Episode Summary
Shen Xifan's feelings for He Suye grow stronger, leading to several close moments, including a near-kiss interrupted by Li Jie. Shen Xifan also seeks He Suye's help with her study abroad application, focusing on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Meanwhile, Xu Xiangya clarifies her feelings about Li Jie and Lin Yishen. Shen Xifan deals with a stiff neck, an elderly tourist, and her growing attraction to He Suye.
Spoiler Alert
Here's a recap and spoilers for Episode 11 of "The Best Thing," written in American audience style:
In Episode 11 of "The Best Thing," He Suye is flustered when Shen Xifan unexpectedly brings up the Long Gu(dragon bone) keychain. He Suye explains it's made from "Sheng Long Gu(Medicinal dragon bone)," a material from the lab, which Shen Xifan seems to accept with a nod. Later, during a meal, Shen Xifan shares photos with He Suye, but he's not thrilled with how serious he looks in them, feeling they don't capture the happy mood of the day.
Back home, Shen Xifan's heart is racing. She's known all along that He Suye lied about losing the key ring and is starting to suspect his true feelings, though she fears she might be misreading things. Her feelings for He Suye are becoming increasingly obvious; even in the hotel lounge, she can't resist holding the sachet he gave her close, inhaling its fragrance.
Meanwhile, a member of a senior tour group falls ill, and Shen Xifan rushes to help. The elderly woman is fine, but it's revealed that she frequently joins tours because her children aren't around. Shen Xifan also notices Xu Xiangya chatting frequently on WeChat with Li Jie, worrying that Xu Xiangya might be interested in Li Jie and giving up on Lin Yishen. Xu Xiangya clarifies that Li Jie isn't her type. While she has feelings for Lin Yishen, their timing has always been off, suggesting a lack of deep connection or destined fate.
Later that evening, Shen Xifan's parents prepare a medicinal cuisine soup for her. Thinking of the lonely elderly woman, Shen Xifan makes a point to ask about her parents' health. After the tour group departs, a worn-out Shen Xifan collapses into bed as soon as she gets home, only to wake up the next day with a severely stiff neck.
Desperate, Shen Xifan visits He Suye's clinic. After some intense treatment that leaves her screaming, her stiff neck improves significantly. Feeling a bit shy because of their close proximity, Shen Xifan quickly leaves after the treatment. While working on her study abroad application, she realizes she needs to add more cultural depth to her case studies and seeks He Suye's expertise on aromatherapy and sachets in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
He Suye invites Shen Xifan back to his place, offering his undergraduate thesis as a reference. With his help, Shen Xifan revises her application, a warm atmosphere developing between them. After she finishes and sends the application to the agency, she receives a call.
Stepping onto the balcony for privacy, Shen Xifan returns to find He Suye asleep on the sofa. She intends to remove his glasses, but when his hand, holding a book, slips off the sofa, she accidentally falls onto him.
Face-to-face with He Suye, Shen Xifan's heart flutters, and she leans in for a kiss. Just then, the doorbell rings, shattering the moment. Shen Xifan opens the door to find Li Jie, who's come to discuss a paper with He Suye. Annoyed by the interruption, He Suye's feelings are evident. Shen Xifan, meanwhile, makes an excuse to leave.
He Suye, clearly irritated by Li Jie's timing, curtly remarks that while Li Jie's dedication is admirable, tonight's visit was unnecessary. Li Jie picks up on He Suye's frustration, guessing that something is going on between him and Shen Xifan, which He Suye doesn't deny. Riding the elevator home, Shen Xifan's face burns as she replays the near-kiss, confirming her feelings for He Suye.
