Episode Summary
Luo Man's father is diagnosed with a possible lung cancer, sending her scrambling for a specialist and money. She reconnects with Chen Kaixi, who reveals she's pregnant but is later disappointed when Chen Mian misses her prenatal appointment. Luo Man struggles to get a hospital appointment, eventually succeeding with possible help from Zhou Musun. Facing financial ruin after her script is cut, Luo Man finds comfort and support from Zhou Musun, who reappears in her life. Her father, sensing the severity of his illness, gives her a list of family contacts, deeply upsetting her. The episode ends with Luo Man inviting Zhou Musun to visit her father in the hospital.
Spoiler Alert
Luo Man's World Gets Shaken
The episode kicks off with Luo Man heading home, probably hoping for a chill reunion with her folks and maybe, just maybe, a break from the marriage pressure. But nope, life throws a massive curveball. She finds out her dad has a shadow on his lung – and the C-word (cancer) is hanging heavy in the air. Talk about a gut punch. On the slight upside, this terrifying news does make her parents ease up on the whole "you need to get married NOW" talk. Silver linings, right?
Luo Man, bless her heart, tries to be the strong one for her dad, but inside, she's scrambling. She needs to find a top-notch doctor, like, yesterday. The problem? Her medical contacts are MIA. This forces her to make a tough call: reaching out to Chen Kaixi. Now, remember, Luo Man and Kaixi are currently on the outs, big time. But with her dad's health on the line, Luo Man swallows her pride and asks Kaixi if she can help connect her with Fang Chi (who we assume is a doctor or knows the right people).
Friendship, Pregnancy, and a No-Show Dad
To Chen Kaixi's credit, she doesn't rub salt in the wound. Instead of giving Luo Man the third degree, she's surprisingly comforting. It's in this moment of vulnerability, away from her parents, that Luo Man finally lets her guard down and you see how terrified she really is. Kaixi even takes her out for cold drinks (a classic comfort move!) and drops some big news of her own: she's pregnant! Luo Man is genuinely happy for her, which is a sweet moment amidst all the chaos.
Later, Kaixi shares the baby news with Chen Mian. He's over the moon, already dreaming of a daughter and making plans to go with Kaixi to the first prenatal check-up. So far, so good, right? Wrong. When the appointment day rolls around, Chen Mian is a no-show. Kaixi ends up at the hospital all by herself, surrounded by happy couples, feeling understandably heartbroken and alone. Ouch, Chen Mian, that's a bad look. While she's there, Luo Man calls, still desperate to get in touch with Fang Chi.
The Specialist Hunt and a Mysterious Helper
Luo Man is in full-on crisis mode trying to snag an appointment with a specialist for her dad, but it's like trying to get tickets to a sold-out concert – impossible. She calls Fang Chi, who unfortunately doesn't know the exact specialist Luo Man needs but gives her a pro tip: the head doctor, Director Fang, releases a few extra consultation slots on the day of his clinic, but you have to be there super early to queue.
So, Luo Man drags herself out of bed at the crack of dawn, fights off sleep, and manages to get one of those coveted spots! She initially thinks Fang Chi pulled some strings, but Fang Chi hints that it might have been Zhou Musun who helped her out. Dun dun dun!
This leads Luo Man to call Zhou Musun. Instead of any awkwardness or blame, he's all concern and kindness. And that, folks, is the straw that breaks the camel's back. All the stress, exhaustion, guilt, and fear just come pouring out, and Luo Man completely breaks down. It's a raw, much-needed cry.
Money Troubles and Desperate Measures
As if a sick parent isn't enough, Luo Man and her family are also dealing with a serious cash crunch. They just bought a house and put down a hefty payment, so funds are low. To scrape together money for her dad's treatment, Luo Man is writing scripts like her life depends on it – even tapping away on her laptop in the hospital hallway whenever she gets a spare moment. That's dedication.
Then, more bad news: the doctor says her dad's condition isn't great and he needs to be hospitalized immediately. Luo Man doesn't hesitate, agreeing right away. But just as she's about to sort out the medical fees, she gets another blow: the script she was working on got axed. Her main source of income? Gone. Just like that. You really feel for her here; the poor woman can't catch a break.
Side Stories: A Thank You Dinner and a Surprising Offer
Meanwhile, in a little side plot, Zhong Qingcheng invites Jiang Ya for dinner to thank him for his help (details of which weren't super clear, but he helped her with something!). Jiang Ya notices her living situation isn't the best and suggests she move in with him. Whoa there, Jiang Ya! Zhong Qingcheng is understandably hesitant.
Rock Bottom and a Glimmer of Hope
Back to Luo Man, who is now officially desperate. With no income, she's making frantic calls, trying to get paid for past work or find any new gig she can. Fang Chi happens to see her in this state of distress, looking completely lost.
Just when it seems like things can't get any worse, Zhou Musun appears at the hospital entrance. For Luo Man, it's like a lifeline. Seeing him gives her a renewed sense of strength, and they share a heartfelt embrace. She ends up going back to his place that night, and he's a total sweetheart, comforting her and just being there for her.
The next day, Luo Man is visiting her dad. He takes her to a garden bench outside the hospital and hands her a piece of paper. On it? A list of relatives' contact information. It's a quiet, devastating moment, heavily implying he's preparing for the worst. Luo Man is, understandably, crushed, and the tears start flowing again.
Just then, Zhou Musun shows up to see Luo Man, laden with supplements and her favorite snacks (good man!). As he's about to leave, Luo Man, probably thinking about her father's unspoken wishes and maybe his earlier help, asks Zhou Musun if he'd come with her to visit her dad.
