Episode Summary

Ding Zhitong collapses and is rescued by Feng Sheng. She plans to marry Feng Sheng, leading to a confrontation with Gan Yang. Six years later, they meet again, but their interactions are strained. Gan Yang ends up in the hospital, cared for by Xu Chenxi, which upsets Ding Zhitong. They navigate a potential business collaboration amidst personal tensions.

Spoiler Alert

"Eat Run Love" Episode 17: Second Chances and Lingering Pains

Okay, folks, things are getting complicated in "Eat Run Love." Episode 17 is a rollercoaster of emotions, missed connections, and potential new beginnings... or maybe just more heartache.

We open with Ding Zhitong in a bad way. She's back in her own place, but she's hit with a wave of stomach pain and collapses. Poor thing is found the next morning by Feng Sheng, who rushes her to the hospital.

Hospital Drama and Fresh Starts (Sort Of)

Ding Zhitong wakes up and immediately wants to bounce. She's all about keeping busy, anything to numb the pain. Feng Sheng tries to comfort her, but she pushes him away. You can feel the weight of her emotions as she lies there, tears streaming down her face.

After getting discharged, Ding Zhitong, with Feng Sheng's help, moves out. She leaves behind the photos of her and Gan Yang, but as she closes the door, the tears start flowing again. She's haunted by memories – Gan Yang cooking for her, him encouraging her to run. It's clear she's trying to escape the past, but it's not letting her go easily.

Meanwhile, Back at Gan Yang's Place...

Gan Yang isn't doing so hot either. He's been working himself ragged, and his stomach is acting up. In a moment that's both poignant and heartbreaking, he reaches for his medicine, and for a split second, imagines Ding Zhitong there, helping him. He even apologizes in his mind for making her choose between him and her career, realizing now how important money can be. He hallucinates her bringing him water and medicine, only to snap back to reality and realize she's not there. Ouch.

Wedding Bells?

In a move that screams "rebound," Ding Zhitong calls Song Mingmei and announces she's marrying Feng Sheng. She justifies it by saying Feng Sheng lost his job for her and is the only one who's been there for her. Song Mingmei, bless her heart, urges Ding Zhitong to think this through, warning her against marrying someone she doesn't love. But, being a good (if slightly meddling) friend, she tells Gan Yang about the impending nuptials.

The Confrontation

Gan Yang shows up at the bridal shop where Ding Zhitong is trying on dresses. Before he can get a word in, she confronts him, demanding to know why she would marry Feng Sheng – out of love, or out of spite for Gan Yang? She then says she loves Feng Sheng, and that Gan Yang should disappear from her life. Gan Yang, heartbroken, offers a weak smile and says goodbye, but the tears betray him as he turns away. Ding Zhitong, putting on a brave face, falls apart the second he's gone.

Six Years Later...

Fast forward six years! Ding Zhitong and Gan Yang are at some sort of competition together. There's a charged moment as Gan Yang helps her, then lets go. We learn Gan Yang has kept his phone number all this time, while Ding Zhitong has changed hers. They exchange numbers again, hinting at a possible reconciliation.

Awkward After-Party

At the post-competition celebration, everyone's toasting Gan Yang, but Xu Chenxi keeps intercepting, drinking in his place. Ding Zhitong insists on toasting him herself, but her words are laced with bitterness, making Gan Yang uncomfortable. Xu Chenxi steps in again, and Ding Zhitong sees it all.

Later, Gan Yang pulls Ding Zhitong aside, wanting to know how she's been. She gives him the cold shoulder, but on her way back, she can't stop replaying the scene of Xu Chenxi taking care of Gan Yang. Turns out, Ding Zhitong needs Gan Yang's investment, and Song Mingmei offers to tag along for support, but Ding Zhitong refuses.

Hospital Visit, Round Two

Gan Yang ends up in the hospital again due to his stomach issues. Xu Chenxi is there, scolding him for being a "love brain" and worrying about him making rash investment decisions. Gan Yang recalls seeing Feng Sheng wearing a ring and hearing he bought a house nearby, planning to get a bigger one for his kids. He avoids hearing anything about Ding Zhitong.

Gan Yang assures Xu Chenxi that he just wants to know if Ding Zhitong is doing well and won't invest impulsively. Xu Chenxi feeds him and wipes his mouth, just as Ding Zhitong arrives. Enraged, Ding Zhitong throws the flowers she brought into the trash.

Career Crossroads

Ding Zhitong tries to resign, but her boss doesn't understand why she, a workaholic, would quit. He wonders if the deal is too much pressure. Ding Zhitong, realizing her future is at stake, retracts her resignation, confident that Gan Yang will show up at the launch event.

The Launch

At the Langteng launch, Gan Yang takes the lead. Despite the event being less lively than Shu Chi Shoes' launch next door, he reveals the real data, debunking fake online prices. He quotes Ding Zhitong's saying about making good shoes that make people who don't like running fall in love with it. Ding Zhitong's assistant is impressed by Gan Yang's ability to turn things around.

Negotiations

Ding Zhitong wants to discuss a collaboration with Gan Yang, but Xu Chenxi is strongly against it. Gan Yang suggests adding Ding Zhitong on WeChat, but Ding Zhitong has her assistant add him instead. Gan Yang then has his assistant add Ding Zhitong's assistant.

So, what does it all mean? Are Ding Zhitong and Gan Yang destined to keep hurting each other? Is there a chance for a real reconciliation, or are they both too damaged by the past? And what's the deal with Xu Chenxi? Stay tuned for the next episode!