Episode Summary
Qin Tianyue's parents try to set her up with Feng Qingming using a fake plumbing emergency, but she sees through it. Meanwhile, Miao Miao and Liu Yuhui's date is interrupted by his heroism, but they share a sweet moment. The main drama revolves around Chen Meishu and Bai Cheng's budding romance, which faces strong opposition from Bai Cheng's son, Bai Jiang, primarily over financial concerns and inheritance. This leads to a disastrous dinner and a subsequent tense meeting where Bai Jiang demands Chen Meishu and Bai Cheng sign legal documents waiving certain rights, causing Chen Meishu to storm out. Feng Qingming, initially supportive of his mother's relationship, becomes furious at Bai Jiang's treatment of her. Separately, Liu Yuhui tries to break up with Miao Miao, fearing his dangerous job will bring her pain, after his colleague dies in the line of duty. However, Miao Miao, upon learning the truth, reaffirms her commitment to him, and they reconcile.
Spoiler Alert
Parental Guidance? More Like Parental Scheming!
First off, Qin Tianyue's parents decided to pay her a visit, and let's just say their methods for matchmaking are... creative. Mom, Meng Laoshi, showed up with a peace offering of food (a classic!), while Dad took a more hands-on approach by, get this, sabotaging the bathroom plumbing. His grand master plan? To get Feng Qingming over to "fix" the mess, thereby manufacturing some quality time between him and Qin Tianyue. Super subtle, Dad.
Of course, Qin Tianyue saw right through their little charade and wasn't shy about calling them out. This, predictably, sent her father into a huff. He dramatically declared that if she was going to be like that, then fine, she should just end up with Feng Qingming! Then he stormed off, leaving Qin Tianyue completely baffled. Ah, parents!
A Seaside Date and a Dash of Heroism
In much sweeter news, Miao Miao and Liu Yuhui had a date that started off idyllically. Liu Yuhui, however, had to abruptly ditch Miao Miao mid-date to chase down a thief. But Miao Miao, being the understanding sweetheart she is, wasn't fazed. She even thoughtfully packed him some BBQ skewers. The two later enjoyed their impromptu meal by the sea, sharing a perfectly blissful moment under the stars. You just love to see it!
The Elders' Romance Hits a Major Snag
Now, for the main event: the drama surrounding Bai Cheng and Chen Meishu. Bai Cheng officially joined the local senior choir, where Chen Meishu just happens to be the conductor. The way he looks at her? Pure adoration. After a rehearsal, he decided to invite Chen Meishu for a meal, along with his son, Bai Jiang, who had rushed in from Beijing after hearing about his father's new romantic interest.
Chen Meishu, understandably wanting to keep her budding relationship with Bai Cheng under wraps from her own son, Feng Qingming, for the time being, brought Qin Tianyue along for support. She even introduced Qin Tianyue as her "future daughter-in-law" – no pressure, Tianyue!
Things took a turn at the dinner when Bai Cheng announced his intention to marry Chen Meishu, complete with a marriage certificate. This is where Bai Jiang slammed the brakes. He suggested that maybe they should just live together as companions, questioning the need for official documentation, especially when property could become a complicated issue down the line. (Alarm bells, anyone?)
Chen Meishu was visibly upset. Qin Tianyue, trying to mediate, argued that not formalizing their union wouldn't be proper for an elderly couple living together. Bai Jiang, however, dismissed her opinion, belittling her profession as a marriage consultant and claiming she didn't understand the nuances of romance in later life. Ouch. Chen Meishu had to step in and put an end to the increasingly uncomfortable conversation, and the dinner ended on a decidedly sour note.
Feng Qingming: From Clueless Son to Furious Protector
Back at the office, Feng Qingming noticed his colleagues, including Qin Tianyue, were missing. Ye Lang, with his unfortunate tendency for loose lips, accidentally let it slip that Qin Tianyue was with Chen Meishu and Bai Cheng. Initially, Feng Qingming was surprisingly supportive, thinking it was great that his mom was finding happiness.
However, when he got home and found Chen Meishu visibly distressed, his teasing about her new "old man" quickly turned serious as she recounted the entire disastrous dinner with Bai Jiang. The next day, Feng Qingming was a man on a mission. He stormed into the office, furious with everyone for keeping his mother's relationship a secret and for allowing Bai Jiang to upset her.
Qin Tianyue managed to pull him aside. Though he was initially angry with her too, she cleverly pointed out that if he hadn't been dragging his feet in his own love life, Chen Meishu might not have felt the need to keep her relationship so quiet, and this whole mess could have been avoided. She urged him that now, the priority was to find a solution.
The Mediation Attempt Goes Sideways... Again
Taking charge, Qin Tianyue accompanied Feng Qingming to meet Bai Cheng. To his credit, Bai Cheng apologized sincerely to Feng Qingming for the distress caused and pleaded with Qin Tianyue to help him reconnect with Chen Meishu, who had understandably blocked his number.
Bai Cheng's earnestness seemed to win over Feng Qingming, who then managed to persuade his mother to give Bai Cheng another chance. So, another meeting was arranged, this time with Feng Qingming present. While Bai Jiang offered a reluctant apology to Chen Meishu and agreed to the marriage, he then produced legal documents: a waiver of inheritance rights and a gift agreement that he expected Bai Cheng and Chen Meishu to sign. Feng Qingming was completely bewildered, wondering how this involved him.
Bai Jiang didn't mince words. He stated bluntly that these measures were to protect the family's assets from Feng Qingming, whom he viewed as unmarried, with a mediocre job, and potentially a "ken lao" (a term for an adult who still relies financially on their parents).
This was the last straw for Chen Meishu. Fiercely protective of her son, she lambasted Bai Jiang for his disrespectful assumptions and stormed out, Feng Qingming in tow.
A Relationship on the Brink, Saved by Understanding
Meanwhile, Miao Miao's world was rocked when she met Liu Yuhui again, only for him to gravely state that due to the demanding nature of his work, he wouldn't be able to provide for a family and that they should break up. He left before she could even respond.
Concerned about Chen Meishu after the latest blow-up, Qin Tianyue brought her some homemade wontons, a gesture that did manage to lift her spirits a little.
But back to Miao Miao: heartbroken but resolute, she sought help from Qin Tianyue's agency, Si Dini, determined not to give up on Liu Yuhui. Investigations by Li Lefan and Cheng Xu revealed the tragic reason behind Liu Yuhui's sudden decision. Just the previous week, his colleague had been killed in the line of duty while protecting Liu Yuhui. Witnessing the profound grief of his colleague's wife, Liu Yuhui became terrified of potentially putting Miao Miao through a similar ordeal, opting for what he thought was a less painful, quick break.
Armed with this devastating new information, Miao Miao found Liu Yuhui. She told him she understood the risks associated with his job and that, far from being deterred, she was incredibly proud to be his girlfriend. Liu Yuhui was deeply moved, and the two reconciled, their bond strengthened by the ordeal.
Phew! Episode 35 certainly didn't hold back on the drama, did it? From meddling parents to romantic hopes nearly dashed by family interference, and a relationship crisis averted by courage and empathy. It leaves us wondering how Chen Meishu and Bai Cheng will ever overcome the Bai Jiang hurdle, and if Feng Qingming will finally take some of Qin Tianyue's relationship advice to heart! What were your biggest moments from this jam-packed episode?
