Episode Summary
In this episode, the tangled threads of past traumas and present relationships are pulled tighter, leading to emotional confrontations and significant decisions for our main characters.
Spoiler Alert
"The Wonderful World" Episode 17: Spoilers
The story picks up with Shi Diandian bringing a very drunk Xu Tian home. He's distressed, not just by the alcohol, but by the changes she's made to his house, leaving only an old sink as a remnant of his past. His real panic sets in later that night when he can't find an old photograph. He calls Shi Diandian in a frenzy, and she realizes it's in her bag. Alarmed by his anger, she grabs a company car and speeds to his place.
During the drive, Shi Diandian is haunted by the photo—a picture of Xu Tian's mother with Jia Sulan. This image invariably brings Wen Xiaoyao to her mind, and consequently, the traumatic memory of the night Zhou Tong died, an event she witnessed firsthand. She finds Xu Tian vomiting on the side of the road, but their reunion is interrupted by a traffic cop who suspects Xu Tian of drunk driving.
While waiting for the police to check surveillance footage, which Shi Diandian insists will prove she was the one driving, the two have a heart-to-heart in the police car. Xu Tian admits he rarely drinks but felt so unsettled that he couldn't stop. Shi Diandian assumes he's upset about the photo because Jia Sulan is Wen Xiaoyao's mother, revealing her own insecurities. Xu Tian clarifies that his turmoil is about Zhou Tong, not Wen Xiaoyao. Realizing she was jealous and that he truly cares for her, he pulls her into a comforting embrace.
Cleared by the police, Xu Tian sends Shi Diandian back to her hotel. Meanwhile, Wen Xiaoyao is trying to reach Shi Diandian, but her calls from an unknown number go unanswered.
Elsewhere, other plans are set in motion. Zhao Gang begins teaching at the Guanwang Training Center, a move designed to impress Qiao Guanghui. He sends photos of the bustling center to Qiao Guanghui, hoping to secure the revival of the play "The Legend of the White Snake" and bring Wen Xiaoyao back from Hangzhou. Zhao Gang also has a poignant conversation with Song Guanwang about moving on from Zhou Tong's death, advising that while letting go is a choice, one must not remain stagnant in life. He reveals he's heading to Hangzhou to bring Wen Xiaoyao back.
In the dance world, Yang Yun has choreographed a new piece for Qiao Mi called "Jin Se," focusing on the complex sisterly bond between the characters Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing.
The episode culminates as Xu Tian drives Shi Diandian to the airport. On the way, she spontaneously proposes that they register for marriage upon her return in three days, and he readily agrees. To gauge his true feelings, she initiates a word game with "lucky" and "unlucky." His answers, both mentioning Beijing, make her realize that a trip to the capital is still weighing heavily on his mind.
At the same time, Wen Xiaoyao, visiting Leifeng Pagoda to remember her mother, receives a video of the "Jin Se" dance from Qiao Mi. This prompts her to try calling Shi Diandian one last time. Shi Diandian, just about to turn off her phone on the plane, picks up. The moment she hears it's about Wen Xiaoyao, a sense of dread washes over her, leaving viewers on a tense cliffhanger.
