Episode Summary
To help Xue Xiaozhou cope with his mother's death, Hu Manli assigns him a complex insurance case for Zhong Ning, whose son Junjun is a minor. Xue Xiaozhou devises a solution using a testamentary trust. Meanwhile, Xue Xiaozhou discovers Hu Manli intentionally gave him the case and learns the devastating news that his ex-girlfriend, Wu Ya, is now dating Ai Linjiang. Hu Manli arranges a dinner with Ai Linjiang as a potential client, unaware he's Wu Ya's new boyfriend. The dinner escalates into a confrontation where Ai Linjiang reveals his relationship with Wu Ya, leading to a physical fight between him and a heartbroken Xue Xiaozhou. Hu Manli defends Xue Xiaozhou and removes him from the situation.
Spoiler Alert
Dealing with Grief and a Complex Case
First up, poor Xue Xiaozhou is still really struggling after his mom's sudden death. Hu Manli, trying to pull him out of his funk, hands him a tricky insurance case involving a client named Zhong Ning. Here's the problem: Zhong Ning is ill, and her son, Junjun, is still a minor. If Zhong Ning passes away before Junjun turns 18, her ex-husband, as the legal guardian, would get the insurance payout. Zhong Ning's parents are gone, and there are no other immediate family members she can list on the policy. It's a real head-scratcher. Xue Xiaozhou racks his brain, but Hu Manli pushes him to think outside the box, maybe from a legal angle.
Dusting off his old college law books, Xue Xiaozhou has a lightbulb moment! He suggests Zhong Ning set up a testamentary trust for Junjun. This way, the money is managed for Junjun's benefit according to her wishes, bypassing the ex-husband issue. Zhong Ning is super eager and wants to sign the papers ASAP. While Xue Xiaozhou handles the paperwork, Zhong Ning asks Hu Manli to accompany her for a photoshoot. Poignantly, she even asks the photographer to digitally age a photo of her so Junjun can see what she might look like at 80. Hu Manli tries to keep her spirits up, encouraging her to stay positive about fighting her illness.
Side Notes & Awkward Realizations
Meanwhile, Ding Zhiyuan is swamped with work, much to the annoyance of Qiu Lisu, who wants him to participate in prenatal education (apparently, reading stories to the baby bump). He tries to rush through it, claiming it's too early (she's only two months pregnant), but Qiu Lisu isn't having it, so he eventually buckles down and does it properly.
Back to Xue Xiaozhou – he stumbles upon a live stream Hu Manli did a few days prior where she already explained testamentary trusts in detail. Oof. He realizes Hu Manli didn't just give him the case to distract him; she specifically handed him this winnable, complex case knowing the solution, likely to boost his confidence and maybe help him patch things up with Wu Ya. Xue Xiaozhou feels a bit babied and confronts Hu Manli, saying she shouldn't coddle him. But Hu Manli's main goal is clear: she wants him to win Wu Ya back.
The Ex, The New Guy, and The Cringe
Speaking of Wu Ya... Xue Xiaozhou heads to the hospital to see her, but gets the cold shoulder. She firmly reminds him they're broken up. Then comes the bombshell: Wu Ya is now dating Ai Linjiang. Xue Xiaozhou is visibly stunned. Wu Ya, clearly wanting to avoid the awkwardness, makes a quick excuse and leaves.
Later, Ai Linjiang, having learned Xue Xiaozhou is Wu Ya's ex, gets possessive. He suspects Xue Xiaozhou still has feelings and tells Wu Ya to warn him off – basically, to tell him to get lost ("how far to roll away," is the vibe). Wu Ya is annoyed by his attitude and actually gets out of his car mid-journey. Yikes.
Dinner Plans Go Sideways
Hu Manli, perhaps unaware of the full extent of the drama, decides to set up a dinner, inviting both Ai Linjiang (as a potential client) and Xue Xiaozhou. Ai Linjiang agrees, especially hearing Xue Xiaozhou will be there (maybe sizing up the competition?). Xue Xiaozhou initially hesitates but jumps at the chance when he learns the "client" is Ai Linjiang.
(Quick aside: Zhong Ning takes a week off work, tries to meet up with Junjun, but he keeps making excuses. She's heartbroken, regretting not fighting for custody during the divorce, realizing Junjun probably thinks she abandoned him and still resents her for it.)
Before the dinner, Xue Xiaozhou needs a new outfit. Hu Manli helps him shop. He almost picks a suit reserved for another customer, but a saleswoman named You Qi (who's quitting the next day to open her own boutique) lets him take it anyway. She tries to add him on WeChat, but Xue Xiaozhou politely declines.
The Dinner Disaster
Okay, here's where it all blows up. At the restaurant, Ai Linjiang proudly announces he just proposed to his girlfriend! Hu Manli, completely oblivious that the girlfriend is Wu Ya, congratulates him enthusiastically. Ai Linjiang starts bragging about their love story. Hu Manli encourages Xue Xiaozhou to toast Ai Linjiang. Xue Xiaozhou downs his drink and, fueled by alcohol and jealousy, starts pouring cold water on Ai Linjiang's claims of "true love." Ai Linjiang insists it's real. Xue Xiaozhou just keeps drinking moodily. Hu Manli senses trouble and secretly texts him to cool it.
Trying to salvage the evening (or maybe just move on to business), Hu Manli brings up potentially bidding on a project with Ai Linjiang's company. Ai Linjiang immediately questions if Xue Xiaozhou is even qualified. Shots fired! They trade barbs. Ai Linjiang challenges Xue Xiaozhou to a drinking contest. Hu Manli tries to intervene, offering to drink for Xue Xiaozhou and wanting to pay the bill and leave.
But Xue Xiaozhou snatches the bill, insisting he'll pay. Ai Linjiang loses his cool and starts hurling insults. That's the final straw. Xue Xiaozhou snaps, and the two physically fight. In the heat of the moment, Ai Linjiang yells out the crucial piece of information: Wu Ya is his girlfriend!
Finally, the penny drops for Hu Manli. She realizes Ai Linjiang stole Xue Xiaozhou's girl. As Ai Linjiang continues to verbally tear into Xue Xiaozhou, Hu Manli fiercely steps in to defend Xue Xiaozhou. She pays the bill and drags a furious, heartbroken Xue Xiaozhou out of there.
