Episode Summary
Zhao Chuxi quits his job after asking Su Xiluo for a large loan to help Qin Ran, who needs money for her father's medical expenses. Xiluo is angry and hurt by his request and resignation. Meanwhile, Xu Shaoqing pressures Xiluo into a fake engagement to appease his father and secure business dealings.
Spoiler Alert
After Chuxi pays back Xu Lin, Xiluo summons him to her office. She asks Chuxi about his birthday, planning to give him a gift, but Chuxi reveals he doesn't celebrate it. His birthday is a painful reminder of his parents' death, a fact that Xiluo was unaware of, leading to an awkward moment before Chuxi leaves.
Meanwhile, Qin Ran is desperate for 400,000 yuan for her father's medical expenses. Qiao Kang introduces her to a wealthy "boss" who offers her 10,000 yuan a month, implying a compromising situation. Qin Ran hesitates and leaves. Later, she meets Chuxi at a barbecue restaurant. Although she doesn't mention money, Chuxi offers what he has. It's not enough, but Qin Ran is grateful for his support as they discuss their dreams and beliefs.
Chuxi then receives a call from Yellow Hair, saying Qin Ran is in trouble. He rushes to find her, furious that she's considering accepting the "boss's" offer to get the 400,000 yuan. Chuxi declares he'll get the money himself. Despite his bravado, he doesn't have the funds. Er Pang wants to help, but his grandmother gives him a鐲子 (zhuózi, bracelet) worth about 50,000 yuan, knowing Chuxi wouldn't accept more. Sanqiang contributes 40,000 yuan, and with some help from coworkers, they gather a portion, but it's far from the total. Sanqiang suggests Chuxi ask Mr. Su for a loan, as it's a small amount for him.
Chuxi hesitates at Xiluo's doorstep. He calls Qingyi, his sister, telling her he has to do something unavoidable but assures her he hasn't forgotten his original intention of building a road for Fenghuang Village (Phoenix Village). His sister supports his decision. After the call, Chuxi enters Xiluo's house and directly asks for a loan. Xiluo is angry, suspecting it's for the woman he met at Lang Taosha. Chuxi doesn't explain, anticipating her reaction. He returns his car keys, stating he won't be coming to work tomorrow, further angering Xiluo, who can't believe he'd quit over this. The next day, Chuxi gives his resignation letter to Lu Yao.
Xiluo is still reeling from Chuxi's resignation when her father calls, questioning her about offending Xu Shaoqing. The Zhang Group has stopped payments. Xiluo assures her father she'll handle it. Xu Shaoqing then appears, and Xiluo realizes he's behind it. She apologizes for missing the banquet. Xu Shaoqing states his father is the one who's angry and demands Xiluo pretend to accept his proposal, meet his father, and announce their engagement publicly. Afterward, Xiluo can decide whether to stay or leave.
