Episode Summary
Hu Xiu rejects a safe job to pursue architecture, but panics when her parents visit and almost discover her tenant, Qin Xiaoyi. They fake a colleague relationship to fool the parents. Qin Xiaoyi interviews Hu Xiu for his firm and hires her, despite a fight where she misinterprets his life advice as an insult. The episode ends with Qin Xiaoyi driving a very drunk Hu Xiu home from a team dinner to keep their living arrangement a secret.
Spoiler Alert
Hu Xiu Draws a Line
Hu Xiu makes a big call right at the start. She turns down the position of assistant to the general manager. She knows compromising now means losing her dream forever. But reality hits hard and fast. Her parents call. They are coming to visit to drop off some Maotai wine she forgot.
This is a disaster. She never told them she rents out her room to a stranger. She panics. She spends money on a taxi to race them to the house. She tries calling Qin Xiaoyi, but he doesn't answer. She calls Gong Huaicong next. Still no answer. She arrives at the exact same time as her parents.
The Fake Colleague
Qin Xiaoyi wasn't even home. He was working on designs at Gong Huaicong’s place. He sees the missed calls and realizes something is wrong. Hu Xiu’s phone dies before he can reach her. He rushes back to the house.
He runs into Hu Xiu at the door. She is pretending to buy soy sauce. The parents spot them immediately. Hu Xiu thinks on her feet. She introduces Qin Xiaoyi as her colleague. Her parents are suspicious. They think she is lying. They look at Qin Xiaoyi. He looks sharp and polite. They like him. However, they are surprised he is renting a room. They judge him a little for that. Hu Xiu gets nervous. She drags Qin Xiaoyi away before the conversation gets deeper.
The Interview
Qin Xiaoyi gets a look at Hu Xiu’s design portfolio. He sees she wants to be an architect. He decides to give her a shot. He invites her to interview at Dai An Architecture Studio. Hu Xiu knows this firm. It is a big deal. She is incredibly happy. Qin Xiaoyi actually finds her excitement funny.
The interview happens. HR is there too. Hu Xiu has a problem. She lacks practical experience compared to other candidates. But the experienced people want a lot of money. Qin Xiaoyi hesitates. He has to weigh the cost against the talent.
Misunderstandings
That evening, Hu Xiu brings him a new rental contract. Qin Xiaoyi gets real with her. He tells her to stop lying to her parents. He says she should admit she is unemployed and renting out the room. He thinks hiding it shows a lack of confidence. He warns her that insecurity will hurt her career.
Hu Xiu takes this the wrong way. She is sensitive. She thinks he is rejecting her from the job. She feels betrayed. She thinks he is using her secrets to mock her. She goes out to vent with her friend Old Zhao. Then her phone buzzes. It is an offer letter from Dai An. She got the job. Her mood flips instantly. She is thrilled.
The Drunken City Lord
The first day of work is a success. She likes the office and the people. The company has a tradition for new hires. They go out for a team dinner. Hu Xiu drinks way too much.
A colleague offers to drive her home. Qin Xiaoyi steps in immediately. He knows if she gives her address, everyone will know they live together. That would cause rumors. He insists on driving her himself.
It is a long ride. Hu Xiu is a messy drunk. She is still stuck in her LARP script. She starts shouting that she is the "City Lord." She demands her cards. Qin Xiaoyi has no choice. He plays along and just tries to get her home safely.
