Episode Summary
In Episode 13, Ding Zhitong tries to surprise Gan Yang with a trip to Hangzhou, but work emergencies force her to cancel last minute. Meanwhile, Jia Fan unexpectedly dies from acute encephalitis, leaving Zhitong devastated. As she deals with the loss and corporate coldness from Deborah, she finds emotional support in Gan Yang. The episode ends with Zhitong and Gan Yang growing closer, building a life together in Shanghai.
Spoiler Alert
Buckle up, episode 13 of Eat Run Love is a rollercoaster of emotions—office drama, missed flights, heartbreak, and some much-needed healing. Let’s dive in.
Breakfast, Apologies, and a Surprise Day Off
The episode starts off on a rather sweet note, with Ding Zhitong showing up to work bearing breakfast for Qin Yu—a peace offering for the housing drama from earlier. But before anyone can really enjoy the moment, Deborah storms in with urgent business. She needs Zhitong and Jia Fan to prep materials for a major meeting happening the next day.
But here's the twist: Zhitong drops a bomb—she wants the day off. And not just any day—tomorrow, the day of the big meeting. Even though she’s still in her probation period, she insists on taking leave. Surprisingly, Deborah approves it.
Secret Missions and Airport Plans
Turns out, Zhitong is planning a trip to Hangzhou to meet Dr. Chen about a potential collaboration. She confides in Wang Yi, who immediately tips off Gan Yang, hoping to orchestrate a surprise reunion between the two. Gan Yang is thrilled and arranges to meet Zhitong at the airport the next day.
But of course, nothing goes as planned.
Emergency U-Turn
Just as Zhitong arrives at the airport, she gets a call from Deborah. Jia Fan is MIA, and Zhitong is the only one who understands the model for the presentation. If she doesn’t come back now, she’s fired. So she ditches the flight and races back to the office. Meanwhile, Gan Yang waits... and waits... before boarding his flight alone, clearly disappointed.
A Tragic Turn
After a long and chaotic day, Zhitong finally checks her phone—Deborah has praised her dedication, but there’s still no word from Gan Yang. Just as she’s about to leave work, she receives a chilling phone call: Jia Fan has collapsed from acute encephalitis and was rushed to the hospital.
Zhitong races there and finds him unconscious. His ex shows up, but no family is reachable. The only reason the hospital contacted Zhitong was because her number was in his recent call logs.
She calls Deborah with the news, but Deborah’s only concern? That Zhitong take over Jia Fan’s work. No sympathy, no questions. Why? Because Deborah is busy cozying up to the company president, trying to secure a promotion. When asked about Jia Fan, she lies and brushes it off as a routine sick leave.
Death and Denial
The next morning, Zhitong gets another call—Jia Fan has passed away. She’s ordered back to the office immediately and forbidden from taking any calls. During a formal inquiry, Zhitong tells the truth: she hadn’t been able to reach Jia Fan, and only went to the hospital after they called her. Deborah, realizing the situation could get messy, shuts down the investigation.
Meanwhile… Back at the Airport
Gan Yang returns, and Wang Yi greets him, assuming he met up with Zhitong. But when Gan Yang realizes she never showed, he starts to worry. He calls her, and Zhitong breaks down in tears, telling him about Jia Fan's death. Gan Yang tells her to wait for him.
Healing and Home
That night, Zhitong waits anxiously in her apartment, sipping beer. When Gan Yang finally arrives, they embrace tightly. She opens up about her guilt, wondering if she would’ve acted any better than Jia Fan in his position. He gently reminds her of what really matters—life over money.
Zhitong shares her past—how she grew up with only her mother and has never been able to give her the life she deserves. She knows Gan Yang can provide for her, but she doesn’t want their relationship to be transactional. Despite her relentless work schedule, she genuinely loves being with him.
Gan Yang listens, wipes her tears, and explains why he’s been so persistent—he just wants her to take care of herself. He even offers her to move into the apartment he rented for her. She agrees, but insists on writing him an IOU for the rent. He cheekily turns it into a "monthly sales deduction," saying he’s the one who’s winning here.
Promotions and Paper Cranes
At work, Deborah gives Zhitong her official offer letter—she's now a full-time employee—and tells her not to let Jia Fan’s death affect her performance. Classic Deborah.
Gan Yang, on the other hand, scores major progress—he secures Dr. Chen’s sponsorship and opens his first company in Shanghai. He brings Zhitong to his workspace and promises the first pair of shoes they make will be hers. They’re now working in the same city, spending more time together—cooking, jogging, brushing teeth side by side. Domestic bliss.
One night, Gan Yang comes home to find Zhitong hanging paper cranes on the window. It's a little tradition from her childhood, and now, this place feels like home.
Ice Cream and Goodbye (For Now)
Zhitong even makes him porridge—though it turns out to be... not great. Still, they laugh it off, tweak the recipe, and savor their simple, happy life. But happiness is short-lived—Gan Yang has to return to school next week. Zhitong promises she’ll be waiting.
In a playful twist, Gan Yang bites off her ice cream and runs off, with Zhitong chasing after him. A moment of levity to end an emotionally heavy episode.
Final Thoughts:
Episode 13 is a turning point—professionally, emotionally, and romantically. Zhitong experiences loss, but also growth. Gan Yang proves himself as the emotional rock she didn’t know she needed. And Deborah... well, she’s still Deborah. Cold, calculating, and climbing the corporate ladder.
