Episode Summary
He Suye hesitates to pursue a relationship with Shen Xifan due to past experiences. Xifan's sleep improves, but her relationship with Yan Heng deteriorates. Suye comforts Xifan and offers advice, and their connection grows during her treatment. Yan Heng breaks up with Xifan via text.
Spoiler Alert
Despite feeling a connection with Shen Xifan, He Suye is hesitant to pursue a relationship. He's 31, and his mother's past experiences have made him wary of rushing into something with someone he doesn't fully know. His grandfather, Yu Liren, respects his decision and stops interfering in his love life.
Meanwhile, Xifan's sleep has significantly improved thanks to the Chinese medicine, and she heads to work feeling refreshed. The clinic is bustling, and everyone is busy. During lunch, Li Jie approaches Suye, questioning why his paper was marked with an "X" and wondering if Suye has a personal issue with him. Xifan, however, doesn't give a direct answer, telling him to reflect on it.
Later, Xifan receives a message from her boyfriend, Yan Heng, who's waiting outside her hotel. He's upset that she didn't answer his calls and criticizes her study abroad plans and her job. Xifan is hurt by his belittling of her work, and the once-sweet college romance seems to have soured.
Back home, Xifan hints at a breakup to her shocked parents. She then sits alone, eating ice cream, and messages Yan Heng, who still doesn't reply. The disrespectful things he's said weigh heavily on her, and she starts to cry.
He Suye, skateboarding nearby, notices Xifan and sits down to comfort her. He's a bit disappointed to learn she has a boyfriend, but he quickly recovers and advises her to press on her Tanzhong acupoint to relieve stress. He also suggests keeping an apple by her bed, as the scent can aid sleep. They say goodnight, and Xifan, back in her room, messages Yan Heng again, hoping to talk things through.
The next day, Xifan is chatting with colleagues, including Xu Xiangya, and practicing the acupressure technique. Soon after, she has a follow-up appointment with Suye. He notices her symptoms have worsened and encourages her to express her emotions rather than bottle them up.
Suye prescribes more medicine and performs acupuncture. The atmosphere between them becomes charged with unspoken attraction. Xifan falls asleep during the treatment, and Suye thoughtfully hangs a curtain, sets an alarm, and smiles at a new paper rabbit on the table.
When Xifan wakes up, surprised to have slept for two hours, she worries about inconveniencing Suye. But he's unconcerned and even prepares a custom Chinese medicine sachet to replace the apple for sleep. Xifan happily accepts the gift, her mood noticeably brighter.
In the break room, a colleague asks Suye about applying for a hospital research grant. Suye confirms his interest but acknowledges it's a long shot, as his focus on palliative care in TCM oncology isn't seen as producing visible results. The colleague then asks Suye to accompany him on a blind date, but Suye isn't interested.
Meanwhile, Xifan receives a message from Yan Heng, stating he's thought it over and wants to break up. This hits Xifan hard. She tries calling him, but he repeatedly declines, though he doesn't unfriend her on social media.
