Episode Summary
Gan Yang confesses to Ding Zhitong that she was his first love, and she reciprocates his feelings. Despite their happiness, Zhitong worries about managing a long-distance relationship, but Gan Yang reassures her with his commitment. Feng Sheng confronts Zhitong, warning her about Gan Yang, but she stands by her choice. Gan Yang publicly announces their relationship online and helps Zhitong find a place in Shanghai. They settle on a small shared apartment. Later, Gan Yang surprises her with a romantic camping trip, ending in a heartfelt kiss. As he leaves, he leaves behind a meal and a gift, warming Zhitong's heart. She starts her new job, determined to succeed in both her career and love.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 9 of Eat Run Love is packed with romantic confessions, a touch of jealousy, apartment-hunting chaos, and one very dreamy riverside kiss. Let’s dive into this emotional rollercoaster.
First Love Confessions
The episode kicks off with Gan Yang finally opening up to Ding Zhitong. He tells her that she was his first love — the very first girl who ever made his heart race. Zhitong, clearly touched, reveals that she felt the same way about him. It’s a sweet and sincere moment that lights both of them up.
But the joy doesn’t last long. Gan Yang quickly notices Zhitong isn’t completely at ease. He suspects it might be because of her roommate Yun Ting’s long-distance relationship struggles. Zhitong admits she’s worried — Yun Ting and her boyfriend loved each other, but even they fought a lot because of the distance. She’s afraid of ending up the same way.
Gan Yang reassures her that their relationship is different. Even if he comes to see her and she’s not home, he’ll cook her a meal and leave — just so she knows he came. That small gesture brings a smile back to Zhitong’s face.
Jealousy & Awkward Encounters
Just as things are looking up, Gan Yang and Zhitong bump into Feng Sheng outside her dorm. He’s clearly anxious and looking for her. Gan Yang clocks this and feels a twinge of jealousy, but reminds himself that Zhitong is his girlfriend now.
To reassure her, Gan Yang gently cups her face and tells her to stop overthinking — just as Feng Sheng watches from a distance. Oof. That definitely stung.
Later, Feng Sheng corners Zhitong and warns her about Gan Yang. He claims their family backgrounds are too different and that Gan Yang isn’t trustworthy. But Zhitong stands her ground, gently letting Feng Sheng know she’s aware of his feelings but hopes he finds his own happiness elsewhere.
Relationship Goes Public
Back at the dorm, Song Mingmei bursts in excitedly — Gan Yang just made their relationship Instagram official. Okay, not literally Instagram, but close enough. The internet is loving it, and Zhitong is both flattered and overwhelmed.
Gan Yang even offers to help her settle in Shanghai, going above and beyond by house-hunting with her. Xu Chenxi drives them around, but the search is... tense. Zhitong has a tight budget, and Xu Chenxi vents his frustration, even saying she and Feng Sheng are worlds apart — financially speaking.
Apartment Hunting & Moving In
They finally find a cozy little shared house on the outskirts of town. It’s small, but quiet and filled with sunlight. Zhitong loves it. Gan Yang’s a bit uneasy — the place is remote, and they don’t know the roommates — but he gives in when she insists it’s perfect for her commute.
To celebrate, Zhitong tries to cook... and it’s a disaster. Gan Yang steps in and takes over like a pro. Mid-meal, their new roommate Xiaoli pops in, greets them quickly, and disappears, making things a bit awkward. Zhitong urges Gan Yang to head back to his hotel, but he casually jokes that she should stay the night — which, of course, sends her thoughts spinning. He quickly clarifies: he has a surprise to show her.
Campfires, Fireflies, and a Kiss
Cut to the countryside: Gan Yang has set up a tent and even plays a song for Zhitong. They talk about family, and he tells her his mom would love her — she’s one of the two most important women in his life.
He claims he brought her there for the meteor shower. But when Zhitong looks up, the sky is empty. No stars, no meteors. Suspicious. Then he takes her to a nearby riverbank where fireflies fill the air. It’s magical, like a scene out of a romance novel.
Caught up in the moment, Gan Yang kisses her. It’s soft, romantic, and totally swoon-worthy.
Goodbyes & New Beginnings
The next morning, Gan Yang has to head back. Zhitong sees him off, and as she watches the taxi pull away (while the driver aggressively honks), she’s left feeling a little hollow.
But back at the apartment, she finds a warm surprise: he’s left her lunch and a cute stuffed toy. Her heart melts.
Zhitong’s First Day in Shanghai
Zhitong’s first day at her new job finally arrives. She walks into the office, nervous but determined. Among the sea of corporate faces, one stands out — Deborah from the investment banking department. She’s sharp, stunning, and clearly a powerhouse. Zhitong instantly sees her as a role model.
With a fire lit under her, Zhitong silently vows to make her mark in Shanghai — carving out a career and a life with Gan Yang by her side.
Final Thoughts
Episode 9 blends sweetness with real-life worries — from long-distance fears to class differences and career beginnings. Gan Yang and Zhitong’s romance feels grounded yet hopeful, and their riverside moment might just be the series’ most romantic scene yet.
But with Feng Sheng still hanging around, and Zhitong stepping into an ultra-competitive workplace, it’s clear this love story is just getting started.
Next up: Will Zhitong thrive in her job? Will Gan Yang and Zhitong survive the distance? And what exactly is Feng Sheng plotting? Buckle up.
