Episode Summary
Episode 11 follows Chen Kaixi as she decides to become a food blogger, supported by her friends Luo Man and Zhong Qingcheng. Initial filming for her second video leads to a creative disagreement between Qingcheng and the photographer, which Luo Man diplomatically resolves. Luo Man experiences a happy reunion with Zhou Musun, though a later outing leads to an uncomfortable encounter with his ex-girlfriend. Kaixi learns that her friend Li Wei'an is facing difficulties and is also privately dealing with her own recent breakup with Chen Mian, which she keeps from Luo Man. The episode highlights new beginnings, the complexities of relationships, and the quiet burdens of adulthood.
Spoiler Alert
Kaixi's Got a New Groove (and Maybe a New Career!)
So, our girl Chen Kaixi is feeling herself! She proudly shows off this video of her playing the cello to Zhong Qingcheng, and Qingcheng is super impressed, maybe even a little jelly. Riding high on this confidence boost, Kaixi starts dreaming of launching her own business. Luo Man, ever the pragmatist, gently reminds her that the entrepreneurial road is paved with potential family objections and other hurdles.
Kaixi, needing some direction, asks Luo Man for ideas. Luo Man throws out a couple, and Qingcheng chimes in, suggesting Kaixi build her own brand – imagine, her own major jewelry line! Sounds glamorous, but they all know it's a high-risk, high-reward game. Then, in a classic lightbulb moment, the family's nanny asks Kaixi for some cooking tips, and Kaixi rattles off complex instructions like she’s a seasoned chef. This sparks an idea for Luo Man: Kaixi should totally become a food blogger! It’s right in her wheelhouse, and Kaixi is immediately on board. Luo Man and Qingcheng, being the awesome friends they are, jump right in to help her get set up, even finding a photographer.
Kaixi whips up her first food video and later that night, shares it with Chen Mian. He’s super supportive and even offers some genuinely helpful suggestions.
Romance in the Air for Luo Man
Meanwhile, Luo Man is burning the midnight oil, deep in scriptwriting mode. She gets a text from Zhou Musun and figures he's still away on his business trip, not due back until the next day. Surprise! He’s actually waiting downstairs for her right then. Luo Man practically flies down the stairs, and they share an adorable, heartfelt hug. Cue the "awws".
The next day, Kaixi and Luo Man are texting, both practically glowing and gushing to each other about how happy they are.
Creative Clashes and Diplomatic Wins
As Kaixi starts filming her second food video, a little on-set drama brews. Zhong Qingcheng and the photographer have a major difference of opinion on the filming style. Qingcheng thinks the footage is, frankly, a bit of a snoozefest and could put viewers to sleep. The photographer, not taking kindly to critique from someone he deems a non-professional, gets defensive and storms off.
Luo Man steps in. After watching the video, she agrees it’s not quite hitting the mark. However, with her signature diplomacy, she talks to the photographer, choosing her words carefully and making sure to highlight how much effort Qingcheng has been putting in. This approach actually helps to smooth things over and changes the photographer's perspective on Qingcheng.
Later, while out with her child, Kaixi bumps into some other wealthy wives. She hears some unsettling news that her friend, Li Wei'an, is going through a really tough time, which leaves Kaixi quite worried.
Awkward Encounters and Unspoken Truths
Date night for Luo Man and Zhou Musun! He takes her to a super fancy Western restaurant, but Luo Man’s outfit… well, it’s a little out of step with the upscale ambiance. While other women are decked out in evening gowns, some quite revealing, Luo Man is dressed much more conservatively, almost in athleisure wear. Bless Zhou Musun, though; he doesn’t seem to think she looks out of place at all.
Later, Luo Man and Kaixi hit the spa for some pampering. Luo Man finishes her treatment first and is waiting outside. The spa is conducting a survey, but the pen the attendant gives her is out of ink. Just then, a woman nearby offers her a pen. Luo Man looks up and—plot twist!—it’s Zhou Musun’s ex-girlfriend. Talk about an awkward moment!
Luo Man starts picking up on a vibe from Kaixi, sensing she’s not her usual happy self. The heartbreaking truth, which the audience learns (possibly through Yue Hao's reaction, as he's also shocked to hear it), is that Chen Mian actually broke up with Kaixi the previous night. This is a huge blow, especially since Kaixi had been so incredibly devoted to Chen Mian, supporting him unconditionally through everything. No one saw this split coming. Kaixi, however, is trying to put on a brave face and doesn’t plan on burdening Luo Man with her sorrow just yet.
Luo Man deeply empathizes with what Kaixi must be feeling. It gets her reflecting on how growing up often means shouldering heavy burdens silently. As kids, you can just say what’s on your mind, but adulthood often comes with the price of bottling things up. This even brings back a memory from the previous night for Luo Man: Zhou Musun was leaving early, and though Luo Man wanted to sleep in, he insisted she leave with him, apparently not wanting anyone else in his apartment. Hmm, interesting….
