Episode Summary
In this episode, Yi Yi and Wen Pu connect in the countryside, but their budding relationship is sabotaged by Su Xiurong at a birthday party. Wen Pu rejects the woman Su Xiurong tries to set him up with, clarifying he wants a soulmate like Yi Yi. The episode ends with Yi Yi being forced into a work assignment that requires her to interact with Wen Pu, despite her efforts to avoid him.
Spoiler Alert
A Countryside Getaway
Finding Inspiration
Yi Yi is in a creative slump. She’s been sketching new clothing designs but nothing feels right. A coworker tells her to get out of the city and clear her head. So, Yi Yi takes their advice. She grabs her bicycle and spends a few days exploring the countryside for fresh ideas.
This is where things get interesting. Wen Pu happens to be in the same area getting noodles with his friend. He spots Yi Yi sitting on a small bridge. She is completely lost in her sketchbook. Wen Pu tells his friend to go on ahead. He can't help but walk over to see what she's drawing. He sees she's sketching people and her skill is solid.
Noodles and New Friends
Wen Pu's friend, Zhao Hangong, joins them. He’s a funny, outgoing guy. He immediately invites Yi Yi to have noodles with them. During the meal, Wen Pu notices Yi Yi isn't sure how to mix her noodles. He just takes her bowl and prepares it for her. Zhao Hangong teases them the whole time. He’s a total third wheel, but his jokes lighten the mood. It helps Yi Yi see a completely different side of Wen Pu.
Earlier in the day, Wen Pu had actually climbed a tree for Yi Yi. He wanted her to taste the freshest mulberries. He picked the biggest, reddest ones he could find. Then he carefully wrapped them in his handkerchief and gave them to her.
Later, Zhao Hangong drives them back. The road is bumpy. Wen Pu sees Yi Yi getting thrown around in the back. He immediately tells Zhao Hangong to slow down. Before they part ways, Zhao Hangong invites Yi Yi to Wen Pu's daughter's birthday party.
The Awkward Birthday Party
A Shared Love of Books
Fast forward to the party. Yi Yi shows up with a bouquet of flowers. Wen Pu gets all flustered and happy to see her. He grabs a pen holder to use as a vase and rushes to get her a chair and some tea.
While he’s busy, Yi Yi looks around his home. She discovers a wall completely filled with bookshelves. He has all kinds of books, including many from other countries. She even finds a whole series from a foreign author that her late love, Zhou Zhaoyuan, used to read. She feels like she's found a kindred spirit. You just didn't see men with private libraries like this back then, especially not with foreign books.
An Unwelcome Guest
The good vibe doesn't last long. Su Xiurong arrives, and she brings a young nurse named Chang Huijuan with her. Su Xiurong is determined to set up Wen Pu with Chang Huijuan. This is despite Wen Pu already telling the nurse they aren't a good match.
Su Xiurong is not happy to see Yi Yi at the party. She pulls Yi Yi outside for a private chat. Wen Pu can't really stop her. Su Xiurong is a senior official, and he has to respect her position.
Outside, Su Xiurong gets straight to the point. She tells Yi Yi that she and Wen Pu are not suitable for each other. She says Wen Pu is a minister. She thinks Yi Yi should lower her standards and find someone else. Then she tells Yi Yi to leave. Yi Yi feels completely wronged. Zhao Hangong insisted she come, but now she's being kicked out by a party leader. She doesn't argue. She just goes home.
Aftermath and Avoidance
A Clear Rejection
Wen Pu deals with his own problem inside. He takes Chang Huijuan into his study. He tells her very clearly that they are not going to happen. Chang Huijuan tries to argue her case. She brags about listening to symphonies and reading novels. She points out that she's younger than Yi Yi.
Wen Pu thinks her words are just ridiculous. He isn't looking for a young girl. He wants a soulmate. He wants someone quiet and intelligent who he can talk with about foreign novels.
A Forced Meeting
After the party, Yi Yi starts to deliberately avoid Wen Pu. But then an order comes into her workshop. Local leaders are going on a business trip and need custom-made suits. Yi Yi sees Wen Pu's name on the list. She tries to get out of the assignment to avoid the awkwardness. Her boss shuts her down. It's not a request. It's a direct order.
