Episode Summary
In this episode, Ying Tao and Jiang Qiaoxi's reunion deepens into a profound romance. They spend a day together that feels like a glimpse into a shared domestic future, culminating in them becoming intimate. Jiang Qiaoxi declares his intention to move back to Hongyang to be with her, a plan that meets resistance from his family. After an emotional farewell, the two begin a hopeful long-distance relationship.
Spoiler Alert
The episode picks up with Ying Tao dragging Jiang Qiaoxi along to help pick out a pair of glasses for Yu Qiao. Jiang Qiaoxi tries on several pairs, looking handsome in every single one, which leaves Ying Tao completely flustered and unable to make a decision. Jiang Qiaoxi then sincerely offers to buy the glasses himself as a thank-you to Yu Qiao for his comforting words in the past.
Feeling grateful to Yu Qiao as well—after all, she wouldn't have found Jiang Qiaoxi so quickly without him—Ying Tao asks Jiang Qiaoxi what he wants, offering to buy him a gift with her remaining money. His answer is both surprising and delightful: a set of pots and pans. He confesses that during their years apart, he constantly dreamed of cooking a delicious meal for her. The recipes are etched in his mind like mathematical formulas, just waiting for this day.
Their subsequent trip to the supermarket feels like a dream come true for Jiang Qiaoxi, a scene he has replayed in his mind countless times. At one counter, Ying Tao sees him pause and assumes he wants to buy cigarettes, generously giving him her permission. When Jiang Qiaoxi looks back at her, puzzled, she realizes the display is for condoms and blushes instantly.
They use the rest of their money to buy a houseplant, health supplements, and a bottle of red wine for his cousin and his wife. On the way back, Jiang Qiaoxi suddenly asks Ying Tao if she would be okay with him returning to Hongyang to attend university. He explains that he hasn't forgotten what he learned and is confident he can pass the college entrance exam again. He doesn't want to be separated from her any longer and wants to protect their relationship.
At his cousin's home, they are treated to a wonderful meal prepared by his cousin's wife. The atmosphere is warm and joyful. The cousin shares the good news that he'll be discharged from the hospital soon and is optimistic about collecting on old debts, believing their family's financial crisis is finally over. He advises Jiang Qiaoxi to quit his part-time job and focus on his future. However, when Jiang Qiaoxi brings up his idea of returning to Hongyang for school, his cousin strongly objects, arguing that while love is important, it needs to be supported by a solid career. Seeing his cousin's reaction, Jiang Qiaoxi quickly reassures him that he will think it over carefully and not act rashly.
Later, back at the rental apartment, Jiang Qiaoxi immediately puts on an apron and starts cooking for Ying Tao, who skillfully helps by washing vegetables and passing him seasonings. Their friend, Yin Ge, walks by and, seeing the cozy scene, teases them about acting like a married couple. Ying Tao invites him to join them for dinner, and he happily accepts, bringing a bottle of his treasured whiskey. After tasting the food, Yin Ge playfully scolds Jiang Qiaoxi for prioritizing his girlfriend over his friends. At Ying Tao's request, Yin Ge recounts how heartbroken Jiang Qiaoxi was when he first arrived, even crying while watching Titanic. He ends by sincerely telling them to cherish each other now that they've found one another again.
Late that night, lying in bed, Ying Tao and Jiang Qiaoxi are too excited to sleep. She whispers his name over and over, her voice filled with affection. He holds her hand tightly, telling her that the moment she first called his name was when he truly woke up from his daze, realizing he wasn't just someone's shadow but the one and only Jiang Qiaoxi. He thanks her deeply, calling her his "little sun" who illuminated his once-gloomy world.
They gaze into each other's eyes, their love palpable, and share an intimate moment. In the middle of the night, Ying Tao wakes up, her mind racing. She quietly calls Qin Yeyun to share her feelings. Her friend listens, feeling a mix of excitement and fear. Ying Tao earnestly advises her to find someone she truly loves, because then there is nothing to be afraid of.
The next day, unable to face a tearful goodbye, Ying Tao insists that Jiang Qiaoxi not see her off at the airport. They share a long, reluctant hug, and he promises to see her again soon, whether he ends up in Hongyang or stays at Hong Kong University. Ying Tao returns to her school, continuing to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. Meanwhile, when Yu Qiao receives a call from Ying Tao relaying Jiang Qiaoxi's gratitude, his mood is complicated. He makes an excuse about being busy studying for exams, telling her Jiang Qiaoxi should thank him in person. The episode closes with Ying Tao and Jiang Qiaoxi starting their sweet long-distance interactions, with her dorm mates finally getting to see the handsome Jiang Qiaoxi on a video call.
