Episode Summary

In this episode, Shi Fake, a high-society matchmaker struggling to meet her monthly quota, encounters the enigmatic Lu Chi. She mistakenly believes he is a client, but he is secretly using her connections to find a mysterious girl from his childhood. As his investigation leads him to move in next door and attend her coming-of-age ceremony, his presence raises alarms with her protective family.

Spoiler Alert

The episode opens at a gathering in the Xi Bao Pavilion, where Shi Fake, the head of the prestigious "Thousand Gold Society," is skillfully marketing her products. When He Ketian from He's Bakery questions the use of male carriers for her new sedan chairs, Shi Fake cleverly introduces an accompanying line of all-female carriers, successfully persuading many of the noble ladies to place orders.

After her sales pitch, Shi Fake joins her friends, but He Ketian pointedly reminds her that as an official matchmaker, she still hasn't met her quota for the month. This prompts Shi Fake to reveal her matchmaking intentions for her friends, causing one of them, Zhu Yanyan, to flee immediately.

Meanwhile, Lu Chi arrives at the pavilion and observes Shi Fake's methods with disapproval, believing she promotes a culture of comparison and extravagance. Unaware of his identity, Shi Fake sees him as a potential solution to her matchmaking problem. She and her friend He Ketian go upstairs to meet him, where Shi Fake proudly declares herself the heir to the "Number One Matchmaker" title. Intrigued, as he needs help finding someone, Lu Chi listens. A painting on the wall catches Shi Fake's eye, but He Ketian also vies for it and ultimately purchases it, leaving Shi Fake disappointed.

Mistaking Lu Chi for a man seeking an arranged marriage, Shi Fake persistently follows him to secure a match and complete her quota. Lu Chi goes along with it and asks for her help in finding a person from his past. Claiming to have a vast network, Shi Fake agrees to help. Lu Chi is so eager that he wants to start the search before they even finish their meal.

During their interaction, Lu Chi notices a familiar scent on Shi Fake, which she identifies as the signature aroma from He's Bakery. This clue leads them to the bakery, a place that sparks a childhood memory for Lu Chi. At the shop, He Kexian expresses distrust towards the mysterious Lu Chi and warns Shi Fake to keep her distance. From their conversation, Lu Chi learns about Shi Fake's upcoming coming-of-age ceremony, and she invites him to attend. Their search continues as they visit the Wu Residence, where they meet Miss Wu disguised as a handmaiden, but she is not the person Lu Chi is looking for.

Hearing about a "blacklist" at the Official Matchmaking Hall, Lu Chi plans to access it. He instructs his subordinate, Lu Yi, to investigate Shi Fake and has another associate, Li Pan'er, purchase the courtyard next to Shi Fake's home. His goal is to get closer to Head Matchmaker Tao. Lu Chi draws a picture of the eyes of the little girl who once helped him, a drawing that Li Pan'er finds strangely familiar. That night, Lu Chi sneaks into Shi Fake's home to ask if she remembers him from their childhood, but their conversation is cut short by the return of her two older brothers.

In a parallel storyline, Head Matchmaker Tao presides over the Official Matchmaking Hall. Matchmaker Deng reports a complaint against Shi Fake from the Wu family, but Shi Fake easily explains the situation and resolves the issue, much to Deng's annoyance. Elsewhere, the Marquis of Wu'an is updated on the Grand Tutor's stalled marriage arrangements, which are being held up by Head Matchmaker Tao. He also learns that the painting he was after was bought by a young lady.

The episode culminates on the day of Shi Fake's coming-of-age ceremony. He Kexian has prepared a thoughtful gift, and many dignitaries have gathered to celebrate. Lu Chi's arrival, however, immediately draws the suspicious attention of Shi Fake's father and two brothers.