Episode Summary
Yi Ran faces a disastrous job interview and clashes with Xiao Mucheng, leading to her contract termination. Meanwhile, romantic tensions and misunderstandings arise between Yi Ran, Xiao Mucheng, and Lin Youjia. Ling Yishu's arrogance leads to multiple confrontations. A singles mixer ends in chaos, and a misunderstanding involving a photo threatens Yi Ran's reputation. The episode concludes with a near-accident and Xiao Mucheng's unspoken feelings.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Yi Ran driving to a job interview, leaving Xiao Mucheng to find his own way back. As she struggles with her seatbelt, Xiao Mucheng leans in to help, creating a moment of palpable tension and a spark of something more between them. Meanwhile, Lin Youjia has another run-in with the arrogant Ling Yishu, who's hogging two parking spaces and refuses to move.
Yi Ran's interview turns out to be for a customer service position, but the whole setup seems shady. When they demand an upfront fee before she's even hired, Yi Ran, in true fiery fashion, slams the table and storms out.
Ling Yishu, still fuming from her parking lot encounter, meets with representatives from Tengyue, only to discover that the client is none other than Lin Youjia, the man she can't stand. Seeing his lack of interest in her hotel, Ling Yishu cuts the meeting short. However, karma strikes quickly: she finds her car has been towed for her parking violations.
In a twist of fate, Lin Youjia and Yi Ran finally meet in the hotel lobby. They're old friends, and Yi Ran learns that the puzzle she cherishes was a gift from him. Yi Ran, now working as a "hotel experience officer," assures Lin Youjia she's doing well and encourages him to report any issues. When Yi Ran mentions attending a singles mixer as part of her job, Lin Youjia, with a hint of possessiveness, forbids her to go. She, of course, decides to bring him along.
Ling Yishu approaches Xiao Mucheng, offering to "give" him the Tengyue account. Xiao Mucheng, ever the professional, sees through her manipulative tactics, pointing out that the client's choice isn't hers to make.
At the singles mixer, Lin Youjia immediately attracts the attention of two women on the prowl for a rich husband. He brushes them off, sticking close to Yi Ran. A work call forces Lin Youjia to step away, leaving Yi Ran vulnerable to the scorned women. Never one to back down, Yi Ran retaliates by smashing cake onto their dresses. The ensuing chaos brings Xiao Mucheng rushing to the scene, only to get a face full of water. As Yi Ran dabs his face with a tissue, she accidentally wipes off his concealer, revealing his massive dark circles to everyone. Xiao Mucheng is mortified, wishing he could erase the moment from everyone's memory.
Gu Xindi, scrolling through her social media feed, stumbles upon a photo of Yi Ran seemingly accepting a tip from a guest. She immediately takes the photo to Xiao Mucheng, eager to tattle. Yi Ran, seeking to explain the mixer incident, goes to Xiao Mucheng's office. He lectures her about the hotel's five-star standards, contrasting it with her "small family inn" experience. He terminates her contract, and a devastated Yi Ran leaves the hotel with her luggage.
Xiao Mucheng, wrestling with his decision, drives after her. He witnesses a heartbroken Yi Ran nearly getting hit by a car, only to be saved by Lin Youjia. Overwhelmed, Xiao Mucheng loses his nerve and doesn't approach them.
