Episode Summary
In Episode 8, Ding Zhitong and Gan Yang grow closer through morning runs, shared moments, and heartfelt confessions—culminating in a kiss and a promise of love despite future uncertainties. Meanwhile, Xu Chenxi reflects on a past rejection, Song Mingmei stands up for herself against rumors, and Gan Yang proves his feelings through thoughtful gestures, including a homemade meal and a custom pair of shoes.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 8 of Eat Run Love is all about rainy day romance, emotional confessions, and instant noodles with a side of love—and we’re absolutely eating it up.
♂️ Rain, Runs, and Romance
The episode picks up with Ding Zhitong pedaling Gan Yang home on her bike like something straight out of a college rom-com. As they part ways (with way too many “byes” to count), Gan Yang reminds her about their running date tomorrow. It’s sweet, it’s awkward, and it’s very them.
Wang Yi, Gan Yang’s roommate, isn’t having it though—she rolls her eyes and warns him not to turn every confession into a jog. But Gan Yang just flashes the goofiest grin. His love language is definitely cardio.
First Loves and Missed Chances
Meanwhile, Xu Chenxi opens up to her bestie about her longtime crush on Gan Yang. Her story? Painfully real. She once confessed her feelings, only for Gan Yang to ghost her afterward. In a moment of self-preservation (or emotional chaos), she told one of Gan Yang’s basketball buddies “I like you too” during a game of truth or dare—just to make it seem like she didn’t actually care that much. Of course, she cared. And now she’s in tears, swearing off love confessions for good.
️ Rain Can't Stop This Run
Back to our main couple. Gan Yang calls Ding Zhitong early in the morning for their run, but the skies have other plans—it starts pouring. Still, Ding Zhitong doesn’t want him to be disappointed and promises they’ll run when the rain stops. Gan Yang? He puts on a mini fashion show, trying on running outfits and asking Wang Yi for advice. Wang Yi, again, is not amused—“It’s a run, not a blind date,” she grumbles.
Eventually, the rain clears and our duo hits the track. Gan Yang teaches Ding Zhitong how to breathe properly while running, making her place her hand on her stomach. She blushes, he notices her racing pulse, and thinks she might be having a health issue—but she’s just flustered. Cute.
♀️ Encouragement & Confessions Interrupted
As Ding Zhitong starts to tire, Gan Yang cheers her on and sets small goals to keep her going. She’s visibly moved by his support. He then tries to confess something important—something he didn’t manage to say even after his marathon. But just as he starts... boom, another rain interruption. Classic.
️ Cafeteria Drama
Meanwhile, in the cafeteria, Song Mingmei has had it. After overhearing rumors that she’s flirting with Professor Qin Chang for good grades, she loses it and smacks a classmate with her lunch tray. Later in class, Qin Chang publicly praises her report as the best and forces the rumor-starter to apologize. Song Mingmei? Swoon mode activated.
Painted Shoes and First Kisses
Back in Gan Yang's dorm, Ding Zhitong takes a shower and changes into fresh clothes. She notices several shoe designs—turns out Gan Yang is into sneaker design—and one pair was made just for her. They paint it together, laughing like two high schoolers with a crush.
Then, Gan Yang gets a job offer from Hetai. The rain stops. A rainbow appears. And under this perfect rom-com setting, Ding Zhitong kisses him. Not a peck. A real kiss. She tells him she likes him, too. They embrace, and it’s basically the most romantic moment this show has given us so far.
Living in the Moment
Back in her dorm, Ding Zhitong lies on her bed grinning like a lovesick teenager. Song Mingmei grills her for answers, and Zhitong spills: yes, she’s with Gan Yang now. She doesn’t know what the future holds, but she’s happy. Song Mingmei agrees—youth is for living in the now.
Noodles, Jealousy, and Promises
Gan Yang starts going full boyfriend mode—picking her up, making breakfast, and planning dinner. But work gets in the way. Zhitong covers for a heartbroken coworker, so Gan Yang comes to her shift with instant noodles. Not just any noodles—these are custom Ding Zhitong noodles, and he loves them.
They talk about the possibility of a long-distance relationship if she moves to Shanghai. Gan Yang swears he’ll visit her no matter what. She’s still worried, but he’s clearly all in.
Garden Date & a Culinary Confession
In the final scenes, Gan Yang brings Zhitong to his little vegetable garden, then cooks her a full homemade meal. She’s impressed—but also slightly jealous. “I bet I’m not the first to eat your cooking,” she teases. He admits Wang Yi has tried his food before—but only as a taste tester. Then drops the big one: Ding Zhitong is his first love.
Game, set, and match, Gan Yang.
Final Thoughts
Episode 8 is a love letter to the butterflies-in-stomach phase of a new relationship. It’s full of longing glances, rain-soaked promises, and late-night noodles that say “I care.” As Gan Yang and Ding Zhitong take their next steps together, the question isn’t if the rain will come—it’s whether their bond can weather it.
