Episode Summary
Wang Yang's arrival in Gaya creates a tense love triangle as he clashes with Lu Tianchi and Li Zan. He desperately tries to convince his childhood friend, Liu Yan, to return to Beijing with him, while Lu Tianchi and Li Zan conspire to make her stay. The conflict escalates through a series of misunderstandings and arguments. Ultimately, Lu Tianchi secures Liu Yan's position in Gaya by having her sign a binding work contract, forcing a heartbroken Wang Yang to return home alone. Liu Yan confirms her main goal is to find Jiang Fang.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 8: A Tug of War for Liu Yan
The episode opens with a warm flashback to the childhood of Wang Yang and Liu Yan. We see them as inseparable playmates, getting into mischief together—from scratching a car to playfully scaring people as ghosts. As they grew, Wang Yang, always full of life, would tell Liu Yan an endless stream of interesting proverbs he'd heard, and she would listen intently, her clear laughter ringing out.
In the present, the two are seen sparring on a playground, their movements swift and their clothes soaked with sweat. During a break, Wang Yang playfully wraps his arm around Liu Yan’s neck. The closeness creates a palpable shift in the air, but Liu Yan, with a calm and firm expression, gently turns him down, making her platonic feelings clear.
Later, Liu Yan is in the bathroom, trembling and covered in sweat from a wave of intense pain, unable to apply medicine to her own wounds. She has no choice but to ask Lu Tianchi for help. As he tends to her injuries, he sees her numerous scars, each telling a story, and feels a pang of sympathy. Though their interaction is focused solely on treating her wounds, it is misunderstood by Li Zan, who walks in at that moment. Enraged and assuming Lu Tianchi is taking advantage of the situation, he threatens to teach him a lesson. Afterward, Li Zan earnestly warns his sister, Liu Yan, not to develop feelings for Lu Tianchi, reminding her that Lu Tianchi is involved with the beautiful Tang Shuangshuang. He advises that now that she is successful, she shouldn't waste her time on him. Liu Yan simply smiles, secure in the knowledge that her bond with Lu Tianchi is purely one of friendship.
After a great deal of effort, Wang Yang finally tracks down Liu Yan and, against his mother's wishes, travels to Gaya. Lu Tianchi warmly picks him up, and during the car ride, Wang Yang proudly recounts his and Liu Yan's shared history, subtly trying to assert his special place in her life. When he arrives at the house and sees Liu Yan's bruised and swollen face, he is overcome with concern and anger, publicly scolding Lu Tianchi for failing to protect her.
Determined to bring her home, Wang Yang secretly buys Liu Yan a ticket back to Beijing. The thought of her leaving sends a panicked Li Zan into a helpless state. Wang Yang coldly dismisses him, telling him to go back to his old life and stop being so dependent on Liu Yan. This prompts Lu Tianchi and Li Zan to team up, seriously discussing how they can convince Liu Yan to stay. Meanwhile, Wang Yang continues to pressure Liu Yan, even wondering aloud if she has fallen in love, as it’s the only reason he can imagine for her reluctance to leave.
Prodded by Lu Tianchi, Li Zan rashly calls Lu Tianchi "brother-in-law" in front of Wang Yang. The term lands like a bombshell, instantly making the atmosphere tense and explosive. The three men are quickly drawn into a heated argument, with none willing to back down, as a weary and frustrated Liu Yan looks on.
The next day, which is the Qingming Festival, Wang Yang thoughtfully takes Liu Yan out. In keeping with their tradition, they would typically watch a ghost movie. He uses the opportunity to once again persuade her to return to China and become a chef, praising her renowned cooking skills.Their outing takes them to a Western restaurant where they find the food unsatisfactory. With a flash of inspiration, Liu Yan modifies the dishes herself, and they end up eating every last bite.
Under the pretext of a work matter, Lu Tianchi cleverly picks Liu Yan up and takes her to his law firm. He presents her with a supplementary contract, which she understands will prevent her from leaving Gaya easily. Without a second thought, she signs it. To celebrate, Lu Tianchi playfully suggests they eat pig trotters—a folk remedy to help her injuries heal—but seeing her annoyed expression, he awkwardly puts on some music to lighten the mood.
That evening, a dejected Wang Yang, having learned that Liu Yan must remain in Gaya, drinks to drown his sorrows. He shares nostalgic stories of their childhood with Li Zan. The next day, Liu Yan goes to the airport to see him off. She explains that her reason for staying is to find Jiang Fang, but she assures him she will always be grateful for his mother's kindness.
