Episode Summary
Long-distance strains the relationship between Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er. Huan'er faces academic pressure and a health scare, while Qichi's work keeps him increasingly distant. Jealousy and miscommunication erupt when Qichi finds Tian Chi caring for Huan'er. A research trip to a significant location forces them to confront their feelings and the sacrifices they've made.
Spoiler Alert
This episode dives deep into the challenges of long-distance love and the pressures of pursuing your dreams. Jing Qichi and Chen Huan'er are feeling the strain of their separation, with Qichi buried in work in Beijing and Huan'er facing academic pressures back in Wu'an.
Huan'er gets a taste of the cutthroat world of academia when her senior colleague tries to force her to do his work, including writing a research report, a big no-no. She stands her ground, and Tian Chi, a fellow lab partner, backs her up, which only enrages the senior.
Meanwhile, Qichi is sending Huan'er care packages filled with items picturing himself, a sweet but somewhat inadequate substitute for his physical presence. Their communication becomes increasingly strained as Qichi's work consumes him, leaving Huan'er often unable to reach him. She even resorts to seeing him in Fu Ying's social media posts.
Things take a turn for the worse when Huan'er suffers a severe stomachache. Qichi is stuck in meetings, and she collapses at the lab, ending up in the hospital with gastroenteritis. Tian Chi is there to support her, bringing her porridge, a gesture that doesn't sit well with the already stressed Qichi. Qichi, worried sick, drops everything and drives back to Wu'an.
The reunion isn't exactly smooth. Qichi arrives just as Tian Chi is seeing Huan'er back to her dorm, and his jealousy flares. A confrontation ensues, with Tian Chi pointing out Qichi's absence during Huan'er's illness. The long-distance frustrations explode, and although Huan'er tries to de-escalate, she also has to prepare for a research trip, which her demanding lab partner insists she attend despite her health.
Qichi, trying to be helpful, meets with a loyal user of his company's product, seeking feedback. This user shares how the product has helped him connect with others, giving Qichi some perspective. He calls Huan'er repeatedly, but she's unreachable, he learns from Tian Chi that she is in Tonglin Village for research.
A major storm is forecast, and Qichi, knowing Huan'er is alone in the mountains, races to find her. The location is significant – it's where his father, Jing Liqiang, had an accident. In a powerful scene, Qichi braves the rain, shouting Huan'er's name, and has a vision of his father. Huan'er appears, pulling him back to reality.
After the storm, they find shelter. Huan'er shares a soil sample from a post-fire area, understanding Qichi's unspoken connection to the place. They finally have a quiet moment, reflecting on their choices. Qichi wonders if moving to Beijing was the right decision, admitting he feels empty despite his busy life. Huan'er shares similar feelings, explaining the origin of her name and how Qichi has always been a supportive and non-judgmental presence in her life. She expresses her gratitude for him and reaffirms that she has no regrets about their relationship.
