Episode Summary
Sun Yimo's unrequited love for Qin Shuhua leads to misunderstandings and tragedy. He witnesses events that make him believe Zhang Beihai is having an affair with Chen Guizhi, driving Qin Shuhua to despair and ultimately, suicide. Years later, Zhang Chi confronts Zhang Beihai, fueled by these old beliefs. Qi Ji tries to uncover the truth behind Qin Shuhua's death, while dealing with her own father's legal troubles. Zhang Beihai gives Qin Shuhua's diary to Qi Ji, hoping it will bring closure.
Spoiler Alert
This episode dives deep into a tangled web of love, betrayal, and misunderstandings, centered around the characters of Sun Yimo, Qin Shuhua, Zhang Beihai, and Chen Guizhi.
The episode opens with Sun Yimo, still deeply in love with Qin Shuhua, who recently married Zhang Beihai. Drowning his sorrows in alcohol, Sun Yimo confronts Zhang Beihai, warning him to treat Qin Shuhua well or face his wrath.
On the wedding night of Zhang Beihai and Qin Shuhua, a heartbroken Sun Yimo keeps watch outside their house. He's about to leave when he sees Chen Guizhi, whose son is suffering from a high fever, desperately seeking Zhang Beihai's help. Zhang Beihai, a doctor, immediately rushes to assist, with Qin Shuhua following. Sun Yimo, suspicious, tails Qin Shuhua.
At the child's bedside, Zhang Beihai manages to bring the fever down. A grateful and emotional Chen Guizhi leans on Zhang Beihai's shoulder, crying. Qin Shuhua witnesses this, misinterpreting the scene, and leaves, deeply hurt. Sun Yimo, seeing this, believes Zhang Beihai and Chen Guizhi are having an affair.
Later, Chen Guizhi brings homemade tangyuan (sweet rice balls) to the emergency station, including a special portion for Zhang Beihai. She then visits him where he's gardening, and Sun Yimo witnesses them in what appears to be a close embrace.
The situation escalates when Chen Guizhi confronts Qin Shuhua at the hospital, claiming she and Zhang Beihai have been involved for six months and demanding Qin Shuhua step aside. Qin Shuhua, disgusted, throws her out. The incident quickly becomes the subject of hospital gossip. Sun Yimo, delivering a patient, overhears the rumors and, learning Qin Shuhua is sick at home, rushes to her side.
Qin Shuhua, heartbroken by the perceived affair, is ill. Sun Yimo tries to comfort her and vows to get justice. Tragically, this is the last time he sees her. Qin Shuhua dies in a car accident, and a devastated Sun Yimo blames Zhang Beihai, beating him up. Zhang Beihai, throughout, offers no explanation.
Zhang Chi, Sun Yimo's son, hearing the story, is furious and goes to confront Zhang Beihai. Qi Ji, worried, follows Zhang Chi. Zhang Chi finds Zhang Beihai at his old, deserted home.
Zhang Beihai makes zha jiang mian (noodles with savory soybean paste) and invites Zhang Chi to eat. Qi Ji arrives. Zhang Chi accuses Zhang Beihai of causing Qin Shuhua's suicide through his affair with Chen Guizhi. Zhang Beihai remains silent, unable to reveal the truth. Zhang Chi storms off, and Qi Ji follows, leaving him alone when he requests it.
Meanwhile, Qi Ji's father, Qi Xuejun, is recovering from his injuries but is arrested for drunk driving and causing an accident. Before leaving, he tells Qi Ji not to hire a lawyer, accepting responsibility for his actions, and encourages her to get along with Zhang Chi. Qi Ji and her mother, Zeng Li, are heartbroken.
Qi Ji, working the night shift, cleans her house and orders takeout for her grieving mother. The emergency center decides to make Zhang Chi a permanent employee and separates him and Qi Ji into different teams.
Qi Ji goes to Zhang Chi's house to pack her belongings, planning to move back home to support her mother. Zhang Chi apologizes for his harsh words at the hospital, having confirmed his mother's death was a suicide. They reconcile, and Zhang Chi gives Qi Ji his savings to help with Qi Xuejun's compensation payments. Qi Ji reluctantly accepts. Later, Qi Ji brings Zhang Chi a late-night snack at work.
A foreign cardiac research center contacts Zhang Chi, interested in his research and inviting him to work abroad. Zhang Chi, now finding fulfillment at the emergency center, makes excuses to decline.
Qi Ji suspects Zhang Beihai is hiding something. She visits him, seeking the truth about Qin Shuhua's suicide. Zhang Beihai is evasive. Qi Ji reveals she was the little girl Zhang Beihai once saved. She urges him to reveal the truth, for his own sake and Zhang Chi's.
Zhang Beihai believes Zhang Chi belongs in the emergency center and that a return to cardiac surgery would lead him down the same tragic path as Qin Shuhua. He gives Qi Ji Qin Shuhua's diary, asking her to give it to Zhang Chi.
Zhang Chi delivers meals to Zeng Li, who is touched and wants to learn to cook from him. Zhang Chi patiently teaches her.
