Episode Summary
Jiang Mu flies to a new city to find her step-brother Jin Chao after learning harsh truths about her family. She discovers he lives a rough life involved in underground fighting and street gangs. Despite the danger and years apart, their old bond resurfaces quickly through small gestures and a dramatic motorcycle escape.
Spoiler Alert
Speed and Love Episode 1 Recap
The Family Mess
Jiang Mu is stubborn. Her parents split up, and her mom, Jiang Yinhan, found a new husband. But Jiang Mu refused to move. She stayed in their old house. She had a pact with her brother, Jin Chao. He promised to come back if she stayed there. Her mom finally bursts that bubble. She tells Jiang Mu some hard truths. Jin Chao isn't her biological brother. He also works a terrible job. Oh, and her dad remarried too. This news breaks her. Jiang Mu makes a snap decision. She flies straight to Man City. She meets a girl named Nana on the plane, but her mind is clearly elsewhere.
A Rough Reunion
Man City looks gritty. We see Jin Chao right away. He fights in an underground black market. His dad, Jin Qiang, is a drunk mess. Jin Qiang gets a call from the mom and orders Jin Chao to the airport. The pickup is awkward. Jin Chao has scars on his face. He plays with a lighter and says nothing. Jiang Mu gets in the car quietly. They hit a red light and finally speak. Jin Chao admits he quit school after high school. This shocks Jiang Mu. He used to be the smart one.
A guy on a motorcycle zooms past them. It’s Jin Fengzi. He has red hair and wears wild clothes. Jiang Mu worries about the company her brother keeps. But Jin Chao still has a soft spot. He buys her a strawberry juice. It’s a callback to their childhood.
Welcome Home?
The living situation is bleak. They climb several flights of stairs. Jiang Mu is out of breath. Jin Chao teases her about her fitness. They open the door to a horror show. Jin Qiang is on the floor, face covered in blood. It terrifies Jiang Mu. Jin Qiang’s current wife, Zhao Meijuan, tries to smooth things over. She welcomes Jiang Mu warmly. There is also a little half-sister named Xinxin.
Dinner is tense. Jin Chao gives his dumplings to Jiang Mu. Xinxin complains immediately. Jin Chao shuts her down. He says Jiang Mu is a "guest." That word stings. Jiang Mu hates the distance it creates. She gets upset.
Sparks and Secrets
A guy named San Lai pulls Jin Chao into the stairwell. Jiang Mu interrupts them. San Lai learns her name. He tells her to visit his shop later. He has a secret to tell her.
Later, we see a detail Jin Chao hides. His car key chain has the phrase "Yearning Day and Night" engraved on it. It includes characters from both their names. He accepts her friend request on the app. Jiang Mu is hungry, so they head out. She bounces around him like a puppy. She steps into the street without looking. A motorcycle almost flattens her. Jin Chao moves fast. He pulls her into his arms. They lock eyes. The tension is thick. They break apart awkwardly.
Street Brawl
They hit a busy night market. The food looks good. Jiang Mu clarifies something. She did not run away from home. But she also isn't going back. She asks about his life. Jin Chao is honest. His life is trash. He works, he eats, he wastes time. He can’t even explain what he does for fun.
Jin Fengzi finds them again. Jin Chao introduces Jiang Mu as a visiting sister. Fengzi warns him. Someone named "Little Green Snake" is around. Jiang Mu gets annoyed with the shady vibe. She tries to pay the bill and leave. They don't make it far. A group of thugs rushes them. Fengzi tries to stop them but fails. The gang attacks Jin Chao. He fights them off easily. He grabs Jiang Mu. They jump on Fengzi’s motorcycle and speed away.
Jiang Mu presses against his back. She smells his scent. It feels familiar. The world has changed, but she feels safe.
