Episode Summary
Zhao Jiadi feels guilty about a failed mining deal but is supported by Fan Longquan. Meanwhile, Wei Jinghai is devastated by Li Zhijin's past rejection. Jiadi is recommended by Wang Qihan for a position at Jufeng Group, headed by Li Zhijin, as a way to help Fan Longquan. Fan Longquan also subtly praises Jiadi to Li Minxian. Jiadi, weighing his loyalties and potential alliances, agrees to the interview. Beforehand, he reconciles with Wu Dengke. The interview turns into a dramatic reunion as Jiadi realizes the CEO, Li Zhijin, is his past love, Fan Hua Si Jin, and they embrace. Wei Jinghai then learns from Xu Ziqi that she and Jiadi are supposedly a couple. Later, Shang Bao passionately confesses his love for Fang Jie, encouraged by Jiadi who arrives with Li Zhijin.
Spoiler Alert
First off, Zhao Jiadi is still feeling pretty down about the whole mining deal not panning out. You know how he is, always taking responsibility. But his buddy Fan Longquan? Cool as a cucumber. He’s not sweating it and even throws a big get-together, introducing Jiadi to his crew. Picture this: a lively dinner, everyone singing, just good vibes all around. It’s a nice moment of camaraderie before things inevitably get complicated again.
Meanwhile, Wei Jinghai is having a rough time. He’s caught in his feelings, replaying a painful memory of proposing a sham marriage to Li Zhijin, only to get shot down hard. She apparently told him she already had someone she loved. Ouch. That rejection sent him spiraling, and we see him pretty much hit rock bottom emotionally in his car. You gotta feel for the guy, even if his methods are questionable.
The next morning, Jiadi wakes up to a scene of passed-out partygoers, with only Fan Longquan standing alone, lost in thought. Jiadi, being the considerate guy he is, just quietly leaves him to it.
Now, here’s where the business intrigue kicks in. Li Minxian, a major player, needs someone to take over the Jufeng Group. He tasks his long-time partner, Wang Qihan, with finding the right person. And who does Wang Qihan recommend? None other than our guy, Zhao Jiadi, calling him the most outstanding candidate. Li Zhijin, who, as it turns out, poured her heart and soul into Jufeng, isn't just going to hand it over. She wants to meet Jiadi herself and plans to hit him with her toughest questions. Game on!
Wang Qihan then meets with Jiadi, laying it out straight: getting close to Li Minxian is the only real way to help Fan Longquan. That’s the motivation Jiadi needs. So, he agrees to meet with Li Zhijin, the CEO of Jufeng Capital.
In a parallel move, Fan Longquan himself goes to see Li Minxian. It’s a bit of a tense meeting, with Fan Longquan basically warning Li Minxian to keep things on the straight and narrow. Li Minxian, knowing Fan Longquan's reputation, assures him he won’t be shortchanged and even invites him for tea. During this chat, Fan Longquan puts in a good word for Zhao Jiadi, praising him to Li Minxian. It’s all about who you know, right?
Jiadi is still trying to piece things together. Why does Wang Qihan know Li Minxian? And why recommend him? He’s also weighing his options. Getting into the Nanshan Chamber of Commerce is a big goal, and Li Minxian could be key. But Fan Longquan’s integrity has made a big impression on him, and betraying that isn't an option. Plus, after that intense encounter with Wei Jinghai, Jiadi suspects there’s some ancient history between them and Jinhai. He’s worried about what will happen if he reveals his true identity. So many secrets and potential landmines!
Later, after a shower (gotta freshen up for big life changes!), Jiadi gets a call from Wu Dengke. And get this – Wu Dengke apologizes! Just like that, they bury the hatchet. It’s nice to see some fences mended.
Interview day arrives, and here’s the kicker: Zhao Jiadi has no idea that Li Zhijin, the CEO he’s about to meet, is actually Fan Hua Si Jin! The moment they see each other, it’s pure shock and realization. Li Zhijin, tears in her eyes, stands up and starts asking him questions – the exact same questions he’s answered before. And then, in front of all her employees, she just collapses into his arms. They share this incredibly emotional hug. Talk about a reunion!
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Wei Jinghai hears about what’s going down at Jufeng and heads over. He walks in just as Xu Ziqi is handing out wedding candies to the staff, announcing that she and Zhao Jiadi are officially a couple! Wait, what?! This is news to us, and probably to Li Zhijin too! The timing is just… wow.
That evening, Shang Bao is fuming about Fang Jie’s hesitant attitude. He can’t understand why she’s so worried if they have feelings for each other. Fang Jie’s hang-up is her past marriage and her son; she doesn’t want to mess up his life. Shang Bao, bless his heart, isn’t having it. He tells her that having been married before shouldn’t stop her from finding happiness again, unless she’s just playing games and doesn’t care about their relationship.
Right in the middle of this tense discussion, Zhao Jiadi walks in, holding hands with Li Zhijin! He introduces her to everyone. Inspired by the moment (or maybe just wanting to make a point), Shang Bao makes a heartfelt, public confession of his love for Fang Jie, promising he’s serious. Jiadi looks genuinely happy for them. Fang Jie, flustered and shy, escapes to the kitchen to cook. Jiadi nudges Shang Bao to go help her (smooth move, Jiadi!). Then, Li Zhijin, perhaps feeling the romantic vibes, playfully asks Jiadi to confess his love to her.
And that’s where Episode 18 leaves us! So much happened – a major career move for Jiadi, that jaw-dropping reunion with Li Zhijin, Wei Jinghai’s heartbreak, Xu Ziqi’s surprise announcement, and Shang Bao finally laying his heart on the line. What a whirlwind! We’re definitely going to need a week (or however long it takes for the next episode drop for these Chinese dramas!) to process all of this. The question on everyone's mind: what's the deal with Xu Ziqi, and how will this affect Jiadi and Zhijin's rekindled connection?
