Episode Summary
Cen Jin and Li Wu officially get back together after Dr. Lu realizes he has no chance and gracefully steps aside. The couple tries to keep their relationship low-key at work and at home, but a surprise visit from Cen Jin's mom nearly exposes them. Mom finds evidence of a man living there but leaves without a fight. Meanwhile, Chun Chang accidentally hurts Shen Yiyang's feelings by downplaying their relationship to colleagues.
Spoiler Alert
The Doctor Bows Out
Dr. Lu finally got the reality check he didn't want but definitely needed. He couldn't reach Cen Jin, so he decided to pull a surprise visit at her place. Bad move. He catches them in the underground garage. Li Wu has his arm around her. She is wearing Li Wu's coat. That is the universal signal for "we are together." Dr. Lu takes one look and instantly knows the game is over.
To his credit, he handles it like a pro. The next day, Cen Jin goes to the archery range to let him down gently. He beats her to the punch. He guesses her decision immediately. He mentions he's heading to Xiehe for advanced studies anyway. It fits his career path perfectly. They agree to stay friends. It’s a clean break, no drama.
The Reconciliation
Back at the apartment, things are heavy. Li Wu is drying Cen Jin's hair. He looks like he's carrying the weight of the world. He apologizes for his past behavior. He admits he shouldn't have used his health to guilt-trip her. He goes full martyr mode. He says she has the right to like whoever she wants. He claims he'll just silently stay by her side and never love anyone else.
Cen Jin cuts through the pity party. She suggests they start over. Li Wu looks confused. He admits he has no backbone when it comes to her. She just has to hook her finger, and he comes running. But he sees the look in her eyes. He knows she means it. They spend the night together, and the relationship is officially back on.
Secret Hands and Office Romances
Now comes the risky part. Shengcan and Tongchen have a joint meeting. Li Wu tags along just so he can sit next to her. He grabs her hand under the table and won't let go. Cen Jin texts him to cut it out. He ignores her completely. They hit up their usual restaurant afterward, and she orders all his favorites.
The subtle flexing continues the next day. Cen Jin wears a viral couple's keychain to work. Shen Yun spots it immediately. She asks who the lucky guy is. Cen Jin just smiles. She isn't spilling the beans yet.
Trouble in Paradise for the Side Characters
While the main couple is thriving, the side couple is crashing. Shen Yiyang previously drove Chun Chang home. Now the office partners are gossiping. They mention Yiyang had one serious ex and hasn't dated since. They fish for details. Chun Chang plays it cool. She pretends she doesn't care. She tells them they aren't official. She claims the "ambiguous phase" is the best part of dating anyway.
Of course, Yiyang walks into the bar at that exact moment. He hears everything.
Later, Chun Chang runs into him while buying crabs. She asks why he's been ghosting her. She brings up their recent hookup. She tries to brush it off as a normal thing for adults. Yiyang shuts that down. He tells her that night was precious to him. She realizes she messed up.
The Mom Raid
Li Wu and Cen Jin are testing out the cohabitation life. Li Wu is the perfect house husband. He makes a nutritional breakfast and coffee. He leaves a gift on the counter. He even prepped two days of meals before his business trip.
Then disaster strikes. They hear Cen's Mom outside.
Panic ensues. Li Wu dumps his breakfast. He hides the gift. He sprints to the bedroom. Mom comes in with clean laundry. She tries to take it to the bedroom. Cen Jin blocks her like a linebacker. She grabs the clothes and rushes in herself. She can't find Li Wu at first. He's hiding in the closet corner. He pulls her in for a quick kiss before she runs back out.
Busted
Mom is on a mission. She complains the AC is too low. She notices Cen Jin is wearing a big shirt missing a button. (Li Wu ripped that off earlier during a moment of passion). Cen Jin tries to lie. She says a colleague is coming over to talk work.
Mom decides to wash her hands before leaving. There's no soap in the living room. She goes to the bedroom bathroom. She spots men's face wash. She asks about Dr. Lu. Cen Jin gives a vague answer. Mom isn't buying it. She saw the face wash. She saw two sets of dirty dishes in the sink. She knows someone is in that bedroom.
Mom is tactful, though. She leaves without forcing a confrontation. Li Wu comes out of hiding. He jokes about the thrill. Cen Jin is stressed. She knows her parents aren't ready for this news. She makes him take his stuff away.
After Li Wu leaves for his trip, Cen Jin chats with Chun Chang. She's glowing. She checks her phone and finds an "Electronic Dog" app. It hunts for "daily easter eggs." She realizes Li Wu installed it for her. The guy is obsessed.
