Episode Summary
Tong Leyi and Su Zihao investigate Zhou Shui's life in Chongqing, while flashbacks reveal Dai Daji's mother's disapproval of Zhou Shui in 2012 Beijing. Jealousy arises in Zhou Shui and Shen Jingshu's relationship due to her interactions with a client.
Spoiler Alert
Alright, buckle up, because this episode is a rollercoaster! We're jumping between present-day Chongqing and flashbacks to 2012 Beijing, and things are getting messy.
Chongqing Shenanigans (Present Day):
It's autumn 2024, and Tong Leyi and Su Zihao are on a mission. They're in this super quirky hotpot place in Chongqing. The gimmick? No menu! You eat whatever the owner, Zhou Shui, decides to serve. They're pumped to see Zhou Shui, but then Dai Daji gets a call and has to rush off. Tong Leyi and Su Zihao are trying to figure out how this film-loving guy, Zhou Shui, ended up running a hotpot restaurant.
They try to get a reaction out of Zhou Shui by dropping Dai Daji's name, but it's hard to tell if he even hears them. Later, Zhou Shui is chilling with a woman named Xiao Juan. Xiao Juan jokes that Zhou Shui is a better cook than filmmaker, and he actually agrees! Tong Leyi is convinced something's going on between them, but Su Zihao isn't so sure. So, naturally, they follow Zhou Shui and Xiao Juan home. Turns out, they pick up a little boy from the neighbors and look like a happy little family. Tong Leyi and Su Zihao are bummed that their ship has seemingly sunk. But here's the kicker: after all that, Zhou Shui leaves Xiao Juan's place and goes back to his place next door!
Speaking of heartbreak, Tong Leyi is super bummed about her failed "ship" and stumbles upon Hunxiang, who's now a super popular mommy blogger. Su Zihao comments on how all their crazy friends from their younger days have settled down. Tong Leyi gets all wistful about wanting a family, since she doesn't have one. Su Zihao, in a move that's both sweet and awkward, invites her to his place. She half-heartedly goes with him, but chickens out at his doorstep and runs away before he can tell her how he really feels.
Flashback to Beijing (2012):
Now we're flashing back to 2012. Dai Daji's mom is visiting Beijing, and Dai Daji takes time off work to meet her. Lai Chaoyang happens to be driving by and gives them a ride. Zhou Shui finally shows up after a film shoot, trying to be all charming, but Lai Chaoyang is busy bonding with Dai's mom and subtly putting Zhou Shui down. Dai's mom grills Zhou Shui about buying a house, reminding him that he promised Dai Daji a home two years ago. When it's time to pay the bill, Dai Daji stops Zhou Shui and lets Lai Chaoyang take care of it instead.
In the car, Dai's mom gets a text welcoming her to Hebei and freaks out when she sees the taxi meter running up. She jumps out of the car and starts walking! Luckily, she runs into Shen Jingshu, who's carpooling with friends, and they all walk back together. Dai's mom is not impressed with their apartment in Yanjiao. That night, Zhou Shui sleeps on the couch while Dai Daji and her mom share a room. The next morning, Dai's mom turns off Dai Daji's alarm, making them both late. They rush out, grabbing Zhou Shui to catch the bus, and skip the breakfast Dai's mom made.
Lai Chaoyang isn't happy with Dai Daji's script, and Zhou Shui is being difficult with the client. They get home and continue arguing about work. The next day, Dai Daji finds her mom crying, trying to guilt-trip Zhou Shui. Dai Daji thinks the whole scene is super fake. Zhou Shui and Dai Daji force smiles when they get home, but Dai's mom brings up Shen Jingshu getting rides to work.
Turns out, Shen Jingshu was asked to be a customer service rep for this guy, Liao, which involved riding in his car for miles every day. She refused, but feared losing her job. Liao started driving her to and from work and offering her fancy meals instead of her usual takeout. Shen Jingshu tried to avoid it all. When Zhou Shui (aka Yaling) confronts her, she insists she wouldn't do anything to hurt him. But he still goes to pick her up from work and makes her hug him in front of Liao. Jealousy is in the air!
