Episode Summary
Relationships are tested and revealed. Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya become a couple, while Fang Kexin breaks things off with He Suye. Suye pretends to be drunk to get Xifan's attention, stirring up her emotions. Xifan's ex, Yan Heng, arrives at the hotel, causing drama and forcing Xifan to confront her past. The episode ends with Xifan being reprimanded for her unprofessional behavior towards Yan Heng.
Spoiler Alert
Back from their break, the hotel staff dives headfirst into work. Shen Xifan, the hotel's ever-observant manager, can't help but notice a shift in the dynamic between Lin Yishen and Xu Xiangya. Gone is their usual bickering; something's definitely brewing. Meanwhile, Fang Kexin makes a clean break from her feelings for He Suye, who is relieved by her decision.
The next morning, Xifan, ever the instigator, brings up a photo, teasing Yishen and Xiangya about their obvious closeness. The cat's out of the bag – they're officially a couple! They explain that they've both done some soul-searching and are ready to embrace their feelings. Xiangya even reveals plans to quit her job after Xifan's departure, seeking a fresh start.
Things get interesting when He Suye, the charming traditional Chinese medicine doctor, messages Xifan about a medicinal cuisine assignment. Xifan admits she's clueless since her dad usually cooks, leading Suye to express his eagerness to see her. Xifan, flustered and busy with work, is left with butterflies in her stomach.
Later that night, Suye sends Xifan two intriguing photos: one of a collection of beer bottles, the other of their apartment complex. Xifan rushes to find him, discovering him seemingly drunk on a bench. He playfully scolds her for being late and complains that she's a "player" who caught him and is now trying to release him. Xifan, bewildered by the sudden accusation, helps him home. However, once inside, Suye's eyes clear – he was faking it! Xifan is left reeling, her heart in turmoil.
The next day, Xifan, reminded of Suye's "fishing" analogy, sends him a picture of her dad's fish soup as her "assignment." Suye is overjoyed, much to the amusement of his grandfather, Yu Liren.
Just as Suye is hoping Xifan will deal with her "old wound," Yan Heng, a figure from Xifan's past, checks into the hotel. The manager, Cheng Dong, calls a meeting, emphasizing the importance of securing Yan Heng as a major client. Xifan is visibly shaken, her emotions complex, but she throws herself into her work.
It's immediately clear to Yishen and Xiangya that Yan Heng is there for Xifan. He makes a grand show of seeking her out, even buying a huge bouquet of roses. Xiangya firmly rebuffs his attempts to find Xifan. Cheng Dong, witnessing the scene, urges Xifan to deal with the situation. She reluctantly accepts the flowers, with the front desk staff quickly connecting Yan Heng as Xifan's ex-boyfriend.
Yan Heng tries to get Xifan to talk privately, attempting to rekindle their relationship. Xifan, however, is furious, throwing the roses at him and rejecting his advances and manipulative excuses.
In the break room, Yishen and Xiangya comfort Xifan, urging her to stay strong. The incident becomes the talk of the hotel, with some female staff gossiping about Xifan not appreciating Yan Heng. Cheng Dong, in a staff meeting, criticizes Xifan's actions, docking her bonus and reminding everyone to remain professional.
