Episode Summary
At a lavish business gala, Zhang Shengbai stuns guests by announcing Su Xiluo as his future daughter-in-law, while Xu Lin confides his departure plans to her. A tense car ride with Xu Shaoqing exposes their fractured alliance. Meanwhile, Zhao Chuxi suffers humiliation at Furong’s hands in a boxing match, but his friend Er Pang later avenges him. Tragedy strikes as Grandma passes away, leaving emotional ripples. Jian Ying departs for Sanjiang after hinting at future collaboration with Zhao.
Spoiler Alert
Under dazzling lights at a high-society business gala, Zhang Shengbai stuns the crowd by declaring Su Xiluo as his family’s future daughter-in-law. The announcement sparks whispers of surprise and calculation among the elite guests. Xu Shilin seizes the moment to toast the union while subtly urging attendees to support the Su family’s ventures—a strategic play masked as camaraderie.
Amid the clinking glasses, Su Xiluo crosses paths with Xu Lin, who reveals his imminent departure from Jiacheng to return to Beicheng. When asked whether Zhao Chuxi knows of his plans, Xu Lin confirms a farewell dinner with friends and cryptically asks Su Xiluo to support Zhao if needed. Though she deflects his probing questions about her feelings for Zhao, her lingering smile betrays unspoken truths.
As the party winds down, Xu Shilin offers Su Xiluo a ride home, baiting her with "news about Zhao Chuxi." In the car, he coldly suggests Zhao—now a successful businessman—won’t return to her, positioning himself as the "better choice." Su Xiluo fires back, exposing his past failures and declaring their engagement a mere facade. "Marriage isn’t your decision," Xu Shilin mutters as she storms out, leaving tension crackling in her wake.
Meanwhile, Jian Ying and Furong return to their hotel, where Furong fumes over Zhao Chuxi’s antics. Jian Ying casually suggests settling scores at the boxing gym. The next day, Zhao arrogantly underestimates Furong’s combat skills, only to be humiliated by her agility and strength. Seeking redemption, he recruits friends Han Sanqiang, Er Pang, and Kai Shan for a rematch. Though Furong initially scoffs at Er Pang’s lumbering physique, his impenetrable defense crushes her in a jaw-dropping upset.
Tensions ease briefly at Grandma’s house, where Cheng Zixin charms the elderly woman with laughter—until a tragic call shatters the peace. Rushing to the hospital, Zhao and Er Pang learn Grandma’s health has irreversibly declined. In her final moments, she entrusts Er Pang to Zhao’s care. As grief overwhelms the group, plans are made to escort Grandma’s body back to Beicheng. Before departing, Zhao asks Xu Lin to support Er Pang, cementing their bond in loss.
The episode closes with Jian Ying reporting to Li Qingyi about Zhao’s potential before leaving for Sanjiang. At the airport, her cryptic farewell—"You’re welcome in Sanjiang anytime"—hints at future alliances. But as Zhao processes the whirlwind of rivalry, loss, and loyalty, one truth becomes clear: every relationship in Jiacheng is a chess move, and no player leaves the board unchanged.
