Episode Summary
Wei Zhi visits Shanghai and feels a deep longing for Shan Chong. Family pressures mount as Jiang Yiming's family favors a match between them, but Wei Zhi's heart is elsewhere. She and Shan Chong struggle with their separation, relying on their phones for connection. Wei Zhi attempts to restart her manga project, facing setbacks before ultimately reuniting with a former colleague, "Elephant," to collaborate again.
Spoiler Alert
Wei Zhi's trip to Shanghai is a stark contrast to the snowy landscapes of the Northeast. One day she's building snowmen, and the next she's shedding layers in the warmer coastal climate. Jiang Yiming takes her to the seaside, chattering away about his area of expertise, but Wei Zhi is lost in her own thoughts, reminiscing about the excitement and joy she felt with Shan Chong back in the Northeast. The realization that her home feels empty without Shan Chong hits her hard, nearly bringing her to tears.
Meanwhile, Shan Chong embarks on a solo vacation, sticking to his planned itinerary. Back in Shanghai, Wei Zhi joins Jiang Yiming's family for dinner. The two families are close, having watched their children grow up together. Jiang Yiming's well-to-do family clearly approves of Wei Zhi, viewing their potential union as ideal. However, Wei Zhi seems to have no romantic interest in Jiang Yiming, who remains persistently enthusiastic. He even takes the opportunity during the family dinner to show off a bit.
Jiang Yiming's mother reminisces about Wei Zhi's childhood visits, mentioning how she used to say Jiang Yiming was handsome. Wei Zhi quickly clarifies that those were just childish comments, earning a sharp look from her own mother. Wei Zhi's mother has never been particularly invested in Wei Zhi's academic pursuits. Seeing her daughter still drawing comics after graduating from university, with no interest in the family business, she views Wei Zhi as somewhat clueless and often tries to discourage her from pursuing her artistic passions. Wei Zhi does her best to avoid her mother's interference.
After dinner, Jiang Yiming offers to take Wei Zhi home. He notices her constant phone checking, even during the meal, and suspects she has a crush on someone. Wei Zhi makes an excuse to decline his offer and takes a taxi instead.
The distance between Wei Zhi and Shan Chong weighs heavily on both of them. Their phones become their lifeline, with each anxiously awaiting messages from the other. The joy of receiving a reply is palpable. Wei Zhi even dreams of Shan Chong, their embrace and an anticipated "kabedon" (a romantic wall-slam) cut short by the harsh reality of waking up. Separated by the north and south of the country, they long for the day they can finally be together.
Wei Zhi throws herself back into her comic creation, but her mother is more concerned with her daughter's marital prospects. She has several potential suitors in mind, with Jiang Yiming being the top contender. However, Wei Zhi remains indifferent, especially after the recent dinner where she couldn't take her eyes off her phone.
Wei Zhi struggles to complete her work alone. She reaches out to former team members, only to find that many have moved on after being fired. They've found new jobs and consider the manga industry too demanding, preferring to keep drawing as a hobby. Discouraged by the loss of her team, Wei Zhi remembers her mentor, Zhangyu, who provided invaluable guidance. She wonders how Zhangyu is faring at the company.
During the day, Wei Zhi meets with her former colleague, "Elephant." Despite Elephant's initial refusal, Wei Zhi returns Elephant's cherished hand-drawn drafts. Touched by Wei Zhi's letter and reminiscing about their past collaboration, Elephant finally calls Wei Zhi, agreeing to work together again.
