Episode Summary
Chen Huan'er and Jing Qichi's secret relationship is revealed to their parents, leading to an awkward confrontation and heartfelt discussion with Huan'er's father. Qi Qi breaks up with Song Cong due to their differing life paths and her desire for him to be more involved in her future plans. Qichi's new business venture creates potential romantic complications with a colleague, Fu Ying. Time jumps to the third year of university. Chen Huan'er is preparing to apply to graduate school. Jing Qichi is busy with the tech company.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Chen Huan'er and Jing Qichi sharing a tender moment outside her apartment building. They embrace, reluctant to part, but when Lin Yifan approaches, Huan'er quickly breaks away, embarrassed. Yifan, however, has already seen the embrace and later tells Huan'er that she has long suspected their feelings, since Qichi used to follow her around. She advises Huan'er that if they're together, Qichi needs to act like a responsible man.
Qi Qi wakes up in a hotel, reflecting on Song Cong's words. She calls her mother, announcing her decision to study abroad, and then messages Cong, suggesting they talk after his exams. Meanwhile, Huan'er visits Qichi's home. With their parents out (Lin Yifan is away, and Chen Lei and Qian Lina are also out together), they finally have some alone time. As they're sitting close, about to kiss, Chen Lei bursts in to close a window, startling them both.
Chen Lei and Qian Lina interrogate Huan'er and Qichi about their relationship. Chen Lei is particularly agitated, upset that Qichi didn't tell him directly. Huan'er, feeling hurt by her father's reaction, retreats to her room, and Qian Lina also goes to her room, feeling sorry for her daughter. Chen Lei spends the night alone on the sofa. The next morning, Chen Lei visits Qichi's house to talk. He apologizes for his outburst, explaining that Huan'er and Qian Lina are the most important people in his life, and he felt like Qichi was taking Huan'er away. He lays down two conditions: Qichi must treat Huan'er well, and even if they break up, they should remain friends, given their long history. Huan'er, overhearing this from outside, is moved to tears.
Qi Qi asks Song Cong if he would support her studying abroad and if he would ever consider it himself. Cong, committed to his eight-year program, hasn't thought about it but supports her decision. Qi Qi, however, is disappointed, secretly hoping he would try to stop her, proving he wanted to be part of her life. She breaks up with him, realizing they come from different worlds and, despite their efforts to adapt, they are both fundamentally free spirits. In a final, poignant gesture, Qi Qi hugs Cong, saying goodbye to her long-held secret love.
Time jumps to their third year of university. Huan'er decides to pursue a postgraduate recommendation, while Qichi is collaborating with a tech company. However, the company currently consists of only him and Zhou Ye, and Qichi worries about not having enough time for Huan'er. Showing his care, Qichi has Zhou Ye buy brown sugar ginger tea for Huan'er during her period, remembering Qian Lina's strict instructions about avoiding cold drinks. Meanwhile, Song Cong's mother, Hao Mei, sends him extra money to take Qi Qi out, but he refuses, revealing they broke up some time ago.
Qichi and Zhou Ye meet with Mr Jiang of the tech company, where Fu Ying works. Qichi, grateful for Fu Ying's introduction, invites her to dinner, also inviting Huan'er. Zhou Ye criticizes him for this, pointing out the awkwardness of bringing his girlfriend and a woman he has a rumored past with together.
At dinner, Huan'er and Fu Ying surprisingly get along well, adding each other on WeChat, much to Qichi's confusion. Huan'er later admits she's not entirely comfortable with Qichi and Fu Ying working together, but she chose not to show her displeasure during the meal. Song Cong seeks the contact information of a part-time job group administrator from his roommate. It turns out to be Du Man, who created the group after being scammed herself and has been very helpful to Cong.
Huan'er visits her professor to deliver a file and encounters Tian Chi, who has just been accepted as Professor Qiu's graduate student. They exchange an awkward greeting. Qichi has rented an apartment, and Huan'er helps him clean. They lose track of time, and it gets late (11 PM).
Qichi stammers, suggesting she sleep in the bed while he stays up all night working on his program.
