Episode Summary
Dr. Lu learns about Li Wu's background from Cen Jin's mom but still has questions. Li Wu clashes with Old Yi over a new investor at work. In a 2017 flashback, Li Wu and Cen Jin share several awkward, romantic moments involving a towel mishap and a trip to his village. Li Wu aces his exams and spends a warm New Year's Eve with Cen Jin's supportive family.
Spoiler Alert
Dr. Lu Digs for Answers
We start with Li Wu feeling a bit sentimental. He looks at a New Year photo with Cen Jin and clearly misses how things used to be.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lu is trying very hard to make something happen. He invites Cen Jin out for spring vegetables. She has a cold and turns him down. Dr. Lu doesn't give up that easily. He buys supplies and heads to her place.
He runs into Cen Jin’s mom right outside the building. Mom is carrying oranges. She says she has a portion for Cen Jin and one for Li Wu. This piques Dr. Lu's interest immediately. He asks about their relationship. Mom explains the family sponsors Li Wu’s education. She then rushes off to a beauty appointment and leaves Lu to deliver the fruit.
Lu gets upstairs and confronts Cen Jin. He wants to know the deal with Li Wu. Cen Jin keeps it vague. She just says they aren't blood relatives. She doesn't offer any more details.
Office Politics and Bugs
Back at the office, Li Wu is in work mode. An engineer named Chen Yang tries to slide by with a lazy fix on a system bug. Li Wu catches it. He demands a deep rewrite. He doesn't accept sloppy work.
There is also drama with the funding. Old Yi has an investment contract from Boss Qin. Li Wu hates it. He thinks Qin only cares about fast cash and ignores the tech. Old Yi argues that this is just how business works. They hit a wall. They decide to table the discussion until Cheng Rui returns.
The Aromatherapy Incident
A company called "Ru Meng" releases a sleep-aid aromatherapy product. Cen Jin wants to try it. Her colleague Shen Yun warns her the manual is in English and the effects aren't proven. Cen Jin takes a sample anyway.
Li Wu shows up at Cen Jin's door that night. He claims he worked late and wants noodles. He spots the aromatherapy bottles. Cen Jin admits she is trying to translate the English manual. Li Wu takes over. He translates it for her while she cooks. By the time the noodles are ready, he is asleep on the table. It’s a quiet, sweet moment.
Flashback: The Towel Drop
We jump back to 2017. Li Wu finishes his finals and feels confident. He goes home to shower but makes a rookie mistake. He forgets his change of clothes.
He thinks the coast is clear and walks out shirtless. Cen Jin walks out of her bedroom at the exact same time. It is mortifying. Li Wu panics and runs back to his room. He drops his towel in the chaos.
Later, he comes out for dinner fully clothed. Cen Jin hands him the towel. She drops it. They both bend down to grab it. Their eyes meet. The air is thick with tension. They are both clearly flustered.
A Trip to the Village
Li Wu wants to visit Yunfeng Village during the break. Cen Jin drives him. He avoids his aunt’s house because his uncle is back. He goes straight to his grandfather’s grave instead.
He gets some dead grass in his hair while bowing. Cen Jin gently picks it out. It gets dark as they leave. A weasel runs across the path. Cen Jin freaks out. Li Wu steps up. He holds the flashlight and leads her down the mountain. He is very protective.
The Rocket Class
Back at school, the results are in. Li Wu is first in his class. His teacher wants to move him to the "Rocket Class" for a final push. Cen Jin is thrilled.
They go to Cen Jin’s parents’ house for New Year’s. Cen Jin makes dumplings. They look terrible. Her mom roasts her for her lack of skills. Li Wu defends the ugly dumplings.
The family sits down for the big dinner. Everyone exchanges greetings. The parents hand out red envelopes. Li Wu’s envelope is thicker than Cen Jin’s. She jokes about her low rank in the family. Her dad tells Li Wu to study hard. He wants Li Wu to stay and work in Yi City after graduation. The family has fully accepted him.
