Episode Summary
Zhao Xiaoman has a heartfelt meeting with his ex-wife Linlin, acknowledging his faults and offering compensation, which she redirects towards his mother's care, hinting at possible reconciliation. Meanwhile, Qin Tianyue and Feng Qingming arrange a disastrous date for Zhang Shiqi with a demanding PhD, Fan Chuchu, as "collapse therapy." This pushes Zhang Shiqi to finally appreciate Dong Jiajia after witnessing her mermaid performance; he asks her out, and they seem headed for a relationship. Qin Tianyue and Feng Qingming go on a camping trip arranged by their parents but remain unaware of the matchmaking intentions. Xia Wanqing deals with a client eager for immediate marriage and children, scaring off her date. Qin Tianyue remains frustrated by her father's reliance on her mother.
Spoiler Alert
Zhao Xiaoman & Linlin: A Glimmer of Hope?
So, Zhao Xiaoman and his ex-wife Linlin meet up at Destiny (looks like that cafe/matchmaking spot is central again!). This time, it feels different. Zhao Xiaoman actually seems to get it – he finally owns up to his shortcomings and genuinely thanks Linlin for putting up with him and taking care of his mom over the past three years. It's a big step for him!
He pulls out his entire savings – 150,000 yuan – wanting to give it to her as compensation. Classy move, but Linlin, knowing his mom's medical bills are piling up, refuses to take it. Zhao Xiaoman insists, so she accepts... only to immediately hand it back, telling him to use it for his mom. Aww! He's clearly touched by this. Xia Wanqing and Cheng Xu witness this whole exchange and look pretty pleased.
Naturally, this sparks debate among the onlookers (Ye Lang, Xia Wanqing, Li Lefan). Will these two actually get back together? Xia Wanqing is skeptical, thinking it's a definite "no," but Li Lefan isn't so sure. When Zhao Xiaoman and Linlin leave Destiny together, Ye Lang's feeling optimistic, thinking maybe there is a chance for reconciliation after all. We'll have to wait and see!
Operation: Rattle Zhang Shiqi
Meanwhile, Qin Tianyue and Feng Qingming decide it's time for some drastic measures with their client Zhang Shiqi. They opt for what they call "collapse therapy" – basically, shaking him out of his rigid mindset. Feng Qingming's mom helps find the perfect candidate for this: Fan Chuchu. This woman is... something else. She's a PhD, apparently from a decent family, but has a reputation for chasing off potential dates (reportedly 19 out of 21!).
And boy, does she live up to it. Her conversation with Zhang Shiqi is brutal. Even though she doesn't earn much herself (yet), her demands for a partner are incredibly high, and she has a knack for insulting people without actually swearing. Zhang Shiqi, predictably, can't handle it and storms off after just a few minutes. Feng Qingming, watching him leave completely flustered, feels like "Mission Accomplished." The therapy seems to be working – Zhang Shiqi got a serious reality check.
A Mermaid's Tale and a Change of Heart
Seeing her chance, Qin Tianyue goes to talk to Dong Jiajia. She knows Dong Jiajia has feelings for Zhang Shiqi and figures they just need a little push. She convinces Dong Jiajia to be proactive.
Next thing we know, Zhang Shiqi is invited to Dong Jiajia's workplace. He gets to see her incredible mermaid performance and learns just how demanding it is – apparently, the odds of becoming a professional mermaid performer are about 1 in 360, which, as someone points out, isn't exactly easier than getting a PhD! During the show, Dong Jiajia apologizes to him again (seems like there was previous friction).
This time, something clicks for Zhang Shiqi. He finally listens to his heart, waits for Dong Jiajia backstage after the show, and asks her out to dinner. She says yes! It looks like after all the drama and that disastrous setup, Zhang Shiqi has changed his tune about what he's looking for, and he and Dong Jiajia might finally get their happily ever after. About time!
Forced Family Fun & Other Dramas
Elsewhere, Qin Tianyue gets roped into a camping trip with Feng Qingming and his mom. This whole thing was orchestrated by the elders from both families, hoping to push Qin Tianyue and Feng Qingming closer together. The funny part? Neither Qin Tianyue nor Feng Qingming seems to pick up on the matchmaking vibe; they're just enjoying the rare chance to relax outdoors.
Back at the company, Xia Wanqing is holding down the fort and dealing with a particularly intense client. This woman is laser-focused on getting married and having kids, like, yesterday. She goes on a date with a boxing coach, Tang Rui, and things seem okay at first... until she whips out a pre-nuptial agreement and casually mentions wanting to get legally married next week and have a baby before the year is out. Tang Rui, understandably freaked out, makes a swift exit, leaving Xia Wanqing completely exasperated. You gotta feel for Xia Wanqing sometimes!
Finally, we get a little insight into Qin Tianyue's family dynamics. She's clearly frustrated with her father, who seems to let her mother do all the heavy lifting (literally, like carrying heavy bags). Qin Tianyue wants him to change, but she can't seem to make any headway, especially since her mom just goes along with it. It's an ongoing source of irritation for her.
And that's the scoop on Episode 27! Lots of relationship developments, some questionable therapy tactics, and the usual dose of workplace chaos. Can't wait to see what happens next!
