Episode Summary
A confrontation from Lu Tianchi's past sours a date with Liu Yan, creating a rift between them. Later, a violent altercation with customers at work, combined with the immense pressure to protect the restaurant's future, pushes Liu Yan to make a drastic decision. She resolves to leave her life and friends behind and return to Beijing.
Spoiler Alert
"Her" Episode 11: An Unraveling
The episode begins with Lu Tianchi waiting to surprise Liu Yan after her shift. His playful scare is cut short when she shows him a bento box made by He Guangyuan, wondering aloud why his food is so expensive. Hearing it's from He Guangyuan, a jealous Lu Tianchi snatches the box and throws it away. Moments later, Liu Yan limps over to help some drunk patrons, carefully instructing them to be safe on their way. Witnessing this, Lu Tianchi's anger softens into concern; he carries her home, insisting she shouldn't risk helping customers so late at night.
The following day at the Highland Restaurant, the kitchen is bustling with activity. Matsuo prepares a special dish for everyone, but when the Head Chef tastes it, he immediately identifies a critical flaw: the fish broth was added all at once instead of gradually, preventing the flavors from being properly absorbed. He sternly lectures Matsuo. Later, Liu Yan steps in to help Matsuo prepare the staff meal. Their teamwork is seamless, and the resulting meal is a huge hit with the staff. The Head Chef tries it and walks away without a word, while He Guangyuan's satisfied expression shows his approval. Guessing Liu Yan was the mastermind behind the improved dish, he encourages her to be more bold and innovative in her cooking.
That evening, Lu Tianchi arranges a romantic dinner, sending a driver on a deliberately roundabout route to pick up Liu Yan. At the hotel, he runs into a former client who mercilessly mocks him over a case he lost five years prior concerning Tang Shuangshuang. The man accuses Lu Tianchi of failing to secure justice despite the other party twisting the facts. He condescendingly offers Lu Tianchi a bottle of wine, which Lu Tianchi angrily tries to return. The man leaves the wine anyway, provocatively telling him to give it to Tang Shuangshuang.
To Liu Yan's surprise, the car journey ends back at the Highland Restaurant. She feels awkward and uncomfortable, having dressed in sexy attire only to end up at her workplace. Still reeling from the earlier confrontation, Lu Tianchi is in a foul mood and begins criticizing the food. Unaware that her colleagues had prepared the meal with great care, Liu Yan is deeply hurt by his lack of appreciation and storms out.
In an attempt to apologize, Lu Tianchi decorates his law firm and prepares a candlelight dinner. However, just as Liu Yan is about to leave work, the Head Chef asks her to attend to some friends of his. While clearing their table, the two men begin to harass her. Though she tries to tolerate it for the sake of her job, she refuses to be humiliated and ends up injuring them before leaving.
When Liu Yan arrives at the law firm, Lu Tianchi notices blood on her hand. After he learns what happened, he is overcome with concern and escorts her home. The next day, the manager of Highland pleads with Liu Yan to drop the matter, explaining that any negative publicity could lead to the restaurant's closure. Furthermore, he reveals a critical secret: if Highland fails to win a diamond award within its third year, He Guangyuan will be forced to declare his mother's company bankrupt. With this being the crucial third year, the pressure is immense.
After careful consideration, Liu Yan decides to move back to Beijing. She asks Li Zan to return with her, but Li Zan insists on staying.
Liu Yan returns her borrowed clothes to Tang Shuangshuang and says her goodbyes. Tang Shuangshuang expresses her regret, believing Liu Yan is talented enough to open her own restaurant but is instead choosing to flee from the company's conflicts. While packing, Liu Yan tries to take a large photograph Lu Tianchi gave her, but it won't fit in her suitcase. She hangs it back on the wall as a memory. That night, she prepares bento boxes for one last meal and pays a full year's rent to solidify her decision to leave. Li Zan arrives with a lawyer's letter, assuring her that the assault incident can be resolved without issue, but Liu Yan's mind is made up.
