Episode Summary
Wei Zhi faces career and family struggles. Her former company struggles to replicate her work, leading to tension. She clashes with her mother over her career choice and secretly travels to Xicheng, where a delighted Shan Chong awaits. Reunited with friends and a more cheerful Shan Chong, Wei Zhi's creativity soars. She focuses on her new skiing-themed manga, finding inspiration and happiness in the supportive environment.
Spoiler Alert
Things are heating up, both on and off the slopes, in Episode 9 of "Ski into Love"! Wei Zhi, our talented but recently-fired manga artist, is facing challenges on multiple fronts. Her old company is struggling, even with Manman taking over her "Farewell Song" project. The problem? Wei Zhi was the original creative force, and Manman can't replicate the heart and soul she poured into the details. This leads to a tense confrontation with their mentor, Teacher Zhangyu, where Manman, feeling the pressure, lashes out defensively.
Meanwhile, Shan Chong invites Wei Zhi to Xicheng for some ice skating. Wei Zhi, however, is focused on her new project. Wu Manman, desperate for a breakthrough, tries to enlist the help of "Elephant," a collaborator, but he's already committed to working with Wei Zhi. In a slip of the tongue, Manman learns that Wei Zhi's next project revolves around skiing. Feeling competitive and wanting to prove herself, Manman decides to tackle the same theme, much to Elephant's dismay. He immediately warns Wei Zhi, but she's unfazed – believing that originality lies in the story's execution, not just the subject matter.
Wei Zhi's home life is also turbulent. She wants to go to Xicheng for inspiration, but her mother strongly disapproves of her career choice. Concerned about the instability of the manga industry and Wei Zhi's lack of significant progress, her mother urges her to focus on a more conventional path, suggesting that, at 25, she should prioritize finding a stable life like other girls. The conversation ends in a stalemate, and Wei Zhi, determined to pursue her passion, secretly leaves for Xicheng.
Jiang Yiming, ever the concerned friend, witnesses the fallout between Wei Zhi and her mother. Worried, he drags his sister, Jiang Nanfeng, to check on Wei Zhi. Nanfeng notices Wei Zhi's newly purchased skateboard is gone, correctly guessing she's headed back to Xicheng. And who's waiting for Wei Zhi at the Xicheng airport? None other than Shan Chong! Wei Zhi is ecstatic, rushing into his arms. Shan Chong, equally delighted, whisks her back to the training base.
Back amongst her friends, Wei Zhi notices something's up with Lao Yan, who seems to have cooled on his previously close relationship with Jiang Nanfeng. But the biggest change is in Shan Chong himself. He's noticeably more cheerful and gentle with Wei Zhi during training. Their days are filled with practice, tea sessions, and games of truth or dare, where Shan Chong shows her extra care. Surrounded by this supportive and joyful atmosphere, Wei Zhi's creativity flourishes, and she produces a flood of new work.
The skaters at the rink notice the Weibo (a Chinese social media platform) address on Wei Zhi's drawings and start speculating about a manga artist in their midst. Only Shan Chong knows the truth: Wei Zhi is thriving, her talent blossoming in this inspiring environment. He believes that, given time, she'll create something truly remarkable.
Wei Zhi's time in Xicheng is pure bliss. She spends her days perfecting her art, hitting the ice with Shan Chong when she needs a break, and even learning to brew coffee. The episode ends on a sweet note, with Wei Zhi offering Shan Chong her first successful brew, calling him "Shifu" (master/teacher) in a playful, affectionate way. Shan Chong, clearly smitten, can't help but smile. His icy exterior has completely melted.
learning to brew coffee. The episode ends on a sweet note, with Wei Zhi offering Shan Chong her first successful brew, calling him "Shifu" (master/teacher) in a playful, affectionate way. Shan Chong, clearly smitten, can't help but smile. His icy exterior has completely melted.
