Episode Summary

In this episode, Xu Tian begins an earnest and eccentric courtship of Shi Diandian after a chance meeting where he learns of her selective amnesia. His direct approach, including waiting for her all night, begins to pique her interest. Concurrently, the conflict at the ballet troupe escalates as former director Zhao Gang clashes with his replacement, Yang Yun, over the artistic direction of the new ballet, "Jin Se." The confrontation, fueled by Song Guanwang's well-intentioned but clumsy intervention, leaves Zhao Gang feeling sidelined and humiliated, pushing him closer to a forced retirement.

Spoiler Alert

"The Wonderful World" Episode 25 Spoilers

A chance encounter brings two people together while deepening fractures threaten to shatter a ballet troupe. In the latest installment, Xu Tian's world collides with Shi Diandian's, sparking an unusual and persistent courtship, while backstage, the drama at the ballet company reaches a boiling point.

The episode opens with Shi Diandian taking a break on a park bench, struggling to open a water bottle. Xu Tian seizes the opportunity to sit beside her and, with her permission, helps her open it. He assures her he isn't a bad person, and she explains that she has a peculiar form of amnesia: she can selectively forget people or events that have caused her pain. Intrigued, Xu Tian asks her how it works. After their chat, she asks for directions to the Park Avenue Community, and Xu Tian, hoping to leave a good impression, introduces himself properly before they part ways.

Meanwhile, tensions are high at the ballet troupe's rehearsal for a new piece called "Jin Se." With the former director, Zhao Gang, watching from the audience, the lead dancers Yang Yun and Qiao Mi struggle to perfect their movements. Song Guanwang joins Zhao Gang, wanting to understand what it feels like to be isolated. The atmosphere sours when Wen Xiaoyao returns to the stage, only to be berated by Yang Yun. Wen Xiaoyao protests that she had approved her absence with the director, but Yang Yun snaps back that she is the one in charge now.

This proves to be the final straw for Zhao Gang. He rises from his seat and delivers a blistering critique, explaining why the performance lacks soul. He reminds them that their previous success, "The Legend of the White Snake," was powerful because the actors truly understood the story's tragic romance. "Jin Se," however, is about sisterly love, a bond he claims Yang Yun and Qiao Mi clearly do not share in real life. He declares that dance is not about physical strength but an art form derived from life, and abruptly cancels the rehearsal.

Yang Yun is indignant, but Song Guanwang sides with the old director, lecturing her and her supporter, Yin Ye, on the importance of respecting their elders. He warns that if she is to replace Zhao Gang, she must do the job properly. This public defense, however, only makes Zhao Gang feel that Song Guanwang has completely undermined his authority, and he storms out of the theater in anger. Later, Song Guanwang finds Zhao Gang packing up his office. He follows the distraught man to the rooftop, trying to console him by explaining that retirement is a natural and unavoidable part of life, suggesting he could still contribute his vast experience as a mentor from the sidelines.

Elsewhere, Xu Tian's quest to find Shi Diandian leads him to call Wen Xiaoyao for her address. Hearing his voice, Qiao Guanghui—Wen Xiaoyao's and Qiao Mi's father—insists on having a drink with him, but Xu Tian is too focused on his new mission. After getting the information he needs, Xu Tian begins his quirky pursuit. He intercepts a food delivery meant for Shi Diandian and brings it to her door himself. After ringing the bell, he gets nervous and does a few squats in the stairwell. Shi Diandian finds his behavior amusing and asks why he's following her. Xu Tian confesses it was love at first sight.

Though Shi Diandian tells him she isn't looking for a relationship, Xu Tian suggests they can just be friends. He then calls her to announce he won't be leaving, vowing to wait downstairs all night just to be the first person to greet her in the morning.

As the night wears on, Shi Diandian repeatedly peeks out her window to see Xu Tian still there, exercising to stay warm. When she can no longer see him, she worries he has left and goes downstairs to check. She finds him sheltering from the wind, and he rushes to meet her. She asks him about his previous girlfriend, and Xu Tian speaks of his ex with high praise. Shi Diandian suggests that if he still has such strong feelings, he should try to reconcile with his ex. But Xu Tian is resolute, insisting he wants a fresh start with her. Watching their heartfelt conversation from a distance, Wen Xiaoyao is overcome with a profound sense of loneliness.