Episode Summary
Xu Shaoqing's business deal with Xu Lin falls apart, and Zhao Chuxi's connection with Xu Lin grows stronger. Er Pang's grandmother is hospitalized with a terminal illness, bringing emotional turmoil. Xiluo learns about the situation and visits the grandmother. Chuxi has a strange encounter with Cheng Zixin, Xu Shaoqing's childhood friend. A scheme unfolds to prevent Xiluo from attending Xu Shaoqing's father's birthday party, where Xu Shaoqing faces mounting pressure.
Spoiler Alert
Xu Shaoqing's attempt to win over Xu Lin completely backfires. Xu Lin, a shrewd businessman, sees right through Xu Shaoqing's facade, pointing out that Shaoqing lacks real power within the Zhang corporation. Xu Lin makes it clear that he'll only consider a partnership if Xu Shaoqing gains a seat on the board of directors and has genuine decision-making authority. Unbeknownst to Xu Shaoqing, his subordinate mentions that information on the "hefty guy" who helped Zhao Chuxi the other day is untraceable, a detail Shaoqing completely misses in his anger.
Xu Lin invites Zhao Chuxi out for drinks at Fusheng Barbecue, a place Chuxi loves. Xu Lin, aware of Chuxi's recent injury, expresses his admiration, believing anyone who can provoke Xu Shaoqing must have something special. Their budding friendship is interrupted when Chuxi receives a call: Er Pang's grandmother has collapsed and is in the hospital. Chuxi rushes to be there, with Sanqiang and Er Pang already present. Xu Lin arrives later, even covering some of the medical expenses, earning Chuxi's deep gratitude, although it leaves Chuxi with mixed feelings. The doctor delivers grim news: Grandma doesn't have much time left, maybe three months at most, due to her age and the risks of surgery. The news hits Er Pang and Chuxi hard, but they know they must stay strong.
Later, Grandma, knowing her time is limited, urges Er Pang to get along with Chuxi and reminds him that Chuxi's future depends on his own hard work. The next day, Xu Lin signs a contract with Xiluo, crediting Zhao Chuxi for the partnership. He reveals that the project was nearly canceled by Xu Shaoqing, but Chuxi's involvement convinced him to proceed. He also mentions helping with the hospital bills, which is how Xiluo learns about Er Pang's grandmother's hospitalization. Xiluo visits Grandma, who senses the connection between her and Chuxi. Grandma hints that Chuxi might not be good enough for Xiluo now, but time will tell.
Back at work, Xiluo's first task for Chuxi is to pick up an item. The address is simply "on the river," and Xiluo admits the person he's meeting is eccentric. Chuxi, shivering, treks across the ice and finally finds Cheng Zixin, who turns out to be Xu Shaoqing's childhood friend. Zixin, more interested in gossip than business, immediately asks if Chuxi likes Xiluo and proposes they team up to win over their respective love interests. Chuxi finally retrieves the item after a frustrating exchange.
Saturday evening marks Xu Shaoqing's father's birthday banquet. Shaoqing calls Xiluo, who confirms she'll attend. Meanwhile, Cheng Zixin contacts Chuxi, revealing her plan to prevent Xiluo from going to the banquet. Chuxi, despite his protests, secretly plots with Er Pang and Sanqiang. Just as Xiluo is about to leave, she receives a call about an emergency at the construction site. Zixin immediately notices Xu Shaoqing receiving a call from Xiluo, informing him she can no longer attend. Arriving at the site, Chuxi quickly resolves the issue. Back at the banquet, Xu Shaoqing faces increasing pressure, as Zhang Shengbai has always looked down on him, planting a dangerous seed of resentment in Shaoqing's heart.
