Episode Summary
Liu Yan is on the verge of securing a crucial investment for her new business but gives it all up when her friend, Li Zan, is brutally attacked by debt collectors. She rushes back to Gaya to care for him, straining her relationships with Wang Yang and Lu Tianchi in the process. By cleverly gaining the support of the influential Mr. Luo, she resolves Li Zan's troubles for good.
Spoiler Alert
Her Episode 13: A Choice Between Ambition and Loyalty
The episode opens with Wang Yang, who has returned home and sees his unique courtyard as the perfect spot for a shop. However, his girlfriend, Lin Fei, urges him to get back the money he previously lent to Liu Yan, as their wedding is approaching and they need the funds. Wang Yang is reluctant to pressure Liu Yan, knowing she's in the difficult early stages of starting her own business. The disagreement leads to a major fight between the couple.
Facing her own struggles, Liu Yan seeks advice from the resourceful Tang Shuangshuang. Meanwhile, Lu Tianchi waits anxiously at home for Liu Yan's return. News arrives from Li Zan, who excitedly announces he will be returning from abroad next month to help Liu Yan with her new shop.
Liu Yan hosts a tasting event at her courtyard shop for potential investors. Mr. Du, a guest, points out that the presentation of the main dishes is lacking for the market. Liu Yan explains that her menu is inspired by memories and emotions from her trip to Gaya. She then serves a special dessert, which impresses Mr. Du, and he expresses a clear intention to invest in her venture.
Elsewhere, a lovesick Lu Tianchi spends his days drinking. Tang Shuangshuang, who is now happily dating the charming Pierre, visits Lu Tianchi. She warns him that he needs to actively fight for Liu Yan or he will lose her for good. That night, Lu Tianchi drafts multiple messages to Liu Yan but, feeling they are inadequate, deletes them every time. Unbeknownst to him, Liu Yan, in Beijing, also finds herself staring at her phone, reminiscing about her time with him.
The next day, just as Liu Yan is about to sign the investment contract with Mr. Du, she receives a frantic call from Lu Tianchi. He had gone to Li Zan's house to find it dark with a broken lightbulb, and Li Zan was missing and unreachable. Lu Tianchi tells her that something terrible has happened to Li Zan.
Without hesitation, Liu Yan abandons the signing. Wang Yang, though deeply disappointed by the missed opportunity, understands her choice. As he sends her off, he sadly confronts her for always coming and going as she pleases without considering his feelings. Liu Yan apologizes sincerely before rushing off.
Arriving back in Gaya, Liu Yan is devastated to find Li Zan unconscious and severely injured in a hospital bed. She learns he was beaten by debt collectors. She desperately begs the doctors to save him.
Liu Yan stays by Li Zan’s side, nursing him back to health. On the day of his discharge, Tang Shuangshuang visits, mentioning her new, wealthy boyfriend could offer financial help. Liu Yan, however, is furious with Lu Tianchi for his role in the situation and throws him out.
Feeling immense guilt for the trouble he's caused, Li Zan gives Liu Yan his life savings, which includes a USB drive containing information he believes could be sold for a high price. To handle the debt collectors permanently, Liu Yan seeks help from a man known as Mr. Luo. Aware of his tastes and his rheumatism, she prepares him a special breakfast of youtiao (fried dough sticks). Her thoughtful gesture works, and she secures his help. Once the debt collectors learn that Mr. Luo is Li Zan's backer, they immediately retreat.
With Li Zan's crisis resolved, Liu Yan returns to the Highland Restaurant. Filled with a sense of release, she finds Philip and gives him a sound beating to settle old scores.
