Episode Summary
In this episode, a tense dinner leads to Li Jinyu's jealousy. After learning that Ye Meng secretly cared for his goldfish, he rushes to confess his feelings. They officially become a couple, sharing their first kiss and a day of babysitting. The episode concludes with them on a rooftop, clearing up misunderstandings about their past relationships, solidifying their trust in one another.
Spoiler Alert
Deep Affection Eyes: Episode 8 Spoilers
The episode kicks off with a tense dinner. Although Cheng Kairan and Li Jinyu don't speak directly to Ye Meng, a subtle battle of words ensues. Dr. Gao passive-aggressively praises younger men, which Cheng Kairan immediately refutes. Fang Ya'en, annoyed by Cheng Kairan's comments, starts arguing with him, turning the dinner into a full-blown "debate on dating philosophies."
After the meal, Ye Meng's ex, Chen Jian, appears outside the restaurant. Under the guise of visiting his child, he's really there to show off his new car and mock Ye Meng for being picky. To his surprise, the entire group bands together and shuts him down. The group then moves the party to Jubaoshi Bar. There, Li Jinyu sees Dr. Gao trying to get close to Ye Meng. In a bid to win her attention, Li Jinyu gets on stage and sings the same song that Ye Meng once sang for him.
Despite his efforts, Ye Meng isn't ready to forgive him completely. She is frustrated with his hot-and-cold behavior—his desire to be close paired with a fear that holds him back—and she's tired of investing her energy in it. The next morning, they run into each other at a breakfast spot, where Li Jinyu overhears Ye Meng on a voice call, making plans to go to the beach with someone, leaving him feeling jealous.
Later, Li Jinyu learns a crucial piece of information from Qiao Maimai: Ye Meng had secretly asked Qiao Maimai to regularly care for his goldfish, ensuring it got fresh water and sunlight to treat its black spot disease. This revelation makes Li Jinyu cast aside all his reservations. He rushes to the beach where Ye Meng was supposed to be, but she's nowhere in sight. Just as he's feeling dejected, she appears behind him. Gathering all his courage, Li Jinyu confesses his feelings for her.
That night, Ye Meng tests his commitment by having him chase her electric scooter on his bicycle. Her scooter unexpectedly runs out of battery, and Li Jinyu ends up taking her home. Once there, he initiates a kiss, and for a moment, their hearts are in sync. However, the intimate moment is cut short by Li Jinyu's nervousness.
On their first official day as a couple, Li Jinyu transitions from an hourly gardener to Ye Meng's free, full-time one, helping her plant and water flowers. He blushes when she teases him. Ye Meng feels a bit regretful about giving him the sick goldfish and takes him to buy a new fish tank.
Just as they are about to go on a date, they get a call for help from Fang Ya'en. Chen Jian is on his way to her shop, and she needs them to look after his son, Chen Jiayu. Ye Meng and Li Jinyu take the boy to an amusement park, where they run into Wang Sisi, the sad little girl Li Jinyu had once comforted at the hospital. Wang Sisi is unhappy because she dislikes school and feels neglected by her mother, who is focused on work and her younger brother. To help her, Li Jinyu suggests a game where she can wear a mask to express her true feelings to her parents. They spend time painting masks with the two children until Wang Sisi's mother arrives.
After Cheng Kairan picks up Chen Jiayu, Ye Meng and Li Jinyu finally get some time alone. They sit together on a rooftop, watching the sunset. Ye Meng opens up about her past, clarifying that she has had three ex-boyfriends, but Gou Kai was never one of them. She notes that Li Jinyu seems particularly bothered by Gou Kai.
Li Jinyu explains that he and Gou Kai were classmates and rivals. With the issue of an old photo still unresolved, his jealousy lingered. However, after Ye Meng's explanation, he chooses to trust her. When she asks about his own romantic history, he admits his "relationship" with Jiang Luzhi was fake; he only pretended to date her to satisfy his grandmother and had only met her once. With all misunderstandings cleared, they are both relieved, laughing and talking freely.
