Episode Summary
Zuo Qian Dai discovers Ye Qi's other comic character is based on Gu Zheng Xing, leading to a tense conversation where Ye Qi reveals his past connection to Gu Zheng Xing and his fierce protectiveness over his work. Zuo Qian Dai then volunteers to be Ye Qi's new model, resulting in hilariously awkward observation sessions where Ye Qi meticulously documents all her perceived flaws. In an attempt to deflect his attention and find a "better" model, Zuo Qian Dai introduces her athletic friend, Zhou Jie Yue. However, after observing Zhou Jie Yue's intense personality during a basketball game (where they also learn about Ye Qi's basketball past and encounter Gu Zheng Xing again), Ye Qi deems her unsuitable. The episode ends with a shared, somewhat romantic moment in the rain between Ye Qi and Zuo Qian Dai, which is interrupted by a panicked Jiang Ruo Song seeking refuge at Ye Qi's place from Gu Zheng Xing.
Spoiler Alert
So, Zuo Qian Dai finally confirmed that Ye Qi and Lu Dao were definitely not a thing. Phew! But then, plot twist! She stumbled upon the fact that the other main character in Ye Qi’s art was actually based on none other than Gu Zheng Xing! Naturally, Zuo Qian Dai had to get the scoop and asked Ye Qi about his connection to Gu Zheng Xing. Ye Qi explained that back when his work was getting trashed by pretty much everyone, Gu Zheng Xing was one of the few who actually thought it was good. As they chatted about people dissing creative work, Ye Qi got super intense, basically saying if anyone dared to criticize his manga, they’d have to answer to him – and he looked ready to throw down! This, understandably, had Zuo Qian Dai sweating bullets, silently praying he’d never find out she’d also slammed his manga before.
Meanwhile, Ye Qi decided Lu Dao wasn’t really cutting it as a model for his manga. He tasked Zuo Qian Dai with finding someone else from her circle. Zuo Qian Dai had a major internal debate – part of her wanted to nominate herself, but the thought of Ye Qi constantly observing her was mortifying. In the end, though, she put herself forward, and Ye Qi, surprisingly, was all for it, thinking she’d be a perfect fit.
Famous last words, right? Being Ye Qi’s muse meant Zuo Qian Dai was under his constant, intense scrutiny, which made her so self-conscious she practically forgot how to walk. The guy was relentless, even observing her non-stop during class. When the teacher asked a question, a bunch of students raised their hands. Zuo Qian Dai, not wanting Ye Qi to think she was a total slacker, decided to give it a shot too, figuring the odds of being picked in a class full of Chinese students were slim. Wouldn't you know it, the teacher called on her! Panicked but not wanting to just stand there mute, she somehow managed to blurt out the right answer. Go figure! Still trying to cultivate a "fun, popular" image for Ye Qi, she then made a point of trying to buddy up with people nearby so he’d think she was a social butterfly.
Later, while they were eating, Zuo Qian Dai was secretly thrilled, thinking Ye Qi was finally noticing her. And he was! He even handed her a whole list of observations he’d made. Except… all the cool, fun stuff Zuo Qian Dai was trying so hard to project? Ye Qi hadn’t picked up on any of it. Instead, his notes were a catalogue of her flaws and quirks – basically, a list of everything "wrong" with her. Zuo Qian Dai was crushed, arguing that a character based on that unflattering material probably wouldn't be very popular and begged him to include some good points.
Desperate to stop Ye Qi from documenting even more of her supposed personality defects (and maybe salvage her chances of ever pursuing him romantically), Zuo Qian Dai decided to introduce her friend, Zhou Jie Yue, as a potential new model. As they were looking for her, they found Zhou Jie Yue being chased – turns out, she's a super athletic type. Zhou Jie Yue mentioned she was off to a club activity, which piqued Ye Qi's interest. He and Zuo Qian Dai decided to go check it out. There, they bumped into Ye Qi’s classmate, Jiang Ruo Song, who dropped a little bombshell: Ye Qi used to play basketball but quit to protect his precious drawing hand. Just then, Gu Zheng Xing’s distinctively maniacal laugh echoed through the gym, followed by Zhou Jie Yue’s own rather terrifying cackle. Her club activity? Playing basketball with Jiang Ruo Song’s team. After observing her, Ye Qi pretty much decided Zhou Jie Yue was another "negative example."
As Ye Qi and Zuo Qian Dai were about to leave, it started pouring rain. But hey, a downpour can be inspiring! Ye Qi seemed to have a flash of insight. The two of them, sharing an umbrella, walked through the rain, and it felt surprisingly safe and cozy. Zuo Qian Dai found herself wishing the walk could go on forever. And in a perfectly timed rom-com moment, Ye Qi said something that mirrored her exact thoughts. Later that evening, while Ye Qi and Zuo Qian Dai were discussing things at his place, Jiang Ruo Song suddenly burst in, looking completely panicked and clearly hiding from Gu Zheng Xing.
