Episode Summary
Jin Chao publicly acknowledges Jiang Mu as his girlfriend and overcomes his PTSD to drive a car for the first time since his accident. He reunites with his old friends, San Lai and Jin Fengzi, revealing his intention to get married. Lin Sui recruits Jin Chao back into the racing world, both as a mentor and a driver.
Spoiler Alert
The "Secret Child" and Public Displays
The episode kicks off with a weird conversation. Wen Ke is driving Jiang Mu and casually asks how old her kid is. Jiang Mu is totally lost. It turns out Jin Chao has been telling people he has a wife and child abroad. Apparently, this "child" is lazy, sleeps in, and is a picky eater. Jiang Mu puts two and two together. She is the child.
She texts Jin Chao to ask what kind of nonsense he is spreading. He brushes it off until later. When he finally gets home to her, he’s in a good mood. He kisses her and says he needs to coax her. Jiang Mu points out he’s changed. He just laughs and says her values weren't fully formed back then. The guy has nerve.
The next day, Jiang Mu heads to the university to find him. He is busy discussing academic problems with students. As soon as he spots her, he drops everything. She tells him she officially got the job at the research institute. They hug right there on campus. The students stare, but Jin Chao doesn't hide anything. He grabs her hand and introduces her to everyone as his girlfriend.
Facing the Trauma
They go out for dinner, but things get tense in the parking lot. Wen Ke gets into an argument with a lady over a parking spot. Jin Chao steps in to de-escalate. He offers to park the lady's car for her.
This is a massive moment. Jin Chao hasn't touched a steering wheel since his accident. He sits in the driver's seat and freezes. The trauma hits him hard. He hears the crash. He hears the horns from that day. Cars behind him start honking in real life, adding to the pressure. He forces himself to breathe. He fights down the panic. Slowly, he manages to park the car. It’s a quiet victory, but a huge one.
The Boys Are Back in Town
Inside the restaurant, it’s a reunion. San Lai and Jin Fengzi are waiting. The vibe is great. Jin Chao refuses a drink. He’s staying sober.
We get some closure on the past here. Jin Fengzi admits he felt guilty for years. He blames himself for not noticing the hazard that caused Jin Chao's accident. Jin Chao shuts that down immediately. He says being alive is all that matters.
Everyone is doing well. Fengzi is a technician now and wants a wife. San Lai runs a factory cafeteria and even has business cards. It feels like old times. Jin Chao looks genuinely relaxed for the first time in a while.
Then comes a big hint. San Lai notices Jin Chao quit smoking and asks if he’s prepping for a baby. Jin Chao doesn't say yes. But he doesn't say no. He just smiles and admits he wants to get married.
Interruptions and Future Plans
Later, Jiang Mu brings up the painful years of silence. She tells him she went back to Man City every holiday looking for him. She even lost a laptop bag with his keychain on it once and cried until a cleaner found it. Jin Chao feels the weight of this. He apologizes and pulls her onto his lap.
Things start heating up, but Lin Sui walks in. Talk about a third wheel.
Jin Chao cooks fried rice for him. Lin Sui finally gets why Jin Chao insisted on coming to Nanjing while still recovering. It was for Jiang Mu. Lin Sui has a request. He wants Jin Chao to mentor the young drivers at the racing club. Jin Chao agrees to step up as a partner.
But Lin Sui wants more. He knows Dr. Julia cleared Jin Chao medically. He wants Jin Chao back in the driver's seat for real. Jiang Mu supports this. She nods at Jin Chao, giving him the green light.
The next morning provides some comic relief. Jin Chao and Lin Sui strut to the wet market in trench coats like they are on a runway. It backfires. A swarm of aunties separates them. Lin Sui ends up carrying all the heavy groceries while Jin Chao picks them out. Lin Sui watches his friend and asks the obvious question. He knows Jin Chao is planning to marry "Mu Mu."
