibly tired, reunited with Xiao Li.

Jingjing, trying to ease the tension between them, playfully asked Xiao Hu about the apology letters she heard he had been drafting. Softened by the day's success, Xiao Li told him there was no need for apologies, as neither of them was at fault. They agreed to discuss things further once they were home, holding hands as they left. Finally, Yu Tu walked out of the hall.

Jingjing, expecting his call, was momentarily disappointed when he first called Guan Zai, reporting, "Up till now, I've lived up to what was entrusted to me." Shortly after, he called Jingjing. He reflected on the launch, recalling her words from long ago about him being "the rabbit that has seen the most stars." Now, he truly felt he could "go see more stars." Jingjing, who had been standing behind him the whole time, revealed herself, and they embraced warmly.

Yu Tu apologized for neglecting his family over the years due to his dedication to his work, but Jingjing assured him it was okay and expressed her pride in him and all the aerospace workers.

As they walked away to a celebration, Yu Tu reiterated that "Search for God" had only just begun its journey, with a long and challenging path ahead—a sentiment they both shared for their own future, reaching not just for dreams, but for more distant stars and galaxies.