Episode Summary
Struggling with insomnia due to work and relationship stress, Shen Xifan seeks help from a TCM doctor, He Suye. She's instantly attracted to him, but her attempts at flirting fail. He Suye, however, is clearly interested in her. Their paths continue to cross, and a potential romance begins to blossom, all while Xifan deals with a neglectful boyfriend and He Suye navigates his medical career and family expectations.
Spoiler Alert
Shen Xifan, recently promoted to housekeeping manager, is burning the candle at both ends. Her high-pressure job, coupled with relationship stress, has led to severe insomnia. She's a dedicated worker, but every night finds her staring at the ceiling, mind racing. Her concerned parents, Shen's Mother and Shen's Father, notice her exhaustion – evident from her dozing off during morning yoga – and urge her to try traditional Chinese medicine.
At her parents' suggestion, Xifan visits a TCM clinic. She notices that one doctor, He Suye, is conspicuously missing a photo on his nameplate. Figuring she'll get in and out quickly, Xifan opts for He Suye's appointment, as there's no wait. As she approaches the office, a tall, handsome man exits – even with a mask on, his good looks are undeniable.
Xifan immediately gushes to her best friend, Xu Xiangya, who encourages her to use all her charms to get this mystery doctor to reveal his full face. During the consultation, Xifan, ever the professional, finds herself subtly assessing He Suye's voice and overall presence. However, her attempts at flirting fall flat, and he keeps his mask on.
Dejected, Xifan leaves behind a small origami frog she made from her appointment slip, unknowingly catching He Suye's attention. As Xifan is leaving with her prescription, scheduling her next appointment, He Suye rushes out after her. His handsome face is now fully visible, leaving Xifan momentarily stunned and causing her to miss his instructions about picking up her medicine.
On her way home, Xifan remembers He Suye's advice and contrasts it with the neglect she feels from her boyfriend, Yan Heng. She sends Yan Heng a text, but it goes unanswered. Meanwhile, He Suye, working primarily with elderly patients, finds himself particularly drawn to Xifan's case, showing a clear interest in her beyond just her medical needs. He is smitten with her at first sight.
That night, at the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, an elderly patient arrives with severe respiratory distress due to lung cancer. Li Jie, He Suye's junior colleague, calls on him for emergency assistance. He Suye calmly and decisively uses acupuncture, bloodletting, and cupping to stabilize the patient. He later explains to the family that Li Jie's treatment was correct, but he took extra precautions due to the patient's age and risk factors.
Back in his room, He Suye smiles at the origami frog, while Xifan struggles with another sleepless night. The next day, while complaining to her mother about the ineffective medicine, He Suye appears behind her. After she leaves, flustered, he inquires about her to the shop owner.
At the Gu Nan Hua Ting Hotel, Xifan is swamped with work. A rare message from Yan Heng briefly excites her, but her reply goes unanswered, leaving her disappointed again. During lunch, Xifan discusses He Suye with Xu Xiangya and another colleague, Xiang Ya. Xiangya, intrigued, decides to accompany Xifan to her next appointment, hoping to see the handsome doctor. However, they find an older doctor in his place, much to Xiangya's disappointment.
The two friends grab bubble tea and chat about Xifan's relationship with Yan Heng. Although they haven't officially broken up, Xifan admits it feels like they're strangers. Later, Xifan buys flowers and unexpectedly encounters He Suye skateboarding near her apartment complex. She mentions her upcoming appointment, and they agree to see each other again. He Suye intends to ask for Xifan's WeChat (a popular messaging app in China), but she leaves before he gets the chance.
He Suye takes Li Jie to his old family home in the suburbs, owned by his grandfather, Yu Liren, who is the older doctor that saw Xifan. Yu Liren hosts dinner for several graduate students he's mentoring, with He Suye assisting. Yu Liren expresses disapproval when Li Jie mentions handling cases alone, reminding He Suye that interns shouldn't be left unsupervised. After dinner, Yu Liren brings up Xifan, expressing a favorable impression and encouraging He Suye to pursue a connection with her.
