Episode Summary
In this episode, Yi Yi and Wen Pu's potential relationship hits a major roadblock thanks to outside interference. At the same time, Fu Zihe begins corrupting officials like Lao Zhao with expensive gifts, a move that Wen Pu quickly notices and tries to stop. Yang Xue'an, feeling bitter after his own scheme failed, attempts to undermine Wen Pu but is unsuccessful.
Spoiler Alert
An Awkwardly Close Encounter
The episode kicks off with Yi Yi on a work assignment. She has to measure all the department leaders for new suits. This leads her right to Wen Pu's office. And, of course, he's the only one there.
She has to get right up close to him with a tape measure. You can see Wen Pu getting flustered. It's the first time they've been this physically close. He tries to make small talk, asking why she isn't writing the measurements down. Yi Yi just says she memorized them.
Later, on the bus, she replays the whole scene in her head. She thinks about every little moment since she first met him. But then, she remembers what Director Su said. That thought hits her hard and ruins the good feeling.
When she gets off the bus, Wen Pu is there waiting. He starts to follow her, clearly wanting to talk things out. But Yi Yi shuts it down before he can even start. She tells him she knows what he wants to say and that she can take care of herself. For Wen Pu, this feels like a total dead end. He's convinced Director Su has successfully blocked him.
A Very Expensive "Gift"
Now, let's talk about Fu Zihe. He's making some moves. He decides to go after Lao Zhao, a powerful party secretary with a war hero background. Fu Zihe does his homework. He finds out Lao Zhao has a taste for expensive cars and watches.
So, he shows up with a brand-new Mercedes-Benz and a fancy watch. Lao Zhao is a pretty easy target. The gifts and some smooth talking from Fu Zihe are all it takes to win him over.
Bad Dates and New Grudges
Yi Yi's sister-in-law is trying to play matchmaker. She sets Yi Yi up on a blind date with a former university teacher. The guy is a total cornball. He reads a love letter he wrote for her on their very first meeting. Yi Yi is just embarrassed. The whole thing is awkward and obviously insincere.
Back at the office, Yang Xue'an has been transferred to the editorial department. This was supposed to be a power move on his part. He was slacking off on purpose to pressure Wen Pu. He never thought Wen Pu would actually approve his transfer request. The plan blew up in his face.
Now, Yang Xue'an has a grudge. He uses his new job to get some revenge. He sets up a supposed "special feature" interview with Wen Pu. Wen Pu immediately picks up on the hostility behind the sharp questions. But Wen Pu is a veteran. The young and arrogant Yang Xue'an is no match for him.
Tying Up Loose Ends
Yi Yi decides to be direct with Xu Ge. She invites him to her workplace and tells him straight up that she doesn't have feelings for him. He doesn't want to believe it at first. But when she admits she likes someone else, he finally gets the message. To his credit, he wishes her well.
Meanwhile, Lao Zhao is feeling guilty about his new car. He goes to see Wen Pu, his old brother-in-arms from the war. He even brings a bottle of expensive liquor, but Wen Pu refuses it. He sticks to his usual cheap stuff. Wen Pu tells him to be careful and to report anything strange.
It doesn't take long for Wen Pu to see what's happening. He spots Lao Zhao showing off the Mercedes at a construction site. He recognizes it as Fu Zihe's car. Wen Pu warns Lao Zhao not to get bought by these kinds of bribes. Lao Zhao gets defensive, but he knows Wen Pu is right. He agrees to return the car as soon as possible.
