Episode Summary
Luo Man navigates her confusing relationship with Zhou Musun while her close friendship with director Jiang Ya, who has a crush on Zhong Qingcheng, causes misunderstandings and jealousy. Zhong Qingcheng faces trouble from thugs due to her roommate, leading Luo Man to offer her a place to stay. Meanwhile, Chen Kaixi ditches her expensive "emotional counselor." Luo Man and Zhou Musun's relationship deepens as he introduces her to a close friend and opens up to her, despite his jealousy over her bond with Jiang Ya. The episode ends with their connection growing stronger after resolving a minor conflict.
Spoiler Alert
So, we kick off with Luo Man and Chen Kaixi doing what we all do – complaining about how complicated life gets when you grow up. They're even at that stage where they need each other to bail them out of awkward social situations with a handy excuse. Relatable, right?
Luo Man has this dinner planned with Director Jiang Ya and Zhong Qingcheng. Before Zhong Qingcheng arrives, Luo Man tries to corner Jiang Ya, basically asking him, "Hey, what are the odds of me and Zhou Musun actually becoming a thing?" because, honestly, she's as confused about their status as we are. Jiang Ya, ever the director, dodges the question, saying he's more into directing scripts than real-life drama. Smooth, Jiang Ya, real smooth. Luo Man wants to press him, but Zhong Qingcheng shows up, and the topic shifts. During dinner, Jiang Ya is clearly trying to vibe with Zhong Qingcheng, and Luo Man, bless her observant heart, totally picks up on his crush. Turns out, it's Jiang Ya's birthday! So, Luo Man and Zhong Qingcheng celebrate with him, and the easy banter between Luo Man and Jiang Ya shows they're pretty tight.
On the way back, nature calls for Jiang Ya, but he’s too embarrassed to say he needs a bathroom. Zhong Qingcheng, being super perceptive, pretends she wants to show them her place to "experience the life of the common folk." Jiang Ya jumps at the chance. Smart lady!
But hold up, as soon as they get to Zhong Qingcheng's door, they're ambushed! Zhong Qingcheng knows Jiang Ya is desperate for the loo and, facing down these threatening dudes, she coolly makes an excuse and hustles Luo Man and Jiang Ya inside. First thing she does? Points Jiang Ya straight to the bathroom. Luo Man is seriously impressed by Zhong Qingcheng's ability to read people because she had no idea Jiang Ya was about to burst.
Meanwhile, remember Chen Kaixi? She's back at her "emotional counselor," but things get complicated. The counselor says her situation needs an "emotional supervisor" (whatever that is) and, surprise, it's gonna cost nearly another 100,000! Chen Kaixi is like, "Yeah, no, this is a money pit," and decides not to re-up. Good call, girl.
Back at Zhong Qingcheng's, the guys "blocking the door" are demanding a watch. Zhong Qingcheng insists she never took any watch. Just then, Chen Kaixi calls Luo Man, and Luo Man, quick thinker, starts a video call, showing Chen Kaixi (and us, kinda) what's going down. Jiang Ya finally emerges from the bathroom, and the thugs recognize him! They threaten to expose some dirt on him to pressure Zhong Qingcheng into giving up the watch. Suddenly, Zhong Qingcheng isn't so tough; she’s all damsel in distress, begging them. But then the thugs spot Luo Man filming. With video evidence in play, Zhong Qingcheng gets her backbone back, and the goons have no choice but to scram.
After the thugs leave, Zhong Qingcheng's roommate comes home, and Luo Man has a "Wait a minute!" moment. It's the same woman she saw with Zhou Musun at the cinema! Turns out, the roommate had used Zhong Qingcheng's name, and that's why the thugs were after her. Zhong Qingcheng was planning to move out anyway. Drama!
Worried for her friend, Luo Man takes Zhong Qingcheng back to her place. So now it's Luo Man, Chen Kaixi, and Zhong Qingcheng having a girls' night, drinking and chatting – you know how it is.
The next day, Luo Man is explaining a script concept when her colleagues spot some photos on their phones: Luo Man and Jiang Ya looking pretty chummy. Apparently, they're so casual and close that they don't really pay attention to how their interactions might look to others, leading to gossip. Perfect timing, Zhou Musun messages Luo Man, asking to meet that evening.
During dinner with Zhou Musun, Jiang Ya calls again – he's got a super tricky script and needs Luo Man's help, like, ASAP. Seeing Luo Man is determined to go, Zhou Musun insists on driving her. Luo Man and Jiang Ya end up discussing the script super late. Zhou Musun, waiting around, tries the classic "my phone's about to die" excuse to get Luo Man to leave with him. But Luo Man is committed and tells him to head off first. When she finally finishes, she steps out to find Zhou Musun still waiting for her. Cue the warm fuzzies – she's genuinely happy.
However, Zhou Musun is clearly a bit jealous of her super-close, no-boundaries relationship with Jiang Ya and asks her to dial back her interactions with him. This sparks a little argument, and Luo Man gets upset. But then, Zhou Musun pulls out a heat pack he’d bought for her earlier. Just like that, her anger melts away, and she's touched. The next day, when Luo Man has to go help Jiang Ya again, Zhou Musun is visibly reluctant but won't admit he's jealous. Oh, these two!
Luo Man brings up a good point: they haven't really met each other's friends. So, Zhou Musun introduces her to a very close buddy of his, someone who's apparently helped him a lot. Luo Man is pretty surprised by this. Later that evening, while they're on a walk, Zhou Musun really opens up to Luo Man, and it feels like their relationship just leveled up.
