Episode Summary
Devastated by his career failure, Shi Fake finds comfort in Lu Chi, leading to a drunken kiss that deepens their connection. At work, a new, relaxed atmosphere allows Shi Fake to focus on a new case: the hidden romance between the performer Master Qiujiang and the devoted Cheng Ruoning. As he works to bring them together, he discovers they are mutually in love but face personal insecurities. This matchmaking effort is complicated when Fang Yue, at the behest of the financially desperate Marquis of Wu'an, is pressured to arrange a marriage between the Marquis and Cheng Ruoning.
Spoiler Alert
Feeling dejected from both professional and personal setbacks, Shi Fake is in low spirits. Lu Chi, seeing that Shi Fake failed to become the head matchmaker, takes him out for drinks to cheer him up. Under the influence of alcohol, a drunk Shi Fake musters the courage to kiss Lu Chi before falling asleep in his arms. Lu Chi carries him back to his room, tucks him into bed, and quietly leaves.
The next day at the Official Matchmaking Hall, the new head matchmaker, Fang Yue, announces that the strict daily roll call is no longer required. This, along with being assigned simpler matchmaking cases, lifts everyone's spirits. With the pressure off, Shi Fake is in a much better mood. Lu Chi takes him to see a performance by the famous Master Qiujiang. Shi Fake can't help but praise the performer, which unexpectedly makes Lu Chi jealous. Lu Chi walks off in a huff, but Shi Fake is secretly delighted by his reaction.
Their work brings them a new case: a woman who is determined to marry Master Qiujiang. Shi Fake and Fang Yue work together seamlessly to counsel the woman, and Shi Fake is pleased with their teamwork. He tries to connect with Fang Yue afterward, but she leaves abruptly.
Meanwhile, the Marquis of Wu'an is in desperate need of money.
Shi Fake decides to approach Master Qiujiang to offer his matchmaking services but is rejected, as Master Qiujiang claims he is already in love with someone. At that moment, a woman named Cheng Ruoning brings Master Qiujiang tea, and Shi Fake immediately suspects they have feelings for each other and decides to help them.
Shi Fake's investigation begins. He finds Fang Yue already with Cheng Ruoning, also attempting to arrange a match for her. When Cheng Ruoning refuses Fang Yue's offer, Shi Fake is unable to make his own move. He decides to follow Cheng Ruoning and observes her buying a rare and expensive item from the Xi Bao Pavilion. After inquiring with Li Pan'er, Shi Fake realizes it's the same precious tea he saw Cheng Ruoning serve to Master Qiujiang.
His suspicions grow when Master Qiujiang cancels his performances due to a throat issue. Fang Yue tries again to persuade Cheng Ruoning, this time proposing a match with the Marquis of Wu'an. During their conversation, Cheng Ruoning notices Fang Yue's own admiration for the Marquis. Shi Fake, still observing from a distance, sees Cheng Ruoning spending lavishly on the best medicine for Master Qiujiang and even paying a penalty to cancel his shows so he can rest properly.
Convinced of her feelings, Shi Fake confronts Cheng Ruoning, who admits she loves Master Qiujiang but fears her feelings are not returned. She declares that if he won't have her, she will remain single forever. Shi Fake then speaks with Master Qiujiang, who confesses he loves Cheng Ruoning too but feels he is not worthy of her.
Shi Fake relays the good news to Cheng Ruoning and then informs Fang Yue that the two are in love. However, this creates a new problem. Fang Yue tells the Marquis of Wu'an, who, desperate for Cheng Ruoning's wealth, becomes agitated and insists he must marry her. This forces Fang Yue to once again approach Cheng Ruoning with a matchmaking proposal.
