Episode Summary
Episode 3 delves into the complicated relationships between Zhong Qingcheng, Chen Kaixi, and Kaixi's husband, Chen Mian. Through flashbacks, we see Qingcheng and Kaixi's past friendship. In the present, Qingcheng agrees to meet her top-gifting fan ("Bang Yi Da Ge"), who turns out to be Chen Mian. He confesses his feelings and desire for an affair. Meanwhile, Kaixi, alerted by Luoman, rushes to the hotel to confront them. The episode ends with a tense, unexpected encounter between Qingcheng and Kaixi in the hotel lobby after Qingcheng learns Chen Mian is married and Kaixi is on her way up.
Spoiler Alert
"Dear Enemy" Episode 3 Recap: Secrets, Lies, and Awkward Encounters
The episode kicks off with Zhong Qingcheng in a hotel bathroom, and as she stares into the mirror, we're whisked back in time. We see her and Chen Kaixi in a dance class, totally in sync, just two pals dancing their hearts out. After practice, Qingcheng casually asks Kaixi about Luoman's whereabouts, thinking Luoman was supposed to be there. Kaixi then gifts Qingcheng some fancy makeup – the kind all the A-list celebs use, which naturally gets Qingcheng pretty excited.
Seizing the moment, Kaixi pries into Qingcheng's "progress" with Zhou Musun. Turns out, after their last encounter, Musun did text Qingcheng, even asking her out for a private dinner. But Qingcheng isn't fooled; she could tell during that dinner that Musun was actually interested in Luoman. So, getting a text from him felt a bit shady, like he had ulterior motives. Qingcheng coolly tells Kaixi they're not really in touch, using the classic "I'm too young for a boyfriend" excuse. It's also during this chat that Qingcheng learns Kaixi's husband is named Chen Mian.
Later, Kaixi invites Qingcheng over to her place, and they cook together, with Qingcheng showering Kaixi with compliments. Suddenly, Qingcheng gets a WeChat message. Kaixi playfully assumes it's from Musun, but Qingcheng quickly makes an excuse and steps away. The message is actually from her "Bang Yi Da Ge" – her top-gifting fan from her livestreams. Qingcheng is definitely not looking to lose this guy who showers her with virtual gifts; in her eyes, he's way better than someone like Musun. We learn that Qingcheng isn't as naive as she might seem. From the moment she met Musun, she pegged him as a stingy guy and wasn't interested. This impression is partly because her own father was a similar type – always well-dressed but out chasing other women.
During one of Qingcheng's livestreams, this "Bang Yi Da Ge" suddenly starts spamming her with virtual "rockets" (expensive gifts). After an impressive display of generosity, he asks to meet in person. Qingcheng, not wanting to lose such a valuable supporter, agrees. And who does this top gifter turn out to be? None other than Chen Mian, Kaixi's husband! Chen Mian is quite talkative, and Qingcheng actually finds herself feeling a spark of attraction.
Snap back to the present! Qingcheng is in a car, on her way to a hotel to meet Chen Mian. This is the very moment Luoman witnessed, seeing Qingcheng and Chen Mian at the same hotel, which Luoman then reported to Kaixi with photographic evidence.
After seeing the photo from Luoman, a frantic Chen Kaixi rushes towards the hotel. Luoman, feeling a bit apprehensive, even asks Kaixi if she's absolutely sure she wants to go to the hotel and catch them in the act.
In the car, Kaixi's mind is racing, imagining all sorts of scenarios of Qingcheng in the hotel room with her husband, Chen Mian, getting cozy.
However, when Qingcheng enters the hotel room, it's not immediately what Kaixi might have pictured. Qingcheng tries to make small talk with Chen Mian. Eventually, Chen Mian lays his cards on the table: he confesses his feelings for Qingcheng and suggests they start an affair.
Meanwhile, Kaixi arrives at the hotel and meets Luoman in the lobby. Luoman is worried that if Kaixi storms in and exposes everything, the situation will be beyond repair. However, Kaixi clarifies that she's not looking to completely destroy everyone involved; her intention is more to make a bold move to warn them, a sort of tactic to scare them into compliance.
Back in the room, Qingcheng is stunned to hear Chen Mian admit he's married. The realization hits her: he's trying to put her in the position of a "Xiao San" (the other woman). She's furious, but also hesitant. Why? Because she doesn't want to lose her "Bang Yi Da Ge" and all those gifts. Seeing Qingcheng's lack of immediate outrage, Chen Mian gets bolder and hugs her from behind. Qingcheng wants to resist but is afraid of being too forceful.
Talk about timing! Just then, Chen Kaixi calls Chen Mian's phone. Qingcheng seizes the opportunity to break free. She catches a glimpse of Kaixi's name on Chen Mian's phone screen and quickly makes her exit. Chen Mian, clearly annoyed with his wife's call but hearing she's right there in the hotel lobby, knows he can't avoid her and goes down to meet her.
As Qingcheng takes the elevator down, the doors open, and who does she come face-to-face with? Chen Kaixi. The look on Qingcheng's face is a mixture of shock and utter bewilderment. Awkward doesn't even begin to cover it!
