Episode Summary
He Suye confesses his feelings to Shen Xifan, but she rejects him due to her upcoming studies abroad. He Suye faces professional setbacks as his research funding is threatened. Shen Xifan struggles with her decision, and Fang Kexin confronts her about her mixed signals to He Suye. Ultimately, He Suye learns about Shen Xifan's fears, understanding her better.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 13, He Suye finally confesses his feelings to Shen Xifan. He believes that they've finally broken through the awkwardness and are ready to start a relationship. However, Shen Xifan surprisingly rejects him, explaining that she's about to study abroad and doesn't want a long-distance relationship. This completely confuses He Suye, especially since Shen Xifan kissed him the previous night. He leaves, feeling hurt and confused, after dropping off the Chinese medicine he brought for her.
Meanwhile, Shen Xifan returns home with the medicine, and her parents are shocked to hear that she rejected He Suye. They think it's a missed opportunity. Xu Xiangya, after hearing about what happened at the doctors' gathering from Li Jie, also feels it is a shame and tells Li Jie. Fang Kexin buys milk tea and tries to subtly comfort He Suye, suggesting he should try "substitute gratification."
Later that afternoon, He Suye receives devastating news from the hospital leadership. They've decided to potentially stop funding his research on breast cancer and palliative care. Although his colleagues admire his three-year dedication to this area, the hospital wants to invest in research that's more likely to produce quick results. He Suye is heartbroken but tries to be understanding.
That evening, Shen Xifan encounters He Suye, who has just returned from overtime work. She makes an excuse to go back upstairs, avoiding further conversation. He Suye sends her a message, reminding her to drink ginger tea if she has any at home. Shen Xifan doesn't reply and has a nightmare where He Suye glares at her with resentment.
He Suye, equally distraught, confides in his grandfather, Yu Liren, questioning whether he misread Shen Xifan's feelings. Yu Liren advises him not to force himself and to let go of the relationship if necessary. The next day, Shen Xifan suddenly receives her study abroad offer, highlighting the imminent separation between them.
A housekeeper finds a bottle of medicine left behind by an elderly guest. Shen Xifan delivers it to her and shares her troubles. The elderly woman suggests that Shen Xifan is regretting her decision, explaining that life is like clouds – they gather and disperse, but with fate, they can still end up in the same lake as rain.
As the Spring Festival approaches, He Suye's father, He Sheng, calls him, asking when he'll be home and mentioning that Aunt Wang will be visiting for the holiday. Meanwhile, Xu Xiangya encourages Shen Xifan at a bar, urging her not to limit herself with the idea that studying abroad means she can't have a relationship. She points out that it's rare to find someone who genuinely cares, and pushing them away could lead to regret. She also says that even if they are just friends, she shouldn't keep things from him.
Xu Xiangya then messages Li Jie, planning to take Shen Xifan to visit them, which is really a way for her to see He Suye. At He Suye's place, Shen Xifan feels noticeably uncomfortable. He Suye cooks soup, but Fang Kexin can't hold back any longer. While Shen Xifan is cleaning up a spill, Fang Kexin reveals that He Suye had a previous girlfriend who left him to study abroad. Fang Kexin tells Shen Xifan to be clear about her feelings and avoid sending mixed signals, which could cause He Suye more pain.
After hearing this, Shen Xifan leaves He Suye's place. Once his friends are gone, He Suye tells Fang Kexin that she will always be his student and nothing more, indirectly making his feelings clear. Xu Xiangya then explains to He Suye that Shen Xifan has very little relationship experience and is therefore very afraid of being hurt again. He Suye finally understands the source of Shen Xifan's pain.
