Episode Summary
Luo Lingyu schemes to secure the Xue Wu courtyard near Lu Yun, enduring his tricks and the jealousy of other girls. She uses her wit and persistence to overcome obstacles, including a dilapidated courtyard and Lu Yun's attempts to scare her away with a fake ghost. Lu Yun, initially annoyed, eventually shifts his strategy to a more indirect approach after Lingyu's boldness. A gift exchange marks the beginning of a new dynamic between them.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Luo Lingyu bright and early, snooping around Lu Yun's residence. She's got a map in hand, scheming to find the perfect, picturesque spot for some romantic rendezvous – somewhere close to Lu Yun's place, of course.
But Lingyu's not exactly subtle. The other girls, many of whom have crushes on Lu Yun, are instantly jealous and suspicious. They're keeping a close eye on her, trying to figure out where she's planning to set up her love nest. Lingyu, however, is a seasoned player. The more they challenge her, the more determined she becomes. She plays it cool, feigning innocence and throwing them off her trail.
Lu Yun, overhearing Lingyu's conversation with the jealous girls, realizes she's quite the schemer. He decides to mess with her plans. He approaches her, pretending to help her choose the "best" courtyard, but secretly steers her towards more distant locations. Luckily, Lingyu is sharp. She uses butterflies as a clever distraction, pretending to chase them, and eventually loops back to her original target: the Xue Wu courtyard. She immediately declares that this is where she'll be staying.
Even when Lu Yun tries to dissuade her by messing up her makeup, hoping she'll give up, Lingyu doesn't back down. She immediately informs the Old Madam that she's chosen Xue Wu courtyard. The Old Madam expresses regret, mentioning that the courtyard is in disrepair and infested with bugs. But Lingyu, ever persistent, insists she doesn't mind, and the Old Madam gives her approval.
When the maids finally open the doors, Lingyu, her maid, and her sister are shocked. The Old Madam wasn't exaggerating. The place is a wreck, with barely any decent furniture. But Lingyu has already committed, so she rallies her servants to start cleaning up. Meanwhile, the other girls, furious that Lingyu ultimately got Xue Wu courtyard, storm over and dump a load of old, broken furniture inside.
Lingyu sees right through their pettiness. She comforts her sister, picks out a small, unbroken bottle from the pile of junk, and arranges some freshly picked flowers in it, instantly creating a touch of beauty amidst the chaos. The group's spirits are lifted. When they find there are no beds, Lingyu turns it into an opportunity. She repeatedly visits the neighboring courtyard (Lu Yun's) to "borrow" tools. Each time she knocks, she's sporting a new look – a pink rose in her hair, then a white one, always something different. Lu Yun, who already had a low opinion of her, finds her relentless attempts at flirtation amusing at first. But after dozens of interruptions, he starts to get genuinely freaked out, even having nightmares about her constant visits.
Lu Yun, desperate for some peace, hatches a plan with his servant, Jin Chuan. He decides to scare Lingyu away by having Jin Chuan dress up as a ghost at night, figuring that most women are terrified of the supernatural. Jin Chuan drapes himself in a white sheet, and initially, it works. The women scream in terror. However, Lingyu's sister is surprisingly unfazed and starts playing around with the "ghost." Lingyu quickly realizes it's one of Lu Yun's tricks. She seizes the opportunity, rushing to his door, claiming she needs to protect him from the "ghost."
Lu Yun, at that moment, is shirtless, applying ointment to a wound. Lingyu gets flustered and quickly leaves. That night, Lu Yun decides to change his strategy. Since direct confrontation only fuels Lingyu's determination, he'll try a more indirect approach, playing her game. The next morning, Lingyu visits again, this time bearing a gift: a delicate folding fan. Lu Yun accepts it graciously. After she leaves, Jin Chuan asks what return gift he should give. Lu Yun carelessly tells him to give her something worthless. Jin Chuan, taking him literally, gives Lingyu the draft of Lu Yun's newest painting.
